MOnday, FeBRUaRy 6, 2017 | www.x254.cO
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TRUMP ATTACKS US JUDGE AFTER BAN IS HALTED PRESIDENT TWEETS HIS ANGER AFTER COURT TEMPORARILY STOPS HIS EXECUTIVE ORDER BANNING ENTRY INTO THE COUNTRY FOR NATIONALS FROM SEVEN MUSLIM NATIONS
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NEWS
DISAPPOINTING OUTING FOR KENYA’S SHUJAA AT THE SYDNEY RUGBY TOURNAMENT
MANCHESTER UNITED CLOSE IN ON TOP FOUR WITH VICTORY OVER STRUGGLING LEICESTER
More politicians ditch Jubilee for Chap Chap
Embu senator Lenny Kivuti lead deputy governor Dorothy Nditi and Mbeere North MP Muriuki Njagagua in defecting to Alfred Mutua’s party STROY ON PAGE 2
Resilient Cameroon edge out Egypt to lift Cup of Nations Cameroon players celebrate after being crowned Champions during their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final match against Egypt at the d’Angondje Stadium in Libreville, Gabon last night. Cameroon won the match 2-1. PHOTO: SAMUEL SHIVAMBU/ EPA
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NEWS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017
More politicians ditch Jubilee for Chap Chap At least three politicians have today announced their defection from Jubilee to Maendeleo Chap Chap party. Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, Mbeere North MP Muriuki Njagagua and Embu Deputy Governor Dorothy Nditi decamped today and were welcomed to Maendeleo Chap Chap (MCC) by the party leader Alfred Mutua. Mr Kivuti who is eying the Embu Governor’s seat was however quick to assert that his defection does not affect his support for President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election bid since MCC also supports the President. Mr Njagagua said he will defend his seat on MCC ticket while Ms Nditi will be going for the Embu Women Representative. Mr Kivuti who led the group said they have been forced to decamp because the situation in Jubilee was no longer ‘tenable’.
“I must say our defection is not by coincidence but by choice,” Kivuti said. He exuded confidence that he will clinch the Embu governorship come August. “This is a turning point for the people of Embu and we are opening a new chapter. This is unity of purpose for development,” he added. His defection came just four days after Meru gubernatorial aspirant Kilemi Mwiria also ditched Jubilee for Maendeleo Chap Chap. Mwiria who was serving as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s advisor on education blamed ‘political bullying’ for his defection. And similar sentiments were echoed by Kivuti. “I have no problem with the Jubilee party led by Mr Kenyatta, but there is a problem with Jubilee in Meru and Embu counties,” Kivuti said. “But with Maendeleo Chap Chap, the
Maendeleo Chap Chap party leader Alfred Mutua (center) gestures alongside party members and new defectees including Mbeere North MP Muriuki Njagagua (second left) and Embu senator Lenny Kivuti.
people of Embu have an opportunity to elect me as their governor,” Kivuti said amid cheers from his supporters who were present at the MCC party headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi. Ms Nditi denied that they bolted out of Jubilee party for fear of losing in the nominations. “We have not defected to Maendeleo Chap Chap because we feared nominations but the truth is that
Jubilee party nominations won’t be free and fair,” she said. Mr Njagagua said MCC is a development conscious party that is friendly to President Kenyatta. “I am coming to a party that is not only friendly but also development conscious and supports President Uhuru Kenyatta re-election,” he said. “I hope the people of Embu will give you all the seats available in the county,”
Njagagua told his new party Alfred Mutua. The Machakos Governor welcomed the career politician saying that Kenyans are tired of leaders engaging in empty rhetoric and divisive politics while the people suffer. “Some of us have already shown that we can change lives with Maendeleo Chap Chap,” Mutua said.
Ababu’s Labour Party to declare poll plans soon The Labour Party will soon declare which presidential candidate or coalition it will support, leader Ababu Namwamba has said. Speaking after a three-day retreat at Sentrim Hotel in Nakuru’s Elementaita area, Namwamba said the party is still deliberating which way to go. There has been speculation on which coalition between NASA and Jubilee the Labour Party would support. Namwamba (pictured) who was accompanied by the party chairperson Prof Julia Ojiambo and Secretary General David Makali said the party was not under pressure to make the decision. He also urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to quickly address issues raised by other parties that may undermine its credibility. “There are numerous anomalies that have been exposed in the ongoing voter registration exercise that must be addressed urgently to assure the country and candidates that the elections will be free, fair and credible,” he said. Namwamba urged IEBC to move fast and set up an inter-party consultative forum to interrogate the exercise. Makali said stakeholders should work with IEBC
Doctors’ strike, drought top agenda as Governors meet
to give confidence to the country. Prof Ojiambo said they were ready to welcome all aspirants who were willing to join the party and secure nomination for various elective posts. “Anyone interested must have registered as a member by February 8 and paid registration fee by February 15,” she said. MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke
Doctors’ strike which is now in its third month was top of the agenda as Governors convened to find solutions to various problems facing counties. The Council of Governors was expected to meet today afternoon to discuss significant issues affecting their regions with the medic’s work boycott and the drought situation among top issues to be discussed The ravaging drought has left several parts of the country famished due to lack of food and water. Last month, the National Drought Management Authority CEO James Oduor said at least 23
counties were experiencing harsh drought with an estimated 1.3 million people affected. The Governors will also seek to address the doctors’ strike that has left public hospitals paralysed for almost three months now. Only last week, the court ordered fresh negotiations with the doctors. It is hoped that soon the country will find a solution to the doctors’ strike as Kenyans across the country continue to wander from hospital to hospital looking for treatment. The Governors will also be discussing the Amendment to Division of Revenue Bill and the Governors Assumption of Office Bill.
