- KICTANet - KICTANet

Minutes of today's meeting (Quick Read version)
by Wainaina Mungai 09 Nov '05

09 Nov '05

Dear all, Here's a quick read version of the minutes of today's meeting held in the Acacia room at Jacaranda hotel. Detailed version coming soon. KICTANet Meeting called to order at 2:30pm. Chaired by John Walubengo. PROCEEDINGS 1. Presentation by Global Netcorps. > Jane and Janet explained the planned ICT Traning of Trainers (TOT) project targeting young Kenyans and the need to work with all stakeholders to localise the curriculum. The project, by Digital Opportunity Trust of Canada is mainly funded by CIDA and CISCO. > Members will provide them with contact details of stakeholders they may want to meet. 2. Confirmation of minutes of previous meeting > Dorcas and Walubengo confirmed the minutes. 3. Activity Reports & matters arising a) KICTANET@WSIS > Wainaina to develop a list of KICTANet members attending WSIS in Tunis > Members to develop position on WSIS issues. > Memebers to prepare material to be distributed at the Kenya Pavilion. b) GSM consumer forum > Lessons learnt include the need for logistics team such as AITEC. AITEC mandated to help logistics for next consumer event. > There's need for thorough preparation (Rapid Research) on statistical facts etc for future forums. > The report needs to be revised and summarised to bring out action items and identify who is required to implement follow-up. c) Editor's Mailinglist & Media Watch Institute > Liaise with Media Council (Esther Kamweru) and Media Owners Association. > Walubengo, Dorcas, Alex and Tony Wafula to follow-up with media. > Media Watch Institute is a long-term activity. d) Meeting with Kenya Paraplegic Organisation > Alex met the officials and they have proposals for support from KICTANet. They sent apologies for not being at today's meeting. e) Move of names from KIPList to KICTANet > Alice to liaise with IDRC on the migration of KIPList subscribers to KICTANet list. 4. Registering KICTANet as a legal entity. > Need for a one-day event at which lawyers will advice members on best approach for registration. 5. Planning for ISP Consumer forum. > Date changed to 1st December because 24th nov. was too close to constitional referundum date. > Duties allocated to various members. > Objective of event is consumer education to give them a voice rather than a panel presentation by service providers. 6.NEXT MEETING: > Thursday, 8th December 2005. 6. AOB > Need to add Software as well as Hardware as consumer protection issues similar to GSM and other issues already identified. Meeting adjourned at 5:29pm Regards, Wainaina Mungai http://www.madeinkenya.org SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

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FW: Interesting and provocative essay on EASSy
by vkyalo 09 Nov '05

09 Nov '05

Good read regarding EASSy, _____ From: Jim Forster [mailto:forster@cisco.com] Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 7:07 PM To: vkyalo Cc: David Ochanda Subject: Re: Interesting and provocative essay on EASSy Hello Victor, Nice to meet you. I've been following and starting to participate in some issues and activities in networking in Africa. I heard of this essay by Roland Alden and forwarded it to people that I know that I thought might be interested. I don't have any particular discussion group for it; I'm sure you're involved in discussion groups that might be interested in this, so go ahead and forward it and discuss it as you see fit. I did see a reference to Richard Bell's article on a Kictanet archive. I hadn't known about Kictanet; those people might be interested in the essay. In September Richard Bell, the founder of Kenya Data Network, wrote a brief about EASSy, the proposed East African undersea fiber optic cable, which was critical of the planned financial structure. Now Roland Alden, a telecommunications consultant, has written a very interesting and provocative essay on EASSy as well. Here's the opening paragraph: Just say No to EASSy by Roland H. Alden African governments and global institutions like the World Bank are being asked to help finance another telecommunications project. This one is called HYPERLINK "http://eassy.org/"EASSy (East African Submarine Cable System). While more and cheaper telecommunications is surely needed all across Africa , East African citizens would do well to ask their governments to take a step back from EASSy and find better ways to sponsor telecommunications projects that will result in real progress. As it stands today, EASSy could become a giant step backwards for Africa; and, with a US$200 million price tag, it has the potential of being an economic disaster Africa can ill-afford. I encourage you to read the rest of the essay at HYPERLINK "http://www.ralden.com/C1/EASSy"http://www.ralden.com/C1/EASSy and would welcome your thoughts on this very important issue. Thanks, -- Jim Forster Distinguished Engineer Cisco Systems San Jose, CA. -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.12.8/162 - Release Date: 11/5/2005 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.12.8/162 - Release Date: 11/5/2005

