People Daily Newspaper Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Wednesday, August 2, 2023 NO. www.pd.co.ke // www.epaper.pd.co.ke 07867 Kenya’s Newspaper NO1. FREE Burkina Faso, Mali hit out at Ecowas over plan to use military to quell Niger coup, but Russia, France row is writ large Russia-Nato conflict plays out in West Africa coups Ruto reads Riot Act to late CSs News Beat >> PG 6 News Analysis >> PG 17 Radical plans to reform schools President receives report: Taskforce led by Prof Munavu outlines measures ministry should take in bid to improve learning and align it to career growth of children REPORT PAGE 4 Young people queue outside KICC, Nairobi yesterday to have their irises scanned in exchange for Worldcoin tokens worth Sh7,700 despite warning from the Data Protection Commissioner. They were dispersed by police over security fears. PD/JOHN PCHIENG Thousands sell ‘eyeballs’ for crypto PAGE 3 PP1 to Grade 9 Pre-primary, Primary and Junior School to be managed as one institution Name change The term ‘Secondary’ will be dropped from the current Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary School Learning areas To be reduced from the current nine to seven in lower primary and from 12 to eight in Upper Primary Junior School will have nine subjects, down from 14, Senior School to have seven AT A GLANCE CAPITATION In view of the realities of CBC, this will be reviewed as follows: NATIONAL SCHOOLS TO GO Ministry of Education to discontinue the current categorisation of public secondary schools as National, Extra-county, County and Sub-county. Instead, categories will be based on career pathways for senior schools. PRE-PRIMARY Sh 1,170 PRIMARY Sh 2,238 JUNIOR SCHOOL Sh 15,043 SENIOR SCHOOL (DAY) Sh 22,527 UNIVERSITIES Government to adopt a sustainable financing model for high education This will combine grants/scholarship, loans and household contributions for different learners GRAPHIC: LINUS OMBETTE NEW ROLES Quality Assurance and Standards functions will be moved from TSC to the Ministry of Education

2 NEWS BEAT PEOPLE DAILY / Wednesday, August 2, 2023 Two killed, others injured in Lamu Al-Shabaab attack by Sophie Njoka @PeopleDailyKe Two people were killed in a morning attack by suspected Al-Shabaab militants on the Lamu – Witu Garsen highway at Lango la Simba area, near the Lamu and Tana River border. The attackers fired indiscriminately at moving vehicles that were plying the route, killing the two instantly. Among those who died during the attack is the spouse to Hindi Member of County Assembly (MCA) Njaaga Kariuki who died on her way to hospital after being shot in the head. The MCA who was in the company of the deceased is, however, in stable condition at a local hospital after he sustained gunshot wounds on the leg. The couple’s two year old minor escaped unhurt. According to the police, 10 people were injured during the attack that took place at around 7:30 am Ongoing investigations have revealed that the heavily armed militants waylaid vehicles on the highway after taking cover in nearby bushes on both sides of the road. Investigations have further revealed that the first vehicle that was sprayed with bullets belonged to Hindi GK prison. The vehicle had left Lamu for Mombasa; however the driver of the vehicle managed to escape. Another government vehicle from the Fisheries department was also shot at.In a statement, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki confirmed the incident, describing it as “ a terror attack.”The CS noted that security personnel from the Nyangoro Forward Operating Base (FOB) who were conducting clearance patrols along the highway responded rapidly and engaged the terrorists estimated to be 60 in number. “Over 60 militants were overpowered by Special Forces and fled into Boni forest,” he said. He noted that a search and rescue operation was ongoing for an unknown number of people who are believed to have been kidnapped by the militants. “A combined security operation of elite contingents of the National Police Service and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is currently underway, treatment of the injured as well as the search and rescue of missing civilians is ongoing,” he said. Linturi during their Italy tour last week. According to him, were it not for his advice to Rigathi not to listen to them, they would have requested a meeting with him to try and get their support to continue operating the centre in the current manner. He said: “Even this week that ended when the Deputy President was going for a trip in Rome, before he left I had to write to him and inform him not to give them an audience because of this matter which we are dealing with,” he said. Added: “In fact I am glad I did because I bumped into Linturi and he told me that the Italians had tried to approach him but he did not meet them because he had also been briefed by our High Commissioner there,” he said. And immediately he was done, Wangari sought to know why Kenya has taken long to terminate the agreement yet it is clear that the country has not been benefitting from the deal. She said: “This looks like an abusive relationship between Kenya and the Italian Government. My question is why Kenya had not taken steps in terms of exiting the agreement. Clearly this looks like a bad relationship and we must get away from it.” Joint investigation Kanchori said that they will be joining their counterparts in the Implementation Committee so that they can conduct a joint investigation on the matter even as he told Duale to look for an exit plan out of the agreement. “This agreement looks like it is one-sided because our counterparts have already broken their part of agreement. There is a need to end this agreement,” said Kanchori. Karima said it is the high time that the Italian Government is informed that Kenya wants to exit from the agreement as it has only been losing. “It is high time we tell them that we are MALINDI SPACE CENTRE ROW MPs urge State to pull out of the bilateral agreement with Italy that paved the way for the setting up of the Lugi Brogoli Malindi Space Centre Legislators accused the Italian government of short-changing Kenya in the deal despite the centre raking in billions of shillings. Legislators push for pullout from Italian space ties by Mercy Mwai @PeopleDailyKe Lawmakers yesterday told the Executive to pull out of the bilateral agreement with Italy that paved the way for the setting up of the Lugi Brogoli Malindi Space Centre following revelations that Kenya was not benefitting. The Members of Parliament (MPs) who sit in the Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations committee chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech accused the Italian government of short-changing Kenya in the deal despite the centre raking in billions of shillings. Led by Koech, MPs Yusuf Hassan (Kamukunji), Kwenya Thuku (Kinangop), Irene Kasalu (Machakos Women Rep), Moses Kirima (Imenti Central), Martha Wangari (Gilgil), Memusi Kanchori (Kajiado Central) and Caleb Amisi (Saboti) said that the deal between the two countries is one sided and only protecting the Italian government interests yet the centre is sitting on Kenyan soil. Said Koech: “Mr CS be assured that as a committee we will support you on this because it is clear for 60 years Kenya has suffered. As we have agreed we will tour the facility next week so that we can be able to make an appropriate decision on this.” DP Italy trip Their declaration came on the day Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale who had appeared before them to shed light on the matter claimed that the Italian Government had tried to make advances to both Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Lawmakers say country not benefitting from agreement to host centre in coastal town of Malindi Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale when he appeared before the National Assembly Committee of Defence and Foreign Relations. PD/KENNA CLAUDE exiting this close. If they are not responding to our letters when the CS raises questions, then the only thing we can do is to exit,” he said. Kwenya said it is interesting to note that despite the Italian Prime Minister visiting Kenya and promising to deal with the matter in one months time nothing has been done so far to resolve the current stalemate. Consider pull out Hassan said that the current behaviour being portrayed by the Italian government is disrespectful and degrading to Kenya and thus Kenya should consider pulling out of the treaty. Kasalu said that Kenya has no option but to exit from the agreement as for the last sixty years it has not been beneficial to them. In his presentation, Duale assured them that Kenya is ready to take control of the center should the Kenyan government exit the agreement adding that they are already in talks with the US and India to collaborate with them in the operationalisation of the centre. He said that there is a need to have the matter resolved as the Italian government had failed to comply with its side of its agreement and instead has been reaching out to key leaders to try and compromise them to allow them to continue operating the centre in the opaque manner they have been doing. The Kenya –Italy Agreement on the Luigi Broglio Malindi Space Centre was ratified by the National Assembly on October 15 2020, and came into effect on December 16 2020 following completion of exchange of diplomatic notes on the agreement between the two governments. WORLD NEWS Page 20 Burkina Faso, Mali warn of Niger military intervention OPINION Page 11 The hidden dangers of toothpaste on children POINTERS WEATHER TODAY Nairobi 21° Mombasa 27° Kisumu 27° Nyeri 18° Kitui 25° Wajir 33° by Zadock Angira @PeopleDailyKe Detectives in Nairobi’s Starehe Division are on the spot after they released a man who had been arrested alongside six others in Huruma Estate with 450 rolls and 10kg of bhang on June 17 under questionable circumstances. The man, Galano Hassan Yussuf was last week shot dead in Kiamaiko, Huruma by some police officers under curious circumstances, igniting daylong protests in the sprawling slums popularly known for goat meat. Even as the probe on the circumstances surrounding his fatal shooting commence, questions have now been raised on how he was released from Ruaraka Police Station without being charged in court with his accomplices. Though the six other suspects were charged before Makadara Magistrate Agnes Mwangi on June 19, Galano was released under unclear circumstances. Ms Mwangi released all the other six suspects on a Sh70,000 cash bail each. All the seven suspects were booked under the Occurrence Book No 76/17/06/2023 at Ruaraka Police Station. According to court records, the case was registered as CR127/166/2023, Court File number E3718/2023. Detectives from Starehe Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) raided a drug den near Huruma Nursing Home where they recovered a GIPE weighing scale, an SF-400 digital weighing scale, two daggers, 450 rolls of bhang, 10kg of bhang, 7 gas cylinders and a Toyota Noah registration number KBT 085P. The DCI identified the suspects arrested as Alex Murimi, Woche Sipa, Clinton Odinga, Kevin Kimani, Mohamed Wako, John Chege and Galano. The six, except Galano, were charged in court with trafficking in narcotic drugs, being in possession of narcotic bhang, and preparation to commit a felony. On July 25, police shot and killed Galano in unclear circumstances, prompting protests from the local residents. Enraged residents took to the streets to protest the alleged killing of the man by police, blocking parts of the Outering Road most parts of the day. Mystery over release of suspect, shot dead by police

Wednesday, August 2, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY NEWS BEAT 3 New cancer treatment launched by George Kebaso @Morarak Management of lung cancer in Kenya has been made easier with the launch of a targeted therapy treatment, designed specifically to combat cancerous protein cells, also known as non-small cell lung cancer that change radically. The launch on World Lung Cancer Day, which is marked on August 1, follows rising concern due to mortality rates and limited access to quality care. According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer was responsible for approximately 1.8 million deaths in 2020. Speaking at the launch, Deepak Arora, the Interim African cluster President at AstraZeneca, said there is need to improve access to better healthcare systems. “Together, by creating a network that transcends borders, we can fill gaps in the patient care pathway and offer solutions that improve outcomes and transform patient journeys,” he said. The initiative was made possible through the collaboration of the Ministry of Health and AstraZeneca, Kenya Society of Hematology, Axios, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, health facilities and professional societies. “Quality cancer care remains inaccessible to many Africans due to inadequate diagnostic facilities, low patient awareness, lack of training for healthcare providers, and difficulties accessing preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic resources,” said Dr Khomotso Mashilane, AstraZeneca’s Medical Director for African Cluster (SA, SSA, FSA). People queue at KICC, Nairobi yesterday to scan their iris in exchange for Worldcoin tokens worth Sh7,700. PD/ JOHN OCHIENG Kenyans ‘sell’ eyeballs for Sh7,000 despite warnings by Antony Nganga and Jon Otini @PeopleDailyKe Thousands of Kenyans defied a warning by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner to turn up at KICC grounds and Quickmart outlets for a chance to earn Worldcoin Crypto currency tokens. In return, they willingly eyed an orb and had their eye biometrics scanned. The mostly youthful Kenyans scanned their eyeballs in exchange for Sh7,000 and signed up for the Worldcoin cryptocurrency in what has become an internet buzz this week in Nairobi. Police yesterday dispersed people who had lined up at KICC, citing security concerns as the main reason for stopping the process which has been going on for days. Many Kenyans threw caution to the wind and lined up for the “free money” which has been provided by the founders of Worldcoin. Users of Worldcoin, which went live on July 24, receive free tokens known as WLD, for proving humanity by having their eyes scanned by devices placed in specific locations across about 35 nations worldwide. The currency is led by US-based techpreneur Sam Altman who is also the CEO of the popular Open AI that created ChatGPT. Turn into cash Those who receive the tokens may transfer them to recognised cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance and use them to purchase other cryptocurrencies, which can then be withdrawn via liquidity providers on those platforms or sold to other users, generating cash. “I do not know what Worldcoin is but I have been told there is money,” said one woman who was cueing to have her eyeball scanned. The value of each Worldcoin token at the end of the first day of introduction was $2.1 (Sh299). Everybody who scans their iris on a Worldcoin shiny orb receives 25 Worldcoin tokens, which are worth around $54 (Sh7,700). According to data from data analytics service Take Profit, low-wage workers in Kenya typically make about Sh15,000 per month before taxes. The concept was to create a digital currency that would be more inclusive and accessible to people worldwide, regardless of their socio-economic status or access to traditional banking systems. But the Office of Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has cautioned against the exercise, citing safety concerns. “The ODPC is aware that Worldcoin has now been launched and is processing sensitive personal data in a manner that requires a demonstration of proper safeguards under the Data Protection Act, 2019,” reads the statement. “As the ODPC conducts its assessment of Worldcoin’s practices to ensure compliance with the law, Kenyans are urged to ensure that they receive proper information before disclosing any personal or sensitive data. Individuals are advised to thoroughly inquire about how their data will be used.” Worldcoin says over 2,106,468 people from 34 countries have enrolled. According to the ODPC, evaluations are being done to determine whether processCraze for crypto currency tokens spreads even as data protection office raises safety concerns HOW IT WORKS Everybody who scans their iris on a Worldcoin shiny orb receives 25 Worldcoin tokens (WLD), which are worth around $54 or approximately Sh7,700. Those who receive the tokens may transfer them to recognised cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance and use them to purchase other cryptocurrencies, which can then be withdrawn via liquidity providers on those platforms or sold to other users, generating cash. ing of personal data complies with the Data Protection Act. An estimated four per cent of Kenyans have cryptocurrencies which is one of the highest in the world. Tony Omondi, an operation supervisor at Worldcoin explained the process Kenyans went through to get verified saying once a person went through the registration, they earned 25 world coins which were quickly converted to Kenya shillings as Consolata Wangui from Rongai did. “I heard about it from my brother and I asked my sister that we come and see for ourselves,” said 26-year-old Wangui. “I got scanned and got the 25 dollars sic (World Coin) which I sold and it came to my M-Pesa.” No data was stored And outside KICC stood people holding placards that read “Buying World Coins” ready to buy the tokens. Nelson Njeri from Ruaka was buying tokens. “In February I went to Two Rivers and found World Coin people. I registered and answered some ten questions. I earned $2 per question. Then I forgot about it, but I heard they came back and that is why I came here. I am buying tokens at Sh250 from those who have just registered and selling them on Binance.” World Coin officials at KICC grounds maintained that no data was stored after the verification process but a report from MIT technological review had noted that had been done early on in the year when Worldcoin started the verification process noted: Shakahola tragedy suspects face murder, terror charges by Sophie Njoka @PeopleDailyKe Some 41 Shakahola survivors alongside suspected cult leader Paul Mackenzie will be charged with murder, manslaughter and terror-related charges. Mackenzie and his aides yesterday appeared before a Shanzu law court for the mention of the cases. Assistant Director of Public Prosecution Jamii Yamina sought to have the suspects detained for 47 more days to allow police complete investigations. The suspects, who have been in custody for the last four months, protested over what they said was delayed justice. After they were arraigned, they began chanting “haki yetu” slogans. Shanzu Senior Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda asked them to exercise patience. “You have been shouting in court, but I don’t get mad at you. I understand you have been in detention for quite some time but be patient with investigations to be completed, even Jesus underwent temptations. But it shall end well,” he told the suspects. Shikanda ordered that they be detained at the Shimo La Tewa GK prison to allow defense lawyers to reply to the State’s new application. The prosecution said it will charge 41 out of the 65 survivors with murder, terrorism and child cruelty after investigations established they had a hand in the death of children at Shakahola forest. Yamina told the court that detectives had established that the 41 were either parents or grandparents of the missing children believed to be dead. The court heard that the 41 left their homes for Shakahola in the company of children aged between one and 14 years old whose whereabouts are yet to be established. So far, 40 children cannot be accounted for. “The 64 are being investigated over murder or manslaughter, attempted suicide, cruelty and negligence against children, failing to take children to school and failing to provide necessities without lawful excuse alongside radicalization,” he said. The court heard that the 28 women and 13 men were adherents of Good News International Church associated with pastor Mackenzie. The investigators also established that most of them used false names and have continued to frustrate detectives’ efforts to gather crucial evidence on the whereabouts of their children. Suspected cult leader Paul Mackenzie (right) with other suspects linked to Shakahola deaths arrive at Shanzu law courts in Mombasa, yesterday. PD/BONFACE MSANGI

4 NEWS BEAT PEOPLE DAILY / Wednesday, August 2, 2023 This is how to save education, Munavu taskforce tells Ruto by Irene Githinji @gitshee The education taskforce appointed by President William Ruto has made farreaching recommendations on how to reform Kenya’s education system. Its findings include, among others, adopting a new and comprehensive school system under which all learning from PrePrimary 1 to Grade 9 will be managed under one institution in a move aimed at reducing challenges caused by transition from one level to the next. Schools will also get more money for capitation to ensure they are able to pay for the numerous services needed under the Competence-Based Curriculum. In addition, the burden for learners will be made light as there is a recommendation to reduce the number of lessons taught at various levels. The move is meant to reduce overlap of causes. And parents will also have to adjust because the taskforce has recommended that the categorisation of schools as national, extra-county or county schools abolished altogether. The new system will also borrow from the defunct A-level system, which saw Form Six leavers undertake a mandatory six-month pre-university training at the National Youth Service, as part of measures to instil discipline in them. If implements, students graduating from senior school will also undergo a mandatory three-month community service programme before joining tertiary institutions and a further nine months of community service after completing tertiary education. A certificate of compliance will be issued as proof that one engaged in community service before being admitted into the world of work. Upper primary The Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER) report released yesterday has recommended that Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) reduces the number of learning areas under CBC from nine to seven at lower primary, 12 to eight at upper primary and 14 to nine at junior school to reduce overload and subject overlaps. The learning areas at pre-primary will be capped at five while those for senior school will be capped at seven. “The key recommendations include that the Ministry of Education adopt a comprehensive school system (Pre-Primary 1 — Grade 9) comprising Pre-Primary, Primary School and Junior School managed as one institution. The term ‘secondary’ be dropped from the current junior secondary and senior secondary school,” the report states. The taskforce has also called for implementation of a revised capitation in view of the realities of CBC to have pre-primary school learners get Sh1,170 each; Sh2,238 for primary level; Sh15,043 for junior school; Sh22,527 for day senior school, Sh19,800 for day SNE and Sh38,280 for boarding SNE and consider increasing the grant for Adult and Continuing Education (ACE). The presidential working party has come up with a proposal that will guide the implementation of CBC “The capitation and grants should be reviewed every three years. Similarly, there will be coordination and management of bursaries and scholarships under the Kenya Basic Education Bursaries and Scholarship Council as a successor to the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF),” the report says. When President William Ruto launched the report at State House, he said that it was not an easy task but tough decisions had to be taken and the country was no longer uneasy about CBC because all concerns around what will happen to children have been addressed. Implementing report “All parents and Kenyans are very particular – emotive I must say – about their children and what happens to them and, therefore, it was necessary for us to settle the subject of education early and we did not have to wait for the full report. We kept on implementing the report even as we were agreeing on the issues,” said President Ruto. “You must remember we said that education must be inclusive; we must never leave any child behind”. To address challenges that lead children to drop out of school, such as lack of food at home, the government has instructed the Ministry of Education to this year increase the number of learners under the school feeding programme from 1.6 million to four million. The President lauded counties for working with the National Government on the school-feeding programme to get more children to school, Nairobi being a case in point. He, however, criticised those who had gone to court to block the programme, saying they did not mean well for children, especially from poor families who cannot afford food. “In our midst, we also have people who are not very good. Some fellow went to court to stop us feeding hungry children, just imagine… Someone has the temerity to go to court to stop it. Luckily for us and unluckily for them, they found some humane people in court who told them they cannot stop hungry children from having a meal,” he said. “That is the society we want to build where we can deal firmly and decisively with heartless people.” The President singled out the PWPER team, led by Prof Raphael Munavu, for their contribution, professionalism, advise and knowledge they brought on board that have informed key decisions that put the country on the right path in the education reform programme. He said the government had ensured there are adequate resources for the sector and this year’s budget speaks to this, with the sector being allocated Sh628 billion or 30 per cent of the total Budget. “We made this deliberate decision because we wanted to sort out many things like the student-teacher ratio, TVETS and debts that were destroying our universities. I am very happy that we now have a credible plan on how we are going to deal with this,” said Ruto. As a result of the investments in education, the President said the government had managed to hire, through the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), 56,000 teachers, the highest ever in Kenya’s history. “The government recognises education as central to our human capital development and we focus on providing inclusive, equitable, relevant and quality education to our children at all the three levels of education,” he said. He said numerous milestones have been achieved in the sector, including increased access to education, greater gender representation, improved infrastructure and enhanced capitation. The President set up the PWPER team on September 30 last year to evaluate CBC and the entire education system and make recommendations on how to improve the sector. The team has recommended that the country should prioritise investment in foundational learning. Basic literacy, numeracy and transferable skills such as social, emotional skills ensure essential blocks for acquiring higher order skills. In other key highlights, the Ministry is to develop guidelines for accelerated education programmes for marginalised groups, learners with special needs and adults seeking education, to enhance equitable access and inclusion. The team has also recommended adoption of a sustainable financing model for university education that combines grants/ scholarship, loans and household contributions for differentiated categories of students as vulnerable, extremely needy, needy and less needy in order to address equitable access and inclusion in education. A teacher takes her pupils through a CBC lesson. PD/FILE Reform team seeks KPSEA restructuring by Irene Githinji @gitshee The Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER) has called for clear guidelines on identification, selection and placement of learners to various career pathways and tertiary institutions. The team, led by Prof Raphael Munavu (pictured) called for the need to review Competency Based Assessment Framework (CBAF) to restructure Grade Six Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA). They proposed that KPSEA be used for purposes of monitoring learners’ progress and providing feedback not for placement and also, that mechanisms for administering assessments within the school daily routine be developed. “On assessment, there are no clear guidelines on the identification, selection and placement of learners into the various career pathways and into tertiary institutions. The high-stake examinations have led to malpractices and credibility issues,” the taskforce stated. “The deployment of police officers during national examinations creates a different atmosphere from the normal learning situation. Teachers are not adequately capacitated to realise the benefits of formative assessment,” the members added. At Grade Six, the working group recommended that KPSEA be computed as cumulative score of School Based Assessments (SBAs) for Grade 4-6 for purposes of monitoring learners’ progress and providing feedback to stakeholders. Summative evaluation At Grade 9, it should comprise 20 per cent of KPSEA, 20 per cent of SBAs in Grade 7 and 8 and 60 per cent of summative evaluation at Grade 9 while at Grade 12, it should comprise 70 per cent summative assessment and 30 per cent of SBAs, Assessment of Community Service Learning (CSL), values and competencies. Similarly, the Ministry will be expected to provide for selection and placement of learners into career pathways to senior school based on performance and personal interest. It has also proposed that computation of KCSE mean score by KNEC to be based on Mathematics, English or Kiswahili and five other best performed subjects. REPORT To attract, develop and retain effective teachers, there will be a oneyear mandatory retooling programme for all graduates of pre-service training to be CBC compliant and a one-year mandatory internship programme upon completion of pre-service training before being registered into the teaching profession. The government will also develop an internal capacity of Kenya National Examination Council to print national assessments instead of doing this abroad.

