Sunday 30 September 2012

Libyans begin handing in weapons

Police inspect the site of a grenade blast at St. Polycarp Church along Juja road in Nairobi, Kenya. Sept. 30, 2012. Suspected terrorists threw a grenade inside the St. Polycarp Church in Kenya's capital Nairobi on Sunday, leaving at least one child killed and three people injured, police confirmed.
(Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

 Citizens in Libya, recovering from domestic unrest and violence, Saturday began handing over weapons and ammunition to the government  in Tripoli and Benghazi for the first time, a positive step in the country's reconstruction.
Carrying rifles and rockets, young and old people headed to the Martyrs' Square in central Tripoli and the Tahrir Square in the eastern city of Benghazi during the weapon collection from 8:00 a.m. (0600 GMT) to 8:00 p.m. (1800 GMT). "I handed in the AK-47 today to make my country more peaceful," said a 23-year-old university student Muhammad Khalid.  Everyone who turned in weapons would get a gift provided by the government including digital cameras, computers etc, and the owner of the highest prize, a car, would be selected through a random lottery.

Libyan national army Brig. Gen. Hussain Khlifa told Xinhua, the collection had great importance to all Libyans, implying that they trusted the national army and the police to safeguard the national sovereignty and civil safety. He said similar collection would be held in more Libyan cities. Weapons scattered among the people have posted thorny security problems to the government, as kidnappings and robberies happen frequently in Libya.The National Transitional Council of Libya had asked regional militia groups to disband and hand over weapons when the conflicts finished, but was rejected by many groups. About a week ago, Libyan national congress leader Mohammed Magarief announced in Benghazi that all the militia groups should be led by the general staff of the national army and gradually incorporated into the army. (Xinhua)
Meanwhile two suspected terrorists were killed in central north Nigeria's Kaduna State on Sunday following an explosion near an Islamic boarding school, an official said.

Spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) , Yushau Shuaib told Xinhua that the suspects were killed by security personnel in Gaskiya area of Zaria, in Kaduna.He said injured victims have been taking to hospitals from treatment.   No organization has claimed responsibility for the blast yet, but a radical sect known as Boko Haram has been carrying out attacks in the west African nation recently.  (Xinhua)


One child killed in Nairobi Church grenade attack

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Star Photographer Philip Kamakya is removed from the blast scene
NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 30 – A grenade attack killed one child and wounded nine others in a Nairobi church on Sunday, a day after Islamist fighters abandoned their last bastion in neighbouring Somalia in the face of an assault by Kenyan and other troops.
The blast occurred during a service for young children at the Anglican St. Polycarp church, which lies in Pangani on the outskirts of the Kenyan capital.
Blood-stained children’s jackets and shoes lay scattered on the floor, surrounded by remnants of metal walls that were broken and twisted by the force of the explosion.
“One child has died and three others have been seriously injured,” Nairobi police chief Moses Nyakwama said. “We suspect it was a grenade.”
A church official said nine children had been wounded.
“The children who attend this service are aged between six and 10… we usually divide them according to their ages,” said Livingstone Muiruri. “They had just started the morning session when the explosion occurred.”
“We were in the main church so we all ran there to assist the kids,” he said. “We have nine children admitted to hospital.”
Janet Wanja was just entering the church when the blast shook the building.
“I heard a loud explosion and then heard kids screaming,” she said. “I am traumatised by what I saw, kids with injuries and blood all over. “Why are they attacking the church?”
Police were also investigating the possibility that the blast was a result of a bomb that had been placed in the building earlier, Head of Police Operations in Nairobi, Wilfred Mbithi said.
The church lies next to the Eastleigh quarter, nicknamed “little Mogadishu” because most residents are either Somali refugees or Kenyans of Somali origin.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, the latest in a string of grenade attacks, shootings and bomb blasts that have rocked Kenya since it sent troops into southern Somalia in October 2011 to crush bases of Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab fighters, who have vowed revenge.
The Kenyan intervention came in retalitation for suspected Shabaab attacks on its soil.
Sunday’s blast came a day after the Shabaab retreated from their last stronghold in Somalia, leaving the southern port city of Kismayu that has been a vital economic lifeline for the Islamists.
The fall of the port was the latest in a string of major losses of territory for the militia, which has vowed revenge and has switched to guerilla tactics in areas where it has been driven from fixed positions.
Observers say the loss of Kismayu would leave the Shabaab, who once controlled 80 percent of the country, unable to retain large swathes of territory.

