Kenyans living in the diaspora have asked the government to create a more conducive investment environment to enable them increase their capital outlays back home.
 

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – If you need to use your windshield wipers when driving in Massachusetts, yourheadlights need to be on as well.

Several other states require the use of headlights when windshield wipers are in use.  Other motor vehicles can be hard to distinguish when weather conditions create poor visibility, even during the day.

This addition to the law went into effect on January 7, as part of a slew of legislation signed by the outgoing Governor, Deval Patrick.

The law now states:

“Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows:

Section 15 of chapter 85 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2012 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the first sentence and inserting in place thereof the following sentence:—

A vehicle, whether stationary or in motion, on a public way, shall have attached to it headlights and taillights which shall be turned on by the vehicle operator and so displayed as to be visible from the front and rear during the period of 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise; provided, however, that such headlights and taillights shall be turned on by the vehicle operator at all other times when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, visibility is reduced such that persons or vehicles on the roadway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet or when the vehicle’s windshield wipers are needed; provided further, that this section shall not apply to a vehicle which is designed to be propelled by hand; and provided further, that a vehicle carrying hay or straw for the purpose of transporting persons on a hayride shall display only electrically operated lights which shall be 2 flashing amber lights to the front and 2 flashing red lights to the rear, each of which shall be at least 6 inches in diameter and mounted 6 feet from the ground.” Approved, January 7, 2015.

Struggling state-run carrier Air India has grounded two of its pilots after a fight erupted between the pair just before takeoff, reports said Monday.
 

The co-pilot allegedly assaulted the captain inside the cockpit as they were preparing the passenger plane for takeoff from the Indian tourist city of Jaipur to New Delhi on Sunday night, the Hindustan Times newspaper said.

The co-pilot was irritated by his superior's request to write down critical information for the flight, such as the number of passengers on board, take off weight and fuel uptake, the Times Of India reported.

"The co-pilot took offence at this and reportedly beat up the captain," the newspaper said, quoting unnamed sources.

"In the larger interest of the airline the commander decided to go ahead with the flight and flew to Delhi," the daily added.

The airline denied any violence took place, saying there was only a verbal argument between the pair, according to the Press Trust of India.

"There were only heated exchanges between the commander and co-pilot over some issue. We have already derostered the two pilots pending an enquiry," an Air India spokesman told the news agency.
 

The carrier could not be reached for comment.

Air India -- which has not reported an annual profit since 2007 -- has been hit by a string of technical glitches and other embarrassing incidents, including staff turning up late for flights.

Many airlines have introduced a rule requiring two crew in the cockpit at all times following the crash of a Germanwings plane last month.

The co-pilot Andreas Lubitz deliberately smashed the plane into the French Alps after locking the captain out of the cockpit, killing all 150 people on board.

BOSTON--Ace Medical Services, Inc. has been named the winner of the 2015 Massachusetts Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year award according to an announcement by Robert Nelson, Massachusetts SBA District Director.

"I am very honored that the SBA will recognize Michael and Raphael with this significant award" said Robert Nelson."Their hard work and dedication truly is exemplary and all of us at the SBA applaud the Ace Medical team and leadership for never giving up and for the impacts they have made in the community they serve.The accomplishments are outstanding!"

Michael Chege and Raphael Bibiu are perfect examples of the American Dream. Both immigrated to the United States from Kenya with all their belongings in one suitcase. They worked as CNAs (certified nursing assistant) in the health care industry while going back to college to improve themselves and gain experience. In 2007, they decided to start their own Home Health Care Company to do God's work,providing medical and home services to the elderly, sick and underserved minority groups.

Starting out in a small one room office at the Martin Luther King Empowerment Center in Worcester, they developed their vision and mission for the company, often wrestling with doubt,thinking about giving up and declaring bankruptcy.In July of 2009, the team started utilizing free counseling services from Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) at Clark University, who assisted them in putting together and implementing a sound business plan to generate growth.Later that year after repeatedly being turned down by multiple banks, help in the form of a $150,000 SBA 7A loan was approved by Commerce Bank.This infusion of capital helped the young startup company persevere through a phase when total revenue was approximately $500,000 with a net income of $53,000.Today, Ace Medical Services is a $3.6 million company that employs 120 people in the area.

The Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year award is presented annually to a growing business, with three years of success in sales and profits, increased jobs, an innovative product, and demonstrated potential.

The company was nominated for this award by John Rainey, Regional Director with Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, Central Regional Office.

Michael Chege and Raphael Bibiu will be honored at an SBA awards lunch along with the other 2015 Massachusetts Small Business Week winners at the Sheraton Framingham on May 4, 2015.

About SBA National Small Business Week:

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories.Every day, they're working to grow small business, create 21^st century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America's global competitiveness.

About Ace Medical Services:

Ace Medical Services, Inc. was established in December of 2006 as a staffing agency, and converted to a home health care agency in 2007. Our major client categories includes: elderly, post-acute patients, and long term chronically ill patients. Our services include skilled nursing, therapy, home health aide care, PCA, medical social worker and homemaking. Ace Medical Services is Medicare/Medicaid certified and accredited through CHAP (Community Health Accreditation Program).  For more information on Ace Medical Services, please visit:www.acemedservices.com

Apple has acquired Chinedu Echeruo's HopStop.com, The Wall Street Journal's publication, AllThingsDigital reports. Founded in 2005, HopStop.com makes mobile applications for both iOS and Android that covers over 300 cities and that helps people get directions or find nearby subway stations and bus stops.

Terms of the deal have not been disclosed as at the time of this publication.

Chinedu Echeruo, formerly an analyst at investment banks and hedge funds founded HopStop in 2005. Echeruo is now Chairman of the Board for HopStop.

HopStop has oft been compared to Israel's Waze which was recently acquired by Google for $1 billion. The move is seen as Apple's plan to bolster its map offering especially given Google's recent acquisition of Waze.

A serial entrepreneur, Chinedu Echeruo grew up in Eastern Nigeria and attended Kings College, Lagos. He attended Syracuse University and the Harvard Business School in the United States and founded HopStop.com after working for several years in the Mergers & Acquisitions and Leveraged Finance groups of J.P Morgan Chase where he was involved in a broad range of M&A, Financing and Private Equity transactions.

He also worked at AM Investment Partners, a $500 million volatility-driven convertible bond arbitrage hedge fund.

He founded and raised nearly $8 million for his two U.S based internet companies; Hopstop.com andTripology.com. Tripology.com was acquired in 2010 by American travel and navigation information company, Rand McNally. He was named Black Enterprise Magazine’s Small Business Innovator of the year and listed in the magazine's Top 40 under 40 and is currently a partner and head of the Principal Investing group at Constant Capital, a West Africa based investment bank.

True to form, Echeruo is working on yet another venture but this time, focused on small businesses in Africa. Check out a video of Chinedu Echeruo below at last year's TedxIkoyi where he talks about his latest project for small businesses in Africa; "crowd sourced business in a box."

According to him:

"There is no reason why every entrepreneur should have to reinvent the wheel every single time in all the countries in Africa. My idea is to essentially to have one place where a budding entrepreneur can access a template for starting a business, and then customize it to suit their own situation. Essentially a business-in-a-box."

Kenya may have to wait until October to get clearance for direct flights to the United States.

BOSTON--At United South End Settlements' Harriet Tubman House, neighborhood elders dropping in for the senior lunch recently had plenty to say about "a bunch of changes" they've seen over the years.

"This right here used to be a nightclub," said "Spider" Edwards, 85, recalling the old Hi-Hat club where Count Basie and other jazz luminaries played in the 1940s, one of many clubs in this area where the South End meets Lower Roxbury.

The former Louie's Lounge down on Washington Street is now an apartment building, added Luther Flynt, a South End dweller for some 70 years.

A 2013 Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland analysis ranked Boston as the most rapidly gentrifying U.S. city, with one-quarter of the city's population affected. Other research ranks Boston fourth in the nation in income inequality, with incomes of the top 5 percent 15 times higher than those of the bottom 20 percent.

Shift From Black to White

Flynt rented on W. Springfield Street for 35 years, he said, up to 1999, and the price was reasonable -- "not sky high, like it is now." The men agree that rents started going up when "other folks" moved in over the past few decades. And the area has most definitely shifted from black to white.

"It's changing. It's changing every day. People don't want to live in the suburbs anymore," said Flynt.

Former South End neighbors have left for more affordable areas like Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, and even Brockton, outside Boston, said James Banks. "Financially, they force you out," he said.

At a nearby table, Barbara Randolph, 85, spoke of growing up in an era when the South End was full of low-cost apartments for families, and plenty of rooming houses serving those at the lowest economic rungs.

Her childhood street, W. Rutland Square, housed mainly African American families like hers. But 15 or 20 years ago, "people wanted to buy," she said, and longtime owners sold multi-family buildings and decamped to other neighborhoods, such as Roxbury and Dorchester.

"It's not like they were forced out," she said, "but at the time a lot of older people weren't able to keep up with repairs and maintenance. They sold the buildings for $300,000 or so, and moved to other areas."

Randolph lives in a nearby housing cooperative now, so her monthly rent remains affordable. She feels lucky that she's been able to stay in the South End, where most of her needs are within walking distance.

But she's watched with dismay as "fancy expensive restaurants" have popped up and family-owned and longstanding establishments have faded away. Randolph listed a few that have gone: Braddock Drug, Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe, a funeral parlor, and Concord Baptist Church, whose Warren Avenue building is being turned into condominiums after the church relocated to Milton, Mass. 

She suspects newcomer pressure to quash a longstanding Sunday tradition of church-member parking in the center of Columbus Avenue helped force the church out.

"Money talks. It's a shame," she concluded.

Concern by housing advocates often centers on gentrification's negative ramifications for first-time homebuyers and lower- and middle-income renters. And in ethnic enclaves, such as Chinatown, residents fear the dilution of unique neighborhood culture. But its effects vary by street, by block, by individual tenant or homeowner, and longtime resident or newcomer. 

For elders with deep neighborhood roots, the experience of gentrification can be complex. There may be a sense of unease as different types of neighbors appear. Older tenants may be at sudden new risk of displacement or even homelessness, and may undergo price shock if they're thrust into the rental market after decades in one apartment.

Those in senior centers or housing cooperatives may barely notice rising prices. Meanwhile, for those whose early sacrifices netted them eventual home ownership, high prices can be a golden opportunity to cash in, move south and enjoy a secure retirement.