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KICTANet @ WSIS (feedback needed)
by Wainaina Mungai 08 Nov '05

08 Nov '05

*** This is a draft version. Kindly provide feedback where appropriate. *** ============ KICTANet @ WSIS ============ OBJECTIVES 1. Identify and circulate position of KICTANet on issues before WSIS in Tunis. 2. Identify KICTANet participants and work as a team to enhance their participation at WSIS in Tunis. 1. KICTANet position in Tunis. [ ISSUES] a) Internet governance b) Post Tunis Follow, implementation & Financing mechanisms 2. KICTANet TEAM @ Tunis (so far) a) Bill Kagai - FOSSFA b) Waudo Siganga - WGIG/CSK c) James Nguo - ALIN-EA d) Lizette Kraft - IDRC? e) Florence Etta - WSIS Gender Caucus f) Alari Alare - The Standard g) Constance Khaendi - WSIS Youth Kenya h) ????? please provide more names. 3. ACTIVITIES FOR KENYAN TEAM IN TUNIS a) Kenya Pavilion where many government-related entities will be exhibiting b) Engagement with government delegation (see list below) and strengthen "Kenya@WSIS" through a meeting of all Kenyan participants. c) Possible meeting of KICTANet team in Tunis (need to facilitate) d) Launch of the book "Developing Connections: " by IISD. e) Distribution of materials (see: Guidelines for the distribution of publications, documents, and any other printed materials on the premises of the Summit - on http://www.itu.int/wsis/docs2/tunis/adm/4.html ) 4. REFERENCE MATERIAL - OVERVIEW OF ISSUES FOR PHASE TWO OF THE WSIS: Tunis phase of WSIS Source: CCK website - http://www.cck.go.ke/html/child.asp?childcontid=135&childtitle=wsis_process… EVENTS - 13-15 November 2005, Tunis: The Resumed PrepCom-3 : To discuss pending issues including - 16 to 18 November 2005, Tunis: The Summit - PARALLEL Events (Visit http://www.itu.int/wsis/tunis/events/index.html ) - SIDE Events (Visit http://www.itu.int/wsis/tunis/events/side.html for details) Regards, - Wainaina Mungai http://www.madeinkenya.org SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

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RE: [Kictanet] KICTANet Planning meeting
by James Nguo 08 Nov '05

