May 2012 - KICTANet

Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING?
by Edith Adera 03 May '12

03 May '12

Emmanuel, I would suggest electronic payment (via mPesa type....), no cash transactions. I hope the developers are listening. ICT Board could run a competition for such an app development - Paul? Edith ________________ Edith Ofwona Adera Senior Program Specialist Climate Change and Water Program Agriculture and Environment International Development Research Centre Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa Liason House 2nd floor, State House Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya +254-20-2713160/1 | Fax: +254-20-2711063 | Mobile: +254-733-624345 eadera(a)idrc.ca | www.idrc.ca | www.crdi.ca From: Emmanuel Khisa [mailto:oloo.khisa@googlemail.com] Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2012 12:00 PM To: Edith Adera Cc: oloo.khisa(a)gmail.com; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions; Director General Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? Washy, Please add the good Director General. I think in addition to Thika road, Kenha and indeed government agencies must begin to be abit more proactive and I dare say abit more reactive. I would particularly want to know from Kenha if continous monitoring and review of roads under their watch is part of their mandate (i.e classes A,B,C). If it is, I believe we need to see abit more monitoring. Thika road is a symptom of a larger malaise, lack of monitoring and review. So we dismiss everything roads as just normal complaints by Kenyans. I think as a people we just must style up for how do we explain someone doing 100kph on a rainy highway with poor visibility. Regarding the app, we could built an mwallet into it and have the arresting officer collect the cash and push the payment into the system through this mobile app. He can then bank the money later. This way the cop gets to issue a ticket (fine) and the offense also get booked. My two cents I think this is just plain IRRESPONSIBLE. On Thu, May 3, 2012 at 10:57 AM, Edith Adera <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke<mailto:eadera@idrc.or.ke>> wrote: Meant to add. I have been reliably informed that Eng Kidenda, in-charge of Kenyan roads has been alerted to this Thika road issue raised on KICTANET. Can we have him enlisted on KICTANET (administrators?) so he can respond to issues raised and his statement should also go to all Kenyans as Thika Road is a major problem and something needs to be done urgently. Lets not wait for it to claim the live of a prominent person to act! The app idea could also be supported by KENHA Edith ________________ Edith Ofwona Adera Senior Program Specialist Climate Change and Water Program Agriculture and Environment International Development Research Centre Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa Liason House 2nd floor, State House Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya +254-20-2713160/1 | Fax: +254-20-2711063<tel:%2B254-20-2711063> | Mobile: +254-733-624345<tel:%2B254-733-624345> eadera(a)idrc.ca<mailto:eadera@idrc.ca> | www.idrc.ca<http://www.idrc.ca> | www.crdi.ca<http://www.crdi.ca> From: Edith Adera Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2012 10:53 AM To: 'harry(a)comtelsys.co.ke<mailto:harry@comtelsys.co.ke>' Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' Subject: RE: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? Great ideas - how will corruption be stemmed to avoid people bribing their way out of traffic offences? The app needs to make the information transparent and any fines paid automatically registered in the system and within public domain. After all our President lauded the use of ICTs (and social media) to address development challenges yesterday. I say yes to this app. Call it eBarabara! Edith ________________ Edith Ofwona Adera Senior Program Specialist Climate Change and Water Program Agriculture and Environment International Development Research Centre Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa Liason House 2nd floor, State House Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya +254-20-2713160/1 | Fax: +254-20-2711063<tel:%2B254-20-2711063> | Mobile: +254-733-624345<tel:%2B254-733-624345> eadera(a)idrc.ca<mailto:eadera@idrc.ca> | www.idrc.ca<http://www.idrc.ca> | www.crdi.ca<http://www.crdi.ca> From: kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<mailto:idrc.or.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke> [mailto:kictanet-bounces+eadera<mailto:kictanet-bounces%2Beadera>=idrc.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<mailto:idrc.or.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke>] On Behalf Of Harry Delano Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2012 6:54 PM To: Edith Adera Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? Thanks for the responses. I believe we can put all these lovely ideas together and move to address the issue. Am thinking of a mobile app, to deal with this and a host of other issues around us. One that is freely accessible and available to everyone. Some discussion points:- I need to know - * How can I proceed - I've a no. of ideas and need to work with some developers on the prototype - incubate and develop it. * How can such idea be funded, for public good. Are there avenues..? * How can we have the idea ( if viable), facilitated with relevant structures such as the legal framework for it to work..? * What would be the ideal procedure, taking the above into account, in order to arrive at a National app to make Kenya & beyond a better place..? Regards, Harry From: skunkworks-bounces(a)lists.my.co.ke<mailto:skunkworks-bounces@lists.my.co.ke> [mailto:skunkworks-bounces@lists.my.co.ke<mailto:skunkworks-bounces@lists.my.co.ke>] On Behalf Of Barrack Otieno Sent: Monday, April 30, 2012 9:34 PM To: kris njoroge Cc: Skunkworks Mailing List Subject: Re: [Skunkworks] [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? I think we are taking this matter casually yet it presents an opportunity for innovators, any time i have been driven around europe i have noted that the drivers are very weary of cameras, most of the GPS systems even detect cameras in the vicinity, this deters any drivers who are tempted to speed or commit any traffic crimes, Cameras are very effective in that they can capture a cars number plate, with these police can go after the owners of the vehicles who will in turn produce the people who were driving the car or take responsibility for the crime. In simple times technology can help the police enforce the law since human beings have a natural affinity to break the law. My 2 cents On Mon, Apr 30, 2012 at 9:09 PM, kris njoroge <krsnjo(a)gmail.com<mailto:krsnjo@gmail.com>> wrote: In my view we need a total overhaul of the whole system a change of attitude by everybody drivers, pedestrians cart pusher everybody. Technology cannot operate in a vaccum so was caught on camera speeding so how do you follow up. I think we should all be forced to go back to school and made to understand what it entails to be on the carriageway. Had asked earlier what distance would be appropriate to keep between cars when traveling at 100kph? You were never taught that in school and nrever tested on it so why would you be surprised when there is a multiple pile up. We generally don't value human life is driving under the influence legal? Road signs are required everywhere not just on Thika road basically we just need to change how we relate with the road. -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277<tel:%2B254721325277> +254-20-2498789<tel:%2B254-20-2498789> Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/ _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<mailto: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/oloo.khisa%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. -- "One hour per day of study will put you at the top of your field within three years. Within five years you'll be a national authority. In seven years, you can be one of the best people in the world at what you do." Earl Nightingale1921-1989 Oloo Khisa P.O. Box 24324-00100 Nairobi 0721321086/0734321086 http://ke.linkedin.com/in/olookhisa

