August 2015 - KICTANet

Superior IT training solutions at the Institute of Software Technologies Nairobi
by moses okinyi 19 Aug '15

19 Aug '15

Dear Team, I take great pleasure to introduceyou to the INSTITUTE OF SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES (IST). IST is the training division of SOFTWARETECHNOLOGIES LIMITED (STL) Ourvast experience in offering ICT training dates back to 1992. We are an Oracle ApprovedEducation center (OAEC) offering Oracle Training, the only Red Hat Linux Certified Training partner (RCTP)in East and Central Africa, a Novell Training partner, an Appin Technology Lab Training Centerapproved EC Council and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Advanced CoursesTraining and Testing Center. We also offer training onInformation Security and Certified Ethical Hacker, InternationalComputer Driving Licence, Advanced Spreadsheets, Advanced Database, AdvancedWord Processing, Advanced Presentation and Executive certificates inBusiness Management, Risk Management, Finance, etc. Our diploma courses also includean IST and KNEc Diplomas. Our center has 7 well-equippedtraining labs and capacity to hold 102 participants and highly qualified andskilled instructors follow the vendor’s training formats and structures, whichare geared towards professional Certification. A high level client satisfactionis our biggest priority. We have trained over 80 companies’ staff in the region.In the recent past, IST has trained private and public organizations not onlyin Kenya but also in Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda, Malawi,Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Throughout the period, our instructors haveattained customer satisfaction scores above 98%. Attached is our prospectusoutlining some of the training services we offer. Find attached a detailed profileof our courses. We would like to request for anopportunity to meet with you and discuss our services in detail. Your responsewill be highly appreciated. Thank you. Yours sincerely, Moses Okinyi | Career Counselor | Institute of Software Technologies | 8th Floor, I&M Bank Tower,Kenyatta Avenue, P.O. Box 8690 - 00200, Nairobi, Kenya| Tel: + 254 (20) 319174,+254(20) 248 237,Email:mokinyi@isteducation.com | Mob: +254 726989 713| www.isteducation.com |

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Desk, data, and coffee in exchange of innovative ideas
by K Machuhi 18 Aug '15

18 Aug '15

A company with swanky office space along Ngong Road has 3 vacant desks. They will give out the desks to 3 techies alongside: - data - coffee - power for laptop, phone In exchange for development and execution of various innovations around social media, and other technologies. Interested young ICT upcoming professionals can contact me off-list. KM.

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Fwd: PRESS RELEASE: More appealing public data available at Kenya Open Data Initiative Portal.
by Phyllis Nyambura 18 Aug '15

