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Re: [kictanet] Safaricom SMS Swindlers
by Eric aligula 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

Barrack, True it is the charges. I don't know about fair, but if you take Safaricom to court, they can argue that they had no agreement with Telkom to provide that service. What recourse do you have then? Eric Aligula Magolo Senior Policy Analyst Infrastructure and Economic Services Division Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis P.O. Box 56445, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254-20-2719933/4 Fax: +254-20-2719951 E-mail: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke URL: www.kippra.org First, they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. Mahatma Gandhi "Ex Africa semper aliquid novi" -----Original Message----- From: Barrack Otieno [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 5:02 PM To: Eric aligula; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] Safaricom SMS Swindlers Bwana aligula the contentious issues are the charges, with or without the sla's is it fair? On 8/27/07, Eric aligula <jairah(a)kippra.or.ke> wrote: > Alex, > > Does Safaricom have service agreement with Telkom in respect of this > service? > > Kind regards, > > Eric Aligula Magolo > Senior Policy Analyst > Infrastructure and Economic Services Division > Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis > P.O. Box 56445, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya > Telephone: +254-20-2719933/4 > Fax: +254-20-2719951 > E-mail: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke > > URL: www.kippra.org > > First, they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then > you win. Mahatma Gandhi > "Ex Africa semper aliquid novi" > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Alex Gakuru [mailto:[email protected]] > Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 9:29 AM > To: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Subject: [kictanet] Safaricom SMS Swindlers > > Dear Consumer, > > It has come to our notice that Safaricom is charging > but blocking SMS sent to Telkom Wireless network. > Charging for undelivered goods and services is > outright theft, and criminal acts under Kenya Laws. > > Their Network accepts SMS from Telkom Wireless but > replies to these message instantly report "message > sending failed" although Safaricom still eat your > balance. > > We have been at Telcos malpractices since 2005 and now > it is time to change the strategies. We are filing a > lawsuit against Safaricom Ltd and we need as many > petitions as possible. Kindly send your electronic > petition directly to me assist our lawyers in filing > the suit. > > Regards > > Alex Gakuru > Chairman, ICT Consumers Association of Kenya > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________ > ________ > Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play > Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games. > http://sims.yahoo.com/ > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jairah%40kippra.or.ke > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail. com > -- Barrack O. Otieno Project Discovery P.o. Box 21386 Nairobi 00100 Tel: +254721325277 +254726544442 +254733229925 http://projectdiscovery.or.ke

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Re: [kictanet] Safaricom SMS Swindlers
by Eric aligula 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

Alex, Does Safaricom have service agreement with Telkom in respect of this service? Kind regards, Eric Aligula Magolo Senior Policy Analyst Infrastructure and Economic Services Division Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis P.O. Box 56445, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254-20-2719933/4 Fax: +254-20-2719951 E-mail: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke URL: www.kippra.org First, they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. Mahatma Gandhi "Ex Africa semper aliquid novi" -----Original Message----- From: Alex Gakuru [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 9:29 AM To: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] Safaricom SMS Swindlers Dear Consumer, It has come to our notice that Safaricom is charging but blocking SMS sent to Telkom Wireless network. Charging for undelivered goods and services is outright theft, and criminal acts under Kenya Laws. Their Network accepts SMS from Telkom Wireless but replies to these message instantly report "message sending failed" although Safaricom still eat your balance. We have been at Telcos malpractices since 2005 and now it is time to change the strategies. We are filing a lawsuit against Safaricom Ltd and we need as many petitions as possible. Kindly send your electronic petition directly to me assist our lawyers in filing the suit. Regards Alex Gakuru Chairman, ICT Consumers Association of Kenya ____________________________________________________________________________ ________ Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games. http://sims.yahoo.com/ _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jairah%40kippra.or.ke

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FYI: Links to DFID projects & funding programs]
by alice 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

