March 2013 - KICTANet

Re: [kictanet] kictanet Digest, Vol 70, Issue 184
by Gideon 30 Mar '13

30 Mar '13

Here is a link that might help, http://gigaom.com/2013/03/27/undersea-cable-cut-near-egypt-slows-down-inter… Undersea cable cut near Egypt slows down Internet in Africa, Middle East, South Asia<http://gigaom.com/2013/03/27/undersea-cable-cut-near-egypt-slows-down-inter…> On Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 11:23 AM, <kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>wrote: > Send kictanet mailing list submissions to > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > You can reach the person managing the list at > kictanet-owner(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of kictanet digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Internet - Slow (Edith Adera) > 2. Re: Internet - Slow (Peres Were) > 3. Re: Internet - Slow (Mark Mwangi) > 4. Re: Internet - Slow (Ali Hussein) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Thu, 28 Mar 2013 08:07:23 +0000 > From: Edith Adera <eadera(a)idrc.ca> > To: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Subject: [kictanet] Internet - Slow > Message-ID: <B62E14120536B14B81E328F4FF78AA99BC6F12(a)hqvm24.IDRC.ORG> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > Listers, > > I wonder if I'm the only one who's experiencing slow Internet since > yesterday - both official and personal connection. Anyone knows what's > going on? > > Edith >

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Opinion Technology, transparency, and the Kenyan general election of 2013
by Warigia Bowman 30 Mar '13

30 Mar '13

I thought you guys might enjoy this piece. http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2013/03/2013329135519365308.html Take a look, and tell me what you think. :-) Warigia

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Fwd: Opinion Technology, transparency, and the Kenyan general election of 2013
by Warigia Bowman 30 Mar '13

30 Mar '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Warigia Bowman <warigia(a)gmail.com> Date: Sat, Mar 30, 2013 at 7:43 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Opinion Technology, transparency, and the Kenyan general election of 2013 To: Dennis Kioko <dmbuvi(a)gmail.com> Thanks Dennis, I appreciate your comments. I think that we should work as a Kictanet on this issue? can I post them? On Fri, Mar 29, 2013 at 4:35 PM, Dennis Kioko <dmbuvi(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Straight to the point and I like the inclusion of doubt of technology in > the US. I think another issue here us that IEBC failed to have contingency > plans in place(though we can argue that paper is a fall back plan - > however, this was not expressly stated, that in case of technology failure, > we would resort to paper). > > From here, maybe I can suggest Dr. , is there a way technology can be > made trustworthy for elections, such as maybe making procurement of systems > open and also making the systems architecturally open for scrutiny. > > I feel the mistrust comes from people not knowing what happens "in there" > On Mar 29, 2013 11:40 PM, "Warigia Bowman" <warigia(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> >> I thought you guys might enjoy this piece. >> >> http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2013/03/2013329135519365308.html >> >> Take a look, and tell me what you think. :-) >> >> Warigia >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmbuvi%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. >> > -- Dr. Warigia Bowman Assistant Professor Clinton School of Public Service University of Arkansas wbowman(a)clintonschool.uasys.edu ------------------------------------------------- View my research on my SSRN Author page: http://ssrn.com/author=1479660 -------------------------------------------------- -- Dr. Warigia Bowman Assistant Professor Clinton School of Public Service University of Arkansas wbowman(a)clintonschool.uasys.edu ------------------------------------------------- View my research on my SSRN Author page: http://ssrn.com/author=1479660 --------------------------------------------------

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Re: [kictanet] Why CSK is your official representative organisation
by eonchari＠lynxbits.com 30 Mar '13

