December 2005 - KICTANet

RE: [Kictanet] A Tribute to Eng. Rege
by James Nguo 06 Jan '06

06 Jan '06

I agree, engineer Rege was an accomplished colleague in the ICT sector. Lets honour him James Nguo Regional Director Arid Lands Information Network-Eastern Africa (ALIN-EA), P.O. Box 10098, 00100 G.P.O. Nairobi, Kenya, AAYMCA Building, Along State House Crescent, Off State House Avenue. Tel +254 20 2731557 Telefax +254 20 2737813 Cell Phone +254 -722-561006 Email: james(a)alin.or.ke Website: www.alin.or.ke ------------------------------------------------------------- Enriched livelihoods of the people in arid areas of Eastern Africa through targeted information support and facilitation of information exchange -----Original Message----- From: Florence Etta [mailto:feanywhere@yahoo.co.uk] Sent: 08 December 2005 17:27 To: james(a)alin.or.ke Subject: Re: [Kictanet] A Tribute to Eng. Rege I agree with both Walu and Lizette. How about KICTANet organising a more befiting Tribute for the affable engineer? Perhaps the exact nature of what could de done can be discussed at the next and final meeting of the year already proposed by Andrew? Cheers, FE Lizette Kraft <lfkraft(a)gmail.com> wrote: It is sad to hear that Eng. Rege has left the ministry and I second you on his achievements and his hard work and support he gave everyone of us. He will be sorely missed and hope that we may work with him again in the future. Lizette On 12/8/05, John Walubengo < jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke <mailto:jwalubengo@kcct.ac.ke> > wrote: Even as yesterday's cabinet list continuous to remain fluid, I wish to take this early opportunity to register my appreciation to one Eng. Rege who was until yesterday evening the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Information and Communication, Gov. of Kenya. Tremendous progress was made during his tenure - particularly of cultural nature where he cultivated an unprecedented Public-Private Sector relationship in within the ministry and the industry in general. Beyond just preaching transparency and accountability, he actually managed to practice it within an environment that has long been accustomed to hiding behind beauracratic protocols. Long live this spirit that he leaves behind at the Ministry of Info & Comm. walu. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke <mailto:kictanet@kictanet.or.ke> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet <http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet> Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/lfkraft%40gmail.com <http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/lfkraft%40gmail.com> -- Lizette Kraft P.O. Box 18488, 00500 Nairobi, Kenya Cell: 0722-800362 _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/feanywhere%40yahoo.co.uk _____ To help you stay safe and secure online, we've developed the all new <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/mail/uk/taglines/default/security_centre/*http://uk. security.yahoo.com/> Yahoo! Security Centre.

4 5

Events 2006
by alice＠apc.org 31 Dec '05

31 Dec '05

Dear All We had agreed that we shall develop a calendar with dates/events to watch, keep in mind. could we begin to develop this. I am requesting AITEC to begin by sending me their events/schedule for 2006 and I will put together a calendar. Thank you all and best wishes for the season. alice