DFID works in partnership with a range of different organisations to ensure effective use of our development budget and to assist us in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These include multilateral institutions (such as the World Bank, European Community and UN agencies), developing country governments, civil society organisations and the research community. See 'Who DFID works with <about:blank../aboutdfid/dfidwork/>’ for more information. Although the greater part of our development assistance funding is channelled through multilateral agencies, direct budget support and larger scale programmes, there is still substantial support provided through a variety of other funds for smaller scale initiatives. These are aimed at promoting sustainable development and eliminating poverty. They are open to different groups and the following list has been arranged to reflect this. For a breakdown of expenditure see our annual publication, ‘Statistics on International Development <about:blank../pubs/files/sid2006/contents.asp>’. Any organisations or individuals seeking funding should read the guidelines for the Fund which they feel best suits their needs and apply directly, using the instructions given. · Funding for international students wishing to study in the UK <about:blank#individuals> · Funding for not-for-profit organisations <about:blank#orgs> · Conflict and humanitarian funding <about:blank#humanitarian> · Funding for the private sector <about:blank#businesses> · Funding for educational institutions <about:blank#education> · Funding for the media <about:blank#media> · Funding for local authorities <about:blank#commonwealth> · Funding for specific countries or regions <about:blank#countries> · Closed funds <about:blank#closed> *Funding for international students wishing to study in the UK* * Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan <about:blankcsfp.asp> (CSFP) Awards for post-graduate study and occasional undergraduate study covering some Commonwealth countries. * Shared Scholarship Scheme <about:blank../funding/sharedscholarship.asp> Awards for Commonwealth postgraduate students to study in the UK. *Further information* The above schemes are aimed primarily at students from developing Commonwealth countries. For other funding opportunities, please visit the British Council website - * External linkScholarship search <http://www.educationuk.org/scholarships/> External linkStudy in the UK <http://www.britishcouncil.org/learning-study-in-the-uk.htm?mtklink=corporat…> *Funding for not-for-profit organisations* * Civil Society Challenge Fund <about:blankcivilsocietycf.asp>Aimed at UK-based not-for-profit organisations working to provide lasting benefits to poor communities and under-represented people in the developing world. * Development Awareness Fund <about:blankdaf.asp> and the Mini Grants Scheme <about:blankdafminigrants.asp> UK-based not-for-profit organisations or networks which share our commitment to raising awareness and understanding of development issues. * Partnership Programme Agreements <about:blank../aboutdfid/DFIDwork/ppas/partnerprogagreements.asp> Agreements between DFID and influential civil society organisations in the UK which set out at a strategic level how the partners will work together to meet the Millennium Development Goals. Strategic Funding is provided, and is linked to jointly agreed outcomes. * Governance and Transparency Fund <about:blankgtf.asp> Targeted principally at not-for-profit organisations. It will also consider proposals which involve local/regional government bodies and certain for-profit groups (particularly those in the media), where their involvement can show to be an integral part of the project/programme. proposal. If you would like to know more about the Fund please e-mail gtf(a)dfid.gov.uk <mailto:[email protected]> *Further information* * External linkBOND <http://www.bond.org.uk/funding/> (British Overseas NGOs for Development) * External linkForeign and Commonwealth Office Global Opportunities Fund <http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&…> * Research opportunities <about:blank../research/research-calls.asp> *Conflict and humanitarian funding* * Conflict and Humanitarian Fund <about:blankconflict-humanitarian.asp> *Applications for the current funding round closed on 8 February 2007*. Information about future opportunities for not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding for work in the areas of conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance and access to justice will be published in summer 2007. * Humanitarian response funding <about:blankhumanitarian-funding.asp> Allocated in response to specific emergencies and disasters to not-for-profit organisations, United Nations agencies and the Red Cross Movement. * Disaster Risk Reduction <about:blank../news/files/disaster-risk-reduction-launch.asp> After a major rapid-onset disaster, up to 10% of DFID's response funding may be available for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) activities including prevention, mitigation and preparedness for future disasters, where this can be done effectively. This is likely to be relevant for sudden onset disasters and will only apply to responses above £500,000. The funding is often managed by the DFID country or regional office. For further information read our Disaster Risk Reduction Policy Paper <about:blank../pubs/files/disaster-risk-reduction-policy.pdf>adobe pdf(657 kb) or contact (+44) (0)20 7023 1476. * The Africa Conflict Prevention Pool <about:blankacpp.asp> (ACPP) and External linkGlobal Conflict Prevention Pool <http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&…> (GCPP) managed jointly by DFID, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence. More information on the GCPP is also available <about://aboutdfid/organisation/conflicthumanitarianassistance.asp#GCPP>. * Mine action DFID funds a programme of global mine action through the United Nations and selected NGO partners. For further information please contact the Security and Justice Team in Conflict, Humanitarian and Security Department (CHASE) on (+44) (0)20 7023 0599. *Funding for the private sector* * Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund <about:blank../news/files/aecf.asp> A 7-Year DFID led initiative to stimulate pro-poor growth and create employment in Africa. * External linkBusiness Sector Advocacy Challenge Fund <http://www.busac.org/> (BUSAC) Aims to broaden the engagement of the Private Sector in Policy formulation and implementation in Ghana. * Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund <about:blankemergingafrica.asp> A Public Private Partnership providing long-term debt finance on commercial terms to finance the construction and development of private infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa. * Investment Climate Facility for Africa <about:blank../news/files/pressreleases/investment-climate-facility.asp> Helps lower the cost of doing business in Africa and promote a better investment climate across the continent. *Further information* * Procurement opportunities <about:blank../procurement/default.asp> * Research opportunities <about:blank../research/research-calls.asp> * External linkStrategic Business Partnerships for Growth in Africa <http://www.sbp.org.za/> * CDC Group plc <about:blank../aboutdfid/DFIDwork/privatesector-cdc.asp> Wholly owned by DFID, CDC Group plc invests in poor developing countries and aims to attract private capital by showing that such investments are worthwhile. * Public Private Partnerships in Infrastructure <about:blank../pubs/files/pppinfrastructureoct04.pdf>adobe acrobat pdf(88 kb) * Working with the private sector to eliminate poverty <about:blank../pubs/files/dfid-private-sector.pdf>adobe acrobat pdf(393 kb) * External linkForeign and Commonwealth Office Global Opportunities Fund <http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&…> *Funding for educational institutions* * DELPHE <about:blankdelphe.asp> The DELPHE (Development Partnerships in Higher Education) programme provides funding for partnerships between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) working on collaborative activity linked to the Millennium Development Goals <about:blank../mdg/default.asp>. * DFID Global Schools Partnerships <about:blankglobalschools.asp> Provides grants to schools in the UK and Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean to help build partnerships through teacher exchanges and for projects to build development issues into the curriculum. *Further information* * External linkEDULINK <http://www.acp-edulink.eu/> * External linkEngland-Africa Partnerships in Higher Education <http://www.britishcouncil.org/learning-eap> * Research opportunities <about:blank../research/research-calls.asp> *Funding for the media* * Commonwealth Broadcasting Association DFID Travel Bursary Fund <about:blankcbatravbursfund.asp> Established UK based network and regional media producers/journalists who want to spend up to three months in a Commonwealth developing country. * Commonwealth Broadcasting Association DFID Programme Development Fund <about:blankcbaprogdevfund.asp> Established UK Producers/Production companies. *Funding for Local Authorities* * Commonwealth Local Government Good Practice Scheme <about:blankcomlocgov.asp> Commonwealth local authorities, local authority associations. *Funding for specific countries or regions* Please note that this list is not exhaustive and there will be more schemes run directly from country offices. *Africa* * External linkRapid Funding Envelope for HIV/AIDS <http://www.rapidfundingenvelope.org/> Provides grants to Tanzanian non-profit civil society organisations, academic institutions, and civil society partnerships for essential, short-term projects aligned with the National Policy on HIV/AIDS and the National Multi-Sectoral Strategic Framework. * Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund <about:blank../news/files/aecf.asp> - due for launch summer 2007. * External linkBusiness Sector Advocacy Challenge Fund <http://www.busac.org/> (BUSAC) Aims to broaden the engagement of the Private Sector in Policy formulation and implementation in Ghana. * Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund <about:blankemergingafrica.asp> A Public Private Partnership providing long-term debt finance on commercial terms to finance the construction and development of private infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa. * External linkFoundation for Civil Society: Tanzania <http://www.thefoundation-tz.org/> Provides grants and other capacity building support to civil society organisations to establish a support mechanism for civil society organisations in Tanzania. * External linkGhana Research Advocacy Programme <http://www.g-rap.org/> Aims to support the institutional development of Research and Advocacy Organisations (RAOs) in Ghana. * Investment Climate Facility for Africa <about:blank../news/files/pressreleases/investment-climate-facility.asp> Helps lower the cost of doing business in Africa and promote a better investment climate across the continent. * External linkRapid Funding Envelope for HIV/AIDS <http://www.rapidfundingenvelope.org/> Provides grants to Tanzanian non-profit civil society organisations, academic institutions, and civil society partnerships for essential, short-term projects aligned with the National Policy on HIV/AIDS and the National Multi-Sectoral Strategic Framework. * External linkRegional Trade Facilitation Programme <http://www.rtfp.org/> Aims to expand the regional and international trade of Southern Africa as a way of reducing poverty. * External linkRights and Voice Initiative <http://www.ravighana.org/> Aims to strengthen capacity of vulnerable groups to exercise voice and demand their rights in Ghana. * External linkSouthern Africa Trust <http://www.southernafricatrust.org/> Supports processes to deepen and widen participation in policy dialogue with a regional impact on poverty. *Further information* * External linkStrategic Business Partnerships for Growth in Africa <http://www.sbp.org.za/> *Asia* * External linkDFID Community Support Programme <http://www.csp.org.np/> aims to provide funding support to poor, marginalized, excluded, and conflict-affected communities in Nepal to address their immediate livelihood issues. * Iraqi Civil Society Challenge Fund <about:blankiraqi-csf.asp> Aims to strengthen capacity of Iraqi civil society organisations, contribute to local/community initiatives, increase access to information, and support organisations in the non-government sector to work better with government to develop and improve social policy across Iraq. * Iraq Political Participation Fund <about:blankiraq-ppf.asp> Organisations that work to support the development of legitimate and inclusive political institutions in Iraq. * Orissa Civil Society and Poverty Programme <about:blankorissaprog.asp> NGOs that have been in existence for a minimum of five years, and are based in Orissa, India. * External linkIndia Poorest Areas Civil Society Programme <http://www.empowerpoor.com/> Seeks to support civil society organisations working in identified thematic areas in India. *Worldwide* * External linkCommunity Led Infrastructure Finance Facility (CLIFF) <http://www.homeless-international.org/text_link.aspx?link_id=1:1464> Provides loan finance for slum development projects that are implemented by the urban poor in India and Kenya. * Small Grants Scheme <about:blanksmallgrant.asp> Now the responsibility of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. *Closed funds* * Business Links Asia * External linkBusiness Linkages Challenge Fund <http://www.businesslinkageschallengefund.org/home_blcf.aspx?siteId=9035ead6…> * External linkFinancial Deepening Challenge Fund <http://www.enterplan.co.uk/fdcf/default.htm> * External linkGhana Business Linkages Challenge Fund <http://www.challengefunds.org/ghana/ghanahome.htm> * External linkHigher Education Links Scheme <http://www.britishcouncil.org/learning-higher-education-links.htm> * Know How Fund <about:blankkhf.asp> Strategic Grant Agreements <about:blank../aboutdfid/DFIDwork/strategicgrantagreements.asp>

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Re: [kictanet] Safaricom SMS Swindlers
by Michael Joseph 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

As i have said earlier i have for this to investigated and can assure all that this is not intended and may be a configuration error in the billing system. No sms messages to TKL were envisaged earlier and we have just started technical testing. We will try to get records of all sms records and apply a refund Michael Joseph CEO Safaricom Limited BlackBerry powered by Safaricom ----- Original Message ----- From: kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: Michael Joseph Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>; wawerujn(a)cck.go.ke <wawerujn(a)cck.go.ke> Sent: Mon Aug 27 16:36:44 2007 Subject: Re: [kictanet] Safaricom SMS Swindlers Hello all, I am a victim of this matter, and i would like to point out that the actual charge being levied for the "undelivered" sms is actually ksh 10/= and not even the published sms rate of Ksh 5/= to other networks. By way of this message, i hope also CCK and the courts will give this matter expeditious action. The information in this email and any attachments is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended only for the use of the named addressee. Emails are susceptible to alteration and their integrity cannot be guaranteed. Safaricom Limited does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this email if the same is found to have been altered or manipulated. The contents and opinions expressed in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Safaricom Limited. Safaricom Limited disclaims any liability to the fullest extent permissible by law for any consequences that may arise from the contents of this email including but not limited to personal opinions, malicious and/or defamatory information and data/codes that may compromise or damage the integrity of the recipient's information technology systems. If you are not the intended recipient please notify the sender and immediately delete this email from your system.