30 Mar '13

How has the CSK furthered the brilliant discussions held in this forum? Edwin ----- Original Message ----- From: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.ukTo: eonchari(a)lynxbits.com Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Sent: 3/26/13 5:06 AM Subject: [kictanet] Why CSK is your official representative organisation Computer Society of Kenya (CSK) Our Profile The Computer Society of Kenya (CSK) is the recognized association for information and communication technology (ICT) industry and professionals in Kenya, attracting a large and active membership from all levels if the IT industry and providing a wide range of services to its 6,000 plus members. It was established in 1986 and originally known as The Computer Institute and the society attained its current name in 1994. It is a member of the World Information Technology Services Alliance , the International Federation for Information Processing , the Association of Professional Societies in East Africa , the Kenya Private Sector Alliance , the International Chamber of Commerce and the Asia Oceania Computer Industry Organization amongst other affiliations. The Computer Society of Kenya is the public voice of the IT profession and the guardian to professional ethics and the standards in the IT industry, with a commitment to the wider community to ensure the beneficial use of IT. Aims and Objectives of the Society To act as the advocacy organization for ICT issues in Kenya To facilitate the exchange of information and ideas on ICT through meetings, exhibitions and publications. To promote IT training, both academic and professional. To facilitate the establishment of professional competence and practice. To establish and develop branches of the Society. To establish and maintain affiliations with international and regional organizations that support and share our vision To set and supervise examinations for admission to relevant grades of the Society's membership. Vision To be the best ICT Industry and Professional body in Kenya. Mission To coordinate the activities of and forge unity among it?s members as well as be a focal point for the dissemination of Professional Services . Motto NUNTIUS PRO OMUNIS (Information for all) Core Activities 1. Accreditation of computer training establishments. 2. ICT industry excellence awards, standards, and code of conduct 3. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs 4. Local and international lobbying 5. Publications 6. Networking forms 7. Industry seminars, conferences and workshops.. 8. Activities that bring together the ICT Industry and the users. For example every Thursday morning there is a Chairman's Breakfast where about five (5) IT managers meet with the chairman and a guest from industry for an hour over breakfast in an informal environment and arrangement to exchange industry information and ideas. Track Records To date it has registered over 3000 IT practitioners out of a total of 4500 (66%) over five hundred (500) IT Solution Providers out of a total of nine hundred (900) (55%) and accredited over six hundred (600) academic institutions out of one thousand two hundred (1200) (50%). Way Ahead Spearhead the establishment of one ICT authority in Kenya government structure Establish an ICT export services incubation centre Facilitate donation of at least three (3) computers in all 3000 Kenya secondary schools. Facilitate the establishment of telecentres in each administrative location of Kenya. For more information contact us through: Computer Society of Kenya No. 7 Menelik Court, Menelik Road P.0. Box 70180 Nairobi Tel: (20) 3871822/36, 211640 Fax: (20) 728351 Email: csk(a)nbi.ispkenya.com or info(a)csk-online.org Website: http://www.cskonline.org

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Are we throwing the baby with the bath water?
by Ali Hussein 29 Mar '13

29 Mar '13

Listers Voltaire, the Famour French Historian and Philosopher once said "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.<http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/v/voltaire109645.html> " I am writing this post due to the interesting times that we live in. There is a lot of emotions, bigotry, outright tribalism and jingoism being bandied around the country in many channels - Online responses to media stories, FM Station talk shows, social media, work places, bars etc. Whilst I abore the very nature of some of the discussions we have fought too hard for freedom of expression and association to blanketly condemn everything whole sale. I have just read a story in today's nation titled *'14 Bloggers linked to hate messages'*. http://www.nation.co.ke/News/14-bloggers-linked-to-hate-messages/-/1056/173… The gist of the story is that the bloggers are using the anonymity of the internet to spread hate, tribalism etc.and they are being 'hunted down' like rabid dogs. What I found interesting is this particular paragraph:- *Mr Robert Alai, a well-known blogger was on Tuesday charged with posting “annoying” statements on social media sites, Twitter and Facebook.* For those of us who follow Robert on Social Media you may be forgiven if you think he is the 'Village Mad Man'. However he is a Kenyan and has a right to free speech. I do not excuse some of the stuff being posted online but I sincerely do hope that when one is being charged at our law courts the charge sheet does not say that he or she is charged in court for posting 'Annoying Statements'!! A few months ago Eric Hershman (whiteafrican.com) posted a blog defending Robert's right to his unique brand of 'journalism' and I am one of those who commented on the blog saying that one needs to take responsibility for his actions. http://whiteafrican.com/2012/08/22/kenyas-slippery-censorship-slope/ Now I see where Eric was going... Oh the power of Retrospection. I urge the Powers That Be to delicately balance and be circumspect on how they use the tools of state lest we run rough shod on the very freedoms that allow us to freely comment, post online our opinions. As Voltaire said - I may not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it. Let us all take a step back and ensure that we do not fall victim to the tyranny of the few who have decided to interpret for us what is good or bad for our beloved nation. *Ali Hussein* *CEO, 3mice interactive media ltd* *Partner, Telemedia Africa Ltd * Tel: +254713601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim<http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim> Blog: www.alyhussein.com