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Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING?
by Harry Delano 03 May '12

03 May '12

Thanks for the responses. I believe we can put all these lovely ideas together and move to address the issue. Am thinking of a mobile app, to deal with this and a host of other issues around us. One that is freely accessible and available to everyone. Some discussion points:- I need to know - . How can I proceed - I've a no. of ideas and need to work with some developers on the prototype - incubate and develop it. . How can such idea be funded, for public good. Are there avenues..? . How can we have the idea ( if viable), facilitated with relevant structures such as the legal framework for it to work..? . What would be the ideal procedure, taking the above into account, in order to arrive at a National app to make Kenya & beyond a better place..? Regards, Harry From: skunkworks-bounces(a)lists.my.co.ke [mailto:skunkworks-bounces@lists.my.co.ke] On Behalf Of Barrack Otieno Sent: Monday, April 30, 2012 9:34 PM To: kris njoroge Cc: Skunkworks Mailing List Subject: Re: [Skunkworks] [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? I think we are taking this matter casually yet it presents an opportunity for innovators, any time i have been driven around europe i have noted that the drivers are very weary of cameras, most of the GPS systems even detect cameras in the vicinity, this deters any drivers who are tempted to speed or commit any traffic crimes, Cameras are very effective in that they can capture a cars number plate, with these police can go after the owners of the vehicles who will in turn produce the people who were driving the car or take responsibility for the crime. In simple times technology can help the police enforce the law since human beings have a natural affinity to break the law. My 2 cents On Mon, Apr 30, 2012 at 9:09 PM, kris njoroge <krsnjo(a)gmail.com> wrote: In my view we need a total overhaul of the whole system a change of attitude by everybody drivers, pedestrians cart pusher everybody. Technology cannot operate in a vaccum so was caught on camera speeding so how do you follow up. I think we should all be forced to go back to school and made to understand what it entails to be on the carriageway. Had asked earlier what distance would be appropriate to keep between cars when traveling at 100kph? You were never taught that in school and nrever tested on it so why would you be surprised when there is a multiple pile up. We generally don't value human life is driving under the influence legal? Road signs are required everywhere not just on Thika road basically we just need to change how we relate with the road. -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/

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Fwd: [REGISTER NOW] WCIT 2012 World Tech Jam – A Global Digital Brainstorming
by waudo siganga 02 May '12

02 May '12

----- Original message ----- From: Anders Halvorsen <[1]ahalvorsen(a)witsa.org> To: Jim Poisant <[2]jpoisant(a)witsa.org> Subject: [REGISTER NOW] WCIT 2012 World Tech Jam – A Global Digital Brainstorming Date: Wed, 2 May 2012 10:43:46 -0400 May 2, 2012 TO: Members of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) FR: Anders Halvorsen, VP Administration RE: [REGISTER NOW] WCIT 2012 World Tech Jam – A Global Digital Brainstorming _________________________________________________________________ ________ Dear Colleagues, We are excited to announce that the World Tech Jam platform is now open for freeregistration and we count on your help to promote the Jam to your membership! The [3]World Tech Jam, from June 5 to 7, isa large-scale digital brainstorm session where IT users and stakeholders willdiscuss innovations and actions that our governments, businesses and society can adopt to [4]improve healthcare, [5]education, [6]smart cities & transportation, [7]energy & sustainability as well as [8]media & culturein the digital age. The goal: develop a Digital Society Action Plan that will create prosperity and social development for everyone. For the first time, IT users will lead the