18 Aug '15

Dear Listers, Today, Kenya Open Data (www.opendata.go.ke) turns four and has unveiled a new look. The user friendly site is improved not only on the experience and intuitiveness but holds more updated datasets. Have a look at the below information on what to expect, visit the website, and send us your feedback. Happy Experience. Dear Phyllis The Kenya Open data (KODI), an initiative of the ICT Authority, has unveiled a user friendly portal today at the Agha Khan University. Below is a press release on the various offerings of the portal. *FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:* *PUBLIC DATA NOW EASIER TO FIND AS OPEN DATA UNVEILS A USER-FRIENDLY WEBSITE* *The Kenya Open Data Initiative now in its 4th year holds government data ranging from health, education, governance, population, budget to Kenya immigration trends* *Nairobi, Tuesday, 18th August, 2015.*Kenyans can now access more public data easily and faster. The Kenya Open Data Portal (KODI) ( www.opendata.go.ke <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001hX_gTIYwzhpEb91ER8WzOtw97D6WSwCbkjqQ5dfHq11H…>) turns four (4) with a new version of the web portal and a host of desirable changes in the number of data sets available, the visualization of the information and timely and interactive feedback to data consumers. The portal, launched by former Kenya President, Hon. Mwai Kibaki primary goal is to maintain a comprehensive data transparency website that provides, a user friendly, one-stop access to data from government ministries, agencies and counties.The data,constituting government development, demographic, statistical and expenditure information is available in a digital format for researchers, media, policymakers, ICT developers and the general public with a view to promoting transparency, innovation and improving efficiency. Today, the website has grown to provide more than 680 datasets from an initial of 200, in 2011 and hosts a variety of government data that include expenditure and resource allocations, education, health, energy, tourism, demographics studies and County Government specific data. "Opendata.go.ke has elicited much interest around the world from scholars who have shown how local entrepreneurs use the data to make better decisions that improve their business processes and profitability. This example and many more fulfill our objective of setting up the platform. As it expands and evolves over time, Kenya Open Data will spark innovation, improve efficiency, promote accountability and promote credibility in government projects among the public," says Victor Kyalo, Chief Executive Officer, the ICT Authority, the implementing agency, for the KODI project. The new mantra of the platform is the link between use of data to make better decisions and create solutions at individual, business and government level. As the portal looks towards its growth, several strategies have been instituted to greatly increase usability, including: - * A budget app* that makes it easy for citizens, officials and other stakeholders to use and interact with budget data and therefore enhancing transparency in budget transaction. - *Data lens* - a new tool to interact, explore and discover insights from data easily. It makes it easy for citizens and others to get answers to their questions in a visual, intuitive way. - *A fellows program* where 8 fellows have been embedded in 3 government ministries and a county government to be able to help with data acquisition, information systems design and setting up of data desks. Already, 25 government agencies are sharing their data through the portal. - *Expanded partnerships** with data producers and users* with the aim of increasing utilization of the data through outreach initiatives - *Focus on Counties with County Data. *Makes data specific to counties easier to find and is in the process of rolling out County Data Portals that will help users find the data they need. Some will be full-fledged sites, like Machakos, Nairobi and Kiambu counties which are live now and with time will introduce the full list of counties with equally functional portals. The new drive has borne fruit with the latest one being in July 2015, when the portal was voted as a finalist in publishing open data in a global competition held by Bloomberg and the Open Data Institute in the United Kingdom. Kenya Open Data Portal was the second portal to be launched in Africa but is currently the leading open data platform in Africa and ranked among top 3 globally by Bloomberg for publishing public data. "Experience elsewhere has shown that making data publicly available reduces costs, makes government more efficient and inspires productive collaborations with the private sector. In Kenya, we are starting to see the beginning of this as ICT developers policy makers and development partners in civil society use the KODI data to create useful applications, policies and programs for the community," reports the Kenya Open Data Project Coordinator, Ms Linet Kwamboka. Some of the notable applications emanating from the open data portal use include: - *Medafrica* ( http://medafrica.org/) which gives citizens direct access to health information and services like doctors, Hospitals, Emergency services nearest to them saving on lives. - *Hema** Mobile App* that uses masters facilities list on an app that enables you to track and locate health facilities also building the health of the community. - *Ufahamu** App* a data visualization platform that provides a means of mapping data on maps establishes relationships using geoJSON technology by combining NASA geodata and health data from reliable open data repositories. - *ZanaAfrica* (http://www.zanaafrica.org/) a social enterprise initiative that makes and delivers sanitary towels to girls in primary schools therefore enabling more girls to be productive at school. - *DataScience* (www.datascience.co.ke) a software engineering company using data to develop big data analytics and research tools for business development. "There has been over 44 million page views since the portal launched making the portal one of the highest and most accessed government site. There have been 2.6 million actual interactions with the data - downloads and embeds," informs Kwamboka. Making government information available in this way promotes the development of useful "apps" based on the data, encourages researchers and watchdog groups to use the data to make suggestions for improving government and life of Kenyans, and makes state agencies more efficient by allowing access to information. As the portal celebrates its fourth year, there is already substantial data that is available and the public can use it to: - Be able to track and locate the health facilities closest to them. Additionally, they can find the hospitals that are appropriate to their needs as well as the category they fall under. Data on distribution of health services creates the opportunity for more targeted investment in public health infrastructure - such as prioritizing new hospital construction in underserved areas. - Find the nature, type and effects of natural disasters that strike their local community thanks to a datasets that has more than 10 years of this kind of data. - Find the location of donor and government funded projects in their community as well as the stage