2017030 29 xnews

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29 , 2017 | WWW.x254.Co

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DONALD TRUMP SCRAPS OBAMA-ERA CLIMATE POLICIES US PRESIDENT SAYS MOVE WILL PUT AN END TO ‘WAR ON COAL’ AND ‘JOB-KILLING REGULATIONS BUT CRTICS BELIEVE IT IS PART OF HIS CAMPAIGN PLEDGE TO PULL THE COUNTRY OUT OF PARIS CLIMATE DEAL AGREED IN DECEMBER 2015

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AFC LEOPARD’S ‘WESTERN DERBY’ WITH NZOIA NOW MOVED TO MACHAKOS

VIDEO TECHNOLOGY USED TO CORRECT CRUCIAL ERRORS AS SPAIN BEAT FRANCE 2-0 IN PARIS

MPs given 60 days to pass Gender Rule law or be sent home

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he High Court has today given the National Assembly 60 days to enact legislation to ensure passage of the two-thirds gender rule or risk being dissolved.

Justice John Mativo found Parliament guilty of failing to observe its constitutional mandate of ensuring that no gender shall be more than two thirds of elective seats in both the senate and the National Assembly.

He directed Parliament and Attorney General Githu Muigai to take steps to ensure the legislation is enacted within the next two months and report progress to Chief Justice David Maraga.

“The blame lies squarely on the doorsteps of Parliament CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

High Court Judge Justive John Mativo. He today ruled that Parliament has refused to pass the gender Rule law and directed the National Assembly to do so in 60 days or risk dissolution.

Mandera curfew extended

The government has extended the curfew imposed in Mandera County by three more months as part of security measures in the volatile region.

In a Special Gazette Notice, Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery said the order applies to Mandera Town, Omar Jillo, Arabia, Fino, Lafey Kotulo, Elwak and the environs of the said locations extending to 20 kilometres from the Kenya-Somalia Border.

He indicated that the curfew will be in force between 7pm to 5am daily.

“Every person who resides in the said areas shall except in accordance with the terms and conditions of a written permit granted by the respective Deputy County Commissioner for the affected areas remain indoors in the premises at which they reside or at such other premises as may be authorised,” he said.

The curfew followed the killing of 12 people at a hotel in Mandera late last year.

The attack was a second in Mandera in less than three weeks with the Al Shabaab group claiming responsibility.

MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke

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NEWS MPs given 60 days to pass Gender Rule law or be sent home WEDNESDAY MARCH 29, 2017

From Page 1 who failed, refused or neglected to fulfill its constitutional mandate,” Justice Mativo said in his ruling.

Failure by the legislative arm of the government to comply with the court ruling will see President Uhuru Kenyatta advised by the CJ to dissolve Parliament.

Petitioners in the case, the Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW) and the National Women Steering Commission (NWSC), had sought orders to compel the court to dissolve parliament immediately for delaying passing of the crucial law.

“If it fails to be enacted within the 60 days, the petitioners will be at liberty to petition the CJ to advise the President to dissolve parliament,” Justice Mativo added.

Lawyers representing CREAW and NWSC welcomed the ruling saying the legislature had been allowed to get away with passing the legislation for too long despite previous directives to do so.

Mativo said that parliament’s

delay in enacting the law amounted to violation of women rights to equality and freedom from violation as enshrined under the constitution.

MPs in May last year shot down a bill that would have given women more seats in the house. Male legislators ganged up to boycott the vote, despite months of lobbying for the proposal meant to comply with Article 27 of the Constitution.

A Supreme Court directed Parliament to have a framework on realization of the two third gender rule by 27th August 2015.

The house then sought an extension of the deadline to 27 August 2016 but still failed to pass the bill.

And even now, it might still be tricky as MPs term officially expire on May 28th, 2017, exactly the same time the court has directed that the law should have been passed.

It means MPs can still face to pass the law as the risk of dissolution does not pose any threats to their term. @ harrison_x254

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National Land Commission chairman Mohamed Swazuri (center) when he appeared before MPs hearing a petition seeeking his removal on claims of misuse of office at Parliament buildings today.

PHOTO: COURTESY

Swazuri fights back in ouster bid, says petition is malicious Chairman National Lands Commission Mohamed Swazuri has dismissed a petition seeking to have him removed him from office malicious and with no objective.

Mugo Njeru has petitioned the Parliament for the removal of Dr Swazuri claiming the NLC boss demanded a Sh1.2 million bribe from him in order to get his land compensation.

He said Dr Swazuri misused his office by soliciting for the bribe.

But Swazuri who appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Lands today said he has presided over a lot of compensation to bodies including KERA, KURA and KENTACO and no question has ever come up against his integrity.

He said any compensation to land owners is done by the commission and not the chairman.

“The decision to compensate is made by the entire NLC and not the chairman alone. In case someone has not been compensated then he has a right to appeal,” Dr Swazuri said.

He said delays in compensation could sometimes occur due to various factors including provision of wrong account details or if there’s a dispute over the land.

“There have been delays in releasing money to certain individuals either due to provision of wrong details or disputes,” swazuri said.

Earlier on, Swazuri’s bid to stop the committee from hearing the petition

flopped after the committee ruled that it has powers to listen to any petition as outlined in article 251 of the constitution.

Swazuri through his lawyer senior Tom Ojienda raised preliminary objectives stating that the committee has no justification to continue with petition as currently drafted.

Prof Ojienda told the committee that it will be acting illegally as itwill be making a determination of the owner of land no LR1500 under question.

He argued that any determination of land ownership is done by the Environment and Lands courts and not parliament. The lawyer said the work of parliament is to legislate and not interpret any document.

“Any person challenging title ownership and property ownership ought to go the High Court and not parliament,” Ojienda said.

On the bribery allegations that the NLC chairman is accused of by the petitioner, Ojienda said such matter can only be handled by the EACC and DCI and not parliament.

“Article 245 states that it is the EACC and DCI that are mandated to investigate crime allegations and therefore the petitioner ought to have reported to them,” he said.

Prof Ojienda further told MPs that there are three court cases regarding the matter hence the committee ought not to proceed with it.

The senior counsel also called for the arrest

of the petitioner saying he had admitted to giving a bribe.

However the committee through chairman Alex Mwiru told the NLC chairman that it was within their jurisdiction to hear the petition.

Mwiru said the committee is looking to determine the ownership of land LR1500 and the culpability of Swazuri as a holder of a public office in receiving the Sh1.2 million bribe as alleged by the petitioner.

“We are looking at the failure of the NLC chairman to hold high level of integrity and whether he received the money through a conduit as alleged by the petitioner,” Mwiru said.

“We are looking whether article 201 of the constitution was breached by the holder of office by failure to prudently manage the funds under him,” he added.

Kieni MP Kanini Kega said the lawyer cannot tell the committee what to do. “You cannot say that the witness lied because it is not upon you to determine that,” Kega stated.

The petitioner’s lawyer Ndegwa Njiru said every person under article 251 has a right to petition parliament over the removal of a public officer.

“The preliminaries raised by the lawyer is only meant to scuttle and delay this process.

We want to set a precedent in how public officers should carry out themselves,” Njiru said. @sam_x254

MPs reject Sh353bn allocation for counties Members of Parliament have rejected a proposal by the senate to allocate Sh353 billion to the counties.

Initially the National Assembly had allocated Sh290 for the counties but senators increased the amount to Sh353 billion arguing that what was given to the devolved units by MPs was too small.

And when the matter came up for the second reading in the National Assembly yesterday, MPs unanimously rejected the increase.

The move by MPs now means a mediation team consisting of both MPs and senators have to be constituted to come up with an amicable solution.

Speaker Justin Muturi directed that a National Assembly mediation team be formed to meet with that of the Senate to look for an amicable solution to the dispute.

This is the third time MPs and Senators have failed to read from the same script over county allocations.

According to the constitution, Senators must have a say on matters touching the counties. Senate’s main duty is to protect devolution.