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[Fwd: [APC Forum] OII 2nd Call for Applications from Civil Society Practitioners in the global South]
by alice 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

hi everyone a reminder on the OII Civil Society internship programme - the deadline is 26th september >Date: Sun, 26 Aug 2007 20:40:21 +0100 >From: "Jennifer A. De Beer" <jennifer.debeer(a)oii.ox.ac.uk> >To: oii recruit <recruit(a)oii.ox.ac.uk> >Subject: OII 2nd Call for Applications from Civil Society Practitioners in > the global South > >Reminder: Application deadline 26 September 2007 > >Oxford Internet Institute - Civil Society Practitioners Programme > > > >Invitation to apply > > > >The <http://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/>Oxford Internet Institute (University >of Oxford) invites applications from the global South to fill two >places in its Civil Society Practitioners Programme. > >This visitor programme is intended for Civil Society Practitioners >of distinction or outstanding promise who wish to visit the >Institute for a period of six weeks between February and December >2008, to undertake research concerning the social impact of the >Internet and related ICTs. Visitors are expected to reside in Oxford >during their stay, and to participate fully in the intellectual life >of the Institute. The successful applicants will receive: > * A subsistence allowance of 3800 GBP (7500 USD) to cover > research expenses and living costs during their stay in Oxford > * A travel grant of up to 1000 GBP (2000 USD) for travel to and > from the UK > >Applications will ideally be submitted by Civil Society >Practitioners in or from the global South, active in the areas of >freedom of expression, media reform, media justice, and >communications and information policy in the globalized context of >the Internet. > > >How to apply > > > >For details on how to apply, please download: >Information for Applicants (PDF, 45kb) at ><http://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/people/CSPP_Application_Information.pdf>http://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/people/CSPP_Application_Information.pdf > >You may also request to have this information emailed to you in >plain text form. The deadline for completed applications to reach >the OII Academic and Student Affairs Officer (by post or email: >contact details below) is 26 September 2007. Please note that >incomplete applications cannot be considered. > >Final notification of an award will occur in November 2007. >Successful candidates will be expected to take up their six week >residency in Oxford at any time between February and December 2008. > > >Contact > > > >Laura Taylor >Academic and Student Affairs Officer >Oxford Internet Institute >University of Oxford >1 St Giles, Oxford OX1 3JS >United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1865 287222 >Fax: +44 (0)1865 287211 >Email: ><mailto:[email protected]?subject=Civil%20Society%20Practitioners%20Programme>recruit(a)oii.ox.ac.uk > > >This programme has been made possible through funding by the media >policy portfolio in the ><http://www.fordfound.org/program/edu_main.cfm>Knowledge, Creativity >and Freedom Program of the Ford Foundation. >This Call for Applications is also available at: ><http://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/microsites/cspp/>http://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/microsites/cspp/ > ======================================= APC Forum is a meeting place for the APC community - people and institutions who are or have been involved in collaboration with APC, and share the APC vision - a world in which all people have easy, equal and affordable access to the creative potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to improve their lives and create more democratic and egalitarian societies. _______________________________________________ apc.forum mailing list apc.forum(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/apc.forum

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Safaricom SMS Swindlers
by Alex Gakuru 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

Dear Consumer, It has come to our notice that Safaricom is charging but blocking SMS sent to Telkom Wireless network. Charging for undelivered goods and services is outright theft, and criminal acts under Kenya Laws. Their Network accepts SMS from Telkom Wireless but replies to these message instantly report "message sending failed" although Safaricom still eat your balance. We have been at Telcos malpractices since 2005 and now it is time to change the strategies. We are filing a lawsuit against Safaricom Ltd and we need as many petitions as possible. Kindly send your electronic petition directly to me assist our lawyers in filing the suit. Regards Alex Gakuru Chairman, ICT Consumers Association of Kenya ____________________________________________________________________________________ Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games. http://sims.yahoo.com/

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Fw: Laare computing center in Meru
by Jose' 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

Nice innovation in Sirisia,Bungoma. Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || ----- Original Message ---- From: "bitange(a)jambo.co.ke" <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> To: ngunjirijnr(a)yahoo.com Cc: mibuari(a)gmail.com; harry KARANJA <harrykaranja(a)yahoo.com>; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 8:03:09 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Laare computing center in Meru Thank you for sharing the experience with us. We shall contact Laare to upgrade them to a Digital Center under the Digital Village Project. We saw similar projects last week in Bungoma and Busia. The level of innovation in these centers is unimaginable. In Sirisia, Bungoma for example the digital village is the only center where women are taught through internet how to diagonise some of the common diseases at a cost Ksh. 10 and it is the only center where one can charge a mobile at Ksh. 20. The center uses solar enrgey. Regards Bitange Ndemo. > Follow Harry Karanja's 'cathinoned' exploits in Meru - story from his > blog. > > Members of this forum would also be interested in the work Eric has > done at Laare, getting support from MIT. > (attached is a job posting for a manager/trainer he's looking for) > http://laare.csail.mit.edu/ > > > > http://startupkenya.blogspot.com/2007/08/internet-charity-and-miraa- > day-one.html > > Back in July my good pal Eric Mibuari (next M.P. of Ntonyiri > Constituency and MIT alumni) invited me to help him set up internet > access at a computer centre he founded in Laare, Meru. The idea was > to use my internet in the village model which I had already deployed > in two other places. I jumped at the idea, not only is Eric a fun > guy, but I had never been to Meru and I needed a holiday from Forex > trading. So together with another of my pals, Dru, we piled into a > 4WD and headed off towards Meru. > > Now, I have never been to Meru so I didn't really know what to > expect. I borrowed the 4WD from a friend suspecting I'd be in trouble > without it but I was pleasantly surprised to find well paved roads > most of the way. > > There was another reason I borrowed the 4WD, it was because it had > enough storage room. The previous week Nakumatt (Kenya's leading > retailer) had announced the opening of its Meru branch and I had my > eye on a big-screen TV that was going to be on a special half price > offer. I was sure of getting it as I would be in Meru on the day > right after grand opening. > > A rapid learning experience my trip was to prove, the first thing I > realised was that Meru is a very wealthy town. If the fact that the > TVs were all sold out on day one by 11:00 am did not convince me of > this fact then it was the brand new Toyota Hilux pick-ups scattered > everywhere making up 1 of every 3 cars. I was to learn in due course > why this was the favoured vehicle. > > Eric was already in Meru and asked us to rendezvous with him in Maua > - a town 50km north of Meru and near the Meru National Park. We > finally got to Meru at about 6pm and I discovered the second thing > about Meru; at 1800M above sea level and off the slopes of Mount > Kenya, the place is extremely cold. By luck Dru and I had both had > packed heavy woolen sweaters, although the cold seemed to seep > through those too. While waiting for Eric, who was coming from the > centre, we took a tour of Maua. To our surprise we found that half > the town's occupants were of Somali origin. Now for a non-Kenyan to > understand this you must appreciate that rural areas are usually > homogenous in ethnic makeup. We expected at least 90% Meru ethnicity. > Somalis however are extremely capable merchants and Maua has a very > valuable and tradeable commodity, miraa. So like flies to honey they > flocked in their hundreds to the small yet extremely rich town. > > By the time we got to Maua I had been driving for six hours and over > 400km but when we finally met up with Eric he insisted on taking us > to see the centre. So after checking in to our hotel we drove on to > Laare, about 10km from Maua. The centre is temporarily hosted by the > Laare Catholic parish. This stoked the fire of conviction that > churches form a good backbone for such community projects; direct > access to the community and structural resources. > > Our trip to the parish was also our first chance to interact with > locals of Meru - the priests. Kimeru language is not so much spoken > as it is sung, with alternating pitch, tempo, and rhythm. It was > fascinating to listen as the priests and Eric weaved kimeru in and > out of the English conversation. Our hosts generously served us some > hot tea and bananas (incredibly huge bananas) as they found out about > our mission to Meru. > > Eric also showed us the computers and equipment that had been donated > by MIT for use in the centre. An impressive number of relatively new > PCs, laptops, routers and switches all the way from Boston were > stacked up in one corner of the priests' living room waiting for us > to set them up the following day. > > We finally left at around nine o'clock and slowly drove back to Maua. > Slowly because it was a pitch black moonless night and the cold > mountain air hitting the warmer tarmac caused instant rising mist on > the road. > > Used to Nairobi's fast pace we found ourselves still eager to explore > the place at that late hour. However the few places we checked out > were lifeless (it was a Tuesday) so we decided to go to the hotel and > strategize on the following day. Before retiring though we purchased > some of Meru's finest. > > So while chewing on a few choice stems, we tried out the EDGE > internet connectivity from the hotel room using my laptop and my cell > phone as a modem. The connection worked quite well and I was even > able to open my forex trading platform and put in a few trades. > (Isn't technology wonderful - you can buy and sell off Wall Street > while in a hotel in Meru right on the slopes of Mount Kenya!) > > I finally gave in at 1:00 am as even the cathinone in the miraa could > not erase six hours of driving. I left a 'cathinoned' Eric sending > emails and on the phone with his colleagues in Boston late into the > night. > > Watch this space for Day Two coming soon... > _______________________________________________ > skunkworks mailing list > skunkworks(a)my.co.ke > http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke > _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: ngunjirijnr(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ngunjirijnr%40yahoo.com Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545469