conversation! [9]Contribute your ideas and your vision - Register to the World Tech Jam now: it's free! [cid:70E928C6-7024-4075-8FD4-FA6AE39D9A65] NB! Please note that registration is available and free to everyone and is separate from any WCIT 2012 registration. Additional Information on the Global Digital Society Action Plan: Fulfilling the Promise of the Digital Age First and foremost, the Global Digital Society Action Plan is about establishing the principles that will maximize the many benefits that digital technologies can unlock across diverse sectors and institutions. The Action Plan will inform, inspire, and guide decision-makers in sectors ranging from public administration, healthcare, and education to environment, transportation, media, and science. The fundamental goal of the Global Digital Society Action Plan is to equip people and organizations with the knowledge and tools they need to fulfill the promise of the digital age. An Open and Inclusive Process If it is to realize its full potential, the Global Digital Society Action Plan must be perceived as legitimate by a broad cross-section of [10]stakeholders, including [11]young digital natives. Therefore, the process for developing the Action Plan must be open and inclusive, involving as many organizations, interests, and regions as possible. In order to achieve this legitimacy, WCIT 2012 and its [12]sponsors will host a World Tech Jam on June 5, 6, and 7, 2012. Creating such an open, non-hierarchical space for generating ideas and solutions will tap into incredible sources of creative energy, and WCIT 2012 believes that broad participation in the [13]World Tech Jam will lead to: · better ideas, and perhaps a greater diversity of ideas; · a greater sense of ownership, which is critical when it comes to implementing action items. Establishing a Global Agenda for Addressing Global Challenges During fast-paced breakout sessions that will be held in October 2012, Congress delegates, speakers, moderators, representatives of the ICT industry, and stakeholders will add their views to the output of the World Tech Jam, share their experiences, discuss best practices, and prioritize action items in order to create the Global Digital Society Action Plan. The ultimate measure of success of WCIT 2012 will be the number of commitments made by companies and stakeholders to undertake new collaborations that will advance digital innovation and help to [14]address societal and economic issues. Unveiling the Action Plan The Global Digital Society Action Plan will be unveiled to the Congress delegates, ICT stakeholders, and government, academic and civil society leaders who are assembled in Montreal during the closing ceremony of [15]WCIT 2012. The [16]WCIT 2012 Program Chair will publish the Global Digital Society Action Plan and present it to the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA), which will promote the use of the Action Plan as a tool for policy development, educational curricula, corporate citizenship programs, and much more. References 1. mailto:ahalvorsen@witsa.org 2. mailto:jpoisant@witsa.org 3. http://www.wcit2012.org/en/program-a-schedule/world-tech-jam 4. http://www.wcit2012.org/en/program-a-schedule/world-tech-jam/collaborative-… 5. http://www.wcit2012.org/en/program-a-schedule/world-tech-jam/closing-the-gl… 6. http://www.wcit2012.org/en/program-a-schedule/world-tech-jam/smart-cities-a… 7. http://www.wcit2012.org/en/program-a-schedule/world-tech-jam/energy-environ… 8. http://www.wcit2012.org/en/program-a-schedule/world-tech-jam/media-arts-a-c… 9. https://www.collaborationjam.com/jam4/jam/index.action?jamId=17239#registra… 10. http://www.wcit2012.org/en/wcit-2012/about-wcit-2012/participants 11. http://www.wcit2012.org/en/program-a-schedule/one-vision-for-a-global-digit… 12. http://www.wcit2012.org/en/sponsors-a-partners/sponsors/private-sector 13. http://www.wcit2012.org/en/program-a-schedule/world-tech-jam 14. http://www.wcit2012.org/en/program-a-schedule/one-vision-for-a-global-digit… 15. http://www.wcit2012.org/en/wcit-2012/about-wcit-2012/highlights 16. http://www.wcit2012.org/en/wcit-2012/organizers/organizing-committee

