December 2015 - KICTANet

Cyber Violence in Kenya
by Dorcas Muthoni 04 Dec '15

04 Dec '15

Dear fellow listers, I am sharing this thought provoking blog on cyber violence that is seriously on the rise in Kenya. I don't know if CA has paid any attention but this blog brings out this serious issue out there for those willing to pay due attention. *Rise Above…the Rogue and Wrong* https://digitalubuntu.wordpress.com/2015/11/29/rise-above-the-rogue-wrong/ Edith, Nyaki, Alice, Grace and all fellow ICT champions, this is an issue ripe for discussion. This is about a very dangerous trend that requires monitoring and perhaps more action. Let's truly *Rise Above…the Rogue and Wrong*. Best, Muthoni

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Mombasa's Innovation workspace restoration works
by Ahmed Mohamed Maawy 03 Dec '15

03 Dec '15

Listers, Quick re-cap on the progress of SwahiliBox innovation space. SwahiliBox <http://swahilibox.co.ke> - Mombasa's Innovation Workspace as earlier described was under restoration. We now have pictures of the open space's progress in our Facebook Photo Album - https://www.facebook.com/SwahiliBox/photos/pcb.1680652445508155/16806520288… These works now put SwahiliBox at the point in which we can now start putting in equipment to start the work of the open space itself. Looking forward to having an engaging tech eco-system in Mombasa connect to the regional technology space - for the first time. -- *Ahmed Maawy* Executive Director - SwahiliBox / M-Power (CBO) Ambassador - Open Knowledge Director - Startup Grind Mombasa Software Developer - AJ+ / EveryLayer (KE) +254 714 960 627 Skype: ultimateprogramer swahilibox.co.ke m-power.or.ke www.okfn.org <http://okfn.org/> startupgrind.com ajplus.net www.everylayer.com

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Introducing Facebook Africa Public Policy Team to KICTANet
by Grace Githaiga 03 Dec '15

03 Dec '15

Dear Listers Greetings. I hope your week has started well. The topic of Net Neutrality has become an important global Internet Governance issue in the last two years, and has generated some interesting debates. In Kenya, Facebook has partnered with Airtel to offer users zero rated services, christened "free basics" which means that several websites have been selected (for lack of a proper word) to participate in the platform, where users access these websites for free. However, the same users cannot access any other website unless they pay for the data. Different positions depending on where their proponents stand have been shared. Please find one here by Nanjira Sambuli http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/blogs/free-internet-freedom-create/-/620/29756… and another by our own Mwendwa Kivuva http://www.circleid.com/posts/20151124_zero_rating_a_poisoned_chalice_for_t… Those for pro zero rated services have argued that it gives more users free access to the Internet, and that it is a genuine attempt to connect the unconnected. Those on the opposite side argue that zero rating stifles innovation, leads to customers lock-in, is anti competitive behavior, confuses the users on the true meaning of the Internet, denies users choice, and makes policy makers lazy in ensuring proper affordable internet is availed to the masses. Facebook's Head of Public Policy, Africa Ebele Okobi, and the Public Policy Manager, Africa Akua Gwekye have graciously agreed to respond to any queries the community has on zero rated services. The Process Please articulate your concerns and ask questions as we usually do when we have moderated debates. The facebook team will then look at the questions and respond to you on Wednesday Evening. Depending on how it goes, we can then see how to continue engaging with them. I think this is a great opportunity for the facebook team to unpackage free basics issue, and it is my hope that the debate will be exciting given the prominence members of the list have given the net neutrality debate. Over to you listers! And a very warm welcome to Ebele and Akua. WarmlyGrace

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Getting inclusive healthcare right
by Mbugua Njihia 03 Dec '15

03 Dec '15

Linda Jamii "flopped" will M-Tiba and CarePay work? - http://www.mbuguanjihia.com/business/getting-inclusive-healthcare-right.html ᐧ

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Re: [kictanet] [isoc_ke] The pitfalls of Innovation moving faster than Regulation - The case of Safaricom and Lipisha (Mwendwa Kivuva)
by Matunda Nyanchama 03 Dec '15

03 Dec '15

Friends This is a good discussion. I read somewhere about the emergence of Toyota and its global dominance. Back in time, American auto companies (then the world's largest) failed to embrace ideas proposed by the founder of Toyota (I believe Toyoda is the name). He went ahead to do exactly what had found resistance in North America and the rest is history. ... It took these auto companies close to 20 years to even measure to the quality standards of the 'new comer' in their space. ... there is a similar story to be told of IBM (in reference to Microsoft, Apple, etc.) or Western Union (in reference to Bell companies) ... If I were Safaricom, I would seriously consider acquiring those companies with innovative solutions as a way of staying ahead; with its deep pockets and influence in the market, you can bet the company can lead the way if it desires so. ... smothering and suffocating others can only come to bite later on as innovation would always find its way into the market. my 2 cents worth.