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Why CSK is your official representative organisation
by robert yawe 26 Mar '13

26 Mar '13

Computer Society of Kenya (CSK) Our Profile The Computer Society of Kenya (CSK) is the recognized association for information and communication technology (ICT) industry and professionals in Kenya, attracting a large and active membership from all levels if the IT industry and providing a wide range of services to its 6,000 plus members. It was established in 1986 and originally known as The Computer Institute and the society attained its current name in 1994. It is a member of the World Information Technology Services Alliance , the International Federation for Information Processing , the Association of Professional Societies in East Africa , the Kenya Private Sector Alliance , the International Chamber of Commerce and the Asia Oceania Computer Industry Organization amongst other affiliations. The Computer Society of Kenya is the public voice of the IT profession and the guardian to professional ethics and the standards in the IT industry, with a commitment to the wider community to ensure the beneficial use of IT. Aims and Objectives of the Society To act as the advocacy organization for ICT issues in Kenya To facilitate the exchange of information and ideas on ICT through meetings, exhibitions and publications. To promote IT training, both academic and professional. To facilitate the establishment of professional competence and practice. To establish and develop branches of the Society. To establish and maintain affiliations with international and regional organizations that support and share our vision To set and supervise examinations for admission to relevant grades of the Society's membership. Vision To be the best ICT Industry and Professional body in Kenya. Mission To coordinate the activities of and forge unity among it?s members as well as be a focal point for the dissemination of Professional Services . Motto NUNTIUS PRO OMUNIS (Information for all) Core Activities 1. Accreditation of computer training establishments. 2. ICT industry excellence awards, standards, and code of conduct 3. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs 4. Local and international lobbying 5. Publications 6. Networking forms 7. Industry seminars, conferences and workshops. 8. Activities that bring together the ICT Industry and the users. For example every Thursday morning there is a Chairman's Breakfast where about five (5) IT managers meet with the chairman and a guest from industry for an hour over breakfast in an informal environment and arrangement to exchange industry information and ideas. Track Records To date it has registered over 3000 IT practitioners out of a total of 4500 (66%) over five hundred (500) IT Solution Providers out of a total of nine hundred (900) (55%) and accredited over six hundred (600) academic institutions out of one thousand two hundred (1200) (50%). Way Ahead Spearhead the establishment of one ICT authority in Kenya government structure Establish an ICT export services incubation centre Facilitate donation of at least three (3) computers in all 3000 Kenya secondary schools. Facilitate the establishment of telecentres in each administrative location of Kenya. For more information contact us through: Computer Society of Kenya No. 7 Menelik Court, Menelik Road P.0. Box 70180 Nairobi Tel: (20) 3871822/36, 211640 Fax: (20) 728351 Email: csk(a)nbi.ispkenya.com or info(a)csk-online.org Website: http://www.cskonline.org

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Countellect – bringing intelligence back to governance in a new political dispensation in Kenya
by Mbugua Njihia 26 Mar '13

26 Mar '13

Your feedback on the concept* " **Countellect – bringing intelligence back to governance in a new political dispensation in Kenya" *is welcome. Full concept note here - http://kng.ht/15NNwvj -- ................................................................................................................................................................. Business, more than any other occupation, is a continual dealing with the future; it is a continual calculation, an instinctive exercise in foresight.

