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THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017 | www.x254.Co

WIPER SEEKS TO COOL NASA ‘WALKOUT’ TENSION PARTY DISOWNS REMARKS BY MINORITY LEADER FRANCIS NYENZE CLAIMING THAT IT WILL DITCH THE OPPOSITION

NEWS

ALLIANCE IF LEADER KALONZO MUSYOKA IS NOT DECLARED THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

ARSENAL STAR ALEX IWOBI WANTS ‘GREAT MAN’ WENGER TO STAY ON AT THE CLUB

BARCELONA EXPRESSES ‘INDIGNATION’ AT BAN ON LIONEL MESSI ON ARGENTINA DUTY

Seven million voters to take part in Jubilee nominations M ore than seven million voters are expected to participate in Jubilee party nominations that will take place on April, 21, 2017. Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju yesterday said they have already submitted a membership list to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) with 7.5 million voters listed as members. There are slightly over 19 million registered voters in Kenya but only 7,437, 420 are from Rift Valley and Central Kenya regions which are perceived to be pro-Jubilee. Tuju said only those who are enlisted as members will participate in the primaries. He announced the appointment of Winnie Guchu as the new Executive Director of the Party as well as other directors to head different directorates of JP. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

President Uhuru Kenyatta with First Lady Margaret (right) and Deputy President William Ruto (left) take a jig during the official launch of the Jubilee Party at the Kasarani Stadium last year. On the extreme right is musician Rufftone. Some 7.5 million voters are expected to participate in the party primaries next month. PHOTO: CAPITAL FM

Bank now pulls out of dam project over tender disputes The construction of the Thwake Dam project is now in limbo after a major financier pulled out following disagreements on the award of the tender. The African Development Bank (AfDB) which was to finance 35% of the Sh62.3

billion project yesterday has announced that it is pulling out its support following the decision of Irrigation Principal Secretary Patrick Mwangi to award the tender to second lowest bidder instead of the first lowest bidder.

In a letter to the Principal Secretary dated March 28, 2017, the bank through the director general for eastern Africa regional centre said there is no justifiable reason why the tender was not given to the lowest bidder. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

NEWS THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

MPs declare Swazuri hostile as court stops hearing of petition MPs yesterday ordered National Land Commission (NLC) chairman Muhammad Swazuri and declared him a hostile witness for failure to cooperate during the hearing of a petition seeking his removal from office. The development came on a day the High Court issued orders barring the National Assembly from hearing the petition. Justice John Mativo who issued the orders directed Swazuri through lawyer Tom Ojienda to serve his suit papers upon the parliamentary committee on lands that is hearing the petition to facilitate an inter-parties hearing scheduled for April 11, 2017. Dr Swazuri sought the orders after his initially attempt to convince the lawmakers to throw out the petition failed. The MPs held that they have jurisdiction to hear the petition in which Mr Mugo Njeru claims the NLC boss solicited a Sh1.2 million bribe from him to facilitate his compensation for land used in the Standard Gauge Railway project. The declaration as a hostile witness means the committee will continue with its probe on the petition and make its determination without the input of Swazuri should the Court allow them to proceed. Investigative agencies will also take up the matter to probe on the bribery

National Land Commission chairman Muhammad Swazuri when he appeared before MPs yesterday. PHOTO: COURTESY

claims surrounding the NLC chairman. The MPs yesterday send Swazuri and his legal team led by senior counsel Tom Ojienda to bring some vital letter and documents that would help them in their work. And Dr Swazuri came back in the evening as scheduled and told the committee that he will not provide them with the documents as he has a court order stopping it from continuing with the probe. “I have the documents you sent me to

Bank now pulls out of dam project over tender disputes

From Page 1 “Based on the information provided, the bank regrets to inform you that no objection to award the tender to the second lowest bidder cannot be given since there is no justifiable reason to reject the least evaluated bidder,” AfDB said it its letter to Mr Mwangi. “In line with section 8.01 of the loan agreement signed between the Republic of Kenya and the African Development Bank on January 24, 2014, procurement works under this project was done in accordance with the bank’s procurement rules and regulations which supersede any national procurement laws,” the latter further says. The pulling out of the bank deals a huge blow to the government which will now be left with a financial gap of nearly Sh22 billion to fund the project. The PS defied an advice from both the Attorney General Githu Muigai and his boss Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa who both told him to award the tender to China Gezhouba who was the lowest bidder. Mr Mwangi instead awarded the project tender to Sino hydro Tianjin Engineering whose bid for the project stood at Sh39.5 billion against China Gezhouba whose bid was Sh36.9 billion. The ministry’s Tender Evaluation Committee also recommended the contract be awarded to China Gezhouba. The evaluation committee disqualified Sino hydro Tianjin Engineering on the basis of the higher bid. Mwangi has however written to Sino hydro firm that it should accept renegotiation of the bid to Sh36 billion, which is equivalent to the evaluated lowest bidder. @sam_x254

bring but I have a court order stopping thus committee from continuing with hearing this petition,” Swazuri told the MPs. The statement angered the legislators who told him that they have not been served with the court order hence will continue with their work. “There is no single thing hindering me from proceeding with my work as I have not been served. You are supposed to serve the speaker through the clerk of the National Assembly. The

speaker will then make a determination through a communication to the whole house,” said the committee chairman Alex Mwiru. It is then that a standoff ensued as Swazuri said proceeding with his submission will be in contempt of court. The MPs then declared him a hostile witness and ordered he get out of the room. Kieni MP Kanini Kega accused Swazuri’s lawyer Tom Ojienda of circumventing the rule of law yet he is a member of the Judiciary Service Commission (JSC). “You are a commissioner at the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and you are supposed to be the defender of justice but here you are advising your client otherwise, we will deal with you,” Kega warned. In the High Court order, Justice Mativo temporarily suspended the decision made on March 28, 2017 by the committee to convene and proceed with the hearing of the petition on grounds that the committee is investigating matters that are under trial. Swazuri filed a suit yesterday claiming the parliamentary committee has violated his right to a fair hearing by not giving him time to respond to the bribery allegation levelled against him. @sam_x254

Seven million voters to take part in Jubilee nominations From Page 1 The nominations will be overseen by the National Elections Board through County Election Boards which the party said will be swapped to other counties to ensure a free and fair selection of flag-bearers for various elective seats. Meanwhile, hundreds of aspirants thronged the party headquarters in Nairobi as they seek to verify their registration details ahead nominations. The process kicked off early yesterday amid fears by some aspirants that some of their details including photos, were missing in crucial party files. Sirisia MP John Waluke who was among members who successfully went through the process yesterday however dismissed fears that the process was defective saying everything was being done above board. “The process is okay. Everything was checked on the computer system and I was cleared,” Waluke told Capital FM after undergoing the verification process at the party headquarters in Pangani. The legislator who recently defected from the Orange Democratic Movement also affirmed that the selection of County Elections Boards was going to be fair, saying chaos witnessed in some counties during election of CEB members was unfortunate.

“As Bungoma County we learnt from how the exercise was done in Nairobi and I can assure you that you will not see the chaos you saw in Nairobi,” Waluke who is also the county party chairman said. He said Bungoma residents expect President Uhuru Kenyatta to visit the county once the verification of aspirants is complete reaffirming State House’s position that Mr Kenyatta had to cancel his trip to Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties to focus on the ongoing verification exercise.

