TUesday, MaRCH 21, 2017 | www.x254.Co
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CS DENY TARGETING HEADTEACHERS DR MATIANG’I SAYS ACTION IS TAKEN ONLY WHEN INVESTIGATIONS HAVE CONFIRMED EVIDENCE AGAINST THOSE BEING SUSPENDED AMID CLAIMS OF UNNECESSARY PUNISHMENT
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MAN UNITED MIDFIELDER SCHWEINSTEIGER ARSENAL DENY RUMOURS CLUB APROACHED NOW JOINS US MLS SIDE CHICAGO FIRE DORTMUND FOR MANAGER TUCHEL
Kidero still the man to beat in Nairobi Governor’s race 35.3%
20.2%
23%
Mike Mbuvi Gideon Sonko 0.6%
0.7%
Peter Kenneth 0.9%
1.2%
Incumbent Evans Odhiambo Kidero
STORY ON PAGE 2
Dennis Waweru
Esther Passaris
Margaret Wanjiru
Miguna Miguna
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NEWS
Kidero still the man to beat in Nairobi gubernatorial race TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
Governor Evans Kidero remains ahead of his challengers in the race for Nairobi’s top seat according to the findings of a new opinion poll released yesterday. The poll by InfoTrack Harris says the rivalry between Jubilee governor hopefuls Mike Sonko and Peter Kenneth will work in favour of Dr Kidero and help him easily retain the seat. Sonko and Kenneth are embroiled in a bitter war of words as both seek the Jubilee party ticket to run against Kidero in the August 8, 2018 elections. The polls found that Governor Kidero enjoys 35.3 percent popularity and that he would still retain his seat if elections were to be held today. Mike Sonko who is also the Nairobi senator has 23 percent popularity with Peter Kenneth coming third at 20.2 percent popularity. The poll however noted that Mr Kenneth’s popularity among the city electorates is steadily growing and that if the two (Sonko and Kenneth) were to work together, they would easily trounce Kidero. “If Sonko and Peter Kenneth worked together, the race would be tough for Kidero,” InfoTrak Harris Chief Executive Officer Angela Ambitho
Governor Evans Kidero at Uhuru Park on Saturday during the 7th Day Adventist Total Member Involvement Conference for all SDA churches in Nairobi. A new poll has put him ahead of the pack in the Nairobi gubernatorial race.
said. However, Ms. Ambitho said it will be a three-horse race scenario should one of the Jubilee candidates bolt out after nominations and it would divide votes in favour of the incumbent. Lawyer Miguna Miguna came in a distant fourth position with 1.2 per cent. Miguna will be running as an independent candidate.
Former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru and Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru are in fifth and seventh positions respectively with 0.9 and 0.6 percent popularity ratings. Businesswoman Esther Passaris got 0.7 per cent of those sampled during the survey. The research sampled 800 respondents and was conducted between March 18
and 19 in all the 17 constituencies of Nairobi City County. Senator Sonko who is leading a team dubbed ‘Team Nairobi’ comprising of other aspirants for the same position; Bishop Margaret Wanjiru and Dennis Waweru alongside Johnson Sakaja has already submitted his nomination papers for Jubilee primaries. Mr Sakaja has since opted to go for the senate seat. Kenneth and Margaret have also submitted their nominations papers to the jubilee party in readiness for the party primaries. While Kenneth seems to be favouring consensus to break the stalemate in the Jubilee Party Nairobi gubernatorial race his main rival Mike Sonko says he is not ready to step down for anyone. During an interview with Citizen TV on Sunday evening, Sonko has said that his campaign against Kenneth is personal and advised city residents to reject the former Gatanga MP. “I am not ready for consensus with this person [Kenneth]. We know what he did in 2013 ... He refused to step down for my boss,” Sonko said in reference to Mr Kenneth’s 2013 presidential run against President Uhuru Kenyatta. @hillary_x254
All passengers survive Sudan plane crash
All passengers and crew survived an accident in South Sudan yesterday in which a passenger jet hit a fire truck on the runway before bursting into flames, AFP news agency reports. Initial reports said scores of people had been killed in the accident. “There is no one who died,” Information Minister Bona Gaudensio told AFP from the north-western city of Wau, where the accident happened. He said 37 people had been treated for injuries in hospital but, miraculously, no one was killed, despite a fireball consuming the plane soon after it crash landed. Wau is a regional capital with a busy airport used by the UN and aid agencies as well as private and commercial planes. The fuselages of previous air crashes are still visible in the long grass next to the airport’s runway. Explaining what led to the crash, the minister said: “The plane hit a fire brigade truck, that is how it caught fire.” He suggested both “a technical problem” and “some negligence” might be to blame and added that an investigation would be carried out. Pascal Ladu of the South Sudan Red Cross said that after the plane, operated by local carrier South Supreme Airlines, hit the truck it burst into flames and “passengers quickly started running out”.
Uhuru: Let Nairobians decide between Kenneth and Sonko for Jubilee ticket
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President Uhuru Kenyatta has clarified that Jubilee party has no preferred candidate for Nairobi gubernatorial seat and that it will leave it to the people of Nairobi to decide between rivals Mike Sonko and Peter Kenneth who flies its flag in the August 8, general election. Sonko and Kenneth are both locked in a fierce battle for the party ticket as they seek to unseat Governor Evans Kidero. The rivalry has since seen Sonko attack Mr Kenneth, and on Sunday referred to him as an albino in a live TV interview. But President Uhuru Kenyatta who is the leader of the Jubilee party refused to be drawn into the battle and instead asked Nairobians to help separate the two at the nominations. In an inclusive interview with Citizen TV last evening, Mr Kenyatta distanced himself from the unending squabbles pitting the two political rivals. He said his role can only be arbitration between the two leaders upon their request saying that his party was not ready to impose a candidate on the people of Nairobi. “I cannot transcend on Kenyans’ rights to elect their leaders, especially in the Jubilee Party. It is upon the electorates to choose their preferred leaders,” said the president. He however expressed his dissatisfaction with the Jubilee leaders for their failure to reach a compromise on a candidate to take on incumbent
Evans Kidero. “I want our party to win the Nairobi gubernatorial race but I cannot say who will vie and who will not. No. Kenyans will choose,” he said. Last week, Senator Sonko accused some people in government of frustrating his Nairobi governorship bid. However, President Kenyatta denied his government involvement in the woes that faced Sonko last week as he struggled to get clearance from the police. The president said that he won’t interfere with Jubilee primaries reiterating that he is willing to broker deals among rival aspirants. During Sunday interview at the same station, Sonko vowed that he will not work with Peter Kenneth, saying he will never partner with someone who publicly opposed President Uhuru
Kenyatta during the 2013 general election. Mr Kenneth ran for the presidency then. The senator said he will not step down for Kenneth despite mounting pressure, owing to the fact that latter did not abandon his presidential ambitions in favour of President Kenyatta. Both Sonko and Kenneth enjoy a sizeable followership from elected MPs and jubilee supporters in the city. However, the two leaders have divided Jubilee Party support base in Nairobi into two, with each pulling in the opposite directions. President Kenyatta said that if the two cannot agree then it is the responsibility of Kenyans to choose their leader through the ballot. @hillary_x254
President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) gestures during the interview. PHOTO: COURTESY
NEWS 3 TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
Matiang’i denies teachers are being targeted Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has denied claims that his ministry in cahoots with the Teachers Service (TSC) are victimizing teachers through wrongful punitive measures. This comes in the wake of the suspension of Maseno School Principal Paul Otula, barely a month after his Alliance High School counterpart David Kariuki was dismissed. Matiang’i said thorough investigation is normally carried out before any action is taken against any teacher. “At no time have we taken action against any teacher without doing investigations and have facts over any incident that might have occurred,” Dr Matiang’i said. He was responding to remarks by teachers union; Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Post Primary Teachers Union (Kuppet) that both the ministry and the TSC are unnecessarily victimising teachers. Early this month Alliance High School Principal David Kariuki opted for early retirement following allegations of bullying at the school that left scores of students injured. KNUT Secretary General Wilson publicly defended the Alliance High School Principal over the allegations. “Procedure requires that any quality assurance report is served on the board of management who discuss and recommend action. Why did the Cabinet Secretary choose to conduct an
inspection only in one school and misuse the report by bundling out Kariuki,” Mr Sossion questioned in a letter to TSC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia. “While the matters raised in the report are so grave, the method used is totally wrong and constitutes an attack on the teaching profession. You cannot engage in education reforms by brutally bringing down institutions and bringing down individuals,” he added. And last week, Maseno School Principal Paul Otula was suspended for 30 days by the Teachers’ Service Commission following claims that a Form One student was sodomised by senior students. Kisumu teachers, Maseno School Parents Association and Maseno students have since protested the interdiction. Mr Otula is expected face a disciplinary committee to defend himself against accusations of negligence, allowing bullying and molestation of the student. An association of Maseno School Old Boys yesterday moved to court to challenge TSC’s move. In the case filed before the Kisumu Industrial and Labour Relations Court, the Old Boys Association urged the court to halt the entire process and that the principal is reinstated, arguing that due process was not followed in his suspension mid last week.
Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i at a past function. Dr Matiang’i has denied claims that his ministry is targeting teachers with wrongful punitive measures.
This comes even as TSC yesterday hinted that Mr Otula will be transferred to another school after the disciplinary case explaining that he has not been interdicted as claimed by teachers’ unions. Meanwhile, Matiang’i has challenged the teachers unions to also focus on how to improve
the education standards instead of using much of their time on negative criticism. “The claims by the unions will not improve education standards unless they have substance in their allegations,” Matiang’i said in Nyamira yesterday. @sam_x254
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TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
Anxiety as Speaker rules on Ouko petition
The Auditor General Edward Ouko is expected to know the fate of his probe with parliamentary committee on finance this afternoon when National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi delivers a ruling on whether hearings of the petition continues or is halted. Mr Ouko has since secured a court order barring further hearings on the ouster bid and the Finance committee referred the matter to the Speaker for a ruling next week. MPs have since expressed their displeasure with the court order and Mr Muturi’s ruling could set the Judiciary and the legislature on another collison course should he chose to ignore the order. Ouko’s lawyer Otiende Amollo had earlier warned that should the speaker rule that the committee continue with the probe, then the entire probe will be declared null and void at the end of it by the court amounting to waste of time. “When parliament is acting as a tribunal then it is inferior to the courts and its decision can be overruled by the courts. Courts cannot only interfere with parliament when they are making laws,” Otiende explained at a press conference last week. Should Muturi rule that parliament obey the court order, then MPs will not be happy with him as they had complained that the Judiciary is interfering with the work of parliament which is an independent institution. Lawyer Emmanuel Mwagambo is seeking Ouko’s removal from office over claims of abuse of office, which includes queries into the purchase of a Sh100 million audit software. Muturi said Ouko
Auditor General Edward Ouko (left) with his lawyer Otiende Amolo during a press conferenbce at his office last week. PHOTO: G. IKUNDA/X NEWS
whose office is mandated to audit and report on the accounts and funds of National, County Government and independent offices now risks facing sanctions from the National Assembly if he refuses to meet the Finance, Trade and Planning
Committee. Ouko had earlier stated that he will not be appearing before the committee even if summoned as that would be acting in contempt of court. He however expressed willingness to appear before the committee once the court has
cleared matter. The Auditor General rushed to court to challenge the committee’s ‘unfair inquiry’ process which he says violates his rights. @sam_x254
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NEWS 5
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
Trump’s daughter Ivanka to get White House office
President Trump’s daughter Ivanka will get an office in the White House, an administration official has said. But she will not have an official title or salary when she works in the West Wing - the hub of US executive power. The official also confirmed media reports that the 35-year-old would have access to classified information. Her role will be to serve as Donald Trump’s “eyes and ears” while providing broad-ranging advice, her attorney was quoted as saying by Politico. Ivanka, who has her own fashion brand, will be joining her husband Jared Kushner, who is a senior adviser to the president. The couple’s reported influence on the president has raised questions about possible conflicts of interests. It has also triggered debates whether there are clear boundaries between the Trump family’s political and business activities. Since Mr Trump’s inauguration in January, Ivanka has been seen attending meetings with world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (above).
Pope Francis asks forgiveness for Rwanda genocide ‘sins’ Pope Francis has asked for “God’s forgiveness” for the “sins and failings” of the Roman Catholic Church at the time of the Rwandan genocide. Dozens of Catholic priests are believed to have been complicit in the killings of some 800,000 people by Hutu extremists in 1994. Several massacres were carried out in churches where people sought sanctuary. The Vatican has, until now, maintained that the Church as an institution bore no responsibility. On Monday, Pope Francis conveyed his “profound sadness” for the “genocide against the Tutsi,” the Vatican said in a statement. He begged for God’s forgiveness “for the sins and failings of the Church and its members” who, the statement said, had “succumbed to hatred and violence”. In November, the government in Kigali requested an apology from the Vatican for the role that some Catholic priests and religious figures played in the massacres of ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus. “Today, genocide denial and trivialisation continue to flourish in certain groups within the Church and genocide suspects have been shielded from justice within Catholic institutions,” a government statement said earlier on Monday. The Pope’s statement, which he said he hoped would help Rwanda heal, followed a meeting in Rome with Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Mr Kagame described the comments on Monday as a great moment and a new chapter in relations
Pope Francis (C) poses with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his wife Jeannette during a private meeting at the Vatican, yesterday. PHOTO: TONY GENTILE/EPA
between his country and the Vatican. Mr Kagame, Tutsi, led a rebel force to halt the slaughter in 1994 as accusations surfaced that some priests and nuns had taken part in the killings. On 6 April 1994, a plane carrying then-President Juvenal Habyarimana - a Hutu - was shot down, killing everyone on board.
Hutu extremists blamed the Tutsi rebel group the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), and immediately started a well-organised campaign of slaughter. The RPF said the plane had been shot down by Hutus to provide an excuse for the genocide. Between April and June, an estimated 800,000 people - mostly ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus - died at the hands of Hutu extremists.
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NEWS TUESDAY,MARCH 21, 2017
NEWS PICTORIAL POOR EGYPTIAN PETMAN:
E
lderly Egyptian man, Naguib, adjusts his
removable dentures as he sits outside
his home where he lives along with stray dogs and cats in Cairo in this photo taken on March 10, 2017. Naguib, 65, says he lives
alone with five cats and 12 dogs, in a totally
destroyed and burned out flat. He has no family and living on a monthly pension of
about 20 US dollars (some Sh2000) which he spends most on feeding his pets. His
misery began as he was preparing food for his dog, then he overslept and left the food on fire, he woke up finding that the fire ripped through the flat, destroying
everything and killing his dog. He had no money to fix the flat. Despite the fact that he owns nothing at his flat, thieves tried many
times to steal his burnt window. Every day he wakes up and goes out to walk in the
streets without any goal, and his pets guard the flat until he comes back.