of execution. This can be useful to ascertain the level of focus and investments that occur in their community. - Deduce the functional status of water resources in their county, which is useful to prepare well for periods without sufficient rainfall as well as make informed decisions on land purchases. - Explore trends in immigration in Kenya from the Reported Visitor Arrivals and Departures data between 1991 - 2014. This can be useful in planning for souvenir trade activities as well as promotion of the local tourist sites. It can also help investors make informed investment decisions. - Ascertain the distribution of government revenue made possible through National Revenues generated from tax and non-tax income streams covering 2005/06 To 2013/14. This is useful in capturing the trend of revenue collection as well as tracking one's personal contribution to the government's revenue. - Understand the HIV prevalence rate in their counties and the fraction of new infections who are children. This can be useful for planning and has been used by National Aids Control Council in allocation of antiretroviral therapies (ARTs). The new constitution recognizes the right to public information under article 35, which states as follows:(1) Every citizen has the right of access to -(a) Information held by the State; and(b) Information held by another person and required for the exercise or protection of any right or fundamental freedom.(2) Every person has the right to the correction or deletion of untrue or misleading information that affects the person.(3) The State shall publish and publicise any important information affecting the nation. Two bills, The Access to Information Act and Data Protection Act, are in parliament at the moment, and will further the right of the citizen to access public information. "Access to information held by the state is a crucial component of democracy. It allows the public to be aware of governmental decisions that can impact the environment and individual lives. Access to information also allows the public to participate in critiquing and thereby improving governmental decision-making," says Mr Kyalo. In noting the challenges that users have faced over the years when interacting with the website the team has worked to improve overall user-experience by including such features as: - *Open about analytics. *This involves openly displaying site performance analytics, showing the total number of public datasets, charts, maps, views loaded as well as the no of datasets per main category. - *Open about data and the reality of data release cycle.* Data release calendar to inform when new datasets become available. - *User Views: *World-class visualizations made by the public (by users who can register for free on the Open Data portal). Show case interesting visualizations made by users who use the portal on a daily basis. - *Integrating the Open data Blog with the portal*. A blog that moves beyond data to information and helps citizens make sense of data, by presenting it in a narrative format that combines text and visualizations. Experts, Journalists, analysts can help tell the story about open data its use, and its impact. - *New Interactive Visualizations with Data Lens Pages *Includes a number of multiple lens viewable on a single page that are interactive and dynamically linked to any user and can simply interact with and look at the parts of data they are interested in. For Example, a lens can contain a map, a few bar charts, timelines, and search bar in one single view. The project though has not been without its challenges. The greatest one being lack of awareness by the general public and various stakeholders on the availability of this resource that can be used to improve decision making and enrich the economy. "While we still face some resistance in data publishing by the various government institutions we have put in place measures to mitigate this which is why we have devised the new strategies that will allow us to engage other government institutions better." says Kwamboka. As it is, the future of the project is unfazed, and the team looks forward to providing better and more up to date information, enactment of the access to information and data protection laws and more partnerships with institutions to help popularize the use of open data. "This amazing resource is available to the public for free. People should know this and take advantage. It's the way to making better decisions for oneself, the community and country," concludes Kwamboka. ENDS *About Kenya Open Data* The Kenya Open Data (www.opendata.go.ke) is an initiative of the ICT Authority launched on July 8 2011, by former President Hon. Mwai Kibaki, making key government data freely available to the public through a single online portal. The website is a user-friendly platform that allows for visualizations and downloads of the data and easy access for software developers. Kenya is the first developing country to have an open government data portal, the first in sub-Saharan Africa and second on the continent after Morocco. The initiative has been widely acclaimed globally as one of the most significant steps Kenya has made to improve governance and implement the new Constitution's provisions on access to information. Kenya's information is a national asset, and this site is about sharing it. The goal of opendata.go.ke is to make core government development, demographic, statistical and expenditure data available in a useful digital format for researchers, policymakers, ICT developers and the general public. For more information Contact: *Phyllis Nyambura*, e: pnyambura(a)ict.go.ke Cell: 0700396433 Follow Open Data on Twitter: @KenyaOpenData Like Open Data on Facebook: KenyaOpenData Website: www.opendata.go.ke <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001hX_gTIYwzhpEb91ER8WzOtw97D6WSwCbkjqQ5dfHq11H…> #KenyaOpenData Sincerely, Communications Department ICT Authority. Forward this email <http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=s7ex7gdab&m=1102964298642&ea=…> <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001mFz_c9JBoXlpZNlJITPO0w%3D%3…> This email was sent to pnyambura(a)ict.go.ke by communications(a)ict.go.ke | Update Profile/Email Address <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&m=001mFz_c9JBoXlpZNlJITPO0w%3D%3…> | Rapid removal with SafeUnsubscribe <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001mFz_c9JBoXlpZNlJITPO0w%3D%3…>™ | About our service provider <http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp>. <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=PM_B2BC> ICT Authority | Telposta Towers, 12th Floor | Kenyatta Ave | P.O. Box 27150-00100 | Nairobi | Kenya -- Phyllis Nyambura Communication Writer The ICT Authority Telposta Towers, 12th Floor, Kenyatta Ave P.O. Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya t: + 254-020-2211960/62 | m: + 254 (0) 789396433 | e: pnyambura(a)ict.go.ke Email: info(a)ict.go.ke or communications(a)ict.go.ke Visit: www.icta.go.ke <http://www.ict.go.ke/> Become a fan: www.facebook.com/ICTAuthorityKE <http://www.facebook.com/kenyaictboard> Follow us on twitter: @ICTAuthorityKE --------------------- -- ICT Authority Telposta Towers 12th Floor, Kenyatta Ave PO Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi Kenya Tel: +254 20 2211960 www.icta.go.ke