Wednesday, August 2, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY NEWS BEAT 5 ing of the political parties are some of the irreducible minimums. In addition, Pkosing claimed that the biggest impediment to peace and unity of the country is Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who he alleged has held the President at hostage. Without tabling any evidence, Pkosing claimed that the DP and his close lieutenants seem to be blackmailing the Head of State, adding that President Ruto should take charge if the dialogue will succeed or not. Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo supported Pkosing saying that the issue of police brutality must be put as a priority, adding that some families of the victims are still struggling with even getting government documents to bury their kin. Maanzo charged that where there will be contentious issues on police brutality, then a public inquest should be opened so that all the culprits and the police officers who used excessive force to carry their burden. “The families of the victims of police brutality must be facilitated to get the government documents and have post-mortem done as a matter of priority to allow them bury their kin. We will allow IPOA to undertake their investigations and where there is contention, then a public inquest should take place,” said Maanzo. Kick-start negotiations Maanzo further disclosed that the members agreed that if Kenya Kwanza is really genuine in its desire to have a dialogue with them, then they should move with speed and name their five-member team to kickstart the negotiations. However, Kenya Kwanza has dismissed the inclusion of cost of living in to the talks with National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wa stating that there was a consensus between the President and Raila that agreed that it is the prerogative of the government to address such issues. by Rawlings Otieno @PeopleDailyKe Azimio La Umoja principals and lawmakers yesterday demanded that the issue of police brutality and cost of living must be among the issues to be discussed in the yet to be formed ten-member dialogue team. They also demanded that President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration names its five-member team to the mediation table as a sign of goodwill and honesty. The leaders Raila Odinga of ODM, Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), his Roots Party counterpart Prof George Wajackoya, Party of National Unity (PNU) leader Peter Munya and Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, in a consultative meeting, told their troops to stand firm on the issues tabled for mediation. While telling their troops to rally behind the mediation team with Kenya Kwanza, Raila is said to have explained why the cost of living, police brutality, audit of the 2022 polls, formation of the electoral agency and raiding of political parties will be the irreducible minimum points of negotiations. Yesterday, sources told People Daily that the members were categorical that the issue of police brutality and cost of living must be dealt with conclusively. The meeting comes after Azimio leadership named Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the team leader in the dialogue alongside, Democratic Action Party leader Eugene Wamalwa, National Assembly Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi, Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni and Malindi lawmaker Amina Mnyazi. Pokot South MP David Pkosing told People Daily that the members insisted that Kenya Kwanza cannot dictate to them on what not to bring to the table, adding that negotiations on the reduction of the Value-Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products from the current 16 per cent should be discussed. Cost of living According to Pkosing, the increase in VAT on petroleum products has in effect increased the cost of living, which is out of reach for majority of Kenyans. “Kenya Kwanza cannot tell us that we will not discuss the cost of living because that will be discussing their manifesto. The increase of VAT on fuel has increased the cost of living for everyone. We must discuss it with a view of amending the Finance Act,” charged Pkosing. The second term legislator who attended the meeting at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation (JOOF) further disclosed that apart from cost of living, the team cannot dialogue on the bipartisan formation of the electoral agency if they do not address the audit of the 2022 polls. Pkosing stated that the parliamentary group insisted that the cost of living, police brutality, audit of the 2022 polls and raidAzimio stands firm on its list of issues Principals say cost of living, police brutality remain top on the agenda of matters to be tackled during talks Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka addresses fellow Azimio coalition leaders during a meeting in Nairobi, yesterday. PD/EMMANUEL WANSON Senate moves in to quell Kenyatta University, referral hospital tussle by Mathew Ndung’u and Oliver Musembi @PeopleDailyKe The Senate Committee on Health has been dragged into a vicious tug-of-war between Kenyatta University and the KU Teaching and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) over training of medical students. Committee members led by the Chairperson, Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago visited both institutions on Monday on a fact-finding mission following a petition by students of the University over allegedly being locked from accessing the hospital’s facilities for teaching and training purposes. The two public institutions have been embroiled into a two-year supremacy battle over who owns KUTRRH. The management row between the head of Kenyatta University, Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina and his former boss, now chairing the board of the KUTRRH Prof Olive Mugenda is reported to have led to suffering by KU medical students. In its conception stage, the hospital was thought to be a solution to the problem of training and practicals for KU medical students by using the facility as a centre of excellence in research and capacity-building It was also envisaged to reverse outbound medical tourism, provide specialised medical care, enhance access to healthcare and provide the safest and most effective evidencebased care. Medical students While in its advanced stages of integrating the hospital as part of the university, Legal Notice No 4 of 2019 was invoked delinking the hospital from the university after it became a new parastatal. During the visit by senators, it emerged that university management has been fighting for control of the hospital which is registered as a standalone state corporation despite having been initiated by the former. Addressing journalists after the meeting Mandago acknowledged that there was no doubt the hospital is a parastatal but insisted they were investigating the intrigues behind failure by the hospital to accommodate KU students for learning and research purposes. “…Because this is a country that runs through legislation and legal notice, there is a legal gazette notice establishing this hospital as a parastatal. We will not speak beyond that as we have to make our final report and table before the house,” said Mandago. During the deliberations, KUTRRH Board Chairperson Prof Olive Mugenda said the hospital had not denied medical students access to its facilities for training purposes as earlier claimed by the KU administration. Prof Mugenda took the occasion to explain that she or her board had no problem with allowing KU students to train at the facility and explained that the Health Cabinet Secretary has since intervened and granted the hospital the legal mandate to offer training to university students. DIALOGUE Azimio principals have demanded that President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration name its five-member team to the mediation table as a sign of goodwill and honesty. The team says the issue of police brutality and cost of living must be among the issues to be discussed in the yet to be formed tenmember dialogue team. Senate Health committee Chairman Jackson Mandago with KUTRRH CEO Ahmed Ndagane at the facility yesterday. PD/MATHEW NDUNG’U

6 NEWS BEAT PEOPLE DAILY / Wednesday, August 2, 2023 by Samuel Kariuki @PeopleDailyKe It will not be business as usual for Cabinet and Principal Secretaries and other high ranking Government officials under President William Ruto’s administration. Yesterday, the President read the Riot Act to his minister as they signed their performance contracts. The first casualties of the President’s ire were four members of the Executive, including two CSs and a Governor who arrived late for signing of the contracts at State House Nairobi, yesterday. “If you can’t keep time with your employer, you have basically dismissed yourself. For those who came late and are members of the Executive, I will be expecting an explanation, and it should not include matters of traffic, on why they do not take this signing of performance contract seriously,” Ruto said. He added: “If you don’t take this performance contracting seriously, it means we do not take the contract with Kenyans on performance seriously and that can be a very serious indictment on anybody.” Though the President did not name the four, sources revealed that the two affected ministers were Prof Kithure Kindiki (Interior) and Moses Kuria (Trade). Also affected was Kirrinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru who is the chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) and whose responsbility at the function was handed to her Bungoma counterpart Ken Lusaka on short notice. In his address touching on a wide range of governance issues, the President called upon the CSs not to be complacent in their work, warning that he would not entertain mediocrity, inefficiencies and corruption. “I shall hold every officer serving in government, beginning with you, to account for both their performance in service dePresident William Ruto interacts with Cabinet Secretaries during the signing of Performance Contracts by Cabinet Secretaries at State House, Nairobi, yesterday. PCS President reads Riot Act to his inept Ministers operations that require their input. “Some members of the Executive are literally changing suits at the airport having arrived from one trip going for yet another one,” the Deputy President said. “If you have to travel, go to the upcountry where Kenyans who need your services are.” Gachagua criticised the CSs for not engaging the media about government programmes that are running under their ministries. “Our ministers are quiet. Nobody is talking for the government. They are called for TV interviews to say what they have done; they don’t show up,” Gachagua stated. Many people Speaking days after anti-government protests that were calling for lowering of the cost of living, Ruto faulted retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration for what he termed as undertaking programmes that exacerbated the suffering of Kenyans at the bottom and made many people question priorities of their government. “Although there was an opportunity to use the Covid-19 ‘downtime’ to increase agricultural productivity, subsidising farm inputs was not a priority compared to vendor-driven, pandemic-related expenditure which eventually failed due to wastage, corruption, non-performance and delays,” he noted. According to Ruto, it was a bad policy for the government to borrow money to fund its programmes. He assured that in his one year as President, the economy has improved and hailed Kenyans for persevering during the transition period the government was initiating measures to revive the economy. Head of State at the same time raises concern about the Principal Secretaries unfamiliar with their docket livery and stewardship of public resources. I shall deal with cases of negligence, misappropriation, embezzlement, theft or other misconduct or corruption in relation to public resources summarily and decisively. You are hereby duly notified,” the President told the CSs. But even as the CSs were signing the contracts, President Ruto expressed concern about the level of incompetence among them and their PSs, noting that some did not know their job descriptions thus falling short of what constitutional duty of advising him. “Many of you that I have spoken to, don’t know what is going on in your ministries. You have very scanty information. I call many PSs, but they have no clue about their departments. The moment I know more than you in your ministry, then you must begin to understand that something is very wrong. Explain to me how you will advise me if you have less information than I do,” Ruto noted. The Head of State, who noted that poor promise keeping by previous regimes has caused mistrust between the government and the public, is seeking to do things differently from his predecessors so that he can win the trust of the public to support his leadership. Previous regimes “Some Kenyans do not even believe that by Samuel Kariuki @PeopleDailyKe For the first time, President William Ruto yesterday spoke of the existence of a powerful cartel in the civil service that controls government transfers and remains untouchable in their operations. Without mentioning names, President Ruto singled out a powerful former female official at the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) who had for years dictated her position and work station. “For those who have been engaged in corruption incorrigibly, for instance, people in procurement must know their days are numbered. There was a lady working in one of the Ministry of Roads departments who was corrupt to the core, to the extent that she could not be transferred by anybody,” Ruto observed. The President disclosed that even the CS could not touch the woman because if he dared, she would rush to court and allegedly buy the court process to be reinstated. Shocking revelation “That is the kind of chronic corruption in government that we need to wipe out. I hope Mr Kipchumba Murkomen (Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary) and Mr Joseph Mungai Mbugwa (Principal Secretary, Roads), that lady no longer work for the government of Kenya,” a visibly agitated President Ruto said. In what appeared to be a shocking revelation, the Head of State said such officers have turned government offices into their private offices. As if to drive his point home, the President stated: “We are not going to wait until public money is lost, the moment there are signs that you have intentions of doing something ... we will deal with you firmly and summarily. We have many people who can do these jobs.” Though the President did not mention anyone’s name, memories of the saga of Margaret Muthui, who came into the limelight in 2019 when she successfully petitioned the court to reverse her deployment from her plum job at KeRRA comes to mind. Muthui, then a senior procurement officer, moved to court to appeal her redeployment to the office of Performance Management and Coordination under the Presidency. According to Muthui, she was being moved to an office where she had no expertise and the main reason for her removal was after she questioned a tender, which she felt had been overpriced by Sh1 billion. She argued that in her opinion, questioning the award caused a lot of problems after which she received communication from the Transport PS asking her to provide a full report on the tender and options that would cure the anomalies and allow the tender to proceed. In a judgment in February 2019, Justice Hellen Wasilwa halted her transfer, saying the ministry had no business directing KeRRA to deploy her to there. Muthui was back in court in January 2021 after she was transferred for the second time and Employment and Labour Relations Judge Maureen Onyango, suspended the decision, pending the determination of her case. Curiously, KeRRA board had not met to ratify her transfer back to KeRRA. She was forcibly kicked out by KeRRA orderlies. Infuriated Ruto unmasks Ministry of Roads untouchable graft queen a government has an obligation to deliver its pledges and view manifestos and campaign promises as empty political rhetoric and meaningless tricks and noise. I wish to state in no uncertain terms, in order to clear any confusion and give comfort to all Kenyans that my administration is fully committed to the implementation of pledges contained in the bottom-up economic transformation agenda,” he said. On his part, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the government has high expectations on the performance of the Cabinet, urging them to work to win President Ruto a second term. “The President signed a five-year contract with Kenyans subject to renewal on performance or subject to termination on non-performance. So those working under him must perform efficiently,” Gachagua said. The Deputy President told CSs who were previously politicians before being appointed to the Executive that their friendship with Ruto will count for nothing if they do not deliver as per their contracts. “Let me tell you a secret, especially those of us who came from the political space, were his friends and assisted him to become President, once he gave us a job, that’s the termination of that friendship. Now the friendship with the President will be based on nothing but performance,” the DP said. Gachagua disclosed how opulence by some CSs led to the capping of foreign travel to 45 days per year through an Executive order a fortnight ago. The Deputy President said some members of the Cabinet have failed to regulate themselves on foreign travel, adding that sometimes as many as eight CSs are away, a move that risks to paralyse Government DP ON GLOBETROTTING MINISTERS Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has linked the Executive order that capped foreign travels to 45 days to opulent Cabinet secretaries, who he says have failed to regulate themselves on foreign travel. He says sometimes as many as eight CSs are away, a move that risks to paralyse Government operations that require their input. The DP has also criticised the CSs for not engaging the media about government programmes that are running under their ministries. WILLIAM RUTO There was a lady working in one of the... departmnets who was corrupt to the core

Wednesday, August 2, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY NEWS BEAT 7 Labour Minister Bore put to task over association with underfire First Choice agency director Judith Jepchirchir by Rawlings Otieno @PeopleDailyKe First Choice Recruitment agency associated with Judith Jepchirchir is not registered with the National Employment Authority (NEA), Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore disclosed yesterday. Consequently, Kenya Kwanza senators directed Bore to put out an advert and stop Jepchirchir from operating the recruitment agency. The Senators also questioned the powerful individual behind Jepchirchir, who they termed as arrogant, ‘full of herself ‘and is the clear definition and face of impunity in the current constitutional dispensation. Appearing before Senate’s Labour and Social Welfare Committee in a session chaired by nominated lawmaker George Mbugua (vice-chair), Bore volunteered to mediate between Jepchirchir and the victims who claim to have been conned millions of shillings in payments they made to study abroad. One of the victims told the committee that she paid the agency Sh437,000 to secure a scholarship to study in Poland, an offer that never materialised. “I want to find a way of how the victims can be refunded their money. Sh437,000 is a lot of money. Allow me to handle the two parties,” Bore pleaded. DCI investigations The Minister said that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is seized of the matter and they are doing their investigations, adding that the records available in the Ministry show First Choice is not registered. “We have not registered the company and the company is not uploaded on NEA website,” she said. However, the victims declined the offer charging Jepchirchir has been seen with Senators want recruitment firm blacklisted over scam Parents who claim to have lost millions of shillings in the Uasin Gishu county Finland and Canada Scholarship programme when they demonstrated yesterday in Eldoret demanding a refund of the monies by the county leadership. Leaders have claimed to have refunded close to Sh68m to the affected parents. The Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr. Eddyson Nyale addressed the demonstrators at his office. PD/ JAMES GITAKA the CS in various public functions and could not be trusted with mediating the process. Human rights activist Through the lead petitioner and Eldoretbased human rights activist Kimutai Kirui, the victims alluded that allowing Ms Bore to mediate with Jepchirchir is akin to handing ‘sheep to the jaws of a hungry lioness’. “We have gone to the Labour Ministry and NEA offices in Eldoret and even written letters to the CS. The people of Uasin Gishu has very little confidence in the Ministry of Labour. Allowing the CS to mediate will be liking handing the victims to the jaws of a lioness,” said Kirui. He went on: “Judy is not willing to pay the petitioners their money. The petitioners want their money back. They want justice.” Senators Mbugua, Alex Mudigi (Embu), Mohammed Faki (Mombasa), Miraj Abdulahi (nominated) and Gloria Orwoba (nominated) questioned why despite numerous reports to the Police about the dealings of Jepchirchir she has not been arrested and arraigned in court. The legislators charged that Jepchirchir is being treated with child’s gloves as she behaves like someone above the law. “The company is being seen to be given room to do what they want. The director has been going around intimidating the victims. We are dealing with a rogue client, very arrogant and someone who believes she can run all the government agencies,” Mbugua charged. “How comes this person has not been arrested? It is like the police system is not there to safeguard Kenyans. There is evidence that the recruitment agency is still operating even after the suspension. What system does the Ministry have to reign in on this agency?” said Orwoba. Miraj on her part claimed that the Jepchirchir lied to the Senate that she was going to refund the victims and upto to date, she has not refunded any single cent to the victims. FIRST CHOICE UNDER FIRE Bore volunteered to mediate between Jepchirchir and the victims who claim to have been conned millions of shillings Kenya Kwanza Senators directed Ms Bore to put out an advert and stop Jepchirchir from operating NGO raises concerns on exploitation by Harrison Kivisu @PeopleDailyKe ChildFund-Kenya has raised concerns about growing exposure of children to online sexual exploitation and abuse as the country ventures into the digital economy. Child Protection and Advocacy ChildFund Manager, Eunice Kilundo, says although Kenya has made significant strides in putting in place child online protection laws, the vice is still rampant in the wake of emerging online global trends. Speaking in Mombasa during an online sexual exploitation and abuse training for journalists, Kilundo underscored the need for parents and guardians to join the war and protect from online abuse and threats. She regretted that in the wake of digital error, children are likely to be exposed to sexual live streaming, blackmail threats, reading materials, sexual voice notes and sexting among other threats from online predators. “As a result we have embarked on preventive programmes at the coast region through partnerships; we are also targeting to partner with the media to disseminate the information widely to the masses to understand the new online threats to children,” said Kilundo. Data from the Ministry of Labour indicates that 67 per cent of minors aged between 12 and 17 years are internet users, thus exposing them to sexual exploitation for commercial online trade. In the new plan, the organization seeks to ensure early prevention through partnerships with Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and child departments in the region as well as increase capacity to journalists and parents, and school teachers in quest to ensure child protection. “We have a lot of cases of child abuse online, but they end up not being reported, we ask parents not to hide them, instead seek aid from police,” said David Mariba, ChildFund programmes officer. Foreigners in vehicle sales business arrested in money laundering probe by Zadock Angira @PeopleDailyKe At least four foreigners have been arrested in Nairobi following an operation by Immigration Department officials targeting foreigners involved in motor vehicle sales. Reports indicate that some of them were involved in money laundering in the pretext of selling motor vehicles. Financial Reporting Centre (FRC) says lack of adequate regulatory oversight, large volumes of cash involved, and the fact that motor vehicle dealerships are subject to fewer regulations than banks have made moneylaundering vulnerability in the sector very high. The operation was mounted on Monday as the officials searched for those deemed illegal immigrants performing jobs that can be done by Kenyans and linked to claims of money-laundering. Among those arrested were three Zimbabweans -Stanley Makombe and his two sons Trevor Tadiwanaishe and Trevor Tanaka - who have been working at the firm as who have been working at World Navi Motors along Ngong Road. The officials are also tracking down two Japanese Yusuke Tamano and Yoshifumi Sawada who have since gone underground. Immigration issues Kilimani police commander Moss Ndiwa said the operation was conducted by immigration and had no more details on them, adding the three Zimbabweans were detained at Kilimani police MOSS NDIWA Those are immigration issues and the suspects are held in cells ahead of other procedures cells ahead of planned deportation for working without work permits. “Those are immigration issues and the suspects are held in cells ahead of other procedures,” he said. The three apparently replaced Philippine national Lianie Beth Gala at the yard who was deported in 2020 over claims of money laundering. Illegal business Police accompanied the immigration officers in the operation and said they are still looking for those at large and are targeting more foreigners in the illegal business. Officials had also raided Al-Shujah Motors belonging to a wealthy Pakistani businessman who is under investigations following reports that he is involved in money laundering and drug trafficking. Hussain Jarrar, 48 who arrived in the country in 2006 and was later employed as a sales motor vehicle agent is now a billionaire. The Pakistani is also being investigated for forgery after it emerged he had obtained a Kenyan identity card fraudulently. Instead they arrested his accountant, identified as only Yassin. He was released on bond and told to report back to immigration offices today for further grilling. A report by FRC states that other factors including unregulated credit facilities and the fact that motor vehicle dealers are not required to report suspicious transactions have led to money laundering in the motor vehicle sales sector. Vehicles parked in a motor car sale yard along Ngong Road. PD/ JOHN OCHIENG