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[Fwd: [Fibre-for-africa] South Africa - Another instance where privatization trumped liberalization]
by alice 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: [Fibre-for-africa] South Africa - Another instance where privatization trumped liberalization Date: Sun, 26 Aug 2007 23:24:48 -0400 From: Steve Song <ssong(a)idrc.ca> Reply-To: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> Organization: IDRC To: 'Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants' <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> Hi all, I see that a journal article by Willie Currie and Robert Horwitz in Telecommunications Policy entitled "Another instance where privatization trumped liberalization: The politics of telecommunications reform in South Africa-A ten-year retrospective" has been written up in Business Report (http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3998638) and then Slashdotted at http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/08/26/1642210. Looks like a damning summary of how *not* to stimulate investment and competition in the telecom sector. We all knew South Africa was an awful example but it is chilling to have 10 years of greed, incompetence, and mismanagement laid out so starkly. -Steve P.S. While we are on the topic of *access*, I see that the actual journal article is not available on the web. http://portal.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=1282573.1282768 Obviously not Open Access but perhaps the authors were allowed to self-archive? Willie? -- Steve Song <ssong(a)idrc.ca> Manager ICT4D Africa Programs http://www.connectivityafrica.org http://www.idrc.ca/acacia International Development Research Centre Tel. +1 613 236 6163 x2268 Mobile: +1 613 302 8233 Skype: steve_l_song _______________________________________________ Fibre-for-africa mailing list Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa

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Laare computing center in Meru
by Riyaz Bachani 27 Aug '07

27 Aug '07

Follow Harry Karanja's 'cathinoned' exploits in Meru - story from his blog. Members of this forum would also be interested in the work Eric has done at Laare, getting support from MIT. (attached is a job posting for a manager/trainer he's looking for) http://laare.csail.mit.edu/ http://startupkenya.blogspot.com/2007/08/internet-charity-and-miraa- day-one.html Back in July my good pal Eric Mibuari (next M.P. of Ntonyiri Constituency and MIT alumni) invited me to help him set up internet access at a computer centre he founded in Laare, Meru. The idea was to use my internet in the village model which I had already deployed in two other places. I jumped at the idea, not only is Eric a fun guy, but I had never been to Meru and I needed a holiday from Forex trading. So together with another of my pals, Dru, we piled into a 4WD and headed off towards Meru. Now, I have never been to Meru so I didn't really know what to expect. I borrowed the 4WD from a friend suspecting I'd be in trouble without it but I was pleasantly surprised to find well paved roads most of the way. There was another reason I borrowed the 4WD, it was because it had enough storage room. The previous week Nakumatt (Kenya's leading retailer) had announced the opening of its Meru branch and I had my eye on a big-screen TV that was going to be on a special half price offer. I was sure of getting it as I would be in Meru on the day right after grand opening. A rapid learning experience my trip was to prove, the first thing I realised was that Meru is a very wealthy town. If the fact that the TVs were all sold out on day one by 11:00 am did not convince me of this fact then it was the brand new Toyota Hilux pick-ups scattered everywhere making up 1 of every 3 cars. I was to learn in due course why this was the favoured vehicle. Eric was already in Meru and asked us to rendezvous with him in Maua - a town 50km north of Meru and near the Meru National Park. We finally got to Meru at about 6pm and I discovered the second thing about Meru; at 1800M above sea level and off the slopes of Mount Kenya, the place is extremely cold. By luck Dru and I had both had packed heavy woolen sweaters, although the cold seemed to seep through those too. While waiting for Eric, who was coming from the centre, we took a tour of Maua. To our surprise we found that half the town's occupants were of Somali origin. Now for a non-Kenyan to understand this you must appreciate that rural areas are usually homogenous in ethnic makeup. We expected at least 90% Meru ethnicity. Somalis however are extremely capable merchants and Maua has a very valuable and tradeable commodity, miraa. So like flies to honey they flocked in their hundreds to the small yet extremely rich town. By the time we got to Maua I had been driving for six hours and over 400km but when we finally met up with Eric he insisted on taking us to see the centre. So after checking in to our hotel we drove on to Laare, about 10km from Maua. The centre is temporarily hosted by the Laare Catholic parish. This stoked the fire of conviction that churches form a good backbone for such community projects; direct access to the community and structural resources. Our trip to the parish was also our first chance to interact with locals of Meru - the priests. Kimeru language is not so much spoken as it is sung, with alternating pitch, tempo, and rhythm. It was fascinating to listen as the priests and Eric weaved kimeru in and out of the English conversation. Our hosts generously served us some hot tea and bananas (incredibly huge bananas) as they found out about our mission to Meru. Eric also showed us the computers and equipment that had been donated by MIT for use in the centre. An impressive number of relatively new PCs, laptops, routers and switches all the way from Boston were stacked up in one corner of the priests' living room waiting for us to set them up the following day. We finally left at around nine o'clock and slowly drove back to Maua. Slowly because it was a pitch black moonless night and the cold mountain air hitting the warmer tarmac caused instant rising mist on the road. Used to Nairobi's fast pace we found ourselves still eager to explore the place at that late hour. However the few places we checked out were lifeless (it was a Tuesday) so we decided to go to the hotel and strategize on the following day. Before retiring though we purchased some of Meru's finest. So while chewing on a few choice stems, we tried out the EDGE internet connectivity from the hotel room using my laptop and my cell phone as a modem. The connection worked quite well and I was even able to open my forex trading platform and put in a few trades. (Isn't technology wonderful - you can buy and sell off Wall Street while in a hotel in Meru right on the slopes of Mount Kenya!) I finally gave in at 1:00 am as even the cathinone in the miraa could not erase six hours of driving. I left a 'cathinoned' Eric sending emails and on the phone with his colleagues in Boston late into the night. Watch this space for Day Two coming soon... _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks(a)my.co.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com

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Re: [kictanet] National e-Government Strategies: Designing for Success - 19 June 2007
by Patrick Mburu 26 Aug '07

26 Aug '07

Harry, thank you for the link to this webcast. Am interested to know how many from this list were able to attend this at the WB video conferene. I participated online and was a great delivery with key issues addressed from participants throughout the globe. I hope that there will be a posting of the questions submitted through the chat as well as the brief summary of it posted in the site: http://go.worldbank.org/KYLN3DZF40 Some key questions that was addressed regarding to e-readiness from the Kenyan participants VC), it would be insighful if we could obtain perhaps further deliberations from this perspective and how these could / would be addressed in terms of infrastructural dev activities that are currently underway.... Anyone care to comment / suggest where these could be addressed? Regards, Patrick On 18/06/07, Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> wrote: > > > > Dear Colleagues, > > > > > > The World Bank office in Nairobi has kindly availed their facility for those > interested in participating in a videoconference is titled "National > e-Government Strategies: Designing for Success" which is to take place > tomorrow June 19th at 9:00 - 11:30 am EST, which is 4pm here. > > > > This VC is organized in partnership with USAID/USTTI and Development Gateway > Foundation. The event will feature several leading experts from India, > Singapore, U.S., Kenya and World Bank who will engage in a discussion with > country clients. The event description is below and more information is > available at: http://go.worldbank.org/KYLN3DZF40 > > > > A great number of governments have now developed e-Government strategies and > are at various stages of implementation. While a significant amount of > attention has been given in the past to identifying the key components of > e-Government strategies and identifying best practices, little attention has > been given to the processes involved in the design of such strategies. > Recognizing that the process of designing an e-Government strategy is > perhaps as important if not more important than the resulting document, this > event will be an opportunity to learn from three different country > perspectives. The speakers will address the process of designing successful > national e-Government strategies, focusing on the following questions: > > > > Why is it important to have well-designed e-Government Strategies? > > Why might the process be as important as the final document? > > What constitutes successful e-Government strategies? What are the key > ingredients? > > How should governments go about designing e-Government strategies? > > What are the steps and processes that are essential not only to the > elaboration of the strategy, but also to its successful implementation? > > > > The VC room at the Bank can accommodate just a few people, and we have been > given about 15 spaces which shall be allocated on a first come first served > basis. Due to security issues at the Bank's offices, we have to submit the > names of those interested by 1pm tomorrow. So if you are interested in > participating, pls send me an email by 1pm tomorrow 19th June 2007. My > apologies for the short notice and we look forward to your participation! > > > > Best regards, > > > > Harry Hare > > African eDevelopment Resource Centre > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Please unsubscribe or change your options at > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/patrick.mburu%40gmail.com >

