March 2011 - KICTANet

One on one with Dr Ndemo on DV
by Paul Kukubo ICT Board 31 Mar '11

31 Mar '11

> Robert, listers, > > In addition to the meeting proposed, i hereby remind listers that I also did send an update on this list of the progress on this project. We have a mailing list of all the digital villages trainees and those who have applied do the loans through Family Bank. As a reminder, we received 689 completed loan applications from all over the country. > > There are some on this list who are also applicants for the Pasha Loans with Family Bank that have called seeking clarification and certain assurances considering how long it for the project to get this point. Some are concerned that there may be individuals who did not apply for the loan and are seeking an alternative process of involvement. > I have assured them that their applications are not prejudiced in any way. Some of them were also concerned that a new process may be created that undermines their chances of benefitting from the previously agreed process. > The list is also informed that there is also planned another meeting just for those who applied and were shortlisted. Dr Ndemo, your proposal on this list that we should open up the meeting to any invited party is seen as reassuring, especially since many applicants are not ICT sector players and are from various parts of Kenya. Warm regards Paul Kukubo CEO Kenya ICT Board > > > Sent from my iPad > > On 31 Mar 2011, at 15:29, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > >> Hi All, >> >> Know that the heat has cooled down on the issue of who will be attending the session on the 6th of April with the PS Dr. Ndemo we need to move forward. >> >> To make sure that we have a fruitful interaction I would to request all those who confirmed their attendance and any other listers to send me a list of issues they would like discussed with the PS. >> >> The main agenda for the meeting will be to get a presentation by the PS on the digital village project and then to come up with a strategy on how we can provide our input to the project. >> >> We shall also need to have a volunteer for repertoire to capture the discussions and produce a report that can be shared with the larger membership. >> >> Regards >> >> Robert Yawe >> KAY System Technologies Ltd >> Phoenix House, 6th Floor >> P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 >> Kenya >> >> Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 athttp://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/pkukubo%40ict.go.ke Sent from my iPad

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Digital Villages - F2F with Ndemo
by robert yawe 31 Mar '11

31 Mar '11

Hi All, Know that the heat has cooled down on the issue of who will be attending the session on the 6th of April with the PS Dr. Ndemo we need to move forward. To make sure that we have a fruitful interaction I would to request all those who confirmed their attendance and any other listers to send me a list of issues they would like discussed with the PS. The main agenda for the meeting will be to get a presentation by the PS on the digital village project and then to come up with a strategy on how we can provide our input to the project. We shall also need to have a volunteer for repertoire to capture the discussions and produce a report that can be shared with the larger membership. Regards 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] Digital Villages - F2F with Ndemo
by Paul Kukubo ICT Board 31 Mar '11

31 Mar '11

> Robert, listers, > > In addition to the meeting proposed, i hereby remind listers that I also did send an update on this list of the progress on this project. We have a mailing list of all the digital villages trainees and those who have applied do the loans. As a reminder, we received 689 completed loan applications from all over the country. > > There are some on this list who are also applicants for the Pasha Loans with Family Bank that have called seeking clarification and certain assurances considering how long it for the project to get this point. Some are concerned that there may be individuals who did not apply for the loan and are seeking an alternative process of involvement. > I have assured them that their applications are not prejudiced in any way. Some of them were also concerned that a new process may be created that undermines their chances of benefitting from the previously agreed process. > The list is also informed that there is also planned another meeting just for those who applied and were shortlisted. PS Dr Ndemo, your proposal to open up the meeting to any invited party is seen as reassuring, especially since many applicants are not specifically from ICT sector and some are from very far. Warm regards Paul Kukubo CEO Kenya ICT Board > > > Sent from my iPad > > On 31 Mar 2011, at 15:29, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > >> Hi All, >> >> Know that the heat has cooled down on the issue of who will be attending the session on the 6th of April with the PS Dr. Ndemo we need to move forward. >> >> To make sure that we have a fruitful interaction I would to request all those who confirmed their attendance and any other listers to send me a list of issues they would like discussed with the PS. >> >> The main agenda for the meeting will be to get a presentation by the PS on the digital village project and then to come up with a strategy on how we can provide our input to the project. >> >> We shall also need to have a volunteer for repertoire to capture the discussions and produce a report that can be shared with the larger membership. >> >> Regards >> >> Robert Yawe >> KAY System Technologies Ltd >> Phoenix House, 6th Floor >> P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 >> Kenya >> >> Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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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Re: [kictanet] International remittances straight to your M-PESA account
by Odhiambo Washington 31 Mar '11