The standoff off between the two houses comes at a time when the senate Public Accounts and investments committee is set from today to meet various governors over audited accounts for the 2014/2015 financial year. The committee is chaired by Kisumu senator Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o. @sam_x254

NEWS 3 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017

PS ignores his boss and AG to award tender Taxpayers risk losing Sh3 billion after Water Principal Secretary Patrick Mwangi ignored advice from both his both CS Eugene Wamalwa and Attorney General Githu Muigai and awarded a contract to the secondlowest bidder.

Mwangi in a letter written yesterday confirmed the awarding of the Sh62.3 billion Thwake Dam project to Sino Hydro Tianjin Engineering whose bid for the project stood at Sh39.5 billion.

He had been advised to award the tender to China Gezhouba who was the lowest bidder at Sh36.9 billion.

Both Prof Muigai and Mr Wamalwa advised the PS to award the tender to China Gezhouba.

He also ignored an advice of key project financier African Development Bank which is funding 35 percent of the multi-billion shilling project.

The ministry’s Tender Evaluation Committee also recommended the contract be awarded to China Gezhouba. The evaluation committee disqualified Sino Hydro Tianjin Engineering whose bid for the project they felt was higher.

“In this regard you are invited for a negotiation meeting on March 28 at the State Department’s Committee room 639 on 6th floor at 2pm,” reads the letter signed by the PS confirming to Sino Hydro Tianjin Engineering that they got the tender.

Mwangi however told the firm that it should accept renegotiation of the bid to Sh36 billion, which is equivalent to the evaluated lowest bidder.

The National Assembly Agriculture committee chaired by Adan Nooru has been inquiring into the

tender award. It warned Mwangi last week that he will be held to account if Sh3 billion more is spent with the awarding of the tender to Sino Hydro.

In his advice to the PS, Githu warned that the project may not take off because Africa Development Bank (AfDB) which is financing 35 per cent of the project, has threatened to channel the funds to another project should procurement controversies remain unresolved.

The Ministerial Tender Committee appointed by Mwangi however overruled the decision to award Gezhouba citing integrity concerns.

Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali, a member of the Agriculture committee, yesterday said it was sad the PS ignored the advice from the CS and even the Agriculture committee.

“The buck stops with the CS in any ministry, the defiance of the PS to award the tender to another company against the wish of the CS amounts to tainting the image of the Cabinet Secretary,” Washiali warned.

When Wamalwa appeared before the Agriculture committee last week, he told MPs that the PS will be held personally liable should the project fail.

Wamalwa said his work is only to advice and it is the PS who has power to award any tender.

“The PS should carry his own cross and be held personally liable should the project fails or anything wrong happens.

My work is only to advice and I have done that, it is upon him to either take my advice or reject it,” Wamalwa said last week. @sam_x254

Irrigation Principal Secretary Patrick Mwangi during a past ministry function in Nairobi.

Mr Mwangi has ignored advice from his boss CS Eugene Wamalwa and the AG and gone ahead to award a tender. PHOTO: COURTESY

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Parties told to seek police protection during primaries WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017

Political parties who will be conducting nominations have been advised to notify security agencies in advance to provide them with protection in order to avert any possible violence.

In a statement to newsrooms, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said it will be important that aspirants and their supporters are guaranteed their security during the nomination process.

“All Political Parties are hereby asked to give plan of events on primaries to Office of Inspector General by 31st March to allow police service secure them,” the electoral body said.

Party nominations are serious processes that leave winners with one foot into victory especially in areas where such political outfits are popular.

As such, aspirants do all they can to win.

Already, scenes of violence have emerged as Jubilee party members compose its county election boards.

The party has already summoned four of its top leaders over chaos that marred their selection of county election boards in Nairobi, Muranga, Nakuru and Kirinyaga counties.

Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko, Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria, his Kirinyaga counterpart Joseph Ndathi and Nakuru East MP David Gikaria have been summoned.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairman Wafula Chebukati. IEBC has asked political parties to notify police of their nomination activities for security.

“Incidences of violence were reported in a number of counties but we witnessed aggravated assault against the party officials and damage to property in Murang’a, Nairobi and Nakuru Counties,” Jubilee party Secretary General Raphael Tuju said.

IEBC has already warned that it will take action on any candidate found guilty of causing violence and chaos. IEBC Commissioner Roselyne Kwamboka said that they will be keenly

watching the unfolding events in the upcoming party primaries to make sure that candidates who cause violence are not allowed to run.

“As you know violence is a criminal offence under our political laws, the commission will not hesitate to take action on any candidates that breaks the law,” Kwamboka told Citizen TV during an interview. All political parties will conduct their primaries from April 13, 2017 to April 26, 2017. @hillary_x254

Maendeleo Chap Chap to give direct tickets The Maendeleo Chap Chap party will issue direct nominations to its candidates, leader Alfred Mutua has said.

Dr Mutua said the party has resolved to adopt consensus and direct nomination as a way of identifying its candidates for the August 8, 2017 general election.

Speaking during an aspirant’s convention in Kasarani Nairobi, the Machakos Governor said consensus will be in regions where the party has more than one aspirant and it would only go for ballot nominations if consensus fails.

“The party will give direct tickets to candidates who have no direct opponents while where there is more than one aspirant, we will adopt consensus, negotiated agreement or go for primaries,” Mutua said.

He said his party will field candidates in all elective seats apart from that of President and will hand out direct nominations in regions they are sure of victory. “In areas where there are two or more aspirants, they will have to sit down and they can negotiate on who to vie and maybe agree that one candidate runs next time,” he added.

According to Mutua, hi party has attracted aspirants from all over the country a strong indicator that the party is not only national but on the path to unifying this nation. @hillary_x254

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NEWS 5

WEDNESDAY MARCH 29, 2017

Trump scraps Obama climate policies US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order rolling back Obamaera rules aimed at curbing climate change.

The president said this would put an end to the “war on coal” and “jobkilling regulations”.

The Energy Independence Executive Order suspends more than half a dozen measures enacted by his predecessor, and boosts fossil fuels.

Business groups have praised the Trump administration’s move but environmental campaigners have condemned it.

Outside the White House, a few hundred protesters gathered to vent their displeasure at the executive order.

Inside, the president was flanked by coal miners as he signed the order, saying: “My administration is putting an end to the war on coal.

“With today’s executive action I am taking historic steps to lift the restrictions on American energy, to reverse government intrusion and to cancel job-killing regulations.”

During the campaign, he vowed to pull the US out of the Paris climate deal agreed in December 2015.

Trump has taken a very different approach to the environment from Mr Obama. The former president argued that climate change was “real and cannot be ignored”.

Among the initiatives now rescinded is the Clean Power Plan, which required states to slash carbon emissions, to meet US commitments under the Paris accord.

The regulation has been unpopular in Republican-run states, where it has been subject to legal challenges especially from businesses that rely on burning oil, coal and gas.

Last year the Supreme Court temporarily halted the plan, while the challenges are heard.

The Trump administration says that scrapping the plan will put people to work and reduce America’s reliance on imported fuel.

It says the president will be “moving forward on energy production in the US”.

“The previous administration devalued workers with their policies. We can protect the environment while providing people with work.”

During the president’s maiden visit to the Environmental Protection Agency, he signed the Energy Independence Executive Order, which cuts EPA regulations in order to support Mr Trump’s plan of cutting the agency’s budget by a third.

He recently appointed climate change sceptic Scott Pruitt as its new head.

The new order signed by Trump is both a practical and a philosophical attempt

US President Donald Trump (center) when he signed the executive order yesterday in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC. PHOTO: ANDREW HARR/EPA

to change the US narrative on climate change.

His supporters say it will create thousands of jobs in the liberated oil and gas industries. His opponents agree

it will be a job creator - but they’ll be jobs for lawyers, not in the coal fields.

Environmentalists have promised to challenge the new order in the courts.

“These actions are an assault on

American values and they endanger the health, safety and prosperity of every American,” billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer said.

