February 2010 - KICTANet

Re: [kictanet] Paypal Vs Mpesa
by Barrack Otieno 04 Feb '10

04 Feb '10

Honourable Members, I was just having a chat with a good friend who is a web developer over the issue of online payments. I realised paypal is common but the procedure and processes involved seem to be too complicated despite the fact that it is an important medium for online transactions globally. Does anyone has an idea of how we can encouarage local banks to interface with such systems to facilitate online transactions instead of the difficult route being undertaken currently, better still can mpesa be a viable option. They have an arrangement with pesa point which saved my neck on new year because of its efficiency can it be extended to facilitate online transactions international (say with Kenyans in diaspora Just curious On Wed, Jan 21, 2009 at 8:22 PM, Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > > > --- On Wed, 1/21/09, Okulo Anthony <anthony.okulo(a)okulo.co.ke> wrote: > > > From: Okulo Anthony <anthony.okulo(a)okulo.co.ke> > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Obama Speech puzzle: read, memorised or simply no > script? > > To: alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com > > Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 12:22 AM > > Most good speakers especially litigation lawyers memories > > their speeches and when making the speech they rely on > > points so that it looks as if they are not reading a script. > > most likely Obama had his "points" on a screen in > > front of him. > > > > > > Anthony Okulo > > > > A trick we used in O-Levels to "cram" formulas, make "words" shortened > abbreviations for Chemistry, Geo, Bio, Hist, Maths etc.. It works wonders-- > only remember "new word" only known to thyself and Hey Presto! UR genius;) > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail… > -- Barrack O. Otieno ISSEN CONSULTING Tel: +254721325277 +254726544442 +254733206359 www.issenconsult.com http://projectdiscovery.or.ke To give up the task of reforming society is to give up ones responsibility as a free man. Alan Paton, South Africa

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Re: [kictanet] Getting a hold on cybercrime against women (cyber pests!)
by emmanuel.khisa＠kadet.co.ke 03 Feb '10

03 Feb '10

Good stuff! My eyes have been opened...thanks MM. This deserves our attention and support. Rgds ------Original Message------ From: muriuki mureithi To: emmanuel.khisa(a)kadet.co.ke Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' ReplyTo: mureithi(a)summitstrategies.co.ke Sent: 3 Feb 2010 19:43 Subject: RE: [kictanet] Getting a hold on cybercrime against women (cyber pests!) Hi Emmanuel Just a glimpse of the literature review data -- 'Self reports to WHOA between 2000 -2008 indicates that the cyber stalkers are predominantly men representing 49.5% while women cyber stalkers were significant at 28.5%. Thus, women are a significant contributor to cyber stalking. The victim is clearly the women, 72.5% of the victims were women while men victims accounted for 22% of the cases' . In 71% of the cases, the cyber stalking did not result in offline threats. Nevertheless the 29% offline threats is significant representing one in three cases The woman is overwhelmingly the victim both by men and sometimes other women! That's the motivation for the study Cheers MM -----Original Message----- From: emmanuel.khisa(a)kadet.co.ke [mailto:emmanuel.khisa@kadet.co.ke] Sent: 03 February 2010 19:29 To: mureithi(a)summitstrategies.co.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] Getting a hold on cybercrime against women (cyber pests!) This is a great piece! I wonder whether men are immune to this vice hence the concentration on women. Maybe there will be an opportunity to do this but I opine that we should ensure we don't fall into the problems girl child activism and neglect of the boy child...especially on this sms stalking one! Have a great evening listers! EK Sent from my BlackBerryR -----Original Message----- From: "muriuki mureithi" <mureithi(a)summitstrategies.co.ke> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 18:14:20 To: <emmanuel.khisa(a)kadet.co.ke> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: [kictanet] Getting a hold on cybercrime against women (cyber pests!) _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: emmanuel.khisa(a)kadet.co.ke Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/emmanuel.khisa%40kadet. co.ke Sent from my BlackBerry®

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Limited Floats
by Kipkemoi arap Kirui 03 Feb '10