NEWS 3 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017
No favours in ID issuance, says Nkaissery Interior Cabinet Secretary has denied claims by the opposition that the government is favouring Jubilee strongholds in issuance of identification cards. While speaking in Narok yesterday, Nkaissery said all youths who are 18 years will be issued with ID cards regardless of their political affiliation. Nkaissery termed the claim by the opposition of favoritism as dangerous as it might stir hatred among communities. “Those who claim the government is favouring some regions in the issuing of identity cards to have numbers in the forthcoming General Election are stoking hatred among communities. We are committed to having all youths who have reached 18 years and above get the cards for them to participate in the election,” he said. The CS urged opposition leaders to preach peace ahead of the general elections in August. “The Opposition is making wild claims everyday aimed at dividing the country and make Kenyans lose confidence in their government. That should stop,” he said. Nkaissery urged those that have not registered so far to do so saying the voter registration deadline will not be extended beyond February 14. “This is the opportunity to register, no extension will be made on voter registration,” Nkaissery said. He told chiefs to ensure those who do not have identity cards get them and those whose cards are lying in their offices and in registration offices do the same.
No political witch-hunt in war against drugs, DP Ruto says Deputy President William Ruto has dismissed claims that the government’s war against drugs has a political motive. Mr Ruto who held a press briefing while flanked by coast regional security chiefs said the government’s position on drugs has been clear since the Jubilee administration ascended to power. “Our position on matters drugs has been clear and consistent from time we took office,” Ruto said. The government has recently upped its war against drugs especially in the coast region with the Akasha’s being extradited to the US to face charges. The Akasha brothers are suspects in a drug trafficking case and are currently awaiting trial in New York. Mr Ruto said that the war on drug addiction especially in the Coastal region had been elevated to a new level that the Jubilee administration must win at all costs. Speaking after a briefing with Coastal regional security chiefs in Mombasa, Ruto highlighted the government’s resolve to win the war against the vice. “If we lose this war we will lose our children and have no future,” he said noting that the Jubilee administration has been on the forefront of the fight. He cited President Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive to destroy a heroin-ferrying ship in 2014 as the highlight of the government’s commitment to the war against drugs. The DP put drug barons on notice warning them that the government would not relent even if those involved are politicians. “It doesn’t matter what influence or political clout they have. We will deal with them firmly,” he added saying the fight would majorly focus on the big
Deputy President William Ruto speaks during a press briefing after a meeting with coast regional chiefs in Mombasa today. Ruto said the government will not relent in the war against drugs. PHOTO: COURTESY
fish and not small peddlers. According to the deputy President, the government is fighting a twin war as drug money was being used to finance terrorism activities that have been witnessed in the country. “Those engaged in this business should note that the end has come and must look for another destination because Kenya will not accommodate them,” he warned. The DP highlighted that the war had taken on a multi-sectoral approach
with the roping in of international agencies such as the United States’ Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) that was crucial in the arrest of Ibrahim Akasha Abdalla, Gulam Hussein, Vijaygiri Anandgiri Goswami and Baktash Akasha Abdalla last week. “Partnership with international agencies such as the US has given Kenya new impetus and leverage,” he stated. The second-in-command also noted that several government officers including senior staff and police
officers had been compromised by the drug peddlers. He however said that their days were numbered and that they would be prosecuted. “There is an ongoing process to deal with them. The laxity that has existed in the past will be dealt with firmly,” he said. Ruto clarified that he would seek a departure of bail conditions of drug suspects to enable security agencies enough time to build cases against them.
Expect no rains in february: Weatherman
Boys fetch water from a well. The weatherman has asked Kenyans to brace for a dry month with dorecast showing no rains throughout February.
Most parts of the country will remain dry in February according to the latest forecast by the weatherman. According to the meteorological department, no rain is expected this month, a situation the weatherman said will worsen the drought situation across the country. Acting meteorological services director Peter Ambenje however said there will be light rains around Lake Victoria Basin, the highlands West of and the Central Rift Valley and might spread over to Central Kenya and Nairobi regions. “Most of these areas will have cloudy mornings even when there is no rainfall, which might keep
temperatures cool. The light rains could also help improve water supply in Nairobi,” Ambenje said over the weekend when he released the forecast for February. “The forecast for February 2017 indicates that the better part of the country will still be generally sunny and dry throughout the month,” he added. According to the Weatherman areas such as Lodwar, Lokichoggio, Marsabit, Garissa and Wajir, the lower areas of Makindu and Machakos and the entire coastal strip, will be sunny and dry. “February is normally a dry month and the situation is not different even this year hence the pattern,” Ambenje said.
He explained that the showers witnessed last week in various parts of the country stopped because the rain-bearing inter-tropical convergence zone migrated southwards to Tanzania, leaving most parts of Kenya under sunny and dry weather. Agriculture PS Richard Lesiyampe said drought is due to poor rains during the 2016 OctoberDecember. “There was also cooling of sea surface temperatures over the Eastern Pacific Ocean, which led to drier conditions,” he said. The PS assured Kenyans that the government has enough maize to last until June.
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NEWS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017
Romanians protest over law shielding corrupt leaders
About 500,000 demonstrators rallied across Romania, despite the government revoking a controversial decree that fueled their discontent. The left-wing government earlier scrapped the decree, which would have shielded many politicians from prosecution for corruption. But protesters remain dissatisfied about a revised version of the bill which will now be put to parliament. Some are calling for the government of PM Sorin Grindeanu to resign. Recent days have seen Romania’s largest protests since communism fell in 1989. The decision to repeal the degree was confirmed at an emergency government meeting in the capital Bucharest on Sunday. But protesters expressed concerns about the government’s plans to redraft the law and send it for debate in parliament, where it could be forced through. Huge crowds swelled in the capital’s Victory Square for a sixth day in a row. A giant laser beamed the words “Do Not Give Up” and “Resignation” on to the government building housing the prime minister’s office. “This government is organised from the high level to the low like a mafia, and we don’t want something like this,” one protester, Profira Popo, told the Associated Press news agency.