31 Mar '11

Thank you, MJ, for this response. Suppose I receive my monthly maximum every month from some source out there, will I be questioned? Assuming a monthly limit of N, and every month I receive N from "my friends" out there for the purpose of laundry:-) On Thu, Mar 31, 2011 at 16:06, Michael Joseph <mjoseph(a)safaricom.co.ke>wrote: > There are limits per customer per transaction, per day, per week, per > month etc. > > We always submit full disclosure reports to the Central Bank > > > Kind Regards > > *Michael* > > From: Odhiambo Washington <odhiambo(a)gmail.com> > Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:54:27 +0300 > To: Michael Joseph <MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] International remittances straight to your M-PESA > account > > > > On Thu, Mar 31, 2011 at 12:29, Andrea Bohnstedt < > andrea.bohnstedt(a)ratio-magazine.com> wrote: > >> Hey all, >> >> Safaricom have entered a co-operation with Western Union so that >> remittances can be sent straight to M-PESA accounts. I haven't seen the fee >> structure yet (probably the usual Western Union fees), but still - great to >> see that Safaricom seem to have cracked the international transfers. Another >> global first for Kenya, I think. >> >> Here's the press release: >> >> http://www.ratio-magazine.com/201103313887/Corporate-Press-Releases/Kenya-P… >> >> > This is very interesting. > > How will they counter money laundering? > > Will central Bank now require Safaricom to submit details of ALL > transactions for the purpose of monitoring how much money came in via this > medium? > > > -- > Best regards, > Odhiambo WASHINGTON, > Nairobi,KE > +254733744121/+254722743223 > _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ > Damn!! > > ------------------------------ > *Note:* > All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricom’s Email > Terms & Conditions. Please click here<http://www.safaricom.co.ke/Emailtermsandconditions>to read the policy. > ------------------------------ > * * > -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Damn!!

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@tandaaKENYA, 30/03/2011 20:46
by Paul Kukubo ICT Board 31 Mar '11

31 Mar '11

Listers Pleas encourage our techprenuers to enter the kenya ict board vision 2030 tech awards This will be announced at the forthcoming 3rd connected kenya summit April 18th- 20th. Tandaa Kenya (@tandaaKENYA) 30/03/2011 20:46 Enter the V2030 ICT Innovation Awards conta.cc/hJLEiT #connectedkenya2011 Sent from my iPad Paul Kukubo Kenya ict board

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First Modular Data Center in Africa coming to Nairobi, Kenya
by Paul Roy 31 Mar '11

31 Mar '11

Hello, Am sure you might have heard of the trend towards modular, energy neutral datacenters...well the first one in Africa will be launched today in Kenya. UNON will be launching this at their complex together with Ban the UN Secretary General. To learn more about ITPAC check this link http://www.techmtaa.com/2011/03/31/microsoft-set-to-unveil-its-itpac-modula… regards, Paul Roy Technology Strategist Microsoft Corp. -- "Change is slow and gradual. It requires hardwork, a bit of luck, a fair amount of self-sacrifice and a lot of patience." Roy.

