THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017 | www.x254.Co
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GOVERNOR GACHAGUA TO BE BURIED MONDAY BODY OF THE FORMER NYERI COUNTY CHIEF HAS BEEN TAKEN TO LEE FUNERAL HOME AFTER IT WAS
NEWS
FLOWN TO THE COUNTRY FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM EARLY TODAY
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BARCELONA BOSS LUIS ENRIQUE TO STEP DOWN AT END OF SEASON FOR ‘REST’
Eastleigh shops closed as owners battle hawkers
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Nurses issue strike notice Kenya National Union of Nurses Secretary General Seth Panyako (centre) addresses the press in Nairobi flanked by the union’s Deputy Secretary Maurice Opetu and the National Chairman Joseph Ngwasi today. The union has issued an eleven-day strike notice saying nurses will down their tools from Marhc 13, 2017 if the government fails to honour an agreement to harmonise their salaries and allowances. They also want President Kenyatta to sack Health PS Nicholus Muraguri whom they blamed for orchestrating graft in the ministry. Story Page 4
CHELSEA WING-BACK VICTOR MOSES GETS SALARY INCREAMENT IN NEW CONTRACT
Doctors pay talks extended again as Uhuru steps in President to meet union leaders today
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Doctors pay talks extended again as Uhuru steps in
Governors carry the casket bearing the body of former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after it was flown to the country early today. Mr Gachagua will be buried on Monday. PHOTO: CAPITAL FM
Gachagua to be buried on Monday
Former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua is set to be buried on Monday after his body arrived in the country from the UK where he died while undergoing treatment last week. Gachagua succumbed to pancreatic cancer last Friday. The plane carrying his body touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International airport shortly before 5am and was received by members of the Council of Governors led by his successor Samuel Wamathai who was sworn in as new Nyeri Governor on Monday. Rigathi Gachagua, a brother to the late governor, was accompanied from London by Kenya’s ambassador to the UK Lazarus Amayo and Governors Ken Lusaka (Bungoma), Jack Ranguma (Kisumu), David Nkedienye (Kajiado), Joseph Ndathi (Kirinyaga), John Nyangarama (Nyamira) and Paul Chepkwony (Kericho). Speaking during a brief gathering at the airport following the arrival of the body, Rigathi
extended an olive branch to Members of the Nyeri County Assembly who may have differed politically with his brother, saying they are invited to attend his burial on Monday. He said the family held no grudge against any of the MCAs who sought to have Gachagua impeached, adding that the family will receive them with open arms. “Gachagua was a politician and may have had differences with people but those matters are forgotten by the family,” he said. “I called on the County Assembly Speaker and told him that members should feel welcome. We say so with an open heart,” he said. While relaying his message of condolence to the family, the country’s envoy to the UK mourned Gachagua as a selfless leader committed to improving the welfare of the people of Nyeri. “When President Uhuru Kenyatta received the news of the passing of the governor as a leader he had compassion and asked the Embassy
to facilitate the smooth repatriation of the governor’s remain,” Ambassador Amayo said. His sentiments were echoed by Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri who described the late Gachagua as a true friend and a visionary leader. Nyeri Senator Mutahi Kagwe commended the CoG for supporting Gachagua’s family since he passed away. Other leaders at the airport were Governors Joshua Irungu (Laikipia), Mwangi wa Iria (Murang’a), William Kabogo (Kiambu), Okoth Obado (Migori), Ukur Yattani (Marsabit), Othaya MP Mary Wambui, her Tetu counterpart Ndung’u Gethenji as well as Nyeri Town MP Esther Murugi were also present. The body was taken to Lee Funeral Home. MORE ON THIS STORY www.capitalfm.co.ke
Mediators seeking an end to the doctors pay row with the government have been given another extension to reach a conclusion even as President Uhuru Kenyatta stepped in to end the stalemate The Court of Appeal gave an additional five days to mediators to reach an amicable solution on a day Mr Kenyatta scheduled a meeting with doctors’ union officials and the clergy. The Court has allowed the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya to join the mediation team led by Kenya National Human Rights and the Law Society of Kenya. President Kenyatta’s meeting will bring together Catholic head Cardinal John Njue, Anglican Church of Kenya leader Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit and the leadership of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU). “These are extraordinary circumstances that require divine intervention. The matter will be mentioned on March 7 and we are hopeful the matter will be resolved by then,” Justice Koome ruled as the appellate court bench granted the additional days for talks to conclude. Judges Koome, Fatuma Sichale and GBM Kariuki allowed the clergy to be enjoined in the mediations as they said all avenues had to be sought as a solution to end the 88-day strike is sought. KMPDU secretary general Ouma Oluga welcomed the extension but insisted the medics’ would not relent in the implementation of the contentious 2013 collective bargaining agreement. “We should never be comfortable with a public system that does not intend to listen to the pleas of its doctors,” he said. All concerned parties present including the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the council of governors allowed the entry of the religious leaders into the mediation. The sticky issue that has derailed the talks that have hit a snag for the umpteenth time remains the doctors’ salaries and wages as they also push for the employment of 1200 doctors annually and better training and working conditions. KNCHR and the LSK, the lead mediators in the talks, tabled an interim report that highlighted the failure of parties in the strike to reach an agreement. Cardinal Njue and Archbishop Sapit already met with the KMPDU officials yesterday and a deal is expected to be reached at today’s meeting with President Kenyatta. The clergymen expressed confidence that they would be able to reach a deal with the striking doctors saying they could present a report to the court by Monday. However senior counsel James Orengo representing the KMPDU successfully intervened to have the apelllate court mention the case on the following day. @harrison_x254
KNHCR wants Kamama investigated over insecurity in Baringo The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) wants Tiaty MP Asmam Kamama to resign as chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on National Administration and Security and be investigated over insecurity in Baringo. The commission in its report over the on-going clashes in the North Rift region also wants other political leaders that have been adversely mentioned in connection with the conflicts to face legal action. Vice Chairman KNCRH George Morara said there is need for speedy