Seven percent of Catholic priests sexually abuse children: Report
After years of investigations and hearings, the sheer scale of child sexual abuse within the Australian Catholic Church has been revealed. Between 1950 and 2015, 7% of Australian priests were accused of abusing children, according to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Over 40% of priests in some orders have been accused of abuse. In tears, church official Francis Sullivan told the hearing Monday, “these numbers are shocking. They are tragic and they are indefensible.” The commission’s findings provide yet more evidence of a global epidemic of sex abuse and cover-up within the church. Previous reports have documented widespread abuse in the United States, Ireland, Brazil, the Netherlands and Germany, among other countries. The Vatican established a commission to investigate claims of sex abuse in 2013, while in 2015 Pope Francis created a church tribunal to judge bishops who failed to protect children from predatory priests.
Trump attacks judge after court halts his travel ban US President Donald Trump has attacked the judge who blocked his travel ban, saying Americans should blame the courts “if something happens”. Mr Trump also said he had instructed border officials to check people entering America “very carefully”. The federal appeals court on Saturday rejected the Trump administration’s request to reinstate the ban. The ban, affecting people from seven mainly-Muslim countries, was blocked by Seattle’s federal judge on Friday. This means that Mr Trump’s directive will remain suspended and visa holders from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen will be allowed to enter the US until the full case has been heard. The White House and two US states challenging the ban have been given a deadline of Monday to present more arguments. President Trump yesterday ramped up his criticism of Judge James Robart, who blocked the ban, and the country’s judiciary. In a series of tweets, Mr Trump said: “I have instructed Homeland Security to check people coming into our country VERY CAREFULLY. The courts are making the job very difficult!” “Just cannot believe a judge would put our country in such peril. If something happens blame him and court system. People pouring in. Bad!” The president earlier called Judge Robart’s ruling “ridiculous”, described him as a “so-called judge”. The two states challenging the restriction - Washington and Minnesota - argued that the ban was unconstitutional and denied people with valid entry documents the right to travel without due process. It also violated freedom of religion rights by appearing to
US President Donald J. Trump. Mr Trump has escalated his attack on a US judge who suspended his travel ban order. PHOTO: COURTESY
target Muslims, they said. US border checks require that all persons arriving at a US port of entry are inspected by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. The visitors must have valid US visas or hold ‘Green Cards’ that authorise them to live and work in the US permanently. Travellers under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorisation via ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before their visit. Democrats and some Republicans have criticised Mr Trump’s comments about the country’s judiciary. Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said Mr Trump seemed “intent on precipitating a
constitutional crisis”. Meanwhile, Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell told CNN it was “best to avoid criticising judges individually”. Judge Robart has served on the federal bench since 2004 after nomination by President George W Bush. Friday’s ruling has also seen visa holders from the affected nations scramble to get flights to the US, fearing they have a slim window to enter. The State Department has been reversing visa cancellations and US homeland security employees have been told by their department to comply with the ruling. The ban caused confusion at US and foreign airports when it came into force.
Alarm raised over alien armyworm destroying crops Scientists are calling for urgent action to halt the spread of a pest that is destroying maize crops is spreading rapidly across Africa. The fall armyworm poses a major threat to food security and agricultural trade, warns the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (Cabi).
It says farmers’ livelihoods are at risk as the non-native larvae threatens to reach Asia and the Mediterranean. The Food and Agriculture Organization plans emergency talks on the issue. The armyworm, so called because it eats its way through most of the vegetation in its way as it
marches through crops, is native to North and South America but was identified for the first time in Africa last year. Cabi chief scientist Dr Matthew Cock said: “This invasive species is now a serious pest spreading quickly in tropical Africa and with the potential to spread to Asia. “Urgent action will be needed to prevent devastating losses to crops and farmers’ livelihoods.” Scientists think the caterpillar or its eggs may have reached the continent through imported produce. Once established in an area, the adult moths can fly large distances and spread rapidly. Dr Jayne Crozier, of Cabi, said
the armyworm’s presence had now been confirmed in west Africa and was thought to be present in the south and east of the continent, many parts of which relay on maize for their staple diet. “It’s possibly been there for some time and it’s causing a lot of damage now,” she told BBC News. “The recent discovery of fall armyworm in Africa will be a huge threat to food security and also to trade in the region.” The FAO is to hold an emergency meeting in Harare between 14 and 16 February to decide emergency responses to the armyworm threat. Zambia has used army planes to spray affected areas with pesticides.
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017
xnews | MONday, FEBRUARY 6ww, 2017 | www.x254.co
BUSINESS
of Friday CBK EXCHANGE RATES (As February 3/2017)
1 US DOLLAR 1 UK POUND 1 EURO 1 S.A RAND 1 KSH/USH 1 KSH/TSH
State reforms help create over 20,000 new jobs in three years
Over 20,000 Kenyans secured job opportunities in the last three years, Government Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu (Pictured) has said. Esipisu says the high number of Kenyans who got employed over the past three years is as a result of government’s sustained reforms which lured investors to set up firms as well as expanding the country’s existing companies. “There were over 20,000 jobs created in the last three years as new firms emerged while existing ones expanded courtesy of sustained government reforms,” he said. The government says lowering the cost of electricity, improved efficiency at the port of Mombasa and removal of bottle-necks in business registration played a key role in expansion and emergence of new companies further drove up job creation during the period under review. Data from the Kenya Investment Authority shows that over 300 medium size to large companies were set up in Kenya last year alone including the Honey Well Group of the USA, a fortune 500 company that opened their regional head office in Kenya. Esipisu was responding to recent reports that have painted a gloomy picture of Kenya’s business environment that has led to closures and downsizing. “Businesses world over as is
in Kenya, face various challenges during their life cycle some of which could be due to competition, harsh operating environment where the case may be so, access to markets, management practices and access to finance amongst others,” Esipisu said.
