January 2025 - KICTANet

Call for 2025 KIGF MAG Volunteers
by Liz Orembo 05 Feb '25

05 Feb '25

Greetings listers and Happy New Year! KICTANet wishes to invite volunteers from the different stakeholder groups to assist in the preparation of the Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KIGF) 2024. The Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KIGF) is an annual meeting that brings together various stakeholder groups to dialogue on ICT and Internet policy. The Steering Team otherwise known as the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) role is to assist in convening the Kenya IGF by preparing the programme and schedule and to improve the IGF process through community consultations, outreach and stakeholder engagement. MAG members volunteer and serve in their personal capacity, and are expected to have established linkages with their respective stakeholder groups. Please review the MAG TORs <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Kqbd7qX1DaojqhN2g9NkrAweTfrefynrUUGsVCf…> This year, KIGF will take place on 14th May 2025. More about this will be communicated soon, but please save the date for now. To express interest, please send an email to *info(a)kictanet.or.ke <info(a)kictanet.or.ke>* with the subject line "Kenya IGF 2024 MAG" indicating your stakeholder group, expertise and why you are interested in joining the steering committee of KIGF 2020 by 30th January 2025. Membership to the steering team is voluntary and all materials produced by KICTANet are published under creative commons licenses <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/>. Organisations from various stakeholder groups are encouraged to nominate representatives. For more information or clarification, feel free to get in touch. Best regards, Liz Orembo, Chairperson, 2024 KeIGF MAG Committee. --

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KICTANet Driving Digital Rights and AI Governance in Kenya
by David Indeje 31 Jan '25

31 Jan '25

Dear Listers, Greetings. This is a summary of recent key events undertaken by KICTANet, including a validation meeting for a needs assessment and curriculum for Human Rights Civil Society Organizations (HR-CSOs), participation in the Annual Data Privacy Conference 2025 in Eldoret, and a workshop on AI Statement of Principles. Additionally, the handover of 150 computers to Mandera County by the UK Government and KICTANet. *Key Events* - *Validation Meeting on Needs Assessment and Curriculum for HR-CSOs <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenya-urgent-call-for-stronger-digital-rights-co…>:* This virtual meeting focused on identifying critical capacity-building needs for HR-CSOs to effectively advocate for digital rights. Key findings will inform the development of a tailored training curriculum to equip HR-CSOs with the necessary skills and knowledge. - *Annual Data Privacy Conference in Eldoret: <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/celebrating-data-privacy-insights-from-the-annua…>* This conference brought together key stakeholders to discuss and address critical data privacy concerns in Kenya, emphasizing the importance of public awareness, stakeholder collaboration, and strengthening the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. If you missed our statement to mark the day, here it is. <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kictanet-celebrates-data-privacy-day-2025-safegu…> - *AI Statement of Principles Workshop: <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenya-emerges-as-a-leader-in-responsible-ai-deve…>* This workshop <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/shaping-the-future-of-ai-in-kenya/> focused on refining Kenya's approach to AI governance, ensuring ethical, safe, and inclusive AI development. Key outcomes include the development of ethical guidelines, addressing algorithmic biases, and exploring the role of AI in driving economic development and social equity in Africa. - *Handover of 150 computers to Mandera County by the UK Government and KICTANet. <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/uk-government-kictanet-empowers-mandera-with-150…>* This initiative, under the UK’s Digital Access Programme and the Strengthening Digital Communities Project, aims to bridge the digital divide and empower local communities in Mandera County. The computers will provide critical access to technology and information for youth, women, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens, contributing to Kenya's vision of a digitally empowered nation. The 150 computers, equipped with accessibility features and assistive software, will be strategically distributed to digital hubs across the county, ensuring equitable access to all. - Join our programme to become a community digital champion in Busia and Mandera under the Strengthening Digital Communities Project that aims to improve digital skills and access in the country. Here are the application links: Busia <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdodoIZaPgWef04rMHcStjneaN40F-U4cW…> and Mandera <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9hQcXzyt5Arqy8aY8pHSE3UmqCTj3evx…> . These events demonstrate KICTANet's commitment to advancing digital rights, data protection, and responsible AI governance in Kenya. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, conducting research, and developing targeted training programs, KICTANet is empowering civil society organizations and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable digital future for all Kenyans. -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

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Gov’t wants all cybercafés fitted with CCTV surveillance, users identified
by Victor Kapiyo 30 Jan '25

30 Jan '25

The government seeks to license all internet cafés in Kenya afresh and introduce new controls in what it says are efforts to streamline regulation and spur the growth of the local ICT sector. Read more: https://www.citizen.digital/tech/govt-wants-all-cybercafes-fitted-with-cctv… What do you think?

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What is DeepSeek and why is it disrupting the AI sector?
by Victor Kapiyo 29 Jan '25

29 Jan '25

Chinese startup DeepSeek's launch of its latest AI models, which it says are on a par or better than industry-leading models in the United States at a fraction of the cost, is threatening to upset the technology world order. The company has attracted attention in global AI circles after writing in a paper last month that the training of DeepSeek-V3 required less than $6 million worth of computing power from Nvidia H800 chips. DeepSeek's AI Assistant, powered by DeepSeek-V3, has overtaken rival ChatGPT to become the top-rated free application available on Apple's App Store in the United States. Read more : https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/what-is-deepseek… This seems like a good opportunity for African countries to develop and implement low-cost AI solutions.

