August 2010 - KICTANet

This might be of interest...
by Njeri Rionge 24 Aug '10

24 Aug '10

Listeners! To those in technical or other areas of key operations within an organization, that would like to enhance their performance management skills related to people /project management and performance evaluation. Go to http://tiny.cc/t9ojc - This workshop will help participants gain total control over their competencies to develop, monitor and manage an effective performance management system that will change the culture of the organization if everything learnt is adhered to; To enable the change management process within the performance management system implementation, John Kotter's methodology and approach will be presented in an interactive and engaging group session amongst other global techniques that have worked successfully. This step by step guide will be the best time and money spent for your personal and organizational benefit. To register go to http://tiny.cc/t9ojc and register online. Should you need further clarification contact the undersigned. -- Njeri Rionge (Ms) Founder & Executive Director http://ke.linkedin.com/pub/njeri-rionge/5/966/760 __________________________________ Skype ID: nrionge Tel: +254 20 253 2144, 253 2142 (Orange Fixed Plus) Tel: +254 722 522136 (Safaricom Mobile) Tel: +254 773 495022 (Orange Mobile) URL: www.igniteconsulting.co.ke P. O. Box 15568 Nairobi 00100, Kenya ======================================= Our events calendar for 2010 can be accessed via http://www.igniteconsulting.co.ke/calendar.html for details on the workshops and training programs click on the highlighted date/event. Your have the option to register or email us for more information. Thank you for choosing to engage with us, we aim to “Ignite Human Potential for Personal & Organizational Success” 2009 Inductee ICT Hall of Fame Kenya ==========================================

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Re: [kictanet] kictanet Digest, Vol 39, Issue 41
by ALEX OWITI 24 Aug '10

24 Aug '10

*PRESS RELEASE* * * *SAFARICOM EXCITES MARKET WITH LOWEST CALL RATES* * * *It is Masaa Time as Firm Launches Value-Based Discounts * *August 24, 2010...*In a move that is likely to excite the local market, Kenya’s leading telecoms operator Safaricom has today unveiled a new tariff promotion that will see its subscribers call from as low as Sh2 per minute. The Sh2 a minute charge represents the cheapest calling rate by any operator in the Kenyan market currently. Under the new scheme called *Masaa* Tariff, customers will be able to make calls within the network at between Sh2-4, depending on the value of their last top-up. Calls to other operators will cost Sh3-5. Subscribers who buy airtime worth Sh100, Sh250, Sh500 or Sh1,000 will be able to make on-net calls at Sh2 a minute, while the off-net rate for these airtime values will be Sh3. On the other hand, airtime worth Sh5 or Sh10 will attract a discounted flat rate of Sh5 both for calls terminating within and outside the Safaricom network. Subscribers who buy airtime worth Sh50 will now pay Sh3 a minute for both on and off-net calls while for the Sh20 denomination, the on-net rate is Sh4, while calls outside the network will cost Sh5 per minute. Per second billing applies on the *Masaa* Tariff, which takes effect starting August 24 to September 23 and is primarily targeted at the firm’s Prepay subscribers. Commenting on the development, Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph said *Masaa*Tariff was a way of thanking the firm’s over 16 million subscribers for their loyalty, in light of new rates guidelines announced by the regulator, and would be the first in a series of such moves as the firm marks 10 years as an authentic Kenyan success story this year. “We thank our customers for enabling us to become a globally-celebrated Kenyan success story in the telecoms world. We shall continue creating true value for our customers by listening to them and coming up with propositions that best answer their needs. We recognize that this has been a great pillar of our leadership,” said Mr Joseph. He promised all Safaricom subscribers a “bagful of pricing and promotional incentives” going forward it seeks to consolidate its leadership in the Kenyan market, while continuously delighting its growing subscriber base. *About Safaricom...*Formed at the turn of the decade, Safaricom has firmly established its credentials as a regional leader, spawning a virtual telecoms revolution in Kenya. Safaricom is a total telecoms company. With a subscriber base of over 16 million, Safaricom offers all telecoms services under one roof: mobile and fixed voice and data services on a variety of platforms: Kenya’s widest and only 3G network; a growing fibre optic cable footprint and its most expansive WIMAX presence. For more details please go to: *http://www.safaricom.co.ke/* * * * ALEX.*

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Re: [kictanet] Safaricom Attitude - Consumer Issues
by Edith Adera 23 Aug '10

23 Aug '10

Muchiri, You're "spot on" w.r.t. your analysis. However, service provision MUST be consumer-centric (non of the providers would have any business without the consumers). We have relegated consumer issues to the back burner for far too long...hence the unfortunate incidences that go unreported. So, yes, indeed CCK has a role to play in protecting the consumer. Infact, one of their core objectives/responsibilities are quote "Protecting consumer rights within the communications environment" - It further states that " "The Commission protects consumers in three ways. The first is through the issuance of licenses that have conditions, which address various aspects of service provision by the licensees. Secondly, the Commission has introduced competition in various market segments in line with the government sector policy. The third way in which the Commission protects consumers is by taking up certain complaints raised by consumers with the licensees with a view to helping both parties reach an amicable solution to the problem raised." Further, consumers have certain rights and obligations. Someof the rights listed include:- • The Right to receive information assistance to assist in use of the services. * The Right to fair treatment without undue discrimination from another consumer We need to bring these regulations to life and take some of these issues very seriously. I must correct that Ms Bernice is NOT a customer service staff, so this is not a trivial matter. It's engrained in the institution it would appear. And must change especially as a dominant player. Edith ________________________________ From: Muchiri Nyaggah [muchiri(a)semacraft.com] Sent: 23 August 2010 22:49 To: Edith Adera Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' Subject: RE: [kictanet] Safaricom Attitude - Consumer Issues Hi Edith, What a sad and unfortunate experience. Mr Joseph has a rare opportunity. The opportunity to leave a legacy of great customer service and positive brand sentiment in the face of aggressive competition. What Ms Bernice displayed today is an organizational culture (positive in itself) where the staff own the brand to the extent of taking competition personally. That in itself is hard to do. Even harder to do is maintain civility and great service when the public you are dealing with are obviously inclined to the competition. CCK may not have the power to force telcos to be civil so Safaricom doesn’t have to be nice to consumers. Such a culture is obviously counter-productive. A sincere apology would be good business sense but a more sustainable approach would be an internal education campaign to re-align the organisation to its primary objectives so that their staff respond to customers not to the competition. Kind regards, Muchiri Nyaggah Director @muchiri +254 722 506400 Semacraft.com [cid:[email protected]] ________________________________ From: kictanet-bounces+muchiri=semacraft.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Edith Adera Sent: 23 August 2010 22:28 To: muchiri(a)semacraft.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] Safaricom Attitude - Consumer Issues Importance: High There's need for consumer issues to be taken VERY seriously in the Kenyan Telecommunication market. I believe CCK is listening and this should not be allowed to happen to any Kenyan consumer. As a non-user of money transfer services (I'm a proxy user), I decided to try the Mpesa service today as I did not have a 3rd party proxy to undertake the transaction on my behalf as I usually do. The last I tried to register for the service, I was informed that I had an old generation SIM card and needed to replace it yet the agent did not have the replacement SIMs. I was directed to follow a convoluted process of getting the replacement SIM, which I did not have the time for at that point. Today, I was rudely informed that as a non registered user I cannot send money by Mpesa (Prestige service provider) - never mind that I have a very active Safaricom line. This puzzled me as in the banking sector, you can always bank money into any account at a bank in which you're not a "member". So in search for an answer to this issue, I decided to call a Safaricom Officer (Ms Bernice - department that issues Short Codes) to get some assistance. I called her on my Zain line. As soon as she picked the call, she was very cold and retorted "for starters, you have called me from the wrong network - meaning from Zain - and secondly, you cannot send money if you are not a registered user". My issue as a consumer is - why should I be rebuked for using my Zain line to call Safaricom? Is it a Safaricom policy that no one should call them using a Zain line or lines from other network providers? what does the CCK regulations say about such issues? My little telecommunication background tells me that the "consumer is king" and that a consumer must exercise their "right of choice" in a competitive market. why should I be dictated to what network I MUST USE or NOT use to make calls? Is this a reflection of the interconnection issues that are currently hitting media headlines? I have taken this issue very seriously and demand an apology and response from Safaricom. I believe CCK will take appropriate action to ensure that this is not the modus operandi in the Kenyan telecommunication market. Edith Kenyan Consumer No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.851 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3087 - Release Date: 08/22/10 21:35:00

