Author: Dismas Otuke

  • Karan eyes’ strong finish for Kenyan  fans in this year’s WRC Safari Rally

    Karan eyes’ strong finish for Kenyan fans in this year’s WRC Safari Rally

    When the FIA World Rally Championship Safari Rally Kenya begins in Naivasha later this month, reigning Kenyan Champion Karan Patel is anticipated to give home supporters enough to cheer about.

    The head driver of the KCB racing team is one of the 13 participants named in the elite support WRC2 category, which has historically been the domain of Rally 2 marques in the FIA Rally Pyramid.

    Karan was one of the three Kenyan drivers that earned the historic WRC points in 2021, finishing in a respectable eighth place overall (second in WRC3), behind Onkar Rai in seventh and Carl “Flash” Tundo in ninth. Karan did not place in the 2022 edition of Safari.

    A strong lineup with 10 starters in the main Rally1 category will be present at this year’s Safari.

    The three-car KCB lineup for the 2023 WRC Safari Rally includes Karan, Evans Kavisi, and Nikhil Sachania. KCB is the event’s official banking partner. The Government of Kenya (GOK), which is the primary sponsor, and Talanta Hela, KWS, Toyota Kenya, are other sponsors.

    This year’s Safari will begin on June 21 at KWS Naivasha with the Shakedown, when priority 1 vehicles will get the opportunity to warm up their engines in advance of the action on June 22, and it will conclude on June 25 with the Wolf Power Stage spectacular at Hell’s Gate.

    Along with Karan’s Ford Fiesta Rally2, other drivers listed in the 13-car WRC2 entry include Oliver Solberg in a Skoda Fabia Evo Rally, Polish driver Kajetan Kajetanowicz in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally, and Grégoire Munster (Ford).

    RALLY2 ENTRIES

    11 (20) Oliver Solberg/Elliott Edmondson -SWE/GBR (Skoda Fabia Evo Rally2)

    12 (21) Kajetan Kajetanowicz/Maciej Szczepaniak-POL/POL (SKODA Fabia Evo Rally2)

    13 (22 )M-SPORT FORD WRT: Grégoire Munster/Louis Louka-LUX/BEL- (Ford Fiesta Mk II Rally2

    14 (23) Martin Prokop/Zdeněk Jůrka -CZE/CZE -(FORD Fiesta Mk II Rally2)

    15 (24) Armin Kremer/Timo Gottschalk-DEU/DEU-Skoda Fabia Evo Rally2)

    16 (25) Karan Patel/Tauseef Khan-KEN/KEN-FORD Fiesta Rally2)

    17 (26) Carl Tundo/Tim Jessop-KEN/KEN (Skoda Fabia Rally2)

    18 (27) Daniel Chwist/Kamil Heller -POL/POL- (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2)

    19 (28) Miguel Díaz Aboitiz/Rodrigo Sanjuan -ESP/ESP- (Skoda Fabia Evo Rally2)

    20 (29) M-SPORT FORD WRT: Georgios Vasilakis/Thomas Krawszik-GRC/GBR- (Ford Fiesta Mk II Rally2)

    21 (30 ) Aakif Virani/Azhar Bhatti-KEN/KEN (SKODA Fabia Rally2)

    22 (31) Piero Canobbio/Flavio Zanella -KEN/ITA (HYUNDAI NG i20)

    The event will be beamed live and exclusively on KBC Channel 1 from 22nd -25th June,with flag off set for Uhuru Park on the 22nd of this month before drivers heading to Kasarani Super Special Stage in the only head to head competion’s stage.

     

  • Al Ahly pips Wydad 3-2 to lift  11th CAF Champions League title

    Al Ahly pips Wydad 3-2 to lift 11th CAF Champions League title

    Al Ahly SC were crowned the 2022-2023 CAF Champions League winners for the record 11th time after leaving it late to draw 1-1 against Wydad Athletic Club in the return leg of the final played at the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca, Morocco, on Sunday night.

