August 2011 - KICTANet

National ICT Innovation and Integration Centre
by robert yawe 15 Aug '11

15 Aug '11

Hi, I had the privilege of attending the official opening of the National ICT Innovation and Integration Centre by Hon. Ongeri at the Kenya Science Campus. The investment is major and they seem to be forecast on their objective of integrating ICT into the primary and secondary school curriculum and administration. During the launch the Education Secretary in his speech indicated that the ministry was to set-up computer labs in 1021 schools, 5 in each constituency an issue the Minister picked during his off the cuff speech when he requested a clarification from the the Education Secretary as to the best of his knowledge the schools to be reached were supposed to be 1050. This raised an interesting issue, the reason was that there are actually constituencies in this country that have less than 5 secondary schools which might increase after the additional constituencies recommended. It was interesting how the minister was able to give a quick resolution by directing that the allocated computers must remain in the constituency and not reallocated elsewhere, a clear sign that there are effective leaders in this country. It was interesting to realise that there is a clear distinction between the various facets of education namely learning, teaching and management. The fact that the ministry and other stake holders have this clearly defined means that we are likely to see a more holistic implementation of technology. The initiative has also rolled out a portal called www.elimuportal.net, which was down as of this writing but is fortunately hosted locally, we hope they will also see it necessary to give it a .ke domain. From the presentation this portal will become the hub for teacher and student resources so we hope that the KICTB and the e-government have allocated them space in the forthcoming national data centre. It is interesting how much information you can gather at a government function, I now know and share some of the insights. 1. There are 265,000 teachers country wide but we still have a shortfall of 70,000 teachers. With the new directive that all teachers must have degrees it means that if we force all graduates to become teachers it will take us over 3 to 5 years to meet the 70,000 shortfall. If we have a demand growth of 5% per annum, cumulative, then it will take us forever to bridge the shortfall. The minister realises this and made a request that we look for innovative ways to deal with this shortfall which is where we come into the picture. Solutions such as radio and tv lessons (digital transmission) and the paradigm shift by initiatives like khanacademy mean that we have the tools and all we need is the will. 2. There are 8.6 million students in primary schools up from 5.9 million in 2005 with a transition rate of 72.5% up from 45% in 2005. The recommended transition rate from primary to secondary proscribed under MDG goals is 70%, this is a clear indication that we are making progress. I am sure many of you have this statistics at your finger tips as a result of the Open Data initiative but I still felt obligated to share what I learnt from spending my morning at the launch. 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] Bitange for President? Extended due to Public Demand-internet price?
by Charles Mutsi 14 Aug '11

14 Aug '11

What I find most regretable about the Somali dominance issue is that it is not their problem. It is ours. Immigration officers allow illegal migrants for a thousand bob. KRA officers fail to follow up on tax for the same businessmen, private property developers sell all their assets at inflated prices to illegal immigrants. We ourselves plant the seeds for strife for our children. They are not taking over at gun point. We hand it to them for pittance. How pathetic! Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

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Re: [kictanet] Bitange for President? Extended due to Public Demand-internet price?
by meshack emakunat 14 Aug '11