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Re: [kictanet] Safaricom Attitude - Consumer Issues
by andrea.bohnstedt＠ratio-magazine.com 23 Aug '10

23 Aug '10

No customer should be treated rudely. Obviously - that goes without saying (and applies to all customer relationships, not just telcos). But Edith's email contained different points, including a complaint that she can't send an M-PESA payment without an M-PESA account, and that it involves a set up (which, when you have your ID and the agent has SIM cards, really doesn't take long). -----Original Message----- From: Solomon Mburu Kamau Sent: 23/08/2010, 23:00 To: andrea.bohnstedt(a)ratio-magazine.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] Safaricom Attitude - Consumer Issues On 23 August 2010 22:49, andrea.bohnstedt(a)ratio-magazine.com < andrea.bohnstedt(a)ratio-magazine.com> wrote: > Possibly. I may be dumb. If so, kindly explain it to me again so that I'll > understand it. > I think the point raised by Edith was mostly revolving on the issue of cold customer care when she used a rival company's line to call the CC. The rest, I think are as easy as ABC to understand. I might have not given the whole view of my understanding, but I think it's logically wrong for the CC not to take the call from Edith warmly. After all, wasn't Edith paying for that call? Methinks it's up to the respective companies to instill some form of 'discipline' to their CC staff. I wonder loudly, suppose I went to Safaricom's shop/outlet or even House with a shirt emblazoned: ' Zain, Call A Wonderful World, for only 3 and texts at 1 across all networks in Kenya', and vice versa: 'Niko na Safaricom' will I be shoved off? Just thinking loudly! > -----Original Message----- > From: Edith Adera > Sent: 23/08/2010, 22:45 > To: Andrea Bohnstedt > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Subject: RE: [kictanet] Safaricom Attitude - Consumer Issues > > > Andrea, > > You are missing the point! > > Edith > > > ________________ > Edith Ofwona Adera > Senior Program Specialist > ICT4D Program > International Development Research Centre | Centre de recherches pour le > développement international > Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa > Tel: +254202713160 | Fax/Téléc: +254202711063 | Skype: edithadera > eadera(a)idrc.or.ke<mailto:[email protected]> | www.idrc.ca< > http://www.idrc.ca/> | www.crdi.ca<http://www.crdi.ca/> > ________________________________ > From: Andrea Bohnstedt [andrea.bohnstedt(a)ratio-magazine.com] > Sent: 23 August 2010 22:43 > To: Edith Adera > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Safaricom Attitude - Consumer Issues > > Edith, > > Why do you find it so surprising that you can't send an M-PESA payment if > you don't have an M-PESA account? Can you make Zap payments without having a > Zap account? > > In a bank, you can pay cash into someone's account without having a bank > account, but you need to go to that person's bank, and you can't make a bank > transfer either without having an account yourself. > > Also, the need to register before you make any mobile money payments is, as > far as I know, a banking sector requirement imposed by the Central Bank of > Kenya (CBK), the Know Your Customer (KYC) rules to combat money laundering > etc. > > That you need an M-PESA-enabled SIM card is an old story - that's been > communicated since the beginning of the service, I think, even if it's of > course it's regrettable that the agent you visited didn't have one. > > Many regards, > Andrea > > > On 23 August 2010 22:28, Edith Adera <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke<mailto: > eadera(a)idrc.or.ke>> wrote: > There's need for consumer issues to be taken VERY seriously in the Kenyan > Telecommunication market. I believe CCK is listening and this should not be > allowed to happen to any Kenyan consumer. > > As a non-user of money transfer services (I'm a proxy user), I decided to > try the Mpesa service today as I did not have a 3rd party proxy to undertake > the transaction on my behalf as I usually do. The last I tried to register > for the service, I was informed that I had an old generation SIM card and > needed to replace it yet the agent did not have the replacement SIMs. I was > directed to follow a convoluted process of getting the replacement SIM, > which I did not have the time for at that point. > > Today, I was rudely informed that as a non registered user I cannot send > money by Mpesa (Prestige service provider) - never mind that I have a very > active Safaricom line. This puzzled me as in the banking sector, you can > always bank money into any account at a bank in which you're not a "member". > > So in search for an answer to this issue, I decided to call a Safaricom > Officer (Ms Bernice - department that issues Short Codes) to get some > assistance. I called her on my Zain line. As soon as she picked the call, > she was very cold and retorted "for starters, you have called me from the > wrong network - meaning from Zain - and secondly, you cannot send money if > you are not a registered user". > > My issue as a consumer is - why should I be rebuked for using my Zain line > to call Safaricom? Is it a Safaricom policy that no one should call them > using a Zain line or lines from other network providers? what does the CCK > regulations say about such issues? My little telecommunication background > tells me that the "consumer is king" and that a consumer must exercise their > "right of choice" in a competitive market. why should I be dictated to what > network I MUST USE or NOT use to make calls? Is this a reflection of the > interconnection issues that are currently hitting media headlines? > > I have taken this issue very seriously and demand an apology and response > from Safaricom. I believe CCK will take appropriate action to ensure that > this is not the modus operandi in the Kenyan telecommunication market. > > Edith > Kenyan Consumer > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<mailto:[email protected]> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: andrea.bohnstedt(a)ratio-magazine.com<mailto: > andrea.bohnstedt(a)ratio-magazine.com> > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/andrea.bohnstedt%40rat… > > > > > -- > Andrea Bohnstedt > Publisher > +254 720 960 322 > www.ratio-magazine.com<http://www.ratio-magazine.com> > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: solo.mburu(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/solo.mburu%40gmail.com > -- *Solomon Mbũrũ Kamau* ***************************************************** *Man is a gregarious animal and enjoys agreement as cows will graze all the same way to the side of a hill!* AND *It is better to die in dignity than in the ignominy of ambiguous generosity! * http://smiley2.wordpress.com http://mburu.sikika.co.ke