    The host, popularly known as the Red Crescent, dominated the match in the first half with over 65% ball possession and an all-out attacking mentality that bore fruit, breaking the deadlock in the 28th minute through Attiat Allah’s freekick from the right that curled all the way into the far right corner.

    Ahly, popularly known as the Red Devils, survived several scares before going into the break trailing by a solitary goal, with the hosts losing numerous chances of extending their lead.

    Ahly resumed the 2nd stanza on a high note, exerting pressure on Wydad, but the Egyptians were forced to wait until the 78th minute to restore parity when Mohamed Abdelmoneim flicked home a header from Ali Maaloul’s corner and held on for a draw, which gave them a 3-2 aggregate win, following a 2-1 win in the 1st leg a week ago.

    Ahly becomes the most defeated club in African football, winning their 11th title, which earns them 4 million USD and a slot in next year’s FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

    Wydad were seeking to win the title for a fourth time after beating Ahly 2-0 in last year’s final, but it wasn’t their night

  • Don’t You Trust Me? Bola’s Hidden Burden Among the captivating novels in Kenya

    Don’t You Trust Me? Bola’s Hidden Burden Among the captivating novels in Kenya

    According to a recent study by data firm Stadi Analytics and the Writers Guild Kenya (WGK), at least 85 percent of Nairobi residents read on a regular basis, with more than half reading daily.

    According to research, women prefer to read fiction, while men choose nonfiction, which includes books, journals, and newspapers.

    In general, books are read by 86 percent of the Nairobi population, whereas newspapers are devoured by 36 percent.

    Don’t You Trust Me, Bolas Hidden Burden, a novel by Dr. Evalyn Oloo, is now hot in the Kenyan market.

    She summarizes and characterizes her work as an engaging story for teenagers and parents that explore the intricacies of adolescent life as well as the difficulties of navigating the digital world.

    Bola, a disgruntled 13-year-old boy, navigates the rigors of elementary school and his complicated family relationships in this gripping narrative. He finds consolation in connecting with pals on social media via his mother’s phone.

    Bola’s suspicion of adults derives from unfulfilled promises in the past, and his home is full of heated debates and confrontations. Zola, his vivacious younger sister, adds to the mix, unafraid to face people.

    Bola’s contacts and experiences affect his understanding of himself and the digital world as the story progresses.
    On social media, he meets an unknown girl named Charm4, and their friendship develops into a daily responsibility that he must conceal from his mother.

    The pressure on his academic performance and well-being becomes obvious, resulting in unanticipated repercussions.

    In the midst of personal hardships, Bola’s choices cause tensions that test his moral compass. The plot dives into the complexity of friendship and loyalty, as well as the value of honesty and accountability.

    Bola’s trip shows the digital realm’s perils and pitfalls, emphasizing the importance of cyber security and responsible technology use.

    Bola’s contacts with friends and encounters with online connections expose him to the grim truths of the internet world throughout the novel.

    Bola finds himself ostracized and indulging in disruptive conduct at school as the repercussions of his decisions play out, sliding deeper into despair.

    The literary tale delves into the intricacies of adolescent life, the difficulties of navigating the digital world, and the significance of recognizing the consequences of online interactions.

    It is intended to engage and educate youngsters about cyber security and good digital citizenship.

    The book is suitable for children between 13 and 18 years as well as parents and is currently among  the best selling fictional writing among the Kenyan Population and you can as well captivate your reading appetite by grabbing your copy online at  NuriaKenya.com as well as other leading books outlet.

  • Burkina Faso affirms support for autonomy  plan over Morocco Sahara dispute

    Burkina Faso affirms support for autonomy plan over Morocco Sahara dispute

    Burkina Faso has reaffirmed its support for the autonomy plan presented by Morocco, stressing that the plan is “the only credible and realistic solution” to resolve the dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

    In the joint communiqué issued at the end of the fourth meeting of the Joint Cooperation Commission held in Dakhla and co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and his Burkina Faso counterpart, Olivia Ragnaghnewendé Rouamba, the head of Burkina Faso’s diplomacy also reiterated Burkina Faso’s “firm and constant” support for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco.


