July 2008 - KICTANet

Fwd: Bulk of KenyanWealth Owned by Foreigners
by wainaina.mungai＠gmail.com 03 Jul '08

03 Jul '08

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: wainaina.mungai(a)gmail.com Date: Thu, 3 Jul 2008 12:22:00 +0300 Subject: Bulk of KenyanWealth Owned by Foreigners To: kictanet(a)kictanet.org Kudos John/Moderator.. I suggest the next time a member opts to digress towards shadow boxing and unsubstantiated insinuations, a 2 week suspension may be a good prescription. We seem to have forgotten our common enemy......that is, inadequate ICT policies, laws and action plans... have a moderated day ;-) Wainaina -- Made in Kenya Network P. O. Box 72031 - 00200 Nairobi. Kenya Tel: +254-20-3590451 Cel: +254-722-811171 Cel: +254-735-370840 www.madeinkenya.org www.bungesms.com www.pamonet.org -- Made in Kenya Network P. O. Box 72031 - 00200 Nairobi. Kenya Tel: +254-20-3590451 Cel: +254-722-811171 Cel: +254-735-370840 www.madeinkenya.org www.bungesms.com www.pamonet.org

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Muthoni wins prestigious international award award that honours technical women
by Wanjira, Alice Munyua 03 Jul '08

03 Jul '08

Congratulations Dorcas...we are proud of you! More details below. best alice ----------------- The Anita Borg Change Agent Awards honor technical women that live and work outside the United States. They are change agents in their community - working to attract and support women in technology in their region. Recipients are recognized for their technical leadership and advocacy work. http://www.anitaborg.org/initiatives/awards/ -------------- Dear Dorcas, Congratulations! In recognition of your commitment to bringing attention to the issues of women in computing in Kenya, we am pleased to inform you that you have been awarded an Anita Borg Change Agent Award. We recognize your work as a change agent, and we would like you to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration for Women in Computing Conference. As a highly respected scientist who is dedicated to addressing the challenges of advancing a complex society as Kenya, and holding the position of Founder and Managing Director of OPENWORLD Ltd., you truly are a pioneer. It is our hope that your participation in the Grace Hopper Celebration will help bridge women technologists in the United States and abroad. _______________________________________________

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E-Commerce/M-commerce - which way for Africa?
by Brian Longwe 03 Jul '08

03 Jul '08

E-Commerce/M-commerce - which way for Africa? As pointed out by White African in his blog, there are lots of ideas flying around regarding payment solutions that can both fit and function according to the needs of the broader African populace. Top amongst these is the opportunity (or should we call it challenge) that mobile telephony offers. It has been well documented by the ITU that mobile telephony in Africa is growing faster than in any other part of the world. This is supported by World Bank reports that "The African mobile market has been the fastest-growing market of all regions, expanding at twice the rate of the global market." There is therefore every reason to see mobile telephony as an avenue towards delivery of financial services to the largely unbanked population of Africa. White African very elaborately says that "What we need is a carrier and bank agnostic ecommerce platform for Africa." This is further borne out in his discourse on the benefits of such a platform and the potential risks associated with current models that are tied to a single network operator. A couple of years ago during a period of much reflection on the same subject I came across a company that has implemented such a system in South Africa. Wizzit - mobile banking in South Africa Wizzit - is the name of the South African service that provides a cellphone based banking and transaction system. The company deliberately kept a low profile during it's early days to avoid been stonewalled by the larger banks in South Africa and instead developed it's product in partnership with a small bank that had enough flexibility and innovation to support the development of the product. The most significant aspect of Wizzit is that it works across all networks i.e. it is not linked or tied to any of the mobile operators - any subscriber with any network can sign up and use the service by simply purchasing a 'starter pack' for the equivalent of Kshs 60 (US$ 1) at any filling station convenience store or major supermarket. Employing the Unemployed Another very cool aspect of Wizzit's intervention is that instead of going the conventional route and hiring a sharp and savvy team of marketers and sales people, they created something called Wizz-Kids and invited unemployed youth; trained them, suited them up in very cool, branded gear and sent them out into the townships, rural areas and nether regions of the country to sign up customers. The initial team of close to 1,000 kids brought in over 10,000 accounts and in excess of 100,000 transactions within the system within the first couple of months. Since it's launch in 2004 Wizzit has provided thousands upon thousands of South African youth with employment. Banking the Unbanked Users don't have to have a bank account, but get a Maestro Debit card with the starter pack, which is linked to their Wizzit account which they can load up with money at any of thousands of agents, post offices and bank branches across the country. Once an account is loaded they can make person to person payments or transfer money to any other Wizzit user or merchant, load up airtime and pay for utilities. For those who need cash, a network of 'cash back' outlets at post offices and major supermarkets countrywide is available. What about the rest of Africa? Wizzit's innovation has had an incredible impact in South Africa but unfortunately has not been 'exportable', 'transferable' or capable of replication in countries outside of South Africa. In 2005 I made a number of efforts to engage with Wizzit guys and discuss the possibility of bringing the brand and model to Kenya. Unfortunately the fees and percentages that came out of these discussions were unbearable (or to be more precise commercially unviable). And for whatever reason, no one in other countries seems to have been able to put together a similar package of partnerships, agreements, legal loopholes to allow delivery of a similar model (at least none that I know of) So, what can we do about getting something like this going in other parts? [Brian blogs on venture capital, startups, investment, technology and trends at: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com] -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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E-Commerce/M-Commerce - which way for Africa?
by Brian Longwe 02 Jul '08

