January 2015 - KICTANet

Re: [kictanet] Catch Up Games: The battle for control of Kenyan Digita airspace
by Mwendwa Kivuva 21 Jan '15

21 Jan '15

Thanks Wangari, My comments inline. On 21 January 2015 at 09:55, WANGARI KABIRU <wangarikabiru(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > Happy Ladies Day! > > The main description of the actions by the players is - Laggards, which is > very sad since it would have been expected that the big players would have > been the industry trend setter on this global move. I take that their > technocrats should understand it much better than the rest of us and even > have been part of the global drivers leave alone even locally in Kenya. > They seem to be playing catch-up when the industry has already moved on. > > I would expect them to act more as awareness,enlightening us the public on > this migration and possibly how best it should be carried out. In the > meantime their Boardrooms should have been busy with their specific > stations game plan or a joint industry one. > > Sadly it seems this is another case of the dominant player now playing > catch up and using reputation tactics to try and stall a development that > is already on course. > > Aside from that, in making business sense I would expect that there is > earning sharing formulaes between the TV stations and the "decorder owners" > which may range from; air my TV Station content for free and reach as many > people as possible then advertisers will pay as I have dominant reach or as > a TV Station and content owner, then pay me so as to air my content through > your decorder. > So where is such business formulae not working thus resulting in the need > to air the Adverts on breach of rights et al? > I tend to disagree. Aerial providers don't need to pay any license or get into any agreement to beam free content. I as a consumer should be able to buy a Free-To-Air digital setbox on my way from Dubai and fix it in my TV and I'm ready to go. If I am an investor, I should be able to buy 1000 pieces of the boxes from China and retail them in the local market with no worries whatsoever. I only need to get type approval form CA. > Moreover, to view all the TV Stations and even more there are other routes > without the need for the said decorders - via the internet (even > newspapers!). Which means that the more the internet reach grows, the more > creative the Boardrooms require to be as this shakes up the traditional > model of their business. > Great point on Internet TV, but it may take a while before this becomes a reality in Kenya. And freeing up of the airwaves may speed this because we are waiting to see what innovations will com through TV whitespaces. > > In the meantime, I and many more continue to enjoy the TV stations that do > not require use of decorders, as we await for the supplier who will give > them for free (why invest in a gadget) thus they may reach out to > advertisers and blow their trumpet on their mass reach! > Your days are numbered :). The 4 stations will close analog TV very soon. > > I believe this is an opportunity for exciting times for their Boardroom > teams, consumers are good at uptake - only if they can get into "new > business model mode" and faster faster. > I would wish my Top-Box to be internet enabled. Zuku anyone? ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya "There are some men who lift the age they inhabit, till all men walk on higher ground in that lifetime." - Maxwell Anderson

1 0

Call for civil society expression of interest
by Grace Githaiga 19 Jan '15

19 Jan '15

Dear Friends, [Apologies for possible duplications] We would like to bring to your attention the civil society call for expressions of interest to participate in the Global Conference on Cyberspace 2015 (GCCS 2015) and a civil society pre-event, hosted by the government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and taking place in The Hague on 16 and 17 April 2015. Following on from the London (2011), Budapest (2012), and Seoul (2013) Conferences, the 2015 event in The Hague will provide an opportunity for strategic level discussion of key cyberspace issues. The Conference aims to examine core issues related to the cyber domain, structured around the three main themes of Freedom, Security and Growth. Focus will be placed on exchange of knowledge and ideas on these issues and the development of concrete solutions. The Conference will encourage multi-stakeholder participation from the worlds of business, academia as well as civil society. A day and a half civil society pre-event will take place in the run-up to the Conference (14-15 April) to facilitate civil society coordination and input into the main Conference. An in-depth training on cyber security issues will be offered as part of this pre-event. In addition, an online training curriculum will be made available to the wider public. The Conference organisers are interested in a balanced and diverse participation and in supporting those who will find a practical use for the training and attendance offered. The Expression of Interest Form, in addition to logging interest in attending the Conference and the civil society pre-event, will also serve as a platform to capture requests for financial support. Limited financial support is available for a number of civil society participants. In order to be considered as a Conference/pre-event participant and/or a candidate for financial support, please fill in the Expression of Interest Form via the following link by January 30:https://www.gccs2015.com/civil-society-participation-form Expressions of interest and requests for funding received will be evaluated by an ad hoc Advisory Board set up to assist the organizers of the Conference in selecting civil society participants to receive funding and to attend the GCCS2015 and the civil society pre-event, to help ensure that the Conference is as inclusive and representative as possible. Criteria for financial support are designed to ensure a diverse spread of applicants is achieved, focussing on global south applicants and aimed at securing a balance of gender, regional diversity and level of experience in cyber security issues. Please feel free to share this information with your networks. Best wishes, On behalf of:Andrew Puddephatt, Evelien Wijkstra, Tim MaurerAdvisory Board Co-chairs-- Aditi Gupta Project Assistant | GLOBAL PARTNERS DIGITALDevelopment House, 56–64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LTT: +44 (0)20 7549 0337 | M: +44 (0)7876688351 | gp-digital.org