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Apple applies for patent to kill Jailbroken devices
by Brian Munyao Longwe 23 Aug '10

23 Aug '10

Interesting read - but would a patent granted in the USA apply across /into other jurisdictions? I foresee a slew of lawsuits against Apple including the possibility of class action if they pursue this matter.... http://bit.ly/bM4Nft Brian -- 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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Ksh 300, Million grant to promote the development of local digital content and, software applications.
by alice 23 Aug '10

23 Aug '10

The Kenya ICT Board is pleased to announce the launch of a Ksh 300 Million grant to promote the development of local digital content and software applications. The process kicked off with a ‘call for proposals’ in today’s Daily Nation newspaper. The main purpose of this grant is to propel the emergent lucrative but yet underexploited local content industry to growth. The grant which targets the local content developers including software developers, film, animation, advertising, publishing, gaming and education professionals and all content creators, will provide the funding required for the development of quality applications relevant to the Kenya government and private sector. Digital content, a major contributor and driver of economic growth in developed countries, can be broadly categorized as content accessed from electronic devices like personal computers, game consoles, mobile phones and digital TV. The internet offers the most common form of distribution of digital content. Digital content can include anything from internet based marketing, gaming, online education content and services. Worldwide, digital content activities are transforming traditional industry structures and business models. Local examples include mobile payment systems like M-Pesa and Pesa Pal and government e-services like online PIN registration. Thus the digital content industry has vast potential as a major contributor to our economy and society through employment creation, capital investment and export earnings, provision of skills and capabilities to traditional as well as new and emerging industry sectors. At the same time it is also significant as a means of expressing Kenya’s unique cultural identity. With over 3.4 million users of the internet in Kenya, research indicates that the importance of the internet outstrips those of several key developed countries. Even so, the latent demand for local content is underlined by the fact that surveys show that lack of local content is the main reason many Kenyans shy away from accessing the internet. On the launch of the grant facility, the CEO, Kenya ICT Board Paul Kukubo, commented, “We are pleased that we are launching this grant at a time that the ICT industry is growing and access to the internet all over the country has vastly improved. The future for content industry is bright. Talent, creativity and skills are key drivers of competitiveness in the content sector and we expect that this grant will enable Kenyans everywhere to develop world class locally relevant content and get this industry to rapidly match the lucrative opportunities for talented content developers in developed nations.” Kenyan content developers have already demonstrated their ability to be innovative, creative and entrepreneurial in their creation of content that is relevant to our people. The increase in locally developed software applications, websites, films and animation has been extraordinary over the past few years. However, despite evidence of commercial potential, it is not currently competitive in attracting funds and investment capital. This content grant will give content creators in the country a chance to demonstrate their talent, in both the artistic, social and business environment and propel investor confidence in the sector in the long term. Speaking at the press conference, the Deputy CEO, Victor Kyalo commented, “It is important that with the landing of the fiber optic cables that we as a country produce local digital content, not just ‘access’ other peoples content. It is very positive that Kenyans embrace and appreciate ICTs, but more important is that there are more Kenyan made e-Products available in the market. We want this grant to motivate the local content creators and software developers to originate, create, and adapt quality content that the country needs .We intend this content grant to be a driver for the long term development of content and recognize that private and public sector need to pool resources to meet the capacity challenges this lucrative sector faces.” The Government attaches high priority to addressing skills shortages because of the threat they pose to productivity and economic growth. To address this, the Kenya ICT Board has a number of initiatives purposed to build skills in the ICT sector. Among these are a Centre of Excellence for the BPO sector, an incubation program for software developers and a software certification standard that will give international accreditation and competitiveness to our local developers. Additionally, the board is creating organic growth within the ICT sector by training entrepreneurs (over 1000 already trained) to run digital villages all over the country. All these coupled with the improved infrastructure, has put Kenya in the forefront of potentially explosive growth in the content and software development sub-sector. About the grant The content grant is divided into two major sections: US$1.5Million for private sector applications and US$2.5M for government applications. The latter will be used to propel the utilization of ICTs to improve government service delivery . The government has in the past few years firmly embraced ICT to become more efficient and responsive in the delivery of its public service - from processing ID cards, driving licenses, registration of companies, revenue collection and currently, the digitization of records at the Ministry of Lands and the judiciary, with more government departments to follow. This is all in line with Kenya’s vision of becoming a globally competitive and prosperous nation with a high quality of life by 2030. The private sector grant of US$1.5M is open to firms and individuals to develop applications that would be of benefit to the general public or improve the delivery of existing private sector services. The first round of grant allocation will award a maximum of US$ 50,000 per firms and US$ 10,000 for individuals. The Kenya ICT Board expects to make at least one call for application per year over the next three years. The content funded by this grant will build capacity within the ICT sector create efficiencies, build social capital, increase utilization of ICTs by local communities and demonstrate to the world, Kenya’s talent for creation of digital content. Key dates Call for proposals: June 2, 2010 Deadline for proposals: July 19, 2010 Successfully grantees announced: 15 August, 2010 Disbursement of grant money: October 2010 http://wanjiku.co.ke/ --------------------------------------

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Fwd: Africa domain?
by Brian Munyao Longwe 19 Aug '10

19 Aug '10

For those concerned, please note that contrary to claims made at the EA IGF last week, Ms. Sophia Bekele does NOT have the endorsement of the AU. Please refer to the attached. Regards, Brian --------------------------------------- Dear Colleagues and Friends, Attached find the letter sent to Ms. Sophia regarding her continuous assertion for DOT-Africa and I think it’s very clear. Moreover, find attached also report & declaration of the last CITMC held from 3-7 August 2010 in Abuja and you can find a clear recommendation about DOT-Africa. Regards * ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * *Mr. Esam M. Abulkhirat (MSc)* Senior ICT Policy Officer Dep. Human Resources Science & Technology African Union Commission P.O.Box 3243 Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA Mobile: +251 911 22 70 26 Abulkhirate(a)Africa-Union.Org ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "All Things Are Difficult Before They Are Easy" ------------------------------ *From:* Brian Munyao Longwe <blongwe(a)gmail.com> *To:* Esam Abulkhirat <aldhina(a)yahoo.com> *Cc:* Dandjinou Pierre <pdandjinou(a)gmail.com>; Cecilia Mamelodi < cmamelodi(a)sadc.int>; Edmund Katiti <EKatiti(a)eafricacommission.org>; Mouhamet Diop <mouhamet(a)gmail.com>; Vika <president(a)aftld.org>; aliebah(a)yahoo.com; TTamrat(a)uneca.org; Adiel A. Akplogan <adiel(a)afrinic.net>; Anne-Rachel Inné < annerachel(a)gmail.com>; alice wanjira <wanjiraalice(a)gmail.com> *Sent:* Wed, August 18, 2010 1:35:39 PM *Subject:* Africa domain? Is it true that AU has consented/endorsed Sophia Bekele's push for this? I know that she is a very controversial figure and has made wild claims of support in the past. Apparently this issue came up last week at the East African IGF in Uganda - she was there and tried to claim legitimacy but ended up being outrightly rejected and received a "dressing up" from most of the delegates there.... http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35837:a… Please comment? Regards, Brian -- 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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Fwd: information on .africa and the lies surrounding an individual's push
by Brian Munyao Longwe 19 Aug '10