02 Jul '08

E-Commerce/M-commerce - which way for Africa?<http://mashilingi.blogspot.com/2008/07/e-commercem-commerce-which-way-for.h…> As pointed out by White African <http://whiteafrican.com/> in his blog, there are lots of ideas flying around regarding payment solutions that can both fit and function according to the needs of the broader African populace. Top amongst these is the opportunity (or should we call it challenge) that mobile telephony offers. It has been well documented by the ITU that mobile telephony in Africa is growing faster than in any other part of the world. This is supported by World Bank reports that "The African mobile market has been the fastest-growing market of all regions, expanding at twice the rate of the global market." [full article at http://mashilingi.blogspot.com] -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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Job ICT Manager -- Deadline 4 July
by Catherine Adeya 01 Jul '08

01 Jul '08

Sorry if you have already seen this but it is important for those who have not as I am aware there are many who are searching. Every opportunity must be grasped. Thanks Nyaki ----- Original Message ---- ICT MANAGER POSITION JOB TITLE: ICT Manager JOB CODE: PR/DC/ICTM/608 DEPARTMENT: ICT REPORTS TO: Managing Director LOCATION: Nairobi CLOSING DATE: July 4, 2008 Summary Our client is a leading retail chain in East Africa and are looking for an innovative ICT Manager to manage the overall ICT function for efficient and effective service delivery in Nairobi, Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. This position reports directly to the Managing Director and will require the individual to immediately take ownership and manage the implementation of a new ERP system. Primary Responsibilities · Identify and implement relevant programs and infrastructure for ICT applications for effective customer relationship management · Manage all communication and data transfer activities of the organization · Ensure appropriate backups, archiving and disaster preparedness procedures are adhered to · Generate reports as required by user departments · Evaluate and recommend suitable ICT equipment · Ensure timely systems licensing and documentation · Training users on ICT · Managing ICT staff performance and evaluations (1 ICT Administrator and 2 hardware and software support technicians) Basic Requirements · Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science, ICT, Electrical /Electronics Engineering of recognized equivalent · Recognized industry certification in networking and systems administration · At least 3 years experience in a management position · Demonstrable leadership, professionalism, initiative and competence in organizing and directing work · Ease with both practical and strategic management orientations · At least 30 years of age Benefits · Medical · Group Life Insurance · Pension Contribution HOW TO APPLY If you have the above credentials, please apply attaching your current resume and quoting the job code on the subject line of your email or application. Email applications are preferable. The application should reach the following address by 4 July 2008. Personnel Resource Email: recruiter(a)personnelresource.org P.O. Box 856-00606 Nairobi, Kenya

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FW: Search for ERNWACA Regional Coordinator / Le ROCARE recherche un Coordonnateur régional
by Edith Adera 01 Jul '08