Chinatown: 'Everyone Speaks My Language'

Kam Tong Wong and her husband came from China to Boston in 1951, and settled into a Chinatown apartment without hot water, heat or a refrigerator. She worked at a Kneeland Street garment factory, and he was a restaurant cook.

The couple scrimped and saved for nearly 20 years before buying a three-family row house on Harrison Avenue. The price was about $40,000, she recalled.

Now 81, Wong still calls the building home. Her tenants help her out with the building while enjoying lower rents than they would find elsewhere. Wong knows the building is worth a lot more money now--the building next door was sold in 2013 for $900,000. Another on a nearby street went for $500,000, displacing some elderly tenants--but Wong said she has no intention of selling.

"Of course I want to stay here. This is my community. Everyone speaks my language," Wong said, speaking through a Chinese interpreter in her small, pink-walled kitchen.

But when her grown children inherit the house, she thinks they will sell it, as they and their families live in other cities. The next generations doesn’t want to live in Chinatown, she said, because a lack of parking makes it too hard to drive to their jobs.

For Wong, many of the changes in Chinatown have been positive. She lived through the days when the loud click-click-click of prostitutes' high heels on the sidewalk (she demonstrates the sound effect, jabbing her finger into the arm of her chair) kept her awake at night. She is glad her street is cleaner and safer now.

Yet Wong also noted with some rue how the area has transformed around her.

"There used to be more families in Chinatown. Now, with the new buildings, there are more single people," she said. "Also, because I'm older, it's hard to get to know the young people. Everyone used to know each other. They were my neighbors, and I also knew them at the factory. Now it's very different."

While the South End is known far and wide as a textbook example of gentrification already out of the gate, and activists in Chinatown are fearing the loss of its low-income Chinese residents as luxury towers proliferate around it, other areas of Boston are grappling with earlier stages of transformation.

They hope there's still time to slow things down. Part II of this series will highlight the experiences of elder residents in Boston's Jamaica Plain and Roxbury neighborhoods.

Sandra Larson wrote this article for Boston's Bay State Banner through a Journalists in Aging Fellowship, a collaboration of New America Media and the Gerontological Society of America, with support from AARP. This story is the last in out "BOSTON" series on gentrification and housing challenges for low-income seniors. See those article and others on Oakland, Detroit, San Francisco and New York at NAM's special site,"Growing Older, Getting Poorer".

DRACUT, Mass.--For only $300 a day, you can now rent a magnificent, 300 seat function hall at the newly launched Well of Worship Center located at 145 Broadway in Dracut, right on the borderline with Lowell near the popular Bridge street.

The announcement was made recently by the ministry's board of directors led by Peter Okeny during an interview with Ajabu Africa News.

According to the board, the new function hall is perfect to hold any function, both for church members and for the general public since it sits separate from the main church sanctuary and it easily accessible from both Interstate 93 and 495 through Route 110.

A large parking lot that can hold hundrends of cars at a go is also an added feature of the new facility.

Well of Worship Center parking lot. AJABU MEDIA PHOTO/H.MAINA

The management board will also allow event hosts to bring their own cultural foods, delicacies and refreshments for guests, making it possible for event organizers to host low budget events free of the usual high admin and gratuity fees charged when renting from most mainstream hotels.

During a courtesy visit, Ajabu Media viewed the new events facility that boasts a significant capacity of 300 seats---organized around 30 round tables that can sit 10 people each. It also has a fully functional kitchen, male and female restrooms, children's play room as well as a toddlers changing station.

"As a church, we felt that it is in order to open the function hall to the general public so that anyone looking to hold an event can do so here at an affordable rate and with ease," said Okeny, the board's chair.

However, Okeny said added that the only condition that applies to prospective renters are expected to adhere to is to hold functions that are not in violation of the beliefs and principles of the church.

"The only condition is that you cannot hold events that violate out beliefs and principles such as alcohol consumption parties. Please let us know the nature of the event you want to hold and we will be glad to rent you our function hall."

Among events that the Well of Worship Center foresees include wedding receptions, graduation parties, business presentations,  corporate fund raisers, birthday parties, CD launchings, NGO events, and many more.

"We welcome interested potential event hosts to come and view our new facility. This will save you a lot of money from your event hosting budget. We are ready to serve you any time, any day of the week you need a function gall as long as no one has reserved it on the same date. This will also help us build our community together," said Ngige Kangethe, a member of the Well of Worship Center board.

The hall is available to people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

For more information, call:

Well of Worship Center:
Peter Okeny:978-761-5698
Margaret Muya:978-394-0754
Apostle George Melden:832-813-9285
Simon Mwangi:978-596-6246
Damaris Gakuya:978-277-8810
Jane Kuria:978-996-8532

DRACUT, Mass.__"SHAWARMA? What's that!!!" some people asked. "It's a wrap!" Mouna Albertorio, the owner of this new amazing restaurant always found herself explaining what the world's most popular Syrian/Lebanese sandwich is.

10 years after opening One Stop International Market, Lowell Halal Market and La Superette Inc., Mouna is back with this new jewel in nearby Dracut.It's a Wrap is the pride of many Dracut residents, some of whom Ajabu Africa News had the honor to meet during our many visits.

"This is unbelievable. I love it," said Erik Finn, a student from Umass Amherst who came to try out the restaurant in the company of two other Umass Amherst friends: Cameron Thistle, Lauren Thistle, and Sean Glasheen, who studies at a college in Vermont.

Ajabu watched them enjoy several shawarmas and falafel wraps then washing them down with a freshly made Moroccan tea.

They also ordered and enjoyed some in house made baklava desert.The four students said they had been referred by Cameron Thistle's mother who has dined at the restaurant frequently since it opened.

"My mom referred us here. She said the food was great. That's why we came here with my friends and we definitely like it," said Thistle while speaking to Ajabu Africa News.

Jeneba Jabbie, originally from Sierra Leone, also came in to try her favorite West African food. She said that she was happy to support a fellow African who was making an amazing effort at serving the community with her culinary skills.

Jeneba Jabbie from Sierra Leone, right, red t-shirt together with other customers at the "its a Wrap in Dracut. AJABU PHOTO/H.MAINA

During an interview with Ajabu Africa News, Mouna, the highly enterprising owner said that she worked in the financial services for years before quitting and getting self-employed in the food industry.

The highly energetic mother of three revealed that she loves cooking and draws experience and inspiration from her multi-ethnic family and friends' background.

It's a Wrap is located on 22 Pleasant Street, in Dracut Ma 01826, about half a mile from the Umass Lowell north campus, on University Avenue/Pleasant St.

According to Mouna, the popularity of the Shawarma wraps that she had been preparing at the former La Superette store in Lowell is what inspired her to give the new restaurant its current name: "It's a Wrap". Many people in the African and American community of Lowell and surrounding town had never heard of a Shawarma. They often looked puzzled when she told them about her shawarmas.

"The wraps are amazing! We have beef, chicken, lamb or fish. We have added few twists to them but we have not compromised with their originality; we make authentic Lebanese shawarmas and falafels which have been approved by many of our Lebanese, Syrians and other Arabs connoisseurs. Our servers prepare them in 5 to 10 minutes."

 She added that Shawarma wraps and falafels are some of the healthiest, easy to prepare meals the restaurant offers.

With a great and speedy staff, It's a Wrap promises a speedy and convenient service to all customers who visit any time from 9:30 to 9:30 Monday through Saturday. "Sundays are reserved for customers who are looking for in-house events like birthdays, group meetings or simply reserving the whole restaurant to appreciate your other half," added Mouna with a smile.

Prices are also very affordable with most main dishes like whole roasted tilapia fish with rice salsa salad and plantains, Atieke, chicken or even Moroccan lamb Tagine going for anywhere from $12.99 to $14.99 a plate that feeds two.

The kitchen at the new Its a Wrap Restaurant. AJABU PHOTO/H.MAINA

However, for as low as $7.99, customers can pick from a wide assortment of flavors from the African, Caribbean, Indian, Middle Eastern, Latin and even Western world food delicacies.

Doors opened eight weeks ago with many customers streaming in to try out freshly made multicultural and local American wraps and meals prepared right in front of their eyes in this open concept kitchen.

A well lit, light green decorated dining area with soft music coming out of disguised loud speakers invites customers into a relaxed, carefree mood, perfect for individual or group dining experience.

At It's a Wrap, clients can even customize their food choices to suit their favorite flavors of tasty, healthy and certified halal meats.

Aside from the many choices of truly delicious Shawarma and falafel wraps, Latin wraps and western wraps, the menu include many all-time popular African dishes like: the whole roasted Tilapia fish and Attieke, Cassava leaves and rice, Curry chicken or goat, Moroccan chicken and veggie Couscous. Salads and burgers are also readily available for diners with local American taste buds, or those who are looking to switch from ethnic delicacies.

We were also amazingly surprised to see customers repeatedly asking for Moun's Jerk Chicken! She called it the "the Jerk Chicken at its best". When Ajabu asked why she ventures into the Caribbean and Latin food, Mouna replied that it's in honor to her daughter's god mother who is Jamaican and she loves vacationing in Jamaica. Mouna added that she included food from around the world to draw people of different background to unit and discover each other's cultures while enjoying a great meal.Mouna comes from a multicultural background of Fulani and Arabic family. She is well travelled and has friends from all ethnic and religious background.

Mouna added that a carefully selected menu of Latin foods offered provides customers with the best beef or chicken fire roasted Burritos in town--in addition to chicken Quesadillas, and veggie Fajitas low priced party flavors are also available from as low as $1.99 for pastelitos, empanadas, Samosas and more.

Other services offered includes outside catering for offices, schools, weddings, and community associations or even house parties.

With a Planet Fitness health club located right behind the new restaurant, "It's a wrap" offers a variety of fresh healthy juices prepared right in front of you. We enjoyed "the Grass Hopper" a blend of spinach, kale, cucumbers and other fruits. We also witnessed few customers ordering the "ginger root bear".

"We want to play our part in enriching this community. We are very happy to be here and welcome you all to come in and try out our menu," she invited.

Being a person of faith and with big dreams, Mouna added that she hopes It's a Wrap will eventually grow into a big chain of restaurants here in the US.
For more information or to place an order with the new restaurant, call:
978-459-6199, or email: itsahalalwrap@gmail.com

The government of Kenya is set to make positions in public institutions open to Kenyans living abroad, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.

Speaking at State House in Nairobi when he hosted a students under the Equity Group Foundation 'wings to fly' programme who are joining international universities, President Kenyatta said the plan is aimed at encouraging students abroad to return home.