4 5

IMPORTANAT INFORMATION
by George Njoroge 24 Dec '05

24 Dec '05

Subject: HAVE YOU LOST YOUR DATA? Importance: High Dear all; This is important information that all should have that there is a chance of recovery of lost critical information, share it with all that you feel may need it and would benefit from this Regards, RE: Data Recovery Experts East African Data Handlers (EA-Data) is a data recovery centre that has been established in the East African region to offer data recovery services to governments, corporate organizations as well as individuals. Based in Nairobi, the economic hub of East Africa, EA-Data is amongst the first companies to offer data solutions and recovery services to customers across the region: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and surrounding countries. EA-Data has been selected to participate in the AITEC ICT Enterprise Incubator Program. Types of Data Recovery Services Provided In all essence your data is one of your most valuable assets. Its permanent loss is a threat to your past; fortunately we have a solution for any damaged data media, including the following: a.. Hard disk drive b.. Raid disk array and server c.. CD or DVD d.. Exchange and Outlook PST Mail e.. SQL database f.. Iomega Zip cartridge g.. Flash drive, just to name a few. We are able to recover data from all kinds of failed data media and under all situations, regardless of the operating system. In addition to our data recovery services, we also provide:- Computer forensic services: To assist in investigations and establish facts suitable for legal proceedings via a series of proven and approved methodologies. Network Administration Consultancy: To assist orgnaizations to manage and administer their networks and manage their server's , data e.t.c at a managerble cost ICT Consultancy services. Why Choose EA-Data To Recover Your Data? We understand the data recovery business. We are proud of our record of delivering a high rate of successful and prompt jobs. We give priority to the need for data confidentiality to our customers.We support all major manufacturers such as IBM, Hitachi, Toshiba, Maxtor, Seagate, Fujitsu, Samsung and Western Digital. Besides prompt service, recovering data requires unique skills. We have full knowledge of hard drive architecture and electronic circuits. We pride ourselves in our level of innovation, experience and perseverance. We undertake recovery tasks which are perceived by others in the industry as impossible. We constantly upgrade our knowledge of data recovery techniques and keep abreast with fast-changing technology to provide our customers the best possible service. Your Data safety is Our Business. and it is our job and concern to recover ALL your lost data. You need to be aware that you only have one chance of successful recovery. Don't allow inexperienced staff or consultants to perform random actions on the data media and cause further damage. You should immediately call in the region's best data recovery experts: East African Data Handlers Data Recovery is available for you today! No business can afford to lose valuable data. EA-Data can help companies maintain business continuity in the face of data loss, by providing an unbeatable Data Recovery service. NO MATTER WHAT KIND OF DAMAGE Every type of hardware and software is supported, and our own expert software engineers have developed powerful tools for greatest data recovery. We work closely with all the major disk and tape drive manufacturers to ensure we cover all formats and technologies. NO MATTER WHAT KIND OF DATA Whether data was lost through human error, hardware malfunction or malicious damage, EA-Data will retrieve the maximum data possible. NO MATTER HOW FAST YOU NEED IT We provide data recovery services in the categories below and much more: *Rapid Recovery *Email Investigation *Forensic Investigation *Emergency Forensic *Tape Recovery *IT Security Training *Forensic Software *Emergency Recovery *Raid Recovery *Disk Recovery *Data Conversion *Forensic Hardware Service levels Standard On-site Emergency Weekend Priority 8am to 5pm -Normal working hours 24x7 service 24x7 service 8am to 2pm 7am to 7pm Normal working hours weekdays Weekdays & weekends Weekends & weekdays Weekends Weekdays A team of engineers works on the data recovery job during normal business hours Our highly trained engineers travel to your location anywhere to perform the recovery services. Our engineers will work around the clock, non-stop for a quick and complete data recovery solution. If the job is not completed during the weekdays, our expert engineers will continue to work on Saturday and Sunday to ensure a timely recovery. Our engineers work on the data recovery job during normal business hours until the recovery process is complete. This moves the job ahead of standard jobs during every step of the recovery process and typically cuts recovery time in half. *EA-Data Handlers offers 24/7 service 365 days a year with highly knowledgeable data recovery specialists and technical staff before, during and after the recovery process. For more information call: +254-20-3749771, Mobile: 0720-776840 East African Data Handlers. the data people. An AITEC Incubator Enterprise B2 Jewel Holdings, Peponi Rd, Westlands P. O. Box 42547, 00100 G.P.O Nairobi, Kenya Tel Fax: +254-20-3749771 Cell: +254-720-776840 E-Mail: info(a)eadatahandlers.com Web: www.eadatahandlers.com <http://www.eadatahandlers.com/> Yours truly, George Njoroge Business Development Manager <http://200844.sigclick.mailinfo.com/sigclick/01020300/07064806/064E01532383 24.jpg>

