March 2019 - KICTANet

Re: [kictanet] New Cabinet - Wish List ?
by Barrack Otieno 18 Jul '24

18 Jul '24

Listers, This is indeed good news. We have a lot of hope in Mucheru and Victor Kyalo industry veterans who have indeed worked their way through the trenches. Most importantly we hope to see the return of a multi stakeholder form of engagement in the sector which we have been yearning for in a while. I think as a sector we might need to prepare a wish list for our new leaders and most importantly commit to work with them towards achieving their mandate. The reshuffle is timely still it comes at the end of the year and will allow us to start 2016 on a new slate. Thank you Best Regards On 11/24/15, GG via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > +1 Grace. > > Sending them positive energy! And glad that the two were among the KICTANet > founders. > Rgds. > > --- Original Message --- > > From: "Grace Mutung'u (Bomu) via kictanet" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Sent: 24 November 2015 22:35 > To: ggithaiga(a)hotmail.com > Cc: "Grace Mutung'u (Bomu)" <nmutungu(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] New Cabinet > > One of the issues (I think issue no.3) in the President's speech was > accessibility of leaders to wananchi. With Joe and Kyalo I think we shall > have better ears. > > Congratulations! > > May they pass the vetting. > > Regards, > On 24 Nov 2015 21:29, "Evans Ikua via kictanet" < > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > >> @Ngigi you are right. But in the current dispensation, a CS is still >> expected to be a technocrat, as opposed to the days of yore when minister >> was politician. So they will both be at home in their respective >> positions. >> Especially Victor as the accounting officer with his many years in >> government. That's the right position. >> >> Evans >> On Nov 24, 2015 9:17 PM, "Waithaka Ngigi" <ngigi(a)at.co.ke> wrote: >> >>> Evans, >>> >>> Joe Mucheru & Victor Kyalo are old hands in. KE ICT. Both have been >>> entrepreneurs and then at some point moved on to various ventures. So we >>> shouldn't go wrong ‎with either. >>> >>> However, what's the better fit? Mucheru at CS, Victor at PS or the other >>> way round? Victor CS, Mucheru PS? >>> >>> Waithaka Ngigi >>> >>> Alliance Technologies >>> www.at.co.ke >>> *From: *Evans Ikua via kictanet >>> *Sent: *Tuesday, November 24, 2015 8:50 PM >>> *To: *Ngigi Waithaka >>> *Reply To: *KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions >>> *Cc: *Evans Ikua >>> *Subject: *Re: [kictanet] New Cabinet >>> >>> Congrats Hon Joe! That's a great choice for the ICT industry. Well out >>> H.E. >>> >>> Ikua >>> On Nov 24, 2015 8:45 PM, "waudo siganga via kictanet" < >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: >>> >>>> Congratulations to Joe Mucheru! >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> 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/ikua.evans%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. >>>> >>> >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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/nmutungu%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. >> > -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/

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KICTANet Preliminary Observations on Technology Deployment in Kenya’s General Election 2017
by Grace Githaiga 17 Sep '20

17 Sep '20

Listers Greetings. Please find attached an interim report on KICTANet's observation on the technology deployment of the electoral process from a user end perspective. We are working an elaborate report and will share in due course. We thank all our observers and all members who contributed to all the discussions on the topic of technology use in the elections. Best regards Githaiga, Grace Co-Convenor Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) Twitter:@ggithaiga Tel: 254722701495 Skype: gracegithaiga Alternate email: ggithaiga(a)hotmail.com<mailto:ggithaiga@hotmail.com> Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegithaiga www.kictanet.or.ke "Change only happens when ordinary people get involved, get engaged and come together to demand it. I am asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change – but in yours"---Barrack Obama. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grace Githaiga Twitter: @ggithaiga Skype: gracegithaiga Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegithaiga ...the most important office in a democracy is the citizen. So, you see, that’s what our democracy demands. It needs you!----Barrack Obama.

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Mesh Networks in South Africa
by Joash Moitui 17 Sep '19

17 Sep '19

Dear all, Innovative mesh networks in South Africa are connecting the connected for less than $2 a month. https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-africa-47723967/internet-access-in-africa… Could this be the solution for connecting thousands in rural Kenya? Best, Joash Moitui ~Sent from mobile device. Apologies for brevity and typos ~

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In America’s indictment of Huawei some conversations...
by Ali Hussein 02 Jul '19