The measures, President Kenyatta said, include setting up of the Diaspora Liaison office and posting all vacancies in public institutions online for transparent recruitment.

President Kenyatta urged the students and other Kenyans studying abroad to remain focused to successfully complete their studies.

He said with dreams backed up by determination the students should come back home to serve their motherland and be part of the country's transformative agenda.

"Remain committed to the ideals that brought you this far despite challenging backgrounds. Get international experience and come back home to implement the positive lessons learnt," the President said.

He reiterated government support for the youth noting that several programmes have been rolled out to empower them.

President Kenyatta told the Head of Public Service, Mr. Joseph Kinyua, who was present, to ensure that graduates coming back after studies are considered for internships in various government departments.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta wished the students under the Equity sponsorship well in their studies saying "Together we can create a better Kenya".

The students under the Equity foundation sponsorship programme are set to fly out for various international universities for their degree courses.

BOSTON, Mass.,--The fast rising Kenya Power & Lighting Company Savings and Credit Cooperative Society, popularly known as Stima Sacco will be meeting Kenyans in the Boston region next week on Wednesday August 5 to introduce their highly affordable savings and investment services.

The meeting will take place at the new Well of Worship Center Function Hall located at 145 Broadway, in Dracut, near Lowell.

According to Florence Obura, a board member and Honorary Secretary at the fast growing financial services, Stima Sacco has been in existence for 41 years, and is one of the largest; best managed and licensed Deposit Taking Sacco (DTS) in Kenya.

Currently, Stima Sacco boasts a KES 17.6 billion asset base and 45,000 members.

Obura was speaking to Ajabu Africa news during telephone calls from Dallas Texas and Minneapolis Minnesota where she has been meeting Kenyans eager to learn more about the Kenyan-based Sacco.

She said that in the past, most of the members of the Sacco had been employees and family members of the massive Kenya Power and Lighting Company, who have been saving to use accumulated funds as leverage to borrow upto 3 times as much.

Among the Savings products the Sacco is looking to provide to Kenyans in Boston include a Alpha Deposits for non withdrawal savings,  saving deposits with high interests rates, Prime Accounts that operate as checking accounts, as well as fixed Deposit Accounts.

And for credit products, the Sacco is offering Personal Loans to finance normal developments, Personal Loans for Employed Members only, Business Loans for members who operate businesses, as well as a Loan Financing (Collateral) product for borrowers who may wish to use their title deeds, or even Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) quoted shares as collateral to borrow any amoun tof money they qualify for.

"We have an extremely well prices and competitive savings and credit products that has consistently paid 11-12 percent dividend on members' deposits each year for the last 7 years. We also have ix short term deposits for a minimum of three months at interest rates of 7.5 -13.5 percent. Withholding tax charged on interest on sacco deposits is only 5 percent compared to 15 percent charged for the same in commercial banks. These advantages can be very useful for Kenyans in the Diaspora," said Obura .
 
She added that even loans advanced to Sacco members for property purchase are more affordable since they attract rates of about 6% as compared to current bank rates going around 15%.

Obura said that was very excited at the reception that Stima Sacco has been accorded by Kenyans in cities she has visited so far.

"We had many Kenyans who came to meet with us in Dallas and Minneapolis where a good number signed up as members since any Kenyan in Kenya or in the Diaspora, those with duo citizenship or even registered groups can join any Sacco they want as per the new financial regulation rules back home. We appreciate the reception we are getting," she added.

However, in order to stay in full compliance with stringent rules regulating the activities of financial and Investment Companies in Kenya,Stima Sacco has established a separate Stima Investment Cooperative Society that helps Kenyans purchase investment properties like land.

"Most members have dramatically used their Sacco savings to borrow money at cheap rates for various purposes, including education for children, purchase of household items or other domestic responsibilities. But now, you can also have Stima Investment Cooperative Society helping you achieve a wide range of your investment goals in a very convenient manner especially for the purchase of purchase of investment properties like land, machinery vehicles and many more. You don't have to be an employee of Kenya Power to join the Sacco and use the advantage to climb the financial ladder."

Obura added that Kenya that according to reports by most reliable analysts including the World bank, Kenya is on the verge of take off due to the improved economic environment and rapid growth  of the GDP, with the financial services being among the fastest growing sectors of the economy.

 She urged Kenyans in the Boston region to come out in big numbers next Tuesday to take a look at what Stima Sacco can do for them and assist them. She added that Stima Sacco was voted the best managed Sacco in Kenya in the year 2015 and would therefore guarantee members savings and investments are well taken care of.

"It's very important the Kenyans in Boston join other Kenyans to position themselves for the upcoming economic boom back home. Stima Sacco is a very reliable organization that was selected as the best managed Sacco in Kenya in 2015. We can help you achieve your financial goals very rapidly. We also have advanced technology platforms that can help you track your account transactions online every day," she told Ajabu Africa.

The meeting, that has been organized by the New England Kenyan Welfare Association (Nekwa) is free of charge.

It is will start at 5 pm with Stima Sacco providing refreshments for those who wish to hear more in order to decide if they could gain from the membership.

You can also read about Stima Sacco onwww.stima-sacco.comand about Stima Investment Cooperative Society onhttp://stimainvestment.co.ke.

Venue:
Well of Worship Center Function Hall
145 Broadway, Dracut, MA.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015.

LOWELL, Mass.,__Lowell Mayor, Rodney Elliots, last Friday hailed a new partnership between Kenya's Kate Stanley and Cambodia's Tolayuth Ok (that's right, the last name is OK!) that has seen a new Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Home Health Aide(HHA) training school opened in Tewksbury, near Lowell.

The new school, known as Healthcare Training Centers of America (HTCA), officially opened to the public last week in an elaborate ribbon cutting ceremony led by Mayor Eliot, with dozens of enthusiastic members of the Cambodian, Kenyan and American communities.

It is conveniently located at 170 Main Street, Suite G-10 & G-11 in Tewkesbury (on Rt 38 right off I-495), opposite a Walmart store and Citizens Bank less than half a mile from the Lowell city line. Public bus users can access the school using Lowell Regional Transportation CompanyBus #12, with a bus stop situated right across the street.

To make transportation even easier for prospective students, the school has organized a pick-up and drop- off point from Downtown Lowell for those who may need the service.

According to company officials, the school will be operating highly affordable day and evening classes every month for all programs offered including CNA, HHA as well as First Aide/ CPR.

They said that a CNA class will now cost $800 while the HHA will go for $525 with tuition and books included.

"I am very pleased to see this very powerful partnership that has given rise to this business. This school will help provide good education to those who wish to become nursing assistants and Home Health Aides around in this city and around Lowell."

"We are also always excited to see youthful entrepreneurs start businesses in the city as this gives us a lot of hope. They help create employment and make our city a better place to be," added Mayor Elliots while congratulating Tolayouth Ok, for having partnered with the Kenyan to start the school.

According to Tolayouth Ok, president of the new school, the school will primarily provide training for Nursing Assistants, Home Health Aides, as well as CPR and First Aid.

He said that the multi- cultural owned school would serve students from all communities in the region regardless of ethnic or racial backgrounds as well as new immigrants looking to gain a foothold in the healthcare careers.

"We welcome everyone here at Healthcare Training Centers of America. We will strive to provide the best training possible for CNAs, Home Health Aides. This will be a place where all communities and new immigrants will be comfortable while learning entry level skills. We will also provide them with a support system to get employment opportunities once they complete successfully," added the entrepreneur who worked as a certified attorney in his home country before immigrating to the USA in 2005.

He urged the community to support the new business by sending their students to
the new school.

"I feel so happy and blessed to be part of this new business. Three communities have come together to make this a reality. We have the Kenyan community, the Cambodian community and the white American community," said Kate while thanking the mayor and guests attending the ceremony.

Kate, who has many years of business experience both in African and in the US, urged the local communities to support the new business by sending their sons and daughters looking for training in the healthcare industry.

"We need your support. We want to do the best we can for your children. Bring your daughters, sisters, brothers, friends and anybody else who is looking for training as a CNA, Home Health Aide or for CPR and First Aide."

Mary-Ellen Cooper, the lead nurse at the new school also thanked all who showed up for the launching ceremony, adding that students who will get training at the new school have no limit to what they could achieve.

"I thank God for everybody who turned up here for this ceremony. I love the nursing career where I started off as a CNA many years ago. Then I became an LPN, an RN, and BSN and now I am a Nurse Practitioner. This is the best career to be in especially if you love people," she said.

The school's legal adviser, Scott Consaul said that the was very excited at the potential  the new school has at bringing people together in the process of providing training for interested students.

"I am very excited about what the future will bring. It's a unique opportunity and I am happy to be part of this," he said.

According to Kate, Healthcare Training Centers of America idea has been in the making for more than four years.

She said that the journey started when Tolayouth popped into her downtown Lowell office where she operates a driving school.

After discussing a wide range of issues, the two developed a bond and decided to enter into the business of training CNAs and Home Health Aides.

Proud HTCA school operators with Lowell Mayor: Left to Right: Tolayouth OK, Mary-Ellen Cooper, lead Nurse, Lowell Mayor, Kate Stanley and  Scott Consaul, legal adviser. AJABU MEDIA PHOTO/H.MAINA

However, the process was not a bed of roses. For over four years, the partners kept on paying rent at the new offices in Tewksbury as they awaited licensing approval.

"We felt like quitting many countless times. We paid rent and utilities for this premises for over four years. Every month, we hoped the approval will come, but we had to wait and wait. However, we kept of praying about it and finally God has answered our prayers. We are so grateful. I now know firsthand why the virtues of patience and faith are so important in life," Kate told Ajabu Africa News

Guests present also showered her and Ok for their bold move at starting the Healthcare Training Centers of America and wished them all the best.

"I think they have done a remarkable job. It's not easy to partner with someone from a different community and have the patience and understanding to wait that long for the business to pick up. I think this will be a great opportunity for bringing the African, Cambodian and Local American communities together in this area for a better and brighter future," said Kamara Kay, a Cambodian political activist running for a Lowell District School Committee position in the upcoming county council elections in November.

To contact the Healthcare Training Centers of America for more information, call:

Phone: 978-455-9400, Fax: 978-455-1084
Email: healthcareTrainingCenters@gmail.com

To promote the awareness and profile of your business within the large African Diaspora community,call/text Ajabu Africa Media at: 781-953-2490, or email : info@AjabuMedia.com

LOWELL, Mass--From just $50 to $70, you can now take a convenient ride to the Logan Airport in Boston from as far away as the Merrimack Valley in the North and even anywhere from the South Shore--all without the often inconvenience of finding a relative or friend to drop you off, or even paying for expensive airport parking.