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Communications Authority’s role comes into sharp focus [feedly]
by cdohnio 18 Aug '15

18 Aug '15

Thoughts listers? ---- *Communications Authority’s role comes into sharp focus* <http://www.nation.co.ke/business/Communications-Authority-s-role-comes-into…> // *Daily Nation | Home* <http://www.nation.co.ke/business/Communications-Authority-s-role-comes-into…> Watchdog was expected to act independently after reforms but recent trends show this is far from the case ---- Shared via *my feedly reader* <http://feedly.com>

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Re: [kictanet] Invitation to Media Reforms Discussion
by riva＠article19.org 17 Aug '15

17 Aug '15

Dear Victor, Please find attached. Regards, Riva From: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: riva(a)article19.org Cc: "Victor bwire" <vicbwire(a)gmail.com> Sent: Monday, August 17, 2015 3:56:13 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Invitation to Media Reforms Discussion Riva there is no attachment- please attach the concept On Mon, Aug 17, 2015 at 2:34 PM, Uncle Pedro Chicken via kictanet < kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > wrote: Thanks Riva I will attend . Jerry On Mon, Aug 17, 2015 at 12:22 PM, riva--- via kictanet < kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > wrote: BQ_BEGIN Dear Colleagues, You are invited to a half-day discussion on media reforms this Thursday, 20th August from 8:30am - 12:30pm. The meeting will seek to: 1. Identify and analyse laws/policies that have been enacted in line with the Fifth Schedule of 2010 Constitution, teasing out their strengths and weaknesses in promoting Freedom of Expression and of the media 2. Identify and analyse laws/policies that have not been changed and hamper freedom of expression and of the media in Kenya 3. Examine existing institutional frameworks pointing out their strengths and weaknesses in promoting Freedom of Expression 4. Examine the impacts of non-media specific laws which effectively limit media freedom 5. Provide sound and effective policy recommendations on undertaking wholesome reforms Please find attached the concept note and confirm your availability with Tracey Ishmael ( tracy(a)article19.org ) or call +254727862230 . Kind Regards, Riva From: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" < kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > To: riva(a)article19.org Cc: "Mose Karanja" < mosekaranja(a)gmail.com > Sent: Friday, August 14, 2015 6:23:30 AM Subject: [kictanet] Overhauled NetNeutrality Website The Global Net Neutrality Coalition has overhauled its website . Key takeaways: BQ_BEGIN 1. A generally agreed upon definition of Net Neutrality in 17 languages; 2. An interactive map that shows the status of Net Neutrality around the globe; 3. A model policy framework developed by the Dynamic Coalition on Network Neutrality for crafting legislation and regulations; 4. Resources for global advocates fighting for a free and open Internet. The FCC in the US recently created the Open Internet Rule, the EU (28 countries) is almost there with the Digital Single Market and individual countries are busy debating this major issue on the future of Internet. I know some countries in Africa are busy on this too. However, despite there being a host of African partners in the thisisnetneutrality network (including KICTANet), none but two African countries have been featured citing ‘Research Pending’. This also happens with other indices like the Freedom House’s Internet Freedom Index and Amnesty’s. This is one area research institutions in Africa can fill up. Use the website and its resources to push for an open Internet! -- Mose Karanja +254 724 162536 | @Mose_Karanja PGP: 0x1529552F _______________________________________________ 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/riva%40article19.org 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. _______________________________________________ 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/unclepedroschicken%40… 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. BQ_END _______________________________________________ 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. BQ_END _______________________________________________ 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/riva%40article19.org The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.

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Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Weekly web review : Google, eLAC 2018, IANA transition, Cyberpolitics, Regulation, Net neutrality, Big data...
by Barrack Otieno 17 Aug '15