PHOTO: MOHAMED HOSSAM/EPA
IMPEACHMENT WOES Impeached South Korean former President Park Geunhye arrives to the Seoul Central District Prosecution Office for questioning in Seoul, South Korea, today. Mrs Park Geun-hye who was impeached early this month has been named a criminal suspect for allegedly abusing her power and colluding with her confidante friend Choi Soon-sil in extorting money from local conglomerates. PHOTO: JEON HEONKYUN/EPA
P
eople who were stranded for the last month wait to cross into Pakistan after Pakistan authorities temporarily reopened checkpoints at the Pakistani-Afghan border, at Toorkham in Afghanistan, today. Reports says Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif yesterday ordered the reopening of the Pak-Afghan crossing after a month of closure due to Pakistani claims that recent bombings across the country had links to Afghanistan. PHOTO: GHULAMULLAH HABIBI/EPA
EPAL ELECTION PROTESTS
Nactivists of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) shout anti election commission slogans during a protest in Kathmandu, Nepal yesterday. Hundreds of RPP activists staged a protest rally after election commission did not allow them to enter in upcoming local election with their party agenda which is Monarchy System and Nepal as a Hindu state. The government of Nepal has announced local level elections on 14 May 2017, the first in 20 years. PHOTO: NARENDRA SHRESTHA/EPA
NEWS 7
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
Morning newspaper summaries Uhuru abuses power, needs Tanzanian medical body NASA’s drastic step: The our prayers, declares Raila: faults plan to send doctors National Super Alliance (NASA) has dropped one of its key options for picking a joint Opposition leader Raila Odinga yesterday launched a scathing attack on President to Kenya: The Medical Association of presidential ticket holder before the April Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing the head of state of abusing power by abusing ODM governors. In an exclusive telephone interview, Raila said the President was using his office to insult, intimidate and harass opposition governors. “This behavior by the President needs prayers from Kenyans. he is demeaning the institution of the presidency,” Raila said.
Tanzania has faulted its government’s plan to send 500 Tanzanian doctors to Kenya, citing safety concerns and the unimplemented agreement between Kenya and its doctors. “The association would like to know who will be responsible for the safety of the foreign doctors, given that there are already indicators of hate. “We would also wish to know why this request has been made during the strike.”
15 deadline. Due to time constraints, the coalition technical committee has zeroed in on two options of identifying its presidential candidate. The NASA committee, which held a meeting Monday, has developed a scheme that will see either the principals agreeing among themselves or constituting a select electoral college to name a flag bearer. The decision toys with the idea of using the US-style primaries.
Treasury pushes Kenya into more debt with fresh Sh82 billion loan:
The Treasury has taken yet another expensive short-term loan from a group of international banks, pushing Kenya further into debt. Reuters news agency reported that the $800 million (Sh82 billion) syndicated loan deal was signed last Thursday with a consortium of four banks including StanChart, Standard Bank, Citi and Rand Merchant Bank -and is due to be drawn any time now.
Kidero likely winner as No mass action after polls, Wakulima Market where Sonko, Kenneth feud: warn security chiefs: Police millions change hands Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero could retain officers will arrest anyone who refuses to every day: Nairobi is a ghost town at the seat if Senator Mike Sonko and former accept the results of the August elections,
Budget unit names MCAs with highest sitting perks: Trans Nzoia ward
Kenya would be doomed Teachers threaten to call Why Matiangi asked if Senate were scrapped: strike, say TSC disrespectful: Abagusii community to Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro has said the A teacher’s union has threatened to call out vote for Uhuru: Education future of Kenya lies with the Senate and its members for a nationwide strike if their
Kenya Power says 1m customers on prepaid meters are not paying:
presidential aspirant Peter Kenneth go to the next polls individually. An opinion poll released yesterday by Infotrak found that 35.3 per cent of the sampled people said they would vote for Kidero, 23 per cent for Sonko and 20.2 per cent for Kenneth. Eight hundred respondents were sampled with a margin of error of -/+ 3.5 at 95 per cent degree of confidence.
if it will be dissolved, the country will be doomed. He said the senate future is in the hands of young people. The Speaker said Senate and other institution were created deliberately after witnessing “50 years of skewed development and bad politics.” He said Kenya was on the brink of disintegration during 2007-08 PEV due to poor leadership that had preceded the hotly contested polls.
calls for mass action, or carves out parts of the country as their exclusive political zones. These are some of the recommendations in a government document that also criminalises “incitement, zoning areas exclusively as belonging to particular candidates or parties, engaging organised criminal gangs to intimidate opponents, bribery of voters, disruption of opponents’ campaign meetings,
employer does not engage them immediately. KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion said the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO Nancy Macharia must call an emergency meeting to resolve pending issues which are affecting teachers. “Note that some issues are so dear to the teachers and we are under very intense pressure from our members,”Sossion said in a letter.
2.30am. Except for a distant howl of a hound or a croaky snore from a sleeping quarter, the country’s capital city is as silent as a graveyard at these wee hours. Because these are out-ofbusiness hours, the almost Sh3 trillion city economy is fast asleep. At exactly 3am, our car glides into the outskirts of the CBD; the chaotic and filthier part of the city centre. And, voila, there is a burst of life.
Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has taken the role of leading President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election campaign in Gusii region. Dr Matiang’i told public gatherings that he would be jobless after the August elections should the Abagusii community fail to re-elect the President in the August polls. Uhuru is touring the region starting today. The Cabinet secretary was speaking in Nyamira on Sunday when met with county youths.
representatives received the highest amount in sitting allowances in quarter one as four counties breached pay caps, according to a new report that shows how devolved units will this year spend Sh3.3 billion on meeting fees. The Controller of Budget’s report shows that on average each MCA in Trans Nzoia was paid Sh171, 400 per month in the one quarter to September.
Electricity distributor Kenya Power says 940,668 customers connected to the national grid have not loaded their meters for months. This makes them “zero vend” customers, which refers to prepaid meters installed but have not yet purchased any tokens. Kenya Power acting managing director Ken Tarus on Monday attributed the idle prepaid meters to low consumption of power by some customers .
Top stories from X News global partners Ivanka Trump has West F.B.I. Is Investigating The global economy Wing office and will Trump’s Russia Ties, enjoys a synchronised get access to classified Comey Confirms: F.B.I. director, upswing: ECONOMIC and political information: Ivanka Trump’s role James B. Comey, took the extraordinary step cycles have a habit of being out of sync. Just ask
in her father’s administration is expanding. Though the president’s eldest daughter currently holds no official title in the White House, she is working out of a West Wing office and will soon get access to classified information, even though she is not technically serving as a government employee. Jamie Gorelick, an attorney and ethics adviser for Trump, said Monday that the first daughter will not have an official title but will get a West Wing office, governmentissued communications devices and security clearance to access classified information. Trump acknowledged the lack of precedent for an adult child of the US president to take on such an ambiguous role. www.theguardian.com
on Monday of announcing that the agency is investigating whether members of President Trump’s campaign colluded with Russia to influence the 2016 election. Mr. Comey’s testimony before the House Intelligence Committee created a treacherous political moment for Mr. Trump, who has insisted that “Russia is fake news” that was cooked up by his political opponents to undermine his presidency. Mr. Comey placed a criminal investigation at the doorstep of the White House and said officers would pursue it “no matter how long that takes.” Mr. Comey also dismissed Mr. Trump’s claim that he was wiretapped by his predecessor during the campaign. www.nytimes.com
US curbs laptops and tablets on flights from Mideast: Airline passengers
George Bush senior, who lost the presidential election in 1992 because voters blamed him for the recent recession. Or Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, booted out by German voters in 2005 after imposing painful reforms, only to see Angela Merkel reap the rewards. Today, almost ten years after the most severe financial crisis since the Depression, a broad-based economic upswing is at last under way. In America, Europe, Asia and the emerging markets, for the first time since a brief rebound in 2010, all the burners are firing at once. But the political mood is sour. A populist rebellion, nurtured by years of sluggish growth, is still spreading. Globalisation is out of favour.
travelling from eight Middle Eastern nations, including Jordan and Egypt, will be barred from carrying large electronic devices into the main cabin under new regulations from the Trump administration. The rules, which come into effect on Tuesday, also apply to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to a US official. Passengers from the eight countries will have to check laptop computers and other large devices, such as tablets, into the hold on all flights bound for the US. The new rules do not impact any US carriers. They will also not apply to flights leaving the US for the same countries, according to the official, who requested anonymity.