    She stressed that the opening of a consulate general in Dakhla on October 23, 2020 is in line with Burkina Faso’s historical position.

    The Burkinabe Minister also praised the efforts of the United Nations as the exclusive and consensual framework for finding a realistic,  and lasting solution to the Sahara dispute.

  • Jackson Mutiso bags 20.8 million  Shillings in Sportpesa Midweek Jackpot

    Jackson Mutiso bags 20.8 million Shillings in Sportpesa Midweek Jackpot

    Jackson Mutiso Muli has won the   20,892,489 shilling SportPesa Midweek Jackpot after  accurately prediction the outcome  of the 13 games’ midweek jackpot.

    The 42-year-old won from  Machakos county-born father of three said he has been a devoted SportPesa player, but this is his best victory so far.

    His enormous gain will enable him to realize some of his long-held goals, including buying a parcel of land on which to erect rental properties.

    Mr. Mutiso, a wheel loader at a battery manufacturing business in Athi River, acknowledges that his 20-year path has been characterized by perseverance, patience, and hard labor.

    He was flanked during the unveiling by last week’s SportPesa Mega Jackpot Bonus winner, David Murimi.

    The 35-year-old electrician from Embu who correctly predicted 15 out of 17 outcomes and won a bonus of 2,141,207 shillings noted that his eyes and focus are now on the big prize the SportPesa Mega Jackpot, which is currently sitting at 304,947,474 shillings.

     

  • Malta considers Morocco autonomous declaration as  definite resolution to  Sahara issue

    Malta considers Morocco autonomous declaration as definite resolution to Sahara issue

    Malta has considered the autonomy plan presented by Morocco in 2007 as a serious and credible contribution to the UN-led political process aimed at advancing towards a definitive resolution of the Sahara question.

    This stance was expressed by Maltese Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Ian Borg, on a working visit to the Kingdom, in a Joint Declaration adopted at the end of his talks in Rabat with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.

     

    Maltese Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Ian Borg,  with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.
     

    In the Joint Declaration, Malta encouraged all parties to demonstrate greater political will in favor of a definitive solution, and to re-engage in the UN’s efforts in a spirit of realism and compromise.

    The Maltese minister also reiterated his country’s long-standing support for the UN-led process for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution for the parties, the declaration said.

    The two ministers agreed on the exclusivity of the UN in the political process and reaffirmed their support for UN Security Council Resolutions 2602 and 2654, which noted the role and responsibility of the parties in the search for a realistic, practical, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution.

  • Ahly draws first blood against Wydad  in CAF Champions League final 1st leg

    Ahly draws first blood against Wydad in CAF Champions League final 1st leg

    Ten times Africa champions Al Ahly from Egypt beat defending champions Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco 2-1 in the 1st leg of the CAF Champions League played on Sunday night at the Cairo International Stadium.

    Percy Tau and Mahmoud Kahraba scored a goal apiece in both halves for the Red Devils with both assists coming from Hussein Elshahat.

    Resilience from the visitors bore fruits as Said Eddine Bouhra scored to reduce the deficit as they now need to beat Ahly by a solitary goal in a week’s time in Casablanca to retain the tittle.

    Ahly had a penalty decision overruled by VAR on the half hour mark. The referee had initially pointed to the spot after Ali Maaloul’s free kick seemingly bounced off a hand inside the box, but after visiting the pitchside monitor, the ref changed his initial decision.

    On the other hand, Ahly needs only a draw to bag their 11th tittle, which will guarantee them a spot in next year’s FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia as well as a 4 million USD prize.

  • Red Bull Four 2 score: Desai emerge national champions

    Red Bull Four 2 score: Desai emerge national champions

    Desai FC won the Red Bull Four 2 Score competition after defeating Harike FC 4-1 in the championship game on Saturday. This victory capped off an incredible comeback from the verge of elimination to victory.