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: The Size of this Elephant (from my blog)
by Muchiri Nyaggah 02 May '12

02 May '12

Paul, There's a possibility that within this list lies a great deal of wisdom that, when included in the #140friday conversation, would result in a document the PS would be glad to put before the Cabinet. Is it possible to have the working policy document on here for discussion? It is an ICT policy issue after all, isn't it? Paul, capability and capacity problems are solved in part through education. Is the KICTB consulting with the MoE on ways to improve this? Is there anyway KICTANET can contribute to help the conversation along? Kind regards, Muchiri Nyaggah On Tue, May 1, 2012 at 10:13 PM, Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Paul, > > I prefer public responses to public discussions to remain as such, > maintaining the same spheres of intended audiences i.e. as policy opposed > to the practice of public responses in certain tones 'compensated' through > private messages in a different tone, unless the parties publicly agreed to > take their conversation off list. > > Alex > > On Tue, May 1, 2012 at 10:08 PM, Paul Kukubo <paulkukubo(a)ict.go.ke> wrote: > >> Alex >> >> Don't mean to be dismissive. On the contrary, I am curious as anyone else >> on this. >> >> While that is going on, we must keep our eyes on the wider issues that >> merit the discussions we have been undertaking. >> >> Asante. >> >> Sent from my iPad >> >> On May 1, 2012, at 9:55 PM, Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >> On Tue, May 1, 2012 at 9:34 PM, Paul Kukubo <pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke> wrote: >> >>> >>> As for the #140Friday debate, if you care to share what you heard, I'd >>> be happy to understand what the conspiracy was about. It would not change >>> the substantive arguments in any way. >>> >> >> I notice you forgot to include my message on the same on this forward. >> But as stated, received that information in confidence therefore not at >> liberty to share. Curious you immediately dismiss it as "consipracy" so >> quickly? Shouldn't we be patient and wait to see how that one unfolds? >> >> regards, >> >> >> >> > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > >

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Safaricom’s failure to invest in fiber may be slowing its competitiveness
by Grace Githaiga 02 May '12

02 May '12

http://www.wanjiku.co.ke/2012/05/safaricoms-failure-to-invest-in-fiber-may-…

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Re: [kictanet] IF CCK CHOOSES TO MONITOR INTERNET TRAFFIC, WILL IT ALSO MANAGE TO BLOCK TORRENTS THAT CONSUME BANDWIDTH?
by Michelle Tongo 02 May '12

02 May '12

@ Victor I think consumer education has always been there but people ignore the fact that it exists. But what can work is when Companies make their IP easy to get hold of. On 2 May 2012 13:27, Michelle Tongo <shivumich89(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > @ Victor > I think consumer education has always been there but people ignore the > fact that it exists. > But what can work is when Companies make their IP easy to get hold of. > > On 2 May 2012 13:10, Victor Kapiyo <vkapiyo(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> I think that what's needed is consumer education to help people >> understand the effect of such download sites on copyright etc., and at the >> same time, a call on the copyright owners to reduce the prices of their >> products and also to make them readily available so as to reduce the >> incentives for people to use torrent sites, or better yet find better ways >> of using P2P sites. While blocking sites such as piratebay may be options, >> i think such measures need to be balanced with the right of citizens to >> access information freely, without unnecessary restrictions, since i >> believe that there is legitimate 'copyright free' information that is >> transmitted in peer networks. >> >> >> Victor >> >> >> -- >> Victor Kapiyo, LL.B >> >> ==================================================== >> *“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude” Zig >> Ziglar* >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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/shivumich89%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. >> > > > > -- > *Regards,* > *Michelle T.* > *Cell: +254-734-695-532* > * > * > > -- *Regards,* *Michelle T.* *Cell: +254-734-695-532* * *

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KIE, Intel and Microsoft
by Evans Ikua 02 May '12

02 May '12

Dear Listers, I recently read in the local press that there is a partnership formed between KIE, Intel and Microsoft. Is there anyone on this list from KIE who can shed some light on this partnership and where we can get the details of the same? Regards, Evans

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Pivot East Finalists Announced - Call for Mentors
by John Kieti 02 May '12

02 May '12

Hello People, You may be aware that on June 5th and 6th there will be the Pivot East Mobile Applications Pitching Conference at Ole Sereni. Top 25 companies from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda will be pitching their mobile based solutions to investors, corporates and other stakeholders. The 25 finalists in 5 categories have been announced here - http://pivoteast.com/blog/2012/04/pivot-east-competition-finalists-announce… Some of you might be interested in taking part as mentors to the finalists in the remaining weeks culminating to the conference. The contestants vary in experience and business skills. Mentorship sessions are being organized for more experienced tech-entrepreneurs and business/IT executives in the industry to share insights with the contestants. Pivot East organizers are able to link you up with any of the contestants for mentorship sessions that could last 20-45 minutes at your convenience between 7th and 27th may. If you are interested in this opportunity, kindly contact the organizers on the email address pivot(a)mlab.co.ke for more details. Best regards -- My Blog - www.gmeltdown.com ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' The ordinary just won't do

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Re: [kictanet] The Size of this Elephant (from my blog)
by Paul Kukubo 02 May '12