03 Feb '10

Why not raise the limits of the floats agents access so users don't suffer running around so much? At 4 pm, one hardly gets a place to top up. That is wasted revenue I suppose? Kirui

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Is anytthing going on with Automation of Government Reciepting?
by Leonard Aloo 03 Feb '10

03 Feb '10

Listers, Can someone please let me know why with all the ICT brains in Kenya, Government Receipts are still issued in longhand using carbon paper! Without for a moment suggesting impropriety on the part of anyone currently using long hand, one suspects that, if the process is automated, revenue will rise significantly. After all, how does one know that the seven (7) in the customer copy of the handwritten receipt is not accounted for as a one (1) in the duplicate copy. Add zeros to the figures and see what effect it can have (7,000 = 1000; 70,000 = 10,000 etc). Imagine the resultant reduction in taxes. Do the government accounting officers not want to have a dashboard on their computers where they can see revenues coming in in real-time. Does any one know if there is anything going on to remove us from the carbon paper age? Regards, Leonard Obura Aloo

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Is anytthing going on with Automation of Government Reciepting?
by Leonard Aloo 03 Feb '10

03 Feb '10

Listers, Can someone please let me know why with all the ICT brains in Kenya, Government Receipts are still issued in longhand using carbon paper! Without for a moment suggesting impropriety on the part of anyone currently using long hand, one suspects that, if the process is automated, revenue will rise significantly. After all, how does one know that the seven (7) in the customer copy of the handwritten receipt is not accounted for as a one (1) in the duplicate copy. Add zeros to the figures and see what effect it can have (7,000 = 1000; 70,000 = 10,000 etc). Imagine the resultant reduction in taxes. Do the government accounting officers not want to have a dashboard on their computers where they can see revenues coming in in real-time. Does any one know if there is anything going on to remove us from the carbon paper age? Regards, Leonard Obura Aloo Advocate

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safaricom debit card
by Benson Mbugua 03 Feb '10

03 Feb '10

Michael, Would it be possible to have a safaricom dedit card with visa or Mastercard via Mpesa? Kenyans are slowly accepting plastic as a means of payment. With mobile banking, we have to go through the bank to transfer funds or receive funds, however if consumers were able send money directly to a safaricom debit card, we could eliminate the extra cost and time of routing money through a bank. Additionally for the Mpesa users who may want to pay for a dinner at a restaurant or in the middle of the night or even buy a plane ticket can simply swipe their safaricom debit card for easy payment. Ben

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Re: [kictanet] ICT programmes for development .
by Pius Walela 02 Feb '10

02 Feb '10

Dear Paul and all members , Strathmore university has launched an ICT incubation program called SITT (Strathmore Innovation Technology Transfer Program).This is an ICT based incubation program geared to commercialize ICT based innovations and enterprises. Looking forward to work with the ICT board , hoping to meet you Paul soon would this Friday at three be convenient ? For more please visit : http://www.strathmore.edu/fit/ Kind regards Pius W Walela Research Programmes Administrator Faculty of Information Technology Strathmore University Tel : +254 -020- 606155 Ext 2320 Web : www.strathmore.edu/fit Email : pwalela(a)strathmore.edu ________________________________ Strathmore University provides all-round education in an atmosphere of freedom and responsibility. This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for use by the recipient(s) to whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email and/or any files attached to it from your computer. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Strathmore University. The University accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damages incurred, or suffered, resulting, or arising, from the use of this email and/or its attachments. The University warrants neither the integrity of the e-mail nor its freedom from errors, viruses, interception or any other form of interference. …………………………………………………………………. Website: www.strathmore.edu

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Re: [kictanet] Safaricom partners with KPLC to expand its datafoot print
by mureithi 02 Feb '10