For an added measure of convenience, the company is utilizing technology where potential customers can reserve and pay for their rides online from their smart phones or computers in advance.(www.A-plustransportservices.com)

According to Kevin Kang'ethe, a Kenyan man from Lowell, a new service offered by him and a Ghanaian friend will solve all the problems many people experience while trying to get around to the Airport, or even to Boston for legal, doctor's appointments or other needs.

"It's called the A-Plus Transport Services. We pick up folks from anywhere in the North Shore or South Shore for quick and convenient transportation to Logan Airport and elsewhere. We also pick up or drop off to other points around Massachusetts and our prices are the cheapest you can find anywhere," said Kevin during an interview with Ajabu Africa News.

"Whether you are flying out or into Boston, we will pick you up and conviniently drop you off wherever you want," he added.

He said that although there are many taxi services that customers could call up for the same, his company offers far more affordable prices that do not rise with traffic conditions, lack of drivers  or other problems on the road.

"Our prices never shift from $50-$70 for the longest rides, say from Lowell, Lawrence, Methuen, Waltham and Nashua in the North, or even Brockton in the South, regardless of traffic conditions. We also have many inexpensive rides for short distances especially when you are experiencing a sudden car breakdown," he added.

He stressed that the new company aims to create a personal relationship all customers so that they can be there for them during other unforeseeable challenges.

Based at 8 French Street in Lowell, the new company boasts the convenience of several drivers who can be reached anytime, 24 hours a day. The office is also being used as a pick up or drop off point for customers from Lowell or neighboring cites who may wish to.

A-Plus Transportation Service cars.PIC BY COURTESY

Kang'ethe said that many people experience problems while trying to get a ride especially when their cars break down unexpectedly, or when friends and relatives have no time to drop, or pick them from the Airport due to tight work schedules.

He observed that as more and more Africans and friends fly out for vacations to different destinations with their families and friends, they are experiencing hardships in transportation as well as pay hefty fees for cabs.

Others, Kang'ethe added, are coming from out of state to visit Boston and have to wait at the airport or bus station for a pick up ride that many take several hours to arrive.

"And if you have to park your car at the airport until when you come back, you are looking at several hundred dollars in fees. A lot of time is lost especially when you hit traffic on your way to and from Boston. All these can be avoided by calling A-Plus Transport Services."

The budding entreprenuer said that A-Plus transportation aims to fill that need and save people a lot of money and time that is always wasted when a friend has to miss shift at work just so as to give a ride to Boston.

Kang'ethe urged members of the Kenyan and African community and friends in Boston to support the new business by trying the services and referral to friends and family anywhere.

The new company assures potential clients of enough capacity to transport individuals or even large groups of travelers at a go.

To inquire more about the new service, call A-Plus Transportation at: 978-728-1877 or 1-888-908-1601
Or visit the website at: www.A-plustransportservices.com
8 French Street in Lowell

A Nairobi court has restrained a section of shareholders in a micro-finance company from publishing statements in the media alluding to misappropriation of funds invested in the Sh5 billion worth firm.

BOSTON--Following reports that an unauthorized party was able to gain access to an Experian server that contained the personal information of more than 15 million T-Mobile users, Attorney General Maura Healey today offered consumers tips to guard against potential identity theft.

"Our office takes this significant data breach and the potential risks to Massachusetts consumers very seriously," AG Healey said.

"We have contacted both companies to review the circumstances and anticipate working with Attorneys General across the country on this matter. Our office urges people to take immediate steps to determine whether you have been a victim of ID theft and to protect your information going forward."

T-Mobile reports that over 287,000 Massachusetts residents may have had their data compromised, including social security numbers.

According toT-Mobileand the credit reporting companyExperian,the breach compromised data that was used by T-Mobile in connection with credit checks of individuals who applied for T-Mobile services from Sept. 1, 2013 through Sept. 16, 2015. The data included name, address, birth date, Social Security numbers, other ID numbers (such as driver's license, military ID, or passport numbers), and additional information used in T-Mobile's credit assessment.

The AG's Office offers consumers the following tips to guard against identity theft:

Monitor your credit report. You are entitled to onefree credit report every 12 monthsfrom each of the three nationwide credit bureaus (you can request one free report from a different bureau every four months to monitor throughout the year).

Consider placing a"security freeze"on your credit report to prohibit the release of any information from your report without your written authorization.

Beware ofphishingattempts and unsolicited calls or emails offering credit monitoring or identity theft services.Consumers should never provide their social security number, credit card or other personal information in response to unsolicited emails or calls.

If you find unexplained activity on your credit reports or if you believe you are the victim of identity theft, there are important steps to take to protect yourself. Contact the Attorney General's consumer hotline at(617) 727-8400, review the Attorney General'sGuide to Identity Theft, or view the Federal Trade Commission's identity theft resource, available atwww.consumer.gov/idtheft/.

BOSTON, MA__Ever dream of starting a major business or bringing a top-rated franchise back to your motherland, but you are hamstrung by lack of capital or technical support? If so, a major investment forum in Boston next week is your answer.

Organized by theUS Overseas Private Investment Corporation, USAID's East Africa Trade & Investment Hub,and theAspen Institute's Diaspora Investment Alliance (DIA)in partnership with the Eastern Africa Diaspora  Business Council (EADBC),the Aspen East Africa Investment forumwill take place at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel located in Boston at 425 Summer Street from 4:30pm to 8:30pm on Tuesday, October 13^th, and continue all day from 7:30am to 8:30pm on Wednesday, October 14^th.

The Aspen Institute Diaspora Investment Alliance (DIA), the parent organizer of the event, is a collaborative effort between the Rockefeller Foundation and the Aspen Institute that is designing a targeted and coordinated approach to facilitate the strategic investment of financial and human capital from diasporas to their home countries. DIA's primary goal is to more effectively channel investments from diaspora communities into their countries of origin.

According to Alexander Dixon, Executive Director of DIA , the forum is part of DIA's innovative platform to help the diaspora create businesses in their communities of origin.

"In many economies around the world, diaspora investors play a catalytic role in generating new foreign direct investment (FDI) through the establishment of diaspora-owned companies, which have eventually attracted other companies."

He said that the massive impact of such diaspora investment in their motherlands have been observed in countries like China, India, and Armenia where economies have been transformed, and in turn positively impacted the lives of ordinary citizens.

"We want to bring the same benefits these countries have gained to East African nationals living in the Boston region.There will be panels on franchising by leading industry experts for East Africans looking to bring US franchises to East Africa. There will be financiers and banks that have packaged special diaspora deals to finance potential business that will be started in East Africa. It is very crucial for any ambitions and enterprising man or woman to attend the forum and get information on how to get their dreams on the move," Dixon added during a telephone interview with Ajabu African News.

Crucial information will also be disbursed on investment and procurement opportunities available in various industries like agriculture and agribusiness, ICT and innovation, financial services, renewable energy, cotton, textiles and leather and more.

"This Diaspora Investment Forum will be part of theOverseas Private Investment Corporation's (OPIC) EXPANDING HORIZONS;A workshop for Small Businesses entering the International Markets.The OPIC experts will discuss the financing and insurance products it makes available," said Ben Kazora, president of Eastern Africa Diaspora Business Council (EADBC) in an email statement to Ajabu Africa News.

He added that Trade Specialists from partners including the US Department of Commerce, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the US Trade and Development Agency will also be on hand to talk about their programs.

Among the guest speakers confirmed for the event include Kenya's KCB Bank Group CEO, Joshua Oigara, KenInvest Investment Promotion Manager Pius Rotich, the USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, the World Bank, and CFWshops Board Member Michael Seid.

"One-on-one appointments for attendees to meet directly with US Government officials to discuss specific needs will be made available.DIA will hold workshop panels on Eastern Africa regional investment environment and opportunities, franchising, youth and entrepreneurship, as well as a diaspora networking reception," added Kazora.

Organizers urged Kenyansand other East African nationals in the entire New England region to register for and attend the event in large numbers as a way of finding out how they can practically get started in investments back home.

According to DIA, Foreign Direct Investment is a cornerstone of economic growth, job creation, and industrial development for many frontier markets.It is for that reason that the organization is targeting the diaspora communities of Kenyaand the East African region in order to bring the opportunity to them.

According toreliable data from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK),just by themselves, Kenyan nationals in the diaspora have been remitting an average of USD 1.5 billion a year ($125 million a month) for investment and social support of their relatives and loved ones back home.

"With financing and opportunities available through the forum, no one needs to rely on their own savings to start their original business or bring a franchise opportunity back in Kenya. This will make it so much easier. Register now and plan to attend," urged Dixon from the Aspen Institute.

Aspen has arranged with OPIC a special discounted rate of $35 a person for diaspora participants. Participants who plan to attend can purchasetickets online via Eventbrite [CLICK HERE]. Once registered, participants who attend the EAC Diaspora VIP receptions on October 14th with KCB's CEO should RSVP [CLICK HERE].KenInvest will also hold a private briefing and networking reception on October 13^th thatEAC diaspora members can attend by registering [CLICK HERE].

For more information on the event or if you experience difficulties registering please contact Diaspora Investment Alliance Program via the following email ID:DIAspora@aspeninstitute.org.

Even without hard statistics it's safe to say that a very significant percentage of Kenyans living in USA work in healthcare industry. In Kansas City Metro for instance, that number is hovering around 90% of the population. The desire to own a business is an aspiration that is shared by many of these professionals. Who can blame them? Owning a business is still the number one source of wealth in USA, and probably in many other countries.  So we did some homework. After a lot of analysis on risks, success factors and opportunity costs, it’s very clear that investing in financial securities is the best way for this group to start a side business.

Why financial securities you ask? Let's assume you are a nurse. We know that nine out of ten businesses go belly up in their first year. Half of the surviving ones evaporate within the five years that follow. Terrifying, right? Launching a side business when you already have any full-time job is often an uphill battle. Starting a business from the bottom up with a nurse schedule can be a daunting prospect. You may not have the luxury to quit your job cold turkey without being a burden to others. The last thing you want in USA is to rely on friends and family for upkeep unless it's an absolute last resort. With a mortgage, car payments and family to feed, leaving your current occupation is easier said than done. To make matters complicated, most nurses have invested tears and years to get licensing in this field. Well, naturally, your next best option is to start something while still working.