legal action on politicians and other opinion leaders cited for fueling the current violence in the region especially in Baringo County. “Specifically KNCHR calls on the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security Asmam Kamama to step aside and allow for investigations into his alleged role in the spiraling conflict in Baringo County,” Morara said. According to KNHRC, over 8,000 pupils and students both in primary and secondary schools are not enjoying the right to education following closure
of schools in the recent spate of attacks. The report released today in Nakuru indicates that there is a humanitarian crisis in the region with agencies like Red Cross facing security threats. At least ten people have been killed and over 10,000 are now internally displaced persons in Baringo County. Morara said the commission is also concerned by the shoot to kill order issued by the Deputy President saying such orders always left a trail of death, destruction of property, and a large number of displaced persons. “Over the last 10 years, the commission
has documented atrocities meted out on residents by security officers deployed to implement the so-called shoot to kill orders. This collective punishment practice negates the spirit and letter of the constitution which protects the rights to life and security of persons,” Morara said. The commission now wants the ongoing security operation in the region must not be a one-time affair but sustained until normalcy is restored. It has also called on the County and National government to enhance their interventions in the provision
of humanitarian assistance to the displaced persons who are in dire need of food, on food items and basic health services. It has further recommended that the government must put in place mechanisms to address the underlying causes of the insecurity, conduct through investigations into all criminal activities including the recent killing of two politicians in Marigat and other members of the public who have lost lives and property. @sam_x254
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Lobbies urge MPs to throw out Ouko petition Civil Society organisations now want a petition seeking the removal of Auditor General Edward Ouko from office thrown out. They told MPs yesterday that the petition by lawyer Emmanuel Mwagoah lacks both evidence and merit. Mr Mwagoah has accused Ouko of abuse of office, nepotism and misuse of funds. But when they appeared before the parliamentary committee on Finance yesterday, Society for International Development associate director Irungu Houghton and Transparency International executive director Samuel Kimeu said the petitioner has not provided sufficient evidence to back his claims. “It is, therefore, a waste of valuable public resources. It further seeks to disable an important constitutionally mandated oversight office vital for upholding integrity and the fight against corruption,” Mr Irungu said on behalf of the organisations. “We cannot back allegations not accompanied by evidence until the petitioner presents evidence before this committee, this petition is just a waste of time,” he added.
They further said the petition as presented before the committee does not meet the threshold of removal of the Auditor general from office. “We will be glad to come back here and discuss with you members based on solid evidence as for now this is all about speculations,” Houghton said. Kimeu said as much as Transparency International does not condone misuse of public resources, any allegations made must be accompanied by evidence. “The Office of the Auditor General is an independent office, politics should not be used to undermine it because we all need the office for public accountability purposes,” Kimeu said. “How can the committee be sure this petition is not motivated by a person or persons that have been adversely audited or have a conflict of interest?” Kimeu asked. The Society for International Development, Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi and Mzalendo Trust all told the committee that the petition falls short of constitutional and legal standards regulating fair administrative practice and the removal of officers. The groups questioned the petitioner’s motive, yet the EACC and the DPP
CoG: Attempts to bar Governors is pure witch-hunt
Auditor General Edward Ouko (far right) follows proceedings during the hearing of a petition to remove him from office on Tuesday. Lobbies have asked MPs to throw out the petition.
cleared Ouko of all charges after intensive probes. Vice Chairman of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) Julius Mwatu also told the committee to ensure that the petitioner is compelled to provide more evidence. “The petition should be accorded independent review and the petitioner made to prove all the allegations by
providing evidence beyond reasonable doubt,” Mwitu said. He said the accusations levelled against Ouko did not breach any accounting laws. When he appeared before the committee on Tuesday, Ouko termed the petition as malicious and saying it was motivated by witch hunt. @sam_x254
Governors have termed as witchhunt plans by the Ethics and AntiCorruption Commission (EACC) to block county bosses who have pending cases of graft from vying in the coming elections. Council of Governors chairman Peter Munya (pictured below), said the attempts are a smear campaign against them. He told the commission to take to court any governor accused of graft if they have evidence to back their claims. “If they know of any Governor who is guilty or who has stolen , they should take him to court and let the campaign stop,” Munya who is also the Meru Governor said yesterday in Nakuru.
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Nurses in yet another strike notice
Another top Trump official hit by Russia ‘contact’ claims Attorney General Jeff Sessions met Russia’s ambassador during Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, despite telling his confirmation hearing he had “no communications with the Russians”. The justice department confirmed he met Sergei Kislyak in July and September last year as part of his role on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Mr Sessions on Wednesday said his comments at his confirmation related to his role on the Trump campaign team. Democrats accused him of lying on oath. They said he must resign, and also called on him to step aside from an investigation by the FBI - which he oversees as attorney general - into alleged Russian interference in the US election, including contacts between Russian officials and those involved in campaigning. The US intelligence community has concluded that alleged Russian hacking of Democratic organisations was carried out to help Mr Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton. Mr Trump’s National Security Adviser, Michael Flynn, was fired last month after he misled the White House about his conversations with the Russian ambassador, allegedly regarding sanctions against Moscow. As reported in the Washington Post and confirmed by the justice department, Mr Sessions met Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee twice last year. The Post reports that they held a private conversation in Mr Sessions’s office in September and had spoken earlier in the summer at a meeting with several other ambassadors. Mr Sessions had meetings with more than 25 foreign ambassadors in the course of the year. But his meetings with Mr Kislyak came while he was a prominent part of Mr Trump’s campaign team - a so-called surrogate - and amid growing reports of Russian meddling in the US election.