02 Feb '10

Yes was involved in consulting for the business case and the dark fibre was and is available to all licensed telecom operators subject to a reserve price. Cheers ____________ Muriuki Mureithi Summit Strategies Ltd sent from cellphone ________________ Reply Header ________________ Subject: Re: [kictanet] Safaricom partners with KPLC to expand its datafootprint Author: "Michael Joseph" <MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke> Date: 02nd February 2010 14:20 KPLC invited all licensed operators to bid for the rights to access the surplus pairs in the cable. A reserve price was set for both leased and IRU models. A number of operators responded and so far only 3 have signed contracts - Safaricom, Wananchi and Jamii Telecom. There is no exclusivity as can be seen. I do not know which operators did not bid but I do know that other operators are still in talks with KPLC. Safaricom have only taken 1 pair out of the 12 available. Michael CEO Safaricom Limited ________________________________ From: kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Walubengo J Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 5:23 PM To: Michael Joseph Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] Safaricom partners with KPLC to expand its datafootprint Harry, MM et al, Dont lose sight of what McTim was asking- he wondered if Kenya Power will be availing this dark-fiber to other players in the industry (open-access model). Knowing Safcom's (MJs?) track record (they fight hard, Microsoft Style), I wouldnt be suprised if they have nailed this deal with KPLC on an "exclusive" basis. What's worse, the regulator (CCK) can only watch from the sidelines because he would be told that what KPLC does is a matter of another ministry (of Energy) - who ofcourse have no clue on matters pertaining Data packets (their menu is electrical power not Internet). Yes, it's another feather (or coup?) for Safcom as Walela rightly observes. I can actually see Kai (KDN) and Joshua (Jamii Telcom) calling an urgent strategic meeting on this new development because it is not funny... walu. --- On Tue, 2/2/10, Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> wrote: From: Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Safaricom partners with KPLC to expand its data footprint To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 4:36 PM Yes, possibly...I actually looking at it from the geographical spread, security of the fiber given the many incidents of vandalism we have witnessed over the recent past and possibly the cost that the like of Safaricom can access the fiber for. The last time I spoke to someone from KPLC he indicated that it costs them a third what other digger pays to lay their fiber. Just a hunch, I know this is your forte! Cheers Harry On 2/2/10 3:27 PM, "muriuki mureithi" <mureithi(a)summitstrategies.co.ke> wrote: Harry Unless I didn't get your message clearly , kplc providers a dark fibre Cheers MM From: Harry Hare [mailto:harry@africanedevelopment.org] Sent: 02 February 2010 15:18 To: mureithi(a)summitstrategies.co.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] Safaricom partners with KPLC to expand its data footprint MM, At the data operator level, they seem like a game changer to me. Kindest Regards Harry On 2/2/10 3:12 PM, "muriuki mureithi" <mureithi(a)summitstrategies.co.ke> wrote: Hi Harry Kplc is not a game changer but offered extra fibre capacity to the telecom operators in line with national ICT policy . Safaricom is one of those interested to use the fibre Note that kplc is not entering the telecom consumer market Cheers MM From: kictanet-bounces+mureithi=summitstrategies.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+mureithi=summitstrategies.co.ke@lists.kictanet. or.ke] On Behalf Of Harry Hare Sent: 02 February 2010 14:41 To: mureithi(a)summitstrategies.co.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] Safaricom partners with KPLC to expand its data footprint This is a very interesting development, bringing to fore the potential that KPLC have as a game changer with its fiber. http://tinyurl.com/ybbhsmn Harry African eDevelopment Resource Centre eDevelopment House : : 604 Limuru Road Old Muthaiga : : P O Box 49475 00100 Nairobi : : Kenya T +254 20 3741646/7 : : C +254 725 650044 Training : : Research: :Consultancy: : Publishing African eDevelopment Resource Centre eDevelopment House : : 604 Limuru Road Old Muthaiga : : P O Box 49475 00100 Nairobi : : Kenya T +254 20 3741646/7 : : C +254 725 650044 Training : : Research: :Consultancy: : Publishing African eDevelopment Resource Centre eDevelopment House : : 604 Limuru Road Old Muthaiga : : P O Box 49475 00100 Nairobi : : Kenya T +254 20 3741646/7 : : C +254 725 650044 Training : : Research: :Consultancy: : Publishing -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: jwalu(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com ##################################################################################### NOTE: The information in this email and any attachments is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended only for the use of the named addressee. Emails are susceptible to alteration and their integrity cannot be guaranteed. Safaricom Limited does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this email if the same is found to have been altered or manipulated. The contents and opinions expressed in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Safaricom Limited. Safaricom Limited disclaims any liability to the fullest extent permissible by law for any consequences that may arise from the contents of this email including but not limited to personal opinions, malicious and/or defamatory information and data/codes that may compromise or damage the integrity of the recipient?s information technology systems. If you are not the intended recipient please notify the sender and immediately delete this email from your system.Unless expressly stated by a duly authorised officer of Safaricom Limited nothing contained in this email message may be construed as being an offer to contract or an acceptance of an offer capable of constituting a contract between Safaricom Limited and any recipient(s) of this email. ##################################################################################### _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: mureithi(a)summitstrategies.co.ke Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mureithi%40summitstrat…