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Kenya Railways receives more locomotives, rolling stock for SGR
Kenya Railways has taken delivery of yet another batch of locomotives and rolling stock that will be deployed on the Standard Gauge Railway line. The batch, which consists of 3 passenger locomotives, 8 passenger coaches, and 120 open-top wagons arrived at the Port of Mombasa aboard two ships from China. To date Kenya Railways has received eight (8) freight haulage heavy duty locomotives for mainline use out of the total expected forty 43, two shunting locomotives out of the eight on order and 330 wagons out of the total order of 1,620. The passenger locomotives and wagons have all been delivered as expected; five passenger locomotives and 40 passenger coaches. The locomotives and rolling stock delivered earlier have been inspected and are currently being subjected to comprehensive static and dynamic tests in order to ensure they are in good condition before acceptance. Testing commenced early this month and the passenger train successfully completed its maiden test journey to Mombasa from Nairobi on March 8, 2017. Kenya Railways Managing Director Mr. A. K. Maina said that the locomotives will provide a vital service to the nation and help address growing congestion on the country’s roads. He added that operations on the line will stimulate economic activity especially in the areas traversed by the Standard Gauge Railway line. Mr. Maina stated that the operations will feature freight and passenger
The first batch of the SGR locomotives unveiled in Mombasa. New passenger locomotives will cut down a twelve-hour journey from Nairobi to Mombasa to just over four hour train services with the passenger operating two types of trains. The intercity passenger train will offer an express service between the two main destinations of Mombasa and Nairobi stopping only at Mtito Andei to allow passage of the passenger train going in the same or opposite direction. The second type of train is the County train which will make a stop at each
of the seven intermediate stations at Mariakani, Miaseny, Voi, Mtito Andei, Kibwezi, Emali and Athi River on its way to either destination to allow residents of the said areas access train transport services. Mr. Maina clarified that passenger trains will be given priority on the line whereby Freight trains will be stopped at the crossing stations to enable
EAPI forum to uncover new opportunities for East Africa’s growing retail industry Kenya’s business owners are set to benefit from the East African Property Investment (EAPI) summit which seeks to unlock new opportunities in Kenya and the entire region. The two day forum, which will take place at the Radisson Blu hotel, will be host to 5 in-depth and exclusive retail discussions where leading retailers, developers, professionals and industry experts will share their insights and advice on how best to approach each of the identified sweet spots for East Africa’s retail sector. While some have been quick to point out the oversupply of retail offerings in East Africa, others are finding opportunity with a long term view for decent economic growth in regions like Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda in mind, all countries where this oversupply could quickly be absorbed. According to Gordon Bell, Director for Broll Property Group East Africa Operations, there is currently some concern due to the relatively small tenant base resulting in shopping centres and landlords competing for tenants. “The market is still maturing and so it will take time
for the current stock to be absorbed, and there are a number of new malls due for completion this year which will only add to the current stock,” he said. “Our Broll Kenya H1 2017 report, which will be launched at the EAPI Summit next month, has also highlighted that local retailer expansion plans are unable to match the current increased supply space in Nairobi and its environs, largely due to spending power not yet reflecting within the retail space,” Bell added. The summit comes at a time when retail opportunities in EA region may still present themselves in the form of smaller retail convenience stores, well located in areas with efficient transport systems, as the fad of new and big centres quickly approaches its peak. Following the delivery of the new phases of Village Market and Sarit Centre, as well as the Waterfront Karen, which is under construction, other new, iconic malls in the pipeline include Montave in Upper Hill area and Britam’s mall in Kileleshwa, both of which have been designed to cater for their respective neighbourhoods rather than the wider catchments. @enock_x254
passenger trains to pass which is a common practice all over the World. The Mombasa to Nairobi section of the Standard Gauge Railway network is just the beginning of more kilometres of SGR track planned for Kenya. The track will be extended to Malaba with construction on the Nairobi to Naivasha section set to commence later @kevin_x254 this year.
MEAN 103.1111 127.7014 110.8397 8.1392 34.8654 21.6757
BUY SELL 103.0111 103.2111 127.5567 127.8461 110.7111 110.9683 8.1287 8.1496 34.7831 34.9477 21.6062 21.7452
Bank of Africa moves to ramp up digital services following launch of new HQ
Bank of Africa Limited has officially opened its new branch at BOA House, the bank’s new headquarters located in the Westlands node of Nairobi, marking the beginning of its branch consolidation process. The opening is part of the lender’s ongoing move to optimize its digital banking products for its tech savvy customers. The new branch consolidates accounts that were previously operated at the bank’s Fedha Plaza, Mpaka Road Westlands unit and will conveniently allow existing customers to be served within the vicinity. Bank of Africa Managing Director, Ronald Marambii said that the branch will make it possible for customers to access the bank’s retail banking services more conveniently. “The BOA House branch will efficiently offer all our services through a one-stop shop model. We have gone further to give our customers convenience in addition to provide access to customer related departments and top management,” said Mr. Marambii. The branch is expected to supplement Bank of Africa’s digitization strategy that is offering mobile and online channels for accessing banking services. “Bank of Africa is fully committed to the Kenyan and African markets, offering services as an all public bank across its main business sectors of Retail, SME and Corporate banking,” the lender said in a statement. @enock_x254
Voters to be polled ahead of elections following launch of ‘Kenya Decides’ app The upcoming elections have generated even more buzz following the launch of an app dubbed Kenya Decides 2017. The app has been described as a real-time opinion polling system that aggregates sentiment and lets users compare data on one screen using their smartphones. It is available on both Android and IOS under the banner name Kenya Decides. The App targets largely youthful population of smartphone users. Unlike traditional polling where random telephone numbers are generated and on average 2,000 people are polled, this App gives all Kenyans an equal opportunity to endorse their preferred candidate. It gives a large sample size which is more representative of the population. The App encompasses all elective positions in the Kenyan electoral system including the MCA with an aim of giving localized predictions to voters in all levels. Aspirants at each level send their information to be listed on the platform
complete with a pitch of their manifesto in video. Users are able to endorse their preferred candidates and track their popularity right from the application. The App simulates an election where every Kenyan who owns a smartphone has a chance to vote and the aspirants can mobilise their supporters as in the ‘Get Out and Vote’ phase. The App also offers real-time and opening numbers for public scrutiny. A user can also unendorse an aspirant if after exposure to more information, they choose to support a competitor. The system provides a unique way to gauge the authenticity of the strong following of seemingly-popular aspirants on social media. The real time app-driven polling paradigm operates under the premise that politics is a game of numbers and that at the end of the electoral process, only one statistic counts; the tally. The App offers aspirants an opportunity to gauge how effective their campaign communication is by studying the numbers.