Wiper disowns Nyenze as party seeks to quell Nasa fall-out tension The Wiper Democratic Movement has disowned a statement by Minority Leader in the National Assembly Francis Nyenze that it would ditch the National Super Alliance unless party leader Kalonzo Musyoka is declared the coalition’s presidential flag bearer. Party Secretary General Hassan Omar said Nyenze misspoke and his sentiments do not represent those of the party. He maintained that Wiper is in NASA to stay regardless of who carries the torch in their push for a change of Presidential guard. “Let me reiterate Wiper’s unwavering commitment to NASA. Wiper is further conscious of its obligation to this nation and its posterity to bring to an end Jubilee’s misrule. Wiper believes that this can only happen through a broad opposition front to face Jubilee during the August 8, 2018 general elections. Conscious of this fact, Wiper will support any decision as to who becomes the flag bearer,” Hassan said. Just yesterday, Nyenze insisted that on an alleged Memorandum of Understanding signed between NASA co-principal Raila Odinga and Kalonzo assuring him of the former’s backing be honoured. “We don’t have to keep meeting and even if we meet a hundred times, we will not agree until the MoU is honoured. If they say it is dead, then we also suspect the change of name from CORD which we all loved was to stop the Kamba clamour and asking for the flag bearer position. Because of that demand, whenever we are set to meet, the meeting is postponed,” he revealed. “We are saying we are getting tired since time is running out and it looks like it is a scheme to wait until the last minute to lock out any other presidential candidate. Honourable Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has suffered a lot of humiliation under some party in the Opposition,” the legislator said. Failure to abide by the terms of the referenced MOU, he said, would result in Kalonzo going it alone. “That will be the end of NASA and that is why I am saying it should change to something like Nyanza Super Alliance because we will pull out.” “He has been called a watermelon, but like Jesus before Pontius Pilate he has kept quiet, he has taken the trash but now he cannot take it any longer. The Kambas have reached an edge whereby if it is not Kalonzo we will go it alone.” Nyenze, Hassan said, would be setting the record straight today. “The Wiper leadership has advised Hon. Nyenze on the possible anxiety his reported statements are likely to cause or have caused.” MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

NEWS 3 THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

MPs, lobbies oppose ban on plastic bags The announced intention to ban the use of plastic bags in Kenya continues to elicit mixed reactions with an MP and several lobby groups the latest to to express their opposition to the move. In their separate petitions, they say the move will cause massive unemployment if implemented. Kenya through the Ministry of Environment announced last month that it will ban the use of plastic bags from the end of May. Kisumu West MP Olago Oluoch has already petitioned parliament to lift the ban. The MP yesterday argued that the ban imposed by the government does not solve the environmental and other problems caused by plastic bags as raised by various professionals. He said the plastic bags sector employs about 2.9 percent of the total population in the country and over 600,000 people are set to be rendered jobless both in the retailers and wholesalers sectors when the ban takes effect. “The ban will also reduce the country’s competitiveness in East Africa,” Olago warned. He asked the House to let the notice be handled by three committee; environment and natural resources, finance and the delegated committee. Speaker Justin Muturi directed the environment committee to coordinate the other two committees in hearing the

Kisumu West MP Olago Aluoch who has petitioned parliament to reverse the ban

petition. At the same time, lobbyists groups have petitioned the state to shelve the ban and instead seek alternative measures of addressing the threat they pose in the country. Under the umbrella of The Kenya Union of Printing, Publishing,

Paper Manufacturers, Pulp and Packaging Industries Workers, the lobbies want the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to re-consider its decision as it is likely to cause ‘massive’ unemployment. The union says that introducing punitive

measures and penalties on uncontrolled waste disposal of polythene, as well as the introduction of a waste-Management levy to be charged from a source to all plastic raw materials and finished goods, will only push more Kenyans out of employment. “To this end, as a major player in the sector we call upon the government to be alive to the fact that any such decision taken without extensive consultations and involvement of all key players is likely to result in unprecedented and serious industrial disharmony in the country,” the union said in a statement. They asked the umbrella union of workers COTU to convene a meeting and take a stand on the matter. “As workers, we call upon our national centre, COTU (K) to urgently convene a meeting of all affected union, with a view to taking a position on the matter.” They claimed that an estimated 400,000 jobs within the wholesale, retail and packing sectors of the economy are set to be lost if ban the use, manufacture and importation of all plastic bags comes into effect. “A further 1.2 million Kenyans that depend on the sector indirectly are at a risk of losing their source of livelihoods,” they warned. @hillary_x254

and

@sam_x254

NEWS THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

Governors vow to oppose fresh bid to take away health function The Council of Governors (CoG) has vowed to oppose a new attempt to revert health services to the national government. Bureti MP Leonard Sang’ has sponsored a motion currently in parliament that seeks to take away the management of health services from the county governments back to the national government. But CoG through its health committee chairman Jack Ranguma have termed the motion misplaced and suspect Sang’s Bill which is a private members motion, wants the constitution amended to return health services to the national government citing mismanagement and improper use of resources allocated to the function. But the governors are now alleging that the Bill is an attempt by the Jubilee administration to undermine devolution. “That motion is aimed at reversing the gains we have made in health services. We have made a lot of strides and any effort to revert health services to the national government will be resisted,” Ranguma told journalists at the opening day of the Lake Region Health Investment Conference at Kisii University. He continued, “Health is one of the best performing dockets of all devolved services. That was the narrative during the 4th devolution conference in Naivasha. Cases of infant and maternal mortality have gone down according to the latest indicators.” Ranguma, who is also

Council of Governors health committee chairman and also Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma during a past meeting in Nairobi. Mr Ranguma has said governors will resits any attempts to revert health function to the national government

the Kisumu governor, held that the doctors’ strike that lasted for 100 days and ended on March 14 should not be misunderstood to mean that counties are unable to manage the health docket. He said health services can only be only be reverted to the national government through consent from governors or a referendum.

He said counties have now invested in quality healthinfrastructure with up-to-date diagnostic equipment. “County hospitals now offer specialised services which were only available in Nairobi,” Ranguma said. @hillary_x254

Nairobi schools to get free Wi-Fi

All public secondary schools in Nairobi will soon have free Wi-Fi, Governor Evans Kidero has said. Kidero said the county government has already set aside Sh100 million in the 2017-18 budget for the project. Speaking yesterday at Marura Primary in Kariobangi estate, Embakasi North constituency, Dr Kidero said the initiative will help improve the learning skills of students in public schools just like their counterparts in private schools. “We are going to bridge the electronic divide between private and public schools in the county and make sure computers are useful. This can only be achieved by providing connectivity to all public secondary schools,” Kidero said. According to the governor, the project will benefit all the 85 public secondary schools in the city. The project is aimed at revolutionizing learning in the public schools through e-learning aided gadgets. Kidero said equipping the students with the latest technology will help prepare them for the ever changing ICT-driven world. Each school will get 20 computers in the partnership project with two firms; Bridge the Gap and Computers for Schools Kenya. “We have signed a memorandum of understanding with Bridging the Gap and Computer Schools which will provide 20 computers to each of those schools as soon as the project is rolled while we provide connectivity,” the governor added. Already, Ushirika Secondary School in Kariobangi has received the computers while Mathare Secondary School has also benefited from the programme. @hillary_x254

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NEWS

NEWS 5

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

NEWS THURSDAY, MARCH 30 2017

Trump travel ban suspended indeﬁnitely A US federal judge in Hawaii has indefinitely extended the suspension of President Trump’s new travel ban. Judge Derrick Watson’s ruling means Mr Trump will be barred from enforcing the ban on six mostly Muslim nations while it is contested in court. In a lawsuit, the US state says the ban would harm tourism and the ability to recruit foreign students and workers. President Trump says his revised travel ban seeks to prevent terrorists from entering the United States. Judge Watson made the ruling late on Wednesday after hearing arguments from attorneys for the state of Hawaii and the US Department of Justice. The judge turned his earlier temporary restraining order into a preliminary injunction that would have a more lasting effect. President Trump’s executive order on 6 March would have placed a 90-day ban on people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen and a 120-day ban on refugees. An earlier version of the order, issued in late January, sparked confusion and protests, and was

blocked by a judge in Seattle. Other courts across the US have issued different rulings on Mr Trump’s revised ban, with a judge in Maryland halting a part of the ban earlier this month. Mr Trump has complained of “unprecedented judicial overreach”, pledging to take the case “as far as it needs to go”. An appeal against the Hawaii decision would be expected to go next to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals - the same court which in February said it would not block a ruling by a Seattle court to halt the original travel ban. Under the revised order, citizens of six countries on the original January 27, 2017 order - Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen - would once more be subject to a 90-day travel ban. Iraq was removed from the list because its government had boosted visa screening and data sharing, White House officials said. The revised order also lifts an indefinite ban on all Syrian refugees and says Green Card holders (legal permanent residents of the US) from the named countries will not be affected.