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: Kenya ICT board: What is the real problem?
by Crystal Watley Kigoni 02 Feb '10

02 Feb '10

Dear Benson, The Rural Information System is an excellent project! Please do put me in touch with them. I had heard of the project and its success before and was hoping to develop something similar in terms of commodity information exchange with the producer groups here in Kenya. One aspect I am very interested in is the increased profitability of the farmers, in terms of concrete community level data. I am also interested in finding out more information about the hardware, software, and Internet used if possible. Many thanks, Crystal Kigoni On Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 2:42 PM, Benson Mwangi <benson.mwangi(a)gmail.com>wrote: > Dear Crystal, > > Some years back, I was involved in setting up a Rural Information system in > Uganda. The system this far has been very successful and It's built on the > model of a "Revolving Fund" where organised farming groups are given ICT > equipments as a loan and they repay over a long period while the money they > repay is essentially ploughed back to the project to buy more equipment for > other groups. The project is supported by International Institute for > Communications and Development(IICD), I-Network Uganda, SNV and Uganda > Commodity Exchange. I believe there's something you can learn from the > project as well as them learning from your project. You could get more > information from http://www.uce.co.ug/ris/ > > Infact, the groups were able to negotiate for bandwidth/ pricing cuts from > ISPs with success. > > If Interested in discussions/ collaborations, I could put you through the > current project managers. > > Kind Regards, > <http://www.uce.co.ug/ris/> > ============================== > Benson Mwangi Irungu > PhD Student-NeuroImaging > University of Dundee > Level 5 > Centre for Neurosciences > Ninewells Hospital and Medical School > Dundee > DD1 9SY > United Kingdom > Personal Web: http://sites.google.com/site/bensonmwangi/ > Mob: +44-7502123641 > > > On 2 February 2010 10:54, Crystal Watley Kigoni < > crystal.kigoni(a)intersat.ae> wrote: > >> Thank you, Liko. >> >> I must admit the one of the reasons I love Kenya so much is because of the >> fantastic rural farming communities. As a matter of fact over 70% of our >> population is actively "employed" in the farming sector and this population >> also tend to be impoverished and isolated. They are always in the forefront >> of my mind. >> >> The kiosks are owned and operated by community based organizations and >> youth groups as income generating activities and will be entirely self >> sustaining. We do not plan to have donor involvement beyond subsidizing the >> initial purchase price. Our rationale is that the less that the groups have >> to pay for start up the sooner they will realize profits and the more >> motivated they will be. >> >> As the price of the kiosk includes all structural elements (ie no rent or >> electric bills) so the overhead is extremely low (maintenance and Internet >> access for under 10,000 Ksh). Youth from the group are employed as the kiosk >> operators thus giving them an income. The remaining profits are utilized in >> two ways: for the youth and community to fund additional income generating >> activities and to provide service for the community members in the greatest >> need (orphans, widows, HIV infected). Most groups are interested in >> agricultural businesses such as bee keeping, fish farming, and dairies. >> >> While the technology in itself is wonderful we are most interested in what >> socioeconomic change can result FROM the utilization of the technology. >> >> Asante sana. >> >> Best regards, >> >> Crystal >> >> >> >> On Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 1:21 PM, Agosta Liko <agostal(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> Crystal >>> >>> first ... kudos ... your heart is in the right place (Kimilili, Sirisia, >>> Kanduyi) :) >>> >>> Question ... are these RIK's sustainable ? do they make money ? >>> >>> Or donors will have to keep funding them for years to come ... >>> >>> Thanks >>> >>> On Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 12:03 PM, Crystal Watley Kigoni < >>> crystal.kigoni(a)intersat.ae> wrote: >>> >>>> Dear Paul and Edith, >>>> >>>> Since you have mentioned other projects rolling out ICT for development >>>> in Kenya, I would like to mention our work with the Rural Internet Kiosks >>>> (RIKs) once again. >>>> >>>> We are rolling out the RIK as an alternative form of cybercafe or >>>> digital village in a number of locations in Kenya this year. The first will >>>> be in Msambweni constituency in Coastal province, followed by 8 in Webuye >>>> constituency and 1 in Kimilili at the local library. We are also working on >>>> projects in Siaya, Sirisia, and Kanduyi. Hopefully the list will grow as we >>>> are able to finalize our funding streams. This year our goal is to implement >>>> at least 20 sites will our eyes towards the skies for many more. As of yet >>>> we have not had any support from the ICT Board, however, we would appreciate >>>> their participation. Perhaps this could be a complementary PASHA model. >>>> >>>> The kiosks are equipped with local WiFi to make true digital villages >>>> with access for all. >>>> >>>> Please see the attached file for a presentation with images of the Rural >>>> Internet Kiosk and the documentary we created on YouTube at >>>> http://www.youtube.com/user/ruralinternetkiosks. >>>> >>>> Best regards, >>>> >>>> Crystal Kigoni >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Crystal "Naliaka" Watley Kigoni >>>> Executive Director >>>> Voices of Africa for Sustainable Development >>>> crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org >>>> http://www.voicesofafrica.org/ >>>> >>>> Intersat Africa, Ltd >>>> Rural Internet Kiosks >>>> Project Coordinator >>>> crystal.kigoni(a)intersat.ae >>>> >>>> Society for New Communications Research Fellow 2010 >>>> http://sncr.org/ >>>> >>>> Twitter: VOA_Crystal >>>> Skype: crystal.naliaka >>>> Facebook group: Voices of Africa >>>> >>>> "You must be the change you wish to see" - Gandhi >>>> On Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 11:11 AM, Paul Kukubo <pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Edith >>>>> >>>>> Thanks for the questions. we have been through Telecentres extensively. >>>>> We have developed partnerships to understand the model as best as we can and >>>>> therefore the Pilot Pashas have support from both Cisco, Telkom >>>>> Kenya. Extensive planing has been undertaken. >>>>> >>>>> The key issue with the Pasha Model is sustainability. The project >>>>> objectives are to extend the reach of connectivity and government services >>>>> as well as provide a model for grassroots communities to develop an ICT >>>>> based livelihood. It is an entrepreneurial model. >>>>> >>>>> To answer the question someone else asked, we shall raise communication >>>>> to rural communities via mass media only when the project actually starts >>>>> going into full roll-out later this year. >>>>> >>>>> it would be an interesting to receive some comments from the >>>>> experiences of the private sector digital villages project operators, as >>>>> this exists as well. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Paul Kukubo >>>>> Chief Executive Officer, Kenya ICT Board >>>>> PO Box 27150 - 00100 >>>>> Nairobi, Kenya >>>>> >>>>> 12th Floor, Teleposta Towers Koinange Street >>>>> >>>>> Tel +254 20 2089061, +254 20 2211960 >>>>> >>>>> Fax: +254 20 2211962 >>>>> Cell: + 254 735 180001 >>>>> >>>>> website: www.ict.go.ke >>>>> skype: kukubopaul >>>>> googletalk: pkukubo >>>>> ____________________ >>>>> Vision: Kenya becomes a top ten global ICT hub >>>>> >>>>> Mission: To champion and actively enable Kenya to adopt and exploit >>>>> ICT, through promotion of partnerships, investments and infrastructure >>>>> growth for socio economic enrichment >>>>> Sent from Nairobi, Kenya >>>>> >>>>> On Mon, Feb 1, 2010 at 10:58 PM, Edith Adera <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke>wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Dear Kukubo, >>>>>> >>>>>> Thanks for this update - it would be nice to get these more regularly >>>>>> and