8 NEWS BEAT PEOPLE DAILY / Wednesday, August 2, 2023 by Anthony Mwangi @PeopleDailyKe Hardline stances adopted politicians from the ruling alliance and the Opposition risk grounding the anticipated talks between the two sides. Only a day after it was revealed that President William Ruto and Opposition leader Raila Odinga had agreed on the need for dialogue, their close allies are stll accusing each other of dishonesty. Bone of contention remains the agenda of the talks with the Opposition team disowning the list of issues outlined by the Leader of Majority in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah. The Kikuyu MP, a close confidante of the President, listed the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, establishment of the Office of the Leader of Opposition and entrenchment of the Constituency Development Fund as well as the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary in law. On Sunday, the Azimio team disowned Ichung’wah’s statement, saying the high cost of living had not been included in the talks agenda. Azimio maintained talks would only proceed if concerns raised by Kenyans on the cost of living were addressed. “Kenya Kwanza released a one-sided statement signed by Ichung’wah that claimed to incorporate our views. We disown the statement. Azimio had nothing to do with it. Its contents were those of Kenya Kwanza, their wish list,” the statement read by former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya said. No more chaos Munya said former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo had facilitated a meeting between Ruto and Raila, although nothing was agreed on during the meeting. Peter Munya (centre), a former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary reads a statement during an Azimio press briefing in Nairobi on Sunday. PD/JOHN OCHIENG Militant stances threaten to slam breaks on talks “The opposition should desist from blackmail. The police will ruthlessly crush any protests,” Gachagua said. In its statement, Azimio leaders claimed Raila agreed to meet Ruto after he was persuaded by Obasanjo. “Baba (Odinga) accepted to be in that meeting because of his respect for Obasanjo. That meeting did not come to a consensus on any issue. It was a meeting to agree on when and how to hold talks,” they said. “Kenya Kwanza is not sincere at all. Nothing at all was agreed upon when the two leaders met. The meeting was only to prepare the ground for honest discussions. The meeting was, therefore, a talk about envisaged talks,” said Munya without revealing the date or location of the meeting. Finance Act Munya further alleged that Kenya Kwanza had already shown signs of frustrating the talks from going to the next stage by trying to deny Obasanjo’s presence in the country and his role in the talks. “They denied the presence of President Suluhu here a few weeks ago and now they want to deny the presence of HE Obasanjo,” said Munya. Munya said that while Azimio was committed to dialogue, their demands had not changed. “We want to see actions that will lead to the immediate lowering of the cost of living. It is our position that this issue does not require any discussions but policy. But since they won’t do it, lowering the cost of living has to be part of the talks,” he said. “Negotiations must therefore include the repeal of the oppressive, cruel and insensitive Finance Act 2023,” read the statement. Politicians drawn from both the Government and Opposition keep floating uncompromising demands Speaking in Kwale, Ruto confirmed holding talks with Raila, but added that the dialogue would not be centred on the cost of living. The President disclosed that his meeting with Raila last week was about ending protests which have led to deaths and destruction of property. Without disclosing more about the discussions, Ruto said both parties resolved to protect the country from more chaos. “We agreed that violence and destruction of property will not be in the equation in the Republic of Kenya. We are a democratic country; we can talk to each other,” he said. But Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi dismissed Obasanjo’s role in the talks, saying the country was not facing a crisis to warrant the invitation of outsiders. “Sudan is in a crisis, Congo is in a crisis but Kenya has no crisis. We have a President and Kenya is peaceful and whatever we have can be solved. These are just political differences,” Mudavadi said. He said that Raila should “stop internationalising his losses” and wait for the next election. Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Salim Mvurya urged the Opposition to recognise Ruto’s presidency before any talks begin. Mvurya told the Opposition to give Ruto latitude to run the country. by Noven Owiti @PeopleDailyKe A women’s lobby in Kisumu county yesterday called for action against police officers accused of violating human rights during protests staged by the Azimio La Umoja coalition against the high cost of living. Under the Wamama Mashinani umbrella, the women drawn from informal settlements of Nyalenda, Manyatta, Obunga, Nyawita, Kondele, Nyamasaria and Bandani, criticized the police over their actions in handling the protests that led to loss lives and destruction of property. They lamented that many families were suffering following the death or injury of their members. Led by Claris Adongo of Nyalenda, Millicent Randiki (Bandani) and Mwatomu Husein (Nyamasaria), they appealed for justice to the victims of police brutality. Adongo said police reaction during the demonstrations led to unnecessary loss of lives, injuries and destruction of property. She accused the officers of breaking into homes and attacking residents, noting that women bore the brunt of the violence. “We , the women of Kisumu, largely affected by the demonstrations protest police violence against our children and husbands. The police meted violence right inside our homes resulting in untold suffering, leaving our children dead, injured and others traumatized. Further, our businesses were plundered and our properties destroyed,” said Adongo. She added: “The police brought violence from the streets to our homes. Our sons were dragged from their houses, beaten and later accused of demonstrating even when the evidence shows otherwise.” Sought shelter According to her, the alleged police actions extended to innocent residents who were not part of the demonstrations. “We were confronted by guns pointed at our heads, arrows ready to be released, teargas emptied in our houses where we sought shelter. Running out of the house because of the teargas was met with beatings. It did not matter that you were innocent and there were as many people hurt who were not protesters as there were those who protested,” she said. Randiki said women expect relevant government agencies to take necessary action against police officers found culpable of breaking the law during the riots. She condemned the law enforcers for allegedly using excessive force on unarmed residents , noting that the constitution guarantees every citizen the freedom to picket and demonstrate. “We have gone through many targeted police brutality, rape, and other human rights violations from 2007/2008, 2013 and 2017 where no action has been taken. This time round, the intention was visible in the action when they refused to come to our assistance as women,” Randiki said. Kisumu women demand justice for children killed in Azimio protests He said that the 2022 General Election was fair and it would be wrong for the opposition seek a power-sharing deal. “Did the President win or not? Why do you people want to subject him to talks? If they want talks, the government will provide avenues for talks. But first, they have to be fair to the President by letting him govern the country because he was the clear winner in last year’s election,” Mvurya added. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula was also dismissive of the talks saying they would not lead to lower cost of living. Talks committee Wetang’ula said only sound economic policies would improve living costs. “If you want to lower the cost of living, it is not by going to strange places to talk with strange people. It is by having sound economic policies, increasing production and helping the Kenyan farmer to provide enough food,” Wetang’ula said. Ruto said the cost of living issue was already captured in the government’s development plan. “For those who are saying the cost of living is not in the structure of talks, we want to tell them that lowering the cost of living is in the manifesto,” he said. The planned talks will bring together a 10-member committee comprising representatives from both sides. Members of the committee will include MPs and nonparliamentarians. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said while he welcomed talks, the government would not allow the Opposition to engage in violent protests. OBASANJO’S ROLE Former Nigerian President Olesegun Obasanjo is expected to lead a 10-member committee comprising of government and Opposition members in dialogue aimed at ending the political crisis in the country. It is believed Obasanjo held a meeting with President William Ruto and Opposition leader Raila Odinga, during which the latter two agreed on broader talks between the two sides. Kenya Kwanza and Opposition Azimio leaders are yet to agree on the agenda of the talks, with each team making tough demands.

Wednesday, August 2, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY 9

10 PEOPLE SPEAK PEOPLE DAILY / Wednesday, August 2, 2023 The government, through the Bottomup Economic Transformation Agenda, has committed to drive economic and inclusive growth through agricultural value chain approach. The strategy will transform the agriculture sector, hence increase productivity, eradicate hunger, reduce cost of living, create jobs, and promote inclusive growth. As Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), we are excited to see these commitments translate into tangible actions, including enhancing the linkage between agriculture and manufacturing. Agriculture is crucial to our economic transformation. According to the Economic Survey, 2023, the sector contributed 21.2 per cent to GDP in 2022. Additionally, it employed 299,700 in the formal sector, making it the second largest private sector employer after manufacturing, which had 329,600 formal employees. Despite this impact, data from the State Department of Trade indicates that exports of processed agricultural and livestock commodities have stagnated at around 16 per cent. The linkage with manufacturing sector through agro-processing and agro-based manufacturing, and access to requisite infrastructure will certainly transform agricultural output. To support the government’s value chain approach, KAM has initiated the Agriculture for Industry (A4I) strategy. Through discussions with its members, KAM has identified several key value chains, including cotton, leather, dairy, grains, tomatoes, potatoes, pyrethrum, and nuts, and the challenges that hinder their seamless linkages with the manufacturing sector. KAM is working with the members to collect aggregate demand data for different value chains with a view to procure agro-based raw materials from farmers. Through A4I, KAM aims to reverse such trends by bridging the domestic production gap of required agro-based raw materials by manufacturers. The demand data, quality standards, indicative pricing will significantly minimize the information asymmetry that exists between farmers and manufacturers. County governments offer great promise towards driving this agricultural transformation agenda. We laud the collaboration of both levels of government towards the development of the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs). Indeed, it is great to see County governments kick off initiatives to implement the same. This initiative is unique since it brings together Aggregation Centres and Industrial Parks. Aggregation Centres offer small-scale farmers a centralised location where they can take their crops for basic value addition such as grading, sorting, cleaning, packaging, and distribution for value addition or sale in the domestic or export market. On the other hand, Industrial Parks bring together private firms to these common user facilities to gain economies of scale and positive externalities by sharing infrastructure and taking advantage of opportunities for bulk purchasing and selling, training courses, extension services, modern technologies, recycling, and use of agro-industrial waste/ residues. Through initiatives such as CAIPs, Kenya has an opportunity to build an ecosystem to adopt modern technology for value addition; enhance forward and backward linkages with better markets; increase value-added products and growth in manufacturing; and improve working relationships with players in agriculture and manufacturing sectors. We recognise that Kenya has had a lot of opportunities to strengthen local value chains, especially to support existing manufacturing industries. For this to happen, continued consultation with all stakeholders in the value chain is required. It is also critical that proper policies are put into place and a conducive regulatory environment created. — The writer is the Chairperson of Kenya Association of Manufacturers and can be reached at [email protected]. EMIL ZATOPEK An athlete cannot run with money in his pockets. He must run with hope in his heart and dreams in his head. Help youth exploit talent in football Last weekend, World football governing body Fifa launched the Football for Schools (F4S) Programme, a project tailored to harness existing talent. The programme which was rolled out in Kakamega is a joint initiative by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and Fifa. We believe the venture will highlight a new beginning in tapping talent from the grassroots and could go a long way in serving as a feeder to the national men and women soccer teams, Harambee Stars and Harambee Starlets respectively. It was heartening that the venture came only a week after Kakamega prepares itself to host the National Secondary School Games which remain a breeding ground for Kenya’s top players, some of who went ahead to ply their trade in European leagues. Among them are MacDonald Mariga, Dennis Oliech, Micheal Olunga and Victor Wanyama. Children are highly receptive to learning and are unafraid to admit when they lack knowledge, which fuels their eagerness to acquire information. Thus, the best time to instill knowledge and interest in football is during their formative years. Through the Football for Schools programme, the Football Kenya Federation aims to promote key football development agendas, particularly Youth and Women’s Football. It provides children across the country with an opportunity to embrace the love of the sport and to also receive proper training during their early football development stages. The minors have had a lack of proper training, with this programme, they will be able to get proper training equipment. To achieve the feat, 50 coach educators, selected from teachers across all 47 counties, with a keen interest in primary school football, recently attended a three-day football and life skills training session in Kakamega. Subsequently, these educators will be tasked by FKF to conduct select football and life skills programmes in their respective regions. For Kenya to attract the attention of Fifa, which has since lifted the embargo, in matters of football development is an indication that the world body means well for Kenya. Growth linkages between agriculture, industry THOUGHT OF THE DAY RAJAN SHAH Continued consultation with all stakeholders in value chain is required QUOTEDTODAY Kenya Kwanza cannot tell us that we will not discuss the cost of living because that will be discussing their manifesto. The increase of VAT on fuel has increased the cost of living for everyone. We must discuss it. POKOT SOUTH MP DAVID PKOSING We’ve observed the tactics employed by the tobacco industry, disregarding existing regulations, and reintroducing oral nicotine pouches into the market. THOMAS LINDI, COORDINATOR OF THE KENYA TOBACCO CONTROL ALLIANCE We’ve a lot of cases of child abuse online, but they end up not being reported, we ask parents not to hide them, instead seek aid from police, children officers and any other relevant institutions. DAVID MARIBA, CHILD FUND PROGRAMMES OFFICER EDITORIAL A PUBLICATION OF MEDIAMAX NETWORK LIMITED KEN NGARUIYA: Group Chief Executive Officer MBUGUA NG’ANG’A: Managing Editor People Daily is published by MEDIAMAX NETWORK LIMITED at DSM Place, Kijabe Street, P.O. Box 24943, 00100 - Nairobi Tel: 0730144100; 0709824000; 0204944100 E-mail: [email protected] © Copyright 2023

SEND YOUR OPED TO: [email protected] Wednesday, August 2, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY PEOPLE SPEAK 11 To function properly, the human body requires several minerals in addition to the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that are frequently discussed. The list of minerals helps the body perform essential functions such as influencing nerve function, assisting muscles in working, and determining the level of water in the body. One of the key minerals is fluoride, which is necessary for maintaining dental health and preventing tooth decay. Fluoride is found naturally in various water sources, soil, and certain foods. It is so important in the body that it also is found in many dental products. However, excessive intake of fluoride during critical periods of tooth and bone development causes a condition known as fluorosis. The overabundance can lead to undesirable effects on teeth and bones. Fluorosis is most common in Kenya in areas where the water supply contains naturally high levels of fluoride. Most of Kenya’s population is reliant on underground water sources where water interacts with fluoride-rich rocks. According to the Kenya National Oral Health Strategic Plan, this increases the risk of fluorosis with fluorosis affecting 23.7 per cent of Kenyans. The prevalence in children is significantly higher, at 41.4 per cent. Fluorosis symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Individuals with dental fluorosis, the most common form, may have barely visible discolouration as streaks or spots on the tooth enamel. Brown discolouration and pitting of the enamel occur as the condition worsens. This makes the teeth more prone to decay. If unchecked, excessive fluoride intake can lead to skeletal fluorosis, which affects the bones and joints. The pain, stiffness, and limited joint mobility caused by skeletal fluorosis, especially in the later stages, result in crippling deformities that have a negative impact on an individual’s quality of life. Fluorosis prevention entails maintaining an appropriate level of fluoride intake to promote dental health while avoiding excessive exposure. It is critical to check the fluoride content of drinking water on a regular basis to ensure that it is within the optimal range (0.7 to 1.2 mg/L or ppm). Individuals should consider using alternative water sources or fluoride-removal methods if natural fluoride levels in the water are high. While a lab test is the most accurate way to determine fluoride levels in water, there are some reasonably priced homes testing kits available. This is especially important given that fluorosis can only be prevented, but its effects cannot be reversed. Because the condition mostly occurs during critical developmental stages, parents and caregivers can help prevent it. They must be cautious about the water sources they use for their children and supervise their use of fluoride-enriched products such as toothpaste. For children under the age of six, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is sufficient to prevent excessive fluoride ingestion. Maintaining a well-balanced diet that includes foods with low fluoride content can help reduce the risk of excessive fluoride intake from food sources. Fluoride is commonly found in foods like marine fish, black tea and coffee, and shellfish. Processed foods are also high in fluoride because the water used in their production frequently contains fluoride. To avoid fluorosis, consume these fluoride-rich foods sparingly. If fluoride supplements are deemed necessary, they should only be taken under the supervision and prescription of a dentist or healthcare professional, and the recommended dosage should be strictly followed. Regular dental check-ups are critical for monitoring oral health and detecting early signs of fluorosis. Dentists can provide personalised advice on fluoride use based on an individual’s risk factors, allowing people to strike a balance between reaping the benefits of fluoride for dental health and minimising the risks of excessive fluoride consumption. — The writer is Dental surgeon, Dental Manager Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Navigating the new horizons with 5G network The hidden dangers of toothpaste on children Over the past two decades, Kenya has witnessed a remarkable evolution in its digital landscape, ushering in a transformative era of technological advancement. The journey began with simple flip feature phones, with barely 10 per cent penetration in the early 2000s. A 2022 report by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reveals that almost half the population currently owns mobile devices. Widespread mobile connectivity has laid the ground for expanding digital services and innovation in various sectors. That is, with the growth of the internet and the emergence of 3G and 4G networks, there has been increased access to information, sparking the development of e-commerce platforms and digital marketplaces, providing opportunities for businesses to reach broader audiences and consumers to access a wide range of products and services conveniently across the globe. The Government, also recognising the significance of a thriving digital economy, has taken bold steps to support its growth in the country. That has happened through the deployments of various initiatives such as the Digital Master plan (2022-2032), Constituency Innovation Hubs, and National Broadband Strategy, just to name a few. The government has made progress in enhancing ICT infrastructure development, fostering innovation, and deepening the sector’s contribution to overall socio-economic growth. As the 5G network gains traction in Kenya, it opens up limitless possibilities for the telco industry and the digital sphere, revolutionising how we live, work, and do business as a society. 5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks, which boasts the ability to deliver faster data transfer speeds, lower latency, and higher bandwidth bringing with it the promise of better reliability than its predecessors. With ultrafast speeds, 5G offers significantly faster download and upload speeds, up to multi-gigaBits per second (Gbps). This means users can now enjoy seamless streaming of high-definition video content, quick file downloads, smoother online gaming experiences, and real-time high-quality video calls without buffering delays. Undoubtedly, the fast and reliable speeds that 5G brings will also tremendously impact the remote work model that the Covid-19 pandemic forced upon us in 2020. Professionals will be able to collaborate and participate in virtual meetings in an improved and transformed way, utilizing the game-changing Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality technologies. Boosted productivity, increased work flexibility, and improved work-life balance are inherent in 5G, eventually leading to cost savings for businesses. Another impressive feature of 5G is its ultralow latency. By reducing the time it takes for data to travel between devices and the network, 5G will enable near-instantaneous communication, enhancing real-time communication. This will revolutionise key sectors such as healthcare and education, enabling equal access to all. In healthcare, for instance, 5G technology can enable remote consultations, remote monitoring, and real-time collaboration between medical professionals, leading to improved healthcare outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. For example, take a case where a surgeon cannot be physically present in a surgery room, yet their input is vital. The surgeon can still offer remote surgery assistance, guiding and controlling surgical instruments in real-time, thus, saving a life. In the education sector, 5G technology is set to enable immersive learning experiences through Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), providing students with access to educational resources and experiences that were not possible before. In other words, this means that a student in Marsabit County, Kenya, with access to the right devices, can now attend a lecture at Melbourne University, Australia, in real time. Therefore, sustained collaboration between network operators, the government, research institutes, academia, and other stakeholders is crucial to mitigate these challenges. — The writer is the Airtel Kenya MD. DR SYLVIA O NOAH Fluorosis is a dental and skeletal condition that can be avoided through education, proper luoride monitoring and informed dental care ASHISH MALHOTRA It is imperative to acknowledge the various risks and security concerns of 5G the most revolutionary advancements of our time #TWEETS TO THE EDITOR / / / @PeopleDailyKe / / / People Daily STREET TALK Prisoner on the run after movie style jailbreak A prisoner is on the run in the US after he and three other inmates staged a Shawshank Redemptionstyle jailbreak. The four, who were being held at Bent County Jail in southeast Colorado, reportedly pushed through a dry wall ceiling in their cell, which used to serve as a kitchen, and used bundled blankets to make it seem as if they were actually in their beds. From there, the inmates got through the roof of an adjoining bathroom, a local station cited Bent County Sheriff Jake Six. One of them, Mark Fox (pictured), 46, is still on the run, while two others have been captured and the fourth found dead from a suspected drug overdose, Sheriff Six said on Tuesday. Benjamin Valdez, 34, was found dead in nearby Pueblo, according to the Bent County Emergency Management Agency. The other two unnamed inmates who escaped were recaptured when they called for an ambulance for an overdose early on Tuesday. Fox was described as a white man, bald, 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weighing 95kg. Six said the time of ecsape is still unclear. The Prowers County Sheriff’s Department is investigating what happened while security arrangements at the jail are being checked by the Department of Corrections, Mr Six said. - Agencies ODDLY ENOUGH TRUTHIS: The good news of Christ is the best news in the world. Locked out @smutoro: Time-keeping and new rules at State House: At least 2 CSes Kithure Kindiki and Moses Kuria miss out on signing their Ministries performance contracts after reportedly being locked out turning up late - after the head of state had commenced the key meeting. Safe house for GBV survivors @CJMarthaKoome: Honoured to witness inauguration of the Maunguja Resource and Gender Based Violence Protection Centre in Mombasa, testimony of shared aspirations and collective efforts to challenge and overcome one of the most pressing societal issues we face today - Gender-Based Violence. Worldcoin data harvest @EmpressMpress: What makes me sad is to see how ignorant Kenyans are. Normalize questioning anything or anybody asking for your personal information in exchange of money!! #Worldcoin is a scam! Incompatible with human survival @vanessa_vash: A reminder that more than 46 million people in the Horn of Africa are facing crisis levels of food insecurity due to consecutive years of climate-induced droughts. An agenda that is “incompatible with human survival” is dangerous and betrayal