14 Aug '11

On Sat Aug 13th, 2011 2:05 PM PDT bitange(a)jambo.co.ke wrote: >Walubengo, >Watching news this evening you begin to see that even our media has never >quite understood the role of government. > >I see Media castigating government for not having capacity to distribute >relief food. This I call preposterous because government has never been >good in distributing anything. The role of government has been and should >always be facilitating through provision of infrastructure, security, >legal and regulatory framework. The rest is the people or better the >entrepreneurs. > >These are real opportunities that we must take every advantage to educate >people how to exploit these opportunities. You recall in my earlier post >I said that we need Uchumi or Nakumatt up North. Then provide the >citizens with smart cards. The intervention of government should have >been simply to top up these smart cards. They will then walk to the >retail store and pick what they want to eat and not forcing them to eat >maize. This is more efficient and cheaper. Further, the majority in >Northern Kenya would most likely prefer milk and at the same time Uchumi >will buy their Camel milk for re-distribution to other affected areas. > >In my view we are all failures and instead of correcting our mistakes, we >load the blame on government. We must remember that communist countries >tried to control distribution of food in their respective countries and >they all failed. It is time the government let the food supply chain to >private enterprise and only manage it through fiscal policy (give tax >incentives when production is threatened as well as incentives for storage >facilities) intervention. This change will reduce the perception of >corruption in government by some 30%. > >With or without “Candidate” Ndemo. Issues such as this one that goes a >long way in managing our food supply chain must be raised with the real >candidates. I am willing to shed more light on food security so that we >are all ready for the candidates. In my view we must begin to define what >we need in our country’s chief executive. In view of the new constitution >we must start working on the job description. We need the lawyers to >interpret how Chapter 7 (Leadership and Integrity) relates to the election >of our future leaders. > >If that will be the case, we must interrogate their decisions with respect >to CDF. If someone was not able to manage a CDF kitty of Ksh. 100 >million, that person will not certainly manage trillion shilling national >budget. > >Ndemo. > > > >> Bw PS, >> >> nice insights you have below.Â Mine is simply to ask what your thoughts >> are, in terms of making consumer internet prices affordable. Yes, cost of >> bandwidth at international gateway level used to be 5,000USD per MB (over >> satellite) but now it has dropped belowÂ 500USD per MB.Â Basically it >> has dropped by 10 times - HOWEVER- in our cyber cafes, the cost of >> accessing internet is still 1/- to 2/- per minute, pretty much what it was >> during the satellite days. >> >> Mobile data internet which is the more common form of access is not any >> cheaper either.Â There's has been NOÂ drop per-se, just marketing >> gimmicks of increasing the amount of bandwidth for the same (HIGH) price. >> It is like saying lunch costs 2,500/= at some 5star hotel, but since there >> has been good rains/harvest, for the same 2,500/= you are free to eat ALL >> you want...sounds good, but ONLY for those who could afford the 2,500/= >> lunch bracket in the first place - who unfortunately are not >> many....particularly in an economy whose average monthly income is around >> 8,000sh. >> >> So how do you intend to tackle the internet price problem when you get to >> be President? >> >> walu. >> >> --- On Fri, 8/12/11, 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] Bitange for President? Extended due to Public >> Demand >> To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com >> Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> Date: Friday, August 12, 2011, 9:01 PM >> >> Harry, >> Yes there is a crisis virtually in every country at the moment.Â The >> difference is how you handle the situation.Â In Britain the Prime >> Minister >> thought he can take a vacation in Italy and forget what is going on at >> home but he was forced to dash home.Â Before I respond to how we take >> care >> of our crisis, I felt there is a patriotism lesson that we need to learn >> from Britain. >> >> The first reports we got in our News papers here and even in electronic >> media, there was no cause of the crisis in Britain.Â It was simply >> reported that London is burning.Â Some of our best media houses with so >> many journalists forgot to ask questions like what, where, when, why, etc. >> This would have helped us understand.Â This is because the British Media >> (from where our Media got the story) first looks at their countryâ€™s >> interests first and everything else is secondary.Â Does our Media have >> what they call Kenyan or African interests?Â If they did, they would have >> raised issues relating to racism and African Diaspora.Â We shall be more >> respected if we had the interest of those in the Diaspora at heart be they >> from Bahamas or Nigeria. >> >> How do we respond to our crisis?Â This should not be a government >> project. >> The entire society needs a lesson on respecting other human beings >> because this where our problems start and will open up greater opportunity >> and sustained harmony for all humanity.Â In other countries they make an >> effort to socially integrate all citizens of different economic classes. >> Let me elaborate.Â In Kenya a good mechanic will never be found drinking >> with a corporate CEO but in other countries it happens and sometimes you >> find they are neighbours.Â It is not common you find a woman with an >> undergraduate degree married to a plumber for example.Â We have defined >> classes that we try everything to belong to.Â We do not have good >> plumbers, mechanics, carpenters etc in this country yet we have thousand s >> looking for white collar jobs. >> >> I am sure most of you have watched Cheers.Â The artists in the bar are a >> postman, a doctor, other professional, bar maids and men having a common >> goal.Â Where no one thinks or feels they know more than the other.Â This >> is the begging of building a harmonious society that no one feels left >> out.Â The rift we have created just needs a small thing like shooting a >> drug dealer (as in the UK) then hell will break loose.Â We must not >> forget >> that this happened in China in 1949 when the Maoists took over.Â They >> literary killed anybody who seemed to be from upper class.Â Land reform >> was the major focus of policy as a result of China's vast rural >> population, around 90% of the population were farmers. Lands of former >> landlords were confiscated by the government and subsequently >> redistributed to the lower-class peasants.Â Do not forget the French >> revolution. >> >> Discrimination in any form should be shunned.Â This is because it is the >> basis of all problems be it class or tribalism.Â Â Three of my close >> friends have experience that summarizes what I have tried to explain.Â >> Mr. >> X got six and eighteen points at O and A levels respectively.Â At >> university he came out with 1st class in Electrical Engineering and joined >> the then EAPL and later obtained an MBA.Â Mr. Y had division II and could >> not afford high school but went to Kenya Science Teachers to become a >> teacher.Â Mr. Z also passed his O levels with Division III and joined >> Barclays Bank as a Clerical officer.Â They have struggled in their own >> ways and of the four of us Z is the wealthiest.Â Any time I am with X, he >> complains why I should even have time for Y and Z.Â Y by the way has >> struggled for many years and he will soon get his PhD.Â According to X >> these are not our class of people.Â He loathes Z as one who failed and >> now >> possibly has earned his wealth through corrupt means.Â In spite of the >> fact that I have tried to ask X to forget the past, he feels he belongs to >> a different class and hangs around some of the â€œsuccessfulâ€� people. >> Although I have never disclosed this to Y and Z their sixth sense leads >> them to discriminate X from some events.Â At some point we were four >> young >> lads who enjoyed life together but now pulling a part because of >> differences in the way we led our lives after high school.Â I hear and >> see >> this kind of stories often and make me feel bad about class division in >> our country. >> >> I have had the privilege of deciding who my assistants should be but not >> once have I ever picked someone because we spoke the same vernacular >> language.