other KICTB projects, otherwise stakeholders get very anxious! >>>>>> >>>>>> I recall that KICTB had committed to 10 pasha centres in the first >>>>>> round - are those and more still in the plan with the target of one per >>>>>> constituency. why 5 only? >>>>>> >>>>>> There are very many documented experiences with telecentres (which >>>>>> pasha centres really are) - are efforts in place to learn from the past >>>>>> mistakes - I worry that some of the challenges you've mentioned here were >>>>>> known 10 years ago. what's new? >>>>>> >>>>>> telecentre.org offers numerous lessons and there are various research >>>>>> studies done in early 2000s to mid 2000s about such centres including >>>>>> studies on business models - it will help to draw on these rich resources. >>>>>> >>>>>> I would also argue that a stand alone centre should not be categorized >>>>>> as a digital village - digital villages should provide radius of >>>>>> connectivity - and anyone within that radius can then get connected >>>>>> wirelessly - these are the innovative first mile solutions that we should >>>>>> pursue (and ensure local capacity is built to deploy and maintain them - >>>>>> hence the term "first mile"). We'll create jobs and build our innovation >>>>>> systems. >>>>>> >>>>>> just some thoughts >>>>>> >>>>>> Edith >>>>>> ------------------------------ >>>>>> *From:* Paul Kukubo [pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke] >>>>>> *Sent:* 01 February 2010 12:22 >>>>>> >>>>>> *To:* Edith Adera >>>>>> *Cc:* ke users; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions >>>>>> *Subject:* Re: [kictanet] Kenya ICT board: What is the real problem? >>>>>> >>>>>> Edith >>>>>> >>>>>> The digital villages project (Pasha) is still on track. >>>>>> >>>>>> The Board sends out regular communication to those who underwent the >>>>>> first lot of entrepreneurship training in October 2009, as well as other >>>>>> trainees applicants due to be trained in the next phases over the next two >>>>>> years.. The portal www.pasha.co.ke is also active and is updated to >>>>>> keep all informed on the progress. This portal is being >>>>>> enhanced continuously. >>>>>> >>>>>> A 2nd lot of 1500 people from all over the country are due to be >>>>>> trained in this first quarter of this year. The eventual target for training >>>>>> is 7500 in the next 2 years. >>>>>> >>>>>> The board has now finalized the Grants Manual, a document that >>>>>> provides the basis of how the funding for this grant to entrepreneurs will >>>>>> be administered. Each entrepreneur will have an opportunity to competitively >>>>>> apply for a grant to fund his start-up costs (or expansion costs for those >>>>>> who have some level of establishment). The board will also provide a >>>>>> technical support arrangement for the centers across the country for a fixed >>>>>> period. >>>>>> >>>>>> These Pasha centers will be self sustaining >>>>>> and entrepreneurs themselves will determine what specific services they >>>>>> provide based on their local circumstances. They will also act as one of the >>>>>> main gateways for government online services. >>>>>> >>>>>> There are 5 Pasha Pilot centres. in Kangundo, Gairrisa, Malindi, >>>>>> Mukuru (industrial Area), Meru, We continue learning about specific issues >>>>>> on the ground from these sites. Issues such as business model, >>>>>> infrastructure requirement, public uptake and demand for services. One key >>>>>> learning so far is that this project is in great demand for varying reasons >>>>>> across the country and that even if there is no 'one size fits all', >>>>>> citizens will adopt the centers to suit their needs. >>>>>> >>>>>> For details about the actual Pasha process visit this link on ours >>>>>> site >>>>>> http://www.ict.go.ke/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=68&Itemid=133 >>>>>> >>>>>> We welcome further questions and comments and encourage you to help >>>>>> us maintain public interest in this important project, which even we at the >>>>>> board are the first to admit, has taken longer than originally envisioned. >>>>>> Indeed projects such as this do take a long time and stakeholder