We have identified two rules to begin with: an activity that can easily coexist alongside the nursing job and does not require constant physical presence. Investing is something that can be done right away by simply opening an online brokerage account. This does not require an office or retail store. No license is required so long as it's just your own account. I can give you a million other reasons. One of the factors attributed to business failure is lack of skills and knowledge. Here the learning curve is accommodating. You can start small and learn how to trade profitably over time. You don't have to be one of those deep-pocketed investors because it does not necessarily require a lot of upfront capital. You can work in your pajamas or scrubs during that ever-elusive "smoking" break.

So what that you always dreamt of owning a brick-and-mortar store like your grandparents. Wake up! The world is now one big global village. If it makes you feel better, investing in a company's stocks is equivalent to part-owning that company itself. If you are successful in this route you can run this business from a famous tropical country in eastern part of Africa even when you are 99 years old! It does not require you to beg your friends to buy your stupid stuff! Shhh! Nobody should even know you are in business. Even when it doesn't work out, your nosy neighbors-read other Kenyans- won't know! Trust me this is a bonus if you have a delicate ego and appearance to maintain.

Thanks to modern technology these professionals can get their feet wet by buying just a few shares to begin with. I have to agree that Investing in financial securities is a topic that is a little foreign. It's even more so for most of the Kenyan born population that grew up believing in brick and motor businesses. Diving into stocks, bonds, mutual funds, derivatives, Forex, ETF, REITs or other financial product can be a little scary. But one has to start somewhere. Like any other for-sale product, buy low, sell high. For the nurses and doctors in the house, how about starting from a familiar territory: the healthcare industry sector? Take biotech stocks to be specific. Now we are cooking with gas!

Don't get me wrong, one does not have to be a nurse to pick health-care or biotech stocks. But it doesn't hurt as we shall see in a minute. We all know that the sweetest spot for making money in this sector is often at the late stages of the FDA approval process. Picking a potential winner is a big challenge. Which drug is likely to clear all the FDA huddles and mandated studies to get to market? Which new drugs have the potential to rock the world and leave a trail of happy investors in the process? There is a good reason mutual fund managers often hire medical professionals.

Understanding clinical trials and reading between the lines is often mumbo jumbo to folks outside the health care industry. The technical language on product safety and efficacy related to these clinical trials data can send you to ER. This brings me back to my point. Nurses have the knowledge to interpret this data. They are familiar with diseases, drugs and devices. What if they can identify the vital signs of a good stock? What if they tell the pulse rate of the potential market? This is definitely a competitive advantage when it comes to fundamental analysis, the cornerstone of investing.

I am not saying this is a definite panacea for all your financial problems. Every industry has It has its risks and rewards. The volatility in this sector in general can be vicious. Biotech investing is so high risk that it should come with a "Do-not-resuscitate" order, many traders have scars to prove it. Think about it, new therapies either work or they go kaput. Never forget that these stocks can go down just as easily as they can go up. Have the blood pressure pills ready, this will hurt. The chance of being caught on the wrong end of a downward spiral is very real.  

Knowledge of the scientific literature and the FDA calendar is just a small part of the analysis. It doesn't make you a stock-picker extraordinaire. There are various other important factors that come into play in picking stocks. Finance has its own little strange words too. You will need a basic knowledge of investing. The person on the other end of the trade is always ready to wipe you out. The knowledge should not stop you from looking at other sectors or having a balanced portfolio. What your mother told you a long time ago still holds tons of truth. Never put all your proverbial eggs in one basket. Never test the depth of the water with both feet. The early bird gets the worm, but the second rat gets the cheese. Well, you get the point!

I hope this analysis will be a shot in the arm for you as a potential investor. I cannot stress this enough. Like any other business, there is the good, the bad and the ugly in trading securities. They say if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Make sure you're not violating your company policies, insider trading or other financial security rules. To that end, here is the fine print prescription for those with "acute litigious syndrome" just as the doctor ordered. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. Readers should not consider statements made by the author as formal recommendations and should consult their financial advisor before making any investment decisions. For now stop dreaming, I can see seven call lights on behind you. Please pass the stethoscope.

Author Mahugu Nuthu, Nuthololgy Analytics, Kansas City, USA

NAIROBI, Kenya--The central bank of Kenya (CBK) Governor Patrick Njoroge has issued a moratorium on licensing of new banks but allowed mergers and acquisitions in the sector.

"The Central Bank of Kenya has, with immediate effect, placed a moratorium on the licensing of new commercial banks until further notice. This moratorium, however, does not apply to cases relating to resolution, amalgamation and acquisition of banks," Njoroge said in a statement issued late Tuesday.

The moratorium effectively locks out several local and international firms which have expressed interest in setting up operations in Kenya's lucrative banking sector.

However, the CBK did not explain the reason for the bold step, but noted that the moratorium that takes immediate effects would remain in force until further notice.

Last month, the central bank placed privately-owned Imperial Bank under receivership after Imperial's board alerted it to malpractices at the lender.

BOSTON--State officials, hit with a surge in spending on home health care services, have asked Attorney General Maura Healey to investigate providers that they suspect of submitting fraudulent bills.

Governor Charlie Baker's Executive Office of Health and Human Services referred a dozen agencies to the attorney general's Medicaid Fraud Division after reviewing internal data and fielding consumer complaints that pointed to possible fraud. Officials did not name the agencies.

"Our office is taking a hard look at the home health industry and is investigating the companies referred to us by MassHealth," Cyndi Roy Gonzalez, a spokeswoman for the attorney general, said in a statement. "Our focus is on rooting out the companies who are taking advantage of people at the taxpayers' expense and ensuring that legitimate companies can continue to provide the necessary home supports people need."

State officials did not detail what kind of wrongdoing they suspect, but Medicaid fraud includes activities such as billing for medical services that are never provided or are unnecessary.

The state's costs for providing home health services have been soaring. MassHealth, the state Medicaid program that is funded by taxpayers and provides insurance to poor and low-income residents, is on track to spend more than $755 million on home health services in the fiscal year ending June 30. That would be an 82 percent increase from just two years earlier.

State officials said they are taking steps to control rising spending, such as requiring prior authorization before paying for home health services, which include nursing care, aides, and physical and occupational therapy. They are also auditing home health agencies and have temporarily stopped doing business with new providers.

Health and Human Secretary Marylou Sudders said the changes were made "to maintain the integrity of the MassHealth program [and] to manage skyrocketing spending in home health."

More than 80 percent of the spending growth since 2013 has been driven by 62 companies that started doing business with the state during that time, according to state officials. Massachusetts works with 195 home health providers overall.

The state apparently isn't waiting for Healey's office to take action. Compassionate Homecare Inc. of Worcester filed a lawsuit on Jan. 22 alleging that MassHealth has been withholding more than $3.2 million in payments, putting the company in critical financial condition. MassHealth stopped making payments while alleging the company committed fraud, but it has not detailed the fraud allegations, according to the complaint.

James Fuccione, legislative and public affairs director for the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts, said his organization, which represents home health care agencies, welcomes more oversight of companies that are new to the market and driving up costs.

But the alliance is concerned that other steps state officials are taking, such as requiring prior authorization for services, could be burdensome for home health companies and may prevent some patients from getting needed medical care.

"It's going to be an extra cost on agencies," Fuccione said. "We are concerned that with a rate of reimbursement that's below the cost of care already, this is going to lead to access issues. Our nurses may not want to perform these services anymore if agencies can't pay them enough."

Al Norman, executive director of Mass Home Care, a network of nonprofit agencies that manage patient care, said the state should also investigate whether certain doctors are involved in fraud by "rubber-stamping" their approval of services that patients don't need.

"If there is anyone who is gaming the system, we need to try to reduce and eliminate this kind of activity," Norman said. "It's wasting tax dollars to do that, and it's not really helping [patients]."

Dr. Dennis M. Dimitri, president of the Massachusetts Medical Society, said he was unaware of any such incidents involving doctors. "I believe most physicians recognize that their first responsibility is to provide essential care for their patients and exercise prudent judgment in approving medically necessary patient care plans," he said in a statement.

Home health care spending is a significant part of the MassHealth budget, which the governor's state budget proposal puts at $15.4 billion next fiscal year. MassHealth represents the single biggest piece of state spending and covers nearly 1.9 million poor and low-income people.

Priyanka Dayal McCluskey
can be reached atpriyanka.mccluskey@globe.com.Follow her on Twitter@priyanka_dayal.

As a peasant boy in rural Uganda, Junior Africa has always dreamt of becoming an electrical engineer.

After many hard years his family have gone through in supporting his education, it was all joy in the hilly village when he was admitted to do an electrical engineering course at Uganda's top university, Makerere University to pursue studies on clean energy for automotives.

It has all beared fruit, as Africa is one of the engineers putting final touches to allegedly Africa's first solar-powered bus.

He has been at the core of building the bus owing to his specialty in electrical engineering.

The bus, named "Kayoola", is owned by Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), a state owned company created to start motor vehicle manufacturing in the east African country. The corporation was birthed at Makerere University in the engineering department where it first made an electrical two-seater car.

The snow white colored bus is a 37-seater with a rack of solar panels fixed on its roof.

The bus, which is still a prototype, can be charged using solar energy or plugged into power.

It is designed to serve as an executive city bus and covers a distance of 80 km without recharge of the panels.

The engineers argue that the bus offers a smoother and cleaner ride unlike the usual diesel powered engines.

The bus is due to be unveiled on Feb. 16.

Experts argue that if the bus goes into commercial production, it will cut down on emissions that are affecting the environment.

"This bus has zero-tail pipe exhaust, it is eco-friendly, there is no emissions in terms of noise and gases," said Albert Akovuku, Vice President Production, KMC.

The experts believe the solar powered bus is another step that shows the country is ready for automotive engineering and technology innovation. The country has already produced two concept vehicles, Kiira EV (two seater) and Kiira Smack (sedan).

The managers at KMC said that after having these three concept vehicles, they are working on setting up a manufacturing plant in Jinja, eastern part of the country.

Critics argue that while the innovation is eco-friendly, they are concerned that the cost of production is likely to be high compared to the fuel engines.

The engineers have not yet put a figure to the cost of production but they argue that once commercial production starts, the cost will greatly go down compared to the production of the prototype.