BUSINESS 9
KWFT, Liberty Life Assurance to offer affordable last respect benefit cover TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
Kenya Women Micro Finance Bank (KWFT) has today signed a partnership with Liberty Life Assurance, to roll out a Last Respect Benefit Cover dubbed KWFT Maisha Plus exclusively to it’s over 800,000 KWFT clients. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mwangi Githaiga, Managing Director KWFT, noted that many Kenyans face financial challenges when it comes to the final sendoff of relatives, with many resulting to fundraising within social networks to meet both the cost medical bills and burial. “The Maisha Plus cover will be offered by KWFT at a premium fee of Sh75 and will seek to give the KWFT customers’ beneficiaries peace of mind in the unfortunate event that they pass on,” Liberty Life said in a statement. “This will ensure that they are given a proper send off,” the statement added. “Life is full of unpredictable events and one of them is death. Death is always a hard time for the family and friends of the deceased to deal with the expenses. The financial burden, accompanied with the loss of the loved one, is even more strenuous leaving the family emotionally and financially drained. This often leads to numerous ‘harambees’ to raise funds to cover the
KWFT Managing Director, Mwangi Githaiga exchanges a signed partnership document with Liberty Life Managing Director, Abel Munda on March 20, 2017. Photo:Edwin Gitobu/Xnews funeral expenses,” said Githaiga. “At KWFT we are family oriented, and we believe that by serving the woman we serve the entire family, hence endeavor to maintain strong relationships with
our clients. By offering Maisha Plus to our clients, we aim at providing peace of mind to the family members during and after bereavement, as it eases the financial burden associated with any
AFD Group, EU in Sh2.7 billion deal to develop innovative projects, boost electrification on African continent French agency, AFD Group, in partnership with the European Union (EU), has unveiled the “African Renewable Energy Scale-Up facility”, designed to boost private sector investment in on-grid and off-grid renewable energy production in Africa. The facility was unveiled at the Africa CEO Forum which opened yesterday in Geneva. “In order to meet Africa’s constantly increasing energy requirements, support must be provided for mass development of the renewable energy technologies - especially solar energy - that will play such a key role over the coming years, given the recent drop in prices and the emergence of new innovative business models,” the organisations said in a statement yesterday. The EU’s electrification funding initiative, “ElectriFI”, helps to harness and stimulate private sector investment to enhance access to renewable energy. More specifically, it focuses on poorlyserved rural populations and regions that suffer from an unreliable electricity service. AFD Group has secured €24 million (Sh2.7 billion) from the fund to deploy the African Renewable Energy ScaleUp (ARE Scale Up) facility. With the
help of the European Union, AFD Group will use this lending facility to partner the early-stage development of innovative electrification projects. While priority will be given to solar energy projects, other technologies (biomass, mini-hydro, etc.) will also be considered. ARE Scale-Up has been designed with a view to unlocking synergies between AFD and its private sector financing subsidiary, Proparco, and rallying stakeholders in both the public and private sectors. Of the allocation secured from the EU fund, €12 million (Sh1.3 billion) will be used by AFD to provide technical assistance facilities to strengthen regulatory and institutional frameworks in the countries concerned and to prepare financing of private or public sector renewable energy initiatives in Africa. The other half will be used by Proparco to fund back-stop facilities for venture capital investments in private off-grid electricity providers, providing solar power kits and mini-grids. This should provide around one million African households with access to energy and add additional renewable energy capacity of 50MW for the Continent as a whole. Over the next 5 years, Proparco will provide seed funding
for between 5 and 10 businesses with innovative, high-potential projects. “The ARE Scale-Up facility will provide us with fresh resources to partially cover our risk exposure in the new offgrid solar energy sector and allow us to partner other types of business models (such as mini-grids and small-scale distributed generation systems). These types of models are growing rapidly in rural zones where they can provide solutions to the rural/urban energy divide and also address the needs of the poorer sections of the population,” Emmanuelle Matz, Head of Proparco’s Energy and Infrastructure division explained. “They significantly enhance living conditions for families thanks to the positive benefits in terms of health, productivity and education,” she added. ARE Scale-Up is part of the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI) being supported by a number of countries, notably France, within the framework of the climate negotiation process and it has two main objectives: improving access to energy for all and financing 10 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy generating capacity on the African Continent by 2020. @Dennis_x254
related expenses. This thus enhances one of our greatest core values which is upholding the dignity of women in life and after,” he added. Mwangi reiterated that the beneficiaries
of customers who have existing loans with KWFT will receive a cheque of Sh100,000 in the event of the member’s demise, through the Maisha Plus cover. Liberty Life’s Managing Director Abel Munda, lay emphasis on the role played by life insurance companies in safeguarding family legacies for customers who take up loans for business and personal development. This is done through loan write-offs upon their demise, as well as cash benefits to cushion the family after the departure of a loved one. “As life assurance companies in Kenya, it is our responsibility to provide various financial solutions for Kenyans. Such partnerships will be key in driving life insurance uptake that remains very low at about 1 per cent and to ensure that Kenyans are well protected,” said Abel Munda, Managing Director Liberty Life Assurance. Munda also reiterated that Liberty Life which has been operating in Kenya for over 50 years has invested in innovation and is a thought leader, demonstrated through its product offering. This ensures that they are both relevant and affordable to Kenyans so as to meet their financial goals and obligations. @kevin_x254
New Africa CEO ‘barometer’ to put private sector bosses under the microscope Kenyan CEOs will soon be the subject of scrutiny following the launch of a new system to measure confidence in company heads. The so called CEO barometer was launched during the fifth edition of the Africa CEO Forum, a Jeune Afrique Group initiative, organized in partnership with the African Development Bank on March 20, 2017. The theme, ‘Rethinking the African business model to remain relevant in a changing and competitive environment’ set the tone for the opening of the forum. In his keynote address, Amir Ben Yahmed, Founder and President of the Forum spoke about the achievement of the Africa CEO Forum, which was started in 2012 and has now become “the most significant meeting of the African private sector.” Speaking on this year’s theme, he explained the urgency to overhaul Africa’s business model because of the declining growth in African economies. “Even more alarming is the fact that the two biggest economies in Africa, Nigeria and South Africa, which produce 32 per cent of the continent’s production, have been very badly affected,” he explained. The African CEO Barometer is an initiative aimed at measuring the confidence in African CEOs and the expectations and prospects of key leaders in the African private sector. Published on the occasion of the Africa CEO Forum, the Barometer is based on a survey of more than 1,000 active African CEOs across the continent and will be renewed annually. Mr Yahmed went on to share some data compiled by the barometer, the first being that 61 per cent of African business leaders believed their activities have been negatively impacted by the global economic downturn in the past few months. The two main demands respondents had for governments are to improve the business climate and to fight against fraud and corruption, which they consider more important than building infrastructure. @Dennis_x254
10
BUSINESS TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
rolls out Foreign Secretary visit prompts StarTimes digital TV sets into market in Kenya to woo British tourists Kenyan diversification bid Kenya is looking to capitalise on a recent visit by UK Foreign Secretary, Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson as the country opens talks with Britain to help spur the growth of the tourism industry. “We are confident that the visit of the Foreign Secretary will encourage British citizens to visit Kenya in even greater multitude as tourists,” Amb. (Dr.) Amina C. Mohamed, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs said in a statement. Mohamed said Kenya and the United Kingdom have enjoyed long standing historical ties. She added that the Government and the people of Kenya have continued to receive support from the UK over the years in sectors that are critical to the country’s development. “This historic visit provides avenues for a more strengthened partnership between our two countries. We have had fruitful discussion on issues of great importance to our bilateral relations,” she noted. At a meeting held last week, the two discussed, among other things: trade and investment; defence and security; regional matters and Britain’s exit from the European Union (Brexit). The UK is a critical development partner to Kenya, as well as the largest foreign investor in the country. Currently, there are over 210 British companies based in Kenya valued at over £2.5 billion (Sh320.1 billion). “In the Education Sector, we discussed cooperation in capacity
building including; Kenya has received 61 scholarships from the United Kingdom for various courses; 31 from Chevening and 30 Commonwealth Scholarships last academic year,” Mohamed added. She noted that Kenya respects the sovereign decision of the British Government to withdraw from the European Union. The CS said Kenya’s main concern has been how the move would impact trade relations between the two countries. “We have however agreed to establish a platform that will
discuss and manage the best way of securing and enhancing our trade and investment relationship,” she said. “We discussed existing visa regulations and I requested the Foreign Secretary and the British Government to accept reestablishing the Visa Processing office in Nairobi to become the regional office, and ease the enormous difficulty our citizens face in obtaining Visas,” Mohamed added.