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NEWS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017

NEWS PICTORIAL US Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R) gestures during a news conference beside House Majority Leader Republican Kevin McCarthy (L), following a Republican conference meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, USA, yesterday. Mr Ryan defended Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee Republican Devin Nunes and also faced questions on the future of Republican health care legislation following last week’s defeat of the American Health Care Act. PHOTO: MICHAEL REYNOLDS/EPA

CYCLONE DEBBIE AFTERMATH:

A woman walks past a boat washed ashore at Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia, today. Cyclone Debbie hit Queensland’s far north coast yesterday as a category 4 cyclone, causing widespread damage. PHOTO: DAN PELED/EPA

TUNISIAN JUDGES PROTEST:

Tunisian magistrates shout slogans during a protest near the parliament in the capital Tunis yesterday. Reports state the judges gathered to protest against a draft legislative initiative which they say would allow interference in the judiciary.

They are also protesting against the deterioration of working conditions in the courts.

PHOTO: MOHAMED MESSARA/EPA

HOLLANDE IN INDONESIA: French President Francois Hollande (R) and Indonesian President Joko Widodo (L) talk to Indonesian children during a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, today. Mr Hollande meet with Widodo to discuss bilateral ties between the countries. PHOTO: ADI WEDA/EPA

WORLD OBESITY RECORD:

Mexican citizen Juan Pedro, who at one time was the most obese man in the world with a record weight of 595 kg, pets a dog during a press conference in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, yesterday. Juan Pedro will undergo surgery on May 9, 2017 after having lost almost 30 percent of his bodyweight.

PHOTO: ULISES RUIZ BASURTO/EPA

BREXIT TALKS: Britain’s Ambassador to the European Union Tim Barrow (R) arrives at the

British delegation in Brussels, Belgium, today to meet with the President of the European council Donald Tusk to deliver the letter of Article 50 that will initiate Brexit. PM Theresa May signed the letter that will formally begin the UK’s departure from the European Union yesterday.

PHOTO: OLIVIER HOSLET/EPA

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 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

Family Bank profit falls by Sh2bn following social media attack Family Bank has posted a profit before tax of Sh664 million for the year ended December 2016, the lender’s top officials have said. This is down from a Sh2.9 billion pre-tax profit for a similar period the previous year.

The lender attributes the decline to a sluggish rate of lending, branch expansion and a one off cost of nearly Sh400 million relating to a staff restructuring exercise.

Family Bank CEO and MD. Dr David Thuku said the lender suffered from social media attacks but he had earlier issued a loss warning saying the results would fall by at least 25 per cent.

“We did take a hit on our bottom line arising out of the turbulence we faced last year. The sustained social media attacks which led to a significant withdrawal took a further toll on our profitability,” said Dr Thuku.

The lender was last year plagued by false rumours that it was set to be closed by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) on claims that it had a hand in the Sh791 million National Youth Service (NYS) saga. In November last year, Dr Thuku had said the bank has not lost any substantial cash as a result of panic withdrawals.

“Yes, there were a little more withdrawals than usual, but that is not abnormal. Our customers do not believe in rumours,” he said.

At the time, the bank engaged the

Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to narrow down on those who started the rumours.

Following inquiries from its customers, the bank’s management sent a text to its 1.7 million customers to assure them that their cash was safe The lender, which is fifth largest in Kenya based on its branch network of 93 outlets, is now pursuing a two

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London-based Enko Capital launches Sh20 billion Africa investment vehicle

Enko Capital, a London-based asset management company has announced the launch of a debt fund that will Family Bank Chief Executive Officer, invest solely in fixed income securities David Thuku releasing the Bank’s issued by corporates and sovereigns, 2016 financial results at the Hilton hotel today. denominated in local and hard currencies across Africa.

Photo:Edwin Gitobu/Xnews Dubbed the Enko Africa Debt Fund (EADF), the invesrment vehicle boasts $200 million (Sh20.6 billion) assets under management (AUM).

Enko Capital is an asset management company focused on investing in opportunities across Africa through three distinct platforms: Private Equity; Listed Equity and Fixed Income.

“We are pleased to broaden our Africa-focused investment strategies to include a new debt fund which will give our investors an opportunity to capture value embedded within the African fixed income landscape,” said Alain Nkontchou, Managing Partner of Enko Capital.

“The launch of EADF leads Enko Capital Group closer to its ambition of becoming the leading pan-African pronged expansion strategy, including early to attribute the loss to the bill, asset manager,” Nkontchou added. a brick and motor approach and a saying lending institutions will feel the The EADF’s strategy is aimed at heavier push towards the digital space. impact of the law some time in future. providing investors with exposure to “Our push is skewed towards digital He said the lender is in the process Africa’s relatively high fixed income platforms, mainly mobile banking of implementing its biggest yield. under the revamped Pesapap offering,” transformation programme, whose Enko Capital Group currently manages said Dr Thuku. key pillars are efficient operations, the Enko Opportunity Growth Fund Commenting on the new law capping improved customer service levels and (EOGF) and the Enko Africa Private interest rates that was introduced in having an empowered staff base to Equity Fund (EAPF). @Dennis_x254 @enock_x254 September 2016, the MD said it is too drive growth.

Trucaller adds video service to app in partnership with Google Duo Smartphone service provider, Truecaller has announced an agreement to integrate Google Duo, a high quality video calling service, within the Truecaller app. The firm has said that the move will add a crucial communications layer that strengthens the value of Truecaller’s wildly popular dialer, caller ID, and spam blocking app already used by more than 250 million users globally.

Along with news of this integration, Truecaller announced a new redesign of the Android application (app). The new design will let users see who is texting them and filter out all spam messages. Spam SMSs account for 15 per cent of all text messages sent globally, and represents 1.2 trillion spam messages each year.

Trueclaller, one of the fastest-growing apps in the world, has also introduced Flash Messaging, a service which allows users to send quick pre-defined messages to any Truecaller user to let them know if they are in distress.

“From the very beginning we have worked relentlessly to build a product that helps simplify communications for consumers

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across the globe, and help them address important needs such knowing the identity of those calling, and blocking unwanted numbers. With valuable partners like Google, we are excited to take the next step in our journey, bringing all your mobile communications under one roof and giving you the safest, most efficient, and most convenient experience possible without having to switch back and forth,” said Nami Zarringhalam, Co-founder and CSO of Truecaller.

“Video calling should work for everybody, regardless of what platform they are on. Our aim is to make video calling simple, fast, and available to everyone,” said Amit Fulay, Head of Duo at Google.

“With this Truecaller integration, we’re able to bring a better video calling experience to millions of new users,” Fulay added.

Google Duo is a simple video calling app that takes the complexity out of video calling. The service has been built to be fast and reliable, with a single button push for connecting with other users. @Dennis_x254

Banks reluctant to dish out loans to small businesses as private sector growth declines Prevailing drought conditions and a slowdown in credit growth are likely to slow down the private sector’s growth in 2017, a market perception survey the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has revealed.

The analysis found that the number of loan applications increased between September and December 2016, but stabilised in February 2017.

Loan approvals declined by 6 per cent between December 2016 and February 2017 leading to a decline in lending to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) reflecting reduced lending by large and medium banks.

While demand for credit would increase with the interest rate caps, actual credit granted would remain constant as a result of tighter credit standards, a survey of commercial bank credit officers has revealed. The move signals the impact of the interest rate caps as banks are still adjusting their business models to ensure that they remain competitive in the new environment.

The MPC further attributes the projected sluggish growth to Britain’s move to leave the European Union (Brexit) as well as the new law that capped interest rates at just 4 percentage points above the CBRs benchmark rate of 10.5 per cent. ‘’The outlook for global growth in 2017 remains uncertain largely due to the economic policies of the

new U.S. administration, the Brexit outcome, and the pace of normalizing monetary policy in the advanced economies,’’ said the Committee in a statement.

The MPC notes that the slowdown in credit growth largely reflected sector developments in trade, manufacturing, real estate, and private households, which account for 60 percent of total credit to the private sector.

The contribution of these sectors to total credit growth declined gradually to 4.6 percentage points in February 2017, from 13.6 percentage points in July 2015.