1 0

Uhuru not happy with graft war pace - News - nation.co.ke
by S.M. Muraya 18 Jan '15

18 Jan '15

To avoid failure here, we need to work with local firms/teams which build up confidence and efficiency in Kenya. CRMs (must include working email, Intranet & extranet portals) are required to assist public officials serve us (citizens). Note, CRMs are also used to provide feedback (analytics) on customer/citizen service. Unlike CRMs, ERPs are used/favored for revenue collection, not to serve us Kenyans. http://www.nation.co.ke/news/Uhuru-not-happy-with-graft-war-pace/-/1056/258…

1 0

Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Important call for public comment - Insurance requirement for Registrar Accreditation
by Bob Omondi 16 Jan '15

16 Jan '15

FYI, Cheers. Bob. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Yaovi Atohoun <yaovito(a)yahoo.fr> Date: 2015-01-16 12:32 GMT+03:00 Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] Important call for public comment - Insurance requirement for Registrar Accreditation To: "africann(a)afrinic.net" <africann(a)afrinic.net> ENGLISH (Francais plus bas) As part of its Underserved Regions initiative, ICANN has been exploring potential changes to the insurance requirements for registrar accreditation. ICANN seeks your input to determine how best to address potential changes to or elimination of these requirements. Comment Period: 15 Jan 2015 23:59 UTC - 13 Mar 2015 23:59 UTC Please read detail at https://www.icann.org/public-comments/raa-insurance-2015-01-15-en Thanks ==== FRANCAIS Dans le cadre de l'initiative des régions mal desservies, l'ICANN a étudié les changements potentiels aux exigences d'accréditation en matière d'assurance des bureaux d'enregistrement. L'ICANN vous demande de présenter vos commentaires pour déterminer la meilleure façon d'aborder les changements potentiels ou l'élimination de ces exigences. Periode de commentaire : 15 Jan 2015 23:59 UTC - 13 Mar 2015 23:59 UTC Plus de details à https://www.icann.org/public-comments/raa-insurance-2015-01-15-fr Merci - Yaovi Atohoun Stakeholder Engagement and Operations Manager – Africa ICANN – www.icann.org Mobile : +229 66015649 / 97891228 _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

1 0

Another unfounded prominent story by Daily Nation on #DigitalMigration
by Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) 15 Jan '15

15 Jan '15

Dear Listers, We hereby share the prominent page 3 "Daily Nation" story on digital migration >> http://www.nation.co.ke/news/digital-migration-Kenya-poll/-/1056/2589266/-/n o0q5v/-/index.html which we find either skewed and or inconsistent with the study by GeoPoll (whose methodology, sampling and conclusions raise more questions than answers) >> http://blog.geopoll.com/kenyas-analogue-to-digital-switch?utm_content=111501 29 <http://blog.geopoll.com/kenyas-analogue-to-digital-switch?utm_content=11150 129&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter> &utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter It remains inconceivable to us as towhy a national survey was taken when part digital migration (NTV, KTN and Citizen are still on simulcast) happened in Nairobi. Again, why a more reliable local firm would not be relied upon, it is equally baffling. A random (non-targeted) and non-scientific lean sample of 400, reportedly of over 35 years, spread across Kenya for such conclusions? No one knows the education level of respondents. Lastly, why would "Daily Nation" mention "ignorance" on digital migration when they, among other media houses, could not accept running CA and other digital migration campaigns last year? But we could be wrong, too. We invite your incisive opinions on this matter. We have requested Daily Nation public editor (congratulations Mr Peter Mwaura) to check this article and whether some interests are not being declared by this respected media house. Kind regards, David Kedode Program Officer www.cofek.co.ke