02 Jul '19

Listers As an ICT Policy practitioner and avid follower of #GeoPolitics the #HuaweiDebacle has great interest to me. Recently our CS ICT, Joseph Mucheru tasked ATU to probe alleged security risks on Huawei and ZTE Equipment. In America’s indictment of Huawei Technologies some interesting conversations:- 1. The Global Cop routine is sort of wearing thin and portraying it not as a force for good but as a bully. 2. Are Chinese companies so dependent on America that a ban by America can kill them? The case of the almost collapse of ZTE Corporation is instructive.. Only a surprise last minute reprieve from #TheDonald saved it from total collapse. 3. Could Huawei Technologies survive a ban by America? Intel Corporation, Seagate Technology and Qualcomm are major suppliers to Huawei Technologies. How will this affect their ability to deliver cutting edge technology to their customers? This last point brings me to wonder how much of the Chinese Technology renaissance is dependent on America? Read on and follow the conversation on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6496196045268090880 Ali Hussein Principal AHK & Associates +254 0713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit." ~ Aristotle Sent from my iPad

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Save the Date: the Kenya Internet Governance Forum 2018 (July 19, 2018)
by Grace Githaiga 25 Jun '19

25 Jun '19

Listers Greetings! This is to let you know that the Kenya Internet Governance Forum 2018 is planned to take place on Thursday July 19, 2018. I will send a call shortly to invite volunteers to help in organizing the forum. The organising committee lead by Victor Kapiyo (he will Chair for the 2nd term) will share further details on venue, topics, speakers with us as the process evolves. Looking forward to seeing as many of you on that day. Best regards Githaiga, Grace Co-Convenor Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) Twitter:@ggithaiga Tel: 254722701495 Skype: gracegithaiga Alternate email: ggithaiga(a)hotmail.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegithaiga www.kictanet.or.ke "Change only happens when ordinary people get involved, get engaged and come together to demand it. I am asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change – but in yours"---Barrack Obama.

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Re: [kictanet] ict practitioners bill is back
by Ali Hussein 02 May '19

