March 2011 - KICTANet

Digital villages
by George Nyabuga 15 Mar '11

15 Mar '11

In January 2007, the Nation published the story (below) indicating that the government was in the process of setting up digital villages across the country. What happened to these digital villages and plans? Dr Bitange Ndemo, Paul Kokubo and others were reported to have been driving this process. But as far as I know there are hardly any 'digital villages' in the 210 constituencies. Empty promises? George Story by JUSTUS ONDARI Publication Date: 8/01/2007 Several communication firms will jointly set up hubs in villages around the country, in project meant to close the huge gap in Internet access between rural and urban areas. In the first phase of the programme, Telkom Kenya, Kenya Data Network and Popote Wireless will each establish digital villages in 54 constituencies under an initiative that aims to cover the remaining 156 constituencies by December this year. The Government will subsidise broadband access for the villages under a Sh670 million World Bank loan, that seeks to stimulate demand for broadband uptake over a three year period. Entrepreneurs will get credit through the Youth Fund to buy the locally assembled computers going for an average of Sh25,000 a piece. The initiative, known as Rural Digital Village Marshall Plan, also aims to rope in mobile service providers, Safaricom and Celtel Kenya. The two have already agreed, in principal, to take part in the first phase of the programme, said Mr Peter Kimacia, one of the coordinators of the initiative. Mr Kimacia is the chief executive of ICTvillage.com, an industry-driven Web site and business lobby that aims to make Kenya the information and communication technology (ICT) hub of Africa. At the end of Phase Two of the initiative in December 2008, each of the telecommunications service providers will have at least a digital village in all the 210 constituencies in the country, he said. He was speaking at the Nairobi Serena Hotel during the launch of the initiative. Launching the concept, Information and Communications permanent secretary, Bitange Ndemo said each of the constituencies will have a digital centre, two digital schools, and four digital kiosks within the next 100 days under what he called a Rapid Results Response. A digital centre will have between 10 and 20 computers, while a digital school will have five to 10 computers, and a digital kiosk one to five computers. Also present at the launch were Information and Communication Assistant minister David Were and permanent secretaries David Nalo (Trade and Industry), and Kinuthia Murugu (Youth Affairs). The programme will be overseen by the newly appointed Kenya Information and Communication Technology Board chaired by Ms Catherine Ngahu, and managing director, Paul Kokubo of 3Mice Interactive Media Limited. The villages will offer services like data collection, cyber cafes, training and merchandising. Other services are business outsourcing, franchising and bureau services. -- Dr George Nyabuga Associate Director School of Journalism & Mass Communication University of Nairobi Education Building Harry Thuku Road PO Box 30197 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254(0)20 318262 Fax: +254(0)20 2229168 Mobile: +254 (0)72151 6573 Email: gnyabuga(a)uonbi.ac.ke, gnyabuga(a)yahoo.co.uk www.uonbi.ac.ke ----------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI IS ISO CERTIFIED The University of Nairobi is committed to providing quality services to all its clients. The University will monitor and review its quality performance from time to time through an effective implementation of the Quality Management System based on ISO 9001:2008 standard. University of Nairobi Website: http://www.uonbi.ac.ke/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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Number portability
by Andrea Bohnstedt 15 Mar '11

15 Mar '11

Hey all, I had tried to find out about this a while ago: Once number portability is introduced, how do subscribers know that they are making off-net calls? Have the mobile operators made any provisions? Does CCK require operators to provide some sort of signal? Or would Dr Ndemo be able to answer? Thanks, Andrea -- Andrea Bohnstedt <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/andreabohnstedt> Publisher +254 720 960 322 www.ratio-magazine.com Find/post East Africa careers<http://www.ratio-magazine.com/careers/index.php> Find/post conferences, workshops, trainings, other business events<http://www.ratio-magazine.com/businessevents/index.php>

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Registration
by n_macharia＠yahoo.co.uk 15 Mar '11

15 Mar '11

Register and add geffiam(a)gmail.com for circulation. He presents a resourceful group of Software developers. Regards Sent from my BlackBerry®

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ORGANIZED GROUPS COUNTY CONSULTATIONS IN NAIROBI KICC ON 21 MARCH 2011
by Eric Aligula 15 Mar '11