3 2

Re: [kictanet] Another unfounded prominent story by Daily Nation on #DigitalMigration
by Consumers Federation of Kenya (Cofek) 15 Jan '15

15 Jan '15

Dear Mr Bwire Mostly verbal rejections. In one case, when we to run joint ads with Gotv and StarTimes, one media house demanded we remove the other logos. We did. Given our budget constraints, we only ran one ad on our own. Another media house flatly rejected any ad on digital migration. We have confidential (we can't share) internal correspondences requiring high level clearance on digital migration ads in both print and broadcast versions. You can separately request the experience of CA, gotv and StarTimesKenya from the "3 media housrs" Regards David -------- Original message -------- From: Victor bwire <vicbwire(a)gmail.com> Date:15/01/2015 3:31 PM (GMT+03:00) To: "Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK)" <hotline(a)cofek.co.ke>, KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Cc: Subject: Re: [kictanet] Another unfounded prominent story by Daily Nation on #DigitalMigration Would b interested in getting formal refusal by the media houses to run the adverts. Or any comms on the issue on some work we r doing On 15/01/2015 3:21 PM, "Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) via kictanet" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: Dear Listers, We hereby share the prominent page 3 “Daily Nation” story on digital migration >> http://www.nation.co.ke/news/digital-migration-Kenya-poll/-/1056/2589266/-/… which we find either skewed and or inconsistent with the study by GeoPoll (whose methodology, sampling and conclusions raise more questions than answers) >> http://blog.geopoll.com/kenyas-analogue-to-digital-switch?utm_content=11150… It remains inconceivable to us as towhy a national survey was taken when part digital migration (NTV, KTN and Citizen are still on simulcast) happened in Nairobi. Again, why a more reliable local firm would not be relied upon, it is equally baffling. A random (non-targeted) and non-scientific lean sample of 400, reportedly of over 35 years, spread across Kenya for such conclusions? No one knows the education level of respondents. Lastly, why would “Daily Nation” mention “ignorance” on digital migration when they, among other media houses, could not accept running CA and other digital migration campaigns last year? But we could be wrong, too. We invite your incisive opinions on this matter. We have requested Daily Nation public editor (congratulations Mr Peter Mwaura) to check this article and whether some interests are not being declared by this respected media house. Kind regards, David Kedode Program Officer www.cofek.co.ke _______________________________________________ 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/vicbwire%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.

2 1

Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Milestone: Half of Kenyans are now online, how long till half of them use Bitcoin?
by Mark Mwangi 15 Jan '15

15 Jan '15

Half of Kenyans? I highly doubt those stats. I think we are falling under the delusion of multiple SIMs and connections for individuals. I have 3 Sims, internet at home and at work. According to the CAK I am thus 5 people on the internet. Obviously not so. Also there are enough bots on twitter parading as Kenyan individuals. I would put the figure at 10% On Wed, Jan 14, 2015 at 5:05 PM, John Karanja via skunkworks < skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke> wrote: > Listers, > > Half of Kenyans are now online, how long till half of them use Bitcoin? > Discuss(20Mks) > > *P.S. Kudos to everyone involved in Kenya ICT hard to imagine the > revolution really started just 5 years ago in 2009 when fiber arrived. * > > *Flashback: http://johnkaranja.com/2009/07/12/what-next-after-the-mobile-revolution-in-… > <http://johnkaranja.com/2009/07/12/what-next-after-the-mobile-revolution-in-…>* > > John > > _______________________________________________ > skunkworks mailing list > skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke > ------------ > List info, subscribe/unsubscribe > http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > ------------ > > Skunkworks Rules > http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 > ------------ > Other services @ http://my.co.ke > -- Regards, Mark Mwangi markmwangi.me.ke

5 8

Is our ICT GDP growth unable to match national GDP growth?
by John Kieti 15 Jan '15