United States President Donald Trump makes remarks prior to signing an Energy Independence Executive Order at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Headquarters in Washington, DC on Tuesday. A US judge has indeﬁnitely suspended his travel ban order. PHOTO: RON SACHS/EPA

NEWS PICTORIAL THAILAND PROTESTS

Protesters wearing masks depicting Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha gather in front of the Parliament House in the capital Bangkok in Thailand today. Hundreds of people gathered to protest against a draft of changes to the Petroleum Act which proposes the establishment of a national oil corporation (NOC). The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) is expected to vote on the acceptance of the draft today. PHOTO: NARONG SANGNAK/EPA

BREXIT CELEBRATIONS

embers of Britain’s UK Independence Party (UKIP) including MEP Margot Parker (L), MEP David Coburn (2-L) and MEP Ray Finch (C) celebrate the ofﬁcial triggering of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, dubbed ‘Brexit’, at the Old Hack Pub in front of the EU Commission in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. British ambassador to the EU, Sir Tim Barrow, earlier handed over the ofﬁcial notice under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to European Council President Donald Tusk as part of the process that starts the formal proceedings of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union. Britain’s Prime Minister had signed the notice following the June 2016 referendum to vote on Britain staying or leaving the European Union. PHOTO: STEPHANIE LECOCQ/EPA

NEWS 7

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

Morning newspaper summaries Wiper threatens to leave Sh600m loot for River Road Joho grilled by forgery NASA if Kalonzo is not wheeler-dealer: Gill House, an experts over certificate: The selected: Wiper has threatened to bolt office block on Moi Avenue in Nairobi, is not fate of Mombasa Governor Hassan Ali Joho

Rotich tax headache in Sh2.62trn budget: Treasury

Joho may face forgery It’s Kalonzo or nothing, Inside Uhuru’s last Budget: Uhuru Kenyatta will need Thursday’s charges: Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan warns Wiper: Wiper leader have President Budget to reassure Kenyans ahead of his

M-Akiba bond sale now tops Sh75.2m: Mobile phone-

from NASA if its boss Kalonzo Musyoka is not declared the opposition presidential candidate in seven days. “If it is not Kalonzo, that will be the end of NASA,” National Assembly Minority Leader Francis Nyenze declared emphatically yesterday. “It (NASA) could change into something like Nyanza Super Alliance, because we will pull out,” he told reporters at Parliament Buildings.

Joho is likely to be charged with forging a KCSE result slip for admission to the University of Nairobi. Officers handling the case told the Star in confidence that the file will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution for action. Detectives at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations said they are almost finalising the probe into how Joho gained entry into UoN. The officers are interested in a result slip issued in Joho’s name, claiming he sat for his KCSE at Serani high school in 1992.

commonly the address for blue-chip companies doing multi-million international deals. Well, it is now. Inside this five-floor building, where rent for a single room is Sh20,000, was a 20-month old companyAero Dispenser Valves that was awarded a Sh600 million tender to supply aircraft refuelling equipment for Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Inside sources say the company is owned by a humble connected welder.

now lies with the verdict forgery experts who took samples of his handwriting and signature Wednesday will return. Joho said he is not afraid even after he saw charge sheets bearing his name during the interrogation. The experts will analyse the samples against hand-written sections of a document police allege was a forgery Joho used to gain admission to the University of Nairobi. Joho has denied forging the document.

stuck to their guns in their push for Kalonzo Musyoka to be named the flag-bearer of the National Super Alliance (Nasa). On Wednesday, Mr Musyoka’s henchman and National Assembly Minority Leader Francis Nyenze said it would doom the alliance if the Wiper leader is denied the ticket. “This is the last straw that will break the camel’s back. If Kalonzo is not going to be the presidential candidate, Nasa will not exist anymore,” he told reporters at Parliament in Nairobi.

second stab at the Presidency. With food prices a record high, the country’s economy reeling under a Sh3.8 trillion debt, and a number of pre-election promises yet to be fully fulfilled, Kenyans will be keenly listening as Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich outlines how the Government intends to spend their taxes in the run-up to the August 8 polls. The Budget offers Uhuru a platform to convince Kenyans to re-elect him.

MPs declare Swazuri I didn’t forge my KCSE Al Shabaab now turn to hostile in meeting on certificate, says Joho: Mombasa Kenyan prisons for recruits: Hassan Joho on Wednesday denied James Ouma, a robbery with violence suspect, alleged Sh1m payout bribe: Governor forging a Form Four certificate to gain has two stark choices. Mr Ouma can take an National Land Commission chairman Muhammad Swazuri could be investigated by the anti-corruption agencies over claims of fraudulent deals and a Sh1 million bribe. National Assembly Lands Committee chairman Tharaka MP Alex Mwiru yesterday declared him hostile. Swazuri had refused to turn over documents the committee requested. He also refused to respond to a petition seeking his removal. He has a court order stopping the inquiry.

admission to university and termed the claims political propaganda. Mr Joho was interviewed for about two hours by detectives at the Coast Provincial Police Headquarters. He said the claims were falsehoods aimed at locking him out of the August 8 General Election. The ODM deputy party leader also claimed that a charge sheet had been prepared to have him locked up at the police station on suspicion of forging his KCSE document.

offer from Al Shabaab for bail and leave prison as the newest recruit of the militant group or turn it down and continue languishing in the dark, filthy and lice-infested cells of Industrial Area Remand Prison, with the chilling possibility of having a date with the hangman. The suspect is the next on the hit-list of the Al Shabaab terror gang that has turned to Kenyan jails to recruit criminals.

CS Henry Rotich is this afternoon expected to perform a delicate balancing act presenting a budget that will require him to significantly grow tax revenues while keeping the promise not to introduce any new taxes. Mr Rotich’s task is complicated by the fact that he has prepared a Sh2.62 trillion spending plan that requires the taxman to collect Sh300 billion more in an economy where corporate profits are falling and thousands of workers are losing jobs.

based government bond, M-Akiba, yesterday crossed the 50 per cent subscription rate, raising optimism that it will hit the target ahead of time. As of 2.30 pm yesterday, at least 61,000 Kenyans had registered on the platform, and bought Sh75.2 million worth of the bond through M-Pesa and Airtel Money. This represents a 50.1 per cent subscription rate for the initial bond offer of Sh150 million that opened last Thursday.

Facebook launches low priced internet: US tech giant

Facebook has launched its low-cost internet service in Kenya, setting the stage for a fight for bottom of the market consumers with telecom operators Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom Kenya. Surf Kenya, Facebook’s local partner, CEO Mark Summer said his company is planning a countrywide rollout of the service in the coming months in pursuit of the social media giant’s plan to launch affordable high speed internet to the under-served. The Facebook product is priced much lower than what is currently available in the market.