17 Aug '15

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Mamadou LO <alfamamadou(a)hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2015 17:32:06 +0000 Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] Weekly web review : Google, eLAC 2018, IANA transition, Cyberpolitics, Regulation, Net neutrality, Big data... To: "africann(a)afrinic.net" <africann(a)afrinic.net> Hi all! This week; Google Inc. announcement to create a new public holding company, Alphabet Inc; informations on fifth Ministerial Conference on the Information Society in Latin America and the Caribbean (eLAC 2018) and NTIA seeking public comments on ICG and CCWG Accountability proposals are among most documented topics and events on Internet Governance landscape. My pleasure to share with you informations on thoses topics as well as documents on Cyberpolitics, Regulation, Net neutrality, Internet of things, Big data, etc.. Great week end to all GOOGLE The Beginning of the End for Google http://www.inc.com/geoffrey-james/is-this-the-beginning-of-the-end-for-goog… Google's Alphabet restructure could get boost from Delaware tax loophole http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/aug/11/google-alphabet-delaware-… Google Announces It’s All Grown-Up With Alphabet’s New Logo http://www.wired.com/2015/08/alphabet-logo/ One chart that explains Alphabet, Google's new parent company http://uk.businessinsider.com/google-alphabet-diagram-2015-8 Google Is Now Alphabet, And That Spells Big Things For Healthcare http://www.forbes.com/sites/dandiamond/2015/08/11/google-is-now-alphabet-an… eLAC 2018 Caribbean countries agree to strengthen cooperation on digital matters http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Caribbean-countries-agree-to-strengthen… UNCTAD participates in the Fifth Ministerial Conference on the Information Society in Latin America and the Caribbean http://unctad.org/en/Pages/MeetingDetails.aspx?meetingid=878 Mexico Will Present to UN Digital Plan for Latin America http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4063081&… To compete in the global economy the creation of a digital single market in Latin America and the Caribbean is required http://curacaochronicle.com/tech/to-compete-in-the-global-economy-the-creat… IANA TRANSITION NTIA seeks public comments on 2 Internet governance transition-related proposals http://www.fiercegovernmentit.com/story/ntia-seeks-public-comments-2-intern… CCWG Community Mechanism threatens to upset ICANN balance http://www.internetgovernance.org/2015/08/11/ccwg-community-mechanism-threa… Speak up on the IANA transition and ICANN accountability https://cdt.org/blog/speak-up-on-the-iana-transition-and-icann-accountabili… US govt: Any thoughts on ICANN running the internet? Any at all? Speak your brains NOW http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/08/10/us_government_asks_for_comment_on_i… Internet management to pass to private hands http://www.cctv-america.com/2015/08/11/internet-management-to-pass-to-priva… ICANN ICANN urged to take international and security rules seriously by Council of Europe http://www.technologylawdispatch.com/2015/08/internet-domain-namesicann/ica… ICANN AND ECLAC TO BUILD A COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP AND WORK ON SEVERAL AREAS OF INTERNET-RELATED ISSUES https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2015-08-12-en ICANN Posts Amended Description of 2013 RAA Data Retention Specification Data Elements and Purposes for Collection/Retention https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2015-08-10-en ICANN chairman loses mind over his domain-name privacy shakeup http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/08/12/icann_domain_name_privacy/ Resolving the Release of Two-Character ASCII Labels with Comments https://www.icann.org/news/blog/resolving-the-release-of-two-character-asci… Threats, Vulnerabilities and Exploits – oh my! https://www.icann.org/news/blog/threats-vulnerabilities-and-exploits-oh-my ICANN Should Curb Anonymous Domain Name Abuses http://www.circleid.com/posts/20150812_icann_should_curb_anonymous_domain_n… DOMAIN NAME DNS Deregulation (Part 1 of 3) http://www.circleid.com/posts/20150812_dns_deregulation_part_1_of_3/ Costly Domain Name Price Comparison Sites http://www.circleid.com/posts/20150812_costly_domain_name_price_comparison_… Have New Domains Had Our Twerking Moment? http://www.circleid.com/posts/20150812_have_new_domains_had_our_twerking_mo… Verisign’s lawsuit against .XYZ continues, pesters Donuts & ICANN as well http://domainnamewire.com/2015/08/11/verisigns-lawsuit-against-xyz-continue… Challenges for .brands - How to Engage Internal Stakeholders http://www.circleid.com/posts/20150811_challenges_for_brands_how_to_engage_… CYBERPOLITICS Russia and China Want More Control Over the Internet https://www.stratfor.com/analysis/russia-and-china-want-more-control-over-i… Can the internet revolution break down the barriers of data secrecy in the Middle East? [Opinion] http://www.wamda.com/2015/08/can-internet-revolution-break-down-barriers-da… Where did the principle of secrecy in correspondence go? http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/aug/12/where-did-the-principle-o… Internet of Islands http://motherboard.vice.com/read/the-internets-undersea-infrastructure-is-d… 19th U.S.