Despite the government’s sentiments, thousands of workers especially in the media and banking industries have lost their jobs in the last three years. Analysts attribute the job cuts to the effects of technology and a tough business environment. For instance, the law
BUY SELL 103.7233 103.9233 131.4344 131.7239 110.4722 112.1761 7.7463 7.7671 34.4004 34.5631 21.4581 21.5959
Peugeot to assemble 1,000 cars a year as French vehicle maker sets up local plant
which capped interest rates at 14.5 per cent has seen lending institutions lay off workers, especially tellers, as more jobs are projected to be lost in 2017. Insurance players recently urged all stakeholders in the sector to create more jobs in order to bolster economic growth @enock_x254
MEAN 103.8233 131.5792 112.0594 7.7567 34.4817 21.5270
French vehicle manufacturer, PSA Group has signed a contract to start assembling two car models in Kenya. The car maker, which wants to reduce its dependence on European sales, will assemble the Peugeot 508 and 3008 models from kits of pre-assembled modules with local partner URYSIA, its long-standing Kenyan importer and distributor. PSA, the maker of Peugeot, Citroen and DS cars, said on Saturday that the venture will initially produce about 1,000 vehicles annually. The Peugeot brand previously assembled vehicles in Kenya between 1974 and 2002. The announcement comes just two months after South Africa began shipping its locally-manufactured Ford Everest vehicles to Kenya. The vehicle, dubbed the ‘Moondust Silver Everest 2.2 XLT 4 X 4’, left Durban in november, destined for Mombasa, from where it made its way to local Ford dealer, CMC Motors. “The Silverton assembly plant is now operating as a fully-fledged two-vehicle production facility, assembling both the Everest and the Ranger for the domestic and export markets,” said Ford Motor Company Middle East and Africa operations Vice President, Ockert Berry.
BuSINESS DIARY Over 2 million Kenyans facing hunger to ‘After Office Hours’ business talk at the Nairobi Garage
The Nairobi Garage, one of Kenya’s leading incubators, will host a business talk at its headquarters in Westlands, Nairobi on Thursday, February 9, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The affair, dubbed ‘After Office Hours’, is an event series run by the Garage which aims to bring together inspiring speakers and imaginative audiences to listen to engaging talks, network and build knowledge. This month’s Business Talk will be led by Dr Linda Davis, Director of Partnerships at wPOWER. wPOWER works to support the role of women in environmental sustainability and economic growth through development of renewable energy. Dr. Davis will talk on affordable paradigms renewable technology that can be utilized as a medium to achieve sustainable development.
Entrepreneurs workshop at The Hub East Africa
The Hub East Africa will host a Strategy Workshop for entrepreneurs on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. The Hub seeks to support budding entrepreneurs. Its workshops are interactive sessions where experts combine theory with practical application relevant to given situations. In the Strategy Workshop, The Hub’s experts look at an entrepreneur’s competitive landscape and their place in the market. The moderators help attendees develop a success plan to optimise their strategy by making use of available resources. The workshop will cost Sh2,500 to be paid Mpesa Buy Goods Till Number 116111.
benefit from Sh1 billion Equity support At least two million Kenyans facing hunger are set to get food and water among other basic needs as Equity Bank joins a Red Cross initiative seeking to raise Sh1 billion. Dubbed ‘WeAreAllKenyans’, the initiative will assist families hardest hit by the ongoing drought as the funds will be used to treat malnourished children, pregnant women and lactating mothers in ten counties. The move by the lender makes it the second non-governmental organisation to take up the cause after the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) recently appealed to all Kenyans, partners, sponsors and stakeholders to help tackle the ongoing drought crisis which has left 12 counties at an alarm stage and 11 counties at an alert stage. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) report, the food insecurity situation will continue to worsen over the next few months due to failure of the short rains. Late last year, reports suggested that about 1.5 million Kenyans faced starvation due to poor rains. Data from KRCS estimates that the number of Kenyans facing starvation will reach 2.4 million by April if no urgent and appropriate actions are taken. “The effects of the drought are escalating. In
December 2016, we had eight counties at the alarm stage and in less than a month since then, the number of counties has risen to 12. This should worry us all,” said Dr Abbas Gullet, Secretary General of the Kenya Red Cross Society. Dairy farming across the counties experiencing drought has deteriorated as
livestock die of hunger directly impacting farmers’ incomes. This has further seen a hike in the shelf prices of dairy products, including milk, across the country. However, brokers have taken advantage of the drought to double the price of animal feeds, a move that has further reduced milk production and increased its price.
A National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) report states that the food insecurity situation will continue to worsen over the next few months.
BUSINESS 7
Private sector growth improves in January as inflation fears increase MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017
Kenya’s private sector saw its growth improve slightly in the month of January, underpinned by a sharp expansion in new work which was supported by a steep increase in new export orders, a Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) survey released by Stanbic Bank and HIS Markit has revealed. Firms raised their payroll numbers slightly, while there were signs of ongoing pressure on operating capacity. Output increased at a modest pace that was the weakest since mid-2016. On the price front, charges rose for the fourth successive month amid a further increase in input costs. At 52.0, the seasonally adjusted PMI was consistent with a modest improvement in the health of the Kenyan private sector at the start of 2017. The respective index slipped back from the eight-month high of 54.1 in December and was below the series average (54.5). “The Stanbic Bank PMI fell to a 3-month low in January starting the New Year more sluggishly after a solid close in 2016. In fact, since the legislation to cap interest rates came into effect in September 2016, we can now see signs of distress within the private sector as presented by lament about cash shortages. A further slowdown in private sector credit growth and poor weather conditions will most likely lead to a downward trend in the PMI over the coming quarter, more so as costs for firms will most probably rise,” said Jibran Qureishi, Regional Economist E.A at Stanbic Bank. Having accelerated in the previous two months, output growth softened to a moderate pace in January. Anecdotal
therise
Kengen Co. Ltd KenGen Co. Ltd was the week’s top gainer after edging upwards by 15.8 per cent. The share price was up to Sh5.85 from the previous week’s close of Sh5.05. The counter was up on sustained foreign investor buying. Year-to-date, its share price has gained 0.9 per cent.
thefall
CIC Insurance
CIC Insurance Group Ltd was the week’s top laggard after declining by 12.3 per cent over the course of the week’s trading. The share price closed at Sh3.20 from a previous closing price of Sh3.65 following the insurer issuing a profit warning for FY2016 profits. Yearto-date, its share price has shed 15.8 per cent of its value. Analysis by Amana Capital info@ amanacapital.co.ke
evidence linked the increase to improved market demand. However, growth was reportedly restricted by cash shortages. January saw a sharp albeit softer rise in new business. A number of firms mentioned that promotional activities
had boosted demand. Another factor supporting growth of total new orders was a robust expansion in new business from abroad. Reflective of increased output, firms raised their staffing levels in January, but at the weakest rate in six months.