anxiety is >>>>>> to be expected. >>>>>> >>>>>> We shall keep you informed more regularly. >>>>>> >>>>>> Paul Kukubo >>>>>> Chief Executive Officer, Kenya ICT Board >>>>>> PO Box 27150 - 00100 >>>>>> Nairobi, Kenya >>>>>> >>>>>> 12th Floor, Teleposta Towers Koinange Street >>>>>> >>>>>> Tel +254 20 2089061, +254 20 2211960 >>>>>> >>>>>> Fax: +254 20 2211962 >>>>>> Cell: + 254 735 180001 >>>>>> >>>>>> website: www.ict.go.ke >>>>>> skype: kukubopaul >>>>>> googletalk: pkukubo >>>>>> ____________________ >>>>>> Vision: Kenya becomes a top ten global ICT hub >>>>>> >>>>>> Mission: To champion and actively enable Kenya to adopt and exploit >>>>>> ICT, through promotion of partnerships, investments and infrastructure >>>>>> growth for socio economic enrichment >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On Mon, Feb 1, 2010 at 10:44 AM, Edith Adera <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke>wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Good questions Rebecca - whatever happened to the digital village >>>>>>> projects - is it a case of failed promises? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> It would be nice to get official updates on some of these initiatives >>>>>>> critical for this country. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Edith >>>>>>> >>>>>>> ------------------------------ >>>>>>> *From:* kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke[kictanet-bounces+eadera= >>>>>>> idrc.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Rebecca Wanjiku [ >>>>>>> rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com] >>>>>>> *Sent:* 01 February 2010 06:33 >>>>>>> *To:* Edith Adera >>>>>>> >>>>>>> *Cc:* ke users; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions >>>>>>> *Subject:* [kictanet] Kenya ICT board: What is the real problem? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> The promise of BPO marketing, digital villages..... >>>>>>> >>>>>>> www.wanjiku.co.ke >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Tel. 254 720 318 925 >>>>>>> >>>>>>> blog: wanjiku.co.ke >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> kictanet mailing list >>>>>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>>>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>>>>> >>>>>>> This message was sent to: pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke >>>>>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>>>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/pkukubo%40ict.go.ke >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> kictanet mailing list >>>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>>> >>>>> This message was sent to: crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org >>>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/crystal%40voicesofafri… >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> kictanet mailing list >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>> >>>> This message was sent to: agostal(a)gmail.com >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/agostal%40gmail.com >>>> >>>> >>> >> >> >> -- >> Crystal "Naliaka" Watley Kigoni >> Executive Director >> Voices of Africa for Sustainable Development >> crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org >> http://www.voicesofafrica.org/ >> >> Intersat Africa, Ltd >> Rural Internet Kiosks >> Project Coordinator >> crystal.kigoni(a)intersat.ae >> >> Twitter: VOA_Crystal >> Skype: crystal.naliaka >> Facebook group: Voices of Africa >> >> "You must be the change you wish to see" - Gandhi >> >> _______________________________________________ >> ke-internetusers mailing list >> ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net >> http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers >> >> > -- Crystal "Naliaka" Watley Kigoni Executive Director Voices of Africa for Sustainable Development crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org http://www.voicesofafrica.org/ Intersat Africa, Ltd Rural Internet Kiosks Project Coordinator crystal.kigoni(a)intersat.ae Twitter: VOA_Crystal Skype: crystal.naliaka Facebook group: Voices of Africa "You must be the change you wish to see" - Gandhi

