June 2016 - KICTANet

Re: [kictanet] [kicktanet] Key ICT Sector Takeaways from 2016/17 Kenya Budget
by Wangari Kabiru 10 Jun '16

10 Jun '16

Blessed Furahi Day! A great great digest, Ahsante. Key take outs of interest are on the skills development opportunities, business ventures - for locals and for internationals. Be blessed. Regards/WOn Jun 10, 2016 09:55, John - Blue Gate Technologies via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > > Good job Martin and your team for this round-up. Massive time saver. > > > > Regards, > > > > John M > > Blue Gate Technologies > > > > From: kictanet [mailto:kictanet-bounces+jmasiwe=bluegate.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Martin Gicheru via kictanet > Sent: Friday, June 10, 2016 8:18 AM > To: John Masiwe <jmasiwe(a)bluegate.co.ke> > Cc: Martin Gicheru <martingicheru(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [kictanet] [kicktanet] Key ICT Sector Takeaways from 2016/17 Kenya Budget > > > > What does the 2016 Kenya budget have for the ICT sector? Here is what we picked. > > > > Regards, > > Martin Gicheru

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Africa Security Summit
by Harry Hare | African eDevelopment Resource Centre 09 Jun '16

09 Jun '16

Hello All, CIO East Africa together with Oracle will be running a Security Summit Africa Security Summit in Dar on 29th and 30th of June. This is targeted to CIOs and Heads of IT. If you are interested please register yourself here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/africa-security-summit-tickets-25665221368 If you need more information please don¹t hesitate to contact me. Kindest Reagrds Harry Hare Director | African eDevelopment Resource Centre PO Box 49475 00100 | Nairobi, Kenya Kenya +254 20 4041646 | Cel +254 725 650044 Nigeria + 234 814 636 4611

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The Decentralized Web Summit
by Brian Muhia 09 Jun '16

09 Jun '16

This week, the Internet Archive is hosting a three-day event (which finishes today) called The Decentralized Web Summit, whose goal is to figure out how to build a new Internet that is "locked open", an idea that emerged from Internet Archive founder Brewster Kahle's 2015 series of talks and articles about how technologists can build networks and protocols that are resistant to attempt to capture, monopolize and control them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yth7O6yeZRE Vint Cerf tells a pretty funny joke at 24:19 <https://youtu.be/Yth7O6yeZRE?t=1459>. -- Software Engineer - Savannah Informatics Ltd.

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Fwd: Invitation to TICAD Sensitisation Meeting- 9th - 10th June
by Muchiri Nyaggah 08 Jun '16

08 Jun '16

Fellow listers Please find below information on a TICAD sensitisation meeting happening this week Thursday and Friday at the Royal Orchid hotel in Westlands. I hope some of us can make it. Please RSVP to Florence Syevuo <flosyevuo(a)gmail.com> if you will be available. Kind regards, Muchiri > Begin forwarded message: > > From: Florence Syevuo <flosyevuo(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Invitation to TICAD Sensitisation Meeting- 9th - 10th June > Date: 6 June 2016 at 2:41:27 PM EAT > Cc: > > Dear Colleague, > RE: INVITATION TO A TICAD VI NON-STATE ACTORS SENSITIZATION MEETING > > Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) is a multilateral process for African development started and led by the Government of Japan since 1993. TICAD VI will be hosted for the very first time in Africa in Nairobi Kenya on the 27th-28th August 2016. > > TICAD VI will create an important momentum for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals; Africa’s AU Agenda 2063 development agenda and the implementation of the outcomes of the COP21, given it is one of the first international conferences directly focusing on Africa's development after the approval of the Sustainable Development Goals and the COP 21 outcomes and the G7 Ise-Shima Japan Summit. > > Led and hosted by the Government of Kenya, National NGO Board, Civic Commission for Africa, IPPF, KANCO, PACJA and Civil Society Organizations working on TICAD, AU CIDO, Afri-Can and UNDP. A TICAD VI Sensitization Meeting will be held on 9th to 10th June 2016 at Royal Orchid Hotel Azure in Nairobi. Just before the TICAD VI 16th-17th June Ministerial meeting in Gambia. > > > The main purpose of the consultative meeting will be to reach out to all African and Kenyan Non State Actors, namely civil society organizations, private sector, media, academia, the diaspora and development partners to develop and agree on :- > > I. Deeper understanding and a sense of ownership of the TICAD process on the role of Africa’s Non State Actors > > II. Lobby and pursue advocacy strategy for the involvement and full participation of Africa’s Non State Actors in the TICAD process > > III. A CSO/NSA 2016 TICAD VI Declaration capturing the three priority pillars identified for TICAD VI > > > The workshop’s theme is “Engaging Non State Actors to Bring African Voices to the 2016 TICAD VI.’’ The main objective of the workshop is to accelerate coherent efforts and alignment of Africa’s development efforts to the TICAD process as the world embarks on the new Sustainable Development Goals. > > > Kindly confirm your participation with Florence Syevuo at flosyevuo(a)gmail.com <mailto:flosyevuo@gmail.com> and Ann Gitonga: kobia(a)pacja.org <mailto:kobia@pacja.org> at your earliest convenience. Attached find the invitation, concept note and tentative programme. > > We look forward to your presence and participation at the Workshop. > > Yours Sincerely, > > Florence > > > > -- > Florence Syevuo > National Coordinator | Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) -Kenya > Hosted by: DSW Kenya | Hatheru Road, Hatheru Court (Lavington) > Mobile: +254721848613 | www.sdgkenyaforum.org <http://www.sdgkenyaforum.org/> | www.whiteband.org <http://www.whiteband.org/> > > KENYA > > GCAP works at "Challenging the institutions and processes that perpetuate poverty and inequality across the world to defend and promote human rights, gender justice, social justice and security needed for survival and peace." >