Healthcare services across public hospitals may be paralyzed from next week after nurses threatened to go on strike to push for harmonisation of their salaries and allowances. Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) today lamented that the national government and the county governments have deserted their responsibility and were no longer interested in negotiating with them over their impending Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). While addressing a press conference at Uchumi House in Nairobi today, KNUN Secretary General Seth Panyako said it was clear that there is lack of good will and seriousness from the governments in addressing the harmonization of their salaries and allowances. “If the governments will not have submitted the harmonised counter proposal as greed, the union will direct her members to begin an industrial action beginning March 13, 2017 and the industrial action will continue until the CBA is completed, signed and registered in court,” Panyako warned. He complained that two months after calling off their nationwide strike, the national and county governments were yet to submit a counter proposal against the union’s demands on harmonised terms and conditions of service for nurses. “This government is a liar and does not take its workers serious. Sixty days after we called off the strike they have done nothing for our nurses,” Panyako said. Consequently, the union has given a seven day ultimatum to both levels of government to present a proposal on the harmonisation matrix of the CBA, failure to which they will call for an industrial action. Panyako gave the two levels of government until
Kenya National Union of Nurses Secretary General Seth Panyako addresses the media at Uchumi House today. The union has issued a strike notice warning of industrial action from next week. PHOTO: GITOBU IKUNDA/ XNEWS
12th March 2017, to give their proposal for the union team to review. “In the view of the above, the Kenya National Union Of Nurses do hereby extend the suspension of the nationwide strike up to 12th March 2017 to allow tow levels of government to complete their part of the process,” he added. However, the union warned their employer against taking nurses for granted and cautioning
that any laxity towards this extension will automatically lead to the resumption of the industrial action. “Taking into account the seriousness of the matter and the principal tripartite social dialogue, the NEC has agreed to allow a one week extension to allow levels of governments to submit their counter proposal on how they wish the harmonised CBA to be implemented,” he added. @hillary_x254
Eastleigh shops closed as owners battle hawkers Shops in Eastleigh remained closed Thursday following a protest by shop owners against a court order that reinstated hawkers on the streets of the busy suburb The business community in the area is against the order and has urged the Nairobi County Government
and other concerned parties act on reversing it. A few who to our reporter stated that the hawkers block the entrances of their premises causing them to lose business. “My customers come all the way from Tanzania. Now they cannot
come here because they know there is a problem and they are keeping away,” one of the shop owners stated. “We as shop owners have closed our shops in protest to the hawkers taking over the streets here. This is unacceptable and we want them to
People watch as a shop owner speaks to the press in Eastleigh today. Most shops remained closed as owners protest the return of hawkers to the streets. PHOTO: COURTESY
be taken to another place,” another said. “When hawkers bring their wares up to the doors of our shops, no one can enter and this has a negative impact on business.” They now want the County Government to relocate the hawkers so that normal business may resume. “The government should find them another place like a field to do business so that nobody is affected by this situation,” Ahmed Abdi who owns a shop that sells clothes said. There was presence of anti-riot police who were sent there to quell any expected clashes between the hawkers and the local shop owners. The return of the hawkers led to a clash with the local shop owners for the second day Wednesday with many injuries and damage being reported. The hawkers say they have an order allowing them to operate there and have asked police to avoid evicting them. The standoff started when shop owners closed their businesses to protest against the rising numbers of hawkers in the area. www.capitalfm.co.ke
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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017 | www.x254.co
BUSINESS
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HF creates job opportunities for artisans in real estate market Kenya is set to bridge a wide skilled labour gap in the building and construction sector as more people graduate from the HF Foundation programme that seeks to create 1 million artisans. A total of 63 artisans have been awarded certificates after undergoing a maximum of eight weeks’ worth of competency based training on masonry, electrical installation and tiling. Of the 63, 25 artisans were trained on electrical installation for six weeks, 20 on tiling over the same period and the remaining 19 underwent competency training on masonry. The new graduates now join thousands who have passed through the HF Foundation’s programme, ‘Army of 1 million artisans’. HF Group Managing Director Frank Ireri said the Foundation’s flagship project focused on upgrading formal skills among thousands of artisans in the construction industry and will boost production of more quality buildings in the market. “Over the last three years, we have invested over Sh100 million in facilitating technical and vocational skills for our artisans, significantly adding into the building and construction industry more resources to address quality issues and tame incidences of poor structures in the country, said Ireri. HF Foundation was awarded a Vision 2030 flagship status in 2013 and has a
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The new graduates will join thousands who have passed through the HF Foundation’s programme, ‘Army of 1 Million Artisans’. Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Education. Last year, the Foundation entered into a partnership agreement with the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) with a membership of over 48 technical institutions. The trained artisans are walking into an industry whose growth trajectory has been on an upward trend with diverse opportunities. In 2015, the country
witnessed a thriving construction industry registering a growth of 13.6 per cent according to the Economic Survey 2016. Formal sector employment in the Building and Construction industry grew by 11.4 per cent in 2015, to stand at 148,000 up from 132,900 in 2014. Majority of these jobs were created in the private sector, the Survey noted. Training of the 63 artisans was done at
Boeing opens Nairobi office, says Africa will need over 1,000 new planes by 2027 Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace manufacturer has opened two new offices in Johannesburg and Nairobi. The plane maker plans to take care of its Africa business as it continues to expand its international presence. Boeing says Africa would be in need of 1,150 new airplanes over the next 20 years Miguel Santos, Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, and Director for International Sales, Africa, explained that the aerospace industry needs to start paying closer attention to Africa because the continent is on the move economically. Santos said in a statement that Africa is not new territory for Boeing. Since the introduction of the jet airplane, Boeing aircraft have formed the backbone of the continent’s commercial fleet and Boeing continues to be one of the largest US-based companies doing business on the continent, he explained. The most recent Current Market Outlook report predicted that air traffic to and from the continent is expected to grow by about 6.1 percent annually.
The Johannesburg office will be headed by Santos, while Chamsou Andjorin, the Director for Government Affairs and market development, will be based in the Nairobi office. The announcement comes less than a year after it was announced that Kenya is seeking partnership agreements with Ghana in a bid to strengthen both countries’ energy, oil, telecommunications and aviation industries. Last year, President Uhuru Kenyatta held talks with his Ghanaian counterpart John Dramani Mahama on Monday centred on cooperation with regard to the aforementioned sectors. The Heads of State in August 2016, discussed ways of enriching the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries to improve on the ease of doing business so as to increase overall intra-African trade. President Mahama was among Heads of State and Government ministers, United Nations agencies and more than 10,000 delegates who were in Nairobi for the 6th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI), the first on @Dennis_x254 African soil.