-China Human Rights Dialogue http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/08/246022.htm Google and China in battle over Cuba's Internet future http://www.cnbc.com/2015/08/12/the-challenge-of-bringing-internet-to-cuba-.… Chinese internet companies are taking over the film industry http://iranian.com/posts/chinese-internet-companies-are-taking-over-the-fil… China Cybersecurity Fears Prompt Business Groups to Press Obama http://www.wsj.com/articles/business-tech-groups-press-obama-on-china-compe… Hillary Clinton: 'Internet freedom' activist? http://www.politico.com/story/2015/08/hillary-clinton-2016-internet-freedom… REGULATION Internet Infrastructure and IP Censorship by David Post http://www.ipjustice.org/digital-rights/internet-infrastructure-and-ip-cens… Int’l Trade Commission decision threatens borderless Internet ecosystem http://watchdog.org/233443/intl-trade-commission-decision-threatens-borderl… Hoteliers pressure Spanish government into internet vendor regulation http://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2015/08/13/hoteliers-pressure-spanis… Between privacy and access to information: threats and opportunities in internet regulation http://thisisafrica.me/privacy-access-to-information-threats-opportunities-… Internet Having Huge Role In Health Advice, But Lack Of Regulation A Major Concern http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/08/11/health-advice-internet/#.VcmxMR… Don’t over-regulate the Internet http://business.financialpost.com/fp-comment/dont-over-regulate-the-internet HUMAN RIGHTS ICANN urged to take international and security rules seriously by Council of Europe http://www.technologylawdispatch.com/2015/08/internet-domain-namesicann/ica… An Encrypted Internet Is a Basic Human Right (Op-Ed) http://news.yahoo.com/encrypted-internet-basic-human-op-ed-215411773.html Recognising access to Internet as a human right http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2015/08/13/103738 IPv6 Global IPv6 Summit to Be Held on September 7th 2015 http://www.circleid.com/posts/20150807_global_ipv6_summit_to_be_held_on_sep… NET NEUTRALITY US must take net neutrality seriously http://thehill.com/opinion/letters/250833-us-must-take-net-neutrality-serio… Canada's Net Neutrality Enforcement Is Going at Half-Throttle http://thetyee.ca/Mediacheck/2015/08/11/Canada-Net-Neutrality-Enforcement/ Google stays away from net neutrality row http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-google-stays-away-from-net-neutrality-… CYBERSECURITY White House issues cybersecurity rules for contractors http://thehill.com/policy/cybersecurity/250869-white-house-issues-cybersecu… INTERNET OF THINGS Will the internet of things result in predictable people? http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/aug/10/internet-of-things-predic… Rethinking the Internet of Things http://mediatel.co.uk/newsline/2015/08/12/rethinking-the-internet-of-things/ Defusing The Internet Of Things Time Bomb http://techcrunch.com/2015/08/10/defusing-the-internet-of-things-time-bomb/ BIG DATA Can We Really Use Big Data To Measure Buyer Intent? http://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2015/08/11/can-we-really-use-big-d… Unless healthcare can define its problems, Big Data tech won’t help http://siliconangle.com/blog/2015/08/12/unless-healthcare-can-define-its-pr… Data protection requires preventative action http://www.1to1media.com/weblog/2015/08/data_protection_requires_preve.html Federal advisory draft report outlines big data challenges http://www.fiercehealthit.com/story/federal-advisory-draft-report-outlines-… CENSORSHIP Europe’s Latest Export: Internet Censorship http://www.wsj.com/articles/europes-latest-export-internet-censorship-14393… AFRICAN INTERNET NEWS Between privacy and access to information: threats and opportunities in internet regulation http://thisisafrica.me/privacy-access-to-information-threats-opportunities-… How Internet Governance can effectively empower sustainable development http://malawi24.com/2015/08/11/how-internet-governance-can-effectively-empo… Sophia Bekele: AU Declaration on Internet Governance (IG) needs more participation, infringes on national sovereignty http://www.cio.co.ke/blog/sophia-bekele-au-declaration-on-internet-governan… The McFadden Files: How Geo Panel Evaluation contractor bungled the .Africa evaluation process to favour ICANN’s preferred candidate http://tandaabiashara.com/the-mcfadden-files-how-geo-panel-evaluation-contr… Why your internet connection is slow wherever you are in Africa http://qz.com/472028/why-your-internet-connection-is-slow-wherever-you-are-… .Africa IRP: The Transcript that cost ICANN – GAC’s “Creative ambiguity, We leave things unclear so we don’t have conflict” http://domainnewsafrica.com/dot-africa-irp-the-transcript-that-cost-icann-g… African Union slams “dysfunctional” IRP as ICANN tries to fend off cover-up claims http://domainincite.com/19046-african-union-slams-dysfunctional-irp-as-ican… #ICANNAfrica: Africans do not want ICANN to be bound by any arbitration process http://domainnewsafrica.com/icannafrica-africans-do-not-want-icann-to-be-bo… Kenya: Why Global 'Internet Stakeholder' Meetings Fall Short http://allafrica.com/stories/201508111304.html -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/