Concurrently, capacity pressures continued to build, with backlogs accumulating for the fifteenth successive month. A number of companies indicated that greater workload was the primary factor behind the latest increase in outstanding business.
On the price front, higher raw material costs were reported to be the primary factor behind another steep increase in overall input costs, with wage inflation softening in January. Average prices charged rose for the fourth month running. @Dennis_x254
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BUSINESS
IMF condemns Kenya for slow execution of structural reforms MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017
The International Monetary Fund has called out Kenya’s government for its slow implementation of structural reforms, which are expected to boost economic growth while creating employment for thousands of the country’s citizens. In an analysis dubbed the ‘IMF Country Report’, the international lender stated that Kenya’s progress on structural reforms has been slower than envisaged, reflecting capacity issues and the need for additional technical assistance. The report indicates that none of the government’s structural benchmarks were met at the envisaged completion date. Ongoing reforms seek to: reduce transportation and trading costs, strengthen governance in business operations through the introduction of anti-bribery legislation, and improve procurement procedures and frameworks at the national and county level. It has since emerged that two reforms were completed with a delay, notably the adoption of an action plan by the CBK to strengthen the regulatory framework for banks, and the establishment of a tracking system for government pending bills. In addition, partially consolidated financial statements for all entities in the public sector were made publicly available. There was significant progress toward the integration of personnel payments into the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), the issuance of Cabinet guidelines on the management of public investment projects, and the completion of a study on tax expenditures. Benchmarks that have not been met are proposed to be re-phased and updated (with the exception of establishing an interbank interest rate corridor, and will be monitored by the IMF. The IMF has stated that deepening structural and governance reforms will improve the business environment
International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde (L) with Kenya’s National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich (C) and Kenya’s Central Bank Governor Njuguna Ndungu (R) in Nairobi at a past press briefing. EPA/STEPHEN JAFFE and therefore boost investment and employment creation. “Structural reforms have improved the business climate and underpinned the strengthening of the private sector,” the lender said in its report. The analysis comes at a time when Kenya’s ranking in the World Bank’s Doing Business Report (2016) improved 21 places relative to 2015, one of the top 10 increases across the globe.
However, external shocks, including a volatile global economy, threaten to compromise Kenya’s progress. “We are taking determined steps to strengthen our resilience to shocks. Our policies focus on sustaining inclusive, investment-led growth while continuing to build resilience,” Ms. Christine Lagarde, Managing Director International Monetary Fund said in a recent address. “We remain committed to
a gradual consolidation of fiscal policy, to maintain low inflation, further improve public financial management, strengthen the financial sector supervision and regulation, make further progress in our transition to a modern inflation targeting framework, and deepen structural reforms aimed at improving the business environment,” she added. @Dennis_x254
Kenyan SME’s leverage e-commerce to compete with established firms Kenya’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are banking on e-commerce to compete with larger, established businesses, new data has revealed. Leading online retailer, Jumia has revealed that 80 per cent of the products on its platform are now from accredited small businesses - many of which have only recently made their first ever online sale. With Kenyan consumers spending more than Sh10 billion on online shopping platforms in 2016, according to global marketing firm AC Nielsen (up from sh 2.4B in 2014 according to the Communications Authority of Kenya), e-commerce has become an integral part of the economy. “By helping small businesses grow and creating employment for thousands of Kenyans, e-commerce contributes immensely to Kenya’s economy. The fact that sellers can sell from the comfort of their homes without opening expensive stores is pretty impressive,” says Anne Kirima, Chair of the Kenya Investment Authority. While declining to give the actual number of merchants on the online marketplace platform, Jumia Managing Director Sam Chappatte said the number of SMEs leveraging the platform grew by 45 per cent in 2016, atrend he attributes to Jumia opening up its platform to vendors in new categories (like Beauty) and retailers rushing to join the platform ahead of the annual Black Friday sales event. “We have seen a spike in the number of merchants joining our platform in recent months. This is great news for customers, as it means more choice of products and will lead to better prices,” added Chappatte. “It also proves that our platform offers a great money making opportunity for professional, ambitious vendors of all sizes,” he said. @kevin_x254
KQ renews deal with Amadeus to boost business and leisure travel services
Vincent Coste, Commercial Director for Kenya Airways.