the Group’s property and investment subsidiary HFDI’s multi-million shilling joint venture development Richland Pointe site in Kamiti. Owing to its strategic position, the Group, which undertakes mega housing projects in the country through HFDI, also acts as a go-between for the artisans and employment opportunities. @Dennis_x254
MEAN 102.9750 127.9208 109.0758 7.8976 34.8629 21.7044
BUY SELL 102.8750 103.0750 127.7861 128.0556 108.9572 109.1944 7.8862 7.9091 34.7805 34.9453 21.6347 21.7740
High fuel prices barring small holder farmers from timely planting
A recent hike in fuel prices has almost doubled the cost of ploughing, locking out a majority of small holder farmers across the country from planting their crops ahead of the rainy season. A special report reveals that the cost of ploughing an acre of land has jumped by as much as Sh700, hitting Sh2, 500, up from Sh1, 800 it cost last season. In maize growing regions such as Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, and Bungoma, a liter of diesel is currently selling at Sh90 compared to Sh70 during a similar period in the last planting season. In its latest review, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) attributed skyrocketing fuel costs to the high cost of importation as well as a hike in global fuel prices. Experts say timely planting is important as it guarantees high production thus enabling food security. “High cost of planting, which includes the high cost of ploughing, locks out smaller farmers who are key in agriculture sector from timely planting thus encouraging poor harvest,” said Vincent Munubi, an Agriculture Economist from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Farmers from maize growing regions have been accused of hoarding maize by the government in order to drive up prices. The growers, however, say the high cost of planting is to blame for a hike in the cost of the staple crop. @enock_x254
General insurance, investments push Sanlam Kenya pre-tax profit to Sh317 m Improved performance by its general insurance and investments segment has helped Sanlam Group Kenya record a pre-tax profit of Sh317 million for the year ended December 2016. The firm recorded a profit before tax of Sh54 million profit during a similar period the previous year. “The life insurance and investment management operations exceeded the 2015 operating profit levels while the property and loans businesses’ performance declined. The performance of the general business showed a significant improvement in its first full year in the Group,” the firm said in a statement. During the period under review, gross written premium grew by 58 per cent to hit Sh1 billion from Sh633 million achieved in
2015. (An insurance premium is the amount of money that an individual or business must pay for an insurance policy). Investment returns decreased by 100 per cent from Sh210 million in 2015 to Sh1 million in 2016 mainly attributable to realized fair value losses on investment property disposals. “The post-acquisition business transformation program for the general insurance unit has started to bear fruit with significant improvement attained in our engagement with customers and business partners,” said Snlam Group CEO, Mr. Mugo Kibati. Policyholder benefits and claims decreased by 75 per cent from Sh538 million to Sh135 million driven by the strategic decision to discontinue underwriting of the
public service vehicle (PSV) line of business as well as improved non-motor to motor business mix. The general insurance business operating loss before tax reduced by 92 per cent to Sh24 million from Sh302 million loss reported in 2015. During the period under review, investment portfolio earnings increased by 50 per cent from Sh1.4 billion in 2015 to Sh2.1 billion in 2016 driven by good investment returns from higher exposure to bonds and our selection of the stocks on the NSE. Policyholder benefits increased from Sh4 billion to Sh4.3 billion attributable to maturities as well as an increase in annuity payments following strong new annuity business sales. @enock_x254
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BUSINESS
KRA launches regional tracking system to reduce shipping costs THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), connecting with Rwanda and Uganda in reducing the cost of cargo transportation along the Northern Corridor. The new system replaces the existing Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) where monitoring is done independently through standalone platforms. This forced KRA officers to toggle between screens, therefore making the process very tedious and ripe for abuse. This follows a July 3, 2014 directive by the Northern Corridor Heads of State Summit in Kigali, compelling Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda to embrace electronic monitoring of transit cargo along the corridor through a harmonised system to enable a seamless flow of goods. The Northern corridor is the transport corridor linking the land locked countries of Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi with Kenya’s maritime port of Mombasa. The Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECT’s) will allow revenue authorities in Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya to jointly and electronically track and monitor goods (whose taxes have not been paid) along the Northern Corridor from Loading (Departure) to destination within Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. “Over the years, the cargo volume along the corridor has been increasing steadily, hence the need to facilitate quick movement of cargo without compromising customs security controls,” said KRA Commissioner Julius Musyoki, “Challenges such as revenue leakages, unfair competition in the business environment and increased costs of doing business necessitated a review of the current ECTS.” RECTS has been financed by the United Kingdom Department for
The platform will allow revenue authorities in Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya to jointly and electronically track and monitor goods (whose taxes have not been paid) along the Northern Corridor from Loading (Departure) to destination within Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. International Development (DFID), through TradeMark East Africa. According to Frank Matsaert TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) CEO, RECT’s efficiency will ingrain fair terms of trade by creating a level playing field for both importers and local industries as it helps in eliminating diversion of cargo. The new system will largely facilitate trade along the Northern Corridor as it lowers the cost and time of doing business. It is also expected to curb theft and diversion of goods destined for markets within the Northern Corridor through the port of Mombasa.
RECTS presents 24/7 Central Monitoring Centres (CMC) in Nairobi, Kampala and Kigali with a view of the entire region. It also consists of 12 Rapid Response Units consisting of Customs and Police Officers along the Northern Corridor. The new system also comprises smart gates and automatic number plate recognition at the port gates and borders. This eliminates manual data capture and reduces the dwell times at the borders and port gates. RECTS brings along better cross-border coordination and transit monitoring, improved voluntary compliance with
transit laws and regulations. It also ensures that minimal costs are used in the enforcement hence better revenue collection. There is also an aspect of transparency in cargo tracking since stakeholders are given access to the system. The RECTS system triggers an alarm whenever there is a diversion from the designated route or an unusually long stopover. The decision by the Northern Corridor Heads of States to implement the RECTS is a move towards improving tax collection and employing advanced technologies to facilitate handling of cargo and data along the corridor. @kevin_x254
WBG to ensure power connection project follows set guidelines
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has been meeting in recent weeks to discuss and approve the Action Plan that Bank management presented in response to the Inspection Panel investigation of the Kenya Electricity Expansion Project (KEEP). KEEP was approved in May 2010 and aims to increase the capacity and efficiency of electricity supply, and to expand access to electricity in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. The project currently provides 280 megawatts (MW) of low-cost green energy into Kenya’s national grid system. In November 2014, the Inspection Panel registered the Request for Inspection, submitted by members of the resettled Maasai community. Following Board authorization, the Panel undertook its investigation and issued its report outlining the findings. The Panel found noncompliance with Bank policies related to indigenous peoples and involuntary resettlement, and that some of the most vulnerable people experienced harms during the resettlement process. On October 20, 2015, the Board discussed the Panel’s Investigation Report and Management’s Report and Recommendation. The Board authorized the Bank’s participation in a mediation between the Requesters and the project implementing agency – Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited (KenGen). Further, the Board requested Bank Management to return with an action plan for approval. The mediation process was facilitated by the Complaints Mechanism of the European Investment Bank, a co-financier of the project, and the Bank’s Grievance Redress Service. The mediation was successfully completed with a signed agreement between KenGen and the affected community in May 2016. The approved Action Plan was substantially informed by the mediation agreement and addresses issues identified by the Inspection Panel @Dennis_x254 report.