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NSE Weekly Analytics & MediaCorp Clinic
by Bill Kagai 26 Aug '07

26 Aug '07

Dear Sir/Madam, 1. Please find attached the NSE Weekly Analytics. This week our eye is on the proposed Bamburi/East Africa Portland Cement Merger - The real winners. 2.Next Saturday on 1st September 2007, we will be at Nyali Beach Hotel looking at how ICT can help you trade more efficiently at the inaugural MediaCorp Clinic. Main Plenary * * -Dr. Bitange Ndemo – PS, Ministry of Information and Communication who will speak on the role of ICT in harnessing online trading -Mr. Jimnah Mbaru – Chairman, Nairobi Stock Exchange [NSE] who will speak on transforming the market from a paper to a digital market and the future vision of the NSE. -Mr. Bob Karina – Managing Director, Faida Securities who will speak on demystifying the bond market by taking advantage of online resources in Kenya. Discussant Mr. Fred Mweni, Chief Executive, Tsavo Securities. First Plenary -Financing IPOs from a bank's perspective – K-Rep Bank - Moses Banda -Custodial Services from Barclays Securities Services – John Odhiambo / Gideon Chokah -NSE Real Time Data Demonstration – MediaCorp - Edwin Wambugu -Investor Rights and Redress – Kenya Association of Investor Groups – Patrick Kariuki -Brokers, Unit Trusts and Investment Groups Exhibition Confirmed Exhibitors Dyer & Blair Investment Bank, Faida Securities, Discount Securities, Barclays Securities Service, Bob Mathews, K-Rep Bank, Old Mutual, Tsavo Securities and Apex Africa have already confirmed exhibiting their services at the Clinic. -- Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited Nairobi Stock Exchange [NSE] - Authorised Information Vendor Suite B2 Tetu Apartments StateHouse Avenue P. O. Box 20311-00200 Tel. 254 20 272 8332 Fax. Rendered Obsolete URL. www.mediacorpafrica.com --

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WHOIS privacy reform reaches dead end
by Alex Gakuru 25 Aug '07

25 Aug '07

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070824-whois-privacy-reform-reaches-… Reforms to the WHOIS database in order to address growing privacy concerns have once again come to a halt, leaving a seven-year-old debate to continue on how much personal information should be displayed to the public. The WHOIS Working Group published its Final Outcomes report (PDF) this week, which detailed nearly three months' worth of talks, negotiations, and disagreements among 70 users, service providers, and law enforcement officials. The group was pulled in two directions: one by those who want increased privacy protections for individuals registering domains and another by those who want easier and quicker access to WHOIS contact information in order to keep an eye on bad apples. Report: http://gnso.icann.org/drafts/icann-whois-wg-report-final-1-9.pdf ------------------- [WWWhatsup NYC, http://pinstand.com,http://punkcast.com http://isoc-ny.org] ------------------- ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545469

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Fwd: [Skunkworks] MEETING - PloneGOV - 28 Aug 2007
by Riyaz Bachani 25 Aug '07

25 Aug '07

this might be useful for members on this forum too. Begin forwarded message: > To: skunkworks <skunkworks(a)my.co.ke> > > > Nicholas Bossut will be speaking about http://www.plonegov.org > > Wananchi Online, 1st Floor Loita Hse > > 6pm, 28 Aug 2007 > > We will probably do dinner after for those wanting more discussions > > > > > > ----- > from Ashok: > > Hello All: > > One of the main creators of PloneGOV project (http:// > www.plonegov.org) [1] is > visiting nairobi during this week, and is interested in meeting > organizations, interested > parties, open source folks.... : > > <quote> > Moreover, I'm truly interested to explore opportunities for PloneGov > project. PloneGov could be a way for african municipalities to fight > the digital divide in saving money. Open source websites as City of > Seneffe website (www.seneffe.be) could be easily copy-paste and help > national administrations in charge of local governments to develop a > presence of public authorities on Internet. Different applications > are independant and interconnectable. In facts, we deployed tools > that aren't useful in Africa but municipalities can choose 'à la > carte' what they need. > </quote> > > Interested parties may drop me an email offline .... > > thanks > > Ashok > > [1] PloneGOV : > ""55 European, African, North and South American Public > organizations participate > in the PloneGov project. In doing so, they aim to gain > independence from large > IT services providers by developing, essentially by themselves and > in a > cooperative manner, applications and websites for their own use as > well as for > their citizens'. > > PloneGov is open and aims to reach more organizations. Initiated by > small towns > in close collaboration with the Plone / Zope Communities, the > project reaches now > cities, regions and 10 parliaments. This collaboration effort > already spans over 3 > continents and 15 countries."" > > > _______________________________________________ > skunkworks mailing list > skunkworks(a)my.co.ke > http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com

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Teen 'unlocks' iPhone from AT&T network
by Jose' 25 Aug '07

25 Aug '07

I found this really facinating on the new iphone just released in the USA. The 17 year old guru got it "unlocked" from the AT&T network.Now we await on the blackberry :-) http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070825/ap_on_hi_te/iphone_unlocked;_ylt=Al511V… Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545469

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training on Information Security Management Systems
by Rebecca Wanjiku 25 Aug '07

25 Aug '07

in case of interest Course: Information Security Management Systems-ISO 27001:2005 Lead Auditor Course Date: 27th-31st August 2007 (5-days 8am-5pm) Venue:Safaripark Hotel Certification: International Registrar of Certified Auditor (IRCA) Certificate Facilitator: Gerald Kelly ( From Ireland) ( He has hands on expereience in auditing and implementing ISMS so its not theory based) Cost: 69,500 + VAT TARGET GROUP Senior Managers IT Professionals IS Managers Systems Administrators Database Administrators IT Consultants Owner Managers Accountants Quality & Safety Managers Auditors AIMS OF THE COURSE Explain the purpose of Information Security Management Systems(ISMS) Explain the process Involved in establishing,Implementing,Operating,Monitoring,Reviewing,and Improving the ISMS including their significance to auditors. Explain the purpose,content and Inter-relationship between ISO 27001:2005,ISO 17799:2005,and ISO/IEC 13335 To gather evidence through observation,Interview and Sampling of documents and records. Conduct audit follow up to verify the effectiveness of corrective actions. To explain the legislative frame work relevant to ISMS including the inter-relationship with corporate governance. To conduct process based audits in accordance to ISO 27001:2005,ISO 19001:2002,EA7-03,and ISO 17021:2006 Understand the responsibility and competencies of an Auditor Write objective and verifiable audit findings and summary report. BENEFITS OF THE COURSE Accelerate your professional skills and find out what is new in IS auditing and related fields Develop ability to improve audit performance Internationally Accredited Certificate Kindly review and we hope you are going to send participants from your organization. We can also schedule a meeting so that we can discuss the course further and I give you more material. -- Joseph McDonald Ignite Consulting Limited EDEN SQUARE 7th Floor, Chiromo Road, Westlands P. O. Box 15568 00100 GPO Nairobi, Kenya Tel: 254-20-3673250-9 Fax: 254-20-3673231 Email: joseph.mcdonald(a)igniteconsulting.co.ke URL: www.igniteconsulting.co.ke Professional & Life Skills Coaching, Quality Management Systems, Health Safety, Food Safety & Environment Management Systems, Lead Auditor Courses that are Internationally Accredited by IRCA, Training on Conformity and Compliance based on International Standards (ISO), Business Management, Organizational Development, Capacity Building and Strategy Facilitation and Development. IT Solutions:- eDocuments Management, Data Management, Disaster Preparedness and Hosting and Management Services for all your IT needs. Services delivered to you by Ignite Technologies, an Ignite Consulting Division focusing on Systems Integration. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Sick sense of humor? Visit Yahoo! TV's Comedy with an Edge to see what's on, when.