15 Mar '11

Colleagues Good morning! The Task Force on Devolved Government will be holding Consultation meetings with stakeholders on the 21st of March 2011 at the KICC. Could KICTANET be available on that date to be consulted and make their views known? Kind regards Eric Aligula Magolo, PhD Programmes Coordinator & Ag. Head, Infrastructure and Economic Services Division Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) P.O. Box 56445, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254-20-2719933/4 Fax: +254-20-2719951 E-mail: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke <mailto:jairah@kippra.or.ke> URL: www.kippra.org <http://www.kippra.org/> Proudly Kenyan "In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility..........I welcome it." John F. Kennedy "To allow other people's assessment of you to determine your own self-assessment is a very big mistake" Columbia University President Lee Bollinger "Far better to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory, nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt "Ex Africa semper aliquid novi"

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Fwd: [Ngl-candidates] Applications now open - Next Generation Leaders eLearning programme “Shaping the Internet – History and Futures” (English and French)
by Grace Mutung'u (Bomu) 14 Mar '11

14 Mar '11

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Gerard Ross <ross(a)isoc.org> Date: 2011/3/14 Subject: [Ngl-candidates] Applications now open - Next Generation Leaders eLearning programme “Shaping the Internet – History and Futures” (English and French) To: ngl-candidates(a)elists.isoc.org --------------------------------------------------------- Applications now open - Next Generation Leaders eLearning programme “Shaping the Internet – History and Futures” (English and French) --------------------------------------------------------- Applications are now open for the Internet Society’s Next Generation Leaders (NGL) eLearning programme “Shaping the Internet – History and Futures”. < http://www.diplomacy.edu/registration/Register.aspx?IDprogramme=5601a517-75… > The Internet Society is pleased to call for applications from talented individuals seeking to join the new generation of Internet leaders, who will address the critical technology, policy, business, and education challenges that lie ahead. Following the successful launch of the programme last year, in 2011 the Internet Society is offering concurrent classes in English and French. Both classes will start in the week of 16 May 2011. The course, “Shaping the Internet – History and Futures”, is delivered by the DiploFoundation through their eLearning platform and learning methodology and features weekly online discussions of the course materials, moderated by a tutor and an expert facilitator. The NGL programme is designed to advance the careers of individuals who have the potential to become local, regional, and international leaders within the Internet technology, policy, and governance communities. The curriculum empowers participants to share their particular expertise with colleagues while acquiring knowledge in areas outside of their specialties. Places in the eLearning course are strictly limited, so all applications will be subject to a thorough selection process. * The deadline for applications is 8 April 2011. * The Programme --------------- The programme offers 20-25 places in each class for professionals from diverse stakeholder backgrounds in the fields of Internet technology, governance, and policy. Both courses are open to individuals from around the world. The programme will be conducted entirely online. The programme includes four thematic parts, which take place over six months during 2011 (May to October, with an exam in the first week of November): - The History of the Internet - Technical Background - Internet Standards and Technology - Internet Governance and Policy - Emerging issues – Studies in Internet Policies, Processes and Diplomacy Learning activities take place in an online classroom and include analysis of course materials, interactive group discussions using a variety of communication tools, assignments, and exams. Successful participants will receive a certificate of completion of the programme. Languages ----------- Course materials and moderated online discussions for each course are in English and French, respectively. Target Audience ---------------- The project is designed for Internet Society members from academia, the public sector, technology industries, and civil society who are committed to the ongoing expansion of an open, sustainable Internet. Applications from the following categories of individuals from both developed and developing countries are encouraged: - officials in governmental ministries and departments dealing with ICT-related issues (for example, telecommunications, culture, education, foreign affairs, justice) - officials in regulatory authorities or institutions dealing with Information Society, Internet, and ICT-related issues - postgraduate students and researchers (for example, telecommunications, electrical engineering, law, economics, development studies, sociology) - engineers in the Internet field - civil society activists in the Internet field - journalists covering Internet-related issues - business people in the Internet field (for example, those managing ISPs or involved in software development). Timeline --------- - 14 March: 2011 Call for Applications begins - 8 April: 2011 Call for Applications ends - 28 April: Selection Results released - 16 May: Online classes commence Requirements ------------- Applicants are required to have: - met the age requirement (20-40 years old) - a basic awareness of, and interest in, Internet-related issues - knowledge and experience of the multi-stakeholder approach in international affairs - a professional background and relevant work or academic experience in the Internet field - member status in ISOC - fluency in English or French - good writing skills, ability to summarize information, and focus on details - regular access to the Internet (dial-up connection is sufficient) - minimum of 8 hours commitment per week during each thematic part of the online course (this is perhaps the single most important requirement and should be evaluated seriously by any potential applicant) - readiness to participate in online consultations (once a week at specified times) Deadline for Applications -------------------------- The deadline for applications is 8 April 2011, by midnight UTC/GMT. How to Apply -------------- For more information about the full Next Generation Leaders programme, including details on how to apply to either eLearning course, please visit: http://www.internetsociety.org/leaders If you have any questions, please contact <leaders(a)internetsociety.org>. The Next Generation Leaders programme is supported by Nominet Trust and operates under the patronage of the European Commission for Information Society and Media. Delivery of the eLearning programme in French is sponsored by AFNIC. -- _______________________________________________ Ngl-candidates mailing list Ngl-candidates(a)elists.isoc.org https://elists.isoc.org/mailman/listinfo/ngl-candidates -- Grace L.N. Mutung'u (Bomu) Kenya Skype: gracebomu Twitter: GraceMutung'u (Bomu)