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Fwd: [Internet Policy] Fwd: Announcing SIPA search: Fellow for Technology and Policy
by Barrack Otieno 07 Jun '16

07 Jun '16

Listers, For those in the diaspora (NYC) this might be of interest. Regards ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Joly MacFie <joly(a)punkcast.com> Date: Tue, Jun 7, 2016 at 2:38 AM Subject: [Internet Policy] Fwd: Announcing SIPA search: Fellow for Technology and Policy To: "internetpolicy(a)elists.isoc.org" <InternetPolicy(a)elists.isoc.org> FYI. This position is, of course, in NYC. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Dan McIntyre <dm2429(a)sipa.columbia.edu> Date: Mon, Jun 6, 2016 at 5:17 PM Subject: Announcing SIPA search: Fellow for Technology and Policy Dear all, SIPA is seeking a Fellow for Technology and Policy. Because of your interest in Technology and Policy we are sharing this position announcement with you. The announcement is attached and can also be found here: https://academicjobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=62860. We would *greatly* appreciate it if you would distribute this to those who might be interested in the position. I include below a short description of the position. Best wishes, Dan *Staff Associate (Officer of Research), Fellow for Technology and Policy* *School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University* Primary responsibilities include, in consultation with the Dean, Associate Dean and senior fellows/faculty, assisting in the design and support of policy‐relevant research and dialogue focusing on internet governance, cyber security and the digital economy. The position requires substantive knowledge and interest in the fields of cyber‐security, internet governance and digital technology; demonstrated experience organizing outreach activities, such as conferences or meetings; strong communication skills, including writing. Preferred candidates will be self‐motivated, flexible, diplomatic, creative, trustworthy, a good team player, and able to work effectively in a fast‐paced environment. The appointment will be for one year and is renewable, subject to mutual agreement. Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately and until a suitable candidate is identified. Please visit our online applications site at: https://academicjobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=62860 for further information about this position and to submit your application. -- --------------------------------------------------------------- Joly MacFie 218 565 9365 Skype:punkcast -------------------------------------------------------------- - _______________________________________________ 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 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Taming the (Internet) beasts
by Nanjira Sambuli 06 Jun '16

06 Jun '16

Taming the beasts | The Economist "Regulators still have much to learn about how to deal with platforms. But they have no choice but to get more expert. As Martin Bailey, who heads the commission’s efforts to create a single digital market, told the Lords committee: “There is hardly an area of economic and, arguably, social interaction these days that is left untouched by platforms in some way.” That is true far beyond the borders of Europe." Regards, Nanjira. Sent from my iPhone.

