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The African Union Takes Significant Steps Towards Establishing a Common African Position on the Application of International Law in Cyberspace
by Gachungi, Lydia 04 Jul '23

04 Jul '23

From: Directorate of Information and Communication <DIC(a)africa-union.org> Sent: 04 July 2023 14:17 To: Directorate of Information and Communication <DIC(a)africa-union.org> Subject: Press Release - The African Union Takes Significant Steps Towards Establishing a Common African Position on the Application of International Law in Cyberspace [cid:image005.png@01D9AE82.84F15410][cid:image006.png@01D9AE82.84F15410] INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE Press Release: 083/2023 Date: 4th July 2023 Venue: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia The African Union Takes Significant Steps Towards Establishing a Common African Position on the Application of International Law in Cyberspace The African Union Commission on International Law (AUCIL) has been tasked with preparing a draft AU statement on the application of international law in cyberspace, vide Communiqué PSC/PR/COMM.1120.1 (2022) adopted by the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (PSC) on 9 November 2022. The Communiqué also instructed the AUCIL and the African Union Commission (AUC) to provide technical assistance to Member States in the process of developing their national positions and a Common African Position (CAP) on this issue. The PSC has highlighted the importance of establishing a unified African stance on the application of international law in cyberspace. The African Union (AU) recognizes the ever-changing nature of the digital realm and its impact on peace, security, and development. As a result, the AU emphasizes the need for Africa to actively participate in the process of defining the rules of international law in order increase Africa's voice, influence in shaping global norms and frameworks governing cyberspace and safeguard its interests. The AU Member States have initiated a cooperative endeavor to formulate a CAP on the topic at hand. In this regard, the CAP is still going through consultations among Member States and experts and will be at a later stage considered by the PSC and the AU Policy Organs. This noteworthy accomplishment will serve as a testament to Africa's commitment to addressing the difficulties and possibilities presented by cyberspace, as well as its dedication to upholding international law in this quickly evolving domain. In developing the CAP, the AU is benefiting from the support of Global Affairs Canada (GAC). In this regard, two capacity-building training sessions for AU Member States were successfully conducted and provided participants with the necessary knowledge and abilities to effectively contribute to the formulation of the CAP. The first one was held virtually from March 29-30. The second one took place at the AU Headquarters from June 12-14, 2023, and was also an opportunity for initial consultations with Member States and African Experts on the draft Statement that was adopted by the AUCIL. The third part of the capacity-building training program will be held in New York from July 19 to 21, 2023. The program will be for experts representing AU Member States in the UN General Assembly First Committee, which is responsible for following multilateral processes such as the Open-Ended Working Group on cybersecurity. The program will also be attended by legal experts representing AU Member States in the UN General Assembly Sixth Committee, which is responsible for legal affairs and will be an opportunity to continue consultations on the draft Statement. The development of a CAP on the application of international law in cyberspace marks a significant milestone in Africa's journey towards a free, secure and safe cyberspace. It demonstrates the continent's dedication to fostering an environment that promotes cybersecurity, respects human rights, encourages innovation, and ensures equitable digital opportunities for all African citizens. For more information, contact: Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC(a)africa-union.org<mailto:DIC@africa-union.org> | Web: <http://www.au.int/> www.au.int<http://www.au.int/> | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: <https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission> Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission> | <https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion> Twitter<https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion> | <https://www.instagram.com/africanunion_official/> Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/africanunion_official/> | <https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission> YouTube<https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission>

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Careers at KICTANet: Finance Officer
by David Indeje 04 Jul '23

04 Jul '23

Dear Listers, KICTANet has a job opening! It is seeking a Finance Officer. For details and how to apply, visit our careers section. Application Deadline: 20 July 2023. https://www.kictanet.or.ke/careers/ -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *KICTANet Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/18428106/admin/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/>

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Kenya's E-Citizen Portal, What is Missing?
by David Indeje 30 Jun '23