The blast occurred during a service for young children at the Anglican St. Polycarp church
Shabaab spokesman Rage warned on Saturday that the militia would remain a threat.


Courtesy of Capitalfm.co.ke

God`s Word

Mathew 6:21
Where you treasure is there your heart will also be.

Compiled by Pastor Vincent Achesa

Tanzania`s Yanga pick Netherland`s born Coach


By Fred Maingi
Netherlands born Ernestus Brandt has been appointed the new coach for troubled Dar Young Africans(Yanga) of Tanzania.He has been contracted for one year.
  He will now replace  Belgian Tom Saintfiet, who was relieved of his duties a week ago after two and a half months at the helm .
 Brandt handled Rwanda’s  APR during the East and Central Africa club championship (Cecafa) that was staged in Dar es salaam in Tanzania  three months ago.The Rwandea Military side was bundled out in the semi final stage
     Yanga secretary General Lawrence Mwalusako confirmed his club is  set to sign a contract with Brandt once he arrives  in Tanzania.He was expected to jet in on Saturday September 29th. However, he declined to state the nature of the contract.
The club spokesman said Brandt was picked out of  several applicants who had shown interest because he had impressive credentials and vast experience in football both as a player and coach.”
As a player, Brandts earned 28 caps and scored five goals for Netherlands national soccer team. He played for the team in the 1978 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
In the second-round match against Italy, he became the only player to score goals for both teams in the same match in the World Cup qualifiers. He scored an own goal in the 18th minute, and then scored an equaliser for the Netherlands in the 50th minute.
Meanwhile in the ongoing soccer league Kenya’s Ulinzi Stars suffered a heart-breaking  1-0 defeat in the hands of visiting Mathare United in a  thrilling  2012 Tusker Premier League (TPL) staged at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on Saturday.
  Jesse Were netted the all important goal barely after six minutes after rounding off Ulinzi custodian Jacktone Odhiambo to score his eighth goal.
  However,Mathare escaped narrowly in the 25th minute when Ulinzi Stars roving winger Steve Waruru rasping shot hit the crossbar but there was no follow-up to convert the chance.
With the result, Mathare United have now walked into the top ten to settle at spot nine with 32 points from 26 games. Ulinzi Stars is still fourth with 43 points.
In the  second match staged on saturday,Chemelil Sugar were held to a barren draw by visiting Karuturi Sports at the Chemelil Sports  complex.
  Five other matches will be played in Kenya on Sunday September 30 with defending Champions Tusker hosting fifth –placed Thika United  in a  early kick off tie at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium. The match will be beamed live on Supersport Channel 9East.
  In other matches set for Sunday,AFC Leopards  will take on relegation threatened Muhoroni Youth at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.Western Stima will host Kenya Commercial Bank(KCB) at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega,Sofapaka will host Naivasha based Oserian at Nyayo Stadium in a late kick off clash with Nairobi City Stars  locking horns with Sony Sugar at the Hope centre.

Saturday 29 September 2012

God`s Word

Deutronomy 27:16
Cursed is the one who treats his father or his mother with contempt.