Sh62tn a year needed to attain Sustainable Development Goals Africa’s financial needs relating to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) amount to at least $600 billion (Sh61.7 trillion) a year, new data has revealed. This amount is equivalent to almost one-third of Africa’s aggregate gross national income, according to a report from the principal organ of the United Nations General Assembly dealing with trade, investment, and development issues. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) says that the financing needs related to the implementation of the SDGs and Agenda 2063 are immense. It is estimated that the money will be sufficient to achieve SDG 1 of ending poverty, assuming that savings, official development assistance (ODA), and
foreign direct investment remain at current levels. According to UNCTAD estimates, an annual GDP growth rate of 16.6 per cent per year will be required, along with an additional investment of $1.2 trillion (Sh123.5 trillion) per year, to meet SDG 1 alone. The organisation said in a recent statement that the level of growth and financial resources required for realizing the SDGs will be challenging to achieve. “After more than a decade of unprecedented growth in Africa, the economic conditions have been rapidly changing and look less favorable,” stated a report from the group. A steep decline in commodity prices, the slowdown in Chinese demand,
and unstable international financial markets are likely to negatively impact Africa’s growth prospects. Moreover, the global development
finance landscape has evolved, as reflected in the outcome document of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development, says
UNCTAD. “There is a shift from a model centered on ODA and the coverage of remaining financing needs through external debt, to a framework with a greater emphasis on the mobilization of domestic resources. At a time when debt levels are rising and donor funds have become scarcer, these changing economic and financing conditions raise concerns on how Africa can finance its development aspirations and maintain debt sustainability,” said the organisation’s analysts. Based on the information, it has been confirmed that Africa’s financing needs are enormous and require governments to carefully evaluate their financing options and how they impact on debt sustainability. @enock_x254
BUSINESS 9
International Transformation Foundation in move to supply Uhuru Park with clean water THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
The International Transformation Foundation (ITF) is helping supply nairobi’s Uhuru Park with clean, drinkable water while reducing littering within the public grounds. The group recently launched a system known as the Join the Pipe Tap station in order to achieve its objective. The Join the Pipe Tap station is the first non-breakable community water station designed and manufactured in Amsterdam (Holland) by the Join the Pipe. The station not only provides clean drinking water but also conserves water. “No water is wasted with our autostop tap! It is also vandal resistant and It has a customized filter system that removes last impurities from the water and ensuring the water that comes out is clean and safe for drinking,” says ITF International Relations Associate, Lucky Mwachi. “Since Uhuru Park was first opened to the public in 1969, park users have faced one major challenge; lack of access to free clean drinking water,” the group said in a statement. The main source of drinking water was water bottles that were quite expensive and ultimately ended up littering the park. “It is for this reason that we…got
The Join the Pipe Tap Station at Uhuru Park falls under one of its environmental projects; Join the Pipe Kenya, which is a collaborative project with Join the Pipe Amsterdam. inspired to build the first ever Join the Pipe Tap station at Uhuru Park in order to create a lasting solution to the lack of free clean drinking water at the park that is frequented by huge masses of people, majority being the youth,” Mwachi said in a statement. “Since the construction of the tap station three months ago, a recent Monitoring and Evaluation survey conducted by our Projects Department reported that over 3,000 city residents make use of the tap
station weekly. Out of this number, more than 2,000 users are the youth.” Water scarcity in Kenya has been an issue for decades, as only a small percentage of the country’s land is optimal for agriculture, and the year-round climate is predominantly arid. This is according to a report by humanitarian group, The Water Project, which advocates for sustainable development in at risk regions. The group states that Kenya’s natural
water resources also do not provide an equitable delivery of water to the various regions of the country and the country’s water basins do not reach an equitable area of the country. This leaves most of the population without any fresh water. Rapid urbanization has also pushed poor urban dwellers to the slums, where there is no water or sanitation, and overcrowding exacerbates the already hazardous health conditions.
@kevin_x254
A view of Kenya’s Lantana Galu Beach Hotel
A similar report from international awareness initiative, Water.org shows that 37 per cent of Kenyans still rely on unimproved water sources, such as ponds, shallow wells and rivers, while 70 per cent of Kenyans use unimproved sanitation solutions. This translates into more than 17.3 million people using unimproved water sources and 32.7 million people using unimproved sanitation facilities. These challenges are especially evident in the rural areas and the urban slums. Only 9 out of 55 public water service providers in Kenya provide continuous water supply, leaving people to find their own ways of searching for appropriate solutions to these basic needs. Under these circumstances, the poor, particularly women and girls, spend a significant amount of time travelling some distance to collect water. ITF is a youth led and youth run nonprofit organization based in Buruburu, Nairobi. The group’s focus is to create positive change in communities through its projects. The Join the Pipe Tap Station at Uhuru Park falls under one of its environmental projects; Join the Pipe Kenya, which is a collaborative project with Join the Pipe Amsterdam. @Dennis_x254
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BUSINESS THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
GSMA calls on Kenyan innovators to apply for Sh38 million grant The GSM Association (GSMA), a trade body that represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, has called on Kenyan innovators to apply for up to Sh38 million in funding. Applications are currently open for the group’s Mobile for Development (M4D) Utilities Innovation Fund, supported by the UK Government that aims to test and scale the use of mobile to improve or increase access to energy, water and sanitation services. To date, M4D Utilities estimates the trials have impacted over 2.3 million direct beneficiaries in underserved populations around the world. The grants awarded since 2013 have led to an additional $174 million (Sh18 billion) raised by grantees from the private sector, showcasing the proof of concept for mobile-enabled utility services. The objective of the Innovation Fund is to extract insights from the trial and scaling of these innovative models. The fund seeks to help create ways through which mobile technology can support utility services. It is aimed at finding ways for mobile-enabled solutions to be adopted at scale,. It also seeks to address the social and commercial impacts of delivering community services to underserved mobile subscribers. The group is offering Up to £150,000 (Sh19 million) in funding, with a minimum match equal to one-third of the grant amount The so called Market Validation Grant, seeks to increase or improve access to utility services in underserved communities at scale through partnerships with mobile network operators. The group will also provide up to £300,000 (Sh38 million) in funding, with a minimum match equal to the grant amount. The Innovation Fund is open to mobile operators, technology solutions providers and energy, water, or sanitation services providers.