30 Jun '23

Dear Listers, The Kenyan government has digitized at least 5,000 services so far on the portal dubbed eCitizen. The government intends to cover all the remaining services by the end of the year. It is impressive how the government has digitized many services such as agriculture, health, housing and public works, and cooperatives. To find out what is missing? Let us dig in Kenyan Government Launches 5,000 Services Online: What is Missing? <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenyan-government-launches-5000-services-online-…> -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *KICTANet Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/18428106/admin/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/>

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Unleash your Potential with UNESCO's Exciting Digital Policy Specialist Role
by Gachungi, Lydia 30 Jun '23

30 Jun '23

Do you have a passion for digital policy and transformation? Are you eager to make a profound impact on global digital landscapes? If yes, we have the perfect opportunity for you! UNESCO is seeking a Programme Specialist to play a critical role in our Digital Policies and Digital Transformation team, based in Paris. This role provides a unique opportunity to help shape digital policies and facilitate inclusive digital transformation for our Member States and across UNESCO. With your expertise, you'll drive innovative digital governance and policy initiatives, offer technical advice, and foster strategic partnerships. Your work will directly contribute to bridging digital and knowledge divides, including between genders, thereby fostering a technological environment in service of humankind. We're looking for an individual with an advanced degree in relevant fields and at least four years of professional experience in implementing and monitoring ICT for development and/or digital policy projects. Your resource mobilization ability and experience will be important for this role, as this is a rapidly expanding field too. Join us and contribute your skills to help shape a digital future that leaves no one behind. You can apply here<https://careers.unesco.org/job/Programme-Specialist-%28Digital-Policies-and…>. https://careers.unesco.org/job/Programme-Specialist-%28Digital-Policies-and… ?

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Telkom Kenya outage after it is switched off by American Tower Corporation
by Mwendwa Kivuva 29 Jun '23

29 Jun '23

Telkom Kenya has been switched off by American Tower Corporation (ATC) after failing to pay Ksh.200 million in rental fees for 723 masts. Telkom Kenya initially owned the same masts and sold them to ATC and leasing them back. ATC is said to have switched off half the masts leased to Telkom Kenya; this tower blackout has now caused interruptions within the Telkom network. Ironically, Late last year, the government bought back 60 per cent stake from Helios Investment group to reduce the security risk posed by foreign ownership of the important strategic assets. Read more https://www.citizen.digital/business/telkom-customers-experience-service-ou… -- Best Regards, ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwendwa-kivuva

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Opportunity - International and National Consultancy Openings to Conduct UN Peace & Conflict Analysis
by Gachungi, Lydia 29 Jun '23

29 Jun '23

From: Regev Yehuda Ben Jacob <regev.benjacob(a)un.org> Sent: 29 June 2023 12:10 Subject: Opportunity - International and National Consultancy Openings to Conduct UN Peace & Conflict Analysis Dear EPBN members, Greetings! The UN is looking to hire international and national consultants to jointly undertake a Peace and Conflict Analysis for Ethiopia. Grateful if you can circulate to qualified candidates within your networks. The deadline to apply is 10 July 2023. Here are the links for the job posts: * International Consultant<https://career5.successfactors.eu/career?career_ns=job_listing&company=C000…> * National Consultant<https://career5.successfactors.eu/career?career_ns=job_listing&company=C000…> Thanks and best regards, Regev Regev Ben Jacob HDP Nexus Advisor Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ethiopia UNECA | Congo Building, 7th floor | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Email: regev.benjacob(a)un.org<mailto:regev.benjacob@un.org> | Phone: + 251 993825029 Website: https://ethiopia.un.org<https://ethiopia.un.org/> [cid:image003.png@01D9AA87.202AC100] [cid:image004.png@01D9AA87.202AC100] <https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/>

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Scorecard: Accessibility of Kenya Government Websites to Persons with Disabilities
by Nicodemus Nyakundi 27 Jun '23