Compiled by Pastor Vincent Achesa

Completion of JKIA terminal four to boost KQ`s operation efficiency


By Fred Maingi
Kenya Airways expects the completion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport’s Terminal Four to significantly improve its operation efficiency and ease the congestion that the airline has been facing at its Nairobi hub.
 This will increase efficiency and create more room to accommodate a larger fleet that will allow the airline to compete more aggressively and profitably as the African airline industry continues to attract more regional and global competitors.
 “By the fourth quarter of the next financial year, an additional capacity to handle up to two and a half million more passengers, would be added at the airport, but this is not enough” Mr Naikuni told shareholders at the 36th annual general meeting.
 He added: “In addition to this, more parking for vehicles and aircrafts would be available.”
 Mr Naikuni also outlined a number of initiatives the management has embarked on to manage costs as the airline continues its expansion programme which will increase the number of aircrafts in the fleet from 34 in 2012 to 115 in the next nine years.
 In the last financial year high operating costs eroded the effect of a 24 per cent growth in revenue by national carrier. Among the costs that shot up during the year was labour and fuel that went up by 19.6 per cent and 64 per cent respectively, as well as landing fees that grew by 35 per cent.
 “We see light at the end of the tunnel. We believe that the more we control our costs, the more will continue being profitable,” Mr Naikuni said, “Kenya Airway’s case is not isolated since a similar trend is occurring among other leading airlines globally.”
 Some of initiatives to bring down the airline’s costs include investing in aircraft that consumes 20 per cent less fuel. The airline is also hiring local staff for some of its destinations to cut down the cost of putting up the crews in expensive hotels. In other areas, the airline intends to use technology and outsource its services to firms that can provide the same service at a lower cost.
 “We invested in IT to be efficient and meet global standards. We are a global airline and must be able to compete globally,” Mr Naikuni said, “The structuring meant to create efficiency in our processes and the criteria used was performance of individuals and assessment of the ability of the skills to compete effectively in the future,” he added.
 During the AGM Chairman Evanson Mwaniki and Dr Cyrus Njiru, the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Transport were re-elected to the Board of Directors. PwC was retained as company auditors and directors remuneration was approved.

KDF Kismayo capture in pictures

 

 (120928)-- KISMAYO, Sept. 28 (Xinhua)--The Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF)Julius Karangi (center in military vehicle), with the Kenyan troops as they prepare to capture Somalia’s key port city of Kismayo, Sept. 28, 2012. Kenya’s military spokesman Colonel Cyrus Oguna said the port was taken over by KDF and Somalia National Army (SNA) at 02:00hrs on Friday in a combined operation involving Navy, ground and air operations.The Kenyan troops, who are part of the UN-backed Africa Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM) captured the strategic port city of Kismayo, the only remaining bastion of Al-Shabaab. (Xinhua/KENYA DEFENCE FORCES)

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 (120928)-- KISMAYO, Sept. 28 (Xinhua)-- Troops of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) prepare to capture Somalia’s key port city of Kismayo, Sept. 28, 2012. Kenya’s military spokesman Colonel Cyrus Oguna said the port was taken over by KDF and Somalia National Army (SNA) at 02:00hrs on Friday in a combined operation involving Navy, ground and air operations.The Kenyan troops, who are part of the UN-backed Africa Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM) captured the strategic port city of Kismayo, the only remaining bastion of Al-Shabaab. (Xinhua/KENYA DEFENCE FORCES)