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Re: [kictanet] Local hosting - reiterated
by robert yawe 31 Mar '11

31 Mar '11

Hi Collins, As much as you disagree with me you need to appreciate that with cloud computing and smart phones we would be moving backwards if we tried to go into casing manufacture and PCB boards as the incumbents have got the process done to a science. There is no way we can deliver a casing in nairobi for less than the Chinese fellow. My issue is that we have graduates out there who cannot get to their full potential because of a lack of a technological infrastructure. What I am requesting the government it to think out of the box, we are better placed to provide the world with intellectual products and should work in that direction. On the issue of power to me it it neither her nor there we have a sank cost in as far as the generating capacity is concerned so unless we can immediately get a cheaper source that will enable us to continue meeting the loan repayments for the existing capacity and still offer a lower cost to the consumer then we can turn off the dams and geothermal stations but until then we need to live with what we have. Still on the issue of cost of power can you give me an example of a manufacturing company that actually closed shop as a result of this? I do not understand the production of sufurias or jikos but I do understand technology and from where I am sitting unless we develop the technology infrastructure we shall never even come close to meeting the vision 2030 objectives. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 ________________________________ From: Collins Areba <arebacollins(a)gmail.com> To: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Sent: Wed, 30 March, 2011 8:40:26 Subject: Re: [kictanet] Local hosting - reiterated @robert, with all respect, you seem to look at every other industry as inferior compared to information technology. I beg to differ: Here are my reasons: The Industry is reliant on electronic gadgets imported from China and south Korea, these components will increasingly become a significant expenditure not only by Kenya but also by the other nations in the region. Thanks to technology, CNC (Computer numerical control machining) and CAD / CAM, the technology gap between Kenya and China is easily narrowed. This means that technically if we wanted to start manufacturing PCBs, all we would need are the equipment, standard layout designs and raw materials. Then we can innovate and improve on existing ones. This would fly in the face of your thinkin but actually, after roads GOK should be looking at Energy. (If you ask me it should have looked at energy first). Why Kenyan electricity is 5 times more expensive than china's is a matter for another discussion but Kenya should aspire to have the cheapest electricity in the continent. (Green or not green notwithstanding, cheap first, then maybe green). On the Jua kali sheds, what GOK needs is to have extension officers to now work on getting those boyt and girls hammering 220L barrels into pans and jikos into better fabrication technologies to improve productivity. I believe that granted, these willbe the centers that will start manufacturing components. a shed in Nairobi could be doing computer cases, another in coast could be doing monitors, another could be doing power supplies...e..t.c. On Wed, Mar 30, 2011 at 7:54 AM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: This says a lot about the governments lip service on vision 2030, the setting up of special economic zones and jua kali sheds is so industrial revolution thinking. > > >With technology the entire country becomes an special economic zone whose only >infrastructure requirements are data centres and high speed broadband (wired or >otherwise) all of which are much cheaper to install than 4 lane highways and >11,000 kilo volt power sub-stations, or could it be the issue of 10%. > > >Kazi kwa vijani needs to look beyond the standard 8 drop out to the university >graduate who already has the skills and is only looking for an enabling >environment. > > >Dr. Ndemo, I propose you call your counterpart in the Ministry of >Industrialisation and which ever other ministry is involved in the jua kali shed >project and insist to be given 1 shed in every constituency then take the cash >equivalent and set-up a hosting and collocation centre. > > >All it requires is 1000 square feet of space in your offices (digitise your >files and move the physical ones to Kabartonjo). From your offices get at least >a 1 gigabit link to KIXP and as you are next to Oranges Telephone House which >sits on a node of the Secom marine cable you can tap in for the international >bandwidth. > > >The other link you require is to KeNET (http://www.kenet.or.ke) the education >network hub, which I believe is currently asleep so that the location can be >accessed across all universities. This is critical as we know what happened >when the developers of google and facebook went through when trying to host >within their campuses. > > >If you leave the issue of hosting and collocation to market forces and private >enterprise then our young developers and doomed to languish in poverty like our >great artists. This is the 1968 of technology time to setup an ICDC and KNTC >type entities for the technology industry which you can then float like >safaricom and kenya power after the market has matured. > > >From where I sit not even Safaricom or Airtel have the resources or willpower to >salvage this situation. > Robert Yawe >KAY System Technologies Ltd >Phoenix House, 6th Floor >P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 >Kenya > > >Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 > > > > > ________________________________ From: Dennis Kioko <dmbuvi(a)gmail.com> >To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk >Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >Sent: Tue, 29 March, 2011 17:57:58 >Subject: Re: [kictanet] Local hosting - reiterated > > >Developers and Local Hosting providers have for long been involved in the >"chicken before the egg" situation where hosting firms say that demand has to >increase for prices to come down, they have to justify investment. Developers >meanwhile want prices to come down before they host locally, with some of them >barely having budgets. > > > >At the same time, local hosting firms have to learn to offer world class cutting >edge platforms and interfaces to their users if they are going to adopt them. > > >At the same time, it aids when those providing this services go into technical >details, like the type of databases offered, supported scripting languages >rather than just tell us 2 databases, developers need that information. > > >Rememeber there is tough competition from the likes of Amazon who have a robust >cloud infrastructure which is free for low usage >(http://aws.amazon.com/ec2/pricing/) > > >As a case study, a local developer has done a popular application , AroundMe >(Nokia Ovi store - http://store.ovi.com/content/103911#/content/103911/reviews) >which has been downloaded more than 10,000 times and with 30,000 searches. The >app uses the Google App Engine (https://appengine.google.com/) cloud platform, >also free to a certain usage . To now the app is still operating on the free >limit (http://aroundmenow.appspot.com/) > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >This message was sent to: arebacollins(a)gmail.com >Unsubscribe or change your options at >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/arebacollins%40gmail.c… > > -- “The twentieth century has been characterized by three developments of great political importance: the growth of democracy, the growth of corporate power, and the growth of corporate propaganda as a means of protecting corporate power against democracy” ~ Alex Carey ~ Tel No: 0x2af23696