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Email
by Kelvin Kamau 28 Jan '25

28 Jan '25

my email: zipapakelvin909(a)gmail.com *Regards,* *Macharia Kelvin K.* *Mobile: 0720103404/ 0740366728* *Water Resources Authority - Rift Valley Basin Area* *R. ICT officer / DBO : // Cyber Security Analyst Eng.*

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New Starlink POP to Improve Latency and Capacity
by Victor Kapiyo 27 Jan '25

27 Jan '25

Dear Listers, Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, is significantly improving latency for users in Africa by routing them through a new "point of presence" (POP) in Nairobi, Kenya, reducing latency from 100-200ms to around 30ms. The POPs connect the Starlink satellite network to terrestrial internet infrastructure and are crucial for enhancing both capacity and latency; the closer a user is to a POP, the faster their connection speed. Currently, Starlink operates 37 POPs globally, with a concentration in North America but expanding rapidly into other regions like Africa and Europe to meet growing demand and improve service in underserved areas. Read more: https://www.pcmag.com/news/what-is-a-starlink-pop-how-ground-stations-impro… For users of starlink, have you noticed the changes? Victor

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Re: Validation Meeting for Report on Processing of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data on 23rd January 2025
by Angela Minayo 26 Jan '25

26 Jan '25

DearListers, ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa invites you to a validation meeting of a report on processing sexual orientation and gender identity data on the 23rd January 2025 from 9:00am to 11:00 am on Microsoft Teams. Please find attached the concept note for more information. To attend please register here <https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/da4e0447-7c10-40a2-bf18-a40af64232…> Best Regards, *Angela Minayo Kidiavai*

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Fwd: [DCAD] Call for Mentor: DCAD Fellowship Program for IGF2025
by Nicodemus Nyakundi 25 Jan '25

25 Jan '25

Dear listers, This may interest you. The IGF's Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability (DCAD) is calling for DCAD Fellowship Mentor as indicated in forwarded email. Best wishes, Nicodemus Nyakundi Digital Accessibility for PWDs KICTANet Sent from my phone ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Muhammad Shabbir Awan via DCAD <dcad(a)lists.igf-dcad.org> Date: Sat, 25 Jan 2025, 02:28 Subject: [DCAD] Call for Mentor: DCAD Fellowship Program for IGF2025 To: Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability < dcad(a)lists.igf-dcad.org> Cc: Muhammad Shabbir Awan <mshabbirawan(a)gmail.com> Dear DCAD Members, The Internet Governance Forum Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability (IGF-DCAD) is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity to serve as a *Mentor* for the IGF-DCAD Fellowship Program for IGF2025. This voluntary role is pivotal to supporting persons with disabilities in their meaningful participation in the IGF processes, promoting inclusion, and advancing digital accessibility. *Key Details:* - *Responsibilities:* - Mentor fellows and guide them in preparing for and participating in IGF2025. - Provide insights into IGF processes, discussions, and sessions. - Share best practices in digital accessibility and disability inclusion. - Monitor fellows’ progress, provide feedback, and report on their achievements. - Serve on the Fellowship Selection Committee and collaborate with the DCAD team. - *Eligibility Requirements:* - Expertise in digital accessibility and disability inclusion. - Comprehensive understanding of IGF structures and processes. - Proven fellowship and mentoring experience. - Strong organizational, communication, and progress-monitoring skills. - Preference for candidates with lived experience of disability. This is a voluntary position with significant time commitment before and during the IGF2025. However, reasonable travel expenses for in-person participation in IGF2025 may be reimbursed upon request and approval. For the full announcement and application details, please visit: *https://igf-dcad.org/mentor-announcement/* <https://igf-dcad.org/mentor-announcement/> *Application Deadline:* 03 February 2025, 15:00 UTC *Email for Submission:* info(a)igf-dcad.org BR, Dr. Muhammad Shabbir, Coordinator, Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability (DCAD), Twitter: https://twitter.com/MShabbirPhD/ _______________________________________________ DCAD mailing list SEND MESSAGE - DCAD(a)lists.igf-dcad.org SETTINGS - http://lists.igf-dcad.org/listinfo.cgi/dcad-igf-dcad.org MEMBERS - https://igf-dcad.org/members/ WEBSITE - https://igf-dcad.org/

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Study: AI and Innovation
by Samuel Waithaka 24 Jan '25

24 Jan '25

Dear Listers, The study is still ongoing. This survey is part of the study to discover what executives and leaders are doing to drive innovation, in light of the rapid advancements in GenAI, and how prepared they are. We request you to take 2 minutes or so to fill out the short survey; in return, we will send you the full analysis of the results so you can rate yourself, if interested. https://forms.gle/NTKW2wE7NEW1fGBKA -- Samuel Waithaka Cell: +254 720 317929 | +254 770 451280 http://twitter.com/samwaithaka

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Consultancy Services: WiDEF Curriculum Development
by David Indeje 23 Jan '25

23 Jan '25

Dear Listers, KICTANet, with the support of USAID and CARE through the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF), is implementing a project to bridge the gender digital divide exacerbated by the rural-urban divide. This project empowers women in 10 rural counties with the skills and knowledge to leverage technology for economic empowerment. *Objective* We seek a consultant(s) to develop a comprehensive and modularized curriculum and an illustrative guidebook, videos and offline resources that will be used to enhance digital literacy skills among women living in rural areas of Kenya to use technology for their economic empowerment. Interested consultants should submit their applications to info(a)kictanet.or.ke, by 31st January, 2025. For further details regarding the application process, timelines, and contact information, check our careers page https://www.kictanet.or.ke/careers/ -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

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