19 Aug '10

Hi all, Just received this. Apparently she has formally been propagating lies about being on the ICANN board etc.... and even put up counterfiet letters on her website - this verges on criminal! What is her interest? Brian ------------------------ Brian, here is some info for you.. she constructed this whole thing on lies. you can judge for yourself. I did not want to spam all but I sent this to a few key people. check this: - there is no African Union Authority!!!! do you really believe that the*Chairman of the AU Commission * will have claimed to write on behalf of a non existent authority and give her a letter in that sense? so maybe she should explain to people why she has a 'weird' letter on her website. Check her website and you will see. - here is an email that tells you how she lies! she actually took me to the ombudsman at ICANN in 2007, complaining that I was preventing her from doing dot africa, copied the whole board at the time --- all her claims were immediately dismissed when I sent the letters and emails to the ombudsman, of the same caliber as the below that she had been sending to regional organisations and bodies. My fault was to have written to all organisations, as the Regional Liaison, to dismiss her claims of ICANN endorsement of dot africa and her being on the board. - she keeps saying ICANN is endorsing dot africa! how can ICANN endorse a TLD?? how can ICANN be judge and party???? she is supposed to have been at the GNSO council and ICANN and understand what she is talking about!!!! she has been in the ICANN process for the past 5 years and still has no idea how all this functions. I let you judge. The woman does not have her wits together I think. Cheers *Sophia Bekele <sophiabekele(a)yahoo.com>* 30/08/2006 01:48 PM Subject Re: Hello <name removed>, I hope your vacation is going well. As per discussion, I thought I would convey someof what is on my plate that may be of mutual interest. Presently, other than my private projects/business interests, I also serve on the board of ICANN, the international internet governance organization. At this stage, I have outlined few projects in addition to an initiative that could quickly put under incubation. Any or all of these could serve as a basis for mutual collaboration. Generally speaking the projects span ICT, public sector governance, regional integration, internet governance etc.. The priority project I mentioned to UN Undersecretary General was that of dot.africa (.Africa) which he expressed great interest. Thus, there will be a need to synergize and align strategies of possible project collaboration. Dot.Africa is an initiative supported by ICANN, that aims at unifying and consolidating the African Information Society and presence within the Internet as distinct from other Continental communities. As such, there now exists dot.EU (.EU), dot.Asia.(.ASIA) and dot.LatinAmerica (.LA) as similar ongoing initiatives. The present paradigm is to halt Africans marginalization in this age of globalization. This is actually one of the goals of NEPAD, which of course is an initiative that is already endorsed b the UN. There are no prices for guessing what would happen if dot.Africa is not also initiated and implemented at the same time that other Continental communities on the net have been put in place. To get this of the ground, it appears from the experiences of the others, a minimum of 13 countries in Africawould have to come on board. The endorsement for UNECA would of course be helpful. This initiative would require a proposal to be distributed to the potential participating countries. UNECA’s help would be crucial in communicating who might wish to participate. Countries that have already have ongoing National policies that relate ICT as a strategic tool for National development would be the primary candidates. Being something that would turn into a Continental initiative, it is rewarding at best for the UNECA to play an active role in this initial stage. As an African representative on ICANN board, I have taken the initiative to coordinate and see the successful implementation of the project. I believe therefore, we should have a meeting to progress this further. I suggest we meet ASAP to get this moving, as time is of essence to the extent that the application for the domain name must be submitted before January 2007. However due to our travel schedules, we should arrange a teleconference meeting that is mutually convenient for all within the next two weeks. Regards, Sophia

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The New Kenya - Teachers Online
by Wamuyu Gatheru 18 Aug '10

18 Aug '10

I think we have a reason to celebrate that represents tangible investments made possible by ending our quarrel with each other (i.e new Constitution) The Safaricom-Equity Bank-Microsoft partnership to provide computers to teachers is in my view a landmark event. I hope the teaching material is made available as software already programmed in and not requiring one to be logged on. This should make it accessible without exhorbitant cost that may be beyond the budget of a public school teacher. This is a great product innovation that should help teachers, across the country, emerge digitally and by extention their students. I hope that the civil servants who are still in the dark ages also take advantage of this offer. This accompanied with hopefully sustainable Zain prices illustrate the real gains of investor confidence as a result of stable politics. regards, Wamuyu

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Re: [kictanet] ICDL - I apologise(RESTRICTED ACCESS)
by robert yawe 18 Aug '10

18 Aug '10

Hi Walu, It is good to know that there is a push to resolve this issue. My proposal would be to have the software developed by a private entity which would then do a revenue share with KASNEB whose main resistance is based on a fear of loosing their traditional income streams which is examination fees. Lets look at raising angle funds for anyone who can come up with an online testing software that can equal or even rival the likes of smartforce, ICT-Board does not have the capacity to handle such an undertaking as they are more of a procurement agency. Dr. Ndemo, we seriously need to enforce legislation otherwise all we shall keep loosing our edge as an outsourcing destination. Maybe having the issue of ICT proficiency should be spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth who I believe are now responsible for the village polytechnics. As higher education has dropped the ball on this one. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 ________________________________ From: Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> To: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke; Paul Kukubo <pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke>; robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Sent: Sat, 31 July, 2010 9:50:08 Subject: Fw: ICDL - I apologise(RESTRICTED ACCESS) Ndemo, Paul, Yawe I do sit on a sub-committee of the KASNEB board and for the last 9mths we were tasked to create (replicate) a local version of ICDL. This sub-committee completed its task by way of reviewing the ICDL course outlines with a view to including kenyan contexts. Further the sub-committee recommended the creation (software development) of an electronic testing platform (again along the lines of ICDL) where the exam is booked, administered and marked electronically. Such a software would cost money, software engineering skills and time. But that is NOT the problem since I believe the "skunk-works" can do this type of software if given the money and the time. The biggest challenge has been what I would call (soft-resistance) from the KASNEB full-board in going forward with this project. Whereas the CEO (relatively ICT savvy) wants to go full blast with the project, the (older) members of the Board correctly realise that such an electronic examination system would totally disrupt their existing manual examining model that they have been accustomed to over the last 40yrs that KASNEB has existed...(hence the resistance to change) And so here comes my proposal...get funding from Kenya ICT Board, get software engineers from skunkworks to do the electronic examination system, and get KASNEB to "adopt" this e-system to administer their local "ICDL" type of examinations...this way we knock down the resistance to change barrier from the older KASNEB board members - who may actually embrace the system once they see a workable model.... Furthermore, the electronic examination system would pay for itself within a year from the money thousands of potential students would pay to sit the exam (IAT has 3,000 ICDL candidates per year, MMU has about 400, not counting Computer pride and others, you have a potential market of 5,000 candidates to sit this local exam at even half the price ICDL (ksh3,500) is asking for... any takers? walu. --- On Fri, 7/30/10, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> wrote: >From: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> >Subject: Re: [kictanet] ICDL - I apologise >To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com >Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >Date: Friday, July 30, 2010, 3:03 PM > > >Robert, >We are still fighting the resistance from the colleges. There must be >some examining body to ensure that the sylabbus is covered and the student >can make good use of the training. Unfortunately, in this country we want >to make money at the expense of our unsuspecting sisters and brothers. > > >Regards > > >Ndemo. > > > > >> Hi, >> >> I would like to apologise to Dr. Ndemo for giving the impression that his >> team >> had not done their homework when they recommended that ICDL be the >> official >> computer proficiency certification. >> >> As is said it is only after you have walked in a man's shoes can you then >> criticise him, I recently looked at a training manual from one of the >> local >> computer colleges that was 10 pages long and covered word, excel, >> powerpoint, >> access, frontpage and IE. The exam for each subject was done after 1 day >> of >> training, in the case of word it included mailmerge. >> >> Each application was covered on less than 2 pages and the entire course >> takes 10 >> days, Dr. Ndemo the sooner you can operationalise the ICDL issue the >> sooner >> students will stop loosing money to quacks and we shall return to the >> point of >> making computer users truly IT proficient. >> >> Regards >> Robert Yawe >> KAY System Technologies Ltd >> Phoenix House, 6th Floor >> P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 >> Kenya >> >> >> Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 >> >> >> >> >> ---------------------------------------------- >> This message has been scanned for viruses and >> dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is >> believed to be clean. >> --------------------------------------------- >> "easy access to the world" >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke >> > > > >---------------------------------------------- >This message has been scanned for viruses and >dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is >believed to be clean. >--------------------------------------------- >"easy access to the world" > > >_______________________________________________ >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 >

