Michelle Obama defends 'American Sniper'

US First Lady Michelle Obama on Friday defended Clint Eastwood's hit film "American Sniper," which has been accused of whitewashing the story of the Iraq war. AFP/PHOTO 

In Summary

• Obama was speaking at an event encouraging the entertainment industry to accurately portray the experiences of military veterans.
• Describing "American Sniper" as a "complex, emotional depiction of a veteran and his family," she said it reflected "those wrenching stories that I've heard — the complex journeys that our men and women in uniform endure."
• Critics on the left have slammed the record-breaking film and say the subject of the movie, former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, deserves no hero treatment for his handiwork as a deadly sniper.

By AFP
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US First Lady Michelle Obama on Friday defended Clint Eastwood's hit film "American Sniper," which has been accused of whitewashing the story of the Iraq war.

Lose weight without being miserable: Part 1

Wanjiku’s breakfast of choice was tea and toast (and sometimes biscuits). But by mid-morning, she’d find herself snacking on a samosa or mandazi. PHOTO | FILE 

In Summary

• Most fizzy drinks contain about 30 grammes, or six of teaspoons of sugar, per bottle – and we all know that excess sugar in the body turns to fat (juice is equally bad).
• Add to that, the sugar in Wanjiku’s daily four cups of tea. While Wanjku was happy to forgo the colas, she wasn’t as happy to part with her chai and negotiated to still have it, but without the sugar. I still had to say no.
• You see, tea is also a diuretic and a stimulant (as is coffee), which means that it would hinder her weight loss efforts.

By SONA PARMAR MUKHERJEE
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“The reason I’ve come to see you is because there must a way to lose weight without completely ruining my life.”

How research can influence policy decisions

The African Institute for Development Policy (Afidep) and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) UK will host a symposium and training exchange in Nairobi between February 9 and 12, 2015. FILE PHOTO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Focus on the role of research in government decisions has increased in the last two decades, partly driven by concerns that funders have had no returns on their investments in generating research.
• The session on the role evidence synthesis plays in policy formulation will feature leading research and policy experts who will share their experiences and opinions on the kind of research that gets used or should be used in government decisions.
• Some experts will be of the view that the kind of research that should inform policy should include findings from many different studies, and not just one, whereas others will illustrate the view that single studies can still, and do, inform government decision

By ELIYA ZULU
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The African Institute for Development Policy (Afidep) and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) UK will .................................

Blogs & Opinion

Renault reopens store, eyes used car market

A Renault Fluence on display in a Nairobi showroom. FILE PHOTO | DIANA NGILA |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Cars will be distributed by Simba Caetano Formula.

By NATION CORRESPONDENT
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French car maker, Renault, has made a return to the local vehicle market. The company unveiled three car models and a new showroom along Mombasa Road on Friday.

Sh1.9trn budget big on growth projects

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich outside the Treasury building in Nairobi on June 12, 2014. FILE PHOTO | SALATON NJAU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Wananchi have until February 4, Wednesday next week, to present their input on the 2015/16 expenditure plan.
• Taxman is expected to collect Sh1.34trn in 2015/16 financial year up from Sh1.162trn this year.

By MWANIKI WAHOME
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The government is proposing to increase its expenditure plan by nine per cent to Sh1.9 trillion in the 2015/16 financial year.

Inflation declines, fails to meet government target

The cost of electricity declined as a result of a cut in the fuel surcharge from Sh2.87 in December to Sh2.53 in January. FILE PHOTO | SALATON NJAU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Inflation in January stood at 5.53 per cent compared to 6.02 per cent recorded in December.
• The figures are still higher than the five per cent government target for inflation.

By NATION REPORTER
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The cost of living has contracted for the fifth month consecutively owing to a cut in energy prices.

Latest data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicates that inflation in January stood at ........................