12 PEOPLE DAILY / Wednesday, August 2, 2023

BUSINESS HUB FOR MORE NEWS VISIT: www.pd.co.ke / www.epaper. pd.co.ke 13 Wednesday, August 2, 2023 Vivo’s market share dips in first quarter on stiff rivalry by Herald Aloo @heraldaloo Vivo Energy Kenya, trading under the Shell-branded fuel products, shed its market share by 1.04 per cent in the first three months of 2023 despite dwindling market share of small and medium-sized firms being hit by thin margins. Though still a market leader, Vivo closed 2022 with an overall market share inclusive of exports at 16.45 per cent compared to March 2023 when the split was 15.41 per cent, data from the Petroleum Institute of East Africa (PIEA) indicates. The drop reveals the increasing competition among the top 10 Oil Marketing Companies (OMC) seeking to fill the void left by small local oil companies impacted by the scrapping of wholesale fuel prices in 2021 which dented their profits. Rival oil marketer French-owned WHOLESALE FUEL PRICES Capping wholesale fuel prices, which is currently Sh8.19 off the printed retail rates, often offers small dealers a chance to enjoy profit margins and remain afloat. There were initial plans to reinstate the cap last October, but EPRA shelved this plan until May 2023 on continued crosssubsidisation of diesel with super petrol to cushion consumers from the otherwise high prices. The cross-subsidy has since ended. Rubis Energy, whose market share rose to 10.54 per cent end-March compared to the previous 10.01 per cent in December 2022, is among the players who are gradually closing the dominance of Vivo Energy in Kenya. In the same period, local dealers such as Stabex, Lakeoil, Hass, and Petro, also increased their market share. “Vivo Energy, TotalEnergies, Rubis Energy and OLA Energy maintained their top five position with Rubis Energy gaining growth in overall and local market share coinciding with their growth in the retail segment,” PIEA stated in the report. Fuel imported The report, which tracks the flow of fuel in the market, indicates that about three-quarters of fuel imported into East Africa’s biggest economy is consumed through retail outlets and resellers. In terms of the local petroleum sales market, Vivo’s share also plunged from 22.12 per cent to 21.61 per cent during the period. The firm currently has 286 fuel stations after it announced it was planning to add extra 20 branches by the end of 2022 to cement its position as it takes over spaces left by small players. Big OMCs have the capability to negotiate better deals with suppliers and secure lower prices for their products, which further widens the gap between them and the smaller competitors. As a result, consumers are often drawn to the top players due to the perceived reliability and value they offer. The dwindling market share of small and medium-sized firms could lead to reduced competition, potentially impacting product pricing and overall market efficiency. However, the small companies are likely to see some revenue respite in the coming months after Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) reinstated caps on wholesale fuel prices since May 2023. “Small dealers are having a fair share of their issues. But since the elimination of subsidy, we are seeing a real market driven system. SMEs within the energy sector have had a good time in the last three months with protection of EPRA” says Petroleum Outlets Association of Kenya (POAK) chair Martin Chomba. The cap was withdrawn back in 2021 during the oil subsidy, forcing big oil marketers to sell fuel at negative prices thus eroding margins meant for small dealers. Drop reveals rising competition among top 10 oil marketers seeking to fill void left by small firms by John Otini @PeopleDailyKe CFAO Motors Kenya, a leading motor vehicle dealer, has announced an investment of Sh120 million in the local production of Toyota Fortuner at its assembly line in Mombasa. This move marks the company’s strategic expansion of its portfolio of Kenyan-produced motor vehicles. The Toyota Fortuner assembly line will be situated at the Associated Vehicle Assembly (AVA) plant in Mombasa and is expected to produce about 350 units annually. Spanning an area of 38,000 square metres in Miritini, the new production line, signifies a major step towards strengthening the automotive manufacturing sector in Kenya. “This is the first passenger SUV that is being produced locally in Kenya, we are very excited. We started with the Landcruiser 79 that is being used by the police,” said Joshua Anya, deputy managing director in Thika yesterday. According to CFAO Motors Kenya, the locally assembled Passenger Sports Utility vehicle (SUV) Toyota Fortuner will be priced at Sh8.5 million. This move is expected to make the sought-after model more accessible to Kenyan consumers, given the reduced production costs associated with local manufacturing. CFAO injects Sh120m into local production of Toyota Fortuners PROJECT CONTRACT: A house committee has given the directors of a Swiss firm, SICPA SA, two weeks to appear before it to shed light on the multi-billion shilling excise stamp project. The committee on Finance and Planning chaired by Molo MP Kuria Kimani (pictured) told the directors to appear on August 15 to shed light to the Excisable Goods Management System (EGMS). “We have given the directors two weeks that is August 15 to come and shed light over this matter,” said Kuria. Revenue collection Kuria explained that they have invited the firm as the matter in question touches on revenue collection, especially now that the courts have allowed the implementation of Finance Act which outlines the measures the government will use to raise revenues. According to him the committee is seeking to establish the total number of excise stamps that have so far been supplied to date as well as how SICPA costs the stamps. In addition, he said the committee is also seeking to establish what necessitated the termination of the contract awarded to SICPA in October 2015 yet the contract was a five-year contract that was to run up to 2015. He said: “The committee wishes to be briefed on what were the distinctive features of the two addendums to the 2015 contract? Were there similarities in the quantities of EGMS stamps and costs? What happens to the equipment installed by the SICPA once the current contract comes to an end?” Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap told the chair to give the firm more time to appear as they did not snub previous invitations from the committee. “Mr Chair this people have written to us explaining that they will not be available it is only prudent that we give them more time,” he said. The decision of the committee comes after SICPA SA Chief Commercial Officer Gianni Santoro wrote to the committee requesting that their meeting be rescheduled to September 2 as they are currently committed. “SICPA SA confirm that its officers are ready, able and willing to address any queries the esteemed committee has raised. I Gianni Santoro conform my availability as the Chief Commercial officer to appear before as directed, the earliest I would be available is the second half of September 2023,” he said. – Mercy Mwai MPs give Swiss firm 14-day ultimatum over excise stamps CFAO Motors Kenya has begun assembling Toyota Fortuners at the Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA) in Mombasa County and also plans to source parts locally through technology transfer and technical know-how. DIVIDENDS:The foreign capital inflow at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) rose to an 18-month high by the end of June as blue-chip companies declare dividends in the second quarter of 2023 amid an improving dollar situation. According to the latest data from the Capital Market Authority (CMA), June marked the first instance since February 2022 where the market observed a capital inflow of Sh113 million, giving the bourse some little respite. Between January and February 2022, the market recorded a net inflow of Sh235 million but this slowed down in those 18 months on the back of Kenya’s general election, global tension, and dollar scarcity in the domestic market that scared many foreign investors. The stocks of leading big firms driving participation at NSE have often remained attractive owing to stable dividend policies that guarantee investors returns regardless of earnings fluctuations. These included the likes of Safaricom, EABL, KCB Group, Equity Group, Co-operative Bank, and BAT. “The inflow indicates that foreign investors anticipate participation in the dividend declaration season,” CMA said in the quarter two bulletin. The dividend payout could help some listed firms attract investors and create demand for their stock on the Nairobi bourse. – Herald Aloo Foreign capital inflows at NSE surge to 18-month high

Shilling expected to lose more ground against US dollar EXCHANGE: The shilling’s weakening trend is expected to extend to the end of year, falling to Sh150 against the US dollar, according to Investment Bank EFG Hermes. Insufficient dollar supply has dragged the shilling 15 per cent lower so far this year to 142.44 by yesterday. A series of rate increases over the last couple of months has failed to lift the currency even with 100 basis points rate rise by new Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Governor Kamau Thugge (pictured). The shilling has lost 1 per cent since Thugge took office. “We are still seeing some pressure on the shilling; the current account has narrowed, but still remains quite significant,” Ronak Rasiklal Gadhia, director of frontier banks at EFG Hermes Research, told Bloomberg in Nairobi. The Sh150 exchange would be a crisis as imports will be very expensive with oil prices rising as drugs, fertilizers and food prices rise too. Gadhia said a number of depositors are holding on their dollars despite rate rise by the new governor over uncertainty in the market. Playing it safe “We haven’t seen that dollarisation reverse because there’s still some uncertainty as to whether the shilling has stabilised,” he said. “A lot of depositors are still playing it safe.”This is despite a recent increase in central bank reserves which should help boost confidence in the market. The usable foreign exchange reserves remained adequate at $7,377 million (4.03 months of import cover) as at July 27. Kenya is short of dollars first to service her debt and then to buy oil and food imports. Major inflows of foreign currency from a syndicated loan, funding from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as well as a potential new Eurobond issuance have raised enough cash and more is expected to help settle Kenya’s maiden $2 billion Eurobond that’s maturing in June 2024, Gadhia said. “It’s absolutely critical they pay it up because that would send a strong signal that Kenya’s dollar situation isn’t as bad as it was perceived to be earlier this year,” he said. A default will raise borrowing costs, resulting in losses for localcurrency investment portfolios. There would also be an increase in deposit rates leading to further margin pressure that would cause higher lending rates and non-performing loans, Gadhia said. Debt vulnerabilities Last month, IMF said it had approved almost $1 billion for Kenya to help the country reduce debt vulnerabilities and tackle climate change. Antoinette Sayeh, deputy MD called on CBK to continue taking appropriate steps to strengthen its reserves position and develop the foreign exchange market while allowing exchange rate flexibility as a shock absorber. – John Otini 14 BUSINESS HUB PEOPLE DAILY / Wednesday, August 2, 2023 Kenya has been granted an additional approval to export temperature treated mango fruits to the European Union (EU) market. Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) confirmed that the notification for the approval to use vapour heat treatment (VHT) for fresh mango fruit from Kenya was published by the EU in June 2023. Managing director Theophilus Mutui explained that the new development is in addition to the 2021 approval to use the hot water treatment approach. “This means that exporters now have the leeway to export fresh mango fruits either treated using vapour heat or hot water,” he said. In addition to the temperature treatment, Mutui added, the exporters are advised to adhere to the Kenya mango certification protocol to ensure that the fruits meet both phytosanitary and quality standards for the EU market. Kephis has approved one temperature treatment facility for treatment of mango to the EU and Jordan Market. The institution is in the process of approving more facilities to support the mango export business. – Nicholas Waitathu Boom for LPG retailers as drivers switch to autogas by John Otini @PeopleDailyKe As petrol prices continue to soar in Kenya, reaching over Sh200 a litre in many parts of the country, a significant number of taxi drivers and motorists are turning to a more economical option - converting their vehicles from petrol to gas-powered machines. The shift is not only easing the financial burden on drivers but also proving to be a boon for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) retailers, who are witnessing a surge in demand for their services. Steep increase in petrol prices has been a major cause of concern for Kenyan citizens, particularly those heavily reliant on personal vehicles and public transportation. In response to the exorbitant costs associated with running petrol-powered vehicles, an increasing number of drivers are considering alternative solutions. Viable alternative LPG, or autogas as it is commonly known, has emerged as a viable alternative for motorists seeking to mitigate the impact of high petrol prices on their earnings. At present, the cost of a litre of LPG remains below Sh100, hovering around Sh95. This significant price difference has created a compelling case for many taxi drivers and motorists to explore the possibility of converting their cars to run on LPG. “LPG is more cost effective and cleaner for the environment reducing carbon emissions,” says Otogas, one of the companies doing the conversion along Kampala Road in Nairobi. Progas, a prominent gas retailer in Nairobi, has also identified this growing trend and swiftly moved SURGE IN DEMAND The shift is not only easing the financial burden on drivers but also proving to be a boon for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) retailers, who are witnessing a surge in demand for their services. The steep increase in petrol prices has been a major cause of concern for Kenyan citizens, particularly those heavily reliant on personal vehicles and public transportation. to cater to the burgeoning demand. James Momanyi, a technician with Proto, a subsidiary of Progas, revealed that they have witnessed a remarkable surge in demand over the past month, with more and more people seeking to convert their vehicles from petrol to gas or exploring the option of running on both fuels. “We have seen a rapid increase in demand this month for people asking to convert their cars,” he said, highlighting the surge in interest for LPG conversions. “As petrol prices continue to rise, motorists are actively seeking ways to save on fuel costs, and converting their vehicles to gas presents a viable and costeffective solution.” Demand for LPG is estimated to have increased by 95 per cent according to Felix Were an LPG station attendant in Nairobi. “For the last two months our conversion department has been busy converting over 2,000 cars,” he was quoted saying in the local media. The process of converting a petrol car to LPG involves installing an additional fuel system alongside the existing petrol system.This allows the vehicle to run on either petrol or LPG, giving drivers the flexibility to switch between the two fuel types as per their preference or convenience. While the initial conversion costs may represent an investment for drivers, the long-term savings from using LPG at a lower price per litre prove to be financially rewarding. Moreover, environmental benefits associated with LPG have also garnered attention. LPG is considered a cleaner-burning fuel compared to petrol, emitting fewer harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases. As the demand for LPG conversions surges, Progas and other LPG retailers are witnessing a substantial boost in their earnings. The conversion services, combined with ongoing sales of LPG for domestic and commercial use, are driving increased revenue for these companies. Conversion services Progas, in particular, has positioned itself as a leader in providing reliable conversion services and is poised to capitalise on the growing trend. The government has through the Finance Act 2023 doubled VAT on fuel products from 8 per cent to 16 per cent, adding on the pain of already high global prices. As the demand for LPG conversions continues to rise, leading gas retailers like Progas are capitalising on this trend, boosting their earnings and promoting a cleaner energy future for the country. Increased conversion of cars to run on cooking gas is in response to high costs associated with running petrolpowered vehicles Autogas has emerged as a viable alternative for motorists seeking to mitigate the impact of high petrol prices. PD/FILE Kenya granted additional nod to access EU market TECHNOLOGY Craft Silicon, a leading technology solutions provider, has promised an unparalleled experience with the launch of its groundbreaking Get Now Pay Later (GNPL) product in Kenya. It said the revolutionary technology dubbed “Spotit” will empower eligible bank customers with seamless access to produce financing directly from their mobile apps. Kamal Budhabhatti, Group CEO of Craft Silicon said Spotit has been thoughtfully crafted to address the needs of both merchants and customers. By partnering with merchants nationwide, he added, Spotit ensures that qualified customers can easily obtain the products they desire under the modelreferred to universally as Buy Now, Pay Later (BNP). “We are proud to revolutionise BNPL in Africa and create a product that offers unparalleled value to our partners and customers alike,” Budhabhatti, he said during the unveiling of the product at a Nairobi hotel yesterday. He said Spotit has been embedded into existing mobile banking apps accommodating several merchants across the country. The firm is currently focusing on bank customers, but will scale it in the future to include the majority unbanked, who use the M-Pesa, Airtel and Telkom Kenya money platforms. – Noel Wandera Craft Silicon launches new platform to ease payments Kamal Budhabhatti (right), Group CEO Craft Silicon and Wachira Wanini, head of BNPL Product during the launch.

Wednesday, August 2, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY BUSINESS HUB 15 by Steve Umidha @PeopleDailyKe The Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) has appointed Sakwa Bunyasi as its board chair and subsequently confirmed Norah Buyaki Ratemo as the Director General of the corporation. KDC hopes to leverage on Bunyasi’s appointment to revolutionise the corporation’s ambitions. “I am deeply honoured to assume the role of the chairman of the Board at KDC,” said Dr Bunyasi. “I look forward to working closely with the board members and the dedicated team at the corporation to ensure we achieve our objectives and help the Country’s growth in manufacturing, increase exports and attract foreign direct investments.” Ratemo has over 15 years of experience in Credit Risk Management, having formerly worked in various institutions including Eco Bank Kenya, Sidian Bank, and the Tourism Finance Corporation. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Flagship projects The corporation has also brought on board Faith Mwaura, Sigee Koech, Caroline Muigai, and Benjamin Muketha to the board.They join and Judith Kerich, State Department for Investments promotion, Ministry of Investments Trade and Industry PS Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, and Michael Kahika who is the alternate Director to the Cabinet Secretary National Treasury and Planning. KDC is currently seeking various strategic investors to inject over Sh5 billion across its flagship projects in several priority investment opportunities in Kenya in various sectors, including manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, healthcare, energy, blue economy and ICT. Ratemo says investors should leverage Kenya’s improving ease of doing business, and highly skilled labour force to make money. KDC is inviting interested investors in opportunities to invest in Kenya’s growing economy. by John Otini @PeopleDailyKe Global credit ratings agency Moody’s has announced a change in its outlook on three Kenyans banks from stable to negative. The agency says this rating came after confirming the Government of Kenya’s B3 long-term issuer and senior unsecured ratings. The change in outlook is on Equity Bank’s and Co-op Bank’s long-term deposit ratings, as well as on KCB Bank’s longterm deposit and issuer rating, citing downside risks related to liquidity risk and elevated refinancing needs against limited external financing options, saying the government’s reliance on expensive domestic financing to cover the fiscal deficit has contributed to the negative outlook. Bank credit profiles “This link between the sovereign and the banks’ credit profiles is significant because the rated banks hold substantial amounts of government debt securities, which are multiples of their tangible common equity,” Moody’s said. The confirmation of the Kenyan banks’ long-term ratings comes amidst the easing of intense liquidity pressure on the sovereign experienced earlier in the year. In the case of KCB Bank, its long-term ratings have been confirmed, reflecting its strong deposit-funded profile, extensive distribution network, and established domestic franchise, leading to strong profitability. “However, the negative outlook on KCB Bank’s long-term deposit and issuer ratings takes into account the bank’s substantial holding of sovereign debt securities, which ties its creditworthiness to that of the Government of Kenya,” the agency reported on Tuesday. Additionally, high asset risks, particularly nonperforming loans and a drop in regulatory capital levels, are also contributing factors to the negative outlook. Equity Bank’s long-term ratings have also been confirmed due to its strong brand recognition, extensive domestic franchise, and robust alternative distribution channels, resulting in solid profitability. Yet, the negative outlook is attributed to the bank’s significant exposure to sovereign debt securities and the risks associated with higher inflation and lending rates, as well as a depreciation of the Kenyan Shilling against the US dollar. Co-op Bank’s long-term ratings confirmation stems from its established franchise and ongoing transformation strategy, which support solid profitability, along with improved funding, liquidity, and capital levels. However, the negative outlook on Co-op Bank’s long-term deposit ratings reflects its sizable holding of sovereign debt securities and the risks arising from higher inflation, lending rates, and tighter government spending. State overhauls KDC board, taps new chairman Property developer Home Afrika’s saw its share price appreciate by 10 per cent to settle at Sh0.33 from the Sh0.30 traded on Monday. The price appreciation on the Nairobi Securities Exchange was anchored on a traded volume of 9,600 shares from one deal exchanging at between Sh0.31 and Sh0.33. Yesterday, market turnover rose to Sh182.5 million from the previous session’s Sh66.6 million, with shares traded standing at 22.5 million against 3.5 million posted the previous day. The stock has a market capitalisation of Sh131 million and gross turnover of Sh3,166. Over the last three months, Home Afrika has traded a total 4.28 million shares in 1,161 deals valued at Sh1.37 million, with an average of 67,959 traded shares per session. - Noel Wandera STOCK OF THE DAY Home Africa stock up by 10pc Risk ratings of three top lenders dip Moody’s stressed ratings mirrors strong correlation between sovereign and bank credit MARKET WATCH NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE SECTOR VWAP PREVIOUS TOTAL HIGH LOW AGRICULTURAL PRICES SHARES NSE ALL SHARE INDEX: UP 1.39 points to close at 100.88 NSE 20-SHARE INDEX: UP 2.05 points to close at 1579.30 NSE 25-SHARE INDEX: UP 21.74 points to close at 2750.86 14.50 10.00 Eaagads Ltd Ord 1.25 14.00 450.00 240.00 Kakuzi Plc Ord.5.00 382.00 225.00 81.00 Kapchorva Tea Kenya Plc Ord Ord 5.00 210.00 210.00 700 510.00 320.00 The Limuru Tea Ca. Plc Ord 20.00 420.00 31.40 17.90 Sasini Plc Ord 1.00 24.50 24.50 300 250.00 120.00 Williamson Tea Kenya Plc Ord 5.00 242.00 239.25 500 AUTOMOBILES & ACCESSORIES 49.75 24.30 Car & General (K) Ltd Ord 5.00 28.10 28.10 900 BANKING 13.00 9.02 ABSA Bank Kenya Plc Ord 0.50 12.30 12.35 114,200 36.95 26.50 BK Group Plc Ord 0.80 33.00 57.00 43.75 Diamond Trust Bonk Kenya Ltd Ord 4.00 47.70 47.70 500 53.50 35.00 Equity Group Holdings Plc Ord 0.50 41.50 41.00 28,500 5.10 2.80 HP Group Plc Ord 5.00 4.50 4.78 1,006,400 21.50 15.80 I&M Group Plc Ord 1.00 18.95 19.00 27,500 44.00 28.05 KCB Group Plc Ord 1.00 28.50 28.50 1,524,700 41.00 23.30 NCBA Group Plc Ord 5.00 38.25 38.45 631,500 132.00 90.00 Stanbic Holdings Plc ard.5.00 122.00 120.00 200 172.50 121.00 Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Ltd Ord 5.00 164.75 165.00 9,100 14.00 10.30 The Cooperative Bank of Kenya Ltd Ord 1.00 11.95 11.90 81.100 COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES 0.45 0,45 Deacons (East Africo) Plc Ord 2.50 0.45 1.88 0.59 Eveready East Africo Ltd Ord 1.00 1.63 1.58 10,400 5.40 2.70 Express Kenya Plc Ord 5.00dd 3.83 4.66 4.66 Homeboyz Entertainment Plc 0.50 4.66 3.83 3.83 Kenya Airways Ltd Ord 1.00 3.83 4.30 2.00 Longhorn Publishers Plc Ord 1.00 2.10 5.12 2.50 Nairobi Business Ventures Plc Ord. 0.50 3.40 3.11 100 23.00 14.00 Nation Media Group Plc Ord. 2.50 20.00 20.00 20,500 4.38 1,80 Sameer Africa Plc Ord 5.00 2.61 2.50 1,000 14.75 8.14 Standard Group Plc Ord 5.00 8.20 8.10 200 18.00 10.85 TPS Eastern Africa Ltd Ord 1.00 11.80 0.29 0.16 Uchumi Supermarket Plc Ord 5.00 022 023 22,000 4.23 2.60 WPP Scangroup Plc Ord 1.00 2.97 2.90 17,300 CONSTRUCTION & ALLIED 5.55 5.55 ARM Cement Plc Ord 1.00 5.55 39.50 22.40 Bamburi Cement Plc Ord 5.00 25.15 24.90 9,900 46.00 31.75 Crown Paints Kenya Plc Ord 5.00 42.00 42.00 200 1.32 0.72 E.A.Cables Ltd Ord 0.50 0.95 0.95 27,800 8.80 5,38 E.A.Portland Cement Co. Ltd Ord 5.00 7.16 ENERGY & PETROLEUM 3.88 2.00 KenGen Co. Plc Ord. 2.50 2.37 2.32 37,300 2.11 1.30 Kenya Power 6 Lighting Co Plc Ord 2.50 1.53 1.54 1,330,000 4.11 4.10 Kenya Power 6 Lighting Plc 4% Pref 20.00 4.11 6.00 6.00 Kenya Power 6 Lighting Plc 7% Pref 20.00 6.00 26.40 17.30 TotalEnergies Marketing Kenya Plc Ord 5.00 1315 18.50 1,400 18.00 6.30 Umeme Ltd Ord 0.50 13.95 13.35 19,900 INSURANCE 7.50 4.01 Britam Holdings Plc Ord 0.10 4.80 5.04 1,900 2.30 1.60 CIC Insurance Group Ltd Ord.1.00 220 2.18 331,400 273.00 142.00 Jubilee Holdings Ltd Ord 5.00 184.00 185.00 5,000 2.30 1.50 Kenya Re Insurance Corporation Ltd Ord 2.50 1.88 1.85 13,213,800 7.48 3.60 Liberty Kenya Holdings Ltd Ord. 1.00 3.90 15.00 7.20 Sanlam Kenya Plc Ord 5.00 7.52 INVESTMENT 12.80 7.60 Centum Investment Co Plc Ord 0.50 8.60 8.96 20,800 0.41 0.27 Hame Afrika Ltd Ord 1.00 0.33 0.30 9,600 1500.00 1,500.00 Kurwitti Ventures Ltd Ord 100 .00 1,500.00 5.60 1.91 Olympia Capital Holdings Ltd Ord 5.00 5.00 1.35 0.52 Trans-Century Plc Ord 0.50 0.59 0.60 22,600 INVESTMENT SERVICES 8.50 5.50 Nairobi Securities Exchange Plc Ord 4.00 6.18 6.20 23,600 MANUFACTURING & ALLIED 85.00 65.00 B.0.C Kenya Plc Ord 5.00 72.00 490.00 400.00 British American Tobacco Kenya Plc Ord 10.00 420.00 418.25 1,500 16.90 10.30 Carbacid Investments Plc Ord 1.00 17.00 16.90 22,500 190.00 110.00 East African Breweries Plc Ord 2.00 14125 141.00 35,700 1.54 0.90 Flame Tree Group Holdings Ltd Ord 0.825 126 15.00 10.40 Kenya Orchards Ltd Ord 5.00 15.00 0.27 0.27 Mumias Sugar Co. Ltd Ord 2.00 027 35.00 15.00 Unga Group Ltd Ord 5.00 15.65 TELECOMMUNICATION 34.00 12.70 Safaricom Plc Ord 0.05 17.35 16.90 3,925,500 REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST 7.30 5.00 ILAM FAHARI I-REIT Ord.20.00 6.26 6.16 16,300 20.00 20.00 LAPTRUST IMARA I-REIT Ord.20.00 20.00 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 2560.00 1880.00 ABSA New Gold ETF 2500i 2530.00 CBK KEY RATES CURRENCY MEAN BUY SELL US DOLLAR 142.5265 142.4265 142.6265 SW KRONER 13.5681 13.5568 13.5793 STG POUND 183.0168 182.8641 183.1694 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 107.1749 107.0795 107.2702 SAUDI RIYAL 37.9909 37.9632 38.0185 SA RAND 8.0139 8.0049 8.0229 S FRANC 163.3729 163.2208 163.5250 NOR KRONER 14.0567 14.0452 14.0682 KES / USHS 25.3988 25.3459 25.4517 KES / TSHS 17.2951 17.2479 17.3423 KES / RWF 8.3389 8.2672 8.4105 KES / BIF 19.8491 19.6466 20.0516 JPY (100) 99.9590 99.8783 100.0396 IND RUPEE 1.7318 1.7301 1.7336 HONGKONG DOLLAR 18.2745 18.2617 18.2873 EURO 157.0988 156.9629 157.2347 DAN KRONER 21.0734 21.0578 21.0889 CHINESE YUAN 19.9377 19.9231 19.9522 CAN $ 107.8929 107.8008 107.9849 AUSTRALIAN $ 95.5569 95.4827 95.6310 AE DIRHAM 38.8028 38.7745 38.8311 Central Bank Rate 10.50% 26/06/2023 Inter-Bank Rate 16.55% 31/07/2023 CBK Discount Window 16.50% 26/06/2023 91-Day T-Bill 12.352% 31/07/2023 REPO 9.72% 24/07/2023 Inflation Rate 7.88% June,2023 Lending Rate 13.21% May,2023 Savings Rate 3.55% May,2023 Deposit Rate 7.7% May,2023 KBRR 8.9% 27/07/2016 KEY CBK INDICATIVE EXCHANGE RATES 1/8/2023