15 Jan '15

Dear Listers, One would expect ICT to be the fastest growing economic sector in Kenya. Incidentally its not. In fact there's a declining trend; according to the rebased national accounts data of 2014 - see visualization attached. The absolute ICT GDP figures have grown modestly from KES 50 billion in 2006 to KES 68 billion in 2013, and quite dismally when compared to national GDP which grew from KES 1.8 trillion to KES 4.7 trillion over the same period. Granted researchers suggest that much of the positive impact of ICT is felt indirectly in other economic sectors, are we seeing a suboptimal growth of ICT's direct contributors to GDP over the years? What do pundits here think? br -- My Blog - gmeltdown.com <http://www.gmeltdown.com> ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' The ordinary just won't do

5 8

Job Vacancy
by Bernard Kioko 15 Jan '15

15 Jan '15

Title: Sales Executive Division: Commercial Employment Type: Permanent Location: Kenya Reports to: Commercial Manager Role Summary The Sales Executive is primarily responsible for selling Bernsoft products and services to new and existing customers within a given territory, market sector or Bernsoft product suite. This role is responsible for identifying and managing sales opportunities, building an in-depth understanding of client business drivers, to position how Bernsoft products and services can enable organizations to reduce costs and become more operationally efficient, and manage the sales process to a successful conclusion. Principal Responsibilities Sales . To establish, implement and document account plans for identified strategic accounts . To demonstrate the ability to show entrepreneurial drive in a given territory to generate, meet and develop new prospects that turn into sales orders, closing all opportunities in a timely manner. . To be able to conduct own initial product and sales demonstrations, ensuring that the company's products are matched to the identified client's needs. . To understand and influence the customers decision making process and lead the customer to positive decisions on . Bernsoft sales proposals and manage all customer engagements to a successful conclusion. . To demonstrate domain expertise in the IT business solutions, having previously sold and worked within this market to ensure credibility and understanding of the customers' business. . To identify the resources required and opportunities to expand product usage and devise plans and strategies for selling into the territory and existing account base, to accelerate business volumes . To prepare client proposals and provide accurate pricing ensuring that the company price calculator is used at all times. . To provide accurate and timely business sales forecasts . To identify marketing and product requirements and communicate well to appropriate personnel to drive the overall sales process Customer Service . To provide professional and effective services to internal and / or external customers, to meet customer expectations, particularly in terms of Quality and Timeliness in line with departmental standards, procedures and guidelines. . To provide follow up with customers to ensure customer satisfaction with products and / or services provided . To communicate courteously with internal and / or external customers by telephone, email and face to face, building positive relationships, investigating, responding to and progressing issues and queries to a successful conclusion at the earliest time. . To speak positively and enthusiastically about the company and its products and services to ensure that a professional company and brand image is provided at all times to customers and colleagues. Teamwork . To work as part of a team to achieve the departmental standards. . To work together with other departments and divisions within the organization to identify any process improvements and improve standards, efficiency and profitability. Knowledge . To ensure that a good level of understanding and knowledge of organizations products and services, which is improved and maintained at all times, ensuring that customer queries can be dealt with accurately and appropriately and supported by the department. . To take responsibility for own personal development in line with agreed annual performance objectives. . To be willing to list to and support colleagues and team members with professional problems, devoting time to impart expertise, infusing confidence and expressing positive expectations regarding the team's and company's performance. . Such other duties as the management may from time to time reasonably require. Key Interfaces . Dealing with external customers. . Liaising with internal departments to bring sales and queries to a satisfactory closure. Dimensions / Budgets . The department consists of account executives that are responsible for managing account customers either from the office, from client site or working from home. . Work outside of normal business hours and travel to customer sites will be required. Knowledge, Experience and Qualifications . Degree level, diploma or equivalent education or experience. . Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as good interpersonal skills. . Experience of the software industry with proven track record of significantly exceeding targets and expectations and experience of is a plus. . Proven ability in closing business to business deals within software sales. . Excellent knowledge of IT business solutions . Excellent sales, negotiation and presentation skills. . Demonstrable self-sufficiency, sales leadership, entrepreneurial relationship and business development. . Ability to co-ordinate resources to successfully encourage the customer to expand product usage . Ability to develop executive level relationships and engage with the customer to establish an understanding of their business drivers and how the Bernsoft software can enable them to become more efficient, increase profits and reduce overall costs Remuneration: Negotiable Email your cv to jobs(a)bernsoft.com by close of day 23rd January 2015. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. -- * ------------------------------ * This e-mail and any attachments may contain information that is confidential, legally privileged and protected by law and is intended for the sole use of the named recipient(s). Any unauthorized review, use, or disclosure or distribution is prohibited. Any liability (in negligence or otherwise) arising from any third party acting, or refraining from acting on any information contained in this email is hereby excluded. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete the contents and notify the sender immediately; do not disclose the contents to any other person, use it for any purpose or store or copy the information in any medium. Whilst our e-mails are checked for viruses, we cannot guarantee that this message or any attachment is virus free, does not contain malicious code or is incompatible with your electronic system and the Company does not accept liability in respect of viruses, malicious code or any related problems that you might experience. For further information about us, please contact us at the address indicated below. Bernsoft Interactive Limited - P O Box 15177-00100 Nairobi - Tel: +254 722 929192 Email: admin(a)bernsoft.com Web: www.bernsoft.com