1 0

ICANN At-Large Newsletter
by alice＠apc.org 23 Dec '05

23 Dec '05

ICANN AT-LARGE NEWSLETTER November/December 2005 In this issue: • Action: Dot What? How should more top level domain names be introduced? • Action: What’s next for the ICANN vs. VeriSign lawsuits? And what will it mean for your .COM name? • Action: Do you have a vision for ICANN’s future? Now is the time to share it. • Meeting: Hold the date! Join ICANN At-Large in New Zealand, March 27-31. • Information: Asia/Pacific user groups are forming a Regional At-Large Organization. • Dates to Watch: - January 2006 – Public comments due on new domain names (gTLDs) - January 2006 – Public comment period to start on the purpose of WHOIS - January 31, 2006 – Public comments due on ICANN draft Strategic Plan - March 2006 – Final draft of ICANN Strategic Plan due - March 27-31, 2006 – ICANN & At-Large meetings in Wellington, New Zealand - ?? – ICANN action on .XXX sponsored top level domain - ?? – ICANN action on the proposed .COM settlement _________________________________________________________ > > • Dot What? How should more top level domain names be introduced? > > ICANN is creating a process for introducing new generic top level domain > names (gTLDs) and the ALAC needs your input to help ensure this process > meets individual Internet users’ needs. Post comments on a “Wiki” page at > <http://www.icannwiki.org/index.php/ALAC_on_New_TLDs> and email them to > <forum(a)alac.icann.org>. Here are the issues that need to be addressed: > > 1. Should new generic top level domain names be introduced? > 2. Selection Criteria for New Top Level Domains > 3. Allocation Methods for New Top Level Domains > 4. Policy to Guide Contractual Conditions for New Top Level Domains > > The GNSO Council, a primary policy-making body within ICANN, launched a > new policy development process to guide ICANN on the introduction of new > gTLDs. ICANN wants to take the lessons learned from past TLD > introductions, along with community input, and develop a new process for > introducing TLDs. The ALAC is needs input from the At-Large community to > develop detailed guidance for ICANN. > > A "Wiki page" has been created to enable At-Large community members to > share their views and help shape the ALAC's recommendations on-line. Go > to <http://www.icannwiki.org/index.php/ALAC_on_New_TLDs>, click "edit" in > the section you want to discuss, and add your comments. Please let the > ALAC know if you find this method of sharing views useful. (See > <http://www.icannwiki.org/Help:Contents> for information on adding > comments to “Wiki” and starting your own "Wiki" page.) > > In the past, the ALAC has pushed ICANN to regularize the process of > examining and approving new TLD proposals, and has urged ICANN to move > beyond testbeds and evaluations and permit those proposing new TLDs to put > their plans into effect. Last year ICANN launched a limited process for > selecting new sponsored TLDs (sTLDs) from a pool of ten applications. The > ALAC recommended that, rather than restrict the applicant pool to a few > sTLDs, ICANN create a quick, effective and uncontroversial process for the > creation of any kind and number of new TLDs. > > More information is available at > <http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-06dec05.htm> and > <http://www.alac.icann.org/gtld/>. > > • Action: What’s next for the ICANN vs. VeriSign lawsuits? And what > will it mean for your .COM name? > > It is unclear how VeriSign will respond to the concerns expressed by the > ICANN community about several elements of the proposed settlement. ICANN's > Board directed staff to approach VeriSign, and we await the results. The > ALAC met with ICANN’s Board at the ICANN Vancouver meeting and advised > them to reject the proposed settlement, seek qualified advice on the > economic and legal aspects of any proposed settlement, and seek a > settlement that addresses key concerns raised by the ALAC. These concerns > are detailed in the statement the ALAC submitted to the Board and posted > at <http://www.alac.icann.org/announcements/announcement-02dec05.htm>, and > include the use and misuse of personal data, the proposed price increases > for the .COM registry, and the lack of economic and legal analysis of the > effects of the proposed settlement (among other things). > > The Board took no action on the proposed settlement at the Vancouver > meeting, but was in “listening mode.” A summary and analysis of the > comments the Board received was posted > <http://www.icann.org/topics/verisign-settlement.htm> along