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GoK Outsources OP Twitter a/c & Website
by Muchiri Nyaggah 14 Mar '11

14 Mar '11

Hi Listers, The website www.republicofkenya.org appears to be backed by the GoK but managed by a US firm. They also seem to handle the twitter account @insidekenya which indicates its the Twitter account for Office of the President. On both, it is explicitly stated that CLS & Associates distribute the content on behalf of OP for the government. CLS have an impressive client list but with all the advancements I have seen in the web industry in Kenya over the last three years, I am certain a local firm could have handled this. In fact, there should be staffers in the government spokesman's office or the Kenya ICT Board who can work with the international PR firm and the local OP staff to update this website and profile. How did this happen? How has the government mitigated against the risks of foreigners spreading misinformation using official online government channels? Is the entire government spokesman's office going to be outsourced as well? http://www.republicofkenya.org http://www.twitter.com/insidekenya http://www.clsdc.com Kind regards, *Muchiri* Nyaggah Director @muchiri +254 722 506400 Semacraft.com

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Check out Blogpost on future of Internet governance post Egypt
by warigia bowman 13 Mar '11

13 Mar '11

Dear colleagues I took all the questions I asked, and all the answers you gave me and wrote an Op Ed. Unfortunately, I cannot find anyone who will place it. Perhaps it is too technical. :-( I do not think this is the case though. I would be most grateful if you would sign in to my blog, and comment on it, and see if there is something I missed. I cited people carefully, so you have gotten credit. I do not plagiarize. http://democratizingegypt.blogspot.com/2011/02/governing-egyptian-internet.… Sincerely, Warigia

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what really merits discussion on KICTANET
by Francis Hook 13 Mar '11

13 Mar '11

Hi All, With all due respect to various subscribers of data/voice and other services who have genuine grievances against various operators and their services, I feel compelled to ask what the scope of discussions is on KICTANET? And could those discussions be within an actionable framework e.g. what does the comms act say abt poor QoS, what are the metrics for measuring network quality, etc. Otherwise as it stands, its no more different than the "Watchman" column in the Daily Nation. And to a certain extent I suspect its being used as an online focus group - to test waters and gauge opinions. In other instances some subliminal (individual or corporate) marketing creeps in. Can the moderators please stand up and offer clarity on what really merits discussion? -- Francis Hook +254 733 504561

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Access Kenya; an issue of staff moral
by robert yawe 12 Mar '11

12 Mar '11

Hi, It was interesting reading the article about how Access Kenya is venturing on a programme to setup customer experience centres, http://www.nation.co.ke/business/news/AccessKenya+steps+up+internet+market+… if it is anything like how they are handling their participation at the ongoing Ideal Interiors Expo http://www.interiors.co.ke at the Village Market then it will just be another death nail in their coffin. I was at the show adjudicating the stands on Thursday morning and the whole day Friday and what I experienced with their participation was wanting. Exhibitors where expected to have completed setting up their stalls by Wednesday but Access staff where nowhere to be seen in addition they where expected to provide Internet services for the exhibitors, even Thursday was a no show. The staff appeared on Friday around 10 am put up a few banners then they all crowded into the stand making it impossible for any visitors to access. When the other judges and myself got to their stand for evaluation at around 2 PM the stand at been abandoned and no one was in site. If this is how they are going to run their retail store then they should not expect to make much of an impact in the industry. This is a clear indication that there is a low moral issue with the staff and management is loosing grip on the operations at the bottom, expect this to reflect in the service delivery of the organisation. It is already haemorrhaging from the onslaught by the mobile providers so a drop in staff moral is the last thing they or the industry needs. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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Re: [kictanet] Progress Report Implementation Of The Mckinsey BPO/ITES STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS
by Edwin Onchari 11 Mar '11