Friday 28 September 2012

KDF Capture Al-Shabaab`s stronghold port of Kismayo


Kenya Defence Forces alongside Amisom have taken control of Al Shabaab stronghold and headquarters of Kismayu in Somalia.
Kenya military spokesman Colonel Cyrus Oguna said Kismayu fell at 2am Friday after a fierce battle with the terror militants.
The troops are urging the residents of the port to avoid areas under their control to avoid any form of collateral damage.
The port was the last bastion for the Somalia militants al-Shabaab which has been in control for the last couple of years.
Department of Defence headquarters said in a tweet the troops are in control of Kismayu without elaboration.
“KDF troops have taken control of Kismayu. Residents are advised to avoid areas where KDF and Somalia National Army troops are to avoid collateral damage,” said KDF in a tweet.
Spokesman Col. Oguna said the first group of troops arrived at Kismayu at about 2 am on Friday.
“Yes our troops are in control of Kismayu and urge residents to avoid the areas they are for now,” said Col Oguna.
The incident came two days after KDF jets and ships destroyed Al-Shabaab armoury store and warehouse after shelling Kismayo airport in an attack that shaped up the take over of the port.
It was the second time in less than a month that the troops were hitting Kismayu. Other reports indicated Islamist group Hizbul Islam has broken ranks with Al-shabaab militants. This has weakened the gang in many ways.
Lobby groups had warned that there could be many more civilian casualties in the battle ground which often go unreported.
The AMISOM forces are now pacifying the port of Kismayu—seen as the bedrock of the Al Shabaab militants.
Kenyan forces have warned civilians to keep off targeted towns, including Kismayu which are likely to experience major confrontations in the coming weeks.
“The capture of Kismayu is imminent. Kenya Government extends amnesty to Kenyans fighting in Somalia as Alshabaab. Retreat peacefully now,” said KDF in an earlier tweet as they headed for the port city.
There are tens of Kenyans who crossed to Somalia to fight alongside the militants. Some have been killed there while others are yet to come back.
The troops added they are concerned about the safety and security of civilians as efforts to capture Kismayu gather momentum and urged them to stay clear of Al Shabaab targets.
They also appealed to humanitarian agencies to come to the aid of the people fleeing to areas liberated by AMISOM and Somali security forces.
The troops have captured various towns in their advance to Kismayu, resulting to the killing of more than 1000 Al Shabaan militants.
Courtesy of Standard Website

Musonya talks tough,tells FKF to put their house in order


By Fred Maingi
Eight countries have so far confirmed their participation in the forthcoming  regional Cecafa  senior Challenge  Cup slated for next month in Uganda.
The Counties include Rwanda,Tanzania,Zanzibar,Ethiopia,Somalia,Djibouti,South Sudan and hosts Uganda.
   Cecafa secretary general Nicholas Musonye said six other countries  have asked to be included in the tourney and warned Kenya  to stop fuelling confusion.
  The countries that are currently on standby include Zambia,Zimbabwe, Cote D’ivoire,DRC Congo  and  Cameroon
  He  made a rallying call to all Cecafa member states to stand firm and help the regional soccer body achieve the desired growth.
At a press briefing held at the Cecafa secretariat offices in Nairobi on Thursday afternoon, Musonye said that he was merely a custodian of the organization, executing his duties on behalf of the member states and it was incumbent upon the member states to support the forthcoming tournament scheduled to take place in Kampala Uganda.
‘’Cecafa is not a Musonye company, it belongs to all the 12 members states. If some want to sabotage it, it’s their own problem. I am only a custodian’’
The Cecafa boss also added that the stage is already set for the annual event with eight countries having confirmed their participation. The confirmation deadline lapses on October 8.
Among the teams that have already confirmed their participation include newcomers South Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania, Djibouti, Zanzibar, Ethiopia, Somali and hosts Uganda.
    Musonye revealed that he is already in talks with CAF over the possibility of pushing forward the CHAN-championships dates to give room to member countries to participate in the tournament.
He warned that any member state that fails to honour the competition must have good reasons.
Kenya is scheduled to begin their CHAN campaign against Burundi away on December 1st with a return leg due in Nairobi two weeks later.

Regarding the recent furore that has raised a cloud of storm over the hosting venue, Musonye said that they had proper reasons why the venue was changed.
‘’This is not the first time we are changing the venue. It has happened in the past. Rwanda was supposed to host this year’s tournament but we explained to them and they understood. Why then the current noise?’’
Kenya’s soccer federation FKF has been at loggerheads with the regional soccer body with FKF crying foul that it had been denied the hosting rights.
Musonye added that all was in place for the kick off as Ugandan soccer federation Fufa had put all measures in place, urging teams to prepare adequately for the tourney.
‘’Cecafa has been run for long through order and discipline. We do not want unnecessary noise and indiscipline in this tournament.’’he said.
The tough talking Musonye also added that he will not sit back and watch the tournaments growth being hampered by squabbles.
‘’Any form of indiscipline, defiance will not be tolerated. We want this tournament to grow .Right now we have Supersport on board and countries should take advantage of this to prepare their teams well as it gives players good exposure’’

God`s Word

Jeremiah 32:1
O Sovereign Lord.You have made the heavens and earth by your great power.Nothing is too hard for you.