A European couple whose daughter lives in Nairobi, walk with Kenyan tour guides in Nairobi, Kenya, September 8, 2016. EPA/DAI KUROKAWA
StarTimes Media has today rolled out its new business unit that marks the entry of the StarTimes digital television sets in the Kenyan market. The 24, 32 and 40 inch television sets open a new line of business for the company which will complement the pay television offering it has operated in the country for the past five years. The new range of digital TV sets will retail at Sh18,999, Sh26,499 and Sh38,999 for the 24, 32 and 40 inch respectively. Speaking during the launch at a Nairobi hotel, StarTimes Vice President, Mr. Mark Lisboa noted that the company has progressively invested in research and development key in introducing competitive products developed from the latest technology for the company’s subscribers and customers in Kenya. The company also announced a subscription offer during the Easter period where between now and April 30, subscribers will enjoy a visual feast where for every complete month of Basic bouquet subscription paid for, subscribers will automatically be upgraded to enjoy an extra week on the Classic bouquet, while for every subscription to the Classic Bouquet, subscribers will enjoy one week Unique Bouquet for free. @kevin_x254
@Dennis_x254
LG vows to adapt to changing market trends with unveiling of the new G6 smartphone
(From left) Bobby Patel (Projects Coordinator) and Ziad Elkhoury (BD Manager) both from Basco Paints, pose next to the Subaru used by team V.Bukeria and N.Khetia for this year’s safari rally. Basco Paints sponsored the two drivers for the rally that kicked off on March 18.
Electronics manufacturing company, LG has unveiled the G6, its flagship phone for 2017 as the consumer goods firm continues its expansion into Kenya and across the globe. The firm, one of the world’s leading tech companies, revealed their latest designs at the Mobile World Congress last month. The G6 emerged that the latest game-changing innovation in the market is an all screen phone. With the smartphone market becoming more competitive, designers are seeking new ways to enhance their screen display. It has emerged that big players are no longer relying exclusively on Qualcom to supply them with mobile chipsets. Rather, they are manufacturing their own chipsets in-house. These chips are adapted to a specific device and customized for both flagship and feature phones to suit the needs of consumers. With the use of sensors, you can now see your notifications without unlocking your phone. Over the years, LG notes that there has been a transformation in the phone industry. Technology has provided a bevy of options for consumers to choose from. It has eliminated the need to use a computer or any other device
to perform any function. Whether you want a large or small, curvy or straight phone, the market provides all kinds of phones at your convenience. LG is at the frontline of creating products that are not only aesthetically beautiful, but that also provide durability and speed. This is evidenced by the new LG G6, which has an impressive processor that has increased the performance of the phone. Smartphones have created a large market for the advertising industry as users are constantly on their phones. LG notes that advertisers can now stay connected with their customers round the clock. @kevin_x254
FASHIONSCOOP
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
ACCESS
12 KOROGA FESTIVAL
12
I AM HANDLING ALL THE BILLS OF MY 5 CHILDREN ON MY OWN
TH
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acky Vike, the beautiful radio presenter and ‘Papa Shirandula’ actress is pregnant, and for the first time, the funny woman has posted beautiful pregnancy photos of herself on social media to celebrate motherhood. The extremely fashion conscious actress did not however disclose much on the pregnancy but she sure did look good. Jacky shot to fame after landing a role in the local sitcom ‘Papa Shirandula’ where she has played ‘Awinja’ a househelp with an accent, a role she had never played before but has come to master.
HOT TOPICS
shares motherhood journey in stunning pictures
greatest pieces of advice
adies fear not, you don’t have to look any further than Akothee’s treasure trove. Her social media is full of gems. Nobody asks Akothee for any of this advice but she will give it any way. She does seem to have a fair bit of experience in the dating field though so maybe she’s not just being a hater. ●This is actually heartbreaking although she claims to have come out victorious. She gives her reasons why marriage is a sham and why she will continue protecting her heart “Well, I really wonder if there are still real men left out there , good enough to date , from my small research, women are still crying even in their wedding rings ! & you wonder why I refuse to get married ! I just ask myself what that marriage will bring on the table ! divorce papers ? because am too impatient to keep up with crap especially from men ! I dump you like a hot pan , it’s better to be alone than being lonely in a relationship. most men who tried to date me says am spoilt from my past abusive relationships ! I laugh because it’s true , am over protected coz I already know you belong to my ex list even before you finish bending your neck , singing the normal chorus of “ I will never hurt you , I will never break your heart ) I wonder if there is any heart left I only have kidney with me #Akothmyfirstwife nimeleft, my heart is ment to
has given @kevin_x254
EatOut Founder Featured In Eye-Opening Digital Kenya Book
E
pump blood , it belongs to my children , wewe ngangana na kidney it’s the only organ meant for excretion & elimination of things that are harmful to the body.” ●Here she gives a giant glimpse into the workings of her relationships and actually spills more beans than we expect “We are all struggling & hustling in different levels, I am handling all the bills of my 5 children on my own , don’t mind the posts about baby daddies sending money to me for their kids holidays , I know they follow me , & they are my fans , so it’s away of passing a polite message to them that , we single mothers miss their contribution, if wishes were horses , there won’t be a baby daddy so children can grow seing both parents , it hurts but life has to continue surely An Ex can never be your friend , I tried it for 7 years it failed lesson learnt.” ●Here she was casually flossing “I wish there was an App to alert me when my EXs are stalking me on my pages. I will call them by names .because they don’t like ,comment nor share , Ogaboss what are you doing here ?you must be wondering where the light is coming from , well , it’s from the container that you threw away , someone picked it & made a lamp out of it , you can’t claim a recycled item.” ●Some solid advice that seemed unprompted “I get hurt too but I don’t allow it to control me ! like I said before am a serial heartbreaker, & Even with my hands full of children , I will never settle for a man below average I go for the biggest fish in the pond.”
atOut, Africas largest online restaurant guide Founder and CEO Mikul Shah was recently featured on the Digital Kenya book - a landmark publication featuring fourteen key experts from Kenya’s startup scene. The businessman, alongside Naked Pizza Founder Ritesh Doshi, appears in Chapter 13 of the publication, titled: ‘The Hustling Entrepreneur on Trial’. “Our main goal with EatOut at the moment is to ensure that we have the Number One market share within the industry and we have therefore explored many different opportunities. Our magazine Yummy and activities such as Nairobi Restaurant Week have done well to generate revenue and increase our presence as an industry authority,” says Mikul Shah of some of the market opportunities he has tested. Founded in 2010, EatOut’s mission has always been to promote and grow the culinary industry in Kenya
R
appers Snoop Dogg and Bow Wow may be in trouble for insulting President Donald Trump. Snoop had last week dissed the US President in a rap track dubbed ‘Lavender’. In defence of the rapper, Bow Wow tweeted insults at Trump further dragging First Lady Melania into the beef. While Trump had asked Snoop to apologise, the rapper has not apologised and in fact the duo say they have done nothing wrong and will not apologise. The Trump administration has however threatened to take legal action if the rappers do not apologise to the President.
and Bow wow in trouble over Trump insults
12
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TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
KOROGA FESTIVAL 16TH EDITION
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Shirley Abade, Whitney Oromo and Millie Odongo.