11 Mar '11

Alright then, thanks Paul. Hope that the views of stakeholders whom the proposition is meant to boost have some input/insight as well. Best Regards, Edwin From: paulkukubo(a)ict.go.ke [mailto:paulkukubo@ict.go.ke] Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 11:54 AM To: Edwin Onchari; Paul Kukubo Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' Subject: Re: [kictanet] Progress Report Implementation Of The Mckinsey BPO/ITES STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS We shall actually be using Bellagio to recraft the direction. Sent from my BlackBerryR smartphone provided by Airtel Kenya _____ From: "Edwin Onchari" <eonchari(a)lynxbits.com> Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:46:22 +0300 To: 'Paul Kukubo'<pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke> Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions'<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: RE: [kictanet] Progress Report Implementation Of The Mckinsey BPO/ITES STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS Hello Paul, Thank you for the prompt response, and I look forward to getting clarifications on the study. On the Bellagio event, shall I assume that we now have a revised value proposition for Kenya for the sector, and if so, could you kindly share the same? I believe it is critical for industry players to align their organizations' strategies with the country's value proposition and where necessary offer input on the same. Also, will it be possible to have the deliberations transmitted to social media outlets for the stakeholders that will not be attending the event to follow the proceedings, and input? Best Regards, Edwin From: kictanet-bounces+eonchari=lynxbits.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+eonchari=lynxbits.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Paul Kukubo Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 6:32 AM To: Edwin Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] Progress Report Implementation Of The Mckinsey BPO/ITES STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS Listers Edwin, thank you for your email. Will provide a comprehensive response later. Meanwh fiilend attached an update on the forthcoming Kenya ICT Board Value Proposition Summit to be held in Bellagio Italy next week which I have also written about severally. 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 website: www.ict.go.ke local content project: www.tandaa.co.ke, www.facebook.com/tandaakenya twitter:@tandaaKENYA BPO Project: www. doitinkenya.co.ke Digital Villages Project: www.pasha.co.ke personal contacts _______________ Cell: + 254 717 180001 skype: kukubopaul googletalk: pkukubo personal blog: www.paulkukubo.co.ke personal twitter: @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 Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 5:22 PM, Edwin Onchari <eonchari(a)lynxbits.com> wrote: Listers, For the benefit of those that closely follow the outsourcing sector goings on, this progress report was posted on the KICTB website. Access to such information minimizes unnecessary queries by the private sector to the concerned agencies and affords all stakeholders a standard script to read from. As I read this report and while 50% of 70% of the recommendations have been achieved, I feel that the following status points need further clarification: 1. Under the "Launch a go-to market campaign to bring investors" - from the 12 or so targeted international events in 2010, what are the success numbers? How many firms have expressed interest in investing/outsourcing to Kenya? Did they partner/expressed interest to partner with any firm in Kenya? Did they have contacts of these organizations in Kenya? Did Kenyan firms send have their profiles included in any marketing materials by the board at these events? 2. Prioritize large scale operators - Is this strategy working? How many operations that are under this threshold are successfully doing business in Kenya? Is the lack of 250 seat capacity operations as a result of lack of business, limited access to funding or lack of industry knowledge? 3. Government commitment to the industry - are the special economic zones extendable to foreign firms only or has this been applied to local firms that have onshore (Kenyan company outsourcing to a Kenyan firm) work? What is the criteria for special economic zone exemptions? Which agency is responsible for which licenses, exemptions, etc? 4. Improve the international perception of Kenya.as the country awaits for a NASSCOM type body to emerge - Does this report recommend then that the BPO/ITES working group assumes the role of the industry body? Does the board/ working group have guidelines for the industry? 5. Is the BPO syndicate committee in place? Who are the members and what are their roles? Best Regards, Edwin M Onchari 0720755951 eonchari(a)lynxbits.com _______________________________________________ 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

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