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Philip Adar
by Okech 18 Aug '10

18 Aug '10

Dear Alice, Please add Philip o. Adar to the kicktanet discuasion list. Philip Adar is the Bid Manager, Business Market department of Telkom Kenya. His email address is philip.adar(a)gmail.com Regards, Okech JMMy blog

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ICTs Strengthening Democratic Governance in Kenya
by Edith Adera 17 Aug '10

17 Aug '10

This position might be of interest http://216.197.119.113/jobman/publish/article_68604.shtml Development of an IT platform to monitor the election process in Kenya ("an eye on 2012) For your information, IDRC is supporting an online platform (still under development) to monitor implementation of agenda 4 - visit www.agendayetu.org<http://www.agendayetu.org> . We have worked with our very own Eng. Rege to launch this. It is our desire that the views expressed will not end up in the cyberworld, but will be synthesized and channelled to the respective agenda 4 institutions and parliament. Eng. Rege will be central in facilitating these linkages. Kenyans must be engaged in shaping our common future. Your suggestions to stimulate and improve the site are welcome! As I said, it's workin progress. Regards Edith ________________ Edith Ofwona Adera Senior Program Specialist ICT4D Program International Development Research Centre | Centre de recherches pour le développement international Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa Tel: +254202713160 | Fax/Téléc: +254202711063 | Skype: edithadera eadera(a)idrc.or.ke<mailto:[email protected]> | www.idrc.ca<http://www.idrc.ca/> | www.crdi.ca<http://www.crdi.ca/> [https://email.idrc.or.ke/owa/attachment.ashx?id=RgAAAAANayfd3%2b2VQYZo%2flc…]

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2 Long-Range Video Camera's Urgently Required for Juba
by Shem Ochuodho 17 Aug '10

17 Aug '10

Friends, A Senior Officer in GoSS urgently requires 2 long-range Video Cameras DV-CAM 19kg, preferably SONY (or is it SONY-ERICSSON these days?). Would anyone have a lead/be interested? If so, kindly revert via private mail to Eng. Chaplain Baranya baranyaa(a)gmail.com or .baranyajelia(a)yahoo.com. Apologies in advance to those whom this may not concern. Thanks and regards, Shem, Juba __._,_.___

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Reminder: Secure ICT 2010 Conference, September 8-9, 2010
by Evans Kahuthu 17 Aug '10

17 Aug '10

Dear Listers, This is a polite email informing you to register and attend the upcoming Information Communication Technology & Network Security Conference (SecureICT 2010 Conference) Date: Sept 8-9, 2010 Venue: PanAfric Hotel Nairobi Don't miss out on the premier Information Communication Technology & Network Security Conference of the year. Check out the conference program online at http://secureict.co.ke/agenda.aspx and register online at http://secureict.co.ke/registration.aspx The conference begins on sept 8, 2010 with great Keynote Speakers. Dr. Bitange Ndemo- Keynote Address Johnny Long -Google Hacking Johnny spent his career breaking into the world?s most secure facilities as a professional hacker. His insight into the threats your clients face is first hand, and his recommendations come from real-world experience attacking and securing hundreds of Fortune 100 and Government networks and facilities. Dr. Matunda Nyanchama -Information Security Metrics Matunda Nyanchama, Ph.D, CISSP has more than 14 years experience in IT and IT security, corporate, management and academia. He is currently a Principal Consultant & Director at Agano Consulting. He has previously worked in many capacities including Delivery Project Executive (DPE) and Senior Program Manager at IBM Global Services with responsibilities for service delivery for outsourced contracts; and National Delivery Manager of security, privacy and identity consulting. For more information, please visit http://secureict.co.ke Regards, Evans Kahuthu Secure ICT 2010 Conference Coordinator, Phone: +254-710649304,+254-202188830 ekahuthu(a)secureict.co.ke<http://emailmg.webhost4life.com/sqmail/images/blank.png>

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1st National eWaste Conference on 7th September, 2010 at UNEP, Gigiri
by Terry 17 Aug '10

17 Aug '10

Dear All; ICWE Africa in conjunction with Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources (MEMR) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is organizing a one-day National Conference on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE/E-Waste) to be held on Tuesday 7th September 2010 at the UN complex in Gigiri. The conference will also serve as a launching pad for the Ministry of Environment to launch the National e-Waste Guidelines being developed by NEMA and other stakeholders. As a way forward, the conference will also set into motion development of the e-Waste Disposal & Management Regulations formulation. Speakers and participants at the conference will include decision-makers, e-waste experts, and manufacturers of electronic equipments, consumers and information specialists working in international organizations, UN agencies, government ministries, non-governmental organizations and the private sector. The Conference Objectives will be to: a) Identify and map environmental impact of e-waste on Kenya. b) Discuss capacity constraints on disposal of e-waste in Kenya c) Promote multi-stakeholder partnership by involving manufacturers' and private sector in tackling e-waste. d) Recommend policy development framework taking into consideration International best practices e) Identify and discuss positive aspect of e-waste such as job creation. f) Formulate common stand and way forward on e-waste management and disposal in Kenya For more information on the conference please visit: www.ewaste.icwe.co.ke <http://www.ewaste.icwe.co.ke/> . For registration to attend the conference kindly register on: http://ewaste.icwe.co.ke/?page_id=10 . Limited reservations for the conference and confirmation will be on a first-come basis. Looking forward to hearing from you. My regards; Terry Njoroge Accounts Manager ICWE Africa P.O. Box 746-00100, Nairobi, Kenya. <http://www.icwe.co.ke/> www.icwe.co.ke Contacts: 020-234 3961 Cell: 0724 866771