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Fwd: [Internet Policy] New UNSR report: Freedom of expression and the private sector in the digital age
by Barrack Otieno 06 Jun '16

06 Jun '16

Listers, This might be of interest to some. Regards ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Nicolas Seidler <seidler(a)isoc.org> Date: Mon, 6 Jun 2016 09:34:01 +0000 Subject: [Internet Policy] New UNSR report: Freedom of expression and the private sector in the digital age To: "internetpolicy(a)elists.isoc.org" <internetpolicy(a)elists.isoc.org> Dear all, I would like to draw your attention to the just-released new report by the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, David Kaye: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/FreedomOpinion/Pages/Privatesectorinthedigit… This new report covers a range of issues at the intersection of State action, the private sector and freedom of expression in the digital age. The Internet Society contributed to the elaboration of this report through submissions and physical consultations. While the present report mainly consists of a mapping and some recommendations on the enabling and restricting effects of private sector intervention on online expression (whether through their own policies or due to State demands), the Special Rapporteur has indicated areas of further focus for his next reports. This includes network shut-downs and filtering, content restrictions under terms of services and community standards, content hosting liability and Internet governance, among others. The report will be formally presented by the Special Rapporteur on 16 June during the Human Rights Council, in Geneva. The Internet Society will continue to engage and contribute to the Special Rapporteur’s mandate. Best regards, Nicolas ----------- Nicolas Seidler Senior Policy Advisor Internet Society seidler(a)isoc.org<mailto:seidler@isoc.org> -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Ghana Elections; THE ANTISOCIAL More African countries are blocking internet access during elections Written by Hilary Matfess
by Wangari Kabiru 06 Jun '16

06 Jun '16

http://us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=610c6c88d981c23e5c6638b14&id=688f9… Last week, Ghana, widely acknowledged as one of Africa’s role models for best democratic practice, caught democracy watchdogs off guard when the country’s police chief announced the government intends to shut down social media on voting day in November. The shutdown is to take place from 5 am to 7 pm “to ensure social media are not used to send misleading information that could destabilize the country.” While it is a surprise Ghana is making this move, it has become more common for several other African countries who haven’t been as courteous as to give voters notice before curtailing the use of social media and the right to free speech around elections. Read on!! Blessed week. Regards/Wangari #==== THE ANTISOCIAL More African countries are blocking internet access during elections By Hilary Matfess June 01, 2016 Some African voters are facing new types of free speech limits with social media blocks. (Reuters/Akintunde Akinleye) Last week, Ghana, widely acknowledged as one of Africa’s role models for best democratic practice, caught democracy watchdogs off guard when the country’s police chief announced the government intends to shut down social media on voting day in November. The shutdown is to take place from 5 am to 7 pm “to ensure social media are not used to send misleading information that could destabilize the country.” While it is a surprise Ghana is making this move, it has become more common for several other African countries who haven’t been as courteous as to give voters notice before curtailing the use of social media and the right to free speech around elections. Deji Olukotun of Internet freedom advocacy group Access Now, notes Ghana “was clearly looking to what other countries have done.” Citizens in Ethiopia, Congo, Chad, Uganda, and elsewhere have found elections are a particularly popular time to crack down on social media. Consider Uganda, which experienced its second social media shut down in three months in the days before president Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for his controversial fifth term. The previous time Ugandans faced a social media shutdown was on election day in February. People resorted to using virtual private networks to get round the restrictions to use Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp. While social media may seem frivolous to those in the West, these platforms have become a critical part of political mobilization in Africa. According to analysis, Twitter accounts from Africa tweet more about politics than accounts from other continents. It’s also widely recognized that the #BringBackOurGirls movement attracted unprecedented international attention and mobilized support throughout Nigeria and beyond to recognize the Boko Haram crisis in the country’s north east. Less well publicized is the role social media and the #NigeriaDecides hashtag played in helping the country to stage free and fair elections last year. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) encouraged citizens to use the hashtag to report on voting conditions across the country, to “ provide a check on the legitimacy of the … elections.” The 10,000 election observers across the country not only engaged in their traditional monitoring responsibilities, but also followed the social media posts to identify and address problems at polling stations. A report by Demos found that more than 12 million tweets about the Nigerian election were posted. Like in Kenya and South Africa, social media has continued to play an important role in Nigeria’s political landscape, where users express their support, outrage, and confusion over daily events and detail developments in the country. The frontlines in the fight to preserve free speech and promote democracy may just be the smartphones in the pockets of African voters. Leaders of other African countries seem to fear what they see as the destabilizing potential of this technology—and have sought to limit it. This attempt to stymie communication is hardly novel—traditional media outlets have long been subject to government censorship and control. In Uganda, for example, radio is the primary source of news for an estimated 90% of Ugandans and “a large number of radio stations … are owned by either government or local political leaders, who often simply threaten to fire journalists who step out of line .” Controlling the flow of information is an authoritarian tactic; while the stifling of social media may seem petty, it is a clear extension of an age-old pattern of repression into a new technological sphere. Countries that have limited social media have typically justified their suppression by citing ‘security concerns.’ Uganda’s recent blackout was justified on the grounds that visiting heads of state for the swearing in provided the opportunity for terrorist attacks, despite this threat being relatively limited and generally unconnected to the availability of social media. Similar logic was behind the temporary shutdown of telecommunications and the internet the day before the Congo-Brazzaville’s March presidential elections, for “ reasons of security and national safety. ” Ethiopia’s vast internet surveillance program and aggressive persecution is justified under the auspices of a counter-terrorism bill enacted in 2009. Couching the suppression of free speech in the language of national security not only makes it easier to imprison and intimidate activists, it also makes it more difficult for the international community to apply pressure for reform. In fact, in some circles, the seeming commitment to countering terrorist groups and bolstering national security makes these increasingly autocratic countries seem like valuable strategic partners on the sub-continent. Globally, governments and activists are grappling with the enormous opportunities that new media outlets present and are struggling to articulate what role these technologies should play in the political landscape. Access Now’s Olukotun notes that these sorts of crackdowns have tangible economic ramifications; he asserts that they’re “a blunt instrument that hurts everyone.” By tracing the decline in mobile money transactions—popular across Sub-Saharan Africa—Access Now estimates that Uganda lost $25 million on election day. Olukotun underlines that this is just the baseline economic impact, emphasizing that $25 million is just a “ballpark figure—it’s not even looking at the knock on effects of shutting down communication.” Though this debate is ongoing, complex, and contentious, it is critical that we not allow autocratic governments to curtail the right to free speech on these platforms — citing amorphous security concerns without evidence of a tangible threat cannot be tolerated.