Uber moves to address concerns over drivers’ strike, taxi fare cuts
Taxi hailing service, Uber has addressed public concerns over a recent strike by its drivers due to what operators had termed as prohibitive pricing and excessive charges. The transport solutions company has vowed to renew its commitment to both its drivers and its client base. “We have an incredible community of driver-partners who use the app every day to make a living and help move Nairobi in a safe, reliable and affordable way,” the firm said in a statement issued by Alon Lits, General Manager of Uber Sub Saharan Africa. “We take our partnership with them very seriously, because it is just that – a partnership.
We are always listening to drivers because their feedback is crucial to how we run our business.” In a statement issued earlier this morning, Uber said some driverpartners in Nairobi have expressed concerns around their earnings in light of inflation and the increase in fuel prices. “When we cut prices last year it was to encourage more people to take trips. By helping driver-partners stay busy, we hoped to improve the amount of money they make. And we saw an increase in the number of trips taken by new and existing riders and, in many cases, higher than average earnings for
driver-partners,” Litts explained. Uber stated that it will continue to monitor partner economics and reassess price changes if the need arises. “We stand by this promise and we are always reviewing partner economics to ensure drivers using the app continue to thrive,” added Litts. “Similarly, we take our relationship with cities very seriously. Which is why we always proactively engage with governments to ensure we can continue to provide an innovative transportation option that helps solve key transport challenges across Nairobi. “ Uber stated that its app is also geared towards enabling sustainable economic
opportunities for drivers, so that their small businesses can thrive. Litts said the firm appreciates the ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Transport towards ensuring that innovative technologies, such as Uber, have a place in Kenya. The firm said in its statement that it will remain dedicated to listening to its driver-partners, monitoring their economics and carrying forward its conversation with governments to ensure innovation of the transport system in general, but also innovation for the way entrepreneurs build their own small businesses. @Dennis_x254
Uber said some driver-partners in Nairobi have expressed concerns around their earnings in light of inflation and the increase in fuel prices.
@Dennis_x254
HIV Young Leaders Fund to support local NGOs with 2017 small grants programme The HIV Young Leaders Fund (HYLF), a youth-led funding mechanism that provides grants, is seeking applications for its 2017 Small Grants Programme to support organizations and projects led by and serving young key populations affected by HIV. The group is targeting projects with limited access to funding opportunities and working within countries and regions with diverse structural challenges. “The mission of The HIV Young Leaders Fund (HYLF) is to invest in young people’s leadership in the HIV response by supporting youth-led initiatives with small grants, providing
them with technical assistance to implement their projects and making capacity building opportunities accessible for them to ensure their sustainability,” the group said in a recent statement. The fund has stated that grassroots organizations can apply for up to $5,000 (about Sh500,000) and regional networks can apply for up to $10,000 (about Sh1 million). HYLF supports youth-led initiatives serving young key populations affected by HIV, in this sense their funding priorities are set in base with a context analysis and taking in consideration regional epidemics and funding gaps.
“For this year, HYLF through its Small Grants Programme aims to meet the needs of transgender youth considering that HIV prevalence rates in this key affected population are dramatically increasing in most regions in the world,” read the statement in part. HYLF’s 2017 Small Grants Programme will support outstanding grassroots youth-led organizations or projects and regional networks working with young people living with HIV. The group has stated that only youthled organizations or youth-led projects and networks focused on serving young key populations are eligible for funding. The organization added that
proposals, which clearly demonstrate a team of young people, share decisionmaking responsibilities and leadership will be prioritized. “Organizations that receive funding must be registered as non-profit organizations. Non-registered groups or networks can also apply for a grant but they must have a registered fiscal sponsor and must also have a written agreement with their fiscal sponsor outlining the terms of the sponsorship,” Ritu Saini, a spokesperson on behalf of the group said. “HYLF highly encourages applications from initiatives led by young key populations addressed within this
2017 Small Grants Programme though individuals, for-profit organizations and networks, and government institutions are not eligible to apply,” Saini added. The HIV Young Leaders Fund was founded by young health activists at the June 2009 Oslo Young Leaders Summit. The 2009 Oslo Young Leaders Summit – organized by aids2031, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNAIDS – convened young leaders from around the world to develop long-term solutions to issues faced by young people in the HIV response. @kevin_x254
PROPERTY DEALS 11
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
BRANTON INVESTMENTS LIMITED. P.O.BOX 55398-00200 TEL: 0202224233 / 0733288772. 3RD FLOOR HUGHES BUILDING NAIROBI
SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! 1/8 ACRE PLOT IN RUIRU BEFORE ZETECH UNIVERSITY COLLEGE SUITABLE FOR HOSTELS @ KSHs 7.5 MILLION. 10 ACRES AT KIMANA LOITOKTOK OPPOSITE KIMANA SECONDARY SCHOOL NEXT TO AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK. BOREHOLE AND 3 PHASE ELECTRICITY ON SITE. TOMATOES PLANTATION ON LAND. SUITABLE FOR FARMING OR CONSTRUCTION OF RESORT @1.5 MILLION PER ACRE. 5 ACRES IN (NAIVASHA) GREENPARK-THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY LODGE.CLEAR VIEW OF LAKE NAIVASHA CONTACT
{JULIUS ONYANCHA}
0733288772 / onyanchad1@yahoo.com