with > additional presentations and information. The ALAC and other ICANN > stakeholders sponsored a forum at the Vancouver meeting to discuss the > proposed settlement. A recording and summary of this event is available > on-line at > <http://blog.lextext.com/blog/_archives/2005/11/29/1427723.html>. > > The ALAC is continuing to discuss this agreement and urges all Internet > users, especially .COM registrants, to share their views on how this > agreement might affect them. Send your emails for public posting to > <forum(a)alac.icann.org> *and* <settlement-comments(a)icann.org>. > > • Action: Do you have a vision for ICANN’s future? Now is the time to > share it. Comments are needed on ICANN’s draft Strategic Plan. > > ICANN continues to seek community input on a proposed three-year Strategic > Plan, which will guide ICANN’s operations and budgets for the July 2006 – > June 2009 period. It is posted at > <http://www.icann.org/strategic-plan/consultation-process-LUX/>. Comments > are requested on the proposed “strategic objectives” > <http://www.icann.org/strategic-plan/consultation-process-LUX/icann-key-prio…>, > and on the proposed actions (or “measurements”) for those objectives > <http://www.icann.org/strategic-plan/consultation-process-LUX/measures-worki…>. > > Send your views for public posting to <forum(a)alac.icann.org> *and* > <strategic-plan-comments(a)icann.org> by 31 January 2006. A final draft is > expected to be published based on this feedback for consideration by the > community prior to ICANN’s Wellington, New Zealand meeting in late March > 2006. > > • Meeting: Hold the date! Join ICANN At-Large in New Zealand, March > 27-31. > > You are invited to join the ICANN community in Wellington, New Zealand > 27-31 March 2006 and participate in several meetings and fora on issues > that affect the Internet's end-users. If you are interested in seeing > more new top level domain names, using domain names in your own > (non-English) language, protecting your personal information listed in > WHOIS databases, and advancing individual users’ Internet interests in > other areas, you won’t want to miss this meeting. You can attend in > person or follow some proceedings via the Internet. Participation is free > and Internet users are encouraged to come!! Check < > http://www.icann.org.nz/> for general information. > > • Information: Asia/Pacific user groups are forming a Regional At-Large > Organization > > All individuals involved in Internet user issues in the > Asia/Australia/Pacific (AP) region, are invited to participate in efforts > to launch an Asia-Pacific Regional At-Large Organization (APRALO). > Representatives of user groups involved in ICANN At-Large in the > Asia-Pacific region met in December at the ICANN Vancouver meeting to > discuss a charter, bylaws, and outreach plans aimed at enabling user > groups in this region to work together to advance Internet users’ needs. > Follow-up meetings/conference calls are being planned. More information > is posted at <http://www.apralo.org/>. Send questions to > <info(a)apralo.org>. > > • Dates to Watch: > > - January 2006 – Public comments due on new domain names (gTLDs) > <http://www.icannwiki.org/index.php/ALAC_on_New_TLDs> > - January 2006 – Public comment period to start on the purpose of WHOIS > > <http://gnso.icann.org/issues/whois-privacy/gnso-whois-tf-rpt-02dec05.pdf> > - January 31, 2006 – Public comments due on ICANN draft Strategic Plan > <http://www.icann.org/strategic-plan/consultation-process-LUX/> > - March 2006 – Final draft of ICANN Strategic Plan due > <http://www.icann.org/strategic-plan/consultation-process-LUX/> > - March 27-31, 2006 – ICANN & At-Large meetings in Wellington, New Zealand > < http://www.icann.org.nz/> > - ?? – ICANN action on .XXX sponsored top level domain > <http://www.icann.org/tlds/stld-apps-19mar04/> > - ?? – ICANN action on the proposed .COM settlement > <http://www.icann.org/topics/verisign-settlement.htm> > > > The Interim At-Large Advisory Committee > alac(a)icann.org > www.alac.icann.org > > If a group you are involved with wants to influence decisions that shape > the Internet, register as an "At-Large Structure" and participate in ICANN > decisions critical to the Internet's end users. “At-Large Structure” > registration is free, easy, and done via email. Groups interested > participating in ICANN At-Large are encouraged to send an email to > <als(a)alac.icann.org> or get more information and an application online > <http://www.alac.icann.org/applications/>. >