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Re: [kictanet] Fwd: TCRA to enforce use of .tz domain names
by Wangari Kabiru 04 Jun '16

04 Jun '16

Blessed Saturday! I would appreciate insights here in light of this TZ position. Such a requirement, might; a. It be aligned to nationalism; buy Kenya, build Kenya (herein TZ) Brand Kenya promotion too b. Does a .KE give greater control to law enforcement e.g incase of email trail investigations, money trail or such. Or it doesn't matter whether .COM, .NZ c. Would this possibly make the .KE at some point to become a freebie when you register a business in Kenya - incentive d. The global space and business is now virtual. In attempting to quantify the import-export values virtually, what is the revenue paid out for the non .KE domains annually. What would be retained if they were .KE? Thank you for the enlightenment. Blessed weekend. Regards/WangariOn Jun 3, 2016 10:40, Ali Hussein via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > > Listers > > Interesting developments from our neighbors. Something to emulate or should we leave the choice to enterprise and individuals? > > Ali Hussein > Principal > Hussein & Associates > +254 0713 601113 > > Twitter: @AliHKassim > > Skype: abu-jomo > > LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim > > > > "Discovery consists in seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought". ~ Albert Szent-Györgyi > > Sent from my iPad > > Begin forwarded message: > >> From: "Mohsin from Extreme Web Technologies Ltd" <support(a)extremewebtechnologies.com> >> Date: 3 June 2016 at 10:12:00 AM EAT >> To: "Ali Hussein" <Ali.Hussein(a)Campusciti.com> >> Subject: TCRA to enforce use of .tz domain names >> Reply-To: "Mohsin from Extreme Web Technologies Ltd" <support(a)extremewebtechnologies.com> >> >> Hi Ali >> >> Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) published a public notice in the Daily News on 1st June, 2016 that reminds us that all business entities registered in the country should have and use dot(.) tz domain names. >> >> The notice stated that this requirement is in order to comply with the regulatory requirements and to contribute to the national revenue. However, the notice does not give a deadline to do so or limit the use of other domain endings. Therefore we assume that if you own a .com, .net, .org, or any other domain ending then you are required to register a respective .tz domain name. >> >> Extreme Web Technologies is the top performing accredited registrar of tzNIC. The price of domain registration for .TZ is TZS 25,000/- per annum. If you are using a .com, .net, .org or any other extensions, please get in touch with us so we can assist you to acquire your .TZ domain and setup the redirections if required. You can continue using your current domain name for your email communications. >> >> Here is the full public notice as published by the Daily News: >> >> >> >> Best Regards, >> Mohsin Sumar,&nbs

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the-blockchain-opportunity-in-africa-ideas-concepts-implementation/
by Wangari Kabiru 04 Jun '16

04 Jun '16

bithub.co.ke/2016/05/15/the-blockchain-opportunity-in-africa-ideas-concepts-implementation/ Still following this conversation elsewhere. The highlights of the report launch and the July report by the Bithub Africa guys we discovered may interest you. Blessed day. Regards/Wangari

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