Â My current office is a living example and after leading by >> example, all of my senior officers followed suit.Â This is how we should >> begin to tackle the problem of tribalism.Â We also must ensure equitable >> distribution of resources and start connecting all the counties with >> roads, energy, water, schools and hospitals.Â We have already connected >> fibre optics to all the counties and are in the process of covering the >> pockets that exist.Â Even with difficult times we have managed to balance >> infrastructure development to all parts of the country.Â We shall >> continue >> with similar strategies. >> >> To achieve my objectives, I take you back to building sustained regional >> influence and develop the HUB concept in everything here in Kenya. >> Transportation, ICT, Industrialization, and practically everything Hub. >> Of course some of our neighbours will feel jealous.Â Â Â This is what we >> need >> in a sustained way because it will help galvanize Kenyans against some >> external â€œaggressorâ€�.Â President Museveni used this effectively to >> get >> Ugandans behind him when he claimed Migingo as a strategy to get >> re-elected.Â Let us do good to the entire East Africa by building the >> rail >> up to Goma, Adis, Juba, Dar and Arusha all terminating in Nairobi.Â We >> must build major transit and logistics airport and make it cheap to access >> it to all rail destinations.Â Develop capacity to serve the entire world >> back offices.Â Â Â >From this we shall create a pull effect on our >> agriculture.Â Let me not disclose the entire strategy. >> >> Regards >> >> >> Ndemo. >> >> >> >> >> >>> >>> Bw Ps, >>> >>> Thanks for your articulative responses... Indeed looking at events >>> cutting >>> across the globe >>> now, one wakes up to a realization that we face similar socio-economic >>> challenges. Bottom >>> line, is how do we respond. And respond we must. But consequently this >>> is >>> what makes the >>> huge difference between moving forward purposefully to achieve progress >>> and >>> backpeddling on >>> the other hand. >>> >>> We'd also wish to understand what strategies would be put in place to >>> ensure >>> a balanced >>> infrastractural development across the regions. I suppose much of the >>> concentration right >>> now is around the Capital and it's environs at the expense of the rest >>> of >>> the country. >>> How about dealing with the great tribalism "monster". >>> >>> 3rdly, what strategies/plans do you have in place to achieve this dream >>> you >>> have. >>> >>> Harry >>> >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> [mailto:kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On >>> Behalf Of bitange(a)jambo.co.ke >>> Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2011 3:32 PM >>> To: harry(a)comtelsys.co.ke >>> Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Bitange for President? Extended due to Public >>> Demand >>> >>> Grace, >>> Thank you for extending the debate to Monday.Â I hope I get time to >>> articulate some of the issues that will impact our lives in the next few >>> years.Â Earlier I said that we are not alone in how we are dealing with >>> our >>> social development.Â I went ahead and gave examples from the US and UK. >>> Although it is an unfortunate for the British people, it has come to >>> pass. >>> Even the Central Bank we got some good debate out of my post. >>> >>> Leadership requires selfless commitment to the people they lead.Â It is >>> a >>> sacrifice one makes.Â In this respect, I will seek for advisors who >>> have >>> demonstrated ability to serve their country with dedication.Â We have >>> these >>> people but they have never been given a chance to lead. The constitution >>> has >>> accorded us the opportunity to search for such people. >>> If you read today's front page Standard, it has the requirement for >>> those >>> who want to join the electoral commission.Â If we follow the >>> requirement >>> to >>> the letter, we shall get credible people.Â It is this process that >>> lacked >>> before and political operatives took charge in many posts within >>> government. >>> >>> Indeed there will be a policy guideline on all organizations registered >>> under Societies Act.Â It is in the interest of the public that these >>> organizations file annual returns to the registrar because they are tax >>> exempt.Â Tax exemption means that we the public partly fund their >>> activities.Â Further the state has a responsibility to protect its >>> citizens >>> from being taken advantage of.Â We cannot burry our heads in the sand >>> on >>> this issue no matter how sensitive it is.Â We shall also be >>> implementing >>> our >>> constitution with respect to Bill of Rights. >>> >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> >>> Ndemo. >>> >>> >>>> >>>> Listers >>>> >>>> We have received requestsÂ (offline) that we allow "Candidate" Ndemo >>>> more time for him to respond to more concerns being raised. >>>> >>>> This is to let you know that the 'official campaign period" has been >>>> extended up to Monday August 15, 2011. >>>> >>>> And now Dr. Ndemo, Harry Delano did ask you to say what kind of >>>> advisors you would be looking for to help shape policy. Can we hear >>>> you on this one too? You also make a valid point about churches and >>>> the fact that they are not audited. I know for example in Washington >>>> DC, Parish priests have to present audited accounts to Parishoners >>>> once a year, while the Bishop fundraises through a system that is open >>>> to public scrutiny. Would you then make a policy decision on this? On >>>> a light note, may I remind you that your responses will go into the >>>> 'manifesto' and translate into more or less "votes" :) >>>> >>>> Listers, let the debate continue. >>>> >>>> Rgds >>>> GG >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >>>> ------------- If you have the strength to survive, you have the power >>>> to succeed. Life is all about choices we make depending upon the >>>> situation we are in. Go forth and rule the World! >>>> >>>> >>>> ---------------------------------------------- >>>> This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by >>>> Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. >>>> --------------------------------------------- >>>> "easy access to the world" >>>> >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> ---------------------------------------------- >>> 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 >>> >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/harry%40comtelsys.co.ke >>> >>> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform >>> for >>> people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and >>> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT >>> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and >>> development. >>> >>> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors >>> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and >>> bandwidth, >>> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, >>> do >>> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. >>> >>> >>> ---------------------------------------------- >>> This message has been scanned for viruses and >>> dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is >>> believed to be clean. >>> --------------------------------------------- >>> "easy access to the world" >>> >>> >> >> >> >> ---------------------------------------------- >> 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 >> >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com >> >> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform >> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and >> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT >> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and >> development. >> >> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors >> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, >> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do >> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. >> >> ---------------------------------------------- >> This message has been scanned for viruses and >> dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is >> believed to be clean. >> --------------------------------------------- >> "easy access to the world" >> >> > > > >---------------------------------------------- >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 > >Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/memakunat%40yahoo.com > >The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. > >KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.