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Nokia battery recall
by Jose' 25 Aug '07

25 Aug '07

Is your Nokia phone model Nokia 1100, Nokia 1100c, Nokia 1101, Nokia 1108, Nokia 1110, Nokia 1112, Nokia 1255, Nokia 1315, Nokia 1600, Nokia 2112, Nokia 2118, Nokia 2255, Nokia 2272, Nokia 2275, Nokia 2300, Nokia 2300c, Nokia 2310, Nokia 2355, Nokia 2600, Nokia 2610, Nokia 2610b, Nokia 2626, Nokia 3100, Nokia 3105, Nokia 3120, Nokia 3125, Nokia 6030, Nokia 6085, Nokia 6086, Nokia 6108, Nokia 6175i, Nokia 6178i, Nokia 6230, Nokia 6230i, Nokia 6270, Nokia 6600, Nokia 6620, Nokia 6630, Nokia 6631, Nokia 6670, Nokia 6680, Nokia 6681, Nokia 6682, Nokia 6820, Nokia 6822, Nokia 7610, Nokia N70, Nokia N71, Nokia N72, Nokia N91, Nokia E50? then log on to this link and read it for further instructions. http://batteryreplacement.nokia.com/batteryreplacement/en/ There after,please call 0911 NOKIA. You'll get it replaced. Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || ____________________________________________________________________________________ Sick sense of humor? Visit Yahoo! TV's Comedy with an Edge to see what's on, when. http://tv.yahoo.com/collections/222

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KICTANet cocktail at 6.30 pm today
by Rebecca Wanjiku 24 Aug '07

24 Aug '07

just to let you know that the cocktail is today at 6.30 pm at jacaranda, Palm room, hope to see you there, regards becky Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Luggage? GPS? Comic books? Check out fitting gifts for grads at Yahoo! Search.

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cocktail at Jacranda
by Rebecca Wanjiku 23 Aug '07

23 Aug '07

the cocktail is at jacaranda, 6.30 to 8pm friday august 24th Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links.

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invitation to KICTANet cocktail
by Rebecca Wanjiku 23 Aug '07

23 Aug '07

Re: Introduction of the ICT board Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) and the Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Information and Communication Dr. Bitange Ndemo wishes to invite you to a cocktail on Friday August 24th 2007. At the cocktail, Dr. Ndemo will introduce the members of the newly formed ICT board and honour other members of in the ICT sectors who have made notable contributions. In line with KICTANet mission to bring together stakeholders in the ICT sector, this event aims at providing a forum which the government will inform and update ICT industry players the recent developments in the policy and regulatory arena. The cocktail starts at 6.30 pm and is expected to end at 8 pm. Yours faithfully, Alice Munyua KICTANet Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

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] Kagwe pulls back another proposed law]
by alice 23 Aug '07

23 Aug '07

Kagwe pulls back another proposed law Story by NATION Correspondent Publication Date: 8/23/2007 The Government yesterday withdrew the contentious Kenya Communication Amendment Bill 2007 from the floor of Parliament for redrafting. Information and Communications minister Mutahi Kagwe said the Bill had omitted crucial issues that included cyber crime and penalties to be meted on those who damage fibre optic cables. "The Bill has not sufficiently addressed the internet crimes and the issue of fibre optic cable protection. It will be re-introduced after it is properly drafted," the minister said. Mr Kagwe noted that laws governing theft and damage of copper wires were too lenient to deal with the optic cable that was more expensive. "The cable is expensive and we need to know what to do with those who damage and cause inconvenience to others," he said. Mr Kagwe said the issue of cross-media ownership would also be looked at afresh. "We want companies that are listed at Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) with 51 per cent shares held by the public and the rule will not necessarily apply," Kagwe said. At the same time, the minister said the government was determined to establish Universal Access Fund to enable the Information Communication Technology (ICT) to reach rural areas that were not economically viable for the operators to set up their operations. He said this would increase the ICT coverage in the country, where only 2.7 million use the internet. The minister was addressing the press after opening the 2nd annual connecting rural communities and Africa forum at Grand Regency hotel. He said some of the issues being raised were in the current law and cited the Kenya Film Censorship. He said the content of some FM stations had raised concerns from religious bodies and that their broadcast time should be reviewed. "There is an outcry by the Christian and Muslim religions and that is why we want the Media Council where such complaints can be directed," Mr Kagwe said. Print this Page Email this Story Save this Story __._,_.___ Messages in this topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/message/6251;_ylc=X3oDMTM0ZW8xa2U0B…> (1) <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJwMHNxNTBoBF9TAzk3M…>

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SILENT DEMO
by Rebecca Wanjiku 23 Aug '07

23 Aug '07

in case yhou support journalists... Hi all. This is to inform you that we have already notified the police that we shall be holding a peaceful procession as indicated in Mbaus email. We have also dispatched a letter to the AG asking him or his representative to wait for our petition on the appointed date. Please send this message to as many journalists as you can. Thank you. _____________________________________________ From: Samuel Mbau Sent: Friday, August 10, 2007 12:23 PM To: Julius Bosire; Owino Opondo; Editorial Cc: Business Daily; Easy FM; eam; NTV News Subject: SILENT DEMO Dear journalist, The contentious clause 38 (4) in the Media Bill states: "When a story includes unnamed parties who are not disclosed and the same becomes the subject of a legal tussle as to who is meant, then the editor shall be obligated to disclose the identity of the party or parties referred to." As members of the Fourth Estate who take it upon ourselves to fight for the rights of others, we simply cannot afford to sit down and do nothing while our own rights and a basic tenets of our profession are at stake. The Silent Demo is on! The Silent Demonstration will take place on Wednesday August 15, with the blessings and the support from the majority of media houses and associations as well as myriads of well wishers. We shall assemble 8:30am at Freedom Corner at Uhuru Park. We will then march to the AGs Chambers (via Kenyatta Ave- Moi Ave- Harambee Ave) where we will present a petition to the chief legal adviser to the Government and ask him to advise the President against signing the proposed law. We shall then proceed to march around Parliament two times before breaking the demo at Freedom corner. The whole programme should take about two hours maximum. The demo is silent for there will be no chanting nor singing. We will actually be quiet through out the march and our mouths gagged with black cloth or duct tape. We can also adorn black scarves, head bands or arm bands. So please bring along a gag, dress in your organisations branded wear [if available], AND remember to put on some comfortable walking shoes. We are looking forward to your participation and your organisations support as we SILENCE this bad law. NB: Watch out for a spectacular media showing on that day. Standing as one, Inter-media committee DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended recipient. Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today!

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KICTANET COCKTAIL
by charles nduati 21 Aug '07