1 0

KICTANet - Minutes on 16th Dec 05
by Andrew Karanja 20 Dec '05

20 Dec '05

Dear Members Please find attached the minutes of the last meeting held on the 16th of December 2005 Best regards Andrew Karanja AITEC Kenya

1 0

Fwd: [Fwd: NEW HIJACKING SCHEME IN NAIROBI]
by Lizette Kraft 19 Dec '05

19 Dec '05

NEW CARJACKING SCHEME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! READ AND BEWARE ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Jason M. Githeko <githeko(a)egerton.ac.ke> Date: Dec 18, 2005 11:28 AM Subject: [Fwd: NEW HIJACKING SCHEME IN NAIROBI] To: KIPlist <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> This is not ICT stuff but may save someone on this list from grief....... -------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW HIJACKING SCHEME IN NAIROBI > PLEASE PASS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS WHO DRIVE > > Be aware of this new hi-jacking scheme. Here's how it works: > > You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside. > Then you lock all your doors, start the engine and shift into > REVERSE and you look into the rearview mirror to back out of your > parking space when you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of > the rear window. > > So, you switch off the car or shift the gears into PARK, unlock > your doors and jump out of your car to remove that paper (or > whatever itis) that is obstructing your view... > > When you reach the back of the car that is when the hi-jackers > appear out of no where, jump into your car and take off! > > The door was unlocked, your keys were in the ignition, maybe the > engine was running, (ladies would have probably left their handbag, > with their purse, cellphone etc; in the car) and they practically mow > you down as they speed off in your car. > > BEWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED!!! > > Should this happen to you, just drive away and remove the piece of > paper that is stuck to your window later....and be thankful that you > read this email. > > I hope you forward this to all your friends and family...especially > women! A purse contains all identification, and you certainly do NOT > want anyone getting your home address. They already have your keys! CELL: 0722879629 __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com --- Submitted by: githeko(a)egerton.ac.ke 2005-12-18 03:39:03 EST5 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [lfkraft(a)gmail.com] To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist-cl-123115L(a)lyris.idrc.ca -- Lizette Kraft P.O. Box 18488, 00500 Nairobi, Kenya Cell: 0722-800362