This was partly due to a slowdown in exports by the manufacturing sector, delays in registration of land titles and building approvals, and, availability of alternative external financing for key private sector projects.

The committee, which held its benchmark interest rate at 10 percentage points, says ongoing public investment in infrastructure will continue to support economic growth.

The Committee further noted that overall inflation is expected to remain outside the government target range in the near term due to the elevated food prices, even as demand pressures remain subdued. @enock_x254

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BUSINESS

Airtel unveils voice product in renewed fight for subscribers WEDNESDAY MARCH 29, 2017

Telecommunication services provider Airtel Kenya has launched a new voice product dubbed Tubonge. Airtel said the service is set to simplify the lives of subscribers by offering “more for less” and targets Kenyans from all walks of life that rely on making calls as their preferred mode of communication. The Tubonge tariff is available to all new and existing prepaid customers.

There are 3 Tubonge offers; a daily offer for Sh10 valid for 24 hours, a weekly offer for Sh50 valid for 7 days and a monthly offer that goes for Sh150 and valid for 30 days. All Tubonge offers come with 100 minutes for Airtel to Airtel calls per day and a Sh2 calling rate to any other network.

Speaking at a launch event for the product, Airtel Kenya CEO, Prasanta Das Sarma stated that Tubonge is aimed at “making the lives of the local Wananchi easier as it offers affordability and convenience thus making Airtel the preferred telecommunications service provider.‎” To opt in on the new offer, customers will be required to dial *544# and choose the first option, which gives them the various categories for daily, weekly or monthly offers. The telecommunications firm said the launch of Tubonge continues to stamp Airtel’s commitment to offer innovative and value for money products and services to its customers.

“Our customers remain at the core of our business and as such we are delighted to be launching a product that will in essence make their lives simple by giving them value for money while meeting all their communication needs. We endeavour to keep giving our customers the very best products and services that will positively

impact their lives,” said the CEO. “We will continue to heavily invest in the Kenyan market and ensure that our customers enjoy affordable and innovative products and services,” he added.

Airtel Managing Director Prasanta Dar Sarma speaks to bodaboda operators, explaining how to use the new product.

photo by Edwin Gitobu/Xnews

@kevin_x254

Ocean economy will help Kenya achieve Vision 2030 agenda, says Secretary-General Kituyi Oceans and their resources have vast potential to unlock growth, wealth and support the implementation of Kenya’s Vision 2030 Agenda, UNCTAD Secretary-General Dr Mukhisa Kituyi has said.

Their resources can be used to implement the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) not only in Kenya but across the globe as well.

Kituyi has warned, however, that human activity has taken a toll on oceanic health.

The Secretary-General says that oceans connect people, markets and livelihoods and are a conduit for 90 per cent of world trade.

“It has also been estimated that the oceans economy generates over 350 million jobs, worth $3.6 trillion (Sh370.8trillion) a year, proving employment and food security to many of the world’s poorest and hungriest people,’’ said Dr Kituyi.

The 2016 edition of an analysis titled the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reveals that over 31 per cent of global fish stocks have been estimated as being depleted at biologically unsustainable levels.

Dr Kituyi has expressed dissatisfaction with regard to subsidies for fishing, which are contributing to the rapid depletion of many fish species. He said they are preventing efforts to save and restore global fisheries and related jobs, causing ocean fisheries to generate $50 billion (Sh5.2 trillion) less per year than they could.

“Overfishing persists despite decades of effort to manage fisheries so that stocks are successfully conserved at sustainable levels,” he said.

Target 4 of SDG 14, which addresses the health

of oceans, specifically recognizes the need to end overfishing and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. It also envisages the end of destructive fishing practices and the implementation of science-based management plans to restore fish stocks by 2020, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics.

Global estimates of the cost of IUU fishing have been valued between $10 billion (Sh1 trillion) and $23.5 billion (Sh2.4 trillion) annually in unlawful or undocumented revenue, representing between 11 and 26 million tonnes of fish. It has also been estimated that the poor management of fisheries squanders roughly $80 billion (Sh8.2 trillion) annually due to lost economic potential.

As such, Dr Kituyi has urged all the world’s nations to strive to make the oceans places of safety and sustainability of maritime activities for all humankind.

“Human-induced problems need human solutions.

We must all come together and scale up effort and cooperation to find solutions,” he said. @enock_x254

Investment firm Kuramo acquires 24.99 stake in TransCentury The Board of Directors of TransCentury Limited (TCL) has announced the completion of the acquisition of 24.99 per cent shareholding in TCL by Kuramo Africa Opportunity Kenyan Vehicle Limited (Kuramo Capital) in exchange for an allotment of shares in TCL following regulatory approvals.

In September last year, TransCentury’s Board approved a capital injection of Sh2 billion by investment firm Kuramo to help deal with its financial challenges.

The company was due to pay money it owed to bondholders on March 25, 2017 or convert the debt into equity but did not have the cash. The shareholders on the other hand refused to have their stakes diluted leading to the Capital Markets Authority warning of default.

The Board of Directors has now proceeded to allot 93,776,173 new ordinary shares in TCL to Kuramo Capital. These new shares have been allotted to Kuramo Capital with effect from 3rd April 2017.

The Board also announced the appointment of three new Non-Executive Directors with immediate effect. The new Non Executives, Shaka Kariuki, Walé F. Adeosun, CFA and Kamal Pallan, will work to push the transcentury agenda owing to their wide experience and knowledge in their fields. Walé F. Adeosun, CFA. Is currently the Founder and the Chief Investment Officer of Kuramo Capital Management, LLC. Previously, Walé was Treasurer and CIO at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

He led RPI’s increased investment in alternative investments, spearheading RPI’s investment effort in emerging frontier markets, including Africa.

Shaka Kariuki is currently the Co-CEO of Kuramo Capital Management, LLC. Previously, Shaka served in a number of leadership roles at Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators (DMBA), most recently as Head of Global Equity Markets across asset classes, Head of Fixed Income, and Portfolio Manager of Global Private Equity. Shaka also headed the investments of DMBA Affiliates in Developed and Emerging Markets (UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Philippines, Samoa), including Africa.

Kamal Pallan is a Partner and the Chief Operating Officer of Kuramo Capital Management, LLC. Previously, Kamal served in a number of different executive roles at JPMorgan, most recently as Managing Director for the Global Custody business in the Americas. He was also a Product Executive in JPMorgan’s ADR business where he led the issuance of GDRs and ADRs for companies from emerging and frontier markets.

TransCentury said the new board members bring a wealth of experience and expertise that cuts across key markets and sectors. “We are pleased to welcome the new directors whose skills and experience fit perfectly with TransCentury’s strategic focus across the region,” TCL’s Chairman, Mr Zeph Mbugua, said. @kevin_x254

BUSINESS 9

Treasury may use a third of 2017/2018 budget to pay government workers WEDNESDAY MARCH 29, 2017

Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, Henry Rotich is set to unveil the key macro-economic and fiscal measures which the Government shall implement in the 2017/2018 financial year on March 30, 2017 to the National Assembly. Ahead of the budget release, a range of macro-economic and tax specific issues reflects the current state of the economy. The global economy grew by a modest 3 per cent, affected by significant events and uncertainties such as the referendum that paved way for the exit of United Kingdom from the European Union (Brexit) and the US election as well as stagnating global trade, softening global commodity markets and slower growth in developing economies. The Kenyan economy, though struggling, has remained resilient registering strong economic growth of 6.2 per cent in 2016 compared to the average growth of 4 per cent for Sub Saharan Africa.

Up until early 2017, inflation and foreign exchange rates remained relatively stable. Inflation has however risen sharply to just over 9 per cent up from 7 per cent a year ago. The shilling has also devalued marginally against the US dollar in January, February and March of 2017.

With the National Government projecting to spend 29 per cent of its revenues on wages and salaries as compared to 29.2 per cent in Financial Year 2016/17, the ratios demonstrate the commitment to the fiscal responsibility principle of ensuring that the expenditure on wages and benefits for public officers shall not exceed a percentage of the national government revenue.