21 Aug '07

Hi All, Can someone confirm whether the earlier announced cocktail of 22/08 is till on at jacaranda. Charles CHARLES N. NDUATI BUSINESS MANAGER JKUAT ENTERPRISES LTD JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY JUJA MAIN CAMPUS, THIKA P. O. BOX 79324-00200 NAIROBI, KENYA TEL: 254-067-52420 OR 254-067-52711 FAX: 254-067-52438 MOBILE:254-722728815 EMIAL:[email protected] www.jkuat.ac.ke ----- Original Message ---- From: "bitange(a)jambo.co.ke" <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> To: charlesnduati2002(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, 20 August, 2007 7:20:16 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] The Kenya Communications Amendment Bill Dear Alex, There is no crisis or tension in the ICT legislative process. I was pointing out the opportunities that are available to you in ensuring that the piece of legislation you want is passed. As far as I am concerned all of us have representation in parliament and we should utilize that opportunity instead of blaming the Government. The Safari Park proposals shall be given to the MPs. The Thursday date was set anticipating that parliament will go on recess. Now that they are not going on recess, they have proposed August 30th and 31st. We are looking for resources for a venue in Mombasa and shall revert to you. Regards Bitange. > May I suggest we ask Eng. Rege to help diffuse ICT > tensions now bottling up? Borrow his experince on > dealing with government, stakeholders, steakholders, > and others? Just thinking aloud and welcome comments. > > Alex > > --- Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> Thanks Alex i appreciate your response your >> arguments are valid though >> >> On 8/17/07, Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> >> wrote: >> > Barrack, >> > >> > My apologies if I appeared to harass the Permanent >> > Secretary. The gist of my, I believe justified, >> > request for information was to know the fate of >> our >> > Safari Park contributions considering that the >> > expected legislators could not come because of >> said >> > Parlimentary Procedures. >> > >> > I needed to know whether we should assume that >> those >> > contributions we made needed to be repeated should >> an >> > opportunity to meet with the Committee present >> itself >> > especially if the ministry could not incorporate >> them. >> > >> > I interpret Dr. Ndemo's advice as "they have them, >> > because we gave them but now lobby hard yourselves >> to >> > ensure your interests are captured" >> > >> > I am sufficiently pleased with his reply, his >> > voluntary additional information, and await >> > confirmation on how the committee sees best fit to >> > receive any outstanding stakeholders' concerns >> on >> > the bill as promised today. >> > >> > Please understand that I consider myself of the >> issue >> > focussed, not the person, nature and I would >> seriously >> > err to substitute any clause, error, commission, >> or >> > omission with "Bitange Ndemo":) >> > >> > Have a laughly day! >> > >> > Alex >> > >> > --- Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> >> wrote: >> > >> > > Good effort bwana Ndemo, Alex i bet you >> understand >> > > how our legislators >> > > operate take it easy on bwana Ndemo, bwana Ps >> try >> > > your level best to ensure >> > > that Stakeholder expectations are met, so far i >> > > guess you deserve a pat >> > > Regards >> > > >> > > On 8/16/07, Benjamin Makai <benmakai(a)yahoo.com> >> > > wrote: >> > > > >> > > > Dr.Ndemo >> > > > This information is very necessary and >> important. >> > > Kindly could you also >> > > > outline to the level or rather phases >> pertaining >> > > the same sir. >> > > > >> > > > This gives us the the auditable elements of >> the >> > > process for the few whom >> > > > may not be aware of the process and yet they >> may >> > > want to shout loundest.. >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > All is about the welfare of our countr >> y(personal >> > > sentiments and not about >> > > > who shouts loundest and in some situations or >> > > least solutions. ICT is all >> > > > bout solutions and world wide tested and >> proven >> > > best practices) >> > > > >> > > > Regards >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > *bitange(a)jambo.co.ke* wrote: >> > > > >> > > > Dear Alex, >> > > > I tried to explain how parliament works >> earlier in >> > > the week. We cannot >> > > > revise the bill here. We have taken the >> proposals >> > > to the committee for >> > > > consideration. >> > > > >> > > > Luckily today the committee sumoned me to >> > > parliament. They want to have a >> > > > stakeholder's meeting either on Tuesady or >> > > Thursday next week in Mombasa. >> > > > I shall confirm this to you tomorrow. Any >> changes >> > > now must go through the >> > > > committee since the bill belongs to >> parliament. >> > > You have this window to >> > > > make the necessary changes. The safari Park >> > > proposals are already with >> > > > them but they may decide that they do not want >> to >> > > include them. This is >> > > > where we need the stakeholders to push. >> > > > >> > > > I hope you do not leave this window of >> opportunity >> > > to pass and blame us >> > > > later. >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > Regards >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > Ndemo. >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > > Dr. Ndemo, >> > > > > >> > > > > You invited us to Safari Park Hotel and on >> > > information >> > > > > and belief, we were coming to meet the >> > > Parliament >> > > > > Committee. We understood your at the venue >> > > explanation >> > > > > why they could not come. >> > > > > >> > > > > However, >> > > > > >> > > > > Would you be in a position to inform >> > > stakeholders what >> > > > > to expect of our Safari Park contributions >> on >> > > the >> > > > > Kenya Communications Amendment Bill 2007? >> i.e. >> > > does >> > > > > the ministry have an "updated" >> > > version-considerate of >> > > > > expressed concerns? I am made to understand >> that >> > > a >> > > > > Bill's mover (who in this case is the >> Minister) >> > > is >> > > > > allowed to amend it anytime. >> > > > > >> > > > > This also would not only help us know where >> our >> > > > > concerns lay but it would also help us take >> > > informed >> > > > > engagements with the Energy and >> Communications >> > > > > Committee. >> > > > > >> > > > > I request for this information in view of >> your >> > > emailed >> > > > > informative note advising stakeholders on >> the >> > > law >> > > > > making processes, advising on the steps, >> when >> > > and >> > > > > where to engaging parliamentary committees >> in >> > > the >> > > > > process. >> > > > > >> > > > > Hope to hear from you. >> > > > > >> > > > > Sincerely, >> > > > > >> > > > > Alex >> > > > > >> > > > > --- Brian Longwe wrote: >> > > > > >> > > > >> Thank you very much Bw. Ndemo for this >> clear, >> > > > >> concise and very >> > > > >> practical reminder of our legislative >> process >> > === message truncated === > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who > knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. > http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545469 > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: charlesnduati2002(a)yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/charlesnduati2002%40ya… ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try it now. http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/

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Mobile and Internet OPEN SOURCE Experts, International meeting in LONDON
by Rebecca Wanjiku 20 Aug '07

20 Aug '07

st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) } FYI and possible circulation think that access to ICT is not enough and it is the ability to create, to add value that is important then you are invited to participate as speaker at the CTO's most innovative conference to date: Open Source in ICT 2007: Bridging the Digital Divide London , 4 - 6 December 2007 Open Source software presents an opportunity to cut costs, see inside the software, demystify technology and understand the design so that all users can adapt technology to meet their own needs. It is widely seen as the key enabler for developing countries to achieve technological self-determination. Open source can reduce total cost of ownership, enhance security, and create a vendor-independent network based on interoperability and open standards. Open source software also provides the opportunity to break free from the shackles of proprietary systems and expensive upgrades . The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation is hosting a three-day event in December devoted to Open Source. It is a must-attend event for ICT giants and start-ups alike. The first day of the conference is reserved for ministers and senior representatives from the public sector, the second day will include speakers from the private and public sector to analyse how open source is bridging the digital divide and the last day of the conference will be devoted to open source in mobile. We are now seeking experts like you to deliver presentations at this industry-shaping event aimed at the private and public sector. If you work in the public sector and are using open source software for e-governance, disaster management, e-literacy campaigns etc then we would like to invite you to share your experiences, achievements and difficulties If you are a service provider and have adopted open source to reduce costs, then we would like you to deliver a case study If you are an internet or mobile operator and have harnessed open source to decrease time to market and have used open source for the fast delivery of new services, then we would like you to contribute your expertise at this event CALL FOR PAPERS: If you would like to participate as speaker, please submit 4 sentences describing the main points of your proposed presentation to Conference Producer, Miss Mani Rai at m.kaur-rai(a)cto.int by 10th September. Please note all speakers are entitled to attend the entire forum free of charge. There is also an opportunity for speakers and delegates to take a free trip on the London Eye (UK's most iconic and popular tourist attraction). Open Source in ICT 2007 will bring together world experts on Open Source and you are warmly invited to join our speaker faculty. Please be sure to submit your proposal by 10th September. Confirmed Speakers so far include: Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Chief Executive Officer, Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation Mr. Magnus Glantz, Application Specialist, IT Operations OSS, TeliaSonera Mr. Arthur Feather, Senior Manager Mobile Standards and Architecture, Cisco (subject to final confirmation) Mr. Simon Crab, Team Leader, Informal Mr. Jerry Stabile, Senior Vice President, Pingtel (subject to final confirmation) Mr. Rishab Ghosh, Senior Researcher, Maastricht Economic Research Institute on Innovation and Technology If you do not want to participate as speaker, but would like to:- KNOW why One Laptop Per Child chose Open Source CONSIDER open source initial implementation and lifetime costs HEAR FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE of how successfully open source software can work with existing applications ANALYSE what Open Source can offer that proprietary systems cannot UNDERSTAND how easy it is to localise open source software to meet the needs of non-English speaking users LEARN how mobile operators are harnessing open source to deliver superior smartphone features in inexpensive handsets ENHANCE your knowledge on optimising open source in mobile for convergence and next generation networks EXAMINE how, when and where open source might fit into VoIP deployment Save the date: 4 6 December, 2007, London . Draft agenda is available on request, please email me directly at m.kaur-rai(a)cto.int. I look forward to seeing you in London! Yours sincerely, Mani Rai Conference Producer Email: m.kaur-rai(a)cto.int Tel: 0044 20 8834 1565 Fax: 0044 870 034 5626 P.S Please note the trip on the London Eye (subject to a private or public sector organisation sponsoring the conference) will be free for all delegates and speakers. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "DON'T LET SOMEONE BECOME A PRIORITY IN YOUR LIFE...WHEN YOU ARE JUST AN OPTION FOR THEM....." Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games.