1 0

Fw: [DigAfrica] Kenya Praised for Internet Growth
by alice＠apc.org 18 Dec '05

18 Dec '05

There is certainly a lot of movement in the right direction in Kenya, but a whole lot is yet to be done especially around policy. I had a discussion recently with a leading private network operator who believes that there is a lot hidden demand for broadband in the East African market and are prepared to invest a lot of money in a combination fiber optic access networks and Wi-Max to bring broadband to cities of the region. The operator is also making advance plans to tap into the planned East African Submarine System (EASSy) and connect some cities of the region to the world via cost effective and high bandwidth fiber. Their main frustration is that they are being denied the right to provide broadband access to certain public institutions and certaing metropolitan areas where the government favours the incumbent operator (who probably does not have the money). > > A similar scenario prevails in most parts of Africa, including South > Africa where the right to develop and own broadband networks is > concentrated in Telkom (not withstanding the licensing of the SNO). > > I believe that the best way to deal with some of these issues is to force > a dialogue between the frustrated private operators and those who make the > decisions. I am hoping that we may be able to achieve this at next year's > ICTe Africa event in Nairobi: > http://www.nepadcouncil.org/ICTeAfrica2006/ > > Jabulani Dhliwayo > > > Chifu <chifu2222(a)msn.com> wrote: > Kenya Praised for Internet Growth > The Nation (Nairobi) > > December 14, 2005 > Posted to the web December 14, 2005 > > Nation Reporter > Nairobi > > Kenya is among African countries where the broadband Internet is > fast taking root, according to a new report. > > The new system has grown rapidly in Africa over the past four years. > Before then, only the slower bandwidth was available for Internet > connections. > > In a survey of 100 selected operators in Africa, the report, by the > London-based Balancing Act, an Internet content advisory firm, says > access to higher-speed downloads of, for instance, music and voice > over Internet (VoIP) phone calling has intensified. > > Between 2001, when the first broadband access was rolled out, and > now, a wide range of both wireline and wireless broadband > technologies have been deployed across Africa. > > The pace started picking up in 2003. The technology has changed over > time. The most recent trend has been implementation of networks > which can deliver broadband over a 75-kilometre range. > > According to Mr Paul Hamilton, one of the report's > authors: "Broadband uptake is accelerating in the most developed > Internet markets ... The survey indicates that there are four tiers." > > The markets of Egypt, Madagascar, Re-union, and South Africa have > tens or hundreds of thousands of broadband subscribers. There is a > middle tier, such as Senegal, with between 1,000 and 10,000 > subscribers. > > In the third tier, the majority of other countries have deployed > broadband in which operators report several hundred subscribers. > > Behind this lies a fourth tier, where operators in about a half of > African countries either have tens of broadband users or have not > yet invested in the rollout of broadband networks. > > The report says that if operators and Internet service providers > (ISPs) do not achieve a critical mass of users and revenues > sufficient to invest in new infrastructure, they will not do so. > > But, as Mr Russell Southwood, the report's other author, > observes: "If broadband access can't be supplied at lower prices > than at present, it will remain a niche market for corporates and > wealthy individuals. > > "More competition is needed to lower prices for every element in > delivering the service." > > Monopolies in Internet provision keep international prices high for > West Africa and there is not yet enough competition in the national > backbone and local loop levels. > > However, things are beginning to change quite quickly in countries > like Kenya and South Africa and others are sure to follow, says the > report. > > One of the biggest drivers of broadband demand could prove to be > customers wanting access to VoIP calling, which will allow them > cheap international calling, enabling them to talk to friends and > relatives abroad. > > Although PC-to-PC calling requires users to have a computer, it is > likely that a number of operators will offer VoIP-enabled handsets > for use with a broadband connection, making it easier for consumers > who want a simple option, either at home or in a cyber-cafe. > > http://allafrica.com/stories/200512140395.html > > > > > > > Dig Africa site welcomes you to join us at > http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/Digafrica > > Also if you are interested to join a Swahili/English discussion group > click > http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/kiswahili > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > Dig Africa site welcomes you to join us at > http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/Digafrica > > Also if you are interested to join a Swahili/English discussion group > click > http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/kiswahili > > > > > > SPONSORED LINKS Africa Communication technology International > telecommunication > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS > > a.. Visit your group "DigAfrica" on the web. > > b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: > DigAfrica-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com > > c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > >

1 0

Consumer Information Network contact
by James Nguo 17 Dec '05

17 Dec '05

Does anyone have the e-mail address, telephone number for Consumer Information Network, Mr. Ochieng?? James Nguo Regional Director Arid Lands Information Network-Eastern Africa (ALIN-EA), P.O. Box 10098, 00100 G.P.O. Nairobi, Kenya, AAYMCA Building, Along State House Crescent, Off State House Avenue. Tel +254 20 2731557 Telefax +254 20 2737813 Cell Phone +254 -722-561006 Email: james(a)alin.or.ke Website: www.alin.or.ke ------------------------------------------------------------- Enriched livelihoods of the people in arid areas of Eastern Africa through targeted information support and facilitation of information exchange -----Original Message----- From: alice(a)apc.org [mailto:alice@apc.org] Sent: 24 November 2005 10:21 To: KIPlist; Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet Subject: [Kictanet] Fw: [governance] Assessment of WSIS Outcomes for Internet Governance This analysis is currently available at www.IP3.gatech.edu . It should soon be available at www.InternetGovernance.org November 23, 2005 An Assessment of the WSIS-2/Tunis '05 Outcomes The outcomes of the Tunis World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) are significant -- and rather surprising. ICANN emerges from the summit both unchanged and significantly different. After WSIS it has a stronger claim to legitimacy. ICANN emerged unchanged, in that its institutional structures - most notably its mechanisms for political oversight - were not amended. ICANN continues to operate under the formal authority of a single government, the US. Such a unilateral globalization model is a novel arrangement, quite unlike what is used in other global sectors (e.g. telephony or communication satellites.) The US continues to exercise a kind of unipolar authority it does not have in physical space. But ICANN also emerges from WSIS radically different: it is now endowed with a greater degree of legitimacy. Over a period of four years the UN family of nations intensely scrutinized ICANN, Internet governance, and unilateral US oversight, and they came to a decision: they declined to change ICANN's structures. Whereas US control was previously the product of a unilateral assertion, it is now the outcome of a lengthy process of scrutiny by all nations. Thus ICANN's greatest weakeness - its lack of legitimacy and its related lack of support from governments around the world - is less after WSIS. From now on, governments that criticize ICANN are criticizing an arrangement that they themselves reviewed and left unchanged. The WSIS decision cannot really be called an endorsement of ICANN. The text nowhere mentions ICANN by name, and there is no real declaration of support. Still, the UN has decided not to act against the organization, and this collective inaction is the final word after years of debate. The Internet Governance Forum Another important WSIS outcome is the launch of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). Two features characterize the IGF. First, it is a multi-stakeholder forum. Although a creation of the UN, the forum membership will include more than just UN member states; participating equally will be entities from the private sector and from civil society. Second, the forum has no concrete power. It is an advisory body. Its member will discuss and formulate collective recommendations, but those recommendations will not carry the weight of policy. Still, the forum could become powerful. A forum is a prerequisite for collective action at the global level, making possible communication, interest aggregation, bargaining, and decision. WSIS was itself a forum, and it made possible certain collective decisions of great political import. (For more on the functionality of forums see the article "Understanding WSIS" in the journal Information Technology and International Development.) If the new forum makes continued collective decision-making possible, it could be a powerful entity. Its recommendations could be formalized by national governments. Still one might ask, what is new about this forum? ICANN already has advisory committees for governments and for civil society members, and the private sector controls its board outright. Why create another mechanism for formulating advice? The answer is that this new forum will primarily have a policy focus. Whereas ICANN's bodies ostensibly focus on technical coordination, the IGF will focus on all issues of Internet governance. This dual arrangement formalizes the questionable division of Internet governance into two domains: ICANN's domain of technical coordination and the IGF's domain of public policy. It risks validating the inaccurate claim that ICANN is a purely technical body without policy-making content. Implications: ICANN and IGF In an earlier analysis entitled "ICANN Reform: Establishing the Rule of Law" I argued that ICANN needed a legislative mandate. It now has some of that. The Tunis documents are a major step in that direction. The locus of policy making will now shift. Fundamental disputes about ICANN's structures of policy-making have been settled (at least for now.) The next step is to work within those structures. WSIS defined two forums for policy making: ICANN, for matters of technical coordination, and the IGF, for everything else. In the short term, most Internet governance activity will switch to ICANN, where debates will occur within the ICANN structures. They will focus more on substantive issues relating to technical coordination. Of particular note is ICANN's Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC). The GAC is the forum where governments have the opportunity to look in on ICANN decision-making and offer their advice. It will likely become a much more important body - perhaps the most important body - in ICANN. At WSIS governments made it clear that they want a greater voice in ICANN decisions, and the GAC will be the vehicle for that. Thanks to WSIS governments now know a lot more about ICANN issues, so their participation should be more informed and effective. Civil society does not have a strong base within ICANN. The Non-Commercial Users Constituency (NCUC) operates at a disadvantage vis-à-vis the multiple commercial constituencies. Even weaker is ICANN's At Large Advisory Committee (ALAC), which is a pale shadow of the earlier user representation on the board. Ever since business and technical interests eliminated elections, civil society participation has been constrained. Outside of ICANN, the Internet Society (ISOC) is not a reliable home for civil society. Since 2002 business interests control ISOC by virtue of having rewritten its bylaws in a manner similar to ICANN. ISOC, however, still claims to be a civil society organization. What user organizations are in ALAC are mostly sub-units of ISOC. In summary, the situation for civil society in the post-WSIS ICANN is a major source of concern. A top priority for civil society should be reforming ALAC. With ICANN confirmed as the one operational institution for global Internet governance, civil society should develop a more effective voice there. Investing in ALAC and NCUC is one way to achieve that. The second forum emerging from WSIS is the Internet Governance Forum. The IGF can be thought of as a continuation of the WSIS, since it provides a place for multistakeholder discussion of a very large number of issues. The key question here is whether governments embrace it. With GAC already established and offering a rich agenda, some governments may question the utility of a second advisory forum. Industry interests are likely to be cool to the IGF, since they have so much more influence in ICANN. Civil society, with its weak base in ICANN, may have the most at stake in the IGF, but they may not be able to make it succeed without the commitment of those other stakeholders. Conclusion Before WSIS ICANN was a sort of Frankenstein organization created in the basement of the US Department of Commerce. No formal delegation of authority from the US Congress authorized its exercise of public powers. Nor did its global elections give it legitimacy, since they were canceled before full implementation. Now ICANN can claim some degree of public authority. Many people may regret the UN's implicit endorsement of ICANN, but no one can easily dismiss the validity of the process. ICANN is the same but different. The next step in the policy process will be to work within its structures. There is one additional possibility, not mentioned above, that looms over Internet governance: technology re-design. With WSIS leaving ICANN in place, those dissatisfied with ICANN are likely to move away from a political strategy. Instead, they may see more promise in trying to eliminate the single root. One example in this trend is the Open Root Server Network (orsn.org) which is creating a parallel network of servers that are autonomous of ICANN. With such innovations in place, the power in controlling the authoritative root server is reduced. In the near future, it will be interesting to see how many groups propose technical innovations that effectively decentralize the root. References WSIS Decision: "Tunis Agenda for the Information Society," 15 November 2005, WSIS-05/TUNIS/DOC/6(Rev.1)-E "Understanding WSIS: An Institutional Analysis of the World Summit on the Information Society," Information Technology and International Development, published by MIT Press, 2005. "ICANN Reform: Establishing the Rule of Law," web published analysis. Articles can be found at www.InternetGovernance.org and www.IP3.gatech.edu. Author is Hans Klein, Associate Professor of Public Policy at Georgia Institute of Technology and Partner in the Internet Governance Project. The paper benefited from comments by Milton Mueller. ### ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > _______________________________________________ > governance mailing list > governance(a)lists.cpsr.org > https://ssl.cpsr.org/mailman/listinfo/governance > _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet

2 1

FW: [www.eThinkTankTz.org] Fwd: New funding for African graduate students at UC Davis
by Harry Hare 16 Dec '05

16 Dec '05

-----Original Message----- From: eThinkTankTz(a)yahoogroups.com [mailto:eThinkTankTz@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Caroline Chumo Sent: 14 December 2005 13:04 Apologies for cross-posting. Harry Subject: [www.eThinkTankTz.org] Fwd: New funding for African graduate students at UC Davis Hello Afri-philes, There's a new funding program at the University of California at Davis for students from Africa who want to study Africa issues at the graduate level. There is more information below. Please forward this to anyone you know what is looking for graduate schools in the US. Thank you, Caroline Chumo --- Lori Fuller <ljfuller(a)ucdavis.edu> wrote: > Date: Mon, 12 Dec 2005 08:42:58 -0800 > To: aau(a)ucdavis.edu > From: Lori Fuller <ljfuller(a)ucdavis.edu> > Subject: Fwd: Announcement: New funding for African > graduate students > at UCD > > > >FYI > >=========================================================== > > FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 6, 2005 > > > > It is with great excitment that the African > Studies Committee announces > > that Dean Gibling and the Office of Graduate > Studies have decided to > > support African Studies at the graduate level by > creating a competitive > > grant program for African students who wish to do > a PhD at Davis. The > > African Studies Committee has been lobbying > strongly for expanding > > multi-disciplinary African studies research at UCD > and this is a bold new > > initiative. > > > > The funds will enable four students to study at > Davis for two years > > each, after which they would revert to the lower > post-candidacy rate, and > > the program will be stretched over three years. > This program is designed > > to initiate a competitive graduate student NRTF > waiver program for > > students from Africa working in any graduate > program on campus, > > and collaborating with the Africanists > initiative. When the Designated > > Emphasis in African American and African Studies > (AAAS) begins, the > > students will be affiliated with it. The money > will be housed in Graduate > > Studies but the competition ill be open to ANY > graduate student from > > Africa, and the primary advisor may be ANYONE > working in ANY college, > > department or program at UCD. > > > > Over the next weeks departments and programs will > begin reviewing > > graduate applications. In order to participate in > this competition, the > > African Studies Committee requires by January 20: > > > > 1. Copy of complete application of African > graduate student > > > >2. Letter of support from Dept. graduate studies > admissions committee or > >similar committee stating that the individual is of > the highest level and > >were it not for financial reasons, the individual > would be admitted. > > > > Please send three copies of all materials to > Benjamin Lawrance in the > > History Dept. > > > > The African Studies Committee will meet to > consider the files. It will > > consider admitting one or two students for > September 2006 with full > > support for two years using the NTRF waiver. It is > also exploring > > possible ways to enhance the collaborative > capacity of UCD with African > > institutions and offer a form of academic > exchange. This will be > > negotiated on a case by case basis once > preliminary decisions have been > > announced. > > > > If you have any questions, please email > > <mailto:bnl@ucdavis.edu>bnl(a)ucdavis.edu. > > > > Please circulate this email widely and discuss it > with your colleages. > > > > Benjamin N. Lawrance > > African Studies Committee Co-Chair > > > ______________________________________________________________________ > > > > The African Studies Committee, housed in the > African-American and > > African > > Studies Program, is led by Moradewun Adejunmobi > (AAAS), Tim Caro > > (WFCB), > > Benjamin Lawrance (History), and Rosie Woodroffe > (WFCB). The ASC > > represents > > forty faculty and fifty-five graduate students > working in or on > > Africa-related research in all of UC Davis' > colleges. It is supported > > by > > generous grants from Dean Steve Sheffrin, the > Davis Humanities and the > > Office of Graduate Studies. > > > _______________________________________________________________________ > > > > Lori Fuller > Undergraduate Advisor > Department of Human and Community Development > 1303 Hart Hall > Davis CA 95616 > (530) 752-2244 > (530) 752-5660- FAX > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/6reolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Anyone who would like to join eThinkTankTz is welcome to do so by sending a blank email to: eThinkTankTz-subscribe(a)yahoogroups.com Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: eThinkTankTz-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.13.13/200 - Release Date: 14/12/2005 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.13.13/200 - Release Date: 14/12/2005

2 1

RE: Proposed Last KICTANET Meeting of the year
by Andrew Karanja 15 Dec '05

15 Dec '05

Dear All, I think it is agreeable that we settle for Friday 16th 2:00 pm at the Jacaranda Hotel. Regards Andrew Karanja AITEC Kenya -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+andrew=aitec.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+andrew=aitec.co.ke@kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Measure Africa Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2005 4:10 PM To: andrew(a)aitec.co.ke Subject: Re: [Kictanet] RE: Proposed Last KICTANET Meeting of the year Hi Andrew, I would prefer to attend on Friday at 2:00pm, Thanks Maureen ----- Original Message ----- From: Andrew Karanja <mailto:andrew@aitec.co.ke> To: mwangati(a)measureafrica.org Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2005 8:35 AM Subject: [Kictanet] RE: Proposed Last KICTANET Meeting of the year Dear All, The agenda as it stands is as follows: * Review Kictanet activities this year * Planning for next years activities including the Advocacy campaigns * An update on strategising on how to engage with the new minister/PS and follow up with the ICT policy * Kictanet's registration and the way forward Due to the low feedback on the suggested time of 2:00 Pm Wednesday 14th December, I have received a suggestion that we could move the meeting towards the end of the week to 2:00 Pm Friday or Thursday this may be more convenient for most. I look forward to your feedback on this proposed times. Regards Andrew Karanja AITEC Kenya _____ _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mwangati%40measureafrica. org

2 1