South Africa Airways promo girl.
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oroga Festival this round was all about the ladies which is fitting seeing as the women always bring Also on offer are Executive office Tables it atand thechairs event. This one was no different and the long and short of it is that the ladies killed it. Here are some of the looks of the day at the Arboretum. Mid-Back mesh chair Sh.8000
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TABLE 19
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andom individuals find themselves seated around the titular piece of furniture during the reception of a wedding of a young couple. Seated furthest away from the action, they are the people who either have an extremely limited connection to the betrothed, or who would have been better off not attending. After a
GENRE: Comedy, Drama CAST: Anna Kendrick, Craig Robinson, June Squibb RATING: PG-13 RUNTIME: 87 minutes. period of getting to know each other, it takes very little time for them to piece together that there are the total rejects of the reception. It’s not that simple, however, as various bouts of personal crisis wind up leaving a trail of chaos at the wedding -- leading the randoms at Table 19 to team up and try and get each other through their own crap before the night is through.
to Edinburgh from Amsterdam, where he has been living with his wife. Spud (Ewen Bremner) is still struggling to fully wean himself off his heroin addiction, Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller) has inherited his aunt’s pub, but is still dabbling in small crimes, while Begbie (Robert Carlyle) has just broken out of prison.
Our rating: ★ ★ ★
T2 TRAINSPOTTING et twenty years after the events of SRenton Trainspotting, T2 kicks off Mark (Ewan McGregor) returning
GENRE: Comedy, Drama CAST: Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller RATING: R RUNTIME: 117 minutes.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
BOOK LAUNCH
WE HAVEN’T SPOKE ON IT SINCE THEN AND I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT TO SAY BECAUSE IT HAS SHOCKED ME TO THE CORE.
@christine_x254
Dear Nelly,
Dear Dr X,
‘Chronicles of Life & Love’
M
onica Nyambura, a holder of bachelor’s degree in Social Science has been writing poetry passionately from the tender age of eight. The death of her father led her to a journey of selfdiscovery and learning how to deal with the loss. Through her successful career as an administrator and managing her businesses in agribusiness and travel, she has interacted with many people’s stories, giving her the authority to write on loss and love. Chronicles of Life & Love is a documentation of over 70 short inspiring poems that talks about normal life stories, experiences and victories. Speaking during the launch of this book at a Nairobi Hotel, the author, Monica Nyambura termed the book as ‘Pages of life’ as they tell exactly what people go through regardless of gender, race, tribe or social economic status. ‘’It is my hope that the book will move to all corners of the earth, giving hope to the hopeless and inspire the world to trust and believe in love’’ she said. Unlike formal poems, Chronicles of Life & Love has created its rules, putting spoken words to paper in short and simple language. This form of poetry is the first of its kind in Kenya and is set to stimulate the rather dormant art industry in the country and help to boost the global reading culture. Today, she is an author, motivational speaker, a farmer and a business woman.
My boyfriend of two years and I were talking recently and he made a revelation to me that I’m not sure what to do about. We had both been drinking a lot when he just blurted out that he had sexually assaulted a female friend of his while he was still in university. It seemed like a joke at first because we were not in our right state of mind but he told me the whole story. We haven’t spoken on it since then and I don’t even know what to say because it has shocked me to the core. Even though he has never shown any violent tendencies towards me I’m not sure I can continue being with him at this point.
-Nelly
is dead
Nobody’s doing it anymore –
Netflix and chill is all the rage
@christine_x254
T
he more important question to ask here
problem with dating is that is a foreign concept. Something we saw on TV and movies then decided that it seemed like a good idea.
time together but dating puts a lot of pressure on two people to put up a show, so to speak. days people just meet and carry on together without much discussion of going out and doing other things together. Another thing that really stops people from going out is the ease with which things are done in modern times. Technology has made everything too easy. You can get an innumerable amount of TV shows, radio stations and movies just at the comfort of your own home. Need to order something buying it yourself, there’s an app for that now. Research has shown that millennials are not only moving less than people from previous generations but they are also going out less and socializing a lot less. As the New York Post reports, “Millennials, it seems, have discovered that the need to socialize face-to-face is waning, as food, shopping, friends, entertainment
-Dr X
and even sex are all an app tap away.” Well they are very accurate. It’s a lot less expensive than going out with someone without much guarantee of anything meaningful happening between the two of you. Not when you can just pull up a dating/hook up app and remove all the variables that arise from a night out. What is this new phenomenon now? It’s not really a phenomenon but a natural progression. People no longer need to tire themselves out looking for that one connection that will most comfortable with and seeing how that works out. You don’t need to go on a ‘traditional’ date for this despite what all those movies told you. People hang out, people hook up without much commitment and more importantly romance is all the way dead. A much modern approach that seems to be cropping up is starting out actual families without being ‘together’ and not out of obligation but choice. Since this is still rather new it’ll be interesting to see how future, but one thing is for sure, you won’t start one on a date.
Send your agonising queries to christine@x254.co
Another thing that really stops people from going out is the ease with which things are done in modern times.
MY BOY FRIEND SEXUALLY ASSAULTED A FEMALE FRIEND!
This is actually quite a complex problem. Sexual assault is not laughing matter and you should have taken it seriously when he first broke the story to you. There’s just no forgiving something like that especially since he had held such crucial information from you for two years. There is also no telling what he might do to you because of this history. From the look of things he received absolutely no consequences for the terrible thing he did. Do not sit on your feelings and ignore something as serious as that just simply move on in whatever way that you can. Stay safe and more importantly move on from this potentially dangerous situation.
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SPORT TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
Fifa bans Ghanaian referee for life over ‘match manipulation’ Ghanaian referee Joseph Lamptey has been banned for life by Fifa for what the world football governing body calls “match manipulation”. The ban results from a penalty he awarded to South Africa in a 2-1 win over Senegal in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in November. He penalised Kalidou Koulibaly for handball, but replays showed the ball hit his knee. Fifa said it will give more details “once the decision becomes final and binding”. Lamptey can now appeal to Fifa and the Court of Arbitration for Sport. One of his assistants, David Laryea, also from Ghana, had charges against him dismissed by Fifa’s disciplinary committee. The win for South Africa left them in second place in the four-team group after two matches, with Senegal in third. Lamptey, who also officiated at the Rio Olympics last year, declined BBC Sport’s invitation to comment, saying he would do so later. The Senegal Football Federation
Ghanaian referee Joseph lamptey reacts as Senegal players protest the awarding of a penalty to South Africa during their World Cup qualifier in November. Lamptey has been banned by Fifa for the act.
(FSF), who made a complaint to Fifa over Lamptey, is happy with the decision. “Today there are many reasons to be happy about this decision - a decision that will be remembered
as being significant but will also warn everybody that they are being watched,” FSF vice-president Abdoulaye Sow told BBC Sport. “All cheating and stealing will be punished according to its gravity.
“Fifa has clearly struck a big blow and has promised in its decision to talk again about the match when the decision is final and binding.”