01 Jul '08

_____ From: ROCARE/ERNWACA [mailto:info@rocare.org] Sent: 01 July 2008 10:16 To: Undisclosed-recipients: Subject: Search for ERNWACA Regional Coordinator / Le ROCARE recherche un Coordonnateur régional ANGLAIS Please circulate Search for ERNWACA Regional Coordinator, based in Bamako (Republic of Mali) The Educational Research Network for West and Central Africa (ERNWACA) is pleased to call for applications for the position of Regional Coordinator, based in Bamako, in the Republic of Mali. The deadline for receipt of applications is 14 August 2008. More information is available at the following internet addresses: Job Description: www.ernwaca.org/web/IMG/pdf_RC_Job_Desccription.pdf Call for Applications (in French): www.ernwaca.org/web/spip.php?article138 Call for Applications (in English): www.ernwaca.org/web/spip.php?article139 Please circulate this announcement to all those who may be interested and to appropriate electronic lists and webmasters. Do not hesitate to include it in institutional and other publications. _____ Veuillez faire circuler FRANCAIS Le ROCARE recherche un Coordonnateur régional, basé à Bamako (République du Mali) Le Réseau Ouest et Centre Africain de Recherche en Education (ROCARE) a le plaisir de lancer un appel à candidatures pour le poste de Coordonnateur régional, basé à Bamako, en République du Mali. La date limite de réception des candidatures est fixée pour le 14 août 2008. Plus d'informations sont disponibles aux adresses Internet suivantes: Description du poste: www.ernwaca.org/web/IMG/pdf_RC_Job_Desccription.pdf Appel à candidatures (en Français): www.ernwaca.org/web/spip.php?article138 Appel à candidatures (en Anglais): www.ernwaca.org/web/spip.php?article139 Veuillez faire parvenir cette annonce à tous ceux qui sont susceptibles dêtres intéressés par le poste , aux listes électroniques de diffusion et aux webmasters. N'hésitez pas à l'inclure dans les bulletins dinformation et autres publications de vos institutions respectives. Job description Vision of ERNWACA: Give an African face to African education. Mission: Promote African expertise and a culture of research to improve educational policy and practice. Regional Coordinator position, based in Bamako, Mali; start date is November 2008 Application deadline: 14 August 2008 Responsibilities * Develop and promote the vision and leadership of the network, * Develop, in a participatory way, the 2010-2016 strategic action plan in two budgetary cycles, in collaboration with network leaders and partners in member countries; * Coordinate implementation of the plan in ways that promote development of the national branches of ERNWACA and institutional development of the organization; * Assure the consolidation, expansion and deepening of the network and mechanisms for the decentralization of responsibilities for planning, action plan implementation, and monitoring; * Ensure an effective and coordinated communications strategy for the promotion of the network and use of its expertise and products in policymaking and in improving the quality of education in member countries; * Oversee transnational research projects and processes * Facilitate planning and organization of training workshops on research methodologies and writing, as well as seminars and conferences to share research findings and stimulate public and policy dialogue; * Consolidate existing partnerships and develop and maintain appropriate synergistic and mutually beneficial partnerships at the regional level, so as to broaden the networks influence in matters pertaining to the development of education; * Network with regional organizations, inter-governmental institutions, universities, research institutes, teacher training colleges and unions, foundations, development agencies, and other partners to implement and/or co-finance joint training, research, advocacy, and publication programs; * Raise funds and diversify sources of funding for the network to ensure greater autonomy of financial management as well as institutional sustainability, including through the Friends of ERNWACA giving program and the Endowment Fund campaign; * Support the national branches of the network to design, implement, monitor and evaluate their annual action plans, in collaboration with the national coordinating committees, and ensure respect of statutory obligations and responsibilities; * Support national network branches in strategic partnership development and resource mobilization in order to ensure greater autonomy of national branches; * Promote linkages among the networks different branches in member countries and facilitate communication and sharing of lessons learned and good practices among them; * Work with the networks scientific committees to ensure the quality of research and publication processes; * Work with the Board of Directors in ensuring healthy institutional development, including financial transparency and good governance at national and regional levels; * Regularly assess, evaluate and report on organizational capacity and performance; * Present annual technical and financial reports to the Board of Directors for approval; * Represent the network at regional and international meetings, with other network leaders and network members. Profile * Possess at least a maters degree or its equivalent, preferably a PhD and several scholarly publications; * Have a background in social science research, preferably with university linkages; * Have a least 5 years of documented and proven experience in the following areas: * management, networking, and institutional development; * communications, negotiation, and public relations; * partnership building and fundraising; * Able to mobilize and manage human and financial resources; * Innovative team player with excellent human relations skills; * Excellent use of French and English in written and oral communication; * Regular use of information and communication technologies for learning/teaching/training, research, and administration; * Resident/citizen of African country and familiar with educational development challenges and aspirations on the continent; * Able to travel at least 25% time. This is a full time position for three years, based in Bamako, Mali. Contract renewal is based on performance and the search for and renewal of complimentary funding. The coordinator will be employed by ERNWACA. ERNWACA looks forward to negotiating detachment from responsibilities at a national institution. To apply Please send by 14 August 2008 the following in a SINGLE message with ERNWACA plus your FULL NAME in the subject line to Raynal et Fadhika RH, Abidjan, at recrutement(a)rfrh.net and also to recrutement.rocare(a)ymail.com. 1/ Motivation letter 2/ CV 3/ three (3) letters of recommendation (obligatory), addressed to the President of the ERNWACA Board of Directors 4/ current earnings as well as salary expectations (obligatory) 5/ indication of institution in your country with video-conference facilities where pre-selection interview could take place All five (5) items are required and incomplete applications will not be considered. Qualified women candidates are encouraged to apply. Se désinscrire

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