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Jop openings with Hivos in Nairobi
by Alice Munyua 16 Aug '10

16 Aug '10

This might be of interest best alice

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Fw: [i-network] East African Internet Governance Forum-updates
by Walubengo J 16 Aug '10

16 Aug '10

below the updates from the East African Internet Governance Forum in Uganda. walu. Alice: any major\key decisions coming out of the Kampala meeting? --- On Wed, 8/11/10, I-Network Secretariat Eunice Namirembe <namirembe(a)i-network.or.ug> wrote: From: I-Network Secretariat Eunice Namirembe <namirembe(a)i-network.or.ug> Subject: [i-network] East African Internet Governance Forum To: "I-Network Uganda" <i-network(a)dgroups.org> Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2010, 6:38 PM Dear Members, Like most of you may know already, The East African Internet Governance Forum is taking place now. You are invited to follow proceedings on Twitter @EA_IGF, read updates on the blog http://www.eaigf-uganda.blogspot.com/ or follow participants updates on facebook when you search East African Internet Governance Forum and be part of the event. You can also access day one presentations on the EAIGF website using this link http://www.eaigf.or.ke/eaigf/eaigf/2010-eaigf-presentation.html. Kind regards Eunice ________________________ Visit the I-Network website - www.i-network.or.ug Follow I-Network on Twitter: http://twitter.com/inetwork The I-Network Dgroup is a platform for ICT Knowledge Sharing --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit [web site]( http://d2.dgroups.org/iicd/i-network/ ) Click [here]( mailto:[email protected] ) to unsubscribe The email is intended only for the recipients. The owners of the Dgroups cannot be held responsible for the contents of the email message.

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Introducing PC TECH Magazine
by Albert Mucunguzi 15 Aug '10

15 Aug '10

Dear members, I would like to introduce to you PC Tech, a monthly technology magazine, that is published in Uganda, but now circulated in Rwanda and Kenya. The magazine focuses on features of personal and enterprise technology initiatives, product and software reviews and research on information and communication technologies in Africa. The magazine seeks to tell the African ICT story by documenting and presenting the use of information technologies (ICTs) by private and public institutions/companies in Africa. It also details consumer interests and perspectives on technology in the East African region, and the continent as a whole. Beyond technology adoption and usage, the magazine discusses how private and public businesses/institutions address contemporary business challenges and remain innovative and competitive. In practice, the discussions are aimed at enabling other African business to learn from best practices and creating avenues for collaboration between these businesses. In research the discussions are aimed at offering educators and students sound case studies for learning. On our website (www.pctechmagazine.com) we have downloads of previous issues available, as well as any more information about the magazine and its initiatives. Comments and contributions can be sent through the address, ed(a)pctechmagazine.com. _______________________ Kind Regards, Albert Mucunguzi Executive Director PC Tech Magazine P.O. Box 32180, Tel: +256 712619812 Kampala, Uganda. Email: ed(a)pctechmagazine.com Website: www.pctechmagazine.com

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3rd East African Internet Governance Forum (EAIGF) highlights
by mwende njiraini 14 Aug '10