2 1

Job Vacancy
by Bernard Kioko 14 Jan '15

14 Jan '15

Title: Commercial & Customer Relations Manager Division: Commercial Division Employment Type: Permanent Location: Kenya Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Role Summary This person is charged to lead and manage the sales and customer service functions of the business. Alongside the CEO and other HODs, s/he should co-own the strategic leadership of Bernsoft ensuring the maintenance, growth and support profitable sales in line with business targets across all revenue centres. Main Duties: i. To build the business through sales and marketing of existing and new products to existing and new customers ii. To achieve KPIs, including sales targets iii. To develop and build relationships with current and new customers iv. To develop the business profile by enhancing, informing and changing the customer perspective of Bernsoft strengths and product ranges v. To identify products that will satisfy customer needs in conjunction with the production teams vi. To devise and deliver promotional activities and marketing and assist at trade and promotional events vii. To identify and develop potential partner companies to increase the range of products offered by Bernsoft including factored products viii. To understand the competition and provide market intelligence reports ix. To head up and lead the commercial team including wholesale, national accounts and product development x. To manage the commercial team including recruitment, selection, development, training, performance management and succession planning xi. To report to the management team and regularly attend management meetings Customer Service . To provide professional and effective services to internal and / or external customers, to meet customer expectations, particularly in terms of Quality and Timeliness in line with departmental standards, procedures and guidelines. . To provide follow up with customers to ensure customer satisfaction with products and / or services provided . To communicate courteously with internal and / or external customers by telephone, email and face to face, building positive relationships, investigating, responding to and progressing issues and queries to a successful conclusion at the earliest time. . To speak positively and enthusiastically about the company and its products and services to ensure that a professional company and brand image is provided at all times to customers and colleagues. Teamwork . To work as part of a team to achieve the departmental standards. . To work together with other departments and divisions within the organization to identify any process improvements and improve standards, efficiency and profitability. Knowledge . Strong selling, negotiation and influencing skills . Strong relationship building, networking and account management skills . Strong skills in business growth . Commercially and financially aware . An understanding of marketing . Creative problem solving . Strong team leadership skills to lead, motivate and manage a team . Good numerical and costing skills Key Interfaces . Dealing with external customers. . Liaising with internal departments to bring content acquisition queries to a satisfactory closure. Dimensions / Budgets . Ensure that the jobs undertaken are carried out within previously approved budgets . Work outside of normal business hours and travel to customer sites will be required Interested candidates should send their CVs to jobs(a)bernsoft.com on or before January 23rd 2015. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. -- * ------------------------------ * This e-mail and any attachments may contain information that is confidential, legally privileged and protected by law and is intended for the sole use of the named recipient(s). Any unauthorized review, use, or disclosure or distribution is prohibited. Any liability (in negligence or otherwise) arising from any third party acting, or refraining from acting on any information contained in this email is hereby excluded. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete the contents and notify the sender immediately; do not disclose the contents to any other person, use it for any purpose or store or copy the information in any medium. Whilst our e-mails are checked for viruses, we cannot guarantee that this message or any attachment is virus free, does not contain malicious code or is incompatible with your electronic system and the Company does not accept liability in respect of viruses, malicious code or any related problems that you might experience. For further information about us, please contact us at the address indicated below. Bernsoft Interactive Limited - P O Box 15177-00100 Nairobi - Tel: +254 722 929192 Email: admin(a)bernsoft.com Web: www.bernsoft.com

1 0