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Cyber Cop
by Edith Adera 25 Mar '13

25 Mar '13

Bwana Ndemo, As I reflected on your unenviable job as a "cyber cop" (watching you on The Trend last Friday) and stumbled on this article by Gaitho entitled "The demented postings on social media must stop before blood flows" http://www.nation.co.ke/blogs/-/446672/1723754/-/ee6vonz/-/index.html it occurred to me that we probably need something deeper, while we must address the madness online. You're on record here advocating for policy/decision-making based on empirical/research evidence. I recall your spirited campaign about the Cancer Bill that MPs excitedly passed without the benefit of scientific evidence as to "the actual cause of cancers in Kenya". You argued that you wished they did not get excited about addressing the symptoms of the problem, but the root cause. As you crack down on cyber haters (to address the symptoms of the problem), could we also ask ourselves a couple of questions (listers, feel free to add more questions) to get to the ROOT CAUSE of this ANGER: *why are people so angry? *is this anger only in cyberspace? *If not, to what extent is it a reflection of simmering (unexpressed) anger on the ground? *what are the implications of unexpressed anger? *why are people comfortable to express such deep anger online and not offline? What are they afraid of? *How can long-lasting co-existence be achieved, once and for all? * etc etc etc Someone has work to do as we try to address the short-term symptoms - is it the academic community? or pollsters can have a post-election job to do? I don't know, but the RROT CAUSE, we must find including the solutions. Reflective Edith

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Kenya’s PKI Destined for Failure?
by Brian Munyao Longwe 24 Mar '13