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Fwd: Enter the V2030 ICT Innovation Awards
by Paul Kukubo ICT Board 31 Mar '11

31 Mar '11

> Subject: Enter the V2030 ICT Innovation Awards > You're receiving this email because of your relationship with Kenya ICT Board. Please confirm your continued interest in receiving email from us. > > You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails. > > > Vision 2030 ICT Innovation Awards > March 31, 2011 > Dear Paul, > > The Kenya ICT Board and the Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Secretariat invite companies that have developed solutions that drive economic growth and social development as outlined in Kenya's Vision 2030 to participate in the inaugural Vision 2030 ICT Innovation Awards. The Award is proudly co-sponsored by Accenture Development Partnerships (ADP). > > The winners of the Vision 2030 ICT Innovation Award will be announced at the Connected Kenya Summit on April 20. > > Submit your ICT solution to be considered for the awards: > Online Application Form > > > Eligibility: > Companies /organizations that have: > 1. Officially registered in Kenya > 2. Product or service that is complete and in full use for at least 6 months > 3. Product or service that has Kenyan citizens as end user (can be delivered through a third party company or organization) > 4. Product or service that addresses at least one of the Vision 2030 social economic pillars > > Criteria: > 1. ICT Innovation: products or services must use ICT in a way that is new and unique. The innovation should be original in Kenya. > 2. Market Impact: products or services must have a demonstrated positive impact on target community and have innovative strategy for market share growth > 3. Functionality: product or service must be creative and user-friendly in its delivery and demonstrate compatibility and interoperability to third party products. > > > Yours Sincerely, > > Paul Kukubo > Chief Executive Officer > > Deadline > Submit your application by April 10, 2011 > > Stay connected! > Visit: www.connected.go.ke > for updates and information on the Summit > > > #connectedkenya > > > facebook.com/tandaaKenya > > Forward email > > This email was sent to pkukubo(a)gmail.com by pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke | > Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. > Kenya ICT Board | Telposta Towers, 12th Floor | Kenyatta Ave | P.o. box 27150-00100 | Nairobi | Kenya

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Re: [kictanet] Digital Villages - Edwin Onchari
by eonchari＠lynxbits.com 30 Mar '11