It is however important for the government to tame unrest from civil servants. Some of the strikes experienced in the last four months including the doctor’s strike, lecturers strike and nurse’s strike need to be addressed to ensure the health sector is not brought to its knees. Industry experts recommend that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) in structuring the job grade scale should ensure all the civil servants are fairly remunerated consequently reducing the frequency of strikes.

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, Henry Rotich.

The government claims to have continued the fight against corruption and its adverse effects to the economy, which include inefficiency, low productivity and high costs of doing business. There is need to introduce stern measures to deal with corruption, which include continuous and objective lifestyle audits for all Accounting Officers and prosecution of the culprits.

Only in this way will the country see its economy grow steadily. Kenya’s debt ratio - when compared with the internationally recognized threshold - continues to show that the country’s debt level remains sustainable. However there is need for the government to put in place measures that will ensure sustainable debt and improvement in expenditure management.

Measures need to be put in place that will close the gap between revenue and expenditure while at the same time, providing sufficient room to finance development expenditure so as to sustain equitable growth. Development expenditures have been shared out on the basis of the Vision 2030 Medium Term Plans and strategic interventions.

Emphasis has been given to completion of ongoing capital projects and in particular infrastructure projects with high impact on poverty reduction, equity and employment creation. .

In addition, according to government records, policy interventions covering the entire nation, regional integration, social equity and environmental conservation have been given priority.

This reflects on the government’s commitment towards improving infrastructure in the country.

Drought and famine have affected many parts of the country with the government declaring a national disaster and calling for aid to counter the situation. It is necessary for the state to intervene on this matter both in the short term and in the long run since it has a direct impact on Kenya’s economic performance and its largest sector – agriculture. Experts say that subdued performance in this sector will have significant impact on the overall economy.

Due to the recently introduced interest rate capping on loans and deposits, the banking sector has reduced its appetite to lend. With the reduced credit to the private sector and low income households, Kenya’s growth prospects could worsen. Although this was a good move in terms of making debt finance more affordable, the government in its budgeting needs to address the issue to ensure that the economy remains stable.

Taxation

The National Treasury announced the commencement of the review of the present Income Tax Act in order to make it productive, enhance tax compliance and improve revenue collection. The main objective of the exercise according to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is to ensure that the Act embraces international best practice and aligns itself with the changes in the present business environment.

As the review progresses, the government needs to ensure that some of the provisions and inconsistencies in the current income tax law are eliminated. Such provisions include: Compensating tax, Thin capitalisation provisions as well as Deemed interest provisions.

The Finance Act 2016 further introduced a lower corporate rate tax of 15 per cent (down from 30 per cent) for residential estate developers who construct at least 400 units per year.

The government is yet to introduce guidelines on these provisions to meet a realistic threshold. The same Act introduced a provision in the Tax Procedures Act 2015, which grants tax amnesty to tax payers who earn taxable income from foreign sources. The Amnesty gives the right to tax payers to declare their foreign income on or

before December 31, 2017 in respect of any year ending on or before December 31, 2016. The provisions relating to the Amnesty came into force on January 1, 2017.

On March 8, 2017, KRA issued the Foreign Income & Assets Tax Amnesty Guidelines 2017 (The Guidelines).

However, certain sections are not clear and are inconsistent with the Kenyan Income Tax Law. Experts have said that these inconsistencies need to be addressed urgently to allow any meaningful benefit to be derived from the proposed Amnesty.

The re-introduction of capital gains tax (CGT) that was effected from January 1, 2015 has over time been a great hindrance in business. The Finance Act 2015 introduced a provision that required the seller of a property to pay CGT in respect of property transferred on or before the date of application for transfer of the property is made at the relevant Lands Office. This provision adversely affects the transactions because sellers are not able to make tax payments before completing asset sales. It is also difficult to ascertain the amount of capital gains tax due before completion of a sale transaction and this process leaves no room for the offset of capital losses on other transactions.

Whilst a recent court ruling seeks to clarify this, there is need to address the KRA advance CGT regulation to ensure that it is in line with the ruling and the overall intention of the law.

To widen its tax base, the government needs to focus more on increasing indirect taxes and reducing direct taxes. Indirect taxes are primarily driven by consumption of products which will always have a high demand among the entire population regardless of wealth and status. Similarly, there is need to re-evaluate the Withholding VAT provision since it seems to be counterproductive. This provision is constraining cash flows for taxpayers and compounding the already existing VAT refunds backlog. It is also a significant administrative burden for which there is no recompense. @kevin_x254

Total Kenya posts Sh3.9 billion pre-tax profit buoyed by operational efficiency Oil and gas company Total Kenya has announced a pre-tax profit of Sh3.94 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of 50.3 per cent from the previous year. The rise in pre-tax profit from Sh2.62 billion reported at the end of 2015 was driven by prudent cost management and sustained operational efficiency, Total officials confirmed. The listed Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed firm said its total assets increased from Sh34.22 billion in 2015 to Sh36.18 billion last year.

Profit after tax increased by 38 per cent from Sh1.62 billion in 2015 to Sh2.23

billion.

“The improved financial performance has mainly been driven by action plans set by management to grow the business in all segments, effective management of working capital requirements, costs, cash, and investments in safety and profitable business ventures,” said Total Kenya Managing Director, AnneSolange Renouard.

A drop in international oil prices led to a decrease of 26 per cent in net sales.

The effective cost of sales management and stronger focus on more profitable business segments in 2016 led to

increase in gross margins by 12 per cent from Sh6.99 billion in 2015 to Sh7.85 billion last year.

The country’s leading oil and gas marketer said other income increased

by Sh197 million as a result of growth in rental income and non-forecourt activities.

“As a key objective set by management, operating expenses were closely managed and were controlled at below inflation growth. Net finance income grew by sh 36 million resulting from effective cash management,” Renouard said at her office at Regal Plaza along

Limuru Road.

Due to the stability of the Kenya shilling against the US dollar, the company’s foreign exchange (forex) loss was lower at Sh22 million compared to Sh320 million in 2015.

Investments in long-term assets totalling Sh1.54 billion were made in the year, in line with the strategy to develop the business in the core activities and to continue to tap on business opportunities. This was done in full compliance with the safety and environmental requirements and standards.

Renouard said the macro-economic environment remained quite stable last year compared to the volatile 2015 with both petroleum prices and the Kenyan shilling contributing to the stability.

The Directors have recommended the payment of a first and final dividend of Sh1.06 per share for the year compared to Sh0.77 per share paid in 2015. This proposed pay out represents an increase of 38 percent as compared to 2015 and is subject to the shareholders’ approval at the 63rd Annual General Meeting to be held on June 16, this year. @kevin_x254

10

Motoring Deals

Vehicle sales plummet as banks cut back on lending to high risk borrowers WEDNESDAY MARCH 29, 2017

Vehicle sales have continued to plummet following a government directive to put a cap on bank lending rates mid last year.

The number of new vehicles sold in the first two months of 2017 fell by 35 per cent, a recent reporat by the Kenya Motor Industry Association has found.

The Association found that only 808 units were sold during the period under review, down from 1,243 units in February last year.

Kenya’s vehicle industry has been negatively affected by recent moves by banks to reduce lending to the private sector, as they shift their focus more towards investing in government

securities.

It has since emerged that most vehicle buyers rely on bank loans to make their purchases, but the capping of interest rates in August last year has led to reduced loans to the private sector.

The move has been exacerbated by the fact that US-based vehicle distributor, General Motors (GM) is planning to exit the East African region in April.

GM will sell its entire 57.7 per cent stake in General Motors East Africa (GMEA) to Japan-based vehicle maker, Isuzu Motors Ltd, marking an end to its operations in the region spanning more than four decades.

GMEA Chairman Mario A.

Spangenberg described the sale as a natural next step for the business given that about 95 per cent of its sales in Kenya are Isuzu products.

“We are responding to a request from Isuzu, which will enable it to be fully integrated into the company and apply more focus on its brand,” he explained.