02 May '19

Dear Bwana CS KICTANet NEVER asked KEPSA to handle engagements on our behalf. We engaged KEPSA to work as a team. Period. Never, did we abdicate our responsibilities to KEPSA because we are not KEPSA members. If KEPSA gave you that belief then I'm afraid that you were misled. And KEPSA should apologise for misleading you. *Ali Hussein* *Principal* *Hussein & Associates* Tel: +254 713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim> 13th Floor , Delta Towers, Oracle Wing, Chiromo Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya. Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with. On Sun, Dec 17, 2017 at 4:53 PM, Joseph Mucheru via kictanet < kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > Ali Hussein, > > This is the reason I keep off this list. You are calling me a liar and yet > your team asked KEPSA to handle the engagements in this matter. > > With all respect going forward let's follow the agreed engagements between > government and private sector. > > Ahsante Sana! > > JM > > > On 17 Dec 2017 11:17, "Ali Hussein via kictanet" < > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > > Bwana CS > > With all due respect. You are a senior government official and shouldn’t > peddle untruths. > > KICTANet HAS NEVER BEEN PART OF KEPSA. > > We have collaborated only once on the ICT BIll. Most of us don’t believe > KEPSA is representative of the wider ICT Industry. > > We welcome dialogue with your ministry and KEPSA on this. We are happy to > be included in the conversation. We however CANNOT endorse a dialogue and > discussions we are not party to. > > *Ali Hussein* > *Principal* > *Hussein & Associates* > +254 0713 601113 <+254%20713%20601113> > > Twitter: @AliHKassim > > Skype: abu-jomo > > LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim > > "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a > habit." ~ Aristotle > > > Sent from my iPad > > On 17 Dec 2017, at 9:04 AM, Julius Njiraini via kictanet < > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > > Digital forensic expert is involved in investigation of fraud, abuse, > embezzlement, larceny, conversion of any digital device, records and > process. The report is supposed to be presented in courtroom and testify as > expert witness. He is also supposed to corroborate evidence with other > segment of crime scene using relevant laws including evidence act, criminal > procedures code and cyber crime laws as best international laws in other > countries > On Dec 17, 2017 8:32 AM, "Julius Njiraini" <njiraini2001(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> Thanks for your enlightenment. Am just concerned about new emerging >> fields like information security and forensics which is mainly concerned >> with digital cyber crime and evidence presentation in courtroom. These is >> especially concerns for computer security and forensics professionals >> On Dec 17, 2017 6:12 AM, "Joseph Mucheru via kictanet" < >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: >> >>> The absence of dialogue and relying on media reports is a recipe for >>> discord. The current views, sentiments and concerns raised in the group are >>> justified only because there is no dialogue. Kicktanet is part of KEPSA >>> <https://kepsa.or.ke> who we are in constant dialogue even on this >>> topic. Going forward, the need to dialogue through the agreed channels is >>> key; >>> >>> So let me try and give a position on where we are; >>> >>> - I did state that we will need a Practitioners Bill and even >>> clarified to media it would not be the current one >>> - There is currently NO Bill in parliament. The last one lapsed and >>> we would need to start afresh >>> - The bill identified a need/gap in our sector that requires some >>> action, especially since ICT is at the heart of the Governments development >>> agenda >>> - The Industry was opposed with the method/solutions proposed by the >>> Bill but not the fact there is a gap >>> - Other Industries have self regulating bodies and if our sector is >>> to grow, we need to get organised and set this up. Why should government >>> have to do it? >>> - We are exporting our skills regionally and internationally and a >>> need to standardise and demonstrate our skills is key. This is because we >>> are not working in isolation, we are competing with other countries and >>> Kenya must be able to demonstrate consistent and quality skills -- today we >>> are blacklisted on various online jobs platforms because of a few bad >>> apples, while we know we have some of the best talents, we are also losing >>> tenders and business because we have not conformed to specific >>> international standards and so the rating of our products/services falls >>> short. (KBS is working on the standards) >>> >>> And for the accusations... >>> >>> - It was a private members bill and not sponsored by Government (We >>> opposed it in its current form - you know that, otherwise google it). >>> - Responding to questions from the sector does not amount to a >>> "roadside decision", considering the level of engagement we have had on >>> this issue >>> - The Government is there to serve the people of Kenya and not just >>> the sector in isolation >>> - Skills Rating systems used by platforms such as Kuhastle.com, >>> upwork.com., cloudfactory.com, monster.com..etc are examples of ways >>> people are able to build and demonstrate skills both technical and otherwise >>> - I have had engagements on this topic with KEPSA (ICT Sector >>> Committee <https://kepsa.or.ke/sector-comittees/>) - Mike Macharia >>> being the Chair >>> - I saw in social media many of you opposed to ICTAK >>> <http://www.ictak.or.ke/> being enjoined in the supreme court >>> presidential petition, but none came out (Kicktanet included) to >>> support/represent the sector, which was at the heart of the dispute. At the >>> very least ICTAK <http://www.ictak.or.ke/> was willing to come >>> forward. >>> - Similar to the Law Society, The Supreme Court should have chosen >>> the ICT experts from the ICT Industry body? >>> >>> My advice would be for the sector to take the lead and suggest how this >>> need/gap of* "SKILLS RATING" standards etc.. *can be addressed. We are >>> on the same side. If industry does not take the lead, then Government will >>> step