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Re: [kictanet] Software Certification Kenya. ICT Board Project to support the BPO/ITES sector
by Paul Kukubo 02 Feb '10

02 Feb '10

Thank you for your questions. many have written to me directly to seek clarification. I have received a flurry of questions on the status report and I will respond to those that are of a recurring nature directly on this list while pointing listers to the website www.ict.go.ke for more information and updates on aspect of the projects. * * *Objective of the assignment* The objective of this assignment is to recruit a leading international academic institution or standards body to develop and implement an internationally recognized and sustainable software developer certification program (Certification Program) for Kenya. The Certification Program will have multiple components, including content and processes for local software developers to prepare, register and be certified; an Internet enabled credentialing program; and an initial pilot testing, evaluation and fine tuning of the Certification Program. The program should be underpinned by a sustainable business model.** * Scope of services* i. *Inception Report and Business Plan:* Provide an Inception Report that contains a description of start-up activities, the detailed work plan, methodologies, and an estimate of the time allocation for involved personnel from both the Government of Kenya and the organization’s team. In addition, to provide a business plan that spells out the resources to be deployed and the results proposed to be achieved. The business plan should also propose long term, sustainable business model options for the Certification Program. ii. *Content Development:* Develop appropriate content for certification in close collaboration with relevant partners; including leading international and local IT companies, academic institutions, governments, international standards bodies and industry/trade associations. The developed content should have their explicit support in terms of relevance and quality, be based on the latest technologies and extensible to address the major languages (C, C++, Java), operating systems, language combinations, and software development tools and environments. iii. *Certification Process Development: *Develop an internationally recognized, authentic, secure and valid process for software developer certification. This process should be developed in consultation with leading IT companies and academic institutions as well as have the buy-in of at least two industry associations of established countries in the area of BPO, and two countries aspiring to establish themselves in this domain. Countries should be chosen to be representative of at least three regions out of the following: Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, East Asia and other parts of Sub Saharan Africa. In addition, the processes should be based on proven experiences in similar certification programs. The testing process should be representative of real-life, professional software development. The examinations should also be refreshed annually; and extendable to address the full software development life cycle (including post-deployment maintenance) and modern issues (including the development of secure software systems). The examination must be developed using recognized techniques for validation and verification of quality. Linkages may be established with one or more organizations with leading testing and certification mechanisms to ensure that the certification will be conducted in a secure and proctored setting. iv. *Provision of Internet-Enabled Credentialing Program:*Provide a web-enabled credentialing program, including functions for online registration, preparation and certification. v. *Piloting:* To pilot the Certification Program with an initial batch of at least 50 enrollees, comprising of local software developers who should be benchmarked against a control group. vi. *Evaluation Reports:* Conduct an evaluation of the pilot to prepare a detailed report to recommend strategies and action plans for improving the Certification Program. An evaluation should also be conducted on gaps and weaknesses in software development skills, so as to recommend changes in curriculum and pedagogy required as part of broader education reforms in Kenya. vii. *Program Refinement and Local Capacity Building:* Refine the Certification Program based on the agreed recommendations of the Evaluation Report, and develop capacity within the country to conduct the assessments for certification. viii. *‘Live’ Rollout:* Commence ‘live’ rollout of the Certification Program with assessment of certification by local institutions, with the target of testing at least 200 local software developers. In addition, to obtain the commitment of leading companies operating globally and locally to use the results as a necessary pre-requisite for their hiring decisions. ix. *Mass Rollout and Marketing, and Business Model Implementation: *Implement mass rollout and marketing campaign for the Certification Program across Kenya, with a target to test at least 500 local software developers. In addition, to implement a business model for the Certification Program that is internationally recognized, financially self-sustaining and affordable for local software developers by the end of this consultancy service (24 months after contract signature). A final report is to be prepared to highlight the next steps to be taken by Kenya for the Certification Program, including future steps on training content development, certification process and local capacity building. Paul Kukubo Chief Executive Officer, Kenya ICT Board PO Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya 12th Floor, Teleposta Towers Koinange Street Tel +254 20 2089061, +254 20 2211960 Fax: +254 20 2211962 Cell: + 254 735 180001 website: www.ict.go.ke skype: kukubopaul googletalk: pkukubo ____________________ Vision: Kenya becomes a top ten global ICT hub Mission: To champion and actively enable Kenya to adopt and exploit ICT, through promotion of partnerships, investments and infrastructure growth for socio economic enrichment Sent from Nairobi, Kenya

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