National carrier, Kenya Airways and Amadeus a leading provider of advanced technology solutions for the global travel industry, have renewed a long-term Content Agreement that will see the carrier facilitate consumer choice by making its full range of travel offers accessible to Amadeus’ global travel agency community. Travellers and travel agents around the world will continue to enjoy freedom of choice as Kenya Airways makes its full range of fares, availability and schedules accessible through the Amadeus distribution channel. “Our long-standing partnership with Amadeus and its global travel
agency community is instrumental to ensuring travellers have the freedom to access and shop from our complete offering, wherever they may be and through whichever channel they prefer. This year, KQ has turned 40 and has great offerings for its guests. This renewed distribution agreement facilitates our ability to work efficiently with our travel agency partners, while enjoying the brand exposure and growth opportunities the Amadeus distribution channel brings us”, Vincent Coste, Commercial Director for Kenya Airways commented. Amadeus’ customer groups include travel providers such as airlines, hotels, rail and ferry operators, as well as travel agencies and websites,
and travel buyers: corporations and travel management companies. The Amadeus group employs around 13,000 people worldwide, across central sites in Madrid, its corporate headquarters, Nice, its development headquarters and Erding, its operations headquarters, as well as 71 local Amadeus Commercial Organisations globally. The group operates a transaction-based business model. “Whether for business or to enjoy the rich and vast cultural offering Kenya has to offer, we are pleased to help keep the door to one of Africa’s most exciting countries wide open. The renewed agreement with Kenya Airways is great news
for travellers and travel agents as it ensures they can easily access the comprehensive content they need to enjoy transparency, comparison and choice,” said Maher Koubaa, Vice-President, Airline Commercial Middle East & Africa at Amadeus. Kenya Airways, carries over four million passengers annually. The carrier was recently voted the Leading Airline in Africa by passengers in the World Travel Awards. It has been voted the Leading Airline in Africa – Business Class four years in a row. Kenya Airways takes pride for being in the forefront of connecting Africa to the World and the World to Africa through its hub @kevin_x254
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017
ACCESS
GIN IDEAL
SO, AMILEENA ISN’T A NEW ARTISTE IF WE ARE SET ON TECHNICALITIES BUT DOESN’T SHE FEEL NEW THOUGH? @christine_x254
At this point rapper Kush Tracey is more popular for being Timmy T dat’s ex-girlfriend
GIN IDEAL appearances and it might seem like an outright attack but this comes from a place of concern. Her singing skills do require a remix to that single but the comment section either praise for her luminous beauty or ‘Rede’ had potential to be bigger than it was
and maybe that’s Grandpa’s fault but 2017 awaits, let’s see what else this songbird has in store apart from just being ‘rede’.
KUSH TRACEY
At this point rapper Kush Tracey is more popular for being Timmy T dat’s exgirlfriend and all the hijinks that the job has entailed than her music. ‘Dandia’ was arguably the song of 2015, and even
Mistari’s miss at one point but that seems to be the end of any news about her. She seems to have faded into the same ether that took Tusker Project Fame. Amos and Josh, who have starred on the same show are still around making hits and melodies. Amileena is reportedly taking a break, w h o knows for how long.
jam, there was no escaping the tune. It gave her a huge boost. We have seen a couple of more releases from her, none including a dog in car, none getting the number of views ‘Dandia’ obtained. Does anybody even remember the song ‘Playboy’ anymore?
ZIKKI
entry on this list because Zikki is an seems to start and end with the sing the band did with Jaguar ‘Take it Slow.’ Believe it or not the track is the most viewed video on the Main Switch Studios channel with 1.5 million hits and counting. Which goes to show the magnetism of this band but they haven’t technically released a video since and maybe that’s not their strong suit but numbers don’t lie.
ZIKKI
AMILEENA
So, Amileena isn’t a new artiste if we are set on technicalities but doesn’t she feel new though? She might or might not have been Calvo
KUSH TRACEY
AMILEENA
new acts that need to do better in 2017
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ACCESS
ACCESS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017
TX: ROLLING STONE LIVE: HOUSTON PRESENTED BY BUDWEISER AND MERCEDES-BENZ ADRIENNE BAILON: looked every inch the fiery Latina she is in this leather, burnt orange dress.
CYNTHIA BAILEY: feeling free in a coral summery maxi dress.
ALYSSA MILANO: vampy in a blue crotched cover-all with a black slip underneath.
CHANEL IMAN: dressing the part in an upscale black track suit with racing stripes.
S
On his newly opened VEVO account and still on a mission to look like Coolio with that hair of his, Diamond drops the visuals for ‘Marry You’ they might not be groundbreaking but they sure are pretty. There’s a wedding, there’s a lot of colour and the Hollywood sign lazily changes into a ‘Bongoland’ sign. At this point we’re all just happy that the girl in the video was black more than anything else.
LE BAND X SUZZIAH NUMBER 1
DIAMOND PLATNUMZ FT. NE-YO
@christine_x254
MARRY YOU
NENE LEAKES laid back in black tights, white shirt and a faux fur stole.
Before anything else Suzziah’s voice is like honey. She almost steals the show from Le Band who are not shabby in their own right but the girl can put on a show. Keeping with the love song narratives, this new act on the scene are going places, Le Band has a truly organic sound over here and we might soon get choked out by the number of boybands on the scene but they could very soon own it.
KAGWE MUNGAI
uper Bowl Sunday came and went but right before all the sporting fanfare the beautiful people and sportsmen gathered to celebrate the biggest day in America’s sports calendar. Fashion might not have taken centre stage but an opportunity to dress up is always welcome. Here are some of the looks from the TX: Rolling Stone Live: Houston presented by Budweiser and Mercedes-Benz Super Bowl party.
AFRICAN LADY
JULISA BERMUDEZ: edgy in a black lace mini with side cutouts.
Kagwe charts the story of him and his lady love as they meet - looking like the oldest teenagers in the universe – part and ultimately find each other again. The video directed by Stanz Visuals is as straightforward as it gets but the simplicity of it all works plus YouTuber Bahati Nzuri glows all the way up in the course of the song. There are no vocal acrobatics done here but it is Valentine’s season so get in the mood.
ACCESS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017
11
FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS DO AN EXCELLENT JOB OF MAKING YOU BELIEVE THAT THEIR SALADS ARE LOW-CALORIE
REVEIEW OF THE WEEK’S EVENTS
HOT TOPICS
‘Showbiz’ industry to walk with ‘Big Kev’
Kev as he faces yet another surgery to remove yet another tumor
@kevin_x254
alone’, the entertainment industry is coming together to help the events guru cover his medical bills. With a Paybill number 880100, account number 7839240019, the showbiz fraternity is appealing to colleagues and fans to contribute towards this. Big Kev is currently hospitalized in Nairobi.