Top stories from X News global partners EU condemns May’s U.S. Increases Its War The two-year countdown to Brexit begins as Theresa ‘blackmail’ over security Effort, Leaving Peace Plan Brexit has begun: BACK in October May triggers Article 50: cooperation: Theresa May warned for Later: The United States launched Theresa May promised to invoke Article 50, the Theresa May triggered a two-year countdown legal procedure for leaving the European Union, to Britain’s breach with Europe on Wednesday European leaders that failure to reach a comprehensive Brexit agreement will result in a weakening of cooperation on crime and security, triggering accusations that her remarks amounted to blackmail. Senior figures in Brussels complained about the prime minister’s remarks, while critics in Westminster also piled in, arguing that the prime minister had issued a “blatant threat” and was treating security as a “bargaining chip” in negotiations. The long-anticipated article 50 letter, hand-delivered by Sir Tim Barrow, the UK’s EU ambassador, to the European council president, Donald Tusk, stressed that the British government’s prime desire was to maintain a “deep and special partnership” with the EU27. www.theguardian.com

more airstrikes in Yemen this month than during all of last year. In Syria, it has airlifted local forces to front-line positions and has been accused of killing civilians in airstrikes. In Iraq, American troops and aircraft are central in supporting an urban offensive in Mosul, where airstrikes killed scores of people on March 17. Two months after the inauguration of President Trump, indications are mounting that the United States military is deepening its involvement in a string of complex wars in the Middle East that lack clear endgames. Rather than representing any formal new Trump doctrine on military action, however, American officials say that what is happening is a shift in military decision-making that began under President Barack Obama. www.nytimes.com

by the end of March 2017. On March 29th the prime minister duly sent a six-page letter to Donald Tusk, the president of the European Council of heads of EU governments. Article 50 sets in motion a negotiating process with a two-year time limit that can be extended only by unanimous agreement of all EU governments. Mrs May told Parliament this was a time for the country to come together. And in her letter she promised her European partners (seven times) that she wanted a “deep and special partnership” with the EU. No doubt mindful of the two-year deadline, the response from Brussels was swift. Mr Tusk issued a curt acknowledgment and said he would publish draft guidelines for the negotiations shortly. www.economist.com

by serving notice to Brussels that she intends to end their 44-year relationship in pursuit of a new place for the UK in the global order. “This is a historic moment from which there can be no turning back,” she declared. Mrs May invoked the EU’s Article 50 exit clause just before 1.30pm Brussels time when the UK’s ambassador to the EU, Sir Tim Barrow, handed in the prime minister’s “notification of withdrawal” letter to Donald Tusk, the European Council president. The six-page letter was seen in European capitals as broadly conciliatory and flexible, but Mrs May also conveyed a tough warning that EU security would be “weakened” if Britain left the bloc without a new comprehensive deal with Brussels. www.ft.com

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THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 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

New BIS platform will help us boost efficiency, says Kenya Power boss

Kenya Power has launched a technology-driven process that will help the company’s management and its end users make more informed business decisions thereby improving the energy provider’s efficiency. The Business Intelligence System (BIS), an automated platform, will consolidate data from all key operational sources to provide a single view of enterprise data and in turn, offer unparalleled insight into the company’s operations. Kenya Power said the system will allow instant decision making to improve efficiency. The system will also enable Kenya Power to collect data from internal and external sources, prepare it for analysis, develop and run queries against the data and create reports to make analytical results available to corporate decision makers and operational workers. “A data-based approach to strategic decision making is important for increasing efficiency and competitiveness and meeting external demands for accountability,” said Kenya Power’s Ag Managing Director and CEO, Dr Ken Tarus. “Performance monitoring and the desire for accurate, timely and regular information has necessitated the need for the Business Intelligence System,” he added. Kenya Power generates a lot of data and information annually that is used to inform decision making and planning processes at different levels within the organization. The Business Intelligence System will therefore enable the company to

Kenya Power CEO Dr Ken Tarus speaks during the launch of the Business Intelligence System (BIS). Photo:Edwin Gitobu/XNews understand its business and business environment. In addition, through continuous performance evaluation using the BIS, management will know if their strategies are sound and if they

are being implemented effectively. The system has been procured from tech firm, Symphony who are supplying IBM technology. The consultants have been working with Kenya Power since

Nairobi, Mogadishu resume direct flights following 10 year suspension Direct flights between Mogadishu and Nairobi resumed yesterday after 10 years of suspension, President Uhuru Kenyatta confirmed. The re-launch of direct flights between the two capital cities was reached after the two heads of state, led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Somali counterpart, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed held bilateral talks during his first State Visit to Kenya last week. Transport Cabinet Secretary, James Macharia and Interior Cabinet Secretary, Joseph Nkaissery were at hand to commemorate the first flight between the two cities in over a decade. CS Macharia said the historic resumption signalled a revitalisation of cooperation between the two neighbouring countries, brimming with optimism that it would also enhance trade. “For us in the transport sector, we have always been working to boost Nairobi’s position as a regional aviation hub,” said the Transport Cabinet Secretary.

For the last 10 years, flights from Mogadishu were landing at Wajir airport for thorough screening and vetting of passengers before proceeding to Nairobi. “With the opportunities available in the region and the improved security environment and stability following the recent election of President Mohamed, the resumption of direct flights could not have come at a better time,” said CS Macharia. UN agencies have been pushing for the resumption of direct flights in order to enhance their operations between Mogadishu and Nairobi. On his part, CS Nkaissery said Kenya and the Somali Government have put a team in Mogadishu to oversee security within the airport. “Here in Nairobi, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, we have taken the necessary steps to ensure that all aircrafts are fully inspected so that the status of our airport is not compromised,” said CS Nkaissery. @enock_x254

May 2014 and have been involved in development of the platform and collection of information from various systems currently in use within company. @enock_x254

MEAN 102.9528 127.5992 111.2575 7.8982 35.0404 21.7090

BUY SELL 102.8528 103.0528 127.4561 127.7422 111.1389 111.3761 7.8875 7.9089 34.9821 35.0987 21.6394 21.7787

African Union urges Kenya to enforce policies that cater for youth empowerment The African Union (AU) has urged Kenya to enforce policies that will help empower the country’s youth. The multinational organization made the call to other nations across the continent as well during the just concluded Africa Development Week which opened in Dakar on March 23, 2017. It is imperative for African governments to adopt coherent strategies and national development plans that address the continent’s challenges of growth, inequality and unemployment, Economic Commission for Africa’s deputy Executive Secretary, Giovanne Biha said at the forum. Ms Biha said this in her opening speech to the Tenth Joint Annual Meetings of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Finance, Monetary Affairs, Economic Planning and Integration and the Economic Commission for Africa Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. “The absence of decent jobs for young Africans has fuelled outward migration, both within and from Africa resulting in tragic loss of lives as young people attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea in search for greener pastures.” Ms Biha said since this year is the year of harnessing Africa’s demographic dividend through investment in the youth, more needs to be done by all stakeholders to promote investment in job creation and human capital development. @Dennis_x254

International research centre in move to help government create employment opportunities, boost economic growth The International Growth Centre (IGC), a policy and research institute, has partnered with Kenya’s Industrialisation Kinistry to help the government bolster policy development and enhance economic growth. The pact is geared towards developing guidelines that would drive Kenya’s economic agenda, create jobs and further develop the country’s industrial sector. IGC Executive Director, Jonathan Leape says Kenya has set out an ambitious vision for economic progress over the next decade, prompting them to come on board and help the country achieve its set target. “The IGC is excited to be working in partnership with government, helping to inform policy decisions through rigorous research in key areas such as increasing firm productivity, ensuring the successful development of tier two cities, providing reliable and affordable access to electricity amongst other things,” said Jonathan Leape. Speaking at a conference on foreign direct investment (FDI), small and medium-sized

enterprises (SMEs), firm growth and trade in Kenya, Leap said the partnership would leverage on Kenya’s Industrial Transformation Program (KITP), strategic and comprehensive roadmap towards achieving Kenya’s Vision 2030. The forum brought together industry experts, private sector executives, academics and technocrats who gave detailed talks and presentations in their respect fields. Industrialization Principal Secretary, Julius Korir lauded the move saying it would address issues affecting trade, firm competitiveness, growth of small and medium enterprises as well as technology transfer in creating job opportunities, wealth creation and promoting economic growth. Based at the London School of Economics and Oxford University, the IGC has a network of worldleading researchers providing a platform for senior policy makers to work closely with these researchers in addressing key growth policy challenges through robust evidence and innovative policy solutions. @enock_x254

BUSINESS 9

Lobby groups petition state to seek alternative solution to plastic bags ban THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