Once the sale is concluded, GM is likely to withdrawal the Chevrolet franchise from GMEA which will now be known as Isuzu East Africa.

But Mr Spangenberg said Isuzu will continue to offer aftersales and service support to its Chevrolet customers.

“We have planned a training programme for Kenyan staff and technical support from our mother plant to further enhance quality and production. We will also focus on the aftersales business, where we see many opportunities,” Isuzu Motor’s Shinsuke Minami said.

General Motors saw its February 2017 sales close at 261 units compared to 403 units sold in a similar period in 2016.

GMEA controls a 32.6 per cent stake in the market despite a 0.3 point drop from last year’s 32.9 per cent share.

Toyota, another market leader in Kenya,

saw its sales dropped by 9.5 per cent year-on-year to 362 units compared to 399 units sold in February last year.

Meanwhile, vehicle distributor, Simba Colt sold 258 units down from 481 units by February 2016, a 46.4 per cent drop. CMC sold 121 units down from 231 sold in a similar period in last year.

DT Dobie sold 71 units down from 111 units, Tata sold 99 from 107 units while Crown sold 76 units, a 32 per cent drop from last years’ 112 units. Other models accounted for 69 units a drop from last February’s 177. @Dennis_x254

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Isuzu Canters are parked after being assembled at the at the General Motors East Africa assembly line in Nairobi, Kenya, March 22, 2017. Japanese automaker Isuzu Motors announced on 28 February 2017 that it will acquire 57.7 percent stake from the US auto giant General Motors’s East Africa unit.

EPA/DANIEL IRUNGU

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NISSAN PATROL 2000 750K

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TOYOTA MARKX 2008 1.38M

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TOYOTA AURIS2008 1.18M

NOTE 2008 680K

LEGACY 2009 1.55M

PRADO20052.5M

Range rover TDV8 2009 6.55 VW GTI 2008 1.45M

MERCEDES B CLASS 2009 1.45M

HONDA CRV 2008 2.2M

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TOYOTA SURF 2004 1.6M

MAZDA DEMIO 2008 685

A-PLUS MOTORS LTD Bmw X5 KBU diesel grey fully loaded 1.99M also BMW 320i series 06 mdl N/shape P/White 1.24M also KBK black manual 690K Trade in OK 0701656750 Mitsubishi Lancer KAJ manual Silver v/clean Asian owner 329K Trade in OK 0727515312 Nissan bluebird Sylphy 09 mdl KCH Light blue 1.13M also Nissan slylphy KBM Silver V/clean 520K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0701565750 Nissan B14 & B15 KAL,KAY,KBN,KBP & KBQ Manual & Auto V/clean from 340K Trade in OK 0724571990 Nissan wingroad KBN 450K also 08 mdl Silver 790K 0722772433 Nissan Datsun 1200 pickup 07 mdl local manual petrol v/clean 495K Trade in OK 0723577726 Nissan Teana 08 mdl black KCG 1.19M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0722543012 Nissan Navara double cab pick up KBW Black with alloy rims V/clean1.63M Trade in OK 0725928084 Nissan Note 08 mdl Black 790K also KBU 06 mdls 490K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0727515312 Toyota Landcruiser pickup 06 & 09 mdls local white & beige from 1.99M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0722543012

“Driving that suits you”

Nissan Xtrail 08 mdl Red with alloy rims 1.58M also KBM silver V/clean 750K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0722772433

Subaru Forester 08 mdl black with Sun/Moon roof 1.85M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0725563142

Honda CRV 08 mdl P/white 2.1M also RD2 KAW Gold/ black V/clean from 650K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0724571990

Subaru Outback 09 mdl Grey 1.75M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0714903606

Honda fit 09 mdl new shape KCH Silver 849K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0701656750 Hino Dutro truck hybrid engine very economical with freezer body 2.19M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0724571990 Isuzu D-Max Pick Up 09 & 2010mdls from 1.65M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0714903606 Isuzu NPR KBX local 2013 mdl like new high sided v/clean 2.29M also KBP with freezer body 1.49M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0725563142 Subaru Legacy new shape 09 mdl black 1.82M also KBA, KBF & KBL White/Orange/Pearl v/ clean from 550K Trade in OK 0725928084

Suzuki Escudo KBQ auto Pearl 7 seater V/clean 890K Trade in OK 0727515312 Tata Super ace pickup 2010 mdl local diesel manual 450K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0725928084 T/Ractis 09 mdl Silver 890K Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0723577726 Toyota Carib Silver Manual KAQ One owner v/clean 450K Trade in OK 0727515312 Toyota NZE Silver KBH V/Clean 690K Trade in OK 0722772433. owner v/clean 450K Trade in OK 0727515312 Toyota Harrier new import 09 & 2010 mdl black & white 2.65M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0722772433

Subaru Impreza n/shape 09 mdls silver 1.19M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0714903606

Toyota Axio 08 mdl p/white with alloy rims from 1.12M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0722543012

Toyota Premio Corona 7A engine KAY Grey V/clean 550K also 08 & 09 mdls from 1.42M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0714903606

Toyota Chaser P/white KAZ V/Clean 550K Trade in OK 0714903606e KAY Grey V/clean 550K also 08 & 09 mdls from 1.42M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0714903606

Motoring Deals 11 WEDNESDAY MARCH 29, 2017

Toyota Probox 08 & 2010 White & Blue from 840K also KBU p/ white v/clean 540K also T/Succeed KBX diesel manual 620K Trade in OK 0725928084 Toyota wish 09 mdl grey latest shape from 1.49M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0725928084 Toyota Rav4 05,08 & 09 mdls auto Green,Black & Sky Blue from 1.35M Trade in OK 80% Finance 0710656750 Toyota Land cruiser VX KBE P/white fully loaded with height control & Sun/moon roof V/clean 2.49M also KAV VX with leather interior & alloy rims 2.39M Trade in OK 0724571990 Toyota Mark X 2010 mdl latest shape P/white 1.89M also 08 mdl Silver & Pearl fully loaded from 1.19M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0725928084 Toyota hilux double cabs 08,09 & 2010 mdls auto & manual Black, Silver & White with canopy/ facelifted to 2016 shape from 3.09M Trade in OK 80% Finance Arranged 0720217583

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JULIE GICHURU’S MARRIAGE TO HUSBAND ANTHONY HAS BEEN PRIED OPEN AND DISSECTED NUMEROUS TIMES.

WHAT IS WITH THIS OBSESSION WITH

Julie Gichuru

12

EXECUTIVE OFFICE FURNITURE

girls?

Wanting to know what your favourite celebrity is up to is perfectly natural. highest followings on social media.

Betty Kyallo

that we could only imagine what they get up to in their day to day. When it comes to TV girls, the obsessiveness seems misplaced.

Celebrities ‘sell’ themselves, whereas trained journalists, sell their stories.

It seems there is some general mystique behind the media world but in this country female anchors and hosts get all the attention. If a male TV host gets a moment in the spotlight it is never for very long and no matter how scandalous the reason might be, everyone forgets it 2 weeks later. Female hosts on the other hand have every little detail of their lives scrutinized.

CLASSIFIE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017

Lilian Muli

Well for one they do tend to be attractive her husband Moses Kanene in 2016. But and we have seen these rankings go around even with the split her actions on TV have that level a number of notable female TV leather hosts against each other. Janet Mbugua, guests to framing others for wrong doings. Stackable chair Sh. 6000 Lilian Muli and Julie Gichuru have had a High back sleek chair Sh.15000 hold on the industry and these pointless lists Betty Kyallo’s marriage might have dissolved, mesh for a while and so have newer TV anchors she was soon accusedMid-Back of gallivanting with chair Sh.8000 like Betty Kyallo, Edith Kimani and Victoria a prominent politician while Victoria Also on offer are Executive office Tables and chairs Rubadiri and along with the fame has come Rubadiri was shamed for bearing a child many scandals. while she was still very young.