in. As it stands, industry has various bodies and you need to agree on >>> how to engage amongst yourselves. We are going to be successful and so let >>> us push in the same direction. >>> >>> Finally, today the official engagement between government and the ICT >>> sector is through KEPSA <https://kepsa.or.ke/> . (KICTAnet, TESPOK, >>> KITOS etc.. are members and even when we engaged on the ICT Practitioners >>> bill, the sector was represented by KEPSA, when we met MPs). >>> >>> The last discussion on Tuesday 14th December 2017 between KEPSA and the >>> Ministry covered the following topics; >>> >>> 1. ICT Policy >>> 2. Kick-off Industry meetings >>> 3. Bills / Opinions - ICT Practitioners Bill >>> 4. PDTP <http://icta.go.ke/digitalent/> + Ajira Digital >>> <http://ajiradigital.go.ke/> (Jobs) >>> 5. Flagship Projects >>> 6. Constituency Development Hubs >>> <http://www.ict.go.ke/constituency-to-get-an-innovation-hub/> >>> 7. ICTA Engagement with Counties >>> 8. Enterprise Kenya >>> 9. Blockchain >>> >>> Thank you! >>> >>> On Sun, Dec 17, 2017 at 3:07 AM, Andrew Alston via kictanet < >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: >>> >>>> Hi All, >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> So – having seen an article in the standardmedia in which elements of >>>> what I stated below were quoted – and to which there seem to have been >>>> responses – I now need to comment further: >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> (Article found at: https://www.standardmedia.co.k >>>> e/business/article/2001263257/techies-oppose-move-to-introdu >>>> ce-new-ict-watchdog) >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> *Mucheru, however, denies that the Bill will lock out experts without >>>> formal training insisting the reverse will be the case. “This Bill will >>>> benefit the people who have been working in technical capacity for years >>>> but have not acquired certificates,” he explained. “If they can demonstrate >>>> their proficiency to the Institute then they can get certified and widen >>>> the scope of jobs they can bid or apply for.” * >>>> >>>> So – I have a question – What will be the method of demonstrating >>>> proficiency and how will this be tested – and what will it cost – and how >>>> long will it take. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Now – let me break the questions down a bit >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> 1. The ICT field is vast – are you going to test proficiency in >>>> programming? In networking? In security? In database administration? In >>>> desktop support? In Linux? Freebsd? Microsoft? Solaris? AIX? What is the >>>> test going to be – and who is going to administer these tests >>>> 2. What makes an industry body more capable of testing proficiency >>>> than Cisco, Juniper, Huawei or any of the other vendors – the bill does * >>>> *NOT** cater for industry standard certification outside of formal >>>> education – it simply is not in there – and if you are not going to accept >>>> these and are going to have this industry body determine proficiency – we >>>> need to know how this will be done and how the people testing proficiency >>>> will be qualified to do it – and in what fields they are qualified to test >>>> proficiency. >>>> 3. What is the cost of this testing of proficiency – does an >>>> individual who has certified as a CCIE at the cost of thousands – and in >>>> some cases tens of thousands – of dollars suddenly need to pay more to >>>> demonstrate something that he has clearly already demonstrated? Who will it >>>> be paid for? How will the money be utilized? Will this be included in the >>>> license fee for the first year? Or will this suddenly cost extra so >>>> someone can make some money? >>>> 4. How does does it take to “demonstrate proficiency” – and if I >>>> bring in someone from outside to train my staff in a new field of >>>> technology – is he going to be made to sit some kind of exam? Or pay some >>>> kind of fee before he can upskill Kenyans? Because – lets be real – that is >>>> not going to happen – it will be the death of bringing in people to impart >>>> knowledge. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Let me be blunt – more than half the authors of the RFC’s within the >>>> IETF would not qualify under the bill as it stands – this means they would >>>> have to “demonstrate” their proficiency – despite the fact that they have >>>> their names on Internet standards – and if people expect these individuals >>>> to sit exams or prove to people that they know what they are doing – >>>> despite the knowledge having been clearly demonstrated (which is why they >>>> are being flown in in the first place, to train Kenyans in skills that are >>>> not available in the country so that those Kenyans can continue to further >>>> upskill and lift up the industry) – you can kiss goodbye to having cutting >>>> edge people coming into this country – it simply won’t happen – and it will >>>> be Kenya that loses out. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Then to comment on this: >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> *Mucheru adds that the Government has held several engagements with >>>> practitioners in the sector on the provisions of the Bill. * >>>> >>>> Correct – there was massive engagement – and the bill was largely >>>> defeated after the industry said it was broken – after people on this list >>>> said it was broken – after it was slammed left right and centre – so yes – >>>> there was engagement – but the article is wrong about the fact that the >>>> engagement agreed that this bill in its current form was a good idea or >>>> represented the correct solution. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> *“There was consensus that we need to establish a professional body to >>>> regulate the industry,” he said. * >>>> >>>> I have no problem with the concept of a professional body – I have >>>> major problems with forcing a situation where people who have potentially >>>> decades of experience have to suddenly “prove” their skills via some >>>> entirely undefined means at some undefined cost to a bunch of people who >>>> may or may not have anywhere close to the experience or knowledge of the >>>> person being tested. If we said that we had a professional body that people >>>> could register to – and they needed to be registered – and in the event of >>>> *substantiated* complaints the individual could be deregistered and >>>> blacklisted – I would have no problem. It is the arbitrary and >>>> unsubstantiated and undefined criteria for registration that I take >>>> exception to – and that I believe could result in expensive legal >>>> challenges. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Please – do not get me wrong – I do not begrudge anyone who has a >>>> desire to genuinely root out the bad apples and clean up the industry and >>>> remove scam artists and fraudsters. I think that is a noble and pure >>>> objective that should be pursued. I however dispute the fact that this >>>> bill is the right way to go about it – and I dispute the fact that >>>> university degrees have anything to do with competence in this industry – >>>> particularly with the rate that technology evolves – because an individual >>>> doing a 3 year degree who is learning specific technologies in his first >>>> year – by the time he graduates – those technologies are history – and when >>>> he walks into the industry – he is having to self study it all again >>>> ANYWAY. Let me give you examples of technologies that did not exist a year >>>> ago in any real form: >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> 1. Segment routing – the foundation of network routing going >>>> forward and the replacement to MPLS – how do I know this – because I’ve had >>>> my hands in crafting the specifications and doing a lot of the beta testing >>>> for it – so who is going to test proficiency here – it changes the game – >>>> and the only people qualified to teach it – or gauge the proficiency in it >>>> – do not themselves qualify under this bill to be registered. >>>> 2. Network telemetry processing – first introduced in limited form >>>> in Q3 2015 – and only now becoming main stream – but within a year of it >>>> being main stream – it will replace standard network monitoring entirely – >>>> who is going to teach that with a university degree? >>>> 3. Which university degree teaches BGP? BGP-LU? ISIS? Network >>>> segmentation? IPv6 addressing? >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> The list is endless – these are things that cannot be learnt through a >>>> degree – they are learnt through industry standard certification or >>>> self-skilling by reading documentation. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> So, Mr Mucheru – please – do not read me wrong – I have tremendous >>>> respect for the regulator in this country – and it is testament to how well >>>> the Kenyan industry and the regulatory environment here works that today – >>>> Kenya has higher average mobile broadband speeds than either the US or >>>> South Africa or a lot of other places. It is testament to the regulatory >>>> environment here that we have the high-speed networks we do – and that the >>>> pricing is as low as it is – because the industry is competitive and open >>>> and innovative. This list of things the regulator has gotten right in this >>>> country is long - I do however plead with you, the bill as it stands would >>>> break the industry that all of us – yourself – myself – and so many others >>>> have worked so hard to build. I am NOT against a professional body – I am >>>> NOT against formalizing things – but I beg you – do not walk down the road >>>> of this current bill in its current form – it will be death to this >>>> industry in this country. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Andrew Alston >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> *From: *Andrew Alston <Andrew.Alston(a)liquidtelecom.com> >>>> *Date: *Monday, 4 December 2017 at 01:24 >>>> *To: *KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >>>> *Cc: *Liz Wanjiru <lizwanjiru(a)gmail.com> >>>> *Subject: *RE: [kictanet] ict practitioners bill is back >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> I have to say – personally I cannot think of a worse piece of >>>> legislation that I have seen in recent history. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Let us look at the net effects of this and the problems with it: >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> 1. Large companies bring in consultants or external people where >>>> necessary to supplement capacity, to train and upskill Kenyan staff etc, >>>> while those guys are here, even for a week or two, they are compensated, >>>> and my reading of this bill is – this would be illegal – because you’d have >>>> to get every consultant you bring in accredited and licensed first – which >>>> is impractical in the extreme >>>> 2. The list of highly skilled people with 20+ years experience who >>>> would not qualify for accreditation under this bill is extensive, globally >>>> and within Kenya – this bill completely stops any form of knowledge >>>> transfer from those individuals and in fact will force a situation where >>>> Kenyan’s who wish to learn from some of the biggest names in the industry >>>> would be forced to go internationally to get that knowledge, rather than >>>> bringing those people in to train locally >>>> 3. It forces Kenyans who have spent years learning and honing their >>>> skills without university qualifications out of work and could well result >>>> in large scale job losses looking at the number of highly skilled >>>> individuals I know of who are working without qualifications >>>> 4. It prevents private companies from making what are normal >>>> business decisions – who they hire and who they pay. That is problematic >>>> in the extreme – in any normal situation if a private company hires staff >>>> that don’t perform – those staff either get fired or the market rejects the >>>> company and the company disappears – standard market dynamics – in this >>>> case – if a company finds extremely talented people they may be forced into >>>> a position where they have to hire less skilled people because someone >>>> can’t meet some accreditation requirement. >>>> 5. The bill has no recognition of prior experience – no recognition >>>> of those who have published papers and are world recognized experts – does >>>> not specify what the “recognized” universities