30 Mar '11

Deliberations over a cup of tea will definitely encourage a healthy and positive dialogue, and I honestly believe that there is so much potential in the BPO sector that needs to be tapped - quickly and effectively Edwin a.k.a the activist :) ----- Original Message ----- From: otieno.barrack(a)gmail.comTo: eonchari(a)lynxbits.com Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Sent: 3/30/11 12:16 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Digital Villages - Edwin Onchari I am sure a cup of tea with the PS would sort this out Edwin i encourage you to come along with some positive energy and engage the PS and those of us who intend to Join Bobby, we are in an era of dialogue. Your concerns are noted though, a lot needs to be done to build a great BPO industry and all players need to sing the same tune, Umoja ni Nguvu. On Wed, Mar 30, 2011 at 7:02 PM, Ali Hussein <info(a)alyhussein.com> wrote: Wise man Walubengo..:) Ali Hussein - Sent from my BlackBerry® -----Original Message----- From: Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Sender: kictanet-bounces+info=alyhussein.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Date: Wed, 30 Mar 2011 08:42:32 To: <info(a)alyhussein.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Digital Villages - Edwin Onchari _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or..ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: info(a)alyhussein.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/info%40alyhussein.com _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or..ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail… -- Barrack O. OtienoAfriregister Ltd (Kenya)www.afriregister.bi, www.afriregister.com ICANN accredited registrar +254721325277+254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno

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Update from Kenya ICT Board Bellagio, Italy Summit 2011
by Paul Kukubo 30 Mar '11

30 Mar '11

Listers As my team finalizes the report from the 1st Kenya ICT Board Summit in Bellagio, Italy. We had invited a team of 20 odd people from all over the world to revalidation of our value proposition. The team comprised BPO analysts and marketers, silicon valley venture capitalists, Europe based Venture capitalist invested here, representative from World Bank, country strategist from Malaysia, International blue chip firm executives representatives. from Kenya we had 3 firms (Seven Seas technologies, and Kencall) and a members of academia. The Permanent Secretary Dr Bitange Ndemo was in attendance. I would like to highlight some of the key conclusions. We are already planning for Bellagio 2, next year same time. 1. The statement of our value proposition now reads as follows: *Kenya is a globally competitive ICT partner gifted with entrepreneurial spirit and able to translate emerging market needs and connect them with demanding multinationals. *Through much debate, the panel concluded that we need to balance our emphasis on export based BPO, and call centre with support for Kenyan based entrepreunerially based ICT growth. Both are seen as complimentary in terms of job creation. Our value proposition is thus not just focussed on outsourcing but on overall ICT sector competitiveness. 2. ICT is both a sector (firms that provide ICT) and an enabler of all sectors. We need to look at both in our strategy. Malaysia has done this quite nicely even quantifying the size and impact of both. 3. Kenya has an opportunity to be perceived as a world leader in emerging market innovations: Safaricom MPESA and Mobile Money, USHAHIDI, Livestock Insurance (ILRI), Mastercard-Airtel Mobile Wallet product, to name a few. 4. There are companies in Kenya that are now attracting international venture capital financing. Both BPO and call centre companies and non BPO tech firms. Once capital starts trickling into a sector, this is most promising. 5. The global BPO sector is quite big and cannot be ignored. many countries are chasing the sector. Kenya's English language talent and skilled professionals provide us with strong credentials that must be leveraged. The Indian IT outsourcing sector and the Philippines call centre sector took years to grow and was led by the private sector. Government support came in much later. Kenya can learn and fastrack, and government support is important. 6. Government services can catalyse the sector. Government and public sector spending on ICT is substantial across infrastructure, applications and services, project management and capacity. Indeed many Kenyan and international firms have benefited and grown from this. what is needed is an improved framework for technology and capacity transfer for the very large projects which have international contractors. rule of thumb is 1/3 consultancy, 1/3 project management, 1/3 technical delivery. As our software and systems firms develop, they will find that the technical bits are only part of a total package, that includes project management, business analysis marketing etc. Indeed some have made the leap quite nicely. 7. Kenya ICT Board needs to continue to implement on the basis of supporting both export based services and exciting and growing the local entrepreneurs. More from us once the final report is concluded. 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

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