08 Nov '05

Dear ALL, I have a booking for Tunis leaving on Friday morning. Is there anyone who wishes to leave on Friday in exchange for a ticket to travel early next week. Please contact me ASAP for an exchange Best regards James Nguo Regional Director Arid Lands Information Network-Eastern Africa (ALIN-EA), P.O. Box 10098, 00100 G.P.O. Nairobi, Kenya, AAYMCA Building, Along State House Crescent, Off State House Avenue. Tel +254 20 2731557 Telefax +254 20 2737813 Cell Phone +254 -722-561006 Email: james(a)alin.or.ke Website: www.alin.or.ke ------------------------------------------------------------- Enriched livelihoods of the people in arid areas of Eastern Africa through targeted information support and facilitation of information exchange -----Original Message----- From: Lizette Kraft [mailto:lkraft@idrc.or.ke] Sent: 08 November 2005 13:02 To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet Cc: ggithaiga(a)idrc.or.ke Subject: Re: [Kictanet] KICTANet Planning meeting Dear All, I am sorry to say that I will not be able to attend today's meeting pls bear with me I am travelling today p.m. I wish you all great meeting. A small request for list members: Is there anyone going to Tunis on Thursday, Friday or Saturday? Can this person please contact Gladys Githaiga cc'd in this email for a message? Thanks and cheers, FE At / À 07:57 PM 11/7/2005, Wanjira Alice wrote / a écrit: >Hi All > >Please could you add on the agenda the issue of registering KICTANet as a >legal entity. We need to get everyone's contribution to this issue. > >thanks Walu and have a great meeting. > >Liz Tapawa please note KICTANet meeting will take place on Tuesday 8th 2005 >2.30-5.00. >Mr. John Walubengo is chair and responsible. > >Thanks > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "John Walubengo" <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke> >To: <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke>; <wainaina.mungai(a)oneworld.net> >Cc: <civilsociety(a)kictanet.or.ke> >Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2005 6:11 PM >Subject: [civilsociety] RE: KICTANet Planning Meeting - Confirmed Tue,8th >Nov 2:30p.m-5:00p.m > > >With the additional agenda. > >Minutes of the GSM Consumer Forum shall be broadcasted on Mon 7th by midday. > >walu. > > > >>> "Wainaina Mungai" <wainaina.mungai(a)oneworld.net> 11/01/05 12:12pm >>> >Dear All, > >I second the change of date and suggest that we add one more item to the >agenda. > >We have a request by Global NetCorps (GNC) - an initiative of Digital >Opportunity Trust - to meet with especially members of the KICTANet >civil society caucus on the same day. They are planning the launch of >NetCorps in Kenya. > >We could have them present to us between 2:30pm and 3:30pm. If members >could read through the GSM Consumer forum Report ciculated earlier, and >come in by 2pm, we could comfortably include this extra item. > >Regards, >Wainaina > >-----Original Message----- >From: bounce-kiplist-cl-117112(a)lyris.idrc.ca >[mailto:bounce-kiplist-cl-117112@lyris.idrc.ca] On Behalf Of John >Walubengo >Sent: 31 October 2005 08:47 >To: KIPlist >Subject: [Fwd: [Kictanet] KICTANet Planning Meeting - Notice to Postpone > >I am reliably informed by one of my 'holiday-sniffing' colleague that >this Friday 4th Nov 2005 is likely to be a (Muslim) holiday in Kenya. >As such I am proposing we shift the Monthly KICTAnet meeting to the >following week, Tue 8th Nov 2005, Jacaranda Hotel, 2:00-5:00p.m. > >Proposed Agenda > >1. Confirmation and adoption of previous minutes >2. Matters Arising >3. KICTANet Activities & Receiving of Reports (Review of 1st ICT >Consumer Protection Forum) >4. Planning for 2nd Consumer Protection Forum (ISP focus) >5. Date and Time for the next meeting >6. AOB > >walu. > > > > > > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > >_______________________________________________ >civilsociety mailing list >civilsociety(a)kictanet.or.ke >http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/civilsociety > > >-- >Wanjira Alice >Director >Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) >wanjira(a)cck.go.ke >http://www.cck.go.ke >Tel: + 254 020 4242000 >Fax: +254 020 4451866 >Cell: +254 (0) 733 731074 > > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet

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KICTANet Planning meeting
by Wanjira Alice 08 Nov '05

08 Nov '05

Hi All Please could you add on the agenda the issue of registering KICTANet as a legal entity. We need to get everyone's contribution to this issue. thanks Walu and have a great meeting. Liz Tapawa please note KICTANet meeting will take place on Tuesday 8th 2005 2.30-5.00. Mr. John Walubengo is chair and responsible. Thanks ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Walubengo" <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke> To: <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke>; <wainaina.mungai(a)oneworld.net> Cc: <civilsociety(a)kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2005 6:11 PM Subject: [civilsociety] RE: KICTANet Planning Meeting - Confirmed Tue,8th Nov 2:30p.m-5:00p.m With the additional agenda. Minutes of the GSM Consumer Forum shall be broadcasted on Mon 7th by midday. walu. >>> "Wainaina Mungai" <wainaina.mungai(a)oneworld.net> 11/01/05 12:12pm >>> Dear All, I second the change of date and suggest that we add one more item to the agenda. We have a request by Global NetCorps (GNC) - an initiative of Digital Opportunity Trust - to meet with especially members of the KICTANet civil society caucus on the same day. They are planning the launch of NetCorps in Kenya. We could have them present to us between 2:30pm and 3:30pm. If members could read through the GSM Consumer forum Report ciculated earlier, and come in by 2pm, we could comfortably include this extra item. Regards, Wainaina -----Original Message----- From: bounce-kiplist-cl-117112(a)lyris.idrc.ca [mailto:bounce-kiplist-cl-117112@lyris.idrc.ca] On Behalf Of John Walubengo Sent: 31 October 2005 08:47 To: KIPlist Subject: [Fwd: [Kictanet] KICTANet Planning Meeting - Notice to Postpone I am reliably informed by one of my 'holiday-sniffing' colleague that this Friday 4th Nov 2005 is likely to be a (Muslim) holiday in Kenya. As such I am proposing we shift the Monthly KICTAnet meeting to the following week, Tue 8th Nov 2005, Jacaranda Hotel, 2:00-5:00p.m. Proposed Agenda 1. Confirmation and adoption of previous minutes 2. Matters Arising 3. KICTANet Activities & Receiving of Reports (Review of 1st ICT Consumer Protection Forum) 4. Planning for 2nd Consumer Protection Forum (ISP focus) 5. Date and Time for the next meeting 6. AOB walu. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet _______________________________________________ civilsociety mailing list civilsociety(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/civilsociety -- Wanjira Alice Director Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) wanjira(a)cck.go.ke http://www.cck.go.ke Tel: + 254 020 4242000 Fax: +254 020 4451866 Cell: +254 (0) 733 731074