Compiled by Pastor Vincent Achesa

Thursday 27 September 2012

Former AP boss picks TNA as party for Governorship as Wako choose ODM for Busia Senatorship


Kinuthia Mbugua (left) and TNA Secretary General Onyango Oloo
Former Administration Police Commandant Mr.Kinuthia Mbugua has joined the Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta TNA party and declared that will be his vehicle as he seeks the seat for Nakuru County Governorship in next year`s general election.
A jovial Mbugua clad in the party shirt was received to the party by the Secretary General Mr.Onyango Oloo at the party headquarters in Nairobi on Thursday, September 27.


This happened as a press conference for the defection of Starehe MP Bishop Margaret Wanjiru from Prime Minister Raila Odinga party ODM to TNA at a Nairobi hotel was cancelled on Thursday to Friday, September 28.
ODM also received a boost after the former Attorney General  Mr. Amos Wako was received to the party by Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Orange house as he declared that he will vie for Senator ship of  Busia County on the party.
As election approaches in Kenya we are going to see politicians changing parties as they seek different elective posts in Kenya`s biggest election since it attained Independence in 1963.

Kenya women soccer team arrive safely in Ethiopia

By Fred Maingi
The national women’s side Starlets arrived in Ethiopia today (Thursday) ahead of their international friendly match in Addis Ababa on Sunday.
 Mombasa has been the team's base for camp, which begun on Tuesday September 18th, 2012 with an initial 32 players being called up by head coach Joseph Oyoo.

The teams will be using the encounter ahead of the African Women Championships slated for Equatorial Guinea next month.
   Ethiopia are prepararing  for the 8th African Women Championship that  will be  held in Equatorial Guinea  next month.
   Football Kenya Federation(FKF) Secretary General Omondi Aduda described  the friendly as a major “breaking ground’  for the Kenya ladies who are trying to make  an impact in the sport.
Squad: Ancentta Wawira, Pauline Atieno, Tabaka Chacha, Mildred Cheche, Esse Akidah, Jackline Akoth, Laura Khadenje, Irene Momanyi, Lucy Moreri, Mary Kinuthia, Maureen Kinavudori, Terry Ouko, Christine Nafula, Doreen Nabwire, Martha Karimi, Mural Auma, Florence Awuor
Officials: Joseph Oyoo(coach), Henry Nyaberi, Asha Pili Ramadhan(Team Manager), Doris Petra, Angeline Elijah, Rebecca Gichana (media), Joyce Nduku, Jackson Indakwa.