Paris, Tuesday The head of French diplomacy Catherine Colonna on Monday denied the accusations of the junta which took power in Niger, according to which France would like to “intervene militarily” in the country. “It is false”, she said on the BFM channel. “We must dismantle the intox and not fall into the trap”, also reacted the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, about the anti-French slogans which notably flourished during a demonstration in front of the French Embassy in Niamey on Sunday. “We saw an organized demonstration, not spontaneous, violent, extremely dangerous, with molotov cocktails, Russian flags which appeared, anti-French slogans copied and pasted from what we can have elsewhere”, he said . she lamented, noting “all the usual ingredients of Russian-African destabilization”. It comes after Niger’s presidential guard surrounded the palace in the capital Niamey, detained elected president Mohamed Bazoum, and announced a new military government last week. Catherine Colonna recalled that France’s absolute priority was “the security of its nationals” while the security of the French Embassy in Niamey has been reinforced. She also considered that it was “possible” to restore the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum to his functions. “And it is necessary because these destabilizations are perilous for Niger and its neighbors”, she commented. At the Élysée, it is pointed out that President Emmanuel Macron “actively follows the current situation”. “He was able to exchange on several occasions with Presidents Bazoum and Issouffou, as well as with the Heads of State of Ecowas, and especially the Presidents of Nigeria, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Senegal, it was indicated. France denies accusations of military intervention A man waves a Burkina Faso flag as others demonstrate while Burkina Faso soldiers are seen deployed in Ouagadougou on September 30, 2022. – Shots rang out before dawn on Friday around Burkina Faso’s presidential palace and headquarters of the military junta, which itself seized power in a coup last January. - AFP Former US President Donald Trump’s attempt to derail an investigation into his alleged meddling in the 2020 presidential election in the state of Georgia was rejected by a judge on Monday, US media reported. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney rejected efforts by Trump’s legal team to keep a Georgia district attorney from prosecuting him and from using certain evidence gathered in her investigation into the case. In his ruling, McBurney said there are no grounds to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from pursuing her investigation. Willis has suggested that she may seek charges in the case in the coming weeks. Trump’s legal team in Georgia had previously asked the court to throw out all the evidence from the special purpose grand jury investigation and disqualify Willis, citing concerns about the constitutionality of special grand juries in the state and about “a prosecutor’s office that was found to have an actual conflict. - Al Jazeera South Africa’s main opposition party has accused its main radical left rival of inciting hatred by singing a famous controversial anti-apartheid chant and shutting the door on any broad coalition ahead of the elections next year. It was during a Saturday rally that Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), sang “Kill the Boer, the Farmer” to some 90,000 cheering supporters in a crowded stadium in Soweto. The Boers are the descendants of the first Dutch settlers. “Here is a man determined to start a civil war,” accused John Steenhuisen, leader of the liberal-inspired Democratic Alliance (DA). He described Julius Malema - “Juju”, as South Africans call him - as a “bloodthirsty tyrant” determined to incite “mass murder”. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party did not immediately comment. DA plans to file a complaint against the charismatic and willingly provocative Malema, 42 years old. - Xinhua US court rejects Trump’s bid to derail 2020 election probe Malema’s ‘Kill the Boer’ song elicits controversy in S. Africa BRIEFLY Mohammed VI marks 24 years King Mohammed VI marks his ascension to the throne at the Royal Palace. The 58-year old Moroccan monarch has ruled the kingdom since July 1999, when he succeeded his father, Hassan II. He used the occasion of the anniversary to reiterate his openness to restoring ties with Algeria, which broke off diplomatic relations with Rabat last year. The King also affirmed Morocco’s unshakeable position in favour of the just Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. WORLD NEWS FOR MORE NEWS VISIT: www.pd.co.ke / www.epaper. pd.co.ke 16 Wednesday, August 2, 2023 war against Burkina Faso and Mali,” they warned, adding that such a move could result in “disastrous consequences” that “could destabilise the entire region”. The Burkinabe and Malian military authorities also said they “refuse to apply” the “illegal, illegitimate and inhumane sanctions against the people and authorities of Niger”. The coup in Niger on July 26 has sent shockwaves across West Africa, pitting the country’s former Western allies and regional bodies against other countries in the region. Niger’s coup leaders, who have named General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former presidential guard chief, as head of state, said they overthrew Bazoum over poor governance and discontent with the way he handled security threats from groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS (ISIL). The power grab – which marks the seventh military takeover in less than three years in West and Central Africa – drew immediate condemnation from the African Union, the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and other powers. Regional bloc Ecowas has imposed sanctions, including a halt in all financial transactions and a national assets freeze. It also said it could authorise force to reinstate Bazoum, who observers believe is being held at his house in the capital, Niamey. In addition to Burkina Faso and Mali, Guinea’s President Mamady Doumbouya – whose government was also the result of a coup – has also expressed “disagreement with the sanctions recommended but ECOWAS, including military intervention”. In a social media post on Monday, Doumbouya’s office said the sanctions “are options that would not be a solution to the current problem but would lead to a humanitarian disaster whose consequences could extend beyond the borders of Niger”. Doumbouya’s office also said it had “decided not to apply these sanctions, which it considers illegitimate and inhumane”, and urged Ecowas to “reconsider its position”. - Agencies Burkina Faso, Mali warn on intervention Ouagadougou, Tuesday The military governments of Burkina Faso and Mali have warned that any military intervention against last week’s coup leaders in Niger would be considered a “declaration of war” against their nations. Niger’s neighbours issued the warning in joint statements read out on their national broadcasters on Monday, days after West African leaders threatened to use force to reinstate Niger’s deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. “The transitional governments of Burkina Faso and Mali express their fraternal solidarity … to the people of Niger, who have decided with full responsibility to take their destiny in hand and assume the fullness of their sovereignty before history,” the military governments of the two countries said. “Any military intervention against Niger would be tantamount to a declaration of Niger’s neighbours say intervention to restore deposed Mohamed Bazoum will be considered a ‘declaration of war SCARE OF MILITARY ACTION Burkinabe and Malian military authorities also said they “refuse to apply” the “illegal, illegitimate and inhumane sanctions Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power in Burkina Faso in a September 30, 2022, coup that ousted Lieutenant-Colonel PaulHenri Sandaogo Damiba, who in January that year had toppled the country’s last elected president, Roch Marc Christian Kabore.

by Mbugua Ng’ang’a @PeopleDailyKe “The question that people in my generation are trying to understand is why Africa, with so much wealth on our soil, with generous nature, water, sun in abundance, is today the poorest continent.” These are the words that have made 35-year-old Burkina Faso military president, Captain Ibrahim Traore, attract attention, not just in Kenya, where he and his country were trending on Twitter yesterday, but in other parts of Africa. He spoke during a one-on-one meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Summit, held last week in St Petersburg. Although 17 African presidents attended the talks, Traore captured the world’s imagination because he showed up at the meeting dressed in military combat fatigues, complete with a maroon beret. “You look like a military unit,” President Putin said and chuckled before settling down to the serious business of the day with Traore and his delegation. In the beginning, Traore struggled to get his earpiece in place — because one had to pull the cord to one side and this took time for the inexperienced. As a result, he missed the first part of Putin’s opening remarks. Seeing that he was not responding — and was fumbling to get his earpiece in place — Putin paused briefly before beginning his formal speech all over again. The images of that meeting, splashed across the world by television stations and on social media platforms, thrust Traore into the global limelight, especially because he asked important questions that hacked back to the days of his predecessor, Thomas Sankara, himself a military man with revolutionary ideas and who was assassinated by his officers in a 1987 coup de tat. “Africa is a hungry continent,” Traore said during the St Petersburg meeting. “And how is it that our heads of state are crossing the world to beg? These are the questions we ask ourselves and we have no answer to so far.” Millenial At the summit, Traore was the only African leader who travelled with security in combat fatigues. In the common areas, where all attendants congregated, they attracted significant attention but their dark, mean faces, tall frames and menacing comportment ensured that even journalists kept their distance. At one point, they visited a stand where high-calibre military weapons were on sale in the exhibitions halls, and this was one of the few places they actually looked at home. Besides being the youngest president in the world, Traore is also attracting attention in part because he is a Millennial. A study conducted by the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications and published in May this year indicated that Millenials were most concerned about how they communicate. At least 39 per cent of those interviewed for the study conducted in East Africa said this was what they cared the most about. Interestingly, a similar number said they were also concerned about how they dressed. When all other presidents were showing up in blue and black business suits and red ties, with their aide-de-camps strutting after them in ceremonial uniforms, Traore and his military men were marching in in jungle fatigues, combat gloves and shinhigh boots. And when it was his time to speak, he was eloquent, firm and focused; the quintessential Millenial. “We have the opportunity to forge new relations,” he said in crisp French. “And I hope that these relations can be the best to give a better future to our peoples.” Honest men Ironically, he used the same language to lambast what he described as “barbaric neo-colonialism” in an apparent reference to his country’s former coloniser, France. In January this year, the Burkinabe government asked French soldiers to leave the country, saying the responsibility of defending its territorial integrity lay squarely with the government. Before the aboutturn, French soldiers had been fighting al-Qaeda linked insurgents in the country that describes itself as “the land of honest men”. The move was, incidentally, similar to one that Mali had taken against the French last year. Both countries slid from civilian to military rule within one year of each other — Mali in May 2021 and Burkina Faso in January last year. Colonel Assimi Goita assumed power in Bamako and Captain Traore in Ouagadougou. And on the eve of the Russia-Africa Summit last week, the military took over in yet another coup in Niger, which shares borders with both Mali and Burkina Faso. Led by the commander of the presidential guard, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military detained the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, and General Tchiani declared himself president on Wednesday. According to Reuters, French President Emmanuel Macron in November blamed Russia for the military take-overs in French-speaking West African nations, Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traore with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Russia-Africa Summit in St Petersburg last Friday. PHOTO/GAZPROM Ukraine war spills over to coups in Western Africa Burkina Faso, Mali warn Ecowas that taking action against Nigerien coup will be a declaration of war accusing President Putin of “predatory” ambitions. In the last three years, there have been five military coups in French-speaking and resource rich western Africa countries. “A number of powers, who want to spread their influence in Africa, are doing this to hurt France, hurt its language, sow doubts, but above all pursue certain interests,” Reuters quotes Macron as having said in an interview with TV5 Monde. While at last week’s meeting with President Putin, Captain Traore appeared to answer President Macron obliquely. “African countries have suffered for decades from a barbaric and brutal form of colonialism and imperialism, which could be called a modern form of slavery,” he said, his voice rising, his face deadpan. Trump threat And in what could be one of his most re-shared quotes this week, he said that a slave who does not fight for his freedom is not worthy of any indulgence. His views appeared to partly dovetail with the words that President Putin spoke at the close of the summit. “We want to build a new world order based on democracy and opposition to sanctions,” he told journalists, clearly taking a broadside at western European powers allied to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Russia has opposed plans by its neighbour, Ukraine, to join NATO, a military cooperation organisation which has imposed sanctions on Russia after it attacked Kiev in February last year. Since then, President Putin has been building new alliances, including with China and various African countries, as part of his war of attrition with Western Europe. In America, President Joe Biden has committed to support Ukraine with weapons and security, although he has also called for an end to the war before Ukraine can be allowed to become a NATO member. However, two weeks ago, Republican presidential contender Donald Trump, who is seeking to recapture the presidency in next year’s election, said he would end the war in 24 hours if re-elected. Trump, considered a Putin ally, said he had what it would take to get Putin and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to agree to a peace deal or else he would give Ukraine more weapons than it has received so far. “I know Zelenskyy very well, and I know Putin very well, even better. And I had a good relationship, very good, with both of them. I would tell Zelenskyy, no more. You got to make a deal. I would tell Putin, if you don’t make a deal, we’re going to give him (Zelenskyy) a lot,” he said in a widely circulated interview. For now, however, it would appear that the war between Russia and NATO abroad is being fought on African soil, including in oil-rich Chad — which borders Niger and is a French speaking nation. Russia has sent mercenaries operating under the Wagner Group in what the Wall Street Journal has described as a mission to oust Chad’s transitional president, Mahamat Idriss Déby. The unrest in the oil and resource rich region of western Africa has attracted the attention of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has warned that it will not allow the coup in Niger — the fifth in the region since 2020 — to stand. “We must stand firm on democracy. There is no governance, freedom and rule of law without democracy,” said newly elected Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who has also been appointed Ecowas chairman. Fuel to fire According to Al Jazeera, Ecowas has given a one-week ultimatum to the General Tchiani-led interim military junta in Niger to restore constitutional order or risk the possible use of force. But this has only added fuel to the fire. Within three days of leaving Russia, Captain Traore — in sentiments echoed by the President of the Malian Transitional Council, Colonel Assimi Goyota — warned Ecowas that taking military action against the coup leaders in Niger would amount to a declaration of war against both Burkina Faso and Mali, a threat that, if actualised would lead to conflagration in West Africa. Already, the African Union (AU), through its chairman and President of Comoros, Azzali Assoumani, has called for peace between Russia and Ukraine in a last ditch attempt to de-escalate the tensions that are now playing themselves out in nowvolatile western Africa. “Putin is ready and the AU will try to convince the other party,” President Assoumani told journalists in St Petersburg on Friday. WILD WEST Mali and Burkina Faso slid from civilian to military rule within one year of each other — Mali in May 2021 and Burkina Faso in January last year. Last week, the military took over in yet another coup in Niger, which shares borders with both Mali and Burkina Faso. Protestors take to the streets after military coup in Niger last week. PD/ FILE Wednesday, August 2, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS 17

Enhanced tech, market interest see resurgence of flip smartphones more consumer friendly. As 5G networks expand and mobile applications become more resource-intensive, the functionality and screen size of foldable devices become more useful for productivity and content consumption. Additionally, the development of new software and user interfaces has made it easier for users to take advantage of the unique features of these devices,” says Fredrique. Samsung has been one of the most flourishing developers of the fold phones with their Galaxy Z series, with Galaxy Z Fold 4 being the latest, released in August 2022. However, photos of its successor Samsung Galaxy Fold 5 have been doing rounds online as it is rumoured to be launching this month. “Samsung Galaxy foldables are built on the foundation of our openness philosophy, enabling new possibilities with complete customisation both inside and out. Through our unwavering focus and industry leadership, excitement for the foldables continues to grow. We’ve successfully transformed this category from a radical project to a mainstream device line-up enjoyed by millions of people worldwide,” says Samsung Electronics President and head of mobile eXperience business Dr TM Roh. In 2008, Nokia presented animated concepts of a flexible device it dubbed “Morph”, which had a tri-fold design that could be bent into various forms such as a large unfolded device, a feature phone-sized unit, and a smart wristband. In 2011, Kyocera, an American mobile phones manufacturer, released a dualtouchscreen Android smartphone known as Echo, which fea tured a pair of 3.5-inch touchEureka Design, innovate, engineer As technologies continue to advance, more innovative devices continue to flood the market, as it has been observed in the foldable and flip phones section by Elly Gitau and Adalla Allan @PeopleDailyKe I n recent times, various smartphone makers have been unveiling foldable and flip phones in the Kenyan market as their flagship phones, as the resurgence and interest of such phones amongst consumers continue to grow. But what’s special about such devices? The most outstanding feature is the multi-window, which allows multitasking such as watching videos, replying to emails and messaging all at the same time. You can make the most of the big screen by opening up multiple app windows at the same time. The fold phones have received mixed reception, with praise for their innovative design, but criticism over the device’s durability and longevity. Due to issues with the device’s durability and susceptibility to damage, Samsung announced that it would delay the release of the Galaxy Fold indefinitely while it addressed the problems. Also, Huawei delayed its Huawei Mate X, with the company citing its desire to take a “cautious” approach due to the Samsung Galaxy Fold. Samsung officially detailed its design changes in July, and released the phone in September 2019. “The popularity of flip and foldable phones is being driven by a wide range of users, including early adopters, tech enthusiasts, style-conscious younger consumers, and professionals who require a larger screen for work and entertainment. We cater to the needs of these users by offering devices with innovative features, and premium design, all of which are highly sought-after by these segments,” explains Oppo Kenya’s communications manager Fredrique Achieng. Display and hinge technology She adds that the reason there has been a resurgence of interest in flip and foldable phones is due to advancements in display and hinge technology that allow for a more seamless foldable experience. She says many consumers are drawn to the nostalgic flip phone design along with the versatility and portability of a phone that folds in half. “We expect demand for flip and foldable phones to grow steadily, as the technology improves and prices become 18 PEOPLE DAILY / Wednesday, August 2, 2023 FREDRIQUE We expect demand for lip and foldable phones to grow steadily, as the technology improves and prices become more consumer friendly Samsung Electronics President and head of mobile eXperience business Dr TM Roh. COURTESY screens. When folded, the top screen continued to face the user while covering the secondary screen. Two individual apps could be shown on the displays, a single app could span across them, while specific apps also featured “optimised” two-pane layouts. New software features The user experience of flip phones and foldable phones has evolved significantly in recent years, with larger screens, improved durability, and new software features that take advantage of the unique design of these devices. For example, Oppo has the Find N2 Flip, which provides a smooth, gapless fold enabled by the proprietary Flexion Hinge. The feature allows for the phone to stand on its own when partially folded - a handy feature for hands-free use. “Overall, we’ve ensured an intuitive experience on par with conventional smartphones. We take a user-centric approach to innovation for our flip and foldable phones. We are constantly exploring new technologies and design concepts to create devices that offer a truly unique and immersive user experience. In the future, consumers can expect even more advanced features and functionality from Oppo, as we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with these unique phone form factors,” Fredrique asserts. In March 2021, Xiaomi Technology announced the Xiaomi MIX Fold, while in April, 2022, Vivo introduced the Vivo X Fold. In August of the same year, Xiaomi released the Xiaomi MIX Fold 2. In April this year, Tecno introduced their Flagship phone Phantom V-Fold in the Kenyan market succeeding the highly publicised Phantom X2 that was launched in January. The 7.85-inch phone holding 299 grams is the first-ever foldable smartphone by Tecno. “We are so excited to bring such innovation to Kenya as Tecno, and we can’t wait for the reviews and what our customers will experience with our Phantom V-Fold. This is a debut for us as Tecno, emphasising that we are truly beyond extraordinary,” says Tecno country manager Ray Fang. Just like its predecessor, Phantom VFold holds the Mediatek Dimensity 9000+ chip, hailed to be one of the industry’s leading chipsets with 4nm TSMC. Versatility and innovation Fredrique adds that Oppo has also observed a desire for more versatile and innovative devices, something that has led the company to develop foldable phones with multiple use cases and form factors. She says that issues to do with durability and longevity of their foldable phones have been addressed in its latest innovations. “Through a combination of design and testing, we have addressed concerns about durability and longevity in our foldable phones. In the development of Find N2 Flip, for instance, we used high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to ensure that the device is durable. “Case in point is the new Find N2 Flip; it can last to 400,000 folds and still deliver top service to its user. We combined industry-leading engineering and innovation with intuitive design principles to bring the best flip phone experience to our consumers,” she says. The new Oppo Find N2 Flip. COURTESY

T ell us about your upbringing? I’m an orphan. I grew up with a loving grandmother who passed on in 2011. She took care of me until she passed on. This turned me to depression, but she was supportive, loving, sexy and strong. I really miss her. Growing up with a parent is a privilege. As an orphan, there is something you miss because people bring up conversations about their parents, you feel that void, but if you’re lucky to be in a supportive family, it helps, as opposed to taking care of yourself; it’s lonely and scary not having a home to go back to, but this makes you to mature earlier than your age. Where did your fashion journey begin? It was an innate thing because I’ve always appreciated good looks and being smart. Even as a child, I would dress up my dolls. Even before I knew the terms fashion, design, fabric or tailoring, I was already a student. So, I don’t have any particular motivation to do it — it’s just natural how I get my inspiration to create. But it’s been great. From deconstructed design to crotchets, starting my own brand in 2020 and still growing and learning. How do you manage to be an all-rounded fashion fi gure? Modelling is just natural because I have that petite physique that is associated with the art. I’m not so tall, however. Fashion and tailoring is something I believe is just gifted to me, because I began styling early with my dolls by cutting mare mare clothes using a razor blade, cutting myself in the process. I used to be excited going to friends’ parties because it meant my friends and I go to Gikomba to look for items to wear for fun. I’m also really into photography, so they’re all just related, and surprisingly people used to notice my sense of style, but I had no idea it was called “styling”. I only started to take things seriously in 2019. I just used to get concepts in my head, get a photographer to shoot my friends wearing my pieces, I direct them, and eventually my photos started going viral on Afro-centric pages pretty much. Would you say your skill and business have been sustainable since? It’s a slow, but sure process when growing the brand. I’m still trying to It was an innate thing because I’ve always appreciated good looks and being smart. Even as a was already a student. starting my own brand in 2020 and still growing How do you manage to be an all-rounded fashion Modelling is just natural because I have that petite physique that is associated tall, however. Fashion and tailoring is something I believe is just gifted to me, because I began styling early with my dolls by cutting Tausi Achieng, 25, is a Nairobi-based stylist, designer, tailor, model and image consultant. Her couture line Vazi Maridadi, has endeared her aesthetic to fashion lovers. She talks to Jackson Onyango about her style, fashion interests and dreams Outstanding to the core Without a doubt, the ankara fabric has become a symbol of African identity. The bold colours and intricate designs have solidified its position in the fashion world. Cleopatra Wanjiru, a fashion designer at Pabaa Collections, lets us in on her outstanding pieces from her niche collection. PEOPLE DAILY / Wednesday, August 2, 2023 19 GET THE LOOK With Muthoki Kithanze Spice Flavour your day STYLE @Onyango_Jack THE ASTUTE FASHIONISTA gain more traffi c. I’m still in a place trying to fi nd my niche. It’s so confusing when you can do everything because I can make shoes, crotchets, bespoke suits, avant-garde fashion, and still market, which places me everywhere. But I can settle my bills, even without having a singular style —there’s strength in being diverse. I’ve achieved a lot in a short period for a self-taught sole proprietor, and I appreciate the positive feedback. How much time would you say you invest in your craft? That’s a tricky question because I don’t have a schedule or routine. I just go with mood and instinct. My process consists of making what I feel like on the day and posting it, though when I’m working I give it my all. I can go up to a whole day working on pieces unless it’s client’s work, I will go by the schedule accordingly. Why Vazi Maridadi? It was inspired by an exboyfriend who rhetorically asked me what I felt when I wore my clothes. I said cute, sexy, elegant, and that name just came from that confi dence the clothes make me feel. What is your ultimate goal with this clothing brand? I would like to show people that African prints and fabrics could also make dope outfi ts. People think that kitenge is the only thing Africans can come up with, but it’s not true. We have nice fabrics that can attain the UK or American standards. I want to show people our culture because I feel like we are so much Westernised or want to be like Kanye West. Why don’t we just build our own and let them want to be us too? People just take our resources and go manufacture them and fl ex on us, because I was talking to a Vogue stylist who wanted us to collaborate and he told me they source for fabrics here. All the high-end brands such as Louis Vuitton will catch up with us and it will be too late. But Kenyans should learn to embrace their own because majority of my clientele are from Europe, and Kenyans have a bad habit of only accepting you when you trend or get recognition from outside rather than within. Tausi Achieng Tausi Achieng A stunning floral flirty skater is a sure showstopper wherever you go. It radiates femininity and playfulness, which is absolutely gorgeous. Thigh-high slits give a sultry look and ooze boldness. The stretchy dress paired with gold tribal accessories gives an African look. This mermaid dress is a beauty. The bursting floral tail creates a perfect balance for the red colour scheme.