24 Mar '13

Disclaimer: All the opinions expressed herein are my own. #140friday <http://140friday.com> » Business <http://140friday.com/?cat=3>» Politics <http://140friday.com/?cat=6> » Technology<http://140friday.com/?cat=8>» Kenya’s PKI Destined for Failure? March 20, 2013 Kenya’s PKI Destined for Failure? Today I had the opportunity to attend a seminar organized by the Ministry of Information & Communications and Samsung SDS as part of the implementation of Kenya’s National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI). The project is undertaken within the framework of the Kenya Transparency & Communications Infrastructure Project (KTCIP), a World Bank funded initiative that will help Kenya achieve a number of the goals under the ICT pillar of Vision 2030. The presentations from the team from Korea consisted of representatives of Samsung SDS (who won the International tender for Kenya’s NPKI implementation) as well as representatives from some of the key actors in Korea’s own NPKI. The Korean presentations were interesting, informative and very well prepared. Over the period of a few hours they were able to take the relatively complex subject of National Public Kenya Infrastructure and unpack it in a way that was both easy to understand as well as clear and straightforward. They left no shadow of doubt as to whether Samsung SDS can successfully implement this project. They also shared the organizational structure for the project, which is as follows: [image: CAM00454]<http://140friday.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/CAM00454.jpg> During the course of their presentations the team from Korea shared the high level plan for the implementation of Kenya’s SDS. They made it clear that they had spent a good deal of time working closely with Government officials responsible from the Kenyan side. In describing the structure and hierarchy that has proven successful in Korea for the implementation and operation of their NPKI, the team shared the following diagram. [image: CAM00455]<http://140friday.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/CAM00455.jpg> At the very top, there is the Ministry responsible for the NPKI, they provide the legal and regulatory framework, national authentication plan and other high level functions. Below them is the “Root Certification Authority” an organization known as the Korea Internet Security Agency (KISA), which provides operation of the National Authentication system, licensing/accreditation of certificate authorities (CA) to provide service to the public as well as development of technical standards. Below them are the accredited CAs of which Korea has 5 who provide certificate issuance and management services to the public. In a presentation which came later, the Korean team shared the proposed structure for the Kenyan implementation which had been arrived at after consultations with Government. The diagram is as follows. [image: CAM00457]<http://140friday.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/CAM00457.jpg> In this structure, Government who will be responsible for legal and regulatory framework, national authentication plan, other high level functions as well as licensing and auditing are to be represented by the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK). Below them and responsible for operation of the Root Certification Authority is CCK. Below that are a proposed “Government CA” which will issue certificates for Government agencies and employees and a proposed “Private Sector CA” which will issue certificates to the rest of the country. I have a big problem with this structure. First and foremost because CCK is being proposed as BOTH the licensing authority as well as the licensed operator of the Root Certification Authority. The potential for conflict of interest is immediately evident, not to mention the fact that the end-to-end integrity of a structure that ensures top-down accountability is rendered completely void. Even worse was the mumbled suggestions by some of the government participants at the seminar that CCK might also act as the Government CA. In addition that is the fact that a project as crucial as this has not gone through a proper stakeholder consultative process and is seemingly being shoved down our throats. In his closing remarks a director a the E-Government directorate asked the ICT Board to engage stakeholders further and receive input before moving too far. I raised this point as a question during the Q & A session at the end of the seminar and would like to emphasise that it would be *very wrong* for CCK to be the Root Certification Authority for a number of reasons: 1. *Conflict of Interest:* As per the proposed structure the representative of Government, CCK needs to serve as the top level entity that handles the legal and regulatory framework and the national authentication plan. Adding a subsidiary role would not only compromise their integrity but would also expose them to all manner of challenges with regards to operation of an infrastructure that is supposed to be based on trust. 2. *Procurement Issues:* In sharing to a certain level of detail the complexity of the Root Authority setup, it became evident that there would be a continuous need for procurement of various goods and services. As a government agency, CCK is subject to public procurement regulations, this means that even very basic, small and simple items could take months if not years to procure. The problems with our public procurement are well known. Subjecting the Root Authority to this kind of environment is in itself a major risk for successful implementation and operation. 3. *Human Resource Issues:* Several times in their presentations the Koreans complained that they had observed a critical lack of human resources. They emphasized that they were not referring to *skilled*human resources but simply to *enough people* for the project requirements. Shock of shocks! With the incredible numbers of well educated Kenyans who are unemployed or underemployed? They could obviously have only been referring to what they had seen as far as the people available for the project from the Ministry and CCK. It is no secret that CCK has extremely limited human resources in their ICT division and those few are oveworked, stretched beyond measure and juggling multipe roles. Isn’t adding additional responsibilities into this mix a formula for disaster? 4. *Inertia*: CCK has proven to be very poor at the timely execution of functions that fall outside their core mandate of licensing, regulation and resource management. A perfect example is the implementation of the Universal Service Fund, which CCK insisted on handling as an inhouse function instead of facilitating the setup of a dedicated entity to handle the task. It has been over 6 years since regulation and legislation regarding the USF came into place and there is still nothing to speak of. I will reserve this as a subject for another day (it is a long and detailed one!) *Recommendations* The Government should immediately consider adopting a *Public Private Partnership* approach for the implementation of Kenya’s NPKI. This is especially timely because we now have a fully ratified Public Private Partnership Policy that provides a variety of models for project implementation. This will not only ensure involvement from crucial stakeholders but also free the Root Authority from the problems highlighted above (and probably many others) while at the same time ensuring that enough private sector energy and enthusiasm is infused into the project so that it moves with speed and determination. Success stories such as KENIC and TEAMS show that it is not only possible but that it can be done with ease.

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Silicon Valle goes to Dar
by robert yawe 22 Mar '13

22 Mar '13

Hi, It is always good to watch what the competition is doing to avoid planning in a vacuum, I came across an article and report on the approach Tanzania is taking in developing outsourcing and knowledge centre. The model is interesting and takes into consideration the fact that a large pool of highly educated personnel is important to achieve their objective therefore they have opted to take the Stanford model. It will be interesting to see how the approach works in relation to out Savanna approach. http://touch.dailynews.co.tz/index.php/local-news/7080-silicon-valley-comes… http://ro.ecu.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1072&context=ceducom 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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