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Is your ISP cheating you out of bandwidth? New gov't test offers a hint
by S.Murigi Muraya 13 Aug '11

13 Aug '11

CCK could and should carry out similar studies like the FCC one below. If already done, please publicize the findings in Kenya. http://redtape.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/08/11/7348557-is-your-isp-cheating-… Is your ISP cheating you out of bandwidth? New gov't test offers a hint When you hear a politician, a lobbying group, or a corporate executive yammering on about leaving the free market alone, don’t fall for it. Many businesses today are built around finding that industry -- or that particular anomaly within an industry -- where market forces simply don't apply. Then, they exploit the heck out of it for big profits. Late fees on credit cards, for example -- who shops around for those? Or hotel safe fees that get automatically tacked onto your bill. Call this the "un-free market" at work. Broadband Internet access has long existed in this un-free market. For a long time, many U.S. consumers had only one Internet access provider, the very definition of an un-free market. Now, most people have two options -- an improvement, but duopolies rarely behave like free markets. More important, when people shop for broadband, they usually don't know what they are getting. What does 10 Mbps speed really get you anyway? Is it five times better than 2 Mbps? Should you pay five times more for it? And most important, since the ISPs guarantee none of this, what do consumers really get for their $59.99 per month? Imagine pulling up to a gas station and paying by time rather than volume. A 60-second shot of gas costs $20 -- sometime you get 5 gallons, and sometimes you get 3 gallons, but there no scale telling you how much you get. That's pretty much how things work in the Internet access world right now. Finally, government regulators have stepped in and begun making the purchase of Internet access fairer. The Federal Communications Commission released the results of a year-long, scientific study of 13 U.S. broadband providers<http://transition.fcc.gov/cgb/measuringbroadbandreport/Measuring_U.S._-_Mai…>, focused on whether firms like AT&T, Verizon, Qwest, Frontier, and others live up to their marketing materials when delivering high-speed Internet service. For the first time, the firms are being held to their promises, and consumers can find out if they are getting what they are paying for. The results weren't bad. Most firms hit 90 percent of their advertised upload speeds. Download speeds were another story, however. Only four of the 13 reached their promised download speed (Charter, Comcast, Cox, and Verizon), while most of the other firms hovered around 80 percent. Cablevision fared worst, with download speeds that fell to 50 percent of advertised rates at peak periods*. (*Msnbc.com is a joint venture with Microsoft and NBC Universal, the latter of which is a division of Comcast.*) * Overall, the tests also showed that consumers aren't getting dramatically cheated by their ISPs, and time-of-day tests showed there is no longer a massive web traffic jam every evening when consumers get home and log in. The tests showed that once-dreaded peak period slowdowns are now uncommon. advertisement Still, Free Press research director S. Derek Turner, who had long called for such government tests, was critical of the findings. Free Press is a nonprofit group that advocates for consumers on a number of media and telecommunications issues. "The way we look at the results, most of the ISPs -- nine of the 13 -- are failing to deliver their promised speeds at all times of the day. The fact that four of the 13 can deliver means the others could be," he said. "If they are unable deliver on their promises, than their advertising is highly misleading. ... If you got 80 percent of your pay for work you did, you wouldn't be happy about it." The tests, which were performed by a private firm that has run similar tests in the U.K., measured performance at 6,800 representative homes around the country in March. The tests revealed a clear trend: DSL services were least likely to live up to advertised rates. Fiber-optic services, like Verizon's FiOS, fared best, followed by cable-based systems. Wireless broadband services, like Verizon's Mobile Broadband, were not tested. Outside observers said the test results seemed consistent with real-world experience. Damon Mueller, who operates TestMy.Net service, says he thought the FCC used sound methodologies. TestMy.Net gives users free, instant feedback on their Internet connection speed, and lets consumers compare results with others. "The FCC's test is accurate and their results mirror my own. They even mention the ISPs that top TestMy's list," he said. There are severe limitations to the FCC's results however. To borrow a phrase from politics, all ISP issues are local. An ISP might offer great service in New York City, but lousy service on your block in Queens because of dated wires on the telephone pole. In other words, it's quite possible that DSL, while performing worst in this test, could be the best option at your house. Consumers, as always, bear some responsibility, and the FCC's research shows they are dangerously detached from their broadband purchasing decision. Fully 80 percent said they did not know what speed they purchased from their ISP; another 49 percent, when asked to identify their level of service, got it wrong. This ignorance can be overlooked, however, given that the speed numbers have proven to be rough approximations of the service provided. And besides, only geeks really care about the speed of Web traffic flowing in and out of their homes. Most consumers simply want to know that