South Africa-based Telecom giant MTN has offered to pay $1.5 billion (Sh152 billion) to settle a record fine levelled by Nigeria for failing to disconnect unregistered subscribers, according to a letter from the company's lawyer released on Thursday.

As one of thetop rankedmechanics in Dallas, Hinga Mbogo has served a wide range of clients, including a Dallas Symphony Orchestra musician, and the Dallas Police Department, by repairing their undercover cars. "When I opened this shop, I thought I had it made. I thought I had the American dream," he said.

But thanks to a little-known zoning tactic known as "amortization," the Dallas City Council is trying to remove Hinga from his own property. Back in 2005, the council re-zoned Hinga's neighborhood for a "planned development district." Any properties that were "nonconforming" with the new zoning designation had a limited amount of time to comply. For Hinga, that would mean closing down his business. "When I found out I had to lose my livelihood, I couldn't believe that I was in America," he added.

Hinga is now working with the Institute for Justice to resist amortization, both for his business and for properties citywide. A Change.orgpetitionsupporting Hinga (and blasting amortization as "state-run gentrification") has earned over 5,500 signatures.

As a boy, Hinga grew up on a farm in Nairobi, Kenya. There he learned how to dismantle and repair tractors and other farm equipment, which sparked his interest in becoming a mechanic. In 1974, he and his wife immigrated to the United States, where he worked as an aviation mechanic in South Florida. A decade later, Hinga moved to Dallas and opened up his own auto body shop, Hinga's Automotive Company, on Ross Avenue in 1985. His business has stayed there ever since.

Instead of respecting the property rights of minority-owned businesses like Hinga's, the city wants "to redevelop the street--new apartment buildings, shops and restaurants--into an eastern gateway to the downtown Arts District," theDallas Morning Newsexplained.

By forcing property owners off their land, amortization brings to mind the controversial power of eminent domain. As outlined in both the U.S. and Texas Constitutions, private property may be taken by the government only if the owner is awarded "just" or "adequate compensation," and only if the taking is for a "public use," typically understood to be limited to projects like roads.

But in 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its notorious Kelow v New London decision, which upheld seizing homes for "economic development." In response, Texas ammended its state constitution, with a staggering 81% of voters approving a ban on seizing private property and transferring it "to a private entity for the primary purpose of economic development or enhancement of tax revenues."

Despite strong protections against the abuse of eminent domain, Texas has failed to safeguard homes and businesses from amortization. Back in 1972, the Texas supreme court uphelf amortization, ruling that it "does not constitute a 'taking' in the eminent domain sense," but instead fell "within the scope of municipal police power." With only one justice dissenting, the court held that "property owners do not acquire a constitutionally protected vested right in property uses once commenced or in zoning classifications once made."

Meanwhile, any "compensation" comes from owners recouping their investment in their property during the amortization period. In other words, the government doesn't have to pay Hinga a dime to kick him off his property.

Since 2010, when the city's amortization period expired, Hinga has been granted two reprieves (the second cost him$7,500). But this year, the City Plan Commission rejected the recommendation of its own staff and denied his request to stay at his own property longer--even though the City's "vision" for the area has left it largely populated by empty lots.

On April 13, the city council will hear his appeal. Hinga is the only pre-existing property owner left in his neighborhood who continues to operate amid redevelopment. As Hinga put it, the city is "cloaking" its actions. "They're putting me out of business."

To Sign petition in Support of Hinga Mbogo,Click here >>>>>
 

An irrigation scheme supported by Kilifi County and the Japan International Corporation Agency (Jica) has increased the acreage under cultivation and boosted farmers' revenues in the region significantly.

A report by the county government indicates that in the last three years, the total acreage under maize has increased from 75,000 hectares to 88,000 hectares, raising production from 780,000 bags or 39,000 tonnes in 2013 to 100,080 tonnes.

County Executive Committee in charge of Agriculture Mwalimu Menza said food production has increased progressively as the  irrigation projects come on steam.The county has also provided growers with farm inputs, said Menza.

The county government in collaboration with Jica has commisioned the Mdachi and Mangudho small holder irrigation schemes which will put 150 acres under inundation in a programme in which the county injected Sh8 million to the Japanese agency's Sh22 million

"We have set up a 75-acre model farm in Uhai Marikano in Malindi sub-county as part of scaling up smallholder irrigation schemes in the county. We are working closely with 53 farmers and the model farm has provided high value vegetable seeds and maize," said Menza.

"In arid areas, the county government has invested heavily in water harvesting techniques.Ten 15,000 cubic metre water pans to provide water for irrigation and livestock rearing have been completed," he added.

Five irrigation schemes have also been established in Kaloleni, Magharini and Ganze sub-counties which are often hit by famine.

The initiative is benefiting 1,500 farmers. Each of the schemes covers 150 acres in areas where famine undermines the quality of life.

"Because of the the famine less students went to school and malnutrition was endemic. This is why we have focused on irrigation . ---rain-fed agriculture is not reliable at all," Menza said.

"There other irrigation projects draw water from the rivers but we have also constructed water pans in some areas," he added.

In the last three years, Sh37 million has gone towards the purchase of certified seeds and a total of 73,897 hectares was put under crop.

The county government also purchased and distributed more than 18,000 bags of DAP, NPK and CAN fertilisers to 3,891 farmers.

And as part of a programme to precede the opening up of a cashew nut factory in Kilifi, 344 farmers were provided with 10,000 seedlings of new variety cashew nut.

Cassava production has also increased in the last three years after 500,000 cuttings were distributed to 480 farmers.

Kenya is the top most preferred investment destination in East Africa, with the majority of venture hunters attracted to good infrastructure and ease of doing business, says a new report.

The Ernst & Young (EY) Africa attractiveness index released last week puts the country at fourth position on the continent after South Africa, Morocco and Egypt.

The survey states that Kenya benefits from strong economic growth and prospects, with moderate performance in infrastructure.

According to Mr Michael Lalor, EY lead partner Africa Business Centre, the evaluation "provides a useful starting point for analysis and helps enable a strategic dialogue on growth priorities and investment criteria."

Kenya beat its East Africa neighbours in the ranking, followed by Rwanda in position nine, while Tanzania and Uganda took 12th and 13th positions, respectively.

Rwanda, although small in market size, has a strong track record in enabling business, social development and economic management -- which sustained its performance.

On macroeconomic resilience, Tanzania and Uganda rank very high, the report says.

However, they are "relative under-performers on other longer-term focused dimensions."

SHILLING'S FLUCTUATION

The ranking comes in the wake of Kenya's macroeconomic challenges in 2015, marked by fluctuation of the shilling against the dollar.

More economic bumps across East Africa were a result of a general slowdown in emerging market economies, stagnation in most developed economies and higher borrowing costs locally.

Nonetheless, investors still flocked to Kenya.

The majority of investors, the report indicates, were eyeing private equity and grants meant to fund public infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway and the Lamu Port South-Sudan-Ethiopia transport corridor.

The proposed Sh400 billion crude oil pipeline was also a major attraction to investors, who streamed in to benefit from Kenya's impending oil resources.

The trend is attributed to government policies on investment that encourage those coming in by guaranteeing them a 10-year tax holiday upon setting up shop.

Investors are also allowed to repatriate all the profits.

The EY report says Western Europe and intra-African investors remain the largest sources of foreign direct investments (FDI) into the region.

It adds that traditional investors, including those from North America and the Middle East, have reshaped attention on Africa, especially the East Africa Community.

Those from the US, France, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Portugal and China were particularly active in investments last year.

While Kenya and Rwanda enjoyed good FDI inflows, the report states there was a marginal slip in investors' perceptions of Africa.

"Investor perceptions of Africa reached their lowest level since 2011. When asked about Africa's attractiveness over the past year, only 53 per cent of the respondents said it had improved, down from 60 per cent in 2014," says the report.

It backs statistics by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that shows Africa's baseline projection for 2016 at 3 per cent from the forecasted 6.1 per cent in April 2015.

Kenya and Ethiopia have signed a deal for an oil pipeline that will run from Lamu to Addis Ababa under the Lapsset project.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn signed the pact during bilateral talks at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday.

At a joint press conference that followed the talks, Uhuru said Kenya is working closely with Ethiopia on the Lapsset project.

Kenya intended to build the pipeline with Uganda but President Yoweri Museveni opted for an agreement with Tanzania.

Uganda changed tack in March saying it was planning a pipeline from Hoima to Tanga on Tanzania's coast, prompting a last-minute push by Kenya for another switch.

Kenya and Ethiopia agreed to strengthen their strategic alliance. They celebrated successes in cross-border security through a Joint Borders Administrators Framework, set up to address anti-peace elements.

"We are both committed to actualising the provisions of the sustainable peace agreement we signed last year, which will reduce the vulnerabilities faced by border communities," Uhuru said.

The two countries have also been working together to stabilise and bring peace to Somalia and the region.

"Today provided an opportunity for us to affirm, deepen and expand our historical partnership," the President said.

He thanked the PM for his goodwill saying several projects have brought citizens together and opened up opportunities for them.

Kenya and Ethiopia's relations will be strengthened further through a pact for closer cooperation in sports that will see a Kenya-Ethiopia marathon.

Hailemariam said Ethiopia considers Kenya a strategic partner and a natural friend given the similarities between the two countries.

He said Kenya and Ethiopia are key to the stability of the region and Africa.

"Kenya and Ethiopia are the pillars of the region and we have to work together to stabilise the region," he said.

"The African continent expects leadership from Kenya and Ethiopia," the PM said, adding the two will become forces to be reckoned with if they strengthen their ties.

DP William Ruto and Kenyan and Ethiopian cabinet ministers were present.

Kenyan Foreign Affairs CS Amina Mohamed read a joint communiqué before the leaders addressed the press.

It contained measures to strengthen the countries' relationship. Amina and her Ethiopian counterpart Tedros Adhanom have been discussing ways to operationalise agreements between the two countries.

Several other bilateral agreements were signed, including ones on oil and gas, health, sports, cross border cooperation in animal health and sanitary measures, and education.

Uhuru and Hailemariam will later attend a Kenya-Ethiopia Business Forum at the Hotel Intercontinental.

The President and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta will tonight host a a state banquet in honour of the visiting Prime Minister and his wife Roman Tesfaye.

Beijing City in China this week came to life during the first ever Asian--African Festival attended by more than 500 participants.

The fete is a celebration of life in the two continents that blends tradition with modernity, marking the youth's contribution to the common pool of the world’s culture.