are – does not take into >>>> account industry standard certification (CISSP/CCNA/CCIE/CCDP/JNCIE/JNCIP/JNCIA, >>>> the list is endless) >>>> 6. May well end up in the constitutional court when it deprives a >>>> host of people who have spent their lives working in this industry and have >>>> no other options for a career of the ability to earn a living >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> The bill relies on the belief that a university qualification some how >>>> makes you better than those without – it’s reasoning that has been >>>> disproved globally for years and years and years – and it flies in the face >>>> of the global industry and the way the ICT industry has worked since the >>>> day it began. It is damaging to the industry in Kenya – it is damaging to >>>> the growth prospects of the economy as a result – it is damaging to the >>>> people of Kenya – and it will destroy the position that Kenya is in as one >>>> of the leaders of the ICT industry on the continent (Kenya already has the >>>> highest average broadband speeds on the continent and significantly better >>>> ICT infrastructure than you will find even in South Africa – it is doing so >>>> well – why break a system that is proving functional?) >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> I really hope this does not pass – and if it does – will be curious to >>>> see the court challenges and how they play out – but I think this is >>>> madness personally – and in the name of stopping a few bad individuals – >>>> penalizes the entire country and will destroy an industry that employs >>>> thousands. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Andrew >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> *From:* kictanet [mailto:kictanet-bounces+andrew.alston= >>>> liquidtelecom.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke] *On Behalf Of *Liz Wanjiru via >>>> kictanet >>>> *Sent:* 04 December 2017 06:43 >>>> *To:* Andrew Alston <Andrew.Alston(a)liquidtelecom.com> >>>> *Cc:* Liz Wanjiru <lizwanjiru(a)gmail.com> >>>> *Subject:* Re: [kictanet] ict practitioners bill is back >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Hi, >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> While trying to push such laws shouldn't they be looking at >>>> credentialing people without formal ICT schooling but have the experience, >>>> knowledge and skills to back them? These people have talent and positively >>>> contribute in the industry. Some countries have learning institutions >>>> credentialing professionals based on their body of work and so long as they >>>> can demonstrate this they are awarded the degrees or other government >>>> approved certifications. Here is an example of such >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Link >>>> <http://www.ara.ac.nz/study-options/centre-for-assessment-of-prior-learning-…> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Liz >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Mon, Dec 4, 2017 at 3:18 PM, Ahmed Mohamed Maawy via kictanet < >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: >>>> >>>> I wonder how some of the ground breaking technology companies - such as >>>> for instance Google Kenya, can operate if this bill is passed. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Sun, Dec 3, 2017 at 4:57 PM, Watila Alex via kictanet < >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: >>>> >>>> EricKigada: Kenya’s controversial ICT Practitioners Bill 2016 to be tabled in parliament again >>>> >>>> techmoran.com/kenyas-controv… >>>> >>>> https://twitter.com/EricKigada/status/937309893954031616 >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android >>>> <https://overview.mail.yahoo.com/mobile/?.src=Android> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> kictanet mailing list >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>> Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet >>>> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ >>>> >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/m >>>> ailman/options/kictanet/ultimateprogramer%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. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> >>>> *Ahmed Maawy* >>>> Head of Corporate Products - Al Jazeera Media Network >>>> Skype: ultimateprogramer >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> kictanet mailing list >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>> Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet >>>> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ >>>> >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/m >>>> ailman/options/kictanet/lizwanjiru%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. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Kind Regards >>>> >>>> Liz Wanjiru >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> kictanet mailing list >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>> Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet >>>> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ >>>> >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/m >>>> ailman/options/kictanet/joe%40mucheru.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. >>>> >>>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Joseph Mucheru E.G.H >>> *Cabinet Secretary* >>> Ministry of Information Communications & Technology (ICT) >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet >>> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ >>> >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/m >>> ailman/options/kictanet/njiraini2001%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. >>> >>> _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ > > Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/m > ailman/options/kictanet/info%40campusciti.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. > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ > > Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/m > ailman/options/kictanet/joe%40mucheru.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. > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ > > Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ > mailman/options/kictanet/info%40alyhussein.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. > >