they have enough reliable bandwidth to do what they need to do. "To most consumers, megabits are a very abstract concept. They just want to know, 'Does it work?' Can I use Netflix?' " Turner said. To that end, Mueller is worried that the FCC results -- while a good test to make sure the ISPs aren't committing fraud -- aren't really that helpful to consumers. advertisement "The data still isn't being presented in a way that helps people make the best choice in service provider," he said. Here's the kind of bizarre calculus consumers are still forced to perform: Paying $60 for a service that only achieves 50 percent of advertised rates -- say, a 10 Mbps fiber optic connection -- could still be a better deal than paying $50 for a 2 Mbps service that hits 100 percent. <http://www.fcc.gov/measuring-broadband-america> FCC.gov The FCC's download test results. And again, none of that information actually promises an uninterrupted Netflix movie. To really create a free market where consumers could intelligently shop for services in their local areas, free trial periods that allow side-by-side, real-world comparisons would be necessary. It should be clear that long-term commitments, like two-year contracts required by some Internet providers, are the death of such a free market. That's why, to Turner, the FCC tests are only the beginning. "We would like the FCC to pressure underperforming companies to explain why they didn't do well, and to disclose that the upper limits they advertise are never attainable," he said. One hopeful sign that the test is already setting free market forces free -- two days after the results were published, Verizon sent e-mails to some customers bragging about the results, Turner said. "And, hopefully this will embarrass (other ISPs) into performing better next time," he said. RED TAPE WRESTLING TIPS It's a good idea -- not to mention fun -- to test your broadband connection every month or so, to make sure you are getting what you pay for. There are several services available, like Mueller's TestMy.Net <http://testmy.net/>. Along with offering useful points of comparison, the site can also store results for comparison later. The Speakeasy.net <http://speakeasy.net/>test, now operated by ISP MegaPath, is among the most popular and easy to use. And the FCC now offers its own broadband test<http://www.broadband.gov/qualitytest/about/> . Even if you happy with your current service, you should still perform the test. Who knows what great, bandwidth-hogging service might catch your fancy next month? What should you do if find your ISP is underperforming? Ideally, you would switch to a better service, but there's no guarantee that will improve your situation. A competitor could be exaggerating speeds, too You can always complain that your service is too slow, but know that it's standard industry practice for ISPs to use such calls to “upsell” customers on more-expensive plans. "Those types of stories are pervasive," Turner said. "Customers call to complain that something they are trying to run isn't working, and customer service agents are trained to upsell them." Be ready for the sales pitch. First insist that the company live up to its promises. Make it test your service, and compare the tests with your own results. In the end, an upsell deal might be worth taking, but be a good “free marketeer” and avoid the long-term contract. * * *Follow Bob Sullivan on Facebook <http://facebook.com/BobSullivanFans>or Twitter <http://twitter.com/RedTapeChron>.*

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Fwd: APPOINTMENT OF ACTING CCK DIRECTOR GENERAL
by Andrea Bohnstedt 12 Aug '11

12 Aug '11

FYI. Happy weekend, Andrea ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Hazel Kirigo Kingori <kingori(a)cck.go.ke> Date: 12 August 2011 14:43 Subject: APPOINTMENT OF ACTING CCK DIRECTOR GENERAL To: ** **** ** *PRESS RELEASE* ** **** **** ** **** ** ** **** 12th August 2011**** ** *NEWS EDITOR * * * *RE: APPOINTMENT OF ACTING CCK DIRECTOR GENERAL * The CCK Board today appointed Mr. Francis Wamukota Wangusi as the Acting Director General of the Communications Commission of Kenya. This follows an order issued by the High Court on Wednesday 10th August instructing Mr. Charles J.K. Njoroge to cease acting as the Director General until the case challenging his re-appointment is heard and determined.**** The court order also indicated that if the CCK Board chose to replace Mr. Njoroge, then, the said replacement would be in an acting capacity until the matter was concluded.**** Mr. Wangusi was until his appointment the Director in charge of Special Projects and Broadcasting at the Commission. He has over twenty seven years of experience in the communications industry and has held other positions at the Commission including Director, Licensing Compliance and Standards, and head of the Secretariat for the Digital Transition Committee. Mr. Wangusi had earlier worked as a Senior Lecturer, at the Kenya College of Communications Technology (KCCT), now Multimedia University College of Kenya. **** Mr. Wangusi holds a Masters degree in Space Sciences with specialization in Satellite Communications from the International Space University, France; a BSc in Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Rome, Italy and a Charted Engineer Part II Certificate from the Institute of Electronics Engineering, UK. **** ** ** ** ** Issued by:**** *Hon. Eng. Philip Okundi * *CCK BOARD CHAIRMAN* *Tel: 4242000* **** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** -- 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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TRAINING ON CLOUD COMPUTING
by Rehanah Mohammed 12 Aug '11

12 Aug '11

This might be of interest to you, your organizatons or people you know....