Julie Gichuru’s marriage to husband It is not so much that these things happening Anthony has been pried open and dissected is shocking, but that we feel the need to know everything about the women on TV. that might have died down but continues We seem to forget that they are human too.more Even Catherine Kasavuli was to murmur along is one of her enduring beingsFor details;contact us on in a web of gossip involving years of spousal abuse. Lilian Muli also entangled0703212008/0733486360 has had a marriage that has been under a popular musician and a president.

Larry Madowo airs every much scrutiny. To be fair though, airing her MeanwhileEmail:info@executivefurniture.com wedding on national TV might not have move he makes on the regular been the best idea. She reportedly divorced and no one really cares. @christine_x254

@kevin_x254

HOT TOPICS

L

egendary singer Bebe Cool has dropped the video of his latest song titled “18 N Over”. The song that depicts a softer side of the reggae/ ragga artiste not really known for writing ‘love’ songs is a transformation that gives the artiste a fresh breath of air in the East African music industry. The release of the music video marks the comeback of the artiste who has been struggling to stay afloat in the Ugandan music scene following a takeover

by Leone island musicians under Dr Jose Chameleone.

releases 18 n over

sheds off baby fat, flaunts selfies on social media Wife to celebrated East African music star Diamond Platnumz, Zari Hassan, has graced social media with photos of her baby fat loss three months after she delivered a baby boy. The socialite who is arguably the East African Kim Kardashian is known for working out to keep her body in great shape. Taking to Instagram to showcase her progress, the beauty literally broke the internet with her photos attracting high views in the first half hour of posting. She captioned the photos; ‘You can achieve it if you put your mind onto it then implement it. #HerbalLife.

Beckham unrecognisable in King Arthur movie make-up Football legend turned actor David Beckham is clearly taking his cameo in director Guy Ritchie’s upcoming King Arthur: Legend of the Sword seriously, undergoing some dramatic makeup work.

The handsome 41-year-old athlete shared a preview of his look on Tuesday 28th March, showing off his rotting teeth and scarred face and he was unrecognisable.

Beckham will make a cameo as a disgruntled knight in Ritchie’s film, which stars Charlie Hunnam as King Arthur.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017

THE CAFFEINE IN COFFEE INCREASES BRAIN ACTIVITY AND STIMULATES THE PRODUCTION OF ADRENALINE

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BODY WHEN YOU DRINK COFFEE? T here’s a reason why people get fixated with coffee. The drink seems to go with every meal especially with breakfast or as a whole breakfast. Coffee is a stimulant and because of that it really does give you a hit in the morning to get you up and ready for the day.

The caffeine in coffee increases brain activity and stimulates the production of adrenaline and as we know adrenaline is generally produced when experiencing intense emotions.

It causes an increase in blood flow to

ED7 essential things every GUEST ROOM

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We will all have to play gracious host at one time or another so to make your guest’s stay pleasant here are some things they definitely need.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

muscles and makes you alert.

Caffeine reportedly has a half-life in consumption. SELF states, ‘In most people, caffeine’s half-life is 4 to 6 hours. It takes about 6 hours to reduce the amount of caffeine in our blood by about 50 percent.’

Meaning it wouldn’t be advisable to drink coffee in the afternoon because it

needs overlooked. I you don’t have a closet with a mirror already installed in the guest room, a portable one that could be easily moved around is a great idea.

Additional lighting could be extremely useful if your guest happens to be a

night owl. A desk lamp on the bed stand will ensure that no one else is affected by the light but your guest is comfortable

around with a phone and they a generally have a digital clock in them, in case of anything have a clock on the bed stand.

in their space. ●TOILETRIES Let’s not forget that your guests will need

●CLEAN TOWELS

These are incredibly useful and your guest will appreciate that you set them out. Remember to

to freshen up at some point. Provide a

few essentials that they would be using during the span of the visit such as tissues and toothpaste. You could opt for

place them in an area where they can easily spot them.

●EXTRA BEDDING Temperatures do fluctuate at night and in the event that your guest might need something extra

travel size ones for convenience sake.

●GARBAGE CAN Obviously nobody likes a cluttered living area so a dustbin would help your guest

to keep them warm, set them out before they come knocking at your door.

get rid of whatever trash they might have

●A MIRROR This one might seem obvious but could be

accrued during the stay.

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might cause insomnia if taken later in the day. Caffeine despite being one of the few socially acceptable stimulants works like any other drug. Coffee aids in the release of the feel-good chemical dopamine in our brains. It is quite adductive and can therefore lead to withdrawal if consumption is suddenly stopped. According to Healthline symptoms of caffeine withdrawal include anxiety, irritability, and drowsiness.

In some people, sudden withdrawal may cause tremors. As with everything though moderation is key.

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BROOKS GHOST 9

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NEW BALANCE VAZEE PACE V2

New Balance sneakers have become a household brand and with good reason. Here are the details, ‘The responsive, lightweight REVlite midsole has been fortified with more blown rubber to up durability and energize every stride. A breathable air mesh forefoot with no-sew overlays is designed to allow your toes to splay freely and comfortably at toe off.

And the shoe’s sleek bootie construction continues to provide the snug, second-skin like fit that made the first version a runner favorite.’

ADIDAS DURAMO 7

A ‘budget’ shoe that looks expensive Adidas Duramo 7 might be your best shot when looking for a quick fix, ‘these women’s running shoes give you a little extra push with every step. They have ADIPRENE® cushioning that keeps you moving forward and feature a breathable mesh upper and a soft EVA sockliner.’

NIKE AIR ZOOM PEGASUS 33

Another household name Nike’s shoes do not come cheap but they are worth it if you are looking for quality. ‘The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 33 Men’s Running Shoe provides a perfect fit, fast feel and responsive cushioning that will help you pick up the pace and focus on your speed.’

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SPORT WEDNESDAY MARCH 29, 2017 AERIAL DUEL: Toni Sunjic (R) of Bosnia and Herzegovina battle for the ball with Bekim Balaj of Albania (L) during their international friendly match at Elbasan Arena stadium in Elbasan, Albania, last evening.

Bosnia and Herzegovina won the match 2-1.

Photo: VALDRIN XHEMAJEPA

Argentina’s Angel Di Maria reacts after their loss to Bolivia in the FIFA Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying round at Hernando Siles stadium in La Paz, Bolivia, last night.

PHOTO: JORGE ABREGO/EPA

Ingwe’s ‘western derby’ with Nzoia now moved to Machakos The anticipated derby between domestic giants AFC Leopards and their Western region counterparts Nzoia United this Saturday has been moved to Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos with both coaches expressing confidence ahead of the clash.

Both teams are going into the match undefeated although AFC Leopards have aonly played one game this season.

Nzoia carried their NSL winning form last season into the top flight where they got off to a flyer with a 5-2 demolition of KPL champions Tusker FC in their opening fixture before their goalless draw against Mathare United a week later.

Ingwe, the second most successful club in the country, come into the clash on the back of a resounding 3-0 win over Nakumatt FC in their opener and will be seeking to build momentum for what would be a 13th domestic title.

Nzoia United head coach Benard Mwalala says despite the distance his side will be going for a positive result from the derby. His counterpart, Englishman Stewart Hall said they cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.

“That is one match fans of both teams are so much looking forward to. It is surely going to be a big match,” said Mwalala.

He lamented the rescheduling of the fixture which was initially set for Mumias saying the distance to the new venue could work in favour of their oppoennets.

“It could have been a lot easier for us to play the match let say at the Mumias Stadium or Kisumu.

But you know how these things work, we are not the home team,” Mwalala whose said are based in Mumias said.

Ordinarily, the fixture would have been played at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi but the facility is unavailable because of renovation.

Leopards through chairman Dan Mule said they opted to shift the match to the Kenyatta Stadium due to its geographical convenience for their Nairobi-based fans.

“We have a large following in Nairobi and therefore it will be easy for them to access the stadium and get back home,” Mule said.

He, however, ruled out the possibility of adopting

the venue as their home stadium for the rest of the season as they seek to establish their best fit.