United’s Bastian now joins Chicago Manchester United have agreed to let midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger join MLS side Chicago Fire. A deal between the clubs was agreed on yesterday and is subject to a medical and visa being secured. The former Germany captain, 32, has signed a one-year contract, according to the Chicago Tribune newspaper. “I’ve always sought opportunities where I hoped to make a positive impact,” Schweinsteiger said in the Tribune. “My move to Chicago Fire is no different.” Schweinsteiger, who led Germany to World Cup victory in 2014, had talks with Chicago Fire last year but opted to stay at United beyond the end of the January window. However, Fire requested the midfielder join them now and, as Schweinsteiger was unlikely to play any significant part at United for the remainder of the season, the Old Trafford club have sanctioned his exit. Last week, he trained with some junior members of the United squad while the remainder prepared for their Europa League game against FC Rostov. “In the locker room, he will be a huge example of a champion,” Chicago Fire manager Veljko Paunovic told the Tribune. “He still is somebody that can show that on the field and demonstrate how our guys have to work, prepare, behave, think and work together in order to get to that level.”
Vardy ‘had death threats’ over coach Ranieri sacking Leicester striker Jamie Vardy says he has received death threats and his family have been targeted since Claudio Ranieri was sacked as manager. The 30-year-old blamed “hurtful” and “false” accusations he influenced the club’s decision to sack the Italian. Ranieri left in February, nine months after winning the Premier League, with the club 17th in the table. His successor, Craig Shakespeare, later denied reports of a player revolt. “It is terrifying,” Vardy said. “I read one story that said I was personally involved in a meeting after the Sevilla game when I was actually sat in anti-doping for three hours. “But then the story is out there, people pick it up and jump on it and you’re getting death threats about your family, kids, everything.” Vardy said he was able to “get on with it” but added: “When people are trying to cut your missus up while she’s driving, with the kids in the back of the car, it’s not the best.” BBC Sport understands some Leicester players were summoned to meet the club’s chairman after a 2-1 Champions League defeat by Sevilla, and Ranieri’s fate was sealed by the negative reaction. With Shakespeare in charge - first as caretaker and later on a deal until the end of the season
Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy takes instructions from sacked manager Claudio Ranieri during a past Premier League match. PHOTO: /EPA
- the Foxes have won four successive matches, moving up to 15th, six points above the relegation zone. That run includes a 2-0 victory in their last-16 second leg with Sevilla which leaves them as England’s only representative in the quarterfinals. “If there was an issue, you went and did it in the gaffer’s office or you went and did it on the
tactics board, because he was happy for you to come in and put your opinion across,” Vardy added of Ranieri’s time in charge. “The stories were quite hurtful to be honest with you. A lot of false accusations were being thrown out there and there was nothing we, as players, could do about it. “We just had to put it to the back of our minds and concentrate on the football.”
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Arsenal deny Wenger replacement ‘rumours’ Arsenal have denied they have approached Borussia Dortmund about appointing their manager Thomas Tuchel as a replacement for Arsene Wenger (pictured). The French manager’s contract expires at the end of the season but he has been offered a new two-year deal. Wenger, 67, says he will announce “very soon” whether he will stay after reaching a decision on his future. However, he has been the target of fans protests after his side’s run of four league defeats in five games. Their latest loss came in a 3-1 defeat at West Brom on Saturday as Arsenal dropped to sixth in the Premier League and face the prospect of failing to finish in the top four for the first time since Wenger joined the club in 1996. In the first half of the game at the Hawthorns, two planes pulled banners overhead - one criticising the Frenchman and the other supporting him - while there were plenty of anti-Wenger banners displayed by Gunners fans in the closing stages. Tuchel took over at Borussia Dortmund following the departure of current Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in summer 2015. He has led his side to the last eight of the Champions League, while Dortmund are third in the Bundesliga. German newspaper Bild reported on Sunday that Arsenal had made contact with Dortmund over Tuchel.
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
UNITED NOW ALLO SCHWEINSTEIGER’S P 14 MOVE TO MLS SIDE CHAICAGO FIRE
Germany keeper out of tomorrow’s England friendly
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ermany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is out of tomorrow’s friendly against England due to a calf injury. Uncapped Paris St-Germain keeper Kevin Trapp, 26, has replaced the 30-year-old Bayern Munich star but Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen is expected to start ahead of both Trapp and Beyer Leverkusen’s Bernd Leno in goal. Four Premier League players are in head coach Joachim Low’s 24man squad. Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil and Shkodran Mustafi are included for the match in Dortmund, as are Manchester City forward Leroy Sane and Liverpool midfielder Emre Can. “Games against England are absolute classics, and in front of brilliant fans in Dortmund,” said Low. Ex-Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski is set to win his final Germany cap. The 31-year-old has played 129 times for his country since making his debut in 2004, and announced his retirement after last year’s European Championship. RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner, 21, is named in the Germany squad for the first time. Germany face Azerbaijan in a World Cup qualifier four days after the match against England, who have recalled Jermain Defoe. Low has called up a strong squad that also includes Bayern Munich quartet of Mats Hummels, Joshua Kimmich and Thomas Muller. They are joined by Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos, Juventus Sami Khedira, PSG’s Julian Draxler, and Borussia Dortmund’s p r o m i s i n g youngster Julian Weigl in midfield.
Okumbi upbeat as Stars warm up for friendlies
Harambee Stars head coach Stanley Okumbi. He has expressed confidence the team will give positive results in their two friendly matches this week.
Kenya welcomes Uganda on Thursday before playing host to DRC Congo in friendly fixtures at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos
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arambee Stars head coach Stanley Okumbi is confident his squad will emerge victorious in their upcoming friendly matches against Uganda on Thursday and the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday. Okumbi on Monday called 11 foreign based players to link up with the team that reported to camp on Sunday ahead of the matches to be played at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. “What we are aiming for are positive results from the two friendly matches. They are two good sides who were in the last edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, therefore, you know what we should expect,” he said. Okumbi said most of the foreign-based players have arrived in the country with Captain Victor Wanyama who was involved in Tottenham Hotspurs 2-1 win over his former club Southhampton on Sunday expected in the country later today.
Among those making a comeback in the foreign-based legion midfielder Johanna Omollo who turns up for Royal Antwerp of Belgium and David Ochieng of New York Cosmos, USA. Winger Ayub Timbe and striker Michael Olunga will be playing for the national football team under new clubs after moving from Europe to join the mega million shilling Chinese clubs. Olunga was the first to make the move, abandoning Swedish side Djurgårdens IF to join Guizhou Zhicheng while Timbe left Belgium side Lierse S.K. to sign for Beijing Renhe. A notable exclusion from the team is speedy winger Paul Were who plays for Acharnaikos F.C. in Greece. Those called up include Abud Omar (Slava Sofia, Bulgaria), Anthony Akumu (Zesco, Zambia), Erick Ouma (FC Kolkheti, Georgia) and Jesse Were (Zesco, Zambia). Others are David Owino (Zesco, Zambia)
and Brian Mandela (Maritzburg, South Africa). Kenya will be using the friendly matches to gauge their fitness ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier that gets underway in June where they are paired with Sierra Leone, Ghana and neighbors Ethiopia. Uganda head coach Milutin Micho Sredojevic has named a strong squad for the Thursday match as he seeks to better last August’s barren draw against Kenya in Kampala. The Serbian tactician has named Tusker FC and Gor Mahia left backs Shaffik Batambuze and Godfrey Walusimbi among other foreign-based players. The foreign-based players will link up with the team in Nairobi. Former Gor Mahia midfielder Khalid Aucho - who recently joined Serbian side Red Star Belgrade has been sidelined to acclimatize with his new team. @amos_x254
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