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Commodity Exchange Platform
by aki 12 Aug '11

12 Aug '11

Dear Listers, I've had a read of many articles just on this subject as I go dig in deeper into the agri-engineering aspects and have these questions. If anyone could provide more information, It may just set the process rolling in the long term and is very much appreciated. 1) Why has such an exchange not been implemented so far? Has this got anything to do with liberalization of the Agri-Marketing sector? 2) In ICT, it is possible to create many systems to perform core functions and provide services as platforms. How does the process really work at ground level? 3) The concept of the exchange is based on seller/buyer and possibly futures. Does it then mean there will be a need for trading floors, phone based working in parallel with ICT? 4) What would limit farmers from using the commodity exchange? 5) Are there still regulations that prevent the growth of a commodity exchange? 6) What is ailing the agriculture sector? Is it bad infrastructure, bad politics, lack of markets, brokers, expensive or un-informed farm inputs or are there other factors too? 7) Is there a will or drive for farmers/societies to use ICT to improve on trading and awareness? This would mean moving away from the 160 character sms because it is too limiting. Thank you for your time. Rgds.

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Re: [kictanet] Bitange for President? Extended due to PublicDemand(off-topic)
by Harry Delano 11 Aug '11

11 Aug '11

Walu, That unfortunately sounds like grand gerrymandering to me, and so I suppose a forum of such multistakeholder stature as Kictanet should rise up and voice the need for sobriety amongst the parties involved in this standoff - if indeed there is one, and spare this important office/position the mediocrity that it's now being exposed to... Just a thought.. Harry _____ From: kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Walubengo J Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2011 7:49 PM To: harry(a)comtelsys.co.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] Bitange for President? Extended due to PublicDemand(off-topic) @Liko, am not a lawyer but I can tell you once a matter is in court, it would be dangerous to comment on the same - especially for an office like the PS. however, as a layman, I probably may get away with a comment or two. So here is how I see it. 1. Looks like this Mutoro man did indeed walk the talk and sued. 2. Looks like he has won round one and may as well win the next round. 3. HOWEVER, there's really a "new" board in place and therefore 4. If the issue in dispute was that the DGs appointment was irregular due to lack of Board blessing THEN now 5. there's nothing that stops the "new" board from providing the said blessing and HENCE 6. projected end game: DG out for now, DG back later. hmm sound like a computer program - been while since I coded :-( walu. nb: apologies to the GG/Ndemo for the commercial break, plse continue with the Presidential manifesto topics... --- On Thu, 8/11/11, Agosta Liko <agostal(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: Agosta Liko <agostal(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Bitange for President? Extended due to Public Demand To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Thursday, August 11, 2011, 4:49 PM Dr Ndemo Very illuminating thoughts :) Now, tell us what is happening at CCK On 8/11/11, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> wrote: > Grace, > Thank you for extending the debate to Monday. I hope I get time to > articulate some of the issues that will impact our lives in the next few > years. Earlier I said that we are not alone in how we are dealing with > our social development. I went ahead and gave examples from the US and > UK. Although it is an unfortunate for the British people, it has come to > pass. Even the Central Bank we got some good debate out of my post. > > Leadership requires selfless commitment to the people they lead. It is a > sacrifice one makes. In this respect, I will seek for advisors who have > demonstrated ability to serve their country with dedication. We have > these people but they have never been given a chance to lead. The > constitution has accorded us the opportunity to search for such people. > If you read today's front page Standard, it has the requirement for those > who want to join the electoral commission. If we follow the requirement > to the letter, we shall get credible people. It is this process that > lacked before and political operatives took charge in many posts within > government. > > Indeed there will be a policy guideline on all organizations registered > under Societies Act. It is in the interest of the public that these > organizations file annual returns to the registrar because they are tax > exempt. Tax exemption means that we the public partly fund their > activities. Further the state has a responsibility to protect its > citizens from being taken advantage of. We cannot burry our heads in the > sand on this issue no matter how sensitive it is. We shall also be > implementing our constitution with respect to Bill of Rights. > > > Regards > > > Ndemo. > > >> >> Listers >> >> We have received requests (offline) that we allow "Candidate" Ndemo more >> time for him to respond to more concerns being raised. >> >> This is to let you know that the 'official campaign period" has been >> extended up to Monday August 15, 2011. >> >> And now Dr. Ndemo, Harry Delano did ask you to say what kind of advisors >> you would be looking for to help shape policy. Can we hear you on this one >> too? You also make a valid point about churches and the fact that they are >> not audited. I know for example in Washington DC, Parish priests have to >> present audited accounts to Parishoners once a year, while the Bishop >> fundraises through a system that is open to public scrutiny. Would you >> then make a policy decision on this? On a light note, may I remind you >> that your responses will go into the 'manifesto' and translate into more >> or less "votes" :) >> >> Listers, let the debate continue. >> >> Rgds >> GG >> >> >> >> >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- >> If you have the strength to survive, you have the power to succeed. Life >> is all about choices we make depending upon the situation we are in. Go >> forth and rule the World! >> >> >> ---------------------------------------------- >> This message has been scanned for viruses and >> dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is >> believed to be clean. >> --------------------------------------------- >> "easy access to the world" >> >> > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > 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 > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/agostal%40gmail.com > > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for > people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and > regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT > sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. > > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors > online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, > share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do > not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. > -- Sent from my mobile device _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.