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Contact Address Correction
by Lizette Kraft 08 Nov '05

08 Nov '05

Kindly note correction on my new alternative email address: lfkraft(a)gmail.com Kindly use this address as the first alternative to the yahoo address: kind regards Lizette

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Fw: NYTimes: Poor Nations Are Littered With Old PC's
by alice＠apc.org 08 Nov '05

08 Nov '05

----- Original Message ----- From: "Leonard Mware" <mleonardo(a)yahoo.com> To: "KIPlist" <kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca> Sent: Wednesday, November 02, 2005 1:44 PM Subject: NYTimes: Poor Nations Are Littered With Old PC's > Thought this could provoke some debate on used computers. > > apologies if you have already seen it. > leonard > > Poor Nations Are Littered With Old PC's, Report Says By LAURIE J. FLYNN > October 24, 2005 > http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/24/technology/24junk.html?th&emc=th > > Much of the used computer equipment sent from the United States to > developing countries for use in homes, schools and businesses is often > neither usable nor repairable, creating enormous environmental problems > in some of the world's poorest places, according to a report to be > issued today by an environmental organization. > > The report, titled "The Digital Dump: Exporting Reuse and Abuse to > Africa," says that the unusable equipment is being donated or sold to > developing nations by recycling businesses in the United States as a > way > to dodge the expense of having to recycle it properly. While the > report, > written by the Basel Action Network, based in Seattle, focuses on > Nigeria, in western Africa, it says the situation is similar throughout > much of the developing world. > > "Too often, justifications of 'building bridges over the digital > divide' > > are used as excuses to obscure and ignore the fact that these bridges > double as toxic waste pipelines," says the report. As a result, Nigeria > and other developing nations are carrying a disproportionate burden of > the world's toxic waste from technology products, according to Jim > Puckett, coordinator of the group. > > According to the National Safety Council, more than 63 million > computers > in the United States will become obsolete in 2005. An average computer > monitor can contain as much as eight pounds of lead, along with > plastics > laden with flame retardants and cadmium, all of which can be harmful to > the environment and to humans. > > In 2002, the Basel Action Network was co-author of a report that said > 50 > percent to 80 percent of electronics waste collected for recycling in > the United States was being disassembled and recycled under largely > unregulated, unhealthy conditions in China, India, Pakistan and other > developing countries. The new report contends that Americans may be > lulled into thinking their old computers are being put to good use. > > At the Nigerian port of Lagos, the new report says, an estimated 500 > containers of used electronic equipment enter the country each month, > each one carrying about 800 computers, for a total of about 400,000 > used > computers a month. The majority of the equipment arriving in Lagos, the > report says, is unusable and neither economically repairable or > resalable. "Nigerians are telling us they are getting as much as 75 > percent junk that is not repairable," Mr. Puckett said. He said that > Nigeria, like most developing countries, could only accommodate > functioning used equipment. > > The environmental group visited Lagos, where it found that despite > growing technology industries, the country lacked an infrastructure for > electronics recycling. This means that the imported equipment often > ends > up in landfills, where toxins in the equipment can pollute the > groundwater and create unhealthy conditions. > > Mr. Puckett said the group had identified 30 recyclers in the United > States who had agreed not to export electronic waste to developing > countries. "We are trying to get it to be common practice that you have > to test what you send and label it," he said. > > Mr. Puckett also said his group was trying to enforce the Basel > Convention, a United Nations treaty intended to limit the trade of > hazardous waste. The United States is the only developed country that > has not ratified the treaty. > > Much of the equipment being shipped to Africa and other developing > areas > is from recyclers in the United States, who typically get the used > equipment free from businesses, government agencies and communities and > ship it abroad for repair, sale or to be dismantled using low-cost > labor. > > Scrap Computers, a recycler in Phoenix, has eight warehouses across the > United States to store collected electronics before they are shipped to > foreign destinations, and Graham Wollaston, the company's president, > says he is opening new warehouses at the rate of one a month. Mr. > Wollaston, who describes his company as a "giant sorting operation," > said there was a reuse for virtually every component of old electronic > devices: old televisions are turned into fish tanks for Malaysia, and a > silicon glass shortage has created huge demand for old monitors, which > are turned into new ones. "There's no such thing as a third-world > landfill," Mr. Wollaston said. "If you were to put an old computer on > the street, it would be taken apart for the parts." > > Mr. Wollaston said the system was largely working, though he conceded > that some recyclers dump useless equipment in various developing > nations, most notably China. "One of the problems the industry faces is > a lack of certification as to where it's all going," he said. He says > his company tests all equipment destined for developing nations. > > The Environmental Protection Agency concedes that "inappropriate > practices" have occurred in the industry, but said it did not think the > problem should be addressed by stopping all exports. > > "E.P.A. has been working with the Organization for Economic Cooperation > and Development countries for the last several years on development of > a > program that would provide much greater assurance that exports of > recyclable materials will be environmentally sound," Tom Dunne, of the > agency's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, wrote in an > e-mail message. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Yahoo! FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. > > --- > Submitted by: Leonard M Oloo <mleonardo(a)yahoo.com> 2005-11-02 05:50:19 > EST5 > (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) > --- > You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [alice(a)apc.org] > To unsubscribe, forward this message to > leave-kiplist-cl-100946B(a)lyris.idrc.ca >