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Fully Funded: 2016 TechWomen Emerging Leaders Programme For Women In Technology to Study in the USA (Fully Funded)
by WANGARI KABIRU 03 Dec '15

03 Dec '15

https://www.techwomen.org/participants/eligibility-and-applicationApplicati… Deadline: February 1st 2016 Please blow over to all the TechWomen in your network,thank you! All the best TechWomen! Have a blessed day. Regards/Wangari --- Pray God Bless. 2013Wangari circa - "Being of the Light, We are Restored Through Faith in Mind, Body and Spirit; We Manifest The Kingdom of God on Earth". What is TechWomen? TechWomen empowers, connects, and supports the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East by providing them the access and opportunity needed to advance their careers, pursue their dreams, and inspire women and girls in their communities.Through mentorship and exchange, TechWomen strengthens participants’ professional capacity, increases mutual understanding between key networks of professionals, and expands girls’ interest in STEM careers by exposing them to female role models. Eligibility and Application The application for the 2016 TechWomen program is now open through February 1, 2016. Apply Now Selection Process TechWomen participants are selected based on the eligibility requirements below. Applications are reviewed by independent selection committees composed of industry leaders and regional experts. Semifinalists may be interviewed by United States Embassy personnel in their country of permanent residence. 2016 TechWomen Eligibility Requirements Applicants must - Be women with, at minimum, two years full-time professional experience in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math) - Have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree/four year university degree or equivalent - Be proficient in written and spoken English - Be citizens and permanent residents of Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Morocco, Nigeria, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan or Zimbabwe at the time of application, and while participating in the program - Be eligible to obtain a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa - Not have applied for an immigrant visa to the United States, or participated in a visa lottery in the past five years - Not hold U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. legal permanent resident Preference will be given to applicants who - Demonstrate themselves as emerging leaders in their chosen professional track through their work experience, volunteer experience, community activities, and education - Are committed to return to their home countries to share what they have learned and mentor women and girls - Have limited or no prior experience in the United States - Have a proven record of voluntary or public service in their communities - Have a demonstrated track record of entrepreneurialism and commitment to innovation - Demonstrate a willingness to participate in exchange programs, welcome opportunities for mentoring and new partnership development, and exhibit confidence and maturity TechWomen encourages people with diverse backgrounds and skills to apply, including individuals with disabilities.Women committed to addressing concerns of global climate change and environmental issues are particularly encouraged to apply. Selection Timeline Semifinalists will be contacted via email in/around April 2016. Final decisions will be made in May 2016. All applicants will be notified of the results of their application.Apply Now

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20th Annual Kenya ICT Excellence Awards Gala
by waudo siganga 03 Dec '15

03 Dec '15

Dear All, Just for information, the best performing ICT Companies this year will be feted tonight at the Laico Regency Hotel starting at 7.00 p.m. There are still a few seats for colleagues interested in attending, call Philip Malinda on 0727322854 by 2 p.m. There are no tickets available at the door. The chief Guest is Hon. Dan Kazungu in his capacity as member of the Parliamentary Departmental Committee on Energy and ICT. Kind Regards, Waudo

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Kenya’s tech sector optimistic on new Cabinet pick
by Grace Githaiga 02 Dec '15

02 Dec '15

When the President announced his revamped government line-up, now dubbed Government 2.0, many within the ICT sector were happy to see Joe Mucheru and Victor Kyalo rise to the top.Sammy Itemere was also nominated Principal Secretary, though information on his background is not widely available within the sector. ..."Will they surround themselves with sycophants who cannot dare criticise them or will they be open to accommodating opposing views that may sound harsh or uncomfortable, but eventually add value?" http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/blogs/dot9/walubengo/tech-sector-Cabinet-Kenya…

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Fwd: [Internet Policy] FYI - Post on "Where is WSIS heading post-2015?" and new WSIS+10 comments matrix
by Barrack Otieno 02 Dec '15

02 Dec '15

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Dan York <york(a)isoc.org> Date: Tue, Dec 1, 2015 at 10:00 PM Subject: [Internet Policy] FYI - Post on "Where is WSIS heading post-2015?" and new WSIS+10 comments matrix To: Internet Policy External <internetpolicy(a)elists.isoc.org> Internet policy subscribers, Today we published a post from Constance with a view on where WSIS is heading post-2015: https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/public-policy/2015/12/where-wsis-headi… She talks a bit about what happened in New York last week but more on what she sees in the time ahead. She also mentions a new matrix we published that compiles in one place all the comments from the 34 organizations, governments and other entities that submitted comments on the 4 November 2015 WSIS+10 draft outcomes document: https://www.internetsociety.org/doc/wsis10-matrix-comments-4-nov-2015-draft… That matrix is available for all of you to use and has also been added to our overall https://www.internetsociety.org/wsis/matrix page. Regards, Dan P.S. For those of you who share posts on social networks, here are some relevant links: https://twitter.com/internetsociety/status/671763896324087808 https://twitter.com/ISOCPolicy/status/671763897003577345 https://www.facebook.com/InternetSociety/posts/10153038087518239 https://plus.google.com/+InternetSociety/posts/cb3KJaGSvWG https://www.reddit.com/r/internetgovernance/comments/3v16gc/where_is_wsis_h… https://www.linkedin.com/company/internet-society/comments?topic=6077529016… -- Dan York Senior Content Strategist, Internet Society york(a)isoc.org +1-802-735-1624 Jabber: york(a)jabber.isoc.org Skype: danyork http://twitter.com/danyork http://www.internetsociety.org/ _______________________________________________ To manage your ISOC subscriptions or unsubscribe, please log into the ISOC Member Portal: https://portal.isoc.org/ Then choose Interests & Subscriptions from the My Account menu. -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/ <https://www.avast.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-em…> This email has been sent from a virus-free computer protected by Avast. www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-em…> <#DDB4FAA8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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New Cabinet
by waudo siganga 02 Dec '15

02 Dec '15

Congratulations to Joe Mucheru!

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