14 Aug '10

** EAIGF programme Dear all The following are highlights of dicussions that I captured from the just concluded 3rd EAIGF in Kampala, Uganda, which are also available on the following links: - http://www.diplointernetgovernance.org/profiles/blogs/highlights-of-ongoing… - http://www.diplointernetgovernance.org/profiles/blogs/3rd-eaigf-final-day-h… The 3rd East African Internet Governance Forum <http://www.eaigf.or.ke/>that began on 11 th August ended today Friday 13th August. The following are the highlights the issues discussed at the forum. *Session 1: Official Opening* *Session 2: Reports of national IGF process: * - The need to create value and awareness in order to engage the private sector in IG discussion. - United Nations Economic Commission for Africa<http://www.uneca.org/index.htm>(UNECA) reported that: - It would soon be launching a knowledge management platform - It working on evaluating Africa’s participation in the WSIS and IGF process as well as seeking to establish Africa’s position in light of discussions on the continuation of the IGF. - Developing indicators on the implementation of cybersecurity in ICT policies *Session 3: Cyber Security Management: * - The forum acknowledged that cybersecurity threats were on the rise as a result of increased usage and access to broadband. - The need for collaboration in establishment of harmonized cybersecurity policies, legislation and management frameworks specifically the creation of Computer Incident Response Teams (CIRT) was recognized. *Session 4: Strengthening Critical Internet Resources: * - An appreciation of different ccTLD management and governance structures in each country as these structures were factors determined by the local context/circumstances - ccTLDs faced stiff competition from gTLDs hence the need to “strengthening of ccTLDs” in terms of technical excellence, governance and policy structures, quality of service and price, marketing and branding - The pricing of ccTLD was determined by numbers (critical mass=reduction in prices), nature of operation, need for sustainability and perception of the value of ccTLD - A proposal to set up a working group to discuss the viability/business model of DOT EAC (.eac) was considered taking note of the proposed EAIGF programmeICANN new gTLD draft applicant guidebook<http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/dag-en.htm>and proposedprocess which were lengthy, complex and expensive. *Session 5: IPv6 Challenge* - Africa for historical reasons (late adopters, relatively new RIR) has not exhausted its IPv4 address block. Another factor of the relatively low utilization of IPv4 has been the current network design employed by ISPs and network operators. EAIGF programmeAfriNIC <http://www.afrinic.net/> has therefore launched of the ‘No-NAT’ project - IPv6 presents Africa with an opportunity to engage on the same footing as the rest of the world particularly in light of the growth of the mobile sector by starting the transition to IPv6 early/now! - The need to create awareness, training and development of a transition strategy was identified. *Session 6: Access and affordability to Broadband* - Acknowledgement of the important of establishing redundancy and resilience of the national, trans-national and submarine fibre optic networks - Proposal to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea(UNCLOS)<http://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf>to guarantee connection and transit to submarine cables for land-locked countries in the East African region. - Recognition of the need for a regional IXP through harmonization of regulatory frameworks (licensing requirements and interconnection guidelines) to facilitate cross-border network operators. *Session 7: Emerging issues* - Creation of viable framework for ICT skills enhancement. This would include regional mutual recognition of IT certification to foster acquisition of internationally compatible and competitive skills to take advantage of the regional integration and globalization. - Recognizing that the youth form over 50% of the population in East Africa, to forum recognized the need to support youth in ICT entrepreneurship and facilitate their engagement in the Internet-governance related policy making processes. - Emphasis to strengthen existing ccTLDs in light of other gTLD initiatives in the continent including the Dot Africa initiative. The dot Africa was presented as a compliment rather than a competitor to existing ccTLDs. - Code of Good Practice and its application to Internet Governance guidelines was presented. The aim of the code is to improve information, participation, transparency and inclusive engagement of IG-related entities in their arrangements and practices. *Session 8: Way Forward* Some of resolutions of the forum are paraphrased below: 1. Formation of a working group to develop strategies to strengthen ccTLDs in the region in light of competition for gTLDs and determine the business case for the .eac domain. 2. Registration of the EAIGF domain name (.ug .tz .rw .bi) all pointing to www.eaigf.or.ke 3. East African countries ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea<http://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf>(UNCLOS). Relevant sections of the Convention in view of submarine cables include Part VI; Article 79 and Part VII; Article 87(c) and Article 112. 4. EAIGF host a knowledge management repository for that IG-relevant information from national and regional organisations in particular East African Communications Organization (EACO) 5. Support of the creation of a regional exchange point and [*taking into cognizance the local context develop harmonized IPv6 transition strategies *] 6. Adoption of unified strategies in initiatives including youth initiatives, mutual recognition IT skills certification, new gTLDs, among others. 7. Utilize the Code of practice as a tool for achieving balanced participation and carry forward IG-related resolutions of and recommendations from organisation and country in the region. 8. 4th EAIGF to be hosted in Rwanda and a call for support for the Kenya’s bid to host the UN-IGF in 2011 in the event that the UN-IGF’s mandate is extended. Kind regards Mwende (Ps: I was unfortunately unable to twit) *Disclaimer: Views expressed here (except those reported, quoted or referenced) are the author’s own* On Fri, Aug 13, 2010 at 2:46 PM, Grace Bomu <nmutungu(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Thanks Walu, > yesterday I was just asking someone whether there is some way to > participate remotely. This helps. > Who is in the Kenyan delegation? Perhaps we can follow their tweets for > more customised info or info of particular interest to Kenyan youth. > best! > > > rgds, > Grace > > On 13 August 2010 10:17, Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > >> below the updates from the East African Internet Governance Forum in >> Uganda. >> >> walu. >> Alice: any major\key decisions coming out of the Kampala meeting? >> --- On *Wed, 8/11/10, I-Network Secretariat Eunice Namirembe < >> namirembe(a)i-network.or.ug>* wrote: >> >> >> From: I-Network Secretariat Eunice Namirembe <namirembe(a)i-network.or.ug> >> Subject: [i-network] East African Internet Governance Forum >> To: "I-Network Uganda" <i-network(a)dgroups.org> >> Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2010, 6:38 PM >> >> Dear Members, >> >> Like most of you may know already, The East African Internet Governance >> Forum is taking place now. You are invited to follow proceedings on Twitter >> @EA_IGF, read updates on the blog http://www.eaigf-uganda.blogspot.com/or follow participants updates on facebook when you search East African >> Internet Governance Forum and be part of the event. >> >> You can also access day one presentations on the EAIGF website using this >> link http://www.eaigf.or.ke/eaigf/eaigf/2010-eaigf-presentation.html. >> >> Kind regards >> >> Eunice >> >> >> ________________________ >> Visit the I-Network website - www.i-network.or.ug >> Follow I-Network on Twitter: http://twitter.com/inetwork >> The I-Network Dgroup is a platform for ICT Knowledge Sharing >> >> >> >> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >> Visit [web site]( http://d2.dgroups.org/iicd/i-network/ ) Click [here]( >> mailto:[email protected]<http://mc/[email protected]>) to unsubscribe The email is intended only for the recipients. The owners >> of the Dgroups cannot be held responsible for the contents of the email >> message. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: nmutungu(a)gmail.com >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/nmutungu%40gmail.com >> >> > > > -- > Grace L.N. Mutung'u (Bomu) > Kenya > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: mwende.njiraini(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mwende.njiraini%40gmai… > >

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Fwd: Seeking Expressions of Interest for WITSA Global Impact Study by August 31, 2010
by waudo siganga 13 Aug '10

13 Aug '10

Dear Kictanet Colleagues - I am requested to circulate the information below to potenetially interested colleagues. Kind Regards, Waudo ----- Original message ----- From: "Anders Halvorsen" <ahalvorsen(a)witsa.org> To: "Jim Poisant" <jpoisant(a)witsa.org> Date: Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:57:56 -0400 Subject: Seeking Expressions of Interest for WITSA Global Impact Study by August 31, 2010 August 12, 2010 TO: Members of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) FR: Anders Halvorsen, Director of Public Policy RE: Seeking Expressions of Interest for WITSA Global Impact Study by August 31, 2010 _________________________________________________________________ ___________ Dear Colleagues, As you may recall from our meetings in Amsterdam in May, WITSA is initiating a major study of the impact of ICT. This request for expressions of interest (EOI) sets out the specifications and output requirements for the study, to undertake the study from qualified research organizations and institutions including but not limited to: colleges, universities, nongovernmental organizations, consortium, foundations, and corporations. Subsequently from short-listed organizations, a Request for Proposal (RFP) will then be issued seeking a more detailed response. We would greatly appreciate your assistance in sending this EOI to any interested parties among your memberships and beyond. Responses must reach the WITSA Secretary General at [1]jpoisant(a)witsa.org not later than close of business on Tuesday, August 31, 2010. Please find the details of the EOI at [2]http://www.witsa.org/v2/request/EOI.htm. The completed study output will be publicly accessible via the WITSA web site (www.witsa.org) and comprise a range of media (the ICT Impact portal) setting out both theoretical and evidence-based impacts of ICT. These impacts will initially focus on the economic as well as social and cultural impacts. WITSA is keen for the ICT Impact portal to comprise analyses with resilient, dynamic links to key indicators, so that it maintains currency and relevance to users over time. For more information, please contact WITSA Public Policy Advisor Tim Conway at [3]tim(a)witsa.org. Again, we appreciate your help in circulating this information to potentially interested parties. Best regards, Anders Anders Halvorsen Director of Public Policy World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) witsa_newlogo WITSA 8300 Boone Boulevard Suite 450 Vienna, VA 22182 United States of America Tel: +1 571 633-0620 Fax: +1 703 893-1269 Mobile: +1 571 265-5964 Email: [4]ahalvorsen(a)witsa.org URL: [5]www.witsa.org The contents of this electronic mail are solely intended for the person(s) or organisation to whom it was addressed. It may contain privileged and confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient(s), you are not permitted to copy, distribute or take any action in reference to its contents. If you have received this electronic mail in error please notify the sender and copy the message to [6]webmaster(a)witsa.org. Thank you. Best regards, Anders References 1. mailto:[email protected] 2. http://www.witsa.org/v2/request/EOI.htm 3. mailto:[email protected] 4. mailto:[email protected] 5. http://www.witsa.org/ 6. mailto:[email protected]

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Modern Engagement
by Dorcas Muthoni 11 Aug '10

11 Aug '10

Interesting from Martha: http://www.facebook.com/MarthaKarua http://twitter.com/Martha_W_Karua -- Muthoni My Blog: http://rugongo.blogspot.com/ -------------------------------------------- Mahatma Gandhi once said:- First they ignore you, Then they laugh at you, Then they fight you, AND THEN YOU WIN!!!