Wema Sepetu, Mr Blue, TID accused of drug dealing
Top Tanzanian artistes accused of dealing in drugs have been
ALL OF JUNE PROVES TO BE AN ALL-OUT EXTRAVAGANZA
June shraing the stage with Elsaphan Njora.
artists are Wema Sepetu, Khaleed Mohamed (TID), Winfrida Josephat (Recho), Khery Sameer (Mr Blue), Hamidu Chambuso (Dogo Hamidu) and Rashid Makwiro Dar-es- Salaam Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Paul Makonda who has vowed to city-based night clubs, George Dragon and Q-Bar where it is believed the trade and consumption of the however hit back demanding an apology from the government. the years built their brands and were not going to sit back and watch their brands destroyed in a second with false allegations.
I
Swaying to the beat.
f you were looking for something to obsess over the weekend, you should have caught up with June Gachui and her extremely enthralling sensory feast. All of June had it all music, drama, humour and a star-studded cast to boot. Here are some highlights. Photos – June Gachui, Twitter
STL bags yet another soundtrack deal
From East Africa to Europe and America - there is no stopping Stella Mwangi! FOX Networks has clinched her single GET UP brilliant private pathologist Dr. Beaumont Rosewood who uses his sophisticated lab to perform autopsies for the Miami Police titled EP has already landed several hollywood gigs, making her one of the most successful East African artistes in the business of music licensing in Hollywood.
The Band Beca on stage. All of June taking form.
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NE SPORT WS 13 3
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017
Cameroon bask in Africa Cup of Nations glory Cameroon players celebrate after being crowned Champions during their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final match against Egypt at the d’Angondje Stadium in Libreville, Gabon last night. PHOTO: SAMUEL SHIVAMBU/EPA
Cameroon players hoist their coach Hugo Broos in celebration after the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final triumph over Egypt in Libreville, Gabon last night. PHOTO: GAVIN BARKER/EPA
44-year-old Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary reacts after they lost to Cameroon during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final at the Libreville in Gabon on 05 February 2017. PHOTO: SAMUEL SHIVAMBU/EPA
Vincent Aboubakar (L) of Cameroon celebrates their victory with coach Hugo Broos (R). PHOTO: SAMUEL SHIVAMBU/EPA
Vincent Aboubakar of Cameroon shoots to score the winning goal as Ahmed Elmohamady of Egypt looks on during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final in Libreville, Gabon last night. Cameroon 1won 2-1. PHOTO: SAMUEL SHIVAMBU/EPA
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SPORT
Disappointing outing for Shujaa in Sydney MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017
The Kenya Sevens team had a disastrous outing on the second day of the Sidney leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series, picking a paltry two points after losing 10-5 to Canada in the final of the 13/14 play off at the Allianz Stadium. Coach Innocent Simiyu was left bitter with the outing and will now have to go back to the drawing board ahead of the next leg in Las Vegas set for March 3. “We were not functioning as a unit in many aspects. The thing is we have three weeks to get our act right and target at least a main cup semi-finals in the next leg,” he noted. After winning only one match on day one, a 17-12 victory over Japan, Shujaa had their hopes pegged on going for the Challenge Trophy which they won last weekend in Wellington, but they suffered a shock 22-0 loss to Russia in the quarters. The result meant they dropped to the play off for the 13/14th spot and they managed to win the semi-finals 19-14 over Scotland. However, they were not as lucky in the final, losing to the Canadians in a game that was marred by ball handling errors. Kenya had started the day on a bad note with a flat out loss to Russia in the Challenge Trophy quarter finals, a side they beat 24-5 in the same stage in Wellington last weekend. Simiyu’s charges seemed lost at the start and their poor start was punished after being stretched wide with German Davydov dotting down on the right. Shujaa will now have at least three weeks of training and working to correct the numerous errors when they return to the country with the next leg in Las Vegas set for March 3.
Kenya Seven’s players are lead by captain Adrew Amonde to acknowledge the support of thier fans in a past match. The team olny picked two points over the weekend in the Sydeney Seven’s in Australia.
SPORT 15
Man United close in top four as leaders Chelsea hammer Arsenal at the Bridge MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017
Manchester United continued their push for a top-four finish with a comfortable 3-0 victory at champions Leicester City on Sunday, extending their unbeaten Premier League run to 15 games. Henrikh Mkhitaryan open the scoring with a cool finish after he galloped onto Chris Smalling’s header in the 42nd minute and, with Leicester’s defence still recovering, Zlatan Ibrahimovic added a second two minutes later. Juan Mata stroked home their third goal after some delightful link up play with Mkhitaryan in the 49th and United easily closed out the game against a Leicester side who have yet to score a league goal in 2017. United stay sixth but have cut the gap to Liverpool and Arsenal, one and two points above them in fifth and fourth respectively, while Leicester are 16th one point above the bottom three in the relegation zone. Meanwhile United’s cross-town rivals, Manchester City have climbed to third in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory against a dogged Swansea City.