Water as an essential 20 Wednesday, August 2, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY Clique & Clicks Get Spotted by Elly Gitau Treasury Principal Secretary Dr Chris Kiptoo has urged investors and other players in the alcoholic sector to be keen on environmental conservation through a commitment to the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organisation to run sustainable businesses with minimal waste. He was speaking during the recent Wine and Beer Company launch of its fl agship store in Kileleshwa, Nairobi. He said, “This store is an example of local and international partnerships in investment showing that Kenya remains the best destination in this region with a diversifi ed and resilient economy. Kenya gives access to not just the local market, but the entire African market with over 1.2 billion people.” Also present were Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency chairman Jas Bedi, former United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary General Dr Mukhisa Kituyi and Bidco Africa chairman Vimal Shah. PD/ALEX MBURU by Philip Kamakya The German pumps and pump systems manufacturer, Wilo Group, recently relaunched in Nairobi with an assembly plant to serve the larger East African region. The expansion milestone comes in less than fi ve years since it launched its operations in the countrys in 2018, with an aim to be a sustainable leader in addressing the vast water concerns in the region through modern technologies. The company will house a training centre within the assembly plant in partnership with the Wilo Academy to offer trainings, seminars and workshops to industry line practitioners and students. Present were Water CS Alice Wahome, Germany Deputy Ambassador to Kenya Alexander Fierley and Wilo East Africa MD Belete Matebe. PD/PHILIP KAMAKYA Saxophonist Laka Waithaka serenades the guests. Saxophonist Laka Waithaka with consultant Kavutha Mwanzia-Asiyo. Wine-Beer outlet director Taj Bedi with former UNCTAD Secretary General Mukhisa Kituyi. FILL YOUR GLASS Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo receives a gift from Truebell director Sunil Ramsinghani. Wilo East Africa MD Belete Matebe at the Wilo Academy. Esther Mwangi with Christine Amina. Laura Rapenda and Dhahabu Shabiha of Sky Planners. Wilo production manager David Mugo shows the safety pyramid. DJ Leace does the mixing on the turntables. Radio presenter and event host Maina Kageni. Germany Deputy Ambassador to Kenya Alexander Fierley, Water Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome and Wilo SE strategic business unit OEM Senior Vice President Michael Ranft.

Ten PEOPLE DAILY / Wednesday, August 2, 2023 TOP SHELF FACTS 21 Top universities in Africa in 2023 1. University of Cape Town In 2023, it was ranked first in Africa and 283 in the world. Established in 1874, the University of Cape Town (UCT) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. UCT is a large-sized with a uniRank enrollment range of 20,000- 24,999 students. It has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic records and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. UCT also provides several academic and nonacademic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programmes, as well as administrative services. 2. University of the Witwatersrand Founded in 1922, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. It is a very large-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 35,000-39,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. It offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. The acceptance rate range is 30-39 per cent making it a very selective institution. It was ranked 477th globally. 3. University of Pretoria Established in 1908, the University of Pretoria (UP) is located in the suburban setting of the metropolis of Pretoria, Gauteng. It is a very large-sized higher education institution with a uniRank enrollment range of over 50,000 students. Ranked at position 479 in the world, UP has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic records and grades. 4. Universiteit Stellenbosch Universiteit Stellenbosch (University of Stellenbosch) was setup in 1918 in the suburban setting of the small city of Stellenbosch in Western Cape, South Africa. This institution also has branch campuses in Tygerberg, Bellville and Saldanha. With a uniRank enrollment range of 25,000-29,999 students, it is recognised as large-sized. This year, it was ranked fourth in Africa and 493 globally. 5. The American University in Cairo In 2023, the American University in Cairo (AUC) was ranked at position one in Egypt, fifth in the continent and 974th in the world. Founded in 1919, AUC is located in the urban setting of the small city of New Cairo where population ranges between 50,000 and 249,999 inhabitants. Recognised by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the university in Cairo is small-sized, with a uniRank enrollment range of 5,000-5,999 students. 6. The University of Nairobi This year, the University of Nairobi (UoN) was ranked at the top in the Eastern Africa region and at position 1,018 globally. The 53-yearold Kenyan higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students’ past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is between 40 per cent and 49 per cent, making it an averagely selective higher education institution. UoN also has branch campuses in Kikuyu, Parklands, Lower Kabete, Upper Kabete, Chiromo and Kisumu. Based on uniRank, it is very largesized with an enrollment range of more than 50,000 students. 7. University of KwaZulu-Natal In 2023, this university was ranked In its recent report, uniRank, an international higher education directory and search engine, ranked the University of Nairobi (UoN) as the topmost university in Kenya and sixth in the continent. The ranking is a non-academic League Table of the top African universities based on valid, unbiased and noninfluenceable web metrics provided by independent web intelligence sources rather than data submitted by the universities themselves UCT is a large-sized with a uniRank enrollment range of 20,000-24,999 students. It has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic records and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment fifth in South Africa, seventh in the continent and 1,038 in the world. Founded in 2004, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a non-profit public higher education institution in the urban setting of the metropolis of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. It also has branch campuses in Westiville, Pinetown and Pietermaritzburg. It is a very large-sized institution of higher learning, with a uniRank enrollment range of 40,000-44,999 students. UKZN also provides several academic and nonacademic facilities and services to students. 8. University of Johannesburg Ranked sixth in South Africa and 1,042 globally, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) was founded in 2005. It is a very large-sized with a uniRank enrollment range of over-50,000 students. It offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised higher education degrees in several areas of study. 9. North-West University Founded in 2004, the North-West University (NWU) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium city of Potchefstroom that has a population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants in North West, an inland South African province that borders Botswana. This institution also has branch campuses in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark. NWU is a very large-sized coeducational institution of higher education with a uniRank enrollment range of more than 50,000 students, and an acceptance rate range of 60-69 per cent, making it a moderately selective institution. It was ranked seventh in South Africa, ninth in Africa and 1,147 in the world. 10. Cairo University Cairo University (CU) was ranked second in Egypt, 10th in the continent and 1,175 globally. Established in 1908, this non-profit public higher education institution is located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Giza. CU is a very large-sized institution formally affiliated with the Islamic religion, with a uniRank enrollment range of over 50,000 students. It has an acceptance rate of between 90 per cent and 99 per cent, making it a least selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

22 PEOPLE DAILY / Wednesday, August 2, 2023 Family Fusion All about kin and kith While inability to conceive does not discriminate any gender, financial status or social class, women continue to shoulder stigma that comes with it by Elizabeth Angira @PeopleDailyKe A gnes Mong’ina has lived, seen, had and lost it all. “I have been married five times, but all my marriages have collapsed one after another like a house of cards,” Agnes says with a wry smile. At a time when she should be enjoying life watching her children all grown up, with a few grandchildren, the 58-year-old is struggling alone to make ends meet by doing menial jobs before retiring into a rented house in Nyangusu Township in Kisii County. “My brothers kicked me out of our home and razed to the ground the house I used to return to any time a husband chased me away,” she says bitterly. Her only crime? She has been unable to bear a child resulting in her rejection by her family and the community. It is not as if she has not tried. “I have tried everything and anything to save my face, if not my failed marriages —from taking conventional medicine, drinking mouth-burning bitter herbal medicine to observing strange instructions such as not crossing a road junction after dusk, besides traveling all over Kenya in the hope of getting even one child, but all in vain,” she explains somberly. Yet, each passing month broke her heart as it dawned on her that she had not succeeded in her quest for a baby as the pressure from her husbands’ relatives kept on mounting resulting in her being kicked out by each of the five men she tried to start a family with. Infertility does not discriminate Agnes is one among millions of women in Africa and the world who have been condemned by their families and society because of infertility. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines infertility a disease of both male and female reproductive system, as a failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. A report that WHO released in April 2023 shows that a large number of people are affected by infertility in their lifetime. It shows that about 17.5 per cent of the adult population — roughly one in six worldwide experience infertility. “More than 15 out of 100 people in Africa are suffering from infertility,” the report says. It shows small differences in the prevalence of infertility between regions with the rates comparable for high, middle and low-income countries, indicating that this is a major global health challenge. “The report reveals an important truth: Infertility does not discriminate,” said Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, adding, “The sheer proportion of people affected show the need to widen access to fertility care and ensure this issue is no longer sidelined in health research and policy, so that safe, effective, and affordable ways to attain parenthood are available for those who seek it.” Causes of infertility The WHO says there is a wide range of causes of infertility including tubal disorders such as blocked fallopian tubes, often caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or complications of unsafe abortion, postpartum sepsis or abdominal/pelvic surgery. “Others include genetic disorders, autoimmune disorders infections, lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of exercises, among others,” Julie Nyamo, a gynaecologist, says. Agnes says one day she went to hospital for a check-up and the Infertility: Age-old badge of shame and ridicule for the African woman DR RASHA KELEJ It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to lead a fulilling life, with or without a child DADDY’S DIARY WITH JUSTUS NJOROGE I was recently listening to the song In My Daughter’s Eyes by Martina McBride, and I couldn’t help, but reflect on how my daughter views me as her father. There is nothing more precious and fulfilling than witnessing the world through the eyes of your daughter. Every glance, every smile, every twinkle, and every tear tells a unique story of a love that transcends time and space from the day they were born until now. As she grew, so did our bond. Her laughter became my joy, her sadness my sorrow, and her achievements my pride. In my daughter’s eyes, I discovered the true essence of unconditional love—a love that is not dependent on accomplishments or appearances, but simply exists because she is my child, and I am her parent. I got scolded by her mother that I treat her with child gloves compared to the boys. Well, I am guilty as charged. She is my only daughter, so definitely I have a soft spot for her. My daughter looks up to me as that strong tower in her life. She believes nothing is unachievable in her life. She is sure that no matter what she wants to achieve, she can always count on my support and I have her back covered. It’s my responsibility to foster her ambitions and instill in her the confidence to pursue them fearlessly. At times, I wonder how I will handle boys coming into her life. I pray that the Lord grants me the wisdom to cross that bridge when I get there. As she grows, I recognise the weight of the influence I have on her. In her eyes, I see trust and belief that I will guide her on the right path. I hope and pray that I will not stumble or lead her astray. It’s a humbling reminder that my actions and words shape her understanding of the world and her place in it. I strive to be a positive role model, teaching her values of kindness, empathy, and the importance of standing up for what is right. I pray that I will remain a huge inspiration to her and pray that I don’t fail. In my daughter’s eyes Members of Mothers of the Unborn Group, a Community-Based Organisation (CBO). PD/ ELIZABETH ANGIRA KEY HIGHLIGHTS There is a wide range of causes of infertility including tubal disorders such as blocked fallopian tubes, often caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or complications of unsafe abortion, postpartum sepsis or abdominal/ pelvic surgery, according to World Health Organisation. Others include genetic disorders, autoimmune disorders infections, lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of exercise, among others. Infertility has significant negative social impacts on the lives of infertile couples and particularly women, who frequently experience violence, divorce, social stigma, emotional stress, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Education and awareness-raising interventions to address understanding of the prevalence and determinants of fertility and infertility is essential.

Wednesday, August 2, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY FAMILY FUSION 23 I cannot quite describe the look I have seen on parents’ faces when they are called to school and are informed of their children’s indiscipline. A couple of years ago, I may have shared an instance where my daughter and my sister’s daughter, who are in the same class, decided to ‘take over’ my mother’s school. Whatever they discussed, they suddenly felt they needed to become ‘acting heads and directors’ who led through a ruthless dictatorship. They became the school bullies, commanding everyone to attend to their needs, and outrightly became unteachable. They had turned from sweet little girls to intolerable little brats. At loggerheads I did not expect this when I was called to the school, although, after Pesh’s pre-school teacher once told us our girl was shouting at everyone, and we discovered she had been emulating our new, loud house help, I expected anything. Only this time, Pesh and her cousin had become entitled to their grandmother’s school business. She probably would not remember this, but we worked with their teachers and put them back in their places. I was reminded of this experience by a case I had on my desk last week. A parent took offense at a report she received that her son was misbehaving at school. She could not believe it, so she called and told her not to inform her of anything and instead to handle it herself. She was right on this one. Care for the parent as you do the child “I know my son,” she insisted. “He would never do such a thing!” Less than a week later, the little boy was scratched by another pupil in the class. The teacher remembered the parent’s instructions and decided to handle it herself. She treated the boy and did not say a word. So, the parent came after her for not informing her when the boy was hurt, yet was quick to do so when he hurt others. It was not a tough nut to crack because, ideally, we are tasked to help parents understand their children better, but I decided to let my sister handle this one. Meanwhile, it’s a new month, and you know what August means to me! Your child’s teacher might know them more than you MOMINTHEMIX WITH FANNE MWAMBI doctors told her that her tubes were blocked. “My problem might have started early because I used to experience pain in the stomach when I was young,” she says, though her condition could not be attended to early on since her parents had limited education. Nyamo says procedures such as semen analysis for men and testing for blockages in the fallopian tubes for women can help determine the cause of infertility. Women stigma The WHO says that, although both women and men can experience infertility, women are often perceived to suffer from infertility, whether they are infertile or not. “Infertility has signifi cant negative social impacts on the lives of infertile couples and particularly women, who frequently experience violence, divorce, social stigma, emotional stress, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem,” the UN agency says. Hellen Nyabonyi, founder of Mothers of the Unborn Group, a CommunityBased Organisation (CBO) says that barren women have even been disinherited. “I am an example of what our women undergo when they do not have children,” Hellen says, adding “When someone calls a women riteba (barren), the word is heavier than death, it sinks down into the heart and hurts deeply.” “Rural women with infertility issues face many challenges, some are divorced, called all sorts of names including being branded witches and a large percentage are subjected to gender-based violence,” Esnahs Nyaramba, chair of the Young Democrat, a Kisii-based lobby group, says. Agnes says society treats infertile women as social pariahs who they cannot interact or share with anything. “You cannot even greet children as parents will shout at or abuse you. Some even warn their children against greeting you because you are a thief or witch,” she says. Joyce Moraa, who has been married for 20 years without a child has had to bear all the abuses even after going an extra mile of adopting fi ve children. “I do not have any voice even in the family gatherings. I am the topic of discussion with some openly telling me the children are not mine, while some tell my children that they do not belong to the family since they were ‘bought’,” says the 42-year-old. Ezekiah Nyamweya, 64, a fi rst born in a family of eight boys and two girls, started taking care of his family at a tender age since his parents were ailing. He married his wife, Josephine, early to assist him in looking after his siblings and ailing parents who passed on later. “Even my closest friends abandoned me for refusing to heed to their advice to divorce my wife and marry another woman,” he says. He had to close down his retail business after a family member told him to his face that he, Ezekiah, had no benefi t in engaging in business because he did not have children. “The words literally tore through my heart,” he says. They got a baby girl after 20 years, but still family members and the community continued mocking them since they did not have a boy. “Even my siblings for whom my wife and I had toiled for years to feed, clothe and educate started mocking us. Some would sing Them Mushroom song Mtoto Si Nguo to provoke us, but we kept quiet,” he explains. The support of the family and community is crucial. “Education and awareness-raising interventions to address understanding of the prevalence and determinants of fertility and infertility is essential,” WHO says. Agnes says she had lost hope in life. “I even attempted to commit suicide 10 times,” she confesses. It was only after a friend who had undergone the same trepidations informed her about Hellen’s CBO, Mothers of the Unborn Group. Way forward “I found solace after I met other women suffering like me,” she says. Hellen says she started the group in 2012 to help childless women to cope with their predicament by sharing experience and learning new skills such as knitting, sewing and other incomegenerating ventures. Though she was diagnosed with blocked fallopian tubes, she later got a baby. She calls for increased awareness creation in the African continent for society to accept adoption of children. “A lot needs to be done because even parents with only girls will not be invited to family gatherings or be consulted on family matters, with such women derogatorily dismissed as ng’ina ebisagane (mother of lasses),” she says. To increase chances of conception, there is need for one to maintain a healthy weight, not smoke and avoid alcohol. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet, exercising regularly, managing stress levels and avoiding environmental toxins is also advised. Ezekiah calls on the government to come up with programmes to support childless couples. Julie says that there are treatment options available for specifi c infertility conditions. They include medications to regulate hormones, surgery to correct structural issues, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) “The success rates of various fertility treatments depend on several factors, including age, cause of infertility, and the specifi c treatment used,” she says, adding, “Generally, IVF has higher success rates compared to IUI or fertility medications alone.” She says it is generally recommended that couples try to conceive natuJosephine and her husband Ezekiel Nyamweya. Even his siblings for whom the couple had toiled for years to feed, clothe and educate after their parents passed on, started mocking the couple, when they failed to have children of their own. PD/ELIZABETH ANGIRA IN FIGURES... 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse and failing to conceive, is what defines infertility. rally for at least a year before seeking fertility treatments. Dr Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Offi cer Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, a Darmstadt, Germany-headquartered science and technology company, says the foundation’s “More Than a Mother” Campaign aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education and change of mindset. “By improving awareness, training local experts in the fi elds of fertility care and media, building advocacy in cooperation with African First Ladies and women leaders and by supporting childless women in starting their own small businesses. It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to lead a fulfi lling life, with or without a child,” Dr Kelej, who is also the President of the Campaign, says. 1 in 6 worldwide experience infertility. This is about 17.5 % of the adult population. 17.8% lifetime prevalence in high-income countries and 16.5% in lowand middle-income countries. 47% of married women and 57% of married men want to have a child, according to 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS).