02 May '12

Alex. Agreed. An omission on my part and indeed everyone should be copied. For the record, I am keen to know what you were told, but hold the view that the spirit of this discussion is about how to develop a certain class of IT enterrpise. A discussion whose time has come. Asante. Paul Kukubo CEO, Kenya ICT Board On Tuesday, May 1, 2012, Alex Gakuru wrote: > Paul, > > I prefer public responses to public discussions to remain as such, > maintaining the same spheres of intended audiences i.e. as policy opposed > to the practice of public responses in certain tones 'compensated' through > private messages in a different tone, unless the parties publicly agreed to > take their conversation off list. > > Alex > > On Tue, May 1, 2012 at 10:08 PM, Paul Kukubo <paulkukubo(a)ict.go.ke<javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'paulkukubo(a)ict.go.ke');> > > wrote: > >> Alex >> >> Don't mean to be dismissive. On the contrary, I am curious as anyone else >> on this. >> >> While that is going on, we must keep our eyes on the wider issues that >> merit the discussions we have been undertaking. >> >> Asante. >> >> Sent from my iPad >> >> On May 1, 2012, at 9:55 PM, Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com<javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'gakuru(a)gmail.com');>> >> wrote: >> >> On Tue, May 1, 2012 at 9:34 PM, Paul Kukubo <pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke<javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke');> >> > wrote: >> >>> >>> As for the #140Friday debate, if you care to share what you heard, I'd >>> be happy to understand what the conspiracy was about. It would not change >>> the substantive arguments in any way. >>> >> >> I notice you forgot to include my message on the same on this forward. >> But as stated, received that information in confidence therefore not at >> liberty to share. Curious you immediately dismiss it as "consipracy" so >> quickly? Shouldn't we be patient and wait to see how that one unfolds? >> >> regards, >> >> >> >> > -- 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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Re: [kictanet] The Size of this Elephant (from my blog)
by Paul Kukubo 01 May '12