Prices of houses in Kenya rise sharply


Prices of houses in Kenya are on steep rise as the real estate sector develops rapidly and developers seek higher returns on their investments.
The cost of two, three and four bedroom houses, which are popular with most Kenyan families, have skyrocketed in the past months.Data from various real estate and
housing development firms indicate that a two bedroom house in the East African nation is going for between 44,048 U.S. dollars and 90,000 dollars. About three years ago, a
two bedroom house in the East African nation would go for between 35,714 dollars and 60,000 dollars.While prices are rapidly rising across Kenya as more developers join
the sector, it is in the capital that prices have increased sharply ensuring that houses remain out of reach of the average working Kenyan.
In Nairobi, the price of a two bedroom house ranges averagely between 44,048 dollars and 90,000 dollars. However, the prices depend on the location of the houses,
whether in low, middle or high income areas. In high income areas, prices of a two bedroom house climb as high as 95,238 dollars. Similarly, for three bedroom houses, prices
vary from 78,350 dollars for those located in low-income and outside Nairobi and 140,285 dollars in high-end suburbs. Things are not different with 4 bedroom apartments
where prices vary between 117,261 dollars and 267,095 dollars in exclusive suburbs of the capital.
Interestingly, most of the houses are not standalone units with own compounds but high-rise apartments.This means developers are maximally using land as they seek to
reap big from their investments. On a quarter an acre piece of land, for instance, most developers are constructing two blocks of three storey buildings, each comprising of
nine houses. The trend has gained currency in recent years as land becomes scarce and prices rise in the capital. Some years back, recalled retired government worker
Benjamin Oworo, most developers would go for standalone houses, ensuring families have own compounds. "Then, developers would buy huge tracts of land and built
several bungalows and maisonettes comprising of two, three and four bedroom houses," Oworo, who owns two three bedroom houses in Komarock estate recounted on
Tuesday.
The houses, according to Oworo used to be sold at between 29, 761 dollars and 71,428 dollars. "This made sense because one would have own compound, giving them room
to build smaller houses on the plot or extend their houses," he recalled. But, according to the retired accountant, things have changed greatly in the housing sector in the
capital. "Prices of houses have doubled and standalone houses are no longer favoured by developers. They are building apartments, which they are selling highly yet you
cannot even extend the houses when you want," he said.
Oworo bought two houses. One under his name and the other he co- owns with his wife. Both of the houses he bought on mortgage and successfully completed paying, a
feat that is currently impossible for many home seekers in the East African due to high credit rate. "I bought the two houses at 65,385 dollars.Those who were paying cash got
better deals. Things were better then. There were still some controls and not many people had entered the sector," he said, noting that prices of most houses currently are
blown up.
 The 57-year-old said his two houses currently will fetch about 86,309 dollars each. "If I decide to sell them, I would make huge profits because they are standalone houses,
which people want but developers are not building," he said. Antony Kuyo of Avent Property Agents in Nairobi's eastlands area blamed the high cost of houses on rise in
prices of land and building materials. In the capital, a quarter piece of land is going at between 14,285 dollars and 47,619 dollars.Prices depend on the neighbourhood the
land is located, with those in high-income areas selling expensively. "The high prices of land, which keep on appreciating, push up the prices of houses since a developer would
want to make return on investment," he said.
The property agent noted that high land prices have made developers switch to apartments, which offer better returns. "If you build apartments, for instance, on an acre
piece of land, you will get better returns than building standalone houses," he said.Kuyo noted that prices of building materials namely cement, roofing materials and interior
decor have equally increased."You cannot build a house today and fail to finish its floors with tiles and hope people will buy. They will not. This is what has also increased
prices of houses. Developers will give people what they want and charge accordingly," said Kuyo.
However, he acknowledged that some developers exaggerate prices of houses making them unaffordable."If one sells a 4 bedroom house at 14,285 dollars in middle- income
suburbs, as I see some people do, this is extremely high. Such a house should go for a maximum of 11,306 dollars, which is reasonable," he said.Kenya's real estate sector has
grown over the years into a multi-billion dollar industry, with the number of players increasing faster.The sector is one of the drivers of the East African nation's economy, a
fact that was recently recognised by Kenya Revenue Authority when it ordered all landlords to start paying tax.
Growth of the sector has boosted production of cement and roofing material, among other things related to building industry. The latest Kenya National Bureau of Statistics
report on the economy indicated that the East African nation consumes an average of 350,000 metric tonnes of cement each month, up from 250,000 metric tonnes in 2010.
Similarly, City Council of Nairobi approves an average 12,000 residential and non-residential building plans each month.  (Xinhua)

Drugs impounded in Mogadishu



Police in Mogadishu impounded a consignment of drugs including alcoholic drinks and rolls of bhang and  arrested  several suspects, security officials said. The seized drugs and the suspects were paraded at Mogadishu’s Hodan District police station. Speaking to the press, Gen. Ahmed Yasin Moalim said police whil econducting an operation impounded the drugs at KH4 junction on Tuesday night.