The Waiyaki Way Suites comprising of 2&3 bedroom apartments with over 350 parking Borehole, Recreational spaces, perimeter wall, serene & quite environment is being constructed in a prime location fronting the Waiyaki Way, with a rear access of Thiongo road which is on the Naivasha - Nakuru Highway and in between two pre-urban towns namely Uthiru and Kangemi located at Dagoretti division in Nairobi bordering the Kiambu area. The project is fronting Mountain View Estate. The project targets middle-income class which is mostly hit by the housing deficit. The Project aims at realizing 204 housing units in 5 blocks, supporting infrastructural services that ensure a sustainable living environment and neighborhood. .The completion date will be December 2017 and the construction work is ongoing. The Waiyaki way developers are working out to see change of look of that area by putting down the shanties and putting up modern apartments. Quick access to the CBD, having Waiyaki way only 15 minutes drive, thus the time spent on average to reach to the place of work/business is short. Transport is accessible since you can use any that is using the highway, in less than 10min you are in Westlands. OUR
FACILITIES
are in place to ensure maximum comfort during your stay They include; * Stand by generator * Borehole * Secure Compound with Razor Wire * Electric Fence and cctv cameras * Gym * Secured parking * 8 lifts
Your HOME our PRIDE
2/3BR
Located
Waiyaki way Fronting Mountain View Estate 150m to Kabete Police station 5mins to Westlands
Apartments
Waiyaki Way Developers Ltd. | P.O. Box 13690 - 00800 | Nairobi, Kenya | Tel: +254 708 384 207/8 | 0787 288 823 Email:info@waiyakiway-developers.co.ke | Website:www.waiyakiway-developers.co.ke
Wainaina Real Estates Ltd. Registered Estate Agents, property consultants & Managing Agents 1st Floor Hughes Building, Kenyatta Avenue, P.O. Box 74194-00200, NAIROBI, KENYA Tel: 312911/2227207/2224995 Fax: 2220081;Cell Phone: 0724-256271/0735-993199 Email: waireal@nbnet.co.ke
PROPERTIES TO LET OTHAYA ROAD – Kileleshwa An Executive and spacious four bed roomed town house (all ensuite) with a family room, study room, dhobi area, spacious kitchen and servants’ quarter on a beautiful garden. Ksh 250,000pm MIREMA DRIVE – Kasarani An executive six (6) bed roomed (Three en suite) double storey residence on ½ acre plot with a borehole water in addition to the Nairobi Water Co Water Ksh 120,000pm MANDERA ROAD-Kileleshwa An executive four bed roomed maisonnette (Two En suite ) with servants’ quarter Ksh 100,000pm TATE APARTMENTS – Off Dennis Pritt Road A three bed roomed Apartment within a very secure court (All en suite) with servants’ quarter Ksh 90,000pm NGONG ROAD & VALLEY ARCADE Executive two bed roomed Apartments on 24-hour security. Ksh 65,000pm IMARA DAIMA – Mombasa Road Two bed roomed bungalow within the main Estate Ksh 25,000pm PARK ROAD – Ngara One and two bed roomed flats Ksh 18,000pm and Ksh 22,000pm respectively KIAMBU TOWN – On the main street One and two bed roomed flats Ksh 10,000pm and Ksh 14,000pm respectively PANGANI – Off Juja Road One bed roomed Flat – Secure Ksh 10,000pm OFFICES TO LET DAYKIO PLAZA –Next to Nakumat Prestige Ngong Road Executive self contained office suites ranging between 858 sqft and 2100 sqft with ample parking within a clean secure environment; Call for details WESTLANDS – Next to Unga House Secure office suites measuring 686 & 718 sqft @ Ksh 70.00 per sqft pm – Only two remaining NAIROBI WEST OPP T-MALL – Off Lang’ata Road Ground floor space measuring Appr 3700sqft with wash rooms, strong room, parking area suitable for bank, show room etc. Ksh 400,000pm HOUSES / FLATS FOR SALE DONYO SABUK ROAD – Off General Mathenge road A piece of land measuring 1.7 acres with an old house suitable for Apartments Ksh 500m KIAMBU ROAD – Muthaiga North Beautiful ½ acre red soil fully serviced plot on tarmac within a gated community Ksh 50m RIDGEWAYS ROAD A corner red soil plot measuring ½ of an acre Ksh 50m KIAMBU ROAD – Behind upcoming Quick Mark Supermarket Beautiful red soil ½ plots near the main tarmac road Ksh 30m each GARDEN ESTATE – Off thika Road Residential Red and Black soil plots measuring ½ acre; Ksh 35m and Ksh 30m respectively GUANCO ESTATE – On Banana Road off Northern Bypass A four bed room residence (master en suite) with Servants’ quarter Ksh 12.8m
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SPORT
Were happy with Zesco pre-season preparations THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
Kenya International Jesse Were is impressed with his Zambian side Zesco United ongoing preparations ahead of the new season. The former Tusker FC forward scored a double to help his side register a 3-1 win over their league rivals Kabwe Warriors on Wednesday 1stat the Godfrey Chitalu Stadium Kabwe Warriors took a first half lead before Jesse levelled early in the second half, he could then extend his side’s lead from the spot at the hour mark. Jackson Mwanza completed the comeback to guarantee Zesco first win since returning from a preseason tour in South Africa. “Our Preseason is coming on very well. Everyone is in good spirit and ready to go in the CAF Confederations Cup,” said Were. Zesco arrived back in Zambia from a 10 day pre-season camp in South-Africa a week ago with the club reporting that all the players in camp were in a good state apart from Dave Daka who had suffered malaria during the trip. The preparations are part of the club’s aim in wrestling the league title from Zanaco and in readiness for their CAF Confederations Cup tie where they are expected to take on Burundian side Le Ngozi. While in South Africa, Zesco played training games with the Highlands Park first and
Former Tusker FC forward Jesse Were is impressed with his current club Zesco United as they ready for CAF Confederations Cup. (File photo)
second team and the Mamelodi Sundowns Reserve Side. The tie against Le Ngozi is slated for Saturday 11 March in Ndola.
Were was runners up for the top scorer award in the Zambia league last season having found the back of the net on 16 occasions.
Moses extends Chelsea contract Chelsea wing-back Victor Moses has signed a two-year contract extension to commit himself to Stamford Bridge until 2021. Moses, 26, who spent the previous three seasons on loan at Liverpool, Stoke and West Ham respectively, has become a regular under manager Antonio Conte. “I feel very excited,” said Nigeria international Moses. “I’m enjoying my football and we have a good manager here that has given every single one of us confidence.” According to The Times, Moses’ new deal sees him go from £45,000 a week up to £75,000 a week. The £30,000 wage hike still doesn’t put him in the same bracket as Chelsea’s top earners, with midfielder Cesc Fabregas on £220,000 a week. However, it does represent the club’s admiration of Moses’ efforts this term. Moses, who signed from Wigan for a reported £9m in August 2012, has played 28 times, scoring four goals for the Blues this season. He has started every Premier League game since being deployed as a right wing-back in a 3-4-3 formation in a 2-0 win away to Hull on 1 October. Chelsea have won 16 out of 19 league games since that victory and are 10 points clear at the top of the table.