01 May '12

Alex Thanks for your response. It was interesting. And indeed, I may have changed the metaphor from Elephant to Bull, but I'm assured it is well understood. An important clarification for worth communicating here. IT projects are rarely just about the technical software, hardware piece. Most substantial public sector, and indeed most IT projects in general are rarely just about buying a software or hardware. They are about transforming a business process to work more efficiently to achieve a service or business outcome. This therefore requires skill sets in business analysis, business process transformation, change management and project management. The role of the head of IT, commonly referred to as the chief information officer or CIO is to develop the enterprise architecture. Meaning how the how organizations information flow is structured to support the business. How accounting systems will work with sales systems for example. How the sales system will support multiple locations, how stock management can be optimized so that there is less holding of expansive stocks. The core IT piece Is crucial but comes only when that the puzzle is understood. This is the world in which large scale consulting firms live and this is the value that their clients seek. This is where the large IT contracts swim around globally. In fact most outsourcing is done to farm out the basic IT parts to companies that can understand this while leaving the main organization to focus on value addition. Our discussions with the local IT players have included sensitization of IT service providers to the wider opportunity. Many already play in this space. some of the techies may well be service providers to these larger organizations as part of the value chain of service provision. Ocassionaly the task may boil down to a simple IT talk that can be sourced directly to a techie. This is rare and would not usually be a high value transaction. The rule of thumb is the more strategic it is, the higher its shilling value. Sometimes just designing a change and process program is worth much more than the actual IT deployment. As for the #140Friday debate, if you care to share what you heard, I'd be happy to understand what the conspiracy was about. It would not change the substantive arguments in any way. These discussion are important and thanks for keeping them alive. Asante Paul Kukubo CEO Kenya ICT Board. On Monday, April 30, 2012, Alex Gakuru wrote: > Hi, > > Firstly, I confess opposition to your phrase "The elephant is big and fat > and has to be eaten a piece at a time.." > to avoid encouraging rampant "elephants eating" wiping out the jumbo and > killing tourism forex earnings. "Turkwel" is a baby elephant my ICANN NCSG > colleagues adopted after visiting a Nairobi animal orphage during 2010 > ICANN meeting held at Nairobi. But I trust that your message solely and > innocently intended to illustrate the size of Kshs 1.2 trillion current > government budget as cake big enough for everyone to have a slice of it. > appreciated! > > - - - - <snip>- - - - > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', > 'gakuru(a)gmail.com');>> > Date: Fri, Apr 1, 2011 at 12:29 PM > Subject: Re: Offtopic: Fwd: Thank you for renewing your fostering of > Turkwel. > To: William Drake <william.drake(a)graduateinstitute.ch <javascript:_e({}, > 'cvml', 'william.drake(a)graduateinstitute.ch');>> > Cc: NCSG-NCUC-DISCUSS(a)listserv.syr.edu <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', > 'NCSG-NCUC-DISCUSS(a)listserv.syr.edu');> > > > I have just written an email to the Kenya Wildlife Service ( > http://www.kws.org/) requesting them to declare the individual a *persona > non grata* in all of our wildlife parks. > regards, > > On Fri, Apr 1, 2011 at 11:32 AM, Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com<javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'gakuru(a)gmail.com');> > > wrote: > >> >> On Fri, Apr 1, 2011 at 10:23 AM, William Drake < >> william.drake(a)graduateinstitute.ch <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', >> 'william.drake(a)graduateinstitute.ch');>> >> >> Bob Parsons, chief executive of the market-leading domain name registrar >>> Go Daddy, has come to blows with animal-rights organisation PETA (People >>> for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), after he shot an African elephant >>> and posted the video online. >>> http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/31/bob_parsons_gets_peta_gong_for_kill… >>> >> >> Despicable! Posturing as "a kind white man" on a safari (in Zimbabwe!), >> accompanies by a camera crew out to save Africans from starvation since >> their maize crops are being ruined by elephants. An in the process feed >> them with tasty elephant meat - incidentally which he reports was not >> enough for all "the villagers." Would his plan on eradicating African >> hunger then not mean killing all the elephants for meat? Did he eat the >> meat he so proudly hunted? >> >> Or maybe lately there just wasn't "enough" savagely entertaining African >> content at GoDaddy, therefore he decided to spur it up ostensibly "while on >> holiday in Africa"? >> >> While at it, what has the multi-millionaire done to save his >> countless starving Americans , starting at his own neighbourhood? >> >> This video's message is deliberately meant to covey a message even bigger >> than the Jumbo this savagely act achieved. >> >> upset, >> >> Alex >> > - - - - <snap>- - - - > > Be that as it may, > > There are two sides to the local participation story: - > > a) the advocates genuinely desirous to have their fair share of the > taxes revenue cake for (ICT) products services rendered to the GoK > > b) Corruption agents schemes plotting to perpetrate fraudulent > acquisition of public taxes revenues > > The first is a legitimate cause while the second is evil that must never > be entertained, regardless of whether the Kenyan resides here or is in the > Diaspora. > > Core problems include the lack of good faith in the procurement system. > Business persons and individuals pop up claiming “local” while actually > fronting foreign firms interests