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Re: [kictanet] Julisha National ICT Market and Indicators Survey
by Catherine Adeya 11 Aug '11

11 Aug '11

Thanks Paul, I have not received any email. This is the first response I have received. Will review the objectives and links. This will enable people to discuss/assist from a more informed position. Catherine On Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:33 CEST Paul Kukubo wrote: >Catherine > >Did you access the links to the presentations detailing objectives and >methodology of the proposed study that I had sent out in response to your >mail? http://www.ict.go.ke/index.php/grants-a-research/julisha > >Heregoes; > >Survey Objectives > > 1. Understanding the Kenyan ICT Ecosystem and trends in the market. > 2. Sizing the ICT Market and its sub segments (hardware, software, > services, etc) in Kenya. > 3. Compiling a baseline of key ICT KPIs > 4. Bench-marking key Kenya ICT indicators against six countries (Nigeria, > Rwanda, South Africa, Philippines, Brazil and Turkey) > 5. Understanding the ICT Skills availability, demand and gaps > > >Survey Beneficiaries > > 1. ICT vendors and their channel partners. > 2. Education institutions (Kenya Education Network) > 3. Businesses as ICT end users. > 4. Residents as ICT consumers at large. > 5. Various ICT Stakeholders (MoIC, CCK, e-government directorate, Kenya > BPO Society, ITES and BPO Companies, MNCs). > > >To your question. This study is phase one. During phase 2 in a year's time >we shall make impact assessments. > >Of great interest to listers is that to the best our knowledge, no study >currently has established market sizing of the ICT sector (beyond the >operator space) to look into the various sub-segments of hardware, software >and services. Many local and international investors are eager to see the >results of this. > >To another question by another lister, we shall make available the research >results to the widest audience possible. > > >On Wednesday, August 10, 2011, Catherine Adeya <elizaslider(a)yahoo.com> >wrote: >> Hmmmmm.....let me believe a response will come as they are pertinent >questions that would help the study. >> >> Catherine >> >> --- On Mon, 8/8/11, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: >> >> From: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Julisha National ICT Market and Indicators Survey >> To: "Catherine Adeya" <elizaslider(a)yahoo.com> >> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >> Date: Monday, August 8, 2011, 7:11 AM >> >> Hi Catherine, >> I noted your pertinent query to one Mr. Paul Kukubo and was waiting for a >response which, as expected, has not been posted which has made we raise >this question. >> "are postings from the account titled Paul Kukubo done by him or is it a >robot that scans the web and sends out automated messages?" >> I raise this question because whenever any postings are made from that >account and one of the listers responds or requests clarification the post >goes cold. Maybe it is time that the list administrator implements a >mechanism to stop automated postings. >> When issues are posted and not responded to it turns the list into an >advertising and monologue platform which defeats its objective. Such static >information needs to be posted on organisation websites and in newspapers >not on a discussion forum especially when the originator has absolutely no >intention of having the issue discussed. >> It reminds me of a statement by one very wealthy local businessman who >said of tenders "if your participation in a tender is when you see it >advertised then you are wasting time and money by responding as by this >stage the recipient of the tender is already known". >> Have a good week all. >> Regards >> >> Robert Yawe >> KAY System Technologies Ltd >> Phoenix House, 6th Floor >> P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 >> Kenya >> >> Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 >> >> ________________________________ >> From: Catherine Adeya <elizaslider(a)yahoo.com> >> To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >> Sent: Sat, 6 August, 2011 11:07:49 >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Julisha National ICT Market and Indicators Survey >> >> Thanks for this information Paul, however, if possible, kindly share the >Objectives of the study; it will inform a little more. Also do you plan this >to be an impact study combined with one assessing potential in the ICT >industry? A little clarity may help so you can benefit from the excellent >researchers here on Kictanet. >> >> Nyaki >> >> --- On Fri, 8/5/11, Paul Kukubo <pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke> wrote: >> >> From: Paul Kukubo <pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke> >> Subject: [kictanet] Julisha National ICT Market and Indicators Survey >> To: elizaslider(a)yahoo.com >> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >> Date: Friday, August 5, 2011, 2:03 PM >> >> Julisha: National M&E ICT Survey >> >> With the arrival of broadband connectivity through three (3) submarine >cable systems, the Kenyan IT market and indeed many business sectors are to >grow rapidly; allowing for the introduction of new and advanced services, >further setting the stage for the development of ICT as a valid contributor >to Kenya’s GDP. >> >> >Developing ICT skills remains a constant issue to be addressed by end >users, vendors, and even