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Konza City is now 10 years old
by Odhiambo Washington 08 Apr '19

08 Apr '19

Hello listers, Does anyone know what activities are going on at the famed Konza City or it's one of those big white elephants?? Brian Gitonga Marete <https://www.facebook.com/marete?__tn__=%2CdlC-R-R&eid=ARDI1jSnyu5oBA5420Rmu…> shared a post <https://www.facebook.com/jaylaan11/posts/10219010532593216>. 12 hrs <https://www.facebook.com/marete/posts/10156427390174934> · It was obvious that Konza City was a con job from the get go. Concentrations of industrial excellence do not sprout up suddenly just because physical buildings and infrastructure are around. That is not the bottleneck, and anyone can provide that. The real battles of realizing something like the proposed Konza city are elsewhere. <https://www.facebook.com/jaylaan11/posts/10219010532593216?__tn__=%2CdH-R-R…> -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254 7 3200 0004/+254 7 2274 3223 "Oh, the cruft.", grep ^[^#] :-)

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Modernizing Tertiary Education - some ideas
by Jimmy Gitonga 05 Apr '19

05 Apr '19

Greetings Patrick, I saved this for the weekend so that I can reflect on it as I read it carefully. I almost shed tears at how good and elaborate the ideas you have proposed are. Thank you. Last week, I met a PhD holder who has lectured for more than a decade as a senior lecturer with no hope of progressing to professorship. Why? Today, to be considered for associate professorship in a Kenyan university, you must supervise two PhD seekers and four master’s degree students, working through their thesis. This was made necessary because oft times, a PhD candidate would submit his work to the supervisor who would then sit on it, since it did not affect the supervisor’s career prospects. However, now my “Dr.” friend is in a discipline that is not attracting a lot of research and thus PhD candidates. The few he has had to deal with try to push shoddy work, believing that he would stoop low and pass the work since he “needs” his professorship. He is resigned to the fact that though he is producing fresh knowledge that is being published outside the country, on the continent and beyond, he now seeks to retire from academia and pursue other literary interests. I contrasted his path with mine; non-stop learning, education delivered high speed on the Internet, designing and developing web software with no end in demand in sight. I just have to keep my mind sharp and eyes open for relevant technologies that are applicable in Kenya and Africa as a whole. My path was the non-standard one and for a long time my PhD friend use to worry for me. Now I am worried for him and for all the ones taking that “normal” path. Recently, I heard of a young “mechanic” who repairs the now electronic cars. Think of the latest Range Rovers. I was told that the cheapest he charges for a “look-see” of a car is 2,500/-. It hit me. That is what an chest specialist charges. TVET is going to be the way to go. Finland has the best offer in this area - http://www.euroeducation.net/prof/finco.htm <http://www.euroeducation.net/prof/finco.htm>. And I have not even discussed IoT. Best Regards, Jimmy Gitonga Lead, Design and Development at Afroshok LinkedIn: Jimmy Gitonga | Twitter: @Afrowave ______________________________________ > On 28 Mar 2019, at 11:05 PM, kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke wrote: > > Greetings Listers, > The world is changing very rapidly and things that the older generations took for granted no longer apply. There are no jobs waiting for students when they graduate - that era ended decades ago (I believe in the 70s and early 80s). Yet, for some reason, academia appears to be stuck in time, doing things that no longer make sense. > > Here are some thoughts / ideas on what can be done to reform and rescue our tertiary education sector. (PhD holders might be interested in debating point No. 6. - is it too harsh or the right approach in principle? HR Policy practitioners might be interested in point No. 5..): > > 1. There is need for Government to strategically position TVETs and Universities as direct implementers of Vision 2030 and Big 4 objectives. Example - academia role should include creating sustainable jobs directly, and taking measures to guarantee high employment of graduates; instead of mechanically preparing our young people for jobs that may, or may not exist, then leaving them trapped in debt. > > 2. Expand CUE mandate to cover TVETs (as Commission for Tertiary Education); and then Implement a Universal Credit Accumulation and Transfer System - that creates multiple pathways *of equal status* towards higher qualifications (i.e. including transferable credits for TVET education and/or credits for demonstrable on-the-job / startup experience). This calls for a national skills mapping database that is derived from, and/or supports strategic national objectives (as outlined in vision 2030 & Big 4 master-plans). Accelerate regional accreditation to leverage intra-Africa synergies in view of AfCFTA. > > 3. Require *all* form 4 / grade x leavers to first attend TVETs for at least 2 years to gain hands-on technical skills for real world self-sufficiency, before they (i.e. those who wish to do so) attend university. Rationale: We need to keep our eye on the goal. The goal of education, imo,is not to create "paper churning, hands-off, intellectual elites" who lack real-world-relevant skills, but to create a competent, grounded, hands-on, innovative and future-proofed workforce that is capable of applying knowledge by making or doing things that help solve, in tangible and measurable ways, very specific challenges faced by our country (primarily) or to help solve global problems in a way that primarily and tangibly benefits our country (enhancing our global brand / jobs creation / high-value exports / attracting high quality FDI etc). > > 4. De-eliticize university education by creating high-value technical specialist pathways via TVETs (for high paying jobs and societal status / recognition). This would temper the belief held by the general public that a university degree is the only path to success and social mobility / status. > > 5. Employers to emphasize and primarily rely on real-world achievements for competence signalling - rather than relying on academic papers. For example, job advertisements should stop asking for academic qualifications. This is a pointless, tick-box requirement that only creates a market for "River Road degrees". > > For regulated roles, like medicine or engineering, having a valid practicing license should be a sufficient indicator of academic achievement as the license (hopefully) cannot be issued without verification of the required academic background. > > We now have the indigenous capacity to implement competency-based hiring painlessly with technology (e.g. via ongoing programs of supervised, automated technical screening assessments to create a national pool of vetted job candidates - which incidentally would eliminate a lot of wastefully redundant HR activities - at macro level). Hopefully tenderpreneurs / MNC lobbyists will not hijack and subvert this idea. Shindwe! :-) > > Incidentally implementing the above suggestion will reduce incentives for cheating or cram & dump learning. > > 6. Using policy and regulation to strictly limit career pathways for PhD holders such that they primarily engage in research and academia. Government and corporations should stop hiring PhD holders for full-time administrative roles, for example. It is wasteful, short-sighted and counterproductive (considering the massive resources expended to educate people to that level, as well as the need to productively leverage the intellectual potential of earned PhD holders as a super-scarce resource in Africa). > > PhD holders should be primarily dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge for the benefit of our country - and they should be rewarded very well for it and accorded top societal honors / as well as status (so they are not tempted to seek jobs that do not develop / challenge their intellectual abilities / potential). > > The only exception would be for very specific, short term, high-impact, research-reliant-projects or initiatives with very precise and highly specialized objectives, where exceptionally high levels of real expertise is needed. > > The PhD designation should have (3-5) designation levels that signify real-world achievement at post-doctorate level. PhD holders, other than retirees, who wish to permanently engage in non-research work (or work that can be done by Masters / Bachelors degree holders) should be required to permanently relinquish their PhD qualification and lose the "Dr." designation. > > There needs to be a distinctive high-status designation for non-academic honorary doctorates e.g. "Exceptional Life Achiever Degree" with the title "Lx." in recognition of non-academic transformational achievements with high societal impact. > > 7. Academic institutions should form corporations to engage in intellectual property businesses for profit (e.g. IP licensing / manufacturing & distribution) to raise research funds. This requires a pragmatic expansion of institutional mandate as well as strengthening and contextualizing the indigenous IP framework. > > 8. Pedagogy should be driven by a projects-based learning paradigm with deep integration of learning and real-world work. Removing artificial (and retrogressive) boundaries or demarcations between industry and academia: > > > a. Why should learners first graduate before they can start working? This is a mindset problem. Does it make sense to have schoolwork and employment / MSME startups kept separate (yet they are complementary and interdependent)? > > b. Why allow someone without real-world paid work (not industrial attachment, but a real job or real MSME startup experience) to graduate? > > c. Why can't students learn and gain academic credits on the job (doing real, paid work for someone or in their own startups)? > > d.? Why ask our children to choose the projects they want to work on without setting a strategic real-world context that is mapped to real world goals (e.g. Big 4) and real career prospects. Projects-based learning can solve this - with emphasis on projects that can create sustainable wealth for the country (sold to regional governments or the consumer public). > > > > We need to train a generation of self-starters who can survive by creating their own opportunities - irrespective of the economy or jobs market. > > Students should incorporate real startups (with seed funding from Government) during 2nd year - to make and sell products that solve real-world problems in our country / region - and then earn transferable academic credits for demonstrable experience. > > Employers like Government, MSMEs and corporations can embed academia into the workplace by adopting an apprenticeship approach in partnership with Universities and TVETs to hire 2nd year students and assign them to projects that enable them to earn "on-job learning credits". > > By the time they graduate, at least 99% ought to be gainfully employed (or running real businesses). This is how you tackle poverty and unemployment in a sustainable way. So what really prevents us from doing this - other than mindset? > > I know the above might read like heresy to traditionalists - but before you grab the pitchforks and light the torches, look around you... status quo is not working, that's the reality - and things will get worse as 4IR gradually kicks in - if we don't effect radical transformation. > > I'd be happy to have a round-table with the faculty of any tertiary institution that is interested in discussing / debating the above points. > > Have a great evening! > Patrick A. M. Maina[Cross Domain Innovator | Independent Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations]