Chelsea increased its lead at the top of the English Premier League table thanks to a 3–1 win over Arsenal, while multi-goal thrillers in the remainder of the fixtures will continue to make things interesting throughout the table. Liverpool’s hopes of making a Premier League title challenge appear over after its poor run continued with a 2-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Hull. Juergen Klopp’s side, with only one win in its last 10 games in all competitions, was sunk by a goal in each half from newcomer Alfred N’Diaye and Oumar Niasse. Liverpool, which drew midweek against Chelsea after three straight defeats, is still without a league win this year and now trails league leader Chelsea by 13 points. Harry Kane’s penalty was decisive as Tottenham took advantage of its rivals’ losses and secured a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the Premier League on Saturday. Despite being frustrated for long periods by the organized Middlesbrough defense, Kane’s 14th
Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan (L) is congratulated by Manchester United’s Ander Herrera after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur held at Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain, 11 December 2016. EPA/PETER POWELL
league goal this season was enough to secure a vital three points at White Hart Lane for second-placed Tottenham. With Arsenal and Liverpool both
having lost earlier on Saturday, Tottenham seized the opportunity to move ahead of its rivals at the top of the table behind leader Chelsea
monday 6th february 2017
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Defender Jose Fonte made a winning return to St. Mary’s stadium as West Ham rallied from a goal down to beat Southampton 3-1 in the Premier League on Saturday. Fonte joined West Ham in the January transfer window and the center-back’s departure, along with an injury to Virgil van Dijk, left the hosts with weaknesses in defense. The Saints did score first through new signing Manolo Gabbiadini, who joined on transfer deadline day from Napoli. Sunderland scored three times in the final six minutes of the first half, including two goals in added time by Jermain Defoe, in a 4-0 victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday that spoiled manager Sam Allardyce’s first game against his former club. Sebastian Larsson found Lamine Kone with a free kick in the ninth minute to put Sunderland ahead before Didier Ndong doubled the lead in the 43rd. Defoe then finished from a tight angle in the first minute of added time before beating goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey again shortly after.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017
MANCHESTER UNITED HEAP MORE MISERY ON LEICESTER AS MOURINHO SIDE SURGES
P15
Man City’s Aguero wants future decided Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero wants the club to decide his future when the season comes to an end in June. AThe Argentine says he wants to stay at City but will “see what the club wants to do” with him at the end of the season. The 28-year-old was left on the bench for the second game running when they played Swansea City in the Premier League yesterday. Aguero came on for the final seven minutes as City secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Swansea thanks to Gabriel Jesus’ injury-time winner. “In these three months I have to help the club and then they will decide if I have a place here or not,” Aguero said. The striker signed a contract extension earlier this season and senior City figures indicated on Sunday that the club have no intention of selling the striker this summer. Aguero is third on City’s all-time scoring list with 154 and was the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner in 201415. He was also City’s leading scorer in their 2011-12 title-winning campaign, when he netted the famous injury-time winner in the final game of the season against Queens Park Rangers. He is City’s top scorer this season with 18, 11 more than Raheem Sterling, who is next on the list. However, he was also left out of a key Champions League qualifier against Barcelona at the Nou Camp on 19 October, which led to reports he is not in manager Pep Guardiola’s plans. And 19-year-old Brazilian striker Jesus has impressed the Catalan manager, having scored three goals in three starts since joining from Palmeiras. “I want to stay, of course,” said Aguero. “In three years my contract is up, that’s why I say I’m happy at the club. “When you’re on the bench you have to wait for your opportunity. I have three months to do my best and try to help the team. Then we’ll see what happens with my future.” Guardiola said Aguero remains “one of the most important players in our squad” and will “play a lot of games” between now and the end of the season. He added that Aguero’s reaction to being omitted was “perfect”, adding: “It must not be easy. I understand that.”
Cameroon it is
Cameroon players celebrates after being crowned Champions during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final match between Egypt and Cameroon at the Libreville Stadium in Gabon last night. PHOTO: SYDNEY MAHLANGU/EPA
C
ameroon came from behind to beat Egypt 2-1 and seal a fifth Africa Cup of Nations in a thrilling, edgy final. Substitute Vincent Aboubakar swept in the winner two minutes from time, flicking the ball over defender Ali Gabr and thumping it home. Nicolas Nkoulou had earlier equalised for Cameroon, rising highest to power in a header on the hour mark. The equaliser cancelled out Mohamed Elneny’s opener on 22 minutes with a beautifully taken near-post strike. The wild celebrations for Aboubakar’s winner announced Cameroon’s return to the continental summit, after a wait of 15 years. It also makes them the second most successful nation in the competition’s history - behind Egypt - and marks the first time they have beaten the Pharoahs in the final in three attempts. Besiktas striker Aboubakar ran towards the triumphant Cameroon fans in the Stade de l’Amitie stands in Libreville to celebrate, pursued by delirious teammates and coaching staff. Underdogs Cameroon had already upset the odds to reach the final and stunned the much-fancied Egyptians with the late dramatic strike, after fellow substitute Nkoulou had drawn them level.
Despite being beset by pre-tournament problems, including the withdrawal of key players such as Joel Matip and Eric Chuopo-Moting, coach Hugo Broos managed to assemble a squad that got their reward for being strong, adaptable and resilient in equal measure throughout. The Pharaohs - bidding for an eighth title after seven years in the international wilderness - started comfortably and Elneny’s opening strike capped a wonderful fluent move down the right. The Gunners midfielder started the move and finished it, after receiving the ball from Mohamed Salah in the box and sweeping it past Fabrice Ondoa into the roof of the net at the near post. But Egypt invited the Indomitable Lions to come at them in the second half and they paid a heavy price. The excellent Cameroon forward Benjamin Moukandjo whipped in an excellent, menacing cross and substitute Nkoulou muscled his way through the Egyptian defence to beat Ahmed Hegazy to the ball and bury it past 44-year-old Essam El Hadary in the Egyptian goal. The contest developed into a fascinating cagey final, with Cameroon, inspired by the excellent Christian Bassogog and Jacques Zoua up front, pinning Egypt back
and limiting them to long balls to Salah and substitute Ramadan Sobhi. Fatigue soon set in in the Egyptian ranks and Cameroon got their ultimate reward for increasing the pressure on the experienced Egyptian defence. Aboubakar controlled a long ball forward with his chest at the edge of the box, flicked it over the stranded Gabr, before gathering, taking a step and smashing home off his right foot for a fitting winner. The Egyptians - featuring the tournament’s oldest and most experienced player - El Hadary, were left stunned after looking comfortable for much of the first half. As they had done for much of the tournament, Egypt relied on a wellmarshalled defence, led by Ahmed Hegazy, Gabr and Hull City’s Ahmed Elmohamady. They also had the formidable Elneny and Salah leading the line. The Pharaohs more than played their part in an entertaining final, but it was Cameroon’s energy that would light up the occasion and provide a thrilling end to a thoroughly entertaining tournament for the near-capacity crowd of more than 38,000 in the Gabonese capital. Belgian coach Broos reflected the unity in his squad’s ranks, as he celebrated the first Nations Cup title of his career.
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