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GSM Consumer Protection MInutes+ Reminder KICTANET Meeting Tue 8th Nov 2005(Resend)
by John Walubengo 08 Nov '05

08 Nov '05

Sorry, I had forgotten to attach the Agenda+Attendance. ~~~ FInd attached. walu. nb. KICTANET Monthly meeting tomorrow 8th Nove 2005, 2:30 p.m -5:00p.m

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Re: [Kictanet] Poor Nations Are Littered With Old PC's: Lets be careful!
by Wainaina Mungai 07 Nov '05

07 Nov '05

I agree with Dorcas, that we need: 1. To develop a Made in Kenya computer & communications equipment industry: My position is that taxes on parts should be removed while taxes on finished IT products should remain slightly higher than the parts. This would nurture a computer assembly industry at the very minimum. Alternatively, PC assembly / manufacturers should be given a better tax deal (??tax holidays for promoting employment in ICT??). 2. To develop strict environmental guidelines/laws on imported communications equipment (including reconditioned mobile phones): This should include parts that will be used for PC assembly. since PCs are dumped here because it's cheap, our government can collect [the equivalent of upto 50% of the amount the "dumpers" are running away from] and still ensure that nothing harmful is dumped here. We would remain a more attractive destinations for the harmlessl devices yet the government would make some good money in the process. ;-) 3. To enforce our laws on local and imported e-waste: How we dispose our own IT waste is very critical. We are not doing too well on old diskettes, printer catridges and damaged mobile phones. As Dorcas stated, NEMA, Prof. Wangari Mathai and CCK should have their presence felt on this issue if we are to make progress. 4. To criticaly study and support the enforcement of the ICT related aspects of the Basel Convention - www.basel.int - at the national level: Note that the ICT policy (before Cabinet) has a provision for strict laws on. As the headquarters of UNEP -and as a nation which has officially announced its interest in joining the Security Council - Kenya should lead the way. 5. Alex, I am compelled to "throw an Orange" at your appeal ;-) I remain Proudly Kenyan, Wainaina Mungai http://www.madeinkenya.org SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. > -------Original Message------- > From: Dorcas Muthoni <dmuthoni(a)kenet.or.ke> > Subject: [Kictanet] Poor Nations Are Littered With Old PC's: Lets be careful! > Sent: 07 Nov '05 10:00 > > NB: Sorry for a very long posting > > Kindly lets do our homework. Lets be careful about what we support lest > we shoot ourselves in the foot. > * > Definitions: > * > Old Computers: Computers that have reached the end of their useful lives > in an organisation/ A computer that has reached the end of its useful > life to the owner. > Second-hand/ Refurbs : Old or used computer equipment that has been > restored to working condition. Restoration involves repalcement of > hardware components with similar or newer ones. > > *Facts:* > > Most of the environmental concerns with computers lie with the monitor > (27% of the weight of a CRT monitor is due to its lead content), > specifically its cathode ray tube (CRT). Each color monitor contains, on > average, four to five pounds of lead, considered hazardous waste when > disposed off. Computers also contain other hazardous materials, > including mercury, cadmium (a known carcinogen), and hexavalent chromium > (shown to cause high blood pressure, iron-poor blood, liver disease, and > nerve and brain damage in animals). > > In the US alone more than 315 million computers were expected to become > obsolete by the year 2004, containing an estimated 1.2 billion pounds of > lead, 2 million pounds of cadmium, 400,000 pounds of mercury and 1.2 > million pounds of hexavalent chromium. > > Imagine a worst-case scenario: Groundwater, (enough Kenyans draw > drinking water directly from rivers,) near a landfill becomes contaminated. > > If you can contact NEMA or our renowned Mother Nature (Prof. Wangari), > let them know these and start preparing a law. > > *Action:* > -- Technical and Product Development Manager Oneworld International 4th Floor, Kimathi House Nairobi. Kenya. Tel: +254-20-316800 Fax: +254-20-241920 ----- Free SMSNews4theDEAF: SMS the text DEAF ON to the number 560 and you will receive FREE SMS News on issues relevant to people who are deaf or have Hearing Impairment. To stop the messages, send DEAF OFF to the number 560.