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FW: Needed: Web-experts for: Web-portal Development, Hosting & Training (IGAD) -COMESA/RICTSP
by Harry Hare 20 Aug '07

20 Aug '07

Dear Colleagues, This posting might be of interest to some of you. Please circulate further, and apologies if youve already seen it. Kindest Regards Harry ________________________________________ From: Jane Møller Larsen [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, August 17, 2007 5:58 PM To: Jane Møller Larsen Subject: Needed: Web-experts for: Web-portal Development, Hosting & Training (IGAD) -COMESA/RICTSP Dear ICT experts, We are presently searching for individual web-experts to be included in a team for the following position. Please distribute this to personal contacts and networks where you believe that experts could find interest in this. Thank you in advance. Pls. note that proposed start-date is expected to be in September 2007. ____________________________________________________________________ We are presently looking for experts who have an interest in the following position: Project title: Web-portal Development, Hosting & Training (IGAD) Application deadline: As soon as possible and at the latest Thursday 30 August 2007 Contract duration: Short term Company: Danish Management A/S (http://www.danishmanagement.dk/) for the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) under COMESA/RICTSP. _______________________________________________________________ General information: Overall Objectives of the Assignment The main objective is to develop and achieve improved information access at the Intergovernmental Authority for Development org. and in the IGAD and ESA region. Specific Objectives: 1. Collect and analyse the user requirements and information needs of the stakeholders of the Regional IGAD Web Portal; 2. Design and develop a web portal; 3. Collect all information and populate the databases with the information; 4. Define information provision protocol for member states information suppliers to the web portal; 5. Train Technical staff on the web Servers including update to Web portal server software required from time to time; 6. Train Technical staff in the development and management of the Web Portal; 7. Design /provide a Content Management System(CMS) for content management; 8. Train Professional users on updating the portal using the Content Management System; 9. Train Regional Member states Technical staff in Web Portal development; 10. Train Regional Member states professional team in updating their specific information on the Portal. 11. Develop a Portal governance and Security system; 12. Define information for Intranet and develop the intranet system for IGAD; 13. Train staff in using the intranet; 14. Provide feedback and usage statistics. Requested Services The services required involve developing a new WEBPORTAL, over a period of 6 months, maintaining updating and building capacity for content uploading and maintenance, ensuring portal content integrity and security, providing feedback and usage statistics, and providing technical training of IGAD staff to maintain the portal after the termination of the contractual period. Additionally, the team of STEs will be required to provide services of setting up the WEBPORTAL servers and related IT support mechanisms to provide information to both potential and existing partners and the public at large about Intergovernmental Authority for Development. The Portal must be interactive, enabling global partners to make enquiries and requests for more information on-line. Implementation Time Frames: The development of the WEBPORTAL shall occur within a period of twelve (12) months and thereafter the staff of IGAD shall take over the responsibility of updating the Webportal which shall be on monthly basis. If completed sooner the STE will move on to the phase of Webportal enhancement, maintenance and capacity building - training. Expertise Required: Project managers, web development experts, and administrators - including STEs with experience and qualifications in web design, web programming, Microsoft Windows 2003, Microsoft Internet Information Server administration, Linux Mysql and PhP, etc. Indicate the respective roles that you/the STE will play in the team. Language: The webportal should be developed and regularly updated in both English and French languages. Eligibility (who can apply?): EU citizens and citizens from: Angola, Burundi, DR Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan AND citizens of the ACP member states: http://www.acpsec.org/en/acp_states.htm Background information: www.igad.org http://www.comesa.int http://comesa.assure.danishictmanagement.dk Please find ToR enclosed If you find the position of interest and your - or one of your proposed expert's - profile complies with the stated criteria, please contact us immediately and send us a short professional presentation of yourself and an updated CV with relevant similar experience (stating your age, nationality, languages spoken, education and exactly in what you are an expert). Send your application to: ictjobs(a)danishmanagement.dk NB: Only shortlisted candidates will receive notice. Contact person: Jane Moeller Larsen Danish Management A/S Margretheholmsvej 2 1432 Copenhagen, Denmark Phone: +45 70 200 298 Direct: +45 35 250 655 Kind regards, Jane Moller Larsen

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FW: CD celebrates 25th anniversary
by Harry Hare 20 Aug '07

20 Aug '07

_____ From: Harry Hare [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, August 17, 2007 8:47 PM To: 'kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke'; 'swopnet(a)dgroups.org'; 'ethinktanktz(a)yahoogroups.com' Subject: CD celebrates 25th anniversary Dear Colleagues, Interesting story, 25 year later, what appeared to be an "engineering marvel" is fighting for survival! Read on. Harry +++++++++++++++ CD celebrates 25th anniversary EINDHOVEN, Netherlands (AP) -- It was August 17, 1982, and row upon row of palm-sized plates with a rainbow sheen began rolling off an assembly line near Hanover, Germany. Are CDs burnt out after 25 years? An engineering marvel at the time, today they are instantly recognizable as Compact Discs, a product that turned 25 years old on Friday -- and whose future is increasingly in doubt in an age of iPods and digital downloads. Those first CDs contained Richard Strauss' Alpine Symphony and would sound equally sharp if played today, says Holland's Royal Philips Electronics NV, which jointly developed the CD with Sony Corp. of Japan. The recording industry thrived in the 1990s as music fans replaced their aging cassettes and vinyl LPs with compact discs, eventually making CDs the most popular album format. The CD still accounts for the majority of the music industry's recording revenues, but its sales have been in a freefall since peaking early this decade, in part due to the rise of online file-sharing, but also as consumers spend more of their leisure dollars on other entertainment purchases, such as DVDs and video games. As the music labels slash wholesale prices and experiment with extras to revive the now-aging format, it's hard to imagine there was ever a day without CDs. Yet it had been a risky technical endeavor to attempt to bring digital audio to the masses, said Pieter Kramer, the head of the optical research group at Philips' labs in the Netherlands in the 1970s. "When we started there was nothing in place," he told The Associated Press at Philips' corporate museum in Eindhoven. The proposed semiconductor chips needed for CD players were to be the most advanced ever used in a consumer product. And the lasers were still on the drawing board when the companies teamed up in 1979. In 1980, researchers published what became known as the "Red Book" containing the original CD standards, as well as specifying which patents were held by Philips and which by Sony. Philips had developed the bulk of the disc and laser technology, while Sony contributed the digital encoding that allowed for smooth, error-free playback. Philips still licenses out the Red Book and its later incarnations, notably for the CD-ROM for storing computer software and other data. The CD's design drew inspiration from vinyl records: Like the grooves on a record, CDs are engraved with a spiral of tiny pits that are scanned by a laser -- the equivalent of a record player's needle. The reflected light is encoded into millions of 0s and 1s: a digital file. Because the pits are covered with plastic and the laser's light doesn't wear them down, the CD never loses sound quality. Legends abound about how the size of the CD was chosen: Some said it matched a Dutch beer coaster; others believe a famous conductor or Sony executive wanted it just long enough for Beethoven's 9th Symphony. Kramer said the decision evolved from "long conversations around the table" about which play length made the most sense. The jump into mass production in Germany was a milestone for the CD, and by 1982 the companies announced their product was ready for market. Both began selling players that fall, though the machines only hit U.S. markets the following spring. Sony sold the first player in Japan on October 1, with the CBS label supplying Billy Joel's "52nd Street" as its first album. The CD was a massive hit. Sony sold more players, especially once its "Discman" series was introduced in 1984. But Philips benefited from CD sales, too, thanks to its ownership of Polygram, now part of Vivendi SA's Universal Music Group. The CD player helped Philips maintain its position as Europe's largest maker of consumer electronics until it was eclipsed by Nokia Corp. in the late 1990s. Licensing royalties sustained the company through bad times. "The CD was in itself an easy product to market," said Philips' current marketing chief for consumer electronics, Lucas Covers. It wasn't just the sound quality -- discs looked like jewelry in comparison to LPs. By 1986, CD players were outselling record players, and by 1988 CDs outsold records. "It was a massive turnaround for the whole market," Covers said. Now, the CD may be seeing the end of its days. CD sales have fallen sharply to 553 million sold in the United States last year, a 22 percent drop from its 2001 peak of 712 million, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Napster and later Kazaa and BitTorrent allowed music fans to easily share songs over the Internet, often illegally. More recently, Apple Inc. and other companies began selling legal music downloads, turning the MP3 and other digital audio formats into the medium of choice for many owners of Apple's iPods and other digital players. "The MP3 and all the little things that the boys and girls have in their pockets ... can replace it, absolutely," said Kramer, the retired engineer. CDs won't disappear overnight, but its years may be numbered. Record labels seeking to revive the format have experimented with hybrid CD-DVD combos and packages of traditional CDs with separate DVDs that carry video and multimedia offerings playable on computers. The efforts have been mixed at best, with some attempts, such as the DualDisc that debuted in 2004, not finding lasting success in the marketplace. Kramer said it has been satisfying to witness the CD's long run at the top and know he had a small hand in its creation. "You never know how long a standard will last," he said. "But it was a solid, good standard and still is." E-mail <http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/08/17/cd.anniversary.ap/index.html> to a friend E-mail to a friend

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