    They secured their spot in the World Final, which will take place in Leipzig, Germany, this August, with their winning moment at the conclusion of an exciting campaign.

    Desai defeated Harike thanks to two goals apiece from Mohamed Hassan and Peter Bol. On an emotional day, Harike scored a consolation goal through Ali Fauz.

    16 of the best teams were picked through a series of qualifiers to compete in the National Finale, which was held at the Nairobi International School just outside of the capital.

    Bayern Mombasa, who suffered a heartbreaking semifinal loss to Desai, overcame Serani Sports 5-3 in the third-place match thanks to a hat-trick from Yusuf Ali, the competition’s best player.

    For Desai, it was just compensation for their unwavering attitude that has now put them on the road to the highest level of football glory in Germany.

    We succeeded because we had faith in both our collective and individual skills. Even under extreme circumstances, we never gave up.

    “It’s such a proud moment to be called national champions, and now to get the chance to fly the Kenyan flag is an even bigger honor,” Desai captain Corley Onguti said following the game.

    Harike had remained steadfast throughout with the aid of their talisman Abdullhafidh Abdillahi.

  • Bandari FC in the race for top 5 finish in the FKF PL

    Bandari FC in the race for top 5 finish in the FKF PL

    Bandari FC’s hopes of finishing in the top five in the 2022–2023 FKF Premier League stayed alive after beating Sofapaka 2-0 in a round-32 match played on Saturday afternoon at the Nyayo National Stadium.

    After playing goalless in the first stanza, the visitors took the lead in the 2nd minute after resumption through their defender Abdallah Juma, before midfielder James Kinyajui put the icing on the cake in the 67th minute with a second goal to ensure the dockers bagged maximum points.

    Bandari FC Vice Chairman Twaha Mbarak with former  Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho following Bandari match against Sofapaka at Nyayo Stadium

    The new Bandari Vice Chairman, who is also a seasoned football administrator, Twaha Mbarak, was among the club’s top football officials who witnessed the match, accompanied by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, former Governor Ali Hassan Joho, and other leaders from the coast.

    Twaha has reiterated his commitment to reviving the team to be among the powerhouse clubs on the continent by ensuring it dominates both the local league and competes for continental cups.

    The former football administrator has already rolled out a raft of measures in his quest to revive the club’s fan base and inject confidence among the playing unit through working closely with the county government, which has assured its  support to ensure the team is adequately prepared physically and psychologically.

    Bandari lies 6th on the log on 54 points, 3 behind Kenya Commercial Bank and Police FC, with two matches remaining before the culmination of the season.

  • CS Owalo elated in Kipyegon’s World Record breaking

    CS Owalo elated in Kipyegon’s World Record breaking

    The cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and Digital economy Eliud Owalo has congratulated two time Olympic Champion Faith Kipyegon following her exemplary performance in breaking an 8 year old 1500M World record at the Golden Gala Diamond League on Friday night in Florence ,Italy.

    CS Owalo said Kipyegon’s performance is as a result of her resilience, determination and hard work and a big motivation as she prepares to defend her title at this year’s World Athletics Championships set for Budapest Hungary between 19th and 27th August.

    “I am exceptionally delighted to join Kenya’s sports fraternity and the fans community to celebrate Faith Kipyegon’s world class feat of setting a new 1500M World record of 3:49.11 and shattering the previous record of 3:50.07, in Florence, Italy, after the old record being in place for 8 years.

    This is a true definition of determination, resilience and hard work. It’s a giant morale booster for Faith as she prepares to defend her World title in Budapest, Hungary, in August. Congratulations, Faith!” Said Owalo in his statement

    Kipyegon run a new World record time of 3:49.11 to break Genzebe Dibaba’s record of 3:50.07 which had stood since July 2015 in Monaco.

    CS Owalo  who is in an astute sports lover joins thousands of Kenyans who have hailed the two times World Champion for her  outstanding performance as she became the only woman to run the 1500M under three minutes and 50 seconds.