27 Jun '23

Good afternoon Listers, The *KICTANet Digital Accessibility* team in their pursuit of ICT accessibility and equality for persons with disabilities, conducted an assessment of the *Accessibility of Kenya Government Websites to Persons with Disabilities* and developed a scorecard. The purpose of conducting the assessment is to influence persons with disabilities access to ICTs, their lived experiences, and their input towards ICT policy in Kenya. It is important that information posted for public consumption reaches and remains the same for all. This is to promote equity and equality in access to information and online services. A basic human right provisioned in the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Article 35. The report (available in this* link <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/reports/#>*) provides the scores and ratings of the Kenyan public websites (in reference to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) proposals) and recommendations. From your end what is the best way to address the issues raised in the report as a country? Full report link: *Accessibility of Kenya Government Websites to Persons with Disabilities <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?mdocs-file=48324>* Regards, *Nicodemus Nyakundi* ICT Accessibility & Equality for PWDs *KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/kictanet/posts/?feedView=all> <https://twitter.com/KICTANet> <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet>

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Kenya falls a cliff in press freedom
by Mwendwa Kivuva 24 Jun '23

24 Jun '23

According to Reporters Without Borders, Kenya’s ranking in press freedom has slid from position 69 globally in 2022 to position 116 in 2023. In Africa, Namibia (22), South Africa (25), and Cabo Verde (33) lead the pack. Sudan (148, Djibouti (162), and Eritrea (174) are the least ranked in the continent which is now described as the ”new disinformation and propaganda laboratory”. Norway (1), Ireland (2), and Denmark (3) lead in press freedom with Vietnam (178), China (179), and North Korea holding the tail at position 180 of all ranked countries. Check the database here https://rsf.org/en/index -- Best Regards, ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwendwa-kivuva

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Invitation to Participate in Kenya Youth IGF 2023
by Keith Andere 20 Jun '23

20 Jun '23

*Dear Listers,* *Date: Jun 21, 2023 01:45 PM Venue: Virtual* Kenya Youth IGF is a youth-led structure to develop the capacity for coordinating, mobilizing and advocating for meaningful inclusion and engagement of young people in the Kenya IGF in partnership with industry stakeholders to address key Internet issues. Following the success of last year’s edition, this year’s Kenya YouthIGF aims at serving as an interactive discussion platform for organized youth participation from all stakeholder groups to bring up their ideas and concerns. The Forum will further create opportunities for networking, collaboration and creating long-term partnerships between key stakeholders and the community. The outcomes of the forum will feed into the annual 17th edition of the Kenya IGF 2023 happening on 22 June 2023. *Read More:* https://kigf.or.ke/kenya-youth-igf-2023/ *Register Here:* https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-mBbvi0TS72D9oSxVHVKHA#/registr… Looking forward to having an interesting conversation with you all. Karibuni and please share it forward -- *Kind Regards,* *Keith ANDERE* Internet 4 Development *"The internet could be a very positive step towards education, organisation and participation in a meaningful society." ~ Noam Chomsky*

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Mulot SIM Swap
by Victor Kapiyo 19 Jun '23

19 Jun '23

Just how easy is it to do SIM Swap? Seems like the chaps at Mulot bado wanafanya ile kitu. Story below from a recent complaint on Safcom's FB page today: Safaricom PLC you people will loose customers because of this sim swap thing. On 11th April 2023 at around 9:30am, I was at work when all of a sudden my phone's network went off.I couldn't neither make nor receive any calls or messages. I tried restarting the phone all to no avail, I just assumed it was a network error and put the phone on my bag.During lunch break I went home to my daughter who tried all tactics but still nothing. That's when we called customer care and were informed to visit the nearest safaricom shop. We went to Safaricom Nyali,City Mall. That's when I was shocked to hear that my line has been replaced and the following has happened :- 1. Kcb mpesa loan of 79,600 was taken 2. 30,063 was withdrawn from mshwari 3.Mshwari loan of 29,000 was taken 4.Fuliza of 2950 also taken 5.3600 was withdrawn via mobile banking 6.Mpesa balance of 58,525 All this collectively sent to one Dorica Manono and Evans Gucho.These are people I do not know. I reported to Nyali police station under OB number 35/11/04/2023 , I was later informed that the sim swap happened in Mulot area in Bomet. How is that possible yet I stay in Mombasa? KCB and Mshwari are on my neck to pay the said loans.Intrest is already accruing. Some of the cash are for chamas. I tried following up but nothing. My question is , how safe is my money on Safaricom? I need this issue sorted as soon as possible.I can't loose over 200,000 just like that , with this economy.NO!!!!!

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