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copyright infringment / theft vs local content value
by Badru Ntege 11 Aug '10

11 Aug '10

Hi All I'm posting this on both I-network (UG) and Kictanet (KE) to continue and expand dialogue that has been going on within the Linux User group mailing list in UG. A few weeks ago I shared a website that we have been working on as an experiment on local content. This website presents an archive of broadcast content from about 16 local radio stations going back to the beginning of 2010. http://www.yradio.ug/ I firmly believe that Africa's local content will be mainly multi-media as opposed to the written word. This goes back to our heritage where our history has been mainly through story telling passed down from generation to generation as opposed to our European cousins, where the written word goes back for many generations. However the multimedia might fly in the face of what I call historical IPR and Copyright legislation. I do believe that this legislation needs to be reviewed in favour of the current times where the traditional methods are unenforceable. On the international scene African nations are being forced to adopt some of this legislation which I do believe will stifle innovation and growth. For Kenya I understand that Kenya Music Copy Right Association has been in place and collects from those who play music from local artists. I would like us to look at what has happened to that industry in the last few years since this was put in force. In the late 90's early 2000's Kenya local music was dominant in the region. However the industry has not grown as it should have and has been overtaken by other markets like Uganda where strict enforcement does not exist and the most frequently played music is local ugandan music. Some have said that what yradio is doing is theft. I would like to here more views on this and also on the notion that our future content for the continent will mainly be Multi-media. Regards Badru

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Streaming - African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF)
by Michuki Mwangi 11 Aug '10

11 Aug '10

<apologies for cross posting> Dear Colleagues, There will be a live audio stream of the inaugural African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) event from the 11- 12th August 2010 provided in http-streamed mp3 audio. In addition, an IM & conference server will be available for remote users to post comments and/or queries. ================================= Streaming and Conference Service ================================= Live Audio Stream ================== The live audio stream can be accessed via the following URL': http://wavu.kixp.or.ke:8001/afpif (Most platforms should have a client immediately available - win media player, quicktime, real player, winamp, vlc, mplayer,zinf etc..) capable of playing back the stream. IM conference Service and Email ================================ (a) Those with jabber clients can join the AfPIF conference room, afpif(a)conference.isoc.org. A list of jabber clients can be found at http://www.jabber.org/software/clients.shtml (b) Those without can send their comments and/or queries to mwangi(a)isoc.org, karen(a)isoc.org and morris(a)isoc.org

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Re: [kictanet] electronic results Referendum system..
by James Rege 10 Aug '10

10 Aug '10

Mr. Bowman, Thanks for the document on e-voting. It will help me with my paper, which I am putting together for my Parliamentary Committee to consider. IIEC executives and I went to Nebraska early in the year to have a glance at the system they use in their regular voting process. As a hardware designer, I was very impressed with their card reader equipment robustness. We shake - and - bake tested the equipment and did not notice any failure. I was convinced that Kenya as a country where contestants run a way with ballot papers, when they are losing the contest, would be a good candidate for electronic registration and voting. I will avail the paper for scrutiny once it is released by parliament. Hon. James Rege. Sent from my iPad On 6 Aug 2010, at 08:29, warigia bowman <warigia(a)gmail.com> wrote: Wanakenya I am very impressed by the IIEC and the handling of the referendum. Here is a good article on best practices for electronic voting. It builds from the american and australian experience. http://www.softimp.com.au/Common%20content/White%20Papers/ETHICOMP_2005_Pap… Rigia On Fri, Aug 6, 2010 at 7:49 AM, Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> wrote: Wash, the law has to be amended to remove legal exposures to e-Voting. Especially the confirmation of the result which has to be done on a “signed” Form 16A assuming physical nature of the form. I am not sure how this is affected by the new constitution. Having said that the IIEC has this on top of their agenda, so I suspect come 2012, e-Voting will be in place. I think its in order to congratulate the IIEC and especially their Tech team. Harry On 8/5/10 1:21 PM, "Washington Odhiambo" <odhiambo(a)gmail.com> wrote: On Thu, Aug 5, 2010 at 12:57 PM, Wamuyu Gatheru <wamuyulearn(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: Am not so sure that the system was a success. Over one third of polling stations failed to transmit electronically for various reasons including poor network (5,964 failed of a total of 20,750 polling stations). This would be chaos for a general election. Being the first time it was used on a very large scale, almost a replica of a general election, I think they have done very well. They now have the information required to fine tune the system for the GE. I had expected to vote electronically, but it appears that only the registration was electronic, where I registered, but I am not complaining. 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 _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: warigia(a)gmail.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/warigia%40gmail.com -- Dr. Warigia Bowman Assistant Professor The Department of Public Policy Leadership The University of Mississippi 107 Odom Hall University, MS 38677 URL: http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/leadership/index.html PHONE: 662-915-1904 EMAIL: mwbowman(a)olemiss.edu _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: jamesrege(a)rocketmail.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jamesrege%40rocketmail…

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Announcing AfriNIC-13 meeting in Johannesburg: 20-26 November 2010
by Adiel A. Akplogan 10 Aug '10

10 Aug '10

[*** Sorry for cross-posting if you are receiving several copy of this message ***] Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the AFRINIC-13 Public Policy Meeting will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 20-26 November 2010. During the meeting we will hear from professionals in our region operating Internet services and infrastructure, and also welcome global industry partners to contribute to topical issues related to IP networking that affect the African region. These will include updates on IPv6 deployment in all sectors, Internet Numbers Resources management policies under discussion in the AfriNIC region, as well as an update on policy development in the global arena. AfriNIC will also host its Government Working Group meeting and a Law Enforcement Workshop on 24 November. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on workshops in IPv6 for Network Operators; a 3 day Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) workshop for trainers, and a one day discussion on CERT for managers and policy makers. You are warmly invited to join us at, and to share experiences and knowledge with Internet experts from the AfriNIC region, and from around the world who will be present at this event. If you are interested in making presentations, or offering tutorials, and/or technical demonstrations during the AfriNIC-13 meeting you will find related information at: http://meeting.afrinic.net/afrinic-13/index.php/call-for-presentation All submissions should be sent to meeting(a)afrinic.net before 20 September 2010. General information about the AfriNIC-13 meeting can be found on the meeting website at: http://meeting.afrinic.net/afrinic-13/ Registration for the meeting will open on 1 September 2010. We wish to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support and confidence in AfriNIC, and we look forward to welcoming you and your colleagues to South Africa and to another successful AfriNIC meeting. Sincerely ______________________________________________________________________ Adiel A. Akplogan Tel. +230 403 51 00 Chief Executive Officer, AfriNIC Fax: +230 466 67 58 adiel(a)afrinic.net - www.afrinic.net sip: adiel(a)voip.afrinic.net

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