Lobby groups have petitioned the government to shelve the ban on all plastic bags and instead seek alternative measures to address the situation. Under the umbrella of The Kenya Union of Printing, Publishing, Paper Manufacturers, Pulp and Packaging Industries Workers want the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to re-consider its decision as it is likely to cause “massive” unemployment. The union says that introducing punitive measures and penalties on uncontrolled waste disposal of polythene, as well as the introduction of a waste-management levy to be charged from a source to all plastic raw materials and finished goods, will no doubt address the problem without pushing more Kenyans out of work. “To this end, as a major player in the sector, we call upon the government to be alive to the fact that any such decision taken without extensive consultations and involvement of all Key players in the sector is likely to result into unprecedented and serious industrial disharmony in the Country, the union said in a statement to newsrooms. “As workers, we should not carry the

A group of young boys stands behind a pile of garbage in the Mathare slum, on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, April 7, 2010. EPA/DAI KUROKAWA blame and we call upon our National Centre, COTU (K) to urgently convene a meeting of all affected union, with a view to taking a position on the matter,”

they said. According to the union, an estimated 400,000 jobs within the country’s wholesale, retail and packing sectors of our formal economy are set to be

lost by August this year, if ban the use, manufacture and importation of all plastic bags comes into effect. “A further 1.2 million Kenyans that depend on the sector indirectly are at a

DStv, Telkom Kenya in deal to offer bundled Internet services to customers and subscribers Leading video entertainment provider, DStv and integrated telecommunication solutions provider, Telkom Kenya, have partnered to offer Kenyans value on both entertainment and Internet at an affordable cost. For every purchase of a DStv High Definition decoder, at a cost of Sh3,800, a customer will get a free Orange WiFi router and 30GB free Internet bundles together with one month viewing of the DStv Compact Bouquet in a special promotion dubbed DStv Na Net. “We listen to our customers to understand their changing lives and what matters most to them. The Internet has today evolved into a basic need as an essential for doing business, in addition to connecting with family and friends on social networks,” said DStv Sales and Distribution Manager, Steve Kombo. “In this regard, it is therefore a key goal for DStv and Telkom Kenya to empower many more consumers to experience the best television entertainment on DStv and at the same time the most affordable Internet through easy and affordable access. It is also part of our contribution to the Vision 2030 that recognises the enabling role of ICTs and anchors some of its key aspirations upon the availability and adoption of broadband technologies for all,” Kombo added. Telkom Kenya’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, George Mlaghui says the telco is committed to providing innovative, accessible solutions to suit the everyday communication needs of Kenyans. “This Wi-Fi router, the Domino, is a high speed plug and play data product that supports up to 15 users. The free 30 GB

DStv Sales and Distribution Manager, Steve Kombo (left) DSTV with Nakumatt Junction Mall Branch Manager, Boaz Opondo (center) and Telkom Kenya’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, George Mlaghui (right) during the DSTV and Telkom Kenya partnership to offer Kenyans value on both entertainment and Internet at an affordable cost. Photo:Edwin Gitobu/XNews Internet bundle goes to show that we have the customer at heart and want to give them the opportunity of trying out our data offering and making an informed long-term choice of Internet service provider, as a result of their experience on our network,” Mlaghui explained. “There has been an appreciation of the Internet’s use in the country, with the latest statistics from the Communication Authority of Kenya showing about 85 per cent Internet penetration. The convenience of the Internet and its impact in simplifying the lives of our customers and Kenyans,

makes this partnership with DStv another demonstrable example of the Internet’s integration into everyday living,” he added. “In an effort to offer them added value, we are committed to working through partnerships such as these to make our customers’ experiences better and more relevant whenever and wherever they engage with us. The DStv Na Net promotion will give our customers 1 month Compact bouquet to DStv viewing at the most affordable price and a convenient Internet connection for the home at the most affordable price,” said Kombo. enock_x254

risk of losing their source of livelihoods and plunge the Country into a further unemployment turmoil,” the union lamented. The union explained that another 500,000 jobs are also now in danger if the ban is imposed in various other dependent industries. Sectors of the economy which are likely to be affected by the ban include the agricultural industry, which needs plastic bags as a standard requirement, especially for export partners in Europe and Arabia. Small scale farms around the country that package all food items in plastic bags to ensure their freshness, meat and dairy companies will also be unable to make do and may be forced to close the ban will also affect bakeries and vegetable vendors. The union further noted that the country’s overall economy will be hit as all polythene bag dealers in retail and wholesale outlets all boast of an annual turnover of close to Kshs. 100 Billion with a Shs 88 billion investment in the sector hence the move will no doubt slow down our economy. @hillary _x254

Real estate giant HF Group blames Lands Ministry for delay in property sales

Real estate giant, HF Group’s development subsidiary, HFDI, has been impacted by delays at the Lands Ministry with property sales proceeds of over Sh1 billion yet to be unlocked. “The stalemate and reforms at the lands office has dragged on for more than 3 years and this has caused massive delay in matters related to change of user process, subdivisions and amalgamations. This has affected closure of our projects, with some such as Komarock 5A, completed in 2013 yet to be fully closed,” said Managing Director, Frank Ireri. “We expect to property related business to pick up in the second half of the year when transactions at the lands office are expected to normalize,” he added. Ireri was speaking during the release of HF Group’s results for the year ended December 31, 2016 earlier this week. The Group posted a pre-tax profit of Sh1.4 billion despite the drop in property sales. It emerged that the Group had invested Sh3.2 billion in its fully owned and joint venture housing projects. These projects include Clay City comprising of 560 units; Richland, a 248-unit project; Kahawa Downs and Theta Grove. Ireri said the Group’s banking subsidiary, HFC, continued with a strategic transformation programme that saw it open 7 additional branches in 2016 and also roll out a modern core banking. The Group expects to optimize these investments in the coming years. “Following the successful expansion and ICT modernization programme, HFC will now leverage on technology to roll out additional retail and corporate banking products, focus on alternative channels, better efficiencies and customer service to lead to growth of non-interest income as well as cost management,” said Ireri. HF Group is the non- operating holding company for HFC, which primarily focuses on Banking and Property finance, while HFDI deals in real estate development, HFIA serves as an insurance agency and HF Foundation the Corporate Responsibility Investment arm. Dennis_x254

BUSINESS

Heidelberg group targets low-income patients with cancer screening drive THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

Heidelberg University Hospital, one of the largest and most renowned medical centers in the Federal Republic of Germany, has partnered with Kenya’s Moi University to encourage cervical cancer screening among low-income patients. The institution has found that thousands of prevalent cases in Kenya can be treated in time with the use of new technology. Research has confirmed that in no other sector does technology hold such potential to save and improve the lives of African citizens than healthcare. “We have all the tools available to prevent cervical cancer, which is essentially a disease of disparity,” explains Prof Magnus Knebel von Doeberitz, Medical Director for the Heidelberg University Hospital Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology. “Cervical cancer is six times more prevalent in poor or developing countries as it is in the more developed regions of the world. There is a strong humanitarian imperative to address the issue of cervical cancer prevalence among African women, particularly in light of the vital social role women play in African communities,” the Professor added. The World Health Organisation (WHO) conservatively estimates that infections from Human papillomavirus (HPV) - the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States - cause 68,000 cases of cervical cancer in African women every year,

(From left to right) Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz, Medical Director for the Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology at Heidelberg University Hospital; Elkanah Omenge Orang’o of Moi University, Nairobi; and Hermann Bussmann, Research Associate, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. although the lack of available data means this figure is likely much higher. “Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among Kenyan women, and the most lethal. Our immediate priority with this solution was to reduce the mortality rate resulting from what is an entirely preventable cause of cancer by making effective screening widely available, and improving patient tracking,” explains von Knebel Doeberitz. The current screening method, called Emerging Technologies in Cervical Cancer Screening (ETiCCS), was developed by the Heidelberg University Hospital. The SAP

Design and Co-Innovation Center partnered with von Knebel Doeberitz to supply the technology platform required to implement it at scale. In addition, Dr Omenge Orango’o of Moi University in Nairobi provided on-the-ground insights and support. “It is critical to have an accurate and realistic view of actual on-the-ground conditions to ensure any solutions developed in a laboratory are effective when implemented in the field. Dr Omenge’s insights into challenges relating to infrastructure and culture were invaluable during our test implementation,” explains von Knebel Doeberitz.