The five--day fun--filled and multi-faceted fete incorporated lively celebration of the richness of African and Asian cultures through a range of activities from Kung Fu martial arts, comedy, cuisine, dance, exhibitions, literature, music, theatre and sports.

Besides live music shows, the full impact was experienced on Saturday night during a gala show where there were short films screenings, fashion shows and networking events.

Chinese organizers said the festival was also a huge boon to the city's business community.

The festival gave guests a rare opportunity to meet and learn from each other and keep their traditions alive.

Donned in the unmistakable maasai shuka, Kenyan youths are among those that showcased their country as a beach holiday destination, historical and cultural heritage and as a cruise tourism destination, a reputation that has captivated the world for centuries.

"This particular festival showcases communities' cultures and creativity and is the cornerstone of economic development strategies to attract more tourists. Beijing is a melting point of the world's culture," said Ms Xueyi Wang, one of the Chinese--English translators.

Ms Wang said the festival marked an important aspect of Asia’s relations with Africa.

Mr Axel Jesson, a presidential advisor of Gabonese Republic explained that being his first time in China, the event had helped to foster cultural exchange.

"Participating in the first Asian--African festival is an opportunity to serve as an ambassador for fellow Gabonese. Apart from the entertainment, it has really helped me realise myself and know the right path I should follow as far as world peace is concerned," he said.

Representatives from Gabon entertained guests with a fusion of traditional West African marriage songs intertwined with a modern edge to musical styles that have existed for generations in their country.

Other performances were by representatives from Nigeria, Togo, Pakistan, India, China and Japan.

Amidst the fun and music, the festival also provided a platform to hold discussions on the topic of Chinese economy.

Africa's largest economy, Nigeria, has officially entered recession after two consecutive quarters of contraction.

Gross domestic product shrank by 2.06% in the second quarter of 2016, following a 0.36% shrinking in the first quarter,according to data released by the country's National Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday.

Those two consecutive quarters of economic shrinkage mean the country is in its first recession in more than 20 years.

Recession in Nigeria may be an unwelcome development, but it is not unexpected. Earlier in the year, Godwin Emefiele, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, warned "recession was imminent,"the Financial Times reports.

"We have long warned of a slow-burning crisis in Nigeria," Capital Economics' Africa economist, John Ashbourne,said in May. "It now seems that this view was too optimistic: The country is headed into a full-blown economic crisis."

The International Monetary Fund has also warned on the state of the country's economy, forecasting that growth will shrink by 1.8% in 2016.

The big driver of the slump in the Nigerian economy, which was one of Africa's great success stories until recently, has been the persistently low price of oil over the past 2 1/2 years. Nigeria relies heavily on oil and is the largest producer of the commodity on the continent, producing roughly 2.4 million barrels a day. Given that oil's price has slumped from more than $100 a barrel in 2014 to roughly $48 now, it is perhaps unsurprising that the country has struggled to find economic growth.

The Nigerian oil industry's problems have been made even worseby a series of major disruptions in the oil-rich Niger Delta area, caused largely by a militant group calling itself the Niger Delta Avengers. Most notably, the group attacked a Chevron offshore facility in May and the underwaterForcados export pipeline operated Shell in late March. The production disruptions caused by these attacks and others have wreaked havoc with the already stricken industry.

Dr. Yemi Kale, the CEO of the National Bureau of Statistics, tweeted to illustrate just how badly oil revenues in the country had been hit:

Growth in non-oil sectors of the country's economy has also been badly hit,as Business Insider's Elena Holodny wrote in May,with manufacturing taking the biggest hit. Non-oil GDP contracted by 0.38% in Q2, according to a tweet by Kale.The country's decision to unpeg the naira against the dollar does not appear to have led to a hoped-for influx of dollar investment. Instead the government is now dealing with inflation.

"This is very bad news for Nigeria's government, which has justified the current FX system as a method of promoting non-oil industries," Ashbourne of Capital Economics said. "It is now clear that these policies have --as we'd long argued--made a bad situation worse."

While things look pretty bleak for the economy, research from Barclays circulated to clients on Wednesday argues that the worst of Nigeria's crisis may be over.

"Economic activity in Q3 16 continues to be hampered by security concerns in the Niger Delta, ongoing FX shortages, rising inflation and significantly tighter monetary policy. That said, the decision by militants to stop attacks, the implementation of the 2016 budget and better availability of FX, despite it remaining a massive constraint, suggests a marginally better outlook for H2," Ridle Markus argued in Barclays' "Sub-Saharan Africa Daily" note.

Markus did say, however, that "for the year as a whole, we fear that the economy is set to contract, which will be the first full-year recession since 1991."

Six firms have signed agreements with US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to develop power generation stations in what will add about 360 megawatts of green electricity to the Kenyan grid.

A Worcester-based home health agency and three people involved with the company have been indicted by a grand jury for allegedly defrauding the state's Medicaid program of more than $800,000.

Compassionate Homecare Inc. provided nursing and other services for low-income patients on the government program known here as MassHealth. The agency is accused of conducting "numerous fraudulent schemes" and billing the state for providing services to patients who didn't need them, and for services that were never authorized by a doctor, in violation of rules.

"Our MassHealth program exists to assist people who are truly in need of health-related services, but this home health agency instead exploited this program to bilk hundreds of thousands of dollars from the state," Attorney General Maura Healey said in a statement.

Healey's office is bringing criminal charges in Worcester Superior Court against Compassionate and three executives: owner Francis Kimaru of Grafton; chief operating officer Wilberto Rodriguez of Norwich, Conn., and administrator Deborah Giordano of West Greenwich, R.I. They all were charged with larceny and making false Medicaid claims.

The charges are the culmination of an investigation that dates back several years and accelerated in December whenMassHealth officials took the unusual step of cutting off payments to the company. Compassionate responded by suing the state and going public with the dispute, saying it was quickly running out of money to operate. Most of its MassHealth members since have been transferred to other agencies.

The Attorney General's office said Compassionate altered documents to make it appear as if services were properly authorized by doctors. It allegedly "forged physicians' signatures in some cases after the physicians explicitly refused to authorize services," the attorney general's office added.

S. James Boumil, an attorney for Compassionate, said he could not comment in detail because he had not seen the charges. But he defended his client, calling Compassionate one of the best in the home-health business and said Kimaru, the owner, was not involved in any forgery of signatures. He said Kimaru has been open with investigators.

"Mr. Kimaru voluntarily discussed matters with the attorney general's office in hours of interviews. He never asserted the 5th Amendment in the investigation," Boumil said in a statement to the Globe.

The charges come after an investigation that began four years ago, after a complaint from a doctor who said Compassionate was trying to provide services through phony referral forms. It was one of the first investigations of its kind in Massachusetts, involving about 150 interviews and more than 100 boxes of paper records, the attorney general's office said.

MassHealth officials have referred several home health agencies to the attorney general for further investigation, but they rarely withhold payments from companies under investigation. In February,Kimarutold the Globe that without money from the state, he was laying off most of his workers and would have to stop serving hundreds of MassHealth patients.

At the time, Kimaru said he didn't know why the company was under investigation, adding: "We've done everything by the book."

Governor Charlie Baker's administration has been moving to cut state spending on home health, after a surge in costs in the past fiscal year. A recentauditby state officials found that nine companies overbilled the state by nearly $23 million. The companies cited in the audit are appealing those findings.

State officials also have strengthened authorization rules for home health services, and they have stopped doing business with new home health agencies.

Priyanka Dayal McCluskey can be reached atpriyanka.mccluskey@globe.com.Follow her on Twitter@priyanka_dayal.

Bank of Uganda has taken over management of Crane Bank and suspended all members of the board.

According to Bank of Uganda governor Emmanuel Mutebile, Crane Bank is under--capitalised and poses systemic risk to the banking sector. However, Mr Mutebile noted that the bank remains open to customers under the management of Bank of Uganda.

"Crane Bank has been on the BOU watch list since September 2015 after regular onsite tests and external audit report. Crane Bank capital had fallen below the 50 per cent legal requirement under the law," he added.
According to him, Crane Bank is the third largest bank in Uganda.

Mr Mutebile further noted that BOU is to conduct an audit on Crane Bank to determine whether the high non--performing loans (NPLs) and bad debts contributed to the capital erosion.

Police patrol Crane Bank head office on Kampala road. Police deployed at various branches. Photo by Abubaker Lubowa

In a letter addressed to Crane Bank's Ag. managing director, Mr PK Gupta and dated October 20 stated: "This is to inform you that Bank of Uganda has, with effect from today 20th 2016, pursuant to Sections 87 (3), 88 (1)(a) & (b) of the Financial Institutions Act 2004, taken over management of Crane Bank Ltd. You are accordingly suspended from your position as Acting Managing Director and you are required to make a formal handover of your responsibilities to the Bank of Uganda Statutory Manager, Mr Edward Katimbo Mugwanya," read part of the statement signed by Mutebile.

Mr Mutebile further said: "You shall, nonetheless, continue to serve Crane Bank Ltd as a principal support of the Statutory Manager."

Top Ministry of Health officials in Kenya have stolen more than KSh5 billion in an NYS-style mega corruption scandal involving diversion of funds, double payment for goods, and manipulation of the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMIS).

BOSTON: Attorney General Maura Healey is reminding the public and employers in Massachusetts about the increase in the minimum wage that is set to go into effect onJan. 1, 2017.The AG's Office has updated itswage and hour posterthat employers are required to display. It will be available in 14 languages and in formats that employers, workers, members of the public, and organizations can access.

"We are advising people about the minimum wage increase so that employers are aware of their obligations under the law and so that workers know their rights," AG Healey said. "Through education, outreach, and enforcement actions where appropriate, we will continue our work to protect the economic security of Massachusetts workers and their families."

In July 2014, the Legislature passed the first increase to the minimum wage since 2008. Pursuant to that legislation, effective Jan. 1, the minimum wage will increase to $11 per hour.

Also effective Jan 1, tipped employees (those who receive more than $20 a month in tips) must be paid a minimum of $3.75 per hour, provided that, with tips, the employee receives at least $11 per hour. If the total hourly rate for the employee, including tips, does not equal $11, then the employer must make up the difference.

Hard copies of the AG's Wage and Hour poster will be available in Chinese, English, Haitian Creole, Khmer, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. To request a copy, please visitwww.mass.gov/ago/fldposteror call(617) 963-2250.