God`s Word

Ephesians 5:28
He who loves  his wife loves himself.
Compiled by Pastor Vincent Achesa

Wednesday 26 September 2012

Somali-Americans joining Al-Shabaab on the increase


By DNK Correspondent in Mogadishu.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right) meets with Prime Minister Abdiweli Ali of Somalia in New York. Photo: UN.
The number of Somalis born or brought up in the United States joining the Al- Shabaab group is on the increase for the last few months, reports say.  Abdirizak Ali Bihi, director of the Somali Education and Social Advocacy Center has told Bar-kulan the number of Somali-American youth joining the outlawed group has tremendously increased with reports of a number of them traveling to Somali in 2010 to fight alongside the Al -Shabaab group.
Bihi says over 40 American citizens of Somali descent have joined ranks with militant group since 2009, with the last one being 21 year old Omar Farah. According to Bihi, Farah left Minneapolis several weeks ago and called his aunt after his departure to say he was in the Somali town of Merca with Al -Shabaab militant group.
Farah joined the University of Minnesota to study electrical engineering and has been in the campus for only a year before disappearing. Since 2008, several Somalis from Minneapolis have reportedly travelled to Somalia to join the al Shabaab group, which has ties to al Qaeda and is considered a terror group by the U.S.
In another news a ship carrying 13, 500 metric tonnes of humanitarian aid from Iraqi government has this week docked at the Port of Mogadishu as part of the Iraqi effort to support needy people in Somalia. The captain of the Ship, Mr. Khasim was quoted as saying that the aid which was donated by the government and the people of Iraq is meant to support thousands of needy families in Somalia who have been hit by the recent human tragedy in the country.
Mr. Khasim officially handed over the consignment to the Somali Minister for Agriculture and Livestock management Hussein Mohamud Sheikh to deliver to the intended people. 
The captain said the government and the people of Iraq are committed in supporting the government and the people of Somalia as they continue to emerge from the ashes of the more than two-decades old conflict. The Iraqi aid comes a time people in Somalia are recovering from the recently ended drought and famine in the country.

Nyamweya hints at Harambee Stars skipping Cecafa Challenge Cup slated for November

Nyamweya in a past function.Courtesy Picture

By Fred Maingi
Football Kenya Federation(FKF)  has hinted that Harambee Stars might
opt out of the  forthcoming  Council of East and Central Africa
Football Associations (Cecafa) tournament slated for Uganda in
November.
   FKF  Chairman Sam Nyamweya said in Nairobi that the Federation
supports  Harambee Stars  head coach Henry Michel  argument that  the
regional tournament serves no meaning to  the team.
  He disclosed that  the National Executive members(NEC) will meet to
deliberate on the issue. Speaking after witnessing the launch of the
Kass Marathon at  the Nairobi's  PanAfric Hotel on Wednesday
morning,Nyamweya said his  committee  will act officially after
receiving the coach full report on the issue.
  '"We have just seen in the Newspapers today that the coach is not
interested in plunging his players in the Uganda event.Once  he tables
his  report to the Federation, we shall act immediately.He is the key
man in that area and we shall go with his recommendation as long as it
will help the team."Observed Nyamweya.

 The coach said his focus is on the African Nations Championships
(Chan).The team is scheduled to take part in the annual tournament in
Kampala mid November but the tactician insists that their match
against Burundi in the preliminaries in December is of more importance
to the team.

“To me  the Cecafa Challenge  cup is out of my mind.I'm now  focusing
in our next match against Burundi and nothing else"the Frenchman was
quoted saying.He said it was pointless  to play after every 48 hours
for a whole week  which is  another way of draining the players.

The Stars squad, consisting of 29 players from clubs in the Tusker
Premier League, are currently training  at the Moi International
Sports Centre(MISC) Kasarani.

The Frenchman has maintained consistency in attending Premier League
matches, including those outside the city. The top six teams on the
TPL log dominate Michel’s provisional list with Tusker, AFC Leopards,
Gor Mahia, Sofapaka, Thika United and Ulinzi Stars taking the lion’s
share of his attention.

Chan, which features local-based players only, began in 2009. The
defending champions are Tunisia, who beat Angola 3-0 to lift the
title.

Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Sudan have been exempted from preliminary
round and will begin their campaign in the first round due to the
seeding.

Kenya failed to qualify for the finals in the last edition in Sudan
despite beating Uganda Cranes 2-1.