Samsung East Africa continues regional expansion with opening of new Two Rivers experience store Leading technology firm, Samsung Electronics East Africa has opened an experience store at Two Rivers Mall, furthering its efforts of improving customer experience and ensuring better product immersion for consumers. Speaking at the opening, Samsung Electronics East Africa Vice President and Managing Director, Jung Hyun Park said that the new premium store would go a long way in giving consumers a glimpse of the company’s innovative device convergence. “At Samsung, our vision is guided by the desire to understand what people need and want; then we push the limits of what technology can do; and finally, we add design that makes our innovation more relevant to everybody’s lives, so that we can give people new experiences through aspirational products and services.” he said. “By having both mobile and consumer electronics products at the brand shop it offers the opportunity to our consumers to experience this,” he explained.

Samsung Electronics East Africa Managing Director Jung Hyun Park, (right) is joined by Samsung Partner Nasser Ahmed, (centre) and Head of Consumer Electronics Division Charles Kimari during the opening of the Samsung brand shop at Two Rivers Mall. Photo:Edwin Gitobu/XNews The Korean-based company has said those visiting the state-of-the-art store will have a chance to experience both mobile and consumer electronic devices, in particular the interaction between these products through the revolutionary internet-of-things (IoT) connectivity. “Samsung is keen on providing products that offer optimized benefits and services that bring value to consumers’ lives by turning everyday objects into smart connected devices,”

the tech maker said in a statement. The store will offer an exclusive hire purchase service and a dial-a-service facility. Samsung Electronics has in the past two years, concentrated on improving the way customers interact with their products in the East African market by focusing on expanding their footprint by creating more convenient and premium offerings. @enock_x254

In many lower-income countries, cancer screening is virtually nonexistent, mainly due to logistical reasons. “While testing can be conducted in a centralized laboratory, the challenge is to ensure effective tracking and longer-term care of women who return a positive diagnosis. We developed a biomarker that we used in our cervical cancer diagnosis, but the key missing element was an information transmission system that could provide access to accurate patient records no matter the location. Our partners at SAP then provided an offline mobile solution which can be connected twice

per day to the SAP Cloud Platform as the backbone for our information handling system,” the professor added. The SAP Cloud Platform enables seamless communication between all parties, combined with the mobile app even in very remote areas and environments with unstable Internet connectivity. The technology makes data entry simple and access to patient data and test results are immediately available to medical professionals. The ETiCCS solution has been successfully tested in a pilot study in Kenya. The model will now be replicated in other countries. “The solution is built on design thinking principles, and can be replicated in other countries fairly easily. There are two key elements to this: one is a keen understanding of the actual on-theground conditions in each country or region, which we gain by partnering with local experts. Secondly, data handling is crucial. Our partner SAP has tools that can revolutionise healthcare provision in developing and developed nations. With these elements in place, we can make a huge impact not only on preventing cervical cancer, but addressing other illnesses and diseases affecting the world’s vulnerable populations,” said von Knebel Doeberitz. SAP is a market leader in enterprise application software that seeks to help companies of all sizes and industries run better. @Dennis_x254

Surf, Facebook and Internet Solutions to roll out low-cost Wi-Fi services in satellite Nairobi towns In a bid to make Kenya, an ICT driven country, global firm Surf, backed by Facebook, has launched Express Wi-Fi in Kenya targeting major towns. The Express Wi-Fi, which is a fast, affordable public Wi-Fi hotspot service, will be rolled out more than 100 Express Wi-Fi hotspots in several communities in the greater metropolitan area of Nairobi including Ongata Rongai, Limuru, Kiserian, Kitengela, Kiambu, Mlolongo, Ngong, Ruaka, Thika and Wangige. Starting this week, the Express Wi-Fi service will also be available in Kisumu and Mombasa, with many more towns to come. Speaking at the launch of Express Wi-Fi in Ongata Rongai town yesterday, Chief Executive Officer, Mark Summer said Surf ’s mission is to expand the Kenyan consumers’ options for internet access by offering fast, radicallyaffordable internet services where they live, work and play. “We’re excited to rollout Express Wi-Fi widely to Kenyan consumers. We are honored to be working with Facebook, who powers Express Wi-Fi, and Internet Solutions, formerly Access Kenya, who is our service provider partner enabling us to expand rapidly throughout the country,” According to the CEO, the Wi-Fi hotspots are currently focused in areas where people gather for work, transit or entertainment such as markets, matatu stages and chill spots. Summer said anyone with a Wi-Fi capable device can use Express Wi-Fi without switching SIM cards or having a data plan, as long as they can receive a one-time SMS on their device. Surf is working with local entrepreneurs to host and sell the Express Wi-Fi service. @hillary_x254

PROPERTY DEALS 11

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

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

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

{JULIUS ONYANCHA}

0733288772 / onyanchad1@yahoo.com

The Waiyaki Way Suites comprising of 2&3 bedroom apartments with over 350 parking Borehole, Recreational spaces, perimeter wall, serene & quite environment is being constructed in a prime location fronting the Waiyaki Way, with a rear access of Thiongo road which is on the Naivasha - Nakuru Highway and in between two pre-urban towns namely Uthiru and Kangemi located at Dagoretti division in Nairobi bordering the Kiambu area. The project is fronting Mountain View Estate. The project targets middle-income class which is mostly hit by the housing deficit. The Project aims at realizing 204 housing units in 5 blocks, supporting infrastructural services that ensure a sustainable living environment and neighborhood. .The completion date will be December 2017 and the construction work is ongoing. The Waiyaki way developers are working out to see change of look of that area by putting down the shanties and putting up modern apartments. Quick access to the CBD, having Waiyaki way only 15 minutes drive, thus the time spent on average to reach to the place of work/business is short. Transport is accessible since you can use any that is using the highway, in less than 10min you are in Westlands. OUR

FACILITIES

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

Your HOME our PRIDE

2/3BR

Located

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

Apartments

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

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

ACCESS

reasons to not get a

I HAVE BEEN SENDING MY MONEY TO YOUR PAY BILL NUMBER AND I NEVER RECEIVED ANY FEEDBACK

THE

worst Kenyan

●SOCCER BETTING The problem with this app is that it simply does not have any real interface or capabilities. It’s just a series of pictures linked together. Daniel Gekonge says, “Useless. Don’t waste your time and data. This is Africa, the land of conmen.” Charles Ngeno adds, “Is there to mess peoples phone..Dont download..its a virus..” Which actually explains why this app does nothing. ●BETTING TIPS : PREDICTIONS It doesn’t even matter whether this app works or not because it’s just so ugly. In this information age that we live in, appearances are everything and the way you package the product does matter. The app looks like it was rendered on Windows 95. The reviews are a mixed bag but this is the most thoughful one, Tom Cheung says, “What a disgraceful app I’ll be fair and evaluate this app with its Pros and Cons. I’ll start with the cons. 1. Why does this app need access to my phone calls and phone book. 2. Charges you for ‘tips’ 3. The free tips they give your rarely come in. Over a two week period there’s a succession rate

of about 14%. Not a good rate of return in my book. 4. Hides previous tips that have taken though very sneaky IMO. The pros of the app are...there isn’t any. Don’t even bother to downlaod, It’s about as useful as a solar powered torch.” ●PEPEA USHINDE KENYA This isn’t a betting app but a quiz app where users are allowed to win cash for correctly answering questions and as you can imagine it’s a mess. The gag is that users also have to pay money to win money. Vincent Sakwa is a very frustrated man, “Foolishness Its all about lies. I have been sending my money to your pay bill number and I never received any feedback. I hope no one downloads it. Thieves! Don’t even reply to emails.” So is this anonymous downloader, “SCAM ALERT Don’t download...not unless you have enough money to donate to these thieves.” ●WINBETS,BETTING TIPS Winbets talk a big game, ‘We reduce chances of losing by 95-100%’, that tidbit is written in the product description. But obviously this is not true going by these reviews.