SPORT 15
Enrique to step down as Barcalona boss THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique will step down at the end of the season, saying he needs to “rest”. The 46-year-old, in his third season in charge of Barca, was speaking after their 6-1 win over Sporting Gijon. He won the Champions League as part of the treble in his first year and led the Catalans to a domestic double last season. But they are on the verge of elimination from the Champions League after losing 4-0 to Paris St-Germain in the last-16 first leg. “It is a difficult, measured and well thoughtout decision and I think I have to be loyal to what I think,” said Enrique, who will leave at the end of his contract this summer. “I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have shown in me. It’s been three unforgettable years. “It’s about how I live with my profession, with a never-ending quest for solutions and to improve my team. That means I have very little time to rest, very few hours to disconnect. “I think it will be good for me at the end of the season, because I need to rest. That’s the principle motive. “The most important thing is we have three exciting months left in all three competitions. In one of them, we are in a difficult situation but if the stars align, we will have a chance to turn it around.” Barca’s win over Sporting took them to the top of La Liga, one point clear of Real
Madrid, who have a game in hand. They face Alaves in the Copa del Rey final on 27 May. Former Spain midfielder Enrique featured for Barcelona between 1996 and his retirement from playing in 2004. He then coached their B team from 2008 to 2011, returning to the club as first-team boss after spells managing Roma and Celta Vigo. Former Barca coach Pep Guardiola paid tribute to his ex-Nou Camp team-mate. “I have two reactions, as a supporter,” Guardiola said after his Manchester City side’s 5-1 FA Cup win over Huddersfield. “I am sorry it is the club of my heart. I am so sad because we will miss the perfect trainer for Barcelona, from his personality and his character.”His three years he played unbelievable football, with unbelievable players. I am like a fan with a membership of Barcelona. I can say thank you for all he has done in his three years at my club.” Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu said: “Luis Enrique has brought us great success and he can still bring us more. The players are motivated to do it. “We accept Luis Enrique’s decision. He has been a great coach. Now it is time to end his spell in the best possible way.” Everton manager Ronald Koeman who played for Barcelona from 1989 to 1995, scoring the winning goal in the 1992 European Cup final is among those touted to succeed Enrique.
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique in the dugout during a past La Liga match. The former Spain and Barcelona midfielder has said he will step down at the end of the season in order to get ‘rest’. PHOTO: EPA
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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
JESSE WERE HAPPY WITH ZESCO UNITED’S PRESEASON PROGRESS IN THE ZAMBIAN LEAGUE
Manchester City hit five past Huddersfield Town in FA Cup
M
anchester City cruised into the FA Cup quarter-finals after fighting back to beat much-changed Championship promotion hopefuls Huddersfield in their fifth-round replay. After a 0-0 draw in the original tie, the visitors led when Harry Bunn’s shot went through Claudio Bravo’s legs. But tap-ins from Leroy Sane and Pablo Zabaleta, with Sergio Aguero’s clinical penalty in between, turned the replay in City’s favour before halftime. Aguero swept in Raheem Sterling’s cross at the near post for City’s fourth, before substitute Kelechi Iheanacho poked in with the last kick of the game. City’s reward is a quarter-final trip to Premier League rivals Middlesbrough on Saturday, 11 March Pep Guardiola arrived at Manchester City last summer with the clear remit from owner Sheikh Mansour to take the club to “a new level”. While that demand is largely thought to mean success in the Champions League, the City hierarchy will also want to see the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach deliver domestic trophies. Winning the Premier League looks to be a uphill task with Chelsea 11 points clear, while Manchester United took the season’s first silverware by claiming the EFL Cup. But they have moved into the last eight of the FA Cup for the first time in four seasons after overcoming an early scare against Huddersfield. Up next, both sides go back to the pursuit of the top two in their respective leagues. City travel to relegationthreatened Sunderland on Sunday while Huddersfield host leaders Newcastle in a promotion clash on Saturday.
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Bale sees red in Real draw C
Real Madrid’s Welsh midfielder Gareth Bale reacts after failing to score against UD Las Palmas during their Primera Division soccer match played at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain on 01 March 2017. PHOTO: EPA/JUANJO MARTIN
ristiano Ronaldo scored two late goals as Real Madrid - who had Gareth Bale sent off - came from 3-1 down to draw with Las Palmas at the Bernabeu. Isco gave Real an eighth-minute lead before Tana levelled with a firm shot. Wales forward Bale was shown red early in the second half for shoving Jonathan Viera, who scored a penalty after a Sergio Ramos handball. Kevin-Prince Boateng fired in moments later before Ronaldo’s penalty and header earned Real a point. Real Madrid’s comeback was not enough to send them back to the top of La Liga. They now trail Barcelona by one point, although they have a game in hand on the champions. Three days after Zinedine Zidane’s side performed a great escape by coming from 2-0 down to defeat Villarreal, they produced a similar trick again. But this result was even more extraordinary because Real played much of the second half with 10 men and were 3-1 behind until the 86th minute. After Bale was sent off for an out-of-character shove, Las Palmas took advantage of the shell-shocked home side when Viera fired in from the spot after Ramos had handled David Simon’s drive inside the area. The Gran Canaria club, who had only managed one away win in La Liga this campaign, then added a third soon after when ex-Tottenham player Boateng beat keeper Keylor Navas to the ball to slot in. Time was running out for Real, but they struck lucky in the 86th minute. A firm cross from substitute James Rodriguez struck the hand of Dani Castellano. It appeared that the Las Palmas midfielder did not have time to move his hands away, but after short deliberation referee Fernandez Borbalan awarded a penalty. Ronaldo fired in from the spot. With seconds of the match remaining, the Portugal forward, who appeared frustrated during the night, rose brilliantly to head in Rodriguez’s cross. It was an unexpected flashpoint.. Bale began the match well, setting up Alvaro Morata in the first 30 seconds to tuck home, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. But in the 47th minute the night took a turn for the worse for the Wales international, who only recently returned from three months out with an ankle injury. He twice clipped the heels of Viera before the Las Palmas player reacted. Referee Borbalan was set to show Bale a yellow card before the 27-year-old aggressively shoved Viera which prompted the official to show a straight red. His suspension will be a blow for Real, with the forward having scored two goals since his comeback.
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