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Re: [Kictanet] Poor Nations Are Littered With Old PC's: Lets be careful!
by Wainaina Mungai 07 Nov '05

07 Nov '05

I agree with Dorcas, that we need: 1. To develop a Made in Kenya computer & communications equipment industry: My position is that taxes on parts should be removed while taxes on finished IT products should remain slightly higher than the parts. This would nurture a computer assembly industry at the very minimum. Alternatively, PC assembly / manufacturers should be given a better tax deal (??tax holidays for promoting employment in ICT??). 2. To develop strict environmental guidelines/laws on imported communications equipment (including reconditioned mobile phones): This should include parts that will be used for PC assembly. since PCs are dumped here because it's cheap, our government can collect [the equivalent of upto 50% of the amount the "dumpers" are running away from] and still ensure that nothing harmful is dumped here. We would remain a more attractive destinations for the harmlessl devices yet the government would make some good money in the process. ;-) 3. To enforce our laws on local and imported e-waste: How we dispose our own IT waste is very critical. We are not doing too well on old diskettes, printer catridges and damaged mobile phones. As Dorcas stated, NEMA, Prof. Wangari Mathai and CCK should have their presence felt on this issue if we are to make progress. 4. To criticaly study and support the enforcement of the ICT related aspects of the Basel Convention - www.basel.int - at the national level: Note that the ICT policy (before Cabinet) has a provision for strict laws on. As the headquarters of UNEP -and as a nation which has officially announced its interest in joining the Security Council - Kenya should lead the way. 5. Alex, I am compelled to "throw an Orange" at your appeal ;-) I remain Proudly Kenyan, Wainaina Mungai http://www.madeinkenya.org SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. > -------Original Message------- > From: Dorcas Muthoni <dmuthoni(a)kenet.or.ke> > Subject: [Kictanet] Poor Nations Are Littered With Old PC's: Lets be careful! > Sent: 07 Nov '05 10:00 > > NB: Sorry for a very long posting > > Kindly lets do our homework. Lets be careful about what we support lest > we shoot ourselves in the foot. > * > Definitions: > * > Old Computers: Computers that have reached the end of their useful lives > in an organisation/ A computer that has reached the end of its useful > life to the owner. > Second-hand/ Refurbs : Old or used computer equipment that has been > restored to working condition. Restoration involves repalcement of > hardware components with similar or newer ones. > > *Facts:* > > Most of the environmental concerns with computers lie with the monitor > (27% of the weight of a CRT monitor is due to its lead content), > specifically its cathode ray tube (CRT). Each color monitor contains, on > average, four to five pounds of lead, considered hazardous waste when > disposed off. Computers also contain other hazardous materials, > including mercury, cadmium (a known carcinogen), and hexavalent chromium > (shown to cause high blood pressure, iron-poor blood, liver disease, and > nerve and brain damage in animals). > > In the US alone more than 315 million computers were expected to become > obsolete by the year 2004, containing an estimated 1.2 billion pounds of > lead, 2 million pounds of cadmium, 400,000 pounds of mercury and 1.2 > million pounds of hexavalent chromium. > > Imagine a worst-case scenario: Groundwater, (enough Kenyans draw > drinking water directly from rivers,) near a landfill becomes contaminated. > > If you can contact NEMA or our renowned Mother Nature (Prof. Wangari), > let them know these and start preparing a law. > > *Action:* >

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