Additionally, the following languages will be available to print on the AG'swebsite:Arabic, Cape Verdean Creole, Chinese, English, French, Haitian Creole, Italian, Khmer, Korean, Lao, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

The Attorney General's Fair Labor Division enforces laws that protect workers, including minimum wage, payment of wages, overtime, tip pooling, child labor, Sunday and holiday holiday premium pay, and the public construction bid laws.

The Division has broad powers to investigate violations and enforce these laws through criminal and civil actions. The Division protects employees from exploitation, prosecutes employers who are failing to follow state wage and hour laws, and sets a level playing field for law-abiding employers.

The AG's Office ensures that strong economic growth and fairness for workers go hand-in-hand.

In September,AG Healey issued the first-everLabor Day Reporton her office's efforts to combat and prevent wage theft.The report shows that in fiscal year 2016 alone, the office recovered $3.8 million in restitution and penalties on behalf of working people in Massachusetts.

To increase resources available to victims of wage theft, the AG's Office is workig with community partners, law schools, and private bar attorneys to host free monthly wage theft clinics at Suffolk Law School.

These clinics are part of an effort to address wage theft and worker exploitation among vulnerable populations, including low wage and immigrant workers in the state.

The goal of the clinics is to help workers get the wages and benefits they deserve.More than 70 workers have attended the first three clinics and received assistance with a range of wage theft issues. The next clinic is scheduled for Jan.30, 2017.

For more information on these clinics,please click here.

The AG's Office has also revamped itsworkplace rights websitewith a new design and innovative features, including searchable public data and content in various languages. The new easy-to-navigate website allows workers to better understand their rights and for employers, their obligations under state law.

Workers who believe that their rights have been violated in their workplace can also call the office's Fair Labor Hotline at(617) 727-3465.More information about the state's wage and hour laws is also available in multiple languages atwww.mass.gov/ago/fairlabor.

WhatsApp is planning an update that will allow you to review group invitations in advance, ultimately silencing the serial group admins who add everyone without prompting them.

Users have in the past complained about being added into groups they did not consent to and often having to leave the groups.

The app developers are currently working on an update that will prompt you to okay group invitations.

The new feature is already being tested by iOS beta testers and will soon be rolled out for all users.

Once the new feature is added, users will be required to use the privacy setting to choose; everyone--if they do not mind being added into groups, my contacts--if they only want those in their list of contacts to add them and no one--if they want to authorize all group additions.

The update will also have an option for users to change into a dark mode for power saving or so as not to strain eyes with the white background.

WhatsApp status will also be updated to have those you interact with most appearing at the top as opposed to the current feed that ranks most recent statuses at the top.

A US jury has found that a former Uber driver living in Virginia committed acts of torture during Somalia's civil war in the late 1980s.

Somali citizen Farhan Tani Warfaa testified last week in the Washington DC suburbs that ex-Somali colonel Yusuf Abdi Ali shot and tortured him.

Ali was a commander in the national army and supporter of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre, say court documents.

Until this month, Ali drove for Uber, with a high 4.89 rating.

On Tuesday, a jury at a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, found that Ali was responsible for the torture of Mr Warfaa more than three decades ago, awarding Mr Warfaa $500,000 (£395,000) in damages.

Mr Warfaa, who first filed the case against Ali in 2004, told the BBC he was "very happy" with the verdict.

"I am very, very satisfied with the outcome," Mr Warfaa said through a translator from court.

Mr Warfaa, tortured during the Somali civil war, is "very happy" with the verdict/ Daivid Ross

Mr Warfaa said he was kidnapped from his home in northern Somalia by a group of Ali's soldiers in 1987.

Over the next several months, Mr Warfaa said he was interrogated, tortured, beaten and shot at the direction of Ali, who was a battalion commander.

Left for dead, Mr Warfaa says he only managed to survive by bribing his gravediggers to spare him.

Ali was first identified in a 1992 documentary by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, which detailed allegations that Ali had tortured, killed and maimed hundreds of people while working for the Barre regime.

At the time of the broadcast, Ali was living in Toronto working as a security guard.

In the documentary, multiple eyewitnesses in northern Somalia described brutal murders ordered by Ali, known then as Colonel Tukeh, meaning "the crow".

Shortly after it aired, Ali was deported from Canada for "serious human rights abuses", court documents say.

The US also began deportation proceedings against Ali, but he returned to the country in 1996. It is unclear how he was able to re-enter the US.

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In May, CNN reporters went undercover to take an Uber ride with Ali. He told CNN that he drives for rideshares Uber and Lyft full-time, preferring weekend shifts because "that's where the money is".

Asked if the application process for drivers was difficult, Ali replied that it was simple: "They just want your background check, that's it."

Ali drove for Uber for about 18 months, after passing a screening process for the rideshare company. The background check included a review of Ali's criminal history using state and national records, and a scan of government watchlists from the FBI and Interpol.

He has now been "permanently removed" from the app, an Uber spokesperson told the BBC.

Lyft spokeswoman Campbell Matthews said the company was "horrified" by the allegations against Ali.

"We have permanently banned this driver from our community and stand ready to assist law enforcement with any investigation," Ms Matthews said.

Background checks for both Uber and Lyft are conducted by Checkr, a consumer reporting agency.

Checkr's scanning process varies according to client, but includes "industry standard sources" like the national Sex Offender database, FBI watchlist, Interpol watchlist, various US and international sanctions lists, and local and federal criminal court records.

"Under federal law, consumer reporting agencies that process background checks rely on criminal records that have been filed in a court of law rather than unverified sources like Google search results," said a Checkr spokesperson to the BBC.

"Most employers don't request background checks that include civil lawsuits between private parties because the information is too subjective to use for a hiring decision."

Before working for Uber and Lyft, Ali worked as a security guard at Dulles International Airport near Washington DC.

Tuesday's ruling, in favour of Mr Wafaa, demanded "heroic amounts of effort," said his lawyer, Kathy Roberts.

Ms Roberts is part of the Center for Justice and Accountability (CJA), a San Francisco-based nonprofit organisation that seeks to bring alleged war criminals to justice.

Much of Mr Warfaa's case, thwarted by delays for over a decade, hinged upon whether Ali could be found guilty by a US court of a crime committed in Somalia.

US laws, namely the Torture Victim Protections Act (TVPA), prohibit torture whether it occurs on US soil or overseas, and allows both US citizens and non-citizens to bring claims for torture and extrajudicial killings committed in foreign countries.

The TVPA only allows for the finding of civil claims in the US, meaning that lawsuits result in monetary compensation, rather than jail time.

When Ali moved to Virginia, he exposed himself to the lawsuit, said Benjamin Klein, another lawyer for Mr Wafaa.

Mr Warfaa's case included testimony from a former US ambassador, soldiers who served under Ali, and another victim of the former colonel, as he argued that Ali had directed acts of torture and attempted an extrajudicial killing.

The US jury issued a split ruling, finding Ali only guilty of torture.

Still, Mr Warfaa is "absolutely thrilled", said Mr Klein.

"He's been waiting 31 years for this day."

WORCESTER__A former Worcester teacherconvicted of bilking the state's Medicaid programout of what prosecutors alleged was $2.5 million was ordered to serve 18 months in jail Friday and fined a total of $65,000.

Hellen Kiago, 48, of Sturbridge was found guilty May 14 in Worcester Superior Court of charges related toallegations she fraudulently billed MassHealth through Lifestream Healthcare Alliance,a home health agency she owned with offices in Worcester and Dracut. Prosecutors from the office of Attorney General Maura Healey charged that MassHealth was billed for services not authorized by doctors and that Lifestream employees were directed to assist patients for longer time periods than were necessary.

They further alleged that Ms. Kiago directed employees to falsify documents to conceal wrongdoing, including forging physician signatures during a MassHealth audit and creating "false corrective orders."

Ms. Kiago and Lifestream were each found guilty after a 10-day trial of four counts of filing false Medicaid claims and one count of larceny of more than $250 by false pretenses.

Judge Robert B. Gordon sentenced Ms. Kiago Friday to 2.5 years in the House of Correction, with 18 months to be served. The balance of the jail sentence was suspended for 1 year with administrative probation. Ms. Kiago was given credit for 10 days she spent in confinement after being found guilty.

Ms. Kiago was also fined a total of $65,000, as was Lifestream Healthcare Alliance LLC.

The prosecution had recommended that Ms. Kiago be sentenced to 2 years imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution of $2.5 million, according to Assistant Attorney General Nita K. Klunder.

Ms. Kiago's lawyer, Sylvester J. Boumil Jr., asked the judge to sentence her to time served.

In his sentencing memorandum, Judge Gordon said the evidence at trial demonstrated that the defendants "engaged in deliberate wrongdoing over a protracted period of time" and that their financial crimes "victimized a health care agency whose limited resources are meant to serve the Commonwealth's most vulnerable citizens."

"This was not a case of simple negligence or managerial incompetence, as the Defendants now argue," the judge wrote.

"Moderating the severity of the Court's sentence is the fact that the Defendants present with no criminal record" and had, for many years, "employed a diverse workforce to furnish home healthcare services to a poor and underserved patient population," Judge Gordon said in his memorandum.

"Likewise, although the Defendants submitted bills to MassHealth for services that had not been physician-authorized as 'medically necessary' in the time and manner required by the Medicaid program's regulations, there is no evidence that member patients ever failed to receive the skilled nursing and home health services that Lifestream Healthcare Alliance invoiced to this agency.

"Nurses and home health aides provided care-giving to patients and were paid for their work. Billing regulations were violated, to be sure, and those violations were then concealed through culpable behavior that included the diversion of money to Kenyan bank accounts. But the Defendants were not profiteering out of greed at the expense of the indigent or the government, as the Attorney General suggests," Judge Gordon wrote.

The judge said he had also taken into consideration that Ms. Kiago had, "present circumstances notwithstanding," led "a commendable life." He noted that she held multiple advanced educational degrees, served for many years as a mathematics teacher in the Worcester public schools and had "contributed to her civic and religious communities in myriad ways."

Her lawyers had previously said that Ms. Kiago came to the U.S. from Kenya on a scholarship in 1998.

Judge Gordon noted in his memorandum that he had not ordered restitution as a condition of Ms. Kiago's probation.

"The matter of what constitutes truly fair restitution in this unusual case is complex; and the Court is not satisfied that justice can be derived from the kind of simple arithmetic exercise urged upon it by the Commonwealth."

"In all events, recapturing large sums of money from a business that is presently in mothballs, and from a woman who likely faces deportation following her release from confinement, will prove challenging," the judge wrote.

He suggested the attorney general's office pursue restitution civilly.