Helping my child strut her way down the runway 24 PEOPLE DAILY / Wednesday, August 2, 2023 Relatively Speaking Inner circle truth When Catherine Karanja noted how her daughter Scarlet Nyawira would mimic TV models and catwalk in the house in her stilletos, she knew time was ripe to nurture her child’s passion. She lets us in on this journey by Manuel Ntoyai @Manuel_Ntoyai I n today’s world, there are so many parenting styles. There are no laid down rules when it comes to raising your own child. For Catherine Karanja, she always knew that when it comes to supporting her 10-year-old daughter, Scarlet Nyawira, in her pursuit of her dream as a model, there was not going to be any compromising. “I am a business woman based in Nairobi and a mother of one bubbly girl. She goes to Yari School, Nairobi. She loves modelling and everything to do with nature and environment,” Catherine says She shares how from her experience as a child, she realised there are opportunities many people missed or passions they never pursued because their parents did not know how things could turn out to be in future. “I chose a different path for my daughter from the way I was raised. You see, when she was six years old, I noticed she took an interest in fashion and modelling. She would wear my heels and mimic models she saw on TV and try to catwalk when in the house. After seeing the interest she had, I decided to enroll her for part-time classes in a modelling school, Em-Africa Academy, Nairobi” she says. Little steps to greatness Catherine decided to give it her all in order to support her dream and became deliberate in getting to know more about modelling. “It was not easy at first because this is not something I had prior knowledge, but I had the best intentions for my daughter. With time, she started gaining her footing in modelling, I had done some bit of networking and research and we registered Scarlet The Brand Foundation. With this, she could do other engagements such as working with her friends and reach out to the less privileged in Nairobi slums where she helps other children nurture their modelling talents,” intimates Catherine. She also notes that Scarlet is like any other child of her age and a social one at it too. She loves dancing and was enrolled in a dancing class in her school. “I enjoy watching her hitting every milestone in her life. She is always curious to showcase new style she learnt at school and urges she makes me join her,” she says with a proud smile. confidence and high self-esteem while winning some accolades at the same time. “When I started enrolling Scarlet in modelling competitions, I was always nervous on how she would perform. I was worried she would stumble and fall. There were always scenarios playing in my head, but little by little, she has stepped up and is currently Miss Environment Kenya first runners-up. She was second runnersup in Miss Independent Kenya and Mini Miss Confidence. She is also the current holder of Kid Model of the Year by Jamhuri Kenya,” states Catherine beaming with pride. “She loves being in front of the camera and I have also noticed that her socialising skills have grown tremendously. These days, she can talk about modelling and environment in front of large crowds and she also does her media interviews with more confidence and vigour. These are the little steps you see in your child that make you proud,” says Catherine. Balancing education and modelling With Scarlet’s growth in her budding career, other brands are starting to work with her and support her. Given the constraints that come with helping her Grade Five daughter balance her education and modelling career, Catherine says she has had to be meticulous. “ I have drawn a line when it comes to academic and discipline. She knows that school is important and when it comes to Her daughter’s love for the environment has also seen Catherine grow some interest in it too. Most of the activities involve planting trees and having clean-up events, especially in slums. And with her modelling career on the rise, Scarlet has also has gained Catherine Karanja and her 10-year-old daughter Scarlet Nyawira. The child model is currently first runners-up Miss Environment Kenya. PD/COURTESY CATHERINE We live in a world of possibilities, the world of Lupita Nyong’o, Faith Kipyegon and Ajuma Nasenyana. We just need to support our children ASSESSING CHILD’S MODELLING ABILITY Consider Child’s Personality and Temperament: The most important part of modeLling is your child’s personality. Is she/he shy? Outgoing? Reserved? Children who go into modelling need to be able to interact with strangers (under parental supervision), be friendly, and have patience for potentially long photo shoots. Models also need to be photogenic. Assess your child’s ability by dressing him/her in plain clothing and snapping a few photos. Can he/she hold a pose for a few seconds? Young children, such as toddler and preschool ages, need to be able to follow directions, especially well and have the ability to interact with adults. Kids need to be able to handle themselves maturely. Teach professionalism: Nurturing professionalism in children can be achieved by reinforcing the core values of punctuality, respectfulness towards others and fostering a positive attitude during modelling assignments. her academic performance, she is also doing well. Her teacher also supports her to balance the two and her Class Teacher has been instrumental as well. Again, she does modelling on weekends and this helps balance the two,” she points out. For fellow parents, Catherine says they should encourage their children to pursue their talents as much as they are academically inclined. “We live in a world where a single brand endorsement can change the life trajectory of not just the child, but the whole family as well. We live in a world of possibilities, the world of Lupita Nyong’o, Faith Kipyegon and Ajuma Nasenyana. We just need to support our children,” she says in ending. Scarlet Nyawira started showing her interest in modelling when she was six years. PD/COURTESY

by Sandra Wekesa @wekesa_sandra W e all know we are going to die one day. Whereas many fear the topics surrounding death some have an extreme fear and avoid saying the word ‘dead’ or ‘dying’. Surprisingly, the death positive movement, which was started about 11 years ago to help break the silence behind speaking about death openly has been so vocal about believing that the culture of silence surrounding death should be broken through discussion, gathering, art, innovation and scholarship. While breaking the biases could be a positive thing, most people often believe that speaking out the word ‘death’ or openly discussing about dying is a form of summoning the act. Evaline Otieno grew up knowing that when you openly mention the word death, you risk welcoming that omen in your household and for that matter, anyone who talked about it was openly rebuked. “You could often hear people say ‘God forbid’ before or while talking about death. At times, this was confusing because it would then create an illusion that death is actually a bad thing to talk about,” she says. She adds that in the event that one would want to talk about death, they would often say so and so has gone to meet their maker. This is euphemism. Euphemism according to the English dictionary refers substitute words for something that might be disagreeable or Wednesday, August 2, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY 25 Taboo Let’s talk about it Sexy AI-generated influencers swarming social media to con men BRIEFLY With the vast amount of fi lters and photo editing apps at users’ disposal, it can be hard to tell what’s real and fake on social media these days. But a probe by Daily Mail has found a budding world of scantily-clad AI infl uencers who are conning desperate men out of money. Earlier last week, a 19-year-old blonde bombshell known as Milla Sofi a made headlines when it emerged she was artifi cially generated. Since then, dozens of digital infl uencers have been uncovered on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter with fake names and elaborate backstories, jobs and interests. These rising stars - who combined have hundreds of thousands of followers - are receiving admiration and cash from real men. Andrea is a brown-haired beauty with more than 30,000 followers on Twitter/X who comment on her lewd photos. She includes her PayPal account details in her bio and offers nude images for subscribers on Patreon. Andrea’s Patreon offers plan options to chat with her, and for Sh 42,000 ($300) a month, she will ‘basically be your online girlfriend.’ The human creators of these AI infl uencers are unknown faces on the web, only pushing out content to likely live a life they had only dreamed of. Milla Sofi a is an aspiring fashion model with a portfolio of portraits showing her tanning in Bora Bora, a Polynesian island in the South Pacifi c, taking in the views in Greece and working in a corporate offi ce. She made headlines this week after Futurism uncovered her existence online. Some AI-generated personas, such as Miquela Sousa, have been revealed to be marketing stunts that turned into gold mines. Miquela starred in advertising campaigns for major brands such as Prada and Balenciaga, was interviewed by Vogue, and was named one of Time magazine’s 25 most infl uential people on the internet. The forever 19-year-old is the brainchild of Trevor McFedries and Sara DeCou, founders of the fashion brand BRUD, who unleashed the AI teen in 2019. At fi rst, her creators liked to tease her followers and capitalise on the confusion. ‘Is she human?’ asked one perturbed Instagram user. ‘Why do you look like a doll?’ demanded another. ‘She’s some kind of cute mannequin,’ someone claimed. ‘It’s clearly a robot,’ stated another. Eventually, fans were told the truth, or part of it at least. ‘I’m not a human being,’ Miquela confessed on her page. Miquela, however, may not be as convincing as the latest fl ood of AI infl uencers interacting with followers with a human touch. Most of the AI infl uencers have large breasts and are blonde - only a handful are brunettes. One virtual infl uencer named Deanna Ritter does not hide the fact she does not exist in the real world, but is not shy about asking for money from fans. The creator has set up a CashApp, Tips and Donation page and app to buy the blonde a cup of coffee . -Daily Mail In the African context, people believed that words had the power to summon evil spirit sand that speaking certain words invited that thing into your life. Never say death: Euphemisms on dyingoffensive to others. The word comes from the Greek word ‘euphemismos’ which means words of good omen. Substituting the word A spot check by Taboo on most articles and even eulogies revealed that most often than not, some of the euphemism used when talking about someone who died are; passed on, departed peacefully, gone home, rested, entered into eternal rest, taken a last bow, exit stage, among others. Some believe that not talking about death and using euphemism helps them to avoid their fear, but psychologists say it actually serves to increase their fear about death. Stephen Asatsa, a consultant psychologist at Beautiful Mind Consultants explains that therapeutically, recognising and acknowledging our strong feelings help to lower stress and anxiety levels. He believes what makes us avoidant about the matter stems from the traditional beliefs we have grown up knowing. “In the African context, people believed that words had the power to summon evil spirit and that saying certain words was to invite that thing into your life. Therefore, to protect themselves from harm they would often use positive connotation or even avoid saying such words at all,” he says. He shares how euphemisms for death are linguistic expressions used to soften the impact of discussing death or dying. They are often employed to make conversations more comfortable or less emotionally distressing. “The use of euphemisms can be infl uenced by cultural, religious, and personal beliefs, as well as societal norms, hence the need to use positive connotation words such as passed on, met the maker, went to meet the angels and so on,” he says. However, from a psychological perspective, euphemisms for death can serve several purposes. They may help individuals cope with the fear and anxiety associated with mortality by providing a less direct and emotionally charged way of discussing the topic. It can also be used as a form of social etiquette to show respect and sensitivity towards those who may be grieving or experiencing loss. Conversely, it’s important to recognise that euphemisms can also have potential drawbacks. They may contribute to a lack of open and honest communication about death, which can hinder healthy grieving processes and emotional expression. Avoiding direct language may also perpetuate a societal taboo around discussing death openly, leading to a lack of preparedness and understanding of endof-life issues. Open and honest conversation On his part, Geoffrey Wango, a senior psychologist at University of Nairobi says the use of euphemisms for death being considered taboo can vary across cultures and individuals. “Some cultures may have more open discussions about death, while others may view it as a sensitive and private matter. Additionally, personal beliefs and experiences can infl uence one’s comfort level with discussing death directly or using euphemisms,” he says. Nevertheless, psychologists generally encourage open and honest conversations about death, as it can promote emotional well-being, facilitate end-of-life planning, and help individuals process grief. However, they also recognise the importance of respecting cultural and individual preferences when discussing such a sensitive topic. “The use of euphemisms for death can serve various psychological functions, such as reducing anxiety and showing respect. However, it’s essential to balance the use of euphemisms with open and honest conversations about death to ensure healthy grieving processes and end-of-life planning,” he says. Many people find it hard to talk about death. Sometimes this arises from superstitions, sometimes out of sensitivity, and other times simply because such subjects are too heavy to talk about openly and honestly…

PEOPLE DAILY / Wednesday, August 2, 2023 26 ENTERTAINMENT ARIES (MAR. 21- APRIL 20) You have more than enough on your plate already. Moves or the possibility of having someone different living with you may be dificult at irst. TAURUS (APR. 21- MAY 21) You can make sound inancial investments if you act fast. You’ll be an emotional basket case today. Don’t take any comments too seriously. GEMINI (MAY 22-JUNE 21) Look closely at motives and honesty in your personal encounters. Plan to get out and do a bit of travel. CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22) Go out with friends or family. You will ind it easy inalizing personal papers if you make an effort. Try to slow down, and take another look. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) You should put a little extra effort in at work. Don’t offer to pay for others. You should feel a little more stable about your position; however, don’t be surprised if a job offer comes your way. VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Try not to push your philosophies on others. Put your time and energy into home improvement. Try to concentrate on research and acquiring information that will be of value in your chosen ield. LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Gambling will be a waste of time and money. Involvement in inancial schemes will be followed by losses. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) Inharmonious situations at home may be extremely upsetting for you today. Get them to pitch in, if you need help. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Protect your interests legally if necessary. You may ind yourself in an uncomfortable situation if you have overloaded your plate unintentionally. Be careful signing important contracts today. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) You need to keep the peace and you will have to bend in order to do so. Risky inancial ventures will result in unrecoverable losses. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 -FEB. 19) If they want help that’s great, but if they try to take credit for your work, you will have to set them straight. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) You can pick up additional responsibility that will lead to higher wages and a better position. HOROSCOPES LIFE’S LIKE THAT! | BY TUM Sudoku The aim is to ill the grid so that each row, column and every 3x3 shaded box contains only one of the digits 1-9. You need to reason out where to place the missing numbers by using the numbers given in the grid and a process of elimination. It is a game of logic not mathematical ability. YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION ACROSS 1. Nonsense! (5) 7. Goats’ hair fabric (8) 8. Heap (5) 10. Wary, mistrustful (10) 12. Cenotaph (8) 14. TV-industry award (4) 16. Sinful (4) 17. Gallant (10) 23. Let’s __, David Bowie hit (5) 24. Len trips [anag] (8) 25. Supply point (5) DOWN 1. Indian drum (3-3) 2. Writes (4) 3. Freshwater fish (4) 4. Surprise (5) 5. Advocate, suggest (9) 6. One of the Channel Islands (6) 9. Counterfeit (5) 11. H.G. Well bnovels, The ___ Man (9) 13. Novice (3) 15. Impostor (5) 16. Pardon (6) 18. Specialist (6) 19. Barely perceptible (5) 21. Stench (4) 22. Wise man (4) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 4 1 9 8 1 7 5 2 3 9 3 4 2 4 8 6 7 3 8 4 3 5 9 1 2 1 7 2 6 5 3 7 2 6 9 1 8 4 1 4 6 8 3 7 2 9 5 8 9 2 1 5 4 6 7 33 3 2 5 9 1 6 7 4 8 6 8 9 7 4 5 3 2 1 7 1 4 3 8 2 9 5 6 2 5 3 4 9 1 8 6 7 9 6 8 5 7 3 4 1 2 4 7 1 6 2 8 5 3 9 5:00 France 24 5.05 Maombi 5:30 Gear Up 6:00 Good Morning Kenya 10:00 NewsCheck 1:00 KBC Lunch time News 2:00 Cynthia Nyamai 2:30 Disco Funk 3:00 Animation 5:00 Club 1 6:30 Drama 7:00 Taarifa 7:30 Maza 8:00 I Dare You To Leave 9:00 KBC Channel 1 News 10:30 The Rave 11:00 CGTN 12:30 France 24 5.00 Password Plus 6.00 Am Live 8.00 Better Living 9.00 On The Wings Of Love 10.00 Music Mix 11.00 NTV Today 1.00 NTV at 1 1.30 Music Mix 3.00 Blood Sisters 3.30 The Three Sides Of Ana - Rpt 4.00 NTV At 4 4.15 Password Plus 5.00 The Heat 6.00 It Had To Be You 7.00 NTV Jioni 8.00 Forever My Love 9.00 NTV Tonight 10.00 Movie 11.00 Music Mix 12.00 CNN 06:00 Your Motor Week 06:30 Command Your Morning 07:00 Afrimaxx 09:00 Tendereza 09:30 News Hour 10:00 Afriscreen 12:00 Amplify 12:30 The killer Bride 1:00 News Desk 1.30 Sports Legends 2:00 Afriscreen 3:30 Akili & Me 4:00 Mbiu Ya KTN 4:10 Winx Club 6:00 Prima Donnas 7:00 KTN Leo 7:30 Sports legends 8:00 Whats your story 9:00 KTN Friday Briefing 10:21 Movie 10:30 Movie 11:00 Baseline 1.00 Aljazeera 4:00 Pambazuka 05:30 PE At Home 06:00 Day Break 09:00 Cartoons Animation 10:00 Music Mix generic 15:00 Afrosinema 11:00 Sema Na Citizen 11:15 Afrosinema 12:15 Afrosinema 13:00 Sema Na Citizen 14:00 Mseto Africa 15:00 The Neighbour 15:54 Supa Sema 16:00 News Brief 16:15 PE At Home 17:30 Rubi 18:30 Machachari 19:00 Nipashe 19:30 Sultana 20:00 Vencer El Desamor 21:00 JK Live 23:05 Mis Fortuna El Marte 00:00 Afrosinema 01:00 News Night KBC KTN CITIZEN NTV 5.00 Ime Ria Ruciini 6.00 Rikiratha 10.00 Kurekereria Kodi- Live 12.00 Ndurumeni Maturaini 1.00 Mohoro Gitau-Live 1.30 Kayu Ka Ruriri- Rpt 2.00 Thiririka 3.00 Kiengei Live- Rpt 4.00 Ririmbuka- Live 6.00 Maisha Bure- Rpt 6.30 Magerio- Rpt 7.00 Kameme Maturaini- Live 7.30 Njungwa Ya Muthee Kihenjo 8.30 Maisha Bure 9.00 Mutamburuko Wa Mohoro- Live 10.00 Lotto- Live 10.15 Thenema 11.30 Ririmbuka 12.30 DW 5.00 Inuka 6.00 New Dawn 8.00 K24 This Morning 9.55 Wisdom Moments 10.05 Inuka 11.00 Mchipuko 1.00 K24 News Cut 1.30 Jungu La Spoti 2.00 Bongo Movie 3.00 Ubongo Kids 3.30 Akili & Me 4.00 K24 Mashinani 4.30 Mchipuko Extra 5.00 Beat Box 6.00 Tangled Hearts 7.00 K24 Saa Moja 7.30 Aap Ke Aa Jane Se 8.00 Brazil Avenue 8.30 BBC- Focus On Africa 9.00 K24 Evening Edition 10.00 Lotto- Live 10.20 BBC- Dira Ya Dunia 10.50 Beat Box 11.50 Al Jazeera Timeout Sudoku solutions 6.00pm TANGLED HEARTS ACROSS 6. Perspiration 8. Deborah 9. Ossie 10. Iona 12. Seance 14. Elver 15. Galaxy 16. Orca 19. Optic 21. Tripoli 22. Exploitation DOWN 1. Tribunal 2. Spark 3. Dr Who 4. It’s Over 5. Vows 6. Paddington 7. Delegation 11. Fly 12. See 13. Narcotic 14. Exactly 17. Stair 18. SInai 20. Taxi

Wednesday, August 2, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY CLASSIFIEDS / NOTICES 27 THE PHYSICAL And LAnd USE PLAnnInG ACT (no. 13 of 2019) rEnEwAL of LEASE The immediate registered lessee of Plot no. Karatina Town Block 1/101 is seeking for a renewal of its lease subject to approval by the County Government of Nyeri. Individuals, institutions, organizations etc. with objections or comments to the proposal are requested to forward the same in writing within 14 days of publication of this notice to: The CECm Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban development, County Government of nyeri, P.o. Box 1112-10100, nyeri. rPP 0163 PUBLIC AUCTION VISION ROOT AUCTIONEERS Licensed Auctioneer, repossessors, debt Collectors & Commission Agents Nellea Plaza, 3rd Floor, Room 2, Ngara Road, Nairobi, Tel: (020)-2220944, Cell: 0721253967 Email: [email protected] Duly instructed by our clients/principals, we shall sell the under mention household goods on 8th August 2023 at Pangani Auction Centre starting from 10.30am. dISTrESS for rEnT ACT LAndLordS VErSUS wAmBUI mwAnGI Assorted food warmers, cupboard, 3 water tanks. CondITIon of SALE CASH AT THE FALL OF THE HAMMER. ALL ArE wELComE BOOKING AN ADVERT HERE IS EASY ... visit us at dSm Place, Ground, 1st & 2nd floors, Kijabe Street, nairobi or email: [email protected]

NAIROBI: The Kenyan beach volleyball team, consisting of two girls Abigail Chebet and Sharon Jepkogei, is set to embark on their maiden appearance on the global stage as they departed for Trinidad and Tobago last night. The team is confident that their preparation, which included participation in the secondary school games and a residential training camp in Kilifi are enough for the upcoming Youth Club games in Trinidad and Tobago due in three days now. Coach Patrick Owino expressed his belief in the team’s potential, citing the comprehensive preparations they received in both the secondary school games and the Kilifi residential camp. The taem has been training with the senior beach volleyball team that include Tokyo 2020 Olympian Gaudencia Makokha and drawn a lot from such experienced players. The journey to Trinidad and Tobago marks a significant milestone in the sporting careers of Abigail Checbet and Sharon Jepkogei. This global platform will provide them with an invaluable opportunity to gain international exposure and experience. Coach Patrick Owino emphasized that this exposure would be instrumental in the players development. - Lucky Oluoch olympics Kenyan Beach Volleyball team ready for action in Trinidad and Tobago by Robert Ochoro @PeopleDailyKe Overwhelmed by the sterling performance by Shabana Football Club that saw the ‘Glamour Boys’ earn promotion to the top tier after winning the National Super League ( NSL), Governor Simba Arati has assured residents, that the Gusii stadium will be renovated to be ready to host the team as well as other national and global matches. Arati said a contractor has pledged to give the stadium a facelift to match international standards, so as to qualify to host various sporting activities to enhance talents among youths in the area. The governor said the stadium required a retainer wall for crowd control and urged the contractor to also ensure proper drainage on the playing field to address the issue of flooding when it rains. At the moment, the team has picked Narok Stadium as it’s home ground, since Gusii stadium does not qualify to host a Premier League match. Shabana team officials are believed to be scouting talented youths from the grassroots to feed the Club and strengthen it as they make a come back to top tier football. NFT AutoPort Freight remain unbeaten in contest after victory over Microsoft Kenya as news purveyors Mediamax moot plans to join the competition Left Foot league campaign loading by Edwin Otieno @PeopleDailyKe NFT AutoPort Freight produced a stunning firsthalf display to sink Microsoft Kenya 3-1 in the Left Foot Sports Corporate League at Sikh Union Club Astro Turf on Forest Road. AutoPort, who are making their debut in the league, looked the better side in the opening exchanges Shabana fans and players celebrate at the Gusii Stadium recently. PD/ ROBERT OCHORO Gusii stadium set for facelift to host Shabana FC matches VIHIGA: Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has promised to support Luanda Villa FC after they earned promotion to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) National Super League. Osotsi while addressing the players to congratulate them over their win against rivals Zoo Kericho, said he will support the club to ensure they make an impact in the National Premier League. He lauded the team players for displaying thrilling football during the decisive encounter that pulled crowd at Mumboha grounds. He noted that Vihiga County is a home of talents which should be nurtured to high levels. “I congratulate Luanda Villa FC for earning promotion to play National Super League. I pledge to support the team going forward as we seek to nurture talents in Vihiga County,” said Osotsi. Luanda Member of Parliament Dickson Maungu also promised to help the team. Maungu said if Luanda Villa is supported both financially and morally it has potential to progress to the apex league. Luanda Villa head coach Tom Terra thanked the leaders saying their support will be a big boost to the club. Terra said Luanda Villa has been struggling with little resources to honour their matches.Terra said if well supported they will give good results. Terra thanked the leaders for turning up at Mumboha playing grounds to give the boys moral support. -Enock Amukhale FooTBAll Boost for Luanda Villa after Vihiga Senator Osotsi promises support 28 PEOPLE SPORT FOR MORE NEWS VISIT: www.pd.co.ke / www.epaper. pd.co.ke THE ONE-STOP SPORT SHOP Wednesday, August 2, 2023 Mediamax CEO Ken Ngaruiya (third left) is presented with the trophy that the company’s team won after finishing third in the Multichoice New Football Season tournament at the weekend. The cup was presented by People Daily Managing Editor Mbugua Ng’ang’a (second left), Sports Editor James Waindi (centre), and other Mediamax FC members. The team beat Kenya Police FC to bag the trophy. PD/ JOHN OCHIENG and they deservedly took the lead with only eight minutes played when Nassor Yussuf, drilled home from outside the box past the stretching hands of Microsoft goalkeeper. The newcomers continued to attack their fellow newcomers, and in the 24th minute, they doubled their scoreline when Muhammad Hasan hit the back of the net off a cross from Yussuf. At the start of the second half, it was AutoPort, who looked to add to their tally, and it did not take long as Yussuf scored from close range in the 48th minute to make it 3-0. Though Microsoft pulled a goal back courtesy of Sunday Obenda in the 55th minute, it was not enough to stop AutoPort from registering their fourth successive victory in the division and move to the top of the table with a maximum of 12 points from four matches. They kicked off the season with a resounding 3-0 victory over Astral Aviation, overpowered Nation Media 4-2, then floored Apec Consortium 5-1 in their third match before the 3-1 win against Microsoft. In another Corporate League fixture, Nation Media roared to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Astral Aviation. Meanwhile, in the Social League, Jamhuri Bulls FC came from a down to defeat One Africa Logistics 5-4 in a nine-goal thriller while Salim Omar Advocates won the battle of law after defeating Saad Advocates 2-0. Meanwhile, Mediamax FC is laying down plans to join the league next season to compete for the several awards on offer. The team which presented a trophy to the group’s Chief Executive Officer Ken Ngaruiya yesterday after finishing third at the Multi Choice New Football Season pre-season tournament, vowed to step up their training in ready for league football. “Congratulations for your achievement over the weekend and I would like the team to have an objective and be able to play in the major leagues in the country. Mediamax will offer support to the team where possible,” Ngaruiya said.