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Facebook External Oversight Board Workshop (podcast)
by Alex Comninos 02 Apr '19

02 Apr '19

Hi All On the 26-27 March I attended Facebook’s External Oversight Board Workshop in Nairobi. This is the third round in Facebook’s consultations regarding the setting up of an External Oversight Board, which is to provide oversight of Facebook’s decisions with regards to content. In the spirit of open consultation I made a podcast covering the workshop: https://cybernyama.net/2019/03/28/facebook-external-oversight-board-worksho… More information about the External Oversight Board can be found here: https://newsroom.fb.com/news/2019/01/oversight-board/ https://www.facebook.com/notes/mark-zuckerberg/a-blueprint-for-content-gove… https://fbnewsroomus.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/draft-charter-oversight-bo… https://fbnewsroomus.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/oversight-infographic.jpg What are your thoughts on the External Oversight Board? Sincerely, Alex

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Online "jobs?" Kenya identified as hotbed of academic writing for Cheating British PhD Students
by peres wamukhula were 01 Apr '19

01 Apr '19

Excerpt: "The industry is worth hundreds of millions of pounds globally, and tens of millions in Britain,’ says Dr Thomas Lancaster of Imperial College London. ‘Kenya is the hotbed where all the writing happens. There is high unemployment and a job working from home is coveted. They have good English and low overheads. ‘There are thousands of people in Kenya whose job is to write essays for cheating students. There are several writers in every apartment block." Here's the full article: Cheating students are paying companies to write PhD theses https://mol.im/a/6861373 via http://dailym.ai/android

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