governments. Public‐private partnerships >between vendors and governments to set up facilities for technology >and knowledge transfer continue to gain momentum, especially in view >of the Government long-term plans to make ICT a key part of the Kenyan >Economy. >> >> Rationale for the Proposed Survey >> >> >Given the dynamic changes happening in the Kenyan IT market and its >vision to become the hub for IT in the region; Kenya >ICT Board plans to conduct a detailed analysis within the with the aim of >understanding the following issues: >> >> Understanding the Kenyan ICT Ecosystem, its players, factors for growth >and trends in the market; >> >> Sizing the ICT Market and its sub segments (hardware, software, services, >etc.) in Kenya; >> >> Compiling a baseline of key ICT indicators (access, usage, penetration, >etc.); >> >> Benchmarking key competitive ICT indicators against six countries in >emerging markets; and >> >> Understanding the ICT Skills availability, demand and gaps among vendors, >end users and residents. >> >> Beneficiaries of the Proposed Survey >> >> The key beneficiaries of this survey's results include the following >groups of stakeholders: >> >> ICT vendors and their channel partners; >> >> Education institutions (Kenya Education Network); >> >> Businesses as ICT end users; >> >> Residential consumers at large; and >> >> Other ICT Stakeholders (MoIC, CCK, e-government directorate, Kenya BPO >Society, etc.) >> >> Survey Benefits >> >> The survey deliverables will engender a range of benefits supporting its >objectives. The major benefits are summarized as below: >> >> Level >> >> Benefit >> >> Benefits to the IT Industry >> >> Understanding the current usage and penetration of the IT within Kenya >> >> Identifying lucrative IT industry opportunities for Kenya and developing a >strategy to increase adoption of progressive IT technologies within the >country >> >> Contributing to development of information society in specific and Kenya >as a hub for ICT in general. >> >> Benefits for Kenya ICT Board >> >> Understanding the current state with regards to ICT barometers and growth >trends >> >> Understanding major challenges and opportunities for these areas >> >> Understanding Kenya's position with regards to its peer countries >> >> Gaining ownership of key IT topic areas and spearheading the >implementation of initiatives in these areas in conjunction with Government >empowered and private sector associations >> >> Understanding the current availability of ICT skills and the gaps >> >> Reinforcement of Kenya ICT Board's thought leadership role >> >> Benefits for other IT stakeholders >> >> Understanding the state of IT within Kenya >> >> Understanding the key challenges of ICT in Kenya and analyze how to >develop Kenya as the ICT Hub in the region >> >> Creation of programmes (based on the results of the study done by IDC) to >augment the local Kenyan ICT industry and the ICT skills available. >> >> The findings of the research will be used by Kenya ICT Board to analyze >the current situation on the Kenyan ICT market and build actionable plans >for IT development in the country. They will also benefit the industry and >citizens at large. More details will be availed on www.ict.go.ke < >http://www.ict.go.ke/> shortly >> >> 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 <http://www.ict.go.ke/> >> local content project: www.tandaa.co.ke <http://www.tandaa.co.ke/>, >www.facebook.com/tandaakenya >> twitter:@tandaaKENYA >> BPO Project: www. doitinkenya.co.ke <http://doitinkenya.co.ke/> >> Digital Villages Project: www.pasha.co.ke <http://www.pasha.co.ke/> >> >> >> personal contacts >> _______________ >> >> Cell: + 254 717 180001 >> >> >> skype: kukubopaul >> googletalk: pkukubo >> personal blog: www.paulkukubo.co.ke <http://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 >> >> -----Inline Attachment Follows----- >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke < >http://us.mc339.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/elizaslider%40yahoo.com >> >> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform >for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and >regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT >sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. >> >> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors >online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, >share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do >not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.

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Digital Villages Trip Machakos Wednesday, August 10, 2011
by warigia bowman 11 Aug '11

11 Aug '11

Dear Listers* * We are meeting tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. to go to Machakos. We have two cars and both are full. Patrick Mule Warigia Bowman Victor Gathara Andrew Gakiria Paul Mucheme Paul Muchiri Muchiri Nyaggah Martin Gathaka * We will try to look at some of the following. Pashas * Mbumbuni central bookshop, machakos, mbooni, mbumbuni *Tier 1 Safaricom* Arch communications, mwingi constituency, mwingi town Britech technologies, makueni constituency, makueni cont. wote town center *Tier 2 Safaricom* markpoint communications, machakos town, machakos mue agencies, wote town, makueni tricom technology, mombasa road kitui, kitui central web communications, mwanzia bld kitui, kitui west Cheers, Rigia

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