in the market

These days people make careers off of betting and if you are one of these individuals you might need some extra support, just don’t look for it here. Edwin Sakwa is serious, “TOP SCAMMERS. NEVER TRY IT HAS NOTHING HELPFUL. GOOGLE MISUSE I RECOMMENDED PROSECUTION. HAVE REPORTED.” Here’s the worst part, the developers actually reply to the reviews and they are rude. An anonymous user commented, “Pathetic application.... FAKE!!!!FAKE!!!! Poor pple...don’t waste even a minute on this.....SCAMMERs gambler be aware of this thieves,” to which Beston Tech responded, “The only FAKE thing here is you.we are not scammers get your facts my friend if you can’t afford 300 deal with it.” Very poor customer service. @christine_x254

ip-hop superstar Nicki Minaj has signed a modelling contract with Wilhelmina’s celebrity division. The famed agency is no stranger to celebrity talent, previously signing Chris Brown, Leona Lewis, Keri Hilson, Iggy Azalea, Karrueche Tran, and more. The 34-year-old Young Money Records signee has been making a name for herself in the fashion world. Aside from being the face of Roberto Cavalli’s 2015 Spring/Summer campaign, she turned heads at Paris Fashion Week earlier this month with her stunning outﬁts and a physique to die for.

NICKI MINAJ

HOT TOPICS

Nicki Minaj signs modelling contract with Wilhemina

MPAKE replaces MCSK T he Kenya Copyright Board has approved the licensing of a new body, Music Publishers Association of Kenya (MPAKE) Limited, to collect royalties on behalf of authors, composers and publishers effective immediately. The decision was made after the new association satisﬁed the requirements of Section 46 of the Copyright Act, 2001, and Regulation 15 and 16 of the Copyright Regulations 2004. MCSK will now have to wait for a year to apply a fresh for the license after it submits the documents it had been requested to. MPAKE is a non-proﬁt organisation registered on April 13, 2015, as a company limited by guarantee, initially to represent music publishers in Kenya. It will now, represent and safeguard the rights of music Publishers, Authors and Composers within the territory of Kenya and other rights’ holders from other parts of the world by way of bilateral/reciprocal agreements with their respective national societies.

Diamond takes Wasaﬁ dot com to Rwanda

Wasafi records CEO Diamond Platnumz is expanding regionally. After an announcement that his recording stable will be working with artistes from all over Africa and beyond, he has now embarked on taking his online music streaming platform to other parts of Africa starting in Rwanda. ‘My Dear RWANDESE Artist, am so happy to inform you that, from next week @wasafidotcom branch will be officially in RWANDA....I will soon announce where and how you can get connected and be able so to sell your good Music through @ wasafidotcom platform,’ he made the announcement. @kevin_x254

ACCESS

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

ALL ROUND NEWS AND UPDATES FROM UNIVERSITIES

DATE

@christine_x254

Teenager wins Sh.5million on Blaze BYOB competition V

he event of the month, The Go Down Gig is once again upon us and this time the best of the best are set to showcase. Nairobi-based Burundian musician Kidum responsible for the hit song ‘Nitafanya’ with Lady Jay Dee, will be taking the stage alongside songbirds Nyota Ndogo and Serro who is best known for the anthem ‘Rongai.’ At the Go Down Arts Centre on Saturday 1st April from 3pm join these stars for some fab and free fun.

@christine_x254

what it takes to lead.” The climax came after 8 weeks of grueling challenges and tasks that would ensure the 12 contestants would have a better understanding of what it takes to make a business successful. Safe Joe, David Kimani and Valentine Nekesa were the three contestants who made it to the ﬁnal with the ﬁrst runners up, Safe Joe Mugweru walkindg away with Sh.1, 000,000 while David Kimani won Sh. 700,000.

and Microsoft partner to supply laptops to university students

ogether with Jamii Bora Bank, Dell Technologies and Microsoft Corporation are geared up to supply laptops to 30,000 students in Kenya. This initiative serves to give students in the country enough training to prepare them for the professional world. According to IT News Africa, Jamii Bora Leasing Limited will purchase the devices from Dell’s local distributors and convey possession to the learning institutions in return for rental payments deducted from the students’ tuition fees. Jamii Bora Bank Group Chief Executive, Sam Kimani has added that the bank has set aside Sh.450 million for the ﬁrst year of the programme, “We are in the ﬁnal stages of signing up a leading private university for the leasing of laptops under this partnership and are in contact with many other institutions of higher learning that have also shown great interest,” said Kimani.

slated for the

Since it seems that everyone and their best friend is sporting tattoos here are some reasons you should hold back

reasons to not get a YOU ARE NOT FULLY COMMITTED

You may have heard tattoos are permanent and this is true. Unless you know that 50 years down the line you will still like looking at it, maybe wait a bit.

YOU CAN’T AFFORD IT

Why would you get a tattoo that costs way too much when you could just save that money?

YOU ARE DOING IT ON A WHIM

Put some thought into whatever you are going to get ﬁrst before actually doing it.

YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER

Getting a tattoo of your partner’s name is tacky and bad luck so why would you push it?

F I N D T H E K E Y W O R D I N RED A N D S M S I T T O 22333 RINGTONES: 30 KSHS AY PER D You will receive a sms “2 download. . . ”Go to this link using GPRS or WAP & download your content. KENYAN HITS! Dumbala R emix Msaidizi Fundamentals Mungu Baba Uwepo W ako Milele Dongo Dongo Ulibeba Sobei Cheiso Worship Y ou Sambaza Defender Tosheka Kereka Ningwendete Queen Ahuirania Ti Mundu Ndirakurekie Kinyukia Kahora

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BAHATI DJ LAPOZE JEMMO & DENNO BEN GITHAE HADASSAH PAUL EMMA OMONGE MASSMASILYA LAURENT MUGISHO MR. BISCUIT SIMON KIDUM & JULIANI KIDUM NGANGALITO KIDIS GLORIA MULIRO EKO DYDDA PITSON BEN GITHAE RINGTONE JIMMY GAIT GLORIA M & WILLY P ALA C DENNO SOLOMON MUK UBWA SARAH KIARIE

TIB4 HC4 GON4 GIT4 WT4 JC4 HOB4 HOK4 JAG4 SIM4 DUM4 DUM4 LIT4 PIG4 GM4 KEB4 BOM4 GIT4 RING4 JG4 GM4 ALA4 GON4 SOL4 SK4

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@christine_x254

alentine Nekesa is a millionaire and she’s not even 20 years old yet. The 19-year-old clinched the top spot on the TV show with the money being split into two—Sh. 3 million in capital, and Sh. 2 million in the form of mentorship, ﬁnancial advice and business support. After the win she said, “BLAZE BYOB has been an eyeopener for the Kenyan youth, and the country in general; I thank my fellow contestants for coming out and demonstrating that the country’s youth have

SPORT

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

More KPL action in Machakos as games are moved to Kenyatta pitch

Mathare United head coach Francis Kimanzi is looking forward to extending their unbeaten run to three matches when they host Sofapaka at on Sunday. The match has been moved from the initial venue – the Thika municipal stadium - to Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. “Well it doesn’t really matter where one is playing. The important thing is getting the results” said Kimanzi who has a win and draw from his team’s first

two games. KPL indicated that due to the unavailability of the Thika Sub-County Stadium this weekend, it has to move two games that were to be played at the stadium to different grounds. Newly promoted Kariobangi Sharks will now host Ulinzi Stars at the Machakos Kenyatta Stadium on Saturday from 4:15pm, a match that was scheduled for early kick off in Thika on Saturday. Mathare and Sofapaka clash will now kick off from 3pm.