“We are ready for the threat posed by their highly potent rivals who made headlines last term when they literally stormed into the top flight, losing only two of their 38 National Super league (NSL) matches,” said Hall. @amos_x254

Nzoia FC players celebrate after scoring against KPL defending champions Tusker FC during their opening match at Thika Stadium two weeks ago. The team will take on AFC Leopards in Machakos this weekend.

PHOTO: CAPITAL FM

Olympic committee passes constitution to avoid IOC ban The National Olympics Committee-Kenya (Nock) officials yesterday voted in favour of adopting a revised constitution during an Extra Ordinary Meeting held at the national body’s headquarters in Nairobi and subsequently evade an impending ban from the world governing body International Olympics committee (IOC) The new constitution received an overwhelming 29 out of 29 votes as the besieged officials kept their word to back reforms following a financial freeze and possible further sanctions as instigated by the IOC. The election date has been set for May 5.

It now paves way for the setting of a date for fresh Nock elections that could spell the end of the long reign of senior Executives led by President and Olympics Laureate, Dr. Kipchoge Keino.

The initial reluctance by most of the incumbent Nock Executive to support the constitution stemmed from the fact it bars them from voting during elective assemblies besides imposing a two-term limit.

In the sidelines, Ekumbo attempted to downplay the magnitude of the sanctions that awaited the national body and subsequently the country as he blamed the press for misreporting on the matter.

The official sensationally denied the IOC had withheld all funding to Nock early March in response to an earlier vote that shot down a vote to amend its constitution.

He is among four top Nock bosses facing court action related to the Rio 2016 Olympics fiasco where charges of theft by servant, embezzlement, and theft of kit meant for Team Kenya were preferred by the State.

Chef-de-Mission for Team Kenya to the Rio 2016 Olympics, Stephen arap Soi, First Vice-chairman, Ben Ekumbo and Ochieng are also out on bail on similar charges where millions of shillings meant for the team. Their case is still in court.

SPORT 15 WEDNESDAY MARCH 29, 2017

Video in use as Spain win France friendly Video technology was used to correct two wrong decisions as Spain beat France in a friendly in Paris.

France striker Antoine Griezmann had a goal ruled out by a video assistant referee for offside.

And Spain’s second goal, scored by Gerard Deulofeu, was awarded by the video official after an assistant referee wrongly flagged for offside.

David Silva opened the scoring for Spain with a penalty after Laurent Koscielny fouled Deulofeu.

Griezmann had earlier had a headed goal ruled out when referee Felix Zwayer reversed his initial decision after receiving a message in his earpiece from the video assistant referee, who was sat in a truck outside the Stade de France.

Replays showed Layvin Kurzawa was narrowly offside when he headed the ball to Griezmann, with the decision to overturn the goal made in about 30 seconds.

Deulofeu’s goal - from a Jordi Alba cross - was awarded after a conversation between the referee and the video assistant that lasted about a minute.

Video assistant technology was first used in September, in France’s 3-1 friendly win in Italy.

It was then used at the Fifa Club World Cup, and the Football Association wants to use it in next season’s FA Cup from the third round onwards.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino would like the system to be used at the World Cup in Russia next year.

Elsewhere in other friendlies played across Europe, Cristiano Ronaldo scored on his home island of Madeira, a day before the local airport is to be named in his honour, as Portugal surrendered a

Spain’s Gerard Deulofeu (C) is congratulated by teammates after his goal was allowed to stand by the video assistant during their international friendly match against France at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris, last night.

PHOTO: YOAN VALAT/EPA

two-goal lead to lose to Sweden 3-2.

Portugal led through Ronaldo’s 71st international strike and an Andreas Granqvist own goal.

But a Viktor Claesson double and Cavaco Cancelo’s

injury-time own goal secured a remarkable turnaround for the Swedes.

In Amsterdam, the Netherlands were beaten by Italy in their first game since the sacking of head

coach Danny Blind.

The Dutch, led by interim manager Fred Grim, went ahead as Quincy Promes’ deflected shot wrong-footed 18-year-old Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

But the visitors responded almost immediately as Eder drove in a low strike to level. Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci pounced on Jeroen Zoet’s handling error to give Italy victory in the friendly.

Miles away in Sochi, Christian Benteke scored a double as Belgium as Russia drew in a six goal thriller in their international friendly.

Russia, World Cup hosts in 2018, led when Viktor Vasin side-footed home. But Everton’s Kevin Mirallas levelled for the visitors, who took a 3-1 lead into the break with two headers from Crystal Palace striker Benteke.

Aleksey Miranchuk pulled one back with 15 minutes to go before Aleksandr Bukharov’s 92ndminute leveller.

Russia, who qualified for the World Cup automatically as hosts, have now won just one of their last five games, having suffered defeats by Costa Rica, Qatar and Ivory Coast in the last six months.

In other matches, Estonia pulled a surprise by thrashing Croatia 3-0 in Tallin while Macedonia also achieved a similar victory over Belarus at home in Skopje. Cape Verde shocked Luxembourg 2-0 away in Hesparange while Georgia also thrashed Latvia 5-0 at home in Tbilisi.

Iceland beat Republic of Ireland 1-0 in Dublin and Bosnia and Herzegovina won 2-1 away in Albania.

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VIDEO TECHNOLOGY PROVES CRUCIAL IN TWO DECISIONS AS SPAIN BEAT FRANCE IN PARIS

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World Cup 2018: Brazil first team in Russia tourney

Brazil’s Neymar celebrates after scoring the second goal during their FIFA Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying round against Paraguay at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil, earlier today. Brazil won 3-0 to seal their place in Russia.

PHOTO: FERNANDO BIZERRA JR/EPA

Coutinho, Neymar and full-back Marcelo all score as the five-time World Champions booked their place, the same day archrival Argentina heightened its risk of missing a spot at the global football bonanza after a loss in Bolivia.

B

razil became the first team to book their place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia after they beat Paraguay 3-0 at home to set an unassailable lead at the top of South American qualifier standings.

The win, coupled with Uruguay’s 2-1 loss to Peru in Lima early today means Brazil has booked their place at the 2018 global football bonanza.

And while the five-time World Champions are partying, their South American rivals Argentina are staring at the risk of missing out following their 2-0 defeat in Bolivia.

The team playing without suspended star Lionel Messi are now fifth on the log with just four matches remaining after a loss in the altitude of La Paz. Brazil moved to 33 points from 14 matches in the qualifying table with Colombia moving into second spot with a 2-0 victory at ten-man Ecuador in Quito.

Chile who won 3-1 at home against Venezuela are on fourth with 23 points just behind Uruguay on

goal difference, Argentina are fifth and Ecuador slipped out to sixth with the loss to Colombia.

Only the top four teams earn direct places at the World Cup with the fifth-ranked South American team going into a playoff against a team from Oceania for a spot in Russia.

In Sao Paulo, a resurgent Brazil squad under new management sounded a warning ahead of next year’s global showpiece with their eighth straight win in the qualifiers.

The atmosphere at the Corinthians Arena was party-like for the 44,000 fans in attendance for another Brazil masterclass.

All three goals that took Brazil to the next World Cup showed either great skill or consistent teamwork and showed more evidence that it will be one of the favorites for the title.

Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho ran to the right flank and counted on Paulinho’s dummy pass to give him space to send the ball in from the edge

of the box for the host’s opener after just 33 minutes.

Brazil got the chance to make it 2-0 on the 53rd minutes after a superb run by Neymar ended in a controversial penalty. But the Brazilian captain of the day missed his first clear opportunity to score.

He however atoned for his mistake ten minutes later when he ran behind three adversaries to score.

Fullback Marcelo put the icing on the cake after Neymar and Coutinho exchanged passes, found Paulinho at the edge of the box before the Guangzhou Evergrande midfielder gave his second assist to the real Madrid defender in front of the keeper with just five minutes remaining.

Football Club. The crowd at Arena Corinthians ended the game chanting Tite’s name, which put tears in the eyes of the Brazil coach.

After he learned the result in Lima and that Brazil had secured the World Cup spot, Tite raised his hands to the sky at the end of his press conference and said: “Thank you, dear God.”

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