by Edwin Otieno @PeopleDailyKe Local rugby giants KCB RFC has received a massive boost in the countdown to the Prinsloo 7s slated for this weekend following the return of winger Geoffrey Okwach from injury. The skipper who had a wrist Wednesday, August 2, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY PEOPLE SPORT 29 KCB rugby team strengthens its vault ahead of Prinsloo 7s by Webster Nyandika @PeopleDailyKe Anxiety has gripped Nakuru County as it gears up to host the much-anticipated 2023 Prinsloo Sevens, the third leg of the 2023 National Sevens Circuit. The tournament, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, has received a significant financial boost with Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) announcing a sponsorship of Sh 2 million through its Tusker brand. Scheduled to take place at the Nakuru Athletic Club, the tournament which is hosted by Top Fry Nakuru RFC, the two-day event is expected to draw over 40 clubs, making it one of the largest gatherings in the circuit. The Nakuru Derby between Menengai Oilers and Nakuru RFC promises to be a highlight of the event, as both teams face off in Pool B alongside Nondies and Catholic University Monks. Kabras Sugar, leading the Sevens Circuit log with 41 points, finds itself in Pool A, where they will compete against Western Bulls, Homeboyz, and Kisumu. Dala Sevens champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) will headline Pool C which also includes third-place finishers in Mombasa’s Driftwood Sevens, Kenya Harlequins, three-time National Sevens Circuit champions, Masinde Muliro University, and Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad. Meanwhile, Pool D features four-time champions Mwamba RFC, Daystar Falcons, Zetech University Oaks, and Strathmore Leos. Speaking during KBL’s sponsorship presentation, Nakuru RFC Chairman Ombui Ratemo lauded the company for the sponsorship, noting that it will go a long way in supporting the event’s expenses. He further noted that the facilities at the Nakuru Athletics Club are in good shape ahead of the tournament. “We are ready for the tournament which has attracted a very good number of top teams. Everything is in place and the facilities are also in good shape ahead of the competition. We thank KBL for their generous support which will go a long way in ensuring the success of the tournament. This support will play a pivotal role in meeting the event’s financial requirements and elevating the overall experience for players and fans alike. We deeply appreciate KBL’s commitment to supporting sports in our country and we look forward to providing a great rugby experience to our fans,” said Ratemo. Preparations for Prinsloo Sevens in high gear as KBL offers Sh2m sponsorship KBL Area Development Manager, Rift Region, Anthony Wasilwa (left) signs a dummy cheque as he presents KBL’s sponsorship to Nakuru RFC chairman Ombui Ratemo (R). PD/ WEBSTER NYANDIKA Bankers’ timely boost KCB 7s captain Vincent Onyala skips a challenge from Menengai Oiler’s Bildad Ageta during the Driftwood 7s rugby tournament at the Mombasa Sports Club two weeks ago. PD/ ALEX NJUE Dr. Joseph Alouch parades his 1991 Mercedes Benz 300 SE costumed as the “Last king of Scotland” in a past Concours. This massive vehicle is among the vehicles listed for this year’s Africa Concours d’Elegance scheduled for September 24 at the Ngong Racecourse. PD/ FILE by Lucky Oluoch @PeopleDailyKe Excitement is building up ahead of this year’s day-long Africa Concours d’Elegance at the Nairobi Racecourse. Some of the motorcycles entered for the event, which are rare in Kenya include the 1952 Ducati of Gilgil motorcycle enthusiast Russell Hughes and the 1976 Bultaco Sherpa, being prepared by Dominique Antoine. He will also be riding round the judging ring on his 1925 Triumph 550 SD which is currently the oldest bike in the Show. Among the big bikes lining up for judging will be the Suzuki GT750 of Captain David Mwaura, Prateek Singh Gullati’s 2001 Honda Shadow Aero and the 1989 Yamaha Super Tenere which will be presented by David Odhuno. There will also be a squadron of massive motorcycles which are being ridden by members of the Pearl of Africa Motorcycle Club from Kampala to Nairobi. The Uganda contingent will be headed by Franco Masetto who has won prizes in the past with a Honda Varadero VTR1000 made in the year 2000. Car entries are pouring into the Africa Concours d’Elegance office in the Bob Dewar Publicity Suite on the second floor of Block G at Norfolk Towers. Among the large Mercedes already listed are Dr. Joseph Alouch’s 1971 Mercedes Benz 300SE and the 1968 280SE model of Edward Davis. Both these cars have won prizes in the class for large touring cars. This will also feature the 1952 Rolls Royce of Roger Tanner. Arguably the most attractive Mercedes on show will be the 1974 Mercedes 450SL coupe which is the pride and joy of Kevit Desai, the Concours Patron. His 1968 Jaguar 420 is also expected to earn a place in the top ten. The latest Mercedes entries are four classic machines which will contest the Concours in the hands of Uganda based enthusiast Patrick Mweheire. Mercedes have always been known for diesel engined cars and Patrick will drive a 1970 250D model along the judging line in front of the Nairobi Racecourse grand stands on September 24th. Excitement galore as Africa Concours d’Elegance event draws near fracture joined the squad for training after the second leg of the National Sevens Circuit in Mombasa having missed the two opening rounds of the series. The bankers who emerged third after a competitive show at the Driftwood sevens a fortnight ago have accumulated 39 points so far with Kabras sitting at the summit with 41 points while varsity side Strathmore Leos sits third having garnered 32points. Head coach Andrew Amonde is expected to make minimal changes from the squad that traveled to Mombasa for the Driftwood edition. Speaking during a training session at the KCB Sports Club, Ruaraka, KCB RFC Head Coach Andrew Amonde said: “The return of Geoffrey Okwach is a big boost for us because we know what he brings to the table. We are aiming for glory having emerged 3rd in Mombasa. So far, we have been training very well and ticking all our boxes, so we should expect a good show from the boys in Nakuru.” The team that is captained by veteran Vincent Onyala will depart for Nakuru on Friday morning ahead of the much-awaited tournament that thrills thousands of fans from around the country. Captain Vincent Onyala said: “The boys are raring to go after having sufficient rest before the Prinsloo sevens. We know what we must do, and we will be doing that exactly. Of course, we know Okwach’ s quality and we expect him to inject pace and dynamism into the squad. The confidence is there, and we will not underrate any team.” KCB will be out to hunt for points to take a lead in the competition before heading to Eldoret for the Tisap 7s- the fourth leg of the National Sevens Circuit.

MADRID: Barcelona manager Xavi has reportedly cautioned Ousmane Dembele as he hankers for a move to PSG by reminding him of Neymar’s regrets. Dembele has rejected a contract offer from Barca and the price of a move to Les Parisiens is reportedly fixed at around £43million. His deal at the Nou Camp expires next summer and he notified the club of his intention to activate his £43m release clause before it doubled on Monday. Barcelona would not hold him prisoner to the new £86m clause if he did depart. Xavi yesterday warned the 26-yearold about trading Catalonia for the French capital after Neymar rued doing the same in 2017, according to Mundo Deportivo. Barcelona arrived in Las Vegas nine hours late, partly due to the conversation their manager was having with the wantaway spirit in the Thompson Hotel. It is believed he will miss Barcelona’s friendly against AC Milan in the small hours of tomorrow as he mulls over his future and tries to avoid injury lest that collapse proceedings. -BBC Berlin, Tuesday @PeopleDailyKe Bayern Munich are ready to smash their transfer record and bid £85million for Harry Kane. Club executives JanChristian Dreesen and Marco Neppe flew into London for talks with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy on Monday. And while a deal was not agreed, Mail Sport understands Bayern are preparing a third bid that eclipses the £68m they paid for Lucas Hernandez in 2019. The striker is open to a move to Germany and while Levy wants at least £100m for his star man, it is believed an offer in the region of £90m would tempt him. Bayern are set to give the England captain a four-year deal so he can join Thomas Tuchel’s squad ahead of his first full season in charge. The delegation of Dreesen and Neppe landed back in Munich at 7.10PM on Monday following the aforementioned talks with Levy in London and the mood was positive among the pair. Tottenham have been busy assessing forward options to fill the void if Kane does leave. Bayern’s Mathys Tel has been mentioned, though he isn’t overly keen on a move, and Gift Orban of Genk is another thought to be under consideration. -Dailymail Bayern dangle £85m to woo Kane signature from Spurs 30 PEOPLE SPOrT PEOPLE DAILY / Wednesday, August 2, 2023 INSIDE Sport RUGBY pagE 29 KCB RFC strengthen their vault ahead of Prinsloo Rugby 7s FOOTBALL pagE 32 ‘Van Persie’ and Fiston join Sofapaka ahead of new season 1-2 PSG Vitinha 63’ International Friendlies INTER MILAN Esposito 81’ Sensi 83’ KAMPALA: Ugandan Premier League side KCCA FC has signed Angolan striker Katenga Openga. KCCA FC, who will represent Uganda in the 2023/2024 Total Energies CAF Confederation Cup, unveiled Katenga Openga on Monday at the club in Lugogo, Kampala. “I am very excited to join this club with a great history and tradition. I’m looking forward to working with the team to achieve success,” added Openga, who signed a two-year contract. Openga who has previously featured for Asa FC, Saurimo FC and CD Lunda Sul back in Angola becomes KCCA FC’s fifth foreign talent ahead of the start of the new season. He joins two other Angolans at the club, Emilson Gonzaga and Cungulo Da Silva, and two Brazilians Joao Gabriel and Vinicius Michael. Head coach Sergio Daniel Traguil told Xinhua that he is happy to add on another good player to the squad before the season starts. -Xinhua RYADH: Fabinho has finally sealed his £40million move to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad after leaving Liverpool - ending his five-year stay at Anfield - and signing a three-year deal with the Saudi Pro League club. The Brazilian becomes the latest big name signing at the Middle Eastern outfit after they also lured former real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and ex-Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante. There had been a slight delay in thrashing out a deal amid a paperwork issue - while there was also concern that his dogs would not be allowed in the country - but the deal has now been completed now that all problems have been resolved. Fabinho owns two French bulldogs and hoped to take them with him despite Saudi Arabia’s strict dog rules. His breed of dog are classified as ‘dangerous and aggressive dogs’ in Saudi Arabia and are generally not allowed in the country, though this had not been a major issue in holding up the deal. -Dailymail FOOTBALL Uganda league giants KCCA FC signs Angolan striker Openga FOOTBALL Fabinho ends five-year stint at Anfield after completing £40m Al-Ittihad move FOOTBALL Xavi warns Dembele about leaving Barca by reminding him of Neymar No Mbappe, no problem Milan, Tuesday @PeopleDailyKe Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have reportedly made an astonishing £120.3million offer to Napoli for their star striker Victor Osimhen (pictured). The Saudi Pro League side are continuing in their pursuit to bring the world’s biggest talents to the Middle East and have apparently submitted the huge bid to the Serie A champions for Osimhen. The proposal highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to attracting top talents and comes days after Kylian Mbappe rejected a move to the club worth a potential £700m-a-year. In addition to the triple-digit offer, Al Hilal have also tried to tempt Osimhen into agreeing personal terms with a £1million-per-week wage, according to Sky Sports. Osimhen was previously a target for Manchester United, however interest from the Premier League giants appears to have cooled due to Rasmus Al Hilal submit £120.3M offer for Napoli striker Osimhen after missing out on French star Hojlund’s imminent arrival at Old Trafford. The 24-year-old apparently held talks over extending his deal at Napoli, but was unable to find a resolution with his existing deal set to expire in 2025. However, Al Hilal’s huge offer is expected to be rejected after the Italian top-flight club slapped a £170m price tag on their prized asset. Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis previously explained his belief that PSG were the only club capable of buying Osimhen, however that was before Saudi’s evident interest. Speaking at the start of July, he told Mediaset: ‘The only club that could afford Victor Osimhen is Paris SaintGermain. ‘If Nasser Al Khelaifi [PSG president] wants to send in a bid around £170m, we wait and we see what happens. I personally think that Victor will stay here.’ Osimhen netted 26 times last season and became the first African player to claim the coveted Capocannoniere crown handed out to Serie A’s top scorer. His goalscoring exploits further helped Napoli end their 33-year wait for the Scudetto and cemented his place in the club’s history. Osimhen joined the Serie A champions for £69m from Lille in 2020 and would become the most high-profile player to join the Saudi Pro League if a deal between the two clubs is completed. -Dailymail

Wednesday, August 2, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY PEOPLE SPORT 31 Sydney, Tuesday @PeopleDailyKe Defending champions the USA suffered a huge scare against Women’s World Cup debutants Portugal before scraping through to the last 16. The Stars and Stripes are yet to fire at the tournament and, after being held by the Netherlands in their previous match, suffered another frustrating draw that raised questions about their hopes of winning the tournament for an unprecedented third time in a row. Portugal, who would have caused one of the greatest upsets in the competition’s history had they won, hit the post through Ana Capeta in the 91st minute. In the end the USA were relieved to hear the full-time whistle, the point enough to take them through as runners-up to the Netherlands, who thrashed Vietnam 7-0. However, the United States were once again far from their best as they struggled to break down a gritty Portugal defence, while keeper Ines Pereira produced two fine saves to deny recalled forward Lynn Williams. The world’s number one side will now face the winners of Group G, which will be decided on Wednesday with Sweden - the last nation to defeat the USA in a 90-minute game at the World Cup - set to finish top unless there is a 10- goal swing. On a bitterly frustrating night for the four-time world champions in Auckland, midfielder Rose Lavelle was booked and will miss the next game after her second caution of the tournament. USA fail to impress The US came into this tournament as hot favourites to win it, but they have failed to impress in front of their thousands of travelling fans in New Zealand. They finish the group stage with five points - two behind the Netherlands - and questions as to why they look a shadow of the team that conquered the world in 2015 and 2019. After missing a host of chances in their opening 3-0 win over debutants Vietnam, the US were held by the Netherlands in a repeat of the final four years ago. Manager Vlatko Andonovski had named the same starting XI for the first two games but opted to made two changes as Lavelle, who has recovered from a recent knee injury, started after coming off the bench to provide the assist for Lindsey Horan to equalise against the Netherlands. Forward Williams also got her first taste of this World Cup as Savannah DeMelo and Trinity Rodman dropped out. -Dailymail USA struggle to draw with Portugal before scrapping through to World Cup last 16 Belgian international Jeremy Doku (left) celebrates after scoring for French Ligue 1 side Rennes in a recent friendly match. COURTESY/ TWITTER Manchester, Tuesday @PeopleDailyKe Manchester City have added Rennes winger Jeremy Doku to their shortlist of possible Riyad Mahrez replacements. The lightning-fast 21-year-old, nicknamed the Belgian Flash, has already been the subject of a rejected Aston Villa bid this summer. He has been on Liverpool’s radar at least as far back as 2017, when Jurgen Klopp told him he could be a long-term successor to Sadio Mane. Now City have earmarked him alongside Michael Olise as a possible signing after Mahrez completed a £30million move to Al-Ahli. That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who says he is a priority name in the corridors of power at the Etihad Stadium. Doku made a good impression in his third season at Rennes, scoring seven goals, registering four assists, and earning a call-up to the World Cup with Belgium. It came in the context of severe injury troubles. Doku has missed 41 games over the last two seasons due to an accumulation of problems, all relatively short-term on their own. He featured in Rennes’ impressive 3-1 victory over West Ham on Sunday. For years he has won the praises of top players and manager and now might be his time to step into a big team and prove the forecasts right. Meanchile, Spurs could launch a raid on Barcelona with two stars reportedly in their sights. The club are looking to bolster their backline and midfield and could take advantage of the pair being on Barcelona’s fringes. They were among the only firstteam players not to feature in Barca’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid in Arlington. The players in question are Franck Kessie and Clement Lenglet, according to Mundo Deportivo. Mail Sport understands that Spurs must raise money to fund the signings, something that Harry Kane’s proposed sale to Bayern Munich would do. Kessie rejected a move to Spurs back in January as he wanted to fight for his Nou Camp place while Lenglet spent last season on loan with them. Kessie only joined La Blaugrana from AC Milan last summer but found himself on the bench more often than not. -Dailymail Manchester City add Doku on list to replace Mahrez Portugal players react after drawing against USA and failing to progress at the on going Women World Cup. COURTESY/ TWITTER Wellington, Tuesday @PeopleDailyKe If Sarina Wiegman could have written a script it would have been this. Six goals, five different scorers and another player-of-the-match display from the breathtaking Lauren James. The Lionesses saved their best performance until last, beating China 6-1 to top group D in style and set up a last 16 tie with Nigeria. Alessia Russo, who had not scored for six games before yesterday, got the Lionesses up and running inside four minutes. Lauren Hemp, a player who has looked out of sorts and underconfident, made it 2-0 on her return to the starting XI. Chloe Kelly responded to being dropped by coming off the bench to score England’s fifth. Rachel Daly, who was playing in her third different position of the tournament, also got on the scoresheet. But it was James, who scored two and assisted three, who was the star of the show once again. The forward was cruelly denied what would have been a sensational hat-trick by VAR Six-star England - which tried its best to get in the way of England’s result. But even the technology could not get in the way of this display. ‘She feels good, you can tell. She did special things today,’ Wiegman said of James. ‘Unfortunately that one goal was cancelled. She flows over the pitch.’ All the talk before kick-off had been how England would cope without Keira Walsh, arguably their most important player. Nobody could have predicted Wiegman’s solution. A complete change of formation and a first ever start for Katie Zelem, who played alongside Georgia Stanway in midfield. They played what looked to be a 3-4-1-2 - with three changes from the team that beat Denmark. Jess Carter partnered Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood in a back three, while Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly played as makeshift wingers in possession and wingbacks out of pos - ses- sion. Hemp partnered Russo in attack - an untried com- bination that proved to be clinical. ‘Everyone really believed in it [the formation] straight away and you could see that on the pitch,’ Wiegman said. ‘They [the players] were really excited about it. We want to use the qualities of the squad as optimal as possible. The team showed they were really adaptable.’ -DailymailLauren James scores twice as Lionesses produce dominant display to storm into Women’s World Cup last 16 SELECTED WOMEN WORLD CUP RESULTS: China 1-6 England Haiti 0-2 Denmark Portugal 0-0 USA Vietnam 0-7 Netherlands TODAY’S WOMEN WORLD CUP FIXTURES: Argentina vs Sweden 10am South Africa vs Italy 10am Jamaica vs Brazil 1pm Panama vs France 1pm England’s Lauren James celebrates after scoring her second goal against China during their Women World Cup yesterday. COURTESY/ TWITTER

Wednesday, August 2, 2023 / / / @PeopleDailyKe / / / People Daily Download QR Code app on Google Play and scan this QR code with your smart phone for pictures, videos and more stories People Daily is published by Mediamax Network Limited at DSM Place, Kijabe Street, P.O. Box 24943, 00100 - Nairobi, Tel: 0730144100; 0709824000; 0204944100 Fax: 2228503 Nairobi and printed at our Printing Division on Mombasa Road, Tel: 04522641. Circulation: Union Towers, 1st Floor, Moi Avenue. Tel: 2519168. Advertising 2227693, 2228493. E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Batoto Ba Mungu move Ouma to director’s role, to unveil tactician today NAIROBI: Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League outfit Sofapaka has elevated head coach David Ouma to take charge as the Sporting Director of the club. In a statement on their social media pages, Batoto ba Mungu announced the appointment by saying: “We are pleased to inform you, coach David Ouma has now been elevated to the club’s Sporting Director. Congratulations Sir.” When reached for comment, Ouma, whose coaching career saw him handle the Kenya women’s national team, Posta Rangers and Mathare United, said he was ready to take up the role and further gave South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns’ achievements as what he wants to recreate with the team. -Dennis Mabuka DUNEDIN: The Netherlands won Group E at the Women’s World Cup here on Tuesday, as they put on a goal fest by hammering Vietnam 7-0, the biggest win of the tournament so far. Vietnam had bowed out after back-to-back defeats while the Netherlands ranked second to the U.S. before Tuesday due to an inferior goal-difference. The Netherlands needed to equal or better thirdplaced Portugal’s result against the U.S. in the other group match in order to reach the knockout stage for a third consecutive tournament. The Netherlands started their show in the 8th minute when a long ball found Lieke Martens to chip it over goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh. Three minutes later, the Netherlands doubled the lead as Danielle Van De Donk’s smart pass allowed Katja Snoeijs to apply a clinical finish. Esmee Brugts added the third with a stunner in the 18th minute as she hit a curler that nestled into the far top corner, five minutes before Jill Roord bagged her second goal of the tournament. -Xinhua Netherlands earn top group finish by crushing Vietnam at women’s World Cup ‘Van Persie’, Fiston join Sofapaka by Charles Thuku @PeopleDailyKe Highly rated goal-getter, Burundian international Fiston Abdul Razak completed his return to Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League side Sofapaka yesterday, seven years after he left the club to South Africa giants Mamelodi Sundowns in a record Sh 37 million deal. Razak who has previously been feted as the best locally based African player is among 17 new faces at the ‘Batoto Ba Mungu’ camp who will officially be unveiled today together with a new team coach. “It feels good to be back at Sofapaka after seven years. This team is like a family and it is where I horned my skills, I could never forget it and its an honour to be back to help them win the local trophies and help them qualify for Champions League football next season,” Razak told People Sport. He added: “After gaining vast experience in several top leagues, I feel this is the right time to offer my experience and skills to stear Sofapaka back to their glory days.” After leaving Sofapaka in 2015, Razak whose move to Sundowns saw Sofapaka pocket a cool Sh37 million, also had stints with Bloemfontein Celtic, Al-Zawraa (Iraq), JS Kabylie (Algeria), ENPPI SC (Egypt), Yanga (Tanzania) and Olympique Club de Khouribga of Morocco. Former Mathare United’s red hot striker Daniel ‘Van Persie’ Otieno, bully Bandari forward Darius Msaga, former Mathare United captain Khalid Juman, talented winger Oliver Maloba (Nairobi City Stars) and veteran striker John ‘Softy’ Ndirangu have also joined the 2009 league champions ahead of the new season in which they are expected to kick-off their campaign against reigning league champions Gor Mahia. Highly rated Burundian striker returns to the FKF Premier League club seven years afyer he left for Sundowns in a record Sh 37m, red hot Otieno also joins from Mathare United SOFAPAKA NEW SIGNINGS: Dairus Msaga (Banadari) Daniel Otieno ‘Van Persie’ (Mathare) Fiston Abdul Razak Baron Ochieng (Kibera Utd) Mousa Omar (Rwanda Police) Khalid Juman (Mathare Utd) Oliver Maloba (City Stars) John ‘Softy’ Ndirangu (Police FC) Jacob Osano (City Stars) Steven Otieno (Homeboyz) Christian Lubulu (Kibera Black Stars) Edwin Lutta Answar Lali Lucky Murabu (Young Bulls) Franklin Masibo Fiston Abdul Razak shoots the ball to score during Sofapaka’s training at Eastleigh High School yesterday. PD/ RODGERS NDEGWA