Mathare United head coach Francis Kimanzi with his players during a past training. PHOTO: CAPITAL FM

“Due to the unavailability of the Thika Sub-County Stadium, the following matches; Kariobangi Sharks vs Ulinzi Stars and Mathare United vs Sofapaka, have had their venues changed,” KPL stated in a statement. Sharks had initially wanted to move

their home matches to Narok, but the newly renovated stadium has not been approved by the Kenyan Premier League Stadia Safety and Security Committee. On Wednesday Kenyan giants AFC Leopards also announced their derby with Nzoia United will be staged at the

Kenyatta Stadium. This comes a week after the National football team Harambee Stars staged two international friendly matches at the same facility, 1-1 draw with Uganda Cranes which was followed by a 2-1 win over DR Congo. @amos_x254

LIKE MEN, LIKE WOMEN: FC Barcelona’s Jennifer Hermoso (hidden) is celebrated by teammates for scoring the 1-0 opening goal during the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and FC Rosengard at Mini Estadi stadium of Barcelona, Spain, last evening. The Barca women team does exactly the same thing their male counterparts do to their opponents. PHOTO: ALBERTO ESTEVEZ/EPA

VIDAL IN ACTION: Chilean national soccer team player Arturo Vidal (C) in action against Wuilker Farinez (L) of Venezuela during their FIFA Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying round soccer match between Chile and Venezuela, at Monumental Stadium in Santiago, Chile yesterday morning. Chile won 3-1. PHOTO: ELVIS GONZALEZ/EPA

NBA BASKETBALL: Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (R) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (L) of Greece reach for the loose ball during the first half of the NBA basketball game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, USA early today. PHOTO: CJ GUNTHER/EPA

SPORT 15

Barca ‘indignation’ at Messi ban

Barcelona have described Lionel Messi’s four-match international ban with Argentina as “unfair and totally disproportionate”. The 29-year-old Barca forward was suspended for directing “insulting words” at an assistant referee during Thursday’s 1-0 win over Chile. He remains free to play for his Spanish La Liga club. In a statement, Barcelona expressed their “surprise and indignation” at the Fifa disciplinary ruling. “The club considers the four-match suspension finally imposed on the Argentine player to be unfair and totally disproportionate,” the club said. “Finally, FC Barcelona wishes to reiterate its support for Leo Messi, an exemplary player in terms of conduct both on and off the pitch.” Messi’s suspension was announced just five and a half hours before Argentina’s 2-0 World Cup qualifier defeat by Bolivia on Tuesday. The result saw them drop to fifth in the table, outside the top-four spots for automatic qualification for Russia 2018. After being fouled by Jean Beausejour, Messi said “la concha de tu madre”, which translates as “your mother’s ****” - a common curse in

Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi argues with Brazilian referee Sandro Ricci during their World Cup qualifying match against Chile in Buenos Aires last Thursday. PHOTO: COURTESY

Argentina - to Brazilian linesman Emerson Augusto do Carvalho. But the Barca star believes he has been unfairly victimised while on Argentina duty, and is adamant he meant no harm to the official. He denied swearing at the linesman saying he swore ‘to the air’. He told La Nacion: “My sayings were

never addressed to the assistant, but they were said to the air.” Messi is now set to miss three of his country’s four remaining qualifiers. But Argentina have already said they will appeal the ban, which would see Messi also absent for qualifying matches against Uruguay, Venezuela and Peru, with the World

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Cup finalists already facing an uphill battle to qualify for the global showpiece in Russia next summer. National team secretary Jorge Miadosqui said: “We are surprised by the decision that has been taken. We are very angry because of the way it was handled hours before playing.”

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

‘Great man’ Wenger should stay – Iwobi

Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi wants Arsene Wenger to remain as manager and says criticism of the Frenchman is “unfair”. Wenger, 67, has been criticised by some fans after Arsenal slipped to sixth in the Premier League following four defeats in their past five games. A 10-2 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League added to the pressure and Wenger says he will make a decision on his future “very soon”. “He’s a great man in my opinion,” said Iwobi, 20. “I’d like him to stay.” Wenger’s contract expires at the end of the season but he has been offered a new two-year deal. “He’s always helped me and developed me as player,” Iwobi told the BBC’s World Football programme. “I don’t think it’s fair the way everybody criticises him. It’s very unfair considering what he’s done. “He’s always achieved fourth place, been in the Champions League and been up there with the title contenders.” Contract negotiations with two of Arsenal’s star names, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, have been put on hold until the summer, and Iwobi hopes an agreement can be reached over their futures.

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

MORE KPL ACTION IN MACHAKOS AS GAMES ARE MOVED TO KENYATTA STADIUM

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INSIDE

15 Iwobi wants ‘great man’ Wenger to stay

Tottenham’s Lamela out for the season

ottenham midﬁelder Erik Lamela has been ruled out for the rest of the season because of a hip injury. The 25-year-old Argentina international has not played for Spurs since October because of the problem and will undergo surgery on Saturday. Tottenham said Lamela had “achieved a good level of function” but was not at a stage to make a return to training, leading to the decision to operate. “I tried everything to recover but my hip is still not 100%,” Lamela tweeted. “I can’t compete at the level I want to. I’ll face this challenge with a positive attitude and can’t wait to get back with the team and be stronger.” Lamela had made 14 appearances this season for Spurs before the injury. He joined Tottenham from Roma in 2013 and enjoyed a superb season last term, scoring 13 goals. Spurs are second in the Premier League, 10 points behind leaders Chelsea, who they also play in the semi-ﬁnals of the FA Cup.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, and Portuguese soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo smile during the ofﬁcial renaming of the Madeira’s airport in Santa Cruz, Madeira island in Portugal, yesterday. The Madeira International Airport was ofﬁcially named to Cristiano Ronaldo Airport in honour to Cristiano Ronaldo who was born and raised on Madeira. PHOTO: HOMEM DE GOUVEIA/EPA

Cristiano Ronaldo airport C

ristiano Ronaldo has the looks, the medals and the money. And now even an airport - in Madeira, where he was born - has been renamed in his honor, with a new bust to boot also unveiled Wednesday of the Real Madrid star. Eight months after the four-time world player of year held the Euro 2016 trophy aloft after Portugal’s 1-0 win over France in Paris, the Aeroporto da Madeira in Funcal is now the “Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport.” If Ronaldo is now an airport, it was his visage on the bust that arguably stole the show - at least on social media. BBC presenter Dan Walker remarked the bust’s appearance bore a striking resemblance to the former Republic of Ireland international striker Niall Quinn.

Other wags opined the bust’s image was more like ex-Liverpool Norwegian international defender John Arne Riise. It’s not the first time Ronaldo has been immortalized in bronze, with a 10-foot statue outside his own personal museum towering over his hometown of Funchal. Which prompted football writer Tom Williams to point out that when it came to statues Ronaldo has had “appalling luck.” The youngest child of a cook and municipal gardener, Ronaldo is the island of Madeira’s most treasured son and family and friends were present at the airport to recognize the latest achievement of Portugal’s all-time record scorer. The Portuguese president Rebelo de Sousa was also in attendance Wednesday, praising the Real Madrid striker as “an example of excellence,” despite

political rumblings it was inappropriate to consign such a distinction to a sportsman. “Thank you for being here in my honor,” Ronaldo told reporters. “Seeing my name being given to this airport is something very special. Everyone knows that I am proud of my country and especially my home city. “Thank you very much to the president of the regional government Miguel Albuquerque for having had the courage to do it. “My friend, I never asked for this, but I’m not a hypocrite, and I’m happy and honored.” The ceremony followed Portugal’s first match on the island for 16 years - Ronaldo and co going down 3-2 to Sweden in a friendly on Tuesday.

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