adding to government's problems. > Procurement officers collude with suppliers to favour some over others, > contrary to (Section 34 of the) Public Procurement and Disposal Act, 2005. > You may recall when 3,000 were all sacked? “Minimalist” tender information > publishing. Unrelated obstacles to erected to block local participation. > > We can achieve (a) the good local ICT stakeholders cause and eradicate > (b) corruption cancer by: - > > 1) Transparently publishing ALL government ICT systems requirements at a > designated website and calling upon systems/services providers to > demonstrate small-scale but working prototypes. Contract proactive > http://www.gov.mu/portal/sites/eprocurement/ilsv.jsp with our reactive > “post event” reportage http://www.ppoa.go.ke/ (publishing standard > documents, reports and reviews) > > 2) Using ISO 12207-2008 Standard break down the systems into modules and > may tender them separately, after all, the Internet “network of networks” > success proves that no system alone is ever complete. > > 3) Remove weird requirements for locals to participate on such tenders, > such as, “demonstrate 5 years experience developing similar systems..” > “audited accounts for X years” etc. How would a recent sharp Computer > Science graduate with only a laptop and working ever participate? > > 4) Separately tendered modules spread capacity/capability risks and spurs > competitive achievement record for local services providers shielding > government from historical projects implementation failures. > > 5) Kenya needs a very firm and clear Public-Private Partnership legal > framework that governs every such project. Recall my recent ke-users post, > “...Had the good fortune to learn "how" Scalpel legislation governing PPP > See: http://www.icrc.gov.ng/?cat=36 Hats off to the good work by ICRC! > [Save the website www.icrc.gov.ng]” > > 6) Need to avoid "affirmative action" abuses witnessed in certain > countries where powerful politicians' children (and their outfits) are > awarded hefty government contracts indirect briberies fronted as promoting > local firms. Cognisant that those qualified ought not be punished simply > because their parent is a politician. (The last time I checked did not find > engaging in politics classified as criminal:-) > > In short, we have to avoid trying to address a procurement system and > processes problem through activities and/or events. > > my two cents contribution to the discussion. > > Regards, > > Alex > > On Sun, Apr 29, 2012 at 9:35 PM, Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Hi Paul, > > This is heavy stuff. I'll try to respond tomorrow, if I can. > > Alex > > On Sun, Apr 29, 2012 at 9:22 PM, Paul Kukubo <pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke> wrote: > > Listers > > I thought id share from my latest blog post (www.paulkukubo.co.ke) I > have pasted the entire piece here. > > The size of this Elephant. > > The recent #140friday twitter and off twitter debate was centred around a > simple and important theme. If the Kenya Government procurement ecosystem > developed a preferential orientation towards local firms, the result would > be that we would develop greater capability. It was argued by some that the > government seemed to indicate an inclination towards foreign big name > firms. Whereas the facts don’t necessarily support the claim, I doubt > anyone would argue with the basic premise of the argument. Local businesses > should benefit from tax based projects. > > I offer some discussion points that may guide the continuing discussion. > > How do we turn preferential advantage into true national capacity? The > recent procurement of seats from the Prisons department for the national > assembly is a welcome effort by any measure. Without the benefit of detail, > one hopes that the process has created capacity for the Prisons department > to be competitive in furniture making regionally and even become a net > exporter. One hopes they have worked with some of the best furniture > designers locally and created synergies that can be replicated. One hopes > that the low cost of prison labour has also been value added by developing > prisoners who can become great furniture makers once they leave. Use of > materials is important. Have we used woods plastics, composites that wee > sourced from locally sustainable sources. Parliaments are important > national symbols in so many ways. They must represent the best of our > national collective aspiration. How they look and feel is important to our > national psyche. We can draw parrellels here for ICT. > 2. Sometimes,even the government does not necessarily know what it does > not know and is often seeking to know what it should know first, before > seeking answers. The whole area of drilling down from service objectives to > architecting an ICT solution can be daunting. For example, we need to have > a simple, easy to use lands information management system so that Kenyans > can search for land titles. One issue that may arise here is that only 30% > of Kenyan land mass has been adjudicated, and surveyed and provided with > title. Your ancestral land may not be under title yet. So how is a lands > system relaxant just yet for you, some may argue. Another issue might be > that the lands ministry collectes substantial revenue in fees and rates > that has to be remitted to the treasury every year. The same department > then has to go back to treasury to seek finance for a new system to support > its operations. Treasury has myriads of pressing priorities. The Kenya ICT > Board proposes a system that allows a private sector partner to provide a > system and recover its revenue from the collected fees. The issue becomes > one of structuring the deal so that the best in class partner can be found > and government is guaranteed of improved revenue whilst having a system > that can carry us to the next generation. Many systems in government can be > delivered like this. The task and the system goes beyond the technology > implementati > > -- 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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