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A huge economic shift led by software and connectedness.
by Mildred Achoch 16 Aug '15

16 Aug '15

Greetings everyone! How is it possible for a little, ultra low-budget film festival in Kenya, with no physical office and a staff of one (plus one volunteer), to receive 190 films from all over the world, in the space of only one month? Well, this article explains how technology is changing the nature and structure of the corporation and how we do business. https://medium.com/the-wtf-economy/networks-and-the-nature-of-the-firm-2879… Regards, Mildred Achoch. Festival Founder and Director, Rock 'n' Roll Film Festival, Kenya (ROFFEKE). -- Check out the Rock 'n' roll film festival, Kenya TV Channel! http://kenyarockfilmfestivaljournal.blogspot.com My tree-saving e-business card is here: http://twtbizcard.com/roffeke

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Overhauled NetNeutrality Website
by Mose Karanja 14 Aug '15

14 Aug '15

The Global Net Neutrality Coalition has overhauled its website <https://www.thisisnetneutrality.org/#join>. Key takeaways: 1. A generally agreed upon definition of Net Neutrality in 17 languages; 2. An interactive map that shows the status of Net Neutrality around the globe; 3. A model policy framework developed by the Dynamic Coalition on Network Neutrality <http://www.networkneutrality.info/> for crafting legislation and regulations; 4. Resources for global advocates fighting for a free and open Internet. The FCC in the US recently created the Open Internet Rule, the EU (28 countries) is almost there with the Digital Single Market and individual countries are busy debating this major issue on the future of Internet. I know some countries in Africa are busy on this too. However, despite there being a host of African partners in the thisisnetneutrality network (including KICTANet), none but two African countries have been featured citing ‘Research Pending’. This also happens with other indices like the Freedom House’s Internet Freedom Index and Amnesty’s. This is one area research institutions in Africa can fill up. Use the website <https://www.thisisnetneutrality.org/#join> and its resources to push for an open Internet! -- Mose Karanja +254 724 162536 | @Mose_Karanja <https://twitter.com/Mose_Karanja> PGP: 0x1529552F <https://twitter.com/Mose_Karanja>

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The Kenya IGF, and the shortfalls of the process
by Mwendwa Kivuva 13 Aug '15

13 Aug '15

And interesting piece by Walu on Nation newspaper on the Kenya IGF convened by KICTANET. http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/blogs/dot9/walubengo/-/2274560/2827636/-/y8k7d… While there is no negotiated outcome, the IGF informs and inspires those with policy-making power in both the public and private sectors to come up with workable solutions to the challenges of an evolving internet. It was no different this time, with the local edition of KE-IGF convened by the Kenya ICT Action Network <http://www.kictanet.or.ke/> and its partners. Senior government officials, and industry players, media, academia and human rights groups, amongst others, were present to discuss the evolution and development of the internet. After protocol was observed stakeholders quickly got into the packed agenda <http://www.kenyaigf.or.ke/index.php/about-kigf/kigf-programme> for the day. The first item dwelt on enhancing multi-stakeholder cooperation in the development and evolution of the Internet. It was noted that decisions regarding the Internet, and how it is evolving, are largely determined by the developed, global north, with very little input from developing countries. Furthermore, at global level, the same active participants from developing countries tend to contribute repeatedly, with little or no opportunities for new blood and new ideas. This does cast doubts about the merits of "multi-stakeholder" approaches, given that, ultimately, they tend to be dominated by the same actors – be they in industry, civil society, government or academia. Clearly, there is need to interrogate and expand the multi-stakeholder principle in order to align it properly to its ideals. One other item that came up during the morning session was the issue of Net Neutrality <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Net_Neutrality>, which has attracted little attention from policymakers in East Africa, even if it is a burning issue in advanced economies. In the developed North, net-neutrality has been framed as a battle between content providers such as Google, YouTube, Facebook and Netflix, and telecommunications companies, who make their infrastructure available for content distribution to consumers. The telecommunications companies feel that content such as YouTube is creating undue traffic congestion on their networks, and needs to be compensated separately – over and above monthly payments for access. They also feel, the telecom providers feel the advertising revenues that content providers are enjoying should be shared equitably in order to compensate for the traffic congestion triggered by content-based websites. Of course, the content providers do not want to hear about sharing advertising revenues, They argue that infrastructure providers are already compensated through the standard bandwidth access payments, and that further that charging content providers more for access would mean treating their content and access differently and unfairly, thus violating the fundamental and founding principles of an open and neutral Internet. Locally, telecommunications companies seem to be reacting to net neutrality differently, by providing free internet access to content sites like Wikipedia, Facebook, and Internet.org amongst others. Whereas this may look like a generous offer to speed up the uptake of Internet services, it inherently favours foreign content providers over potential local content innovators wishing to compete with similar content. *UNCOORDINATED RESPONSES* Security laws that allow security agencies to intercept citizen communications were cited as setting a worrying trend. Whereas the need to enhance national security by governments was acknowledged, contributors felt it was necessary need to observe an appropriate balance between security procedures and citizen liberties as enshrined in the Constitution’s Bill of rights was necessary. .... Participants, however, raised concerns as to how these two initiatives were working together, and more importantly, how they interface with national security organs such as the NIS, the CID, the Central Bank and the Judiciary, among others. In the absence of a legal framework to shape a coordinated cyber-response between stakeholders, Kenya is likely to remain vulnerable to cybercriminals and their activities. My next blog post will cover the discussions on e-commerce, the AU cybersecurity convention and the management of critical Internet resources by ICANN. *Mr Walubengo is a lecturer at the Multimedia University of Kenya's Faculty of Computing and IT. Twitter:@jwalu <http://196.6.203.2:8010/studio/#> email: jwalubengo(a)mmu.ac.ke <http://196.6.203.2:8010/studio/#>* ______________________ 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

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Re: [kictanet] AG BLOCKS ICT CS' BID TO ENACT ANTI-SAFARICOM LAW
by meshack 12 Aug '15

12 Aug '15

Hello all And again, safaricom may not be dominant in the internationsl market but will help shape the future of investment and enterpreneural environment in kenya Sent from Samsung Mobile -------- Original message -------- From: meshack via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: 06/08/2015 13:00 (GMT+03:00) To: memakunat(a)yahoo.com Cc: meshack <memakunat(a)yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] AG BLOCKS ICT CS' BID TO ENACT ANTI-SAFARICOM LAW Hello @Mwendwa, comparing safaricom and the likes of mumias telecom kenya and mumias is not right. I dont think safaricom is playing the same field as these companies, and again they aint shell companies if u get to understand there objectives. Safaricom has been able to thrive because it has allowed innovation to thrive yet if we look at the case of telecom kenya the beauracracies that was involved did not let the idea of innovation thrive within it, and again i dont think kenya airways is even close to be at the same table as saf, for aguement sake maybe a restructuring of its capital will let them out of the hole for a bit say why borrow money to buy expensive boeings yet wherr u borrow there is a cost and where r buying there is eve a greater cost than remaining vile vile! Someone agued some times back that the case in turkana where they are seeing a vgreat economic development for a short span may not hold since there are no right institution that can channel the growth and development to a level as norway. My point being that since the structures and policies thst has led to the status of mumias we archaic ( if thats the word) and that they were allowed to thrive in a modernized environment where competition thrives hences the porus nature of the organization. If we dont allow institutilnal restructuring in our country we may never get to where norway is assuming our major resource is not just oil like norway but any other that u think fits in my arguement. At some point in the industrial revolution the american economy was support almost completely by oil steel snd electricity which where controlled extremely by monopoly. These drove to great social and economic disparity and a great gap between the wealth and not just rich, and the poor. Politics intervined at one point that allowed the wealth trickle to the or and thus an environment for innovation competition and creativity I dont see any case of capital flight in any case due to the politics involved. Unless the foreign investors are threatened and the environment in kenya becomes risky we will still have airtel prefer kenyan market and even continue to invest in assets within the contry simply because of the challenge that they are exposed to. If the risk is too high then the returns must guarantee the opportunity cost. Sent from Samsung Mobile -------- Original message -------- From: Mwendwa Kivuva via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: 06/08/2015 10:34 (GMT+03:00) To: memakunat(a)yahoo.com Cc: Mwendwa Kivuva <Kivuva(a)transworldafrica.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] AG BLOCKS ICT CS' BID TO ENACT ANTI-SAFARICOM LAW This is a debate that Kenyans should not take lightly. For any law that comes into force, the citizens must be consulted widely. Here are a few questions I've been asking myself : 1. Are we fighting proxy wars? Who wants Safaricom dead? 2. Is there any citizen in his right mind who wants to see Safaricom go the way of Telkom, Kenya Airways, Mumias... Remember these shell companies were once the pride of the nation. 3. Airtel is the largest mobile operator in South Asia and the third largest in the world with a 303 million subscriber base. Safaricom subscriber base worldwide is less than 10% of that. 4. Airtel has a total equity of US$26 billion with revenue of about $15 billion compared to Safaricom's around $2 billion with $1.4 billion revenue. Are these two companies competing at the same level? 5. As of year 2012, Orange had a revenue of €43.5 billion and equity of €24.3 billion and total assets of €90 billion. Are these companies worth us Sacrifice our toddler Safaricom? 5. Would Safaricom enjoy the same rights as Airtel in say, India or France? Would Safaricom get a licence in the first place in these markets? 6. We have seen how multinationals steal from Kenyans by evading taxes through transfer pricing, declaring false losses, etc. Why would we want to kill our crown jewel in support of thugs? 7. Capital flight: where do profits of these multinationals go as compared to those of Safaricom? Have a thoughtful day.

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