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[Fwd: [APC Africa-ICT-Policy Monitor] e-Updates No.13]
by Emmanuel Njenga 08 Sep '05

08 Sep '05

FYI apologies for cross posting Njenga -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [APC Africa-ICT-Policy Monitor] e-Updates No.13 Date: Fri, 09 Sep 2005 00:05:04 +1000 From: Africa ICT Policy Monitor Project <africa.rights(a)apc.org> Reply-To: Africa.Rights(a)Apc.Org <africa.rights(a)apc.org> To: africa-ir-public(a)lists.sn.apc.org Dear all, Here is the latest issue of the APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor e-updates No. 13, a selection of the latest content added to the Africa ICT Policy Monitor website. For these news, information resources and upcoming events, please visit the APC Africa Policy Monitor Website links below. Editor APC Africa Policy Monitor Website http://africa.rights.apc.org/ //\//\//\//\//\//\/ - NEWS - //\//\//\//\//\//\/ News > Access Cameroon: Telecom Conference starts with a focus on 'Access' <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=1252759> 06/09/2005 (Cameroon Tribune <http://www.cameroon-tribune.net/>) -- The Commonwealth Telecommunication delegates yesterday, kick-started the Yaounde forum at the Conference Centre. There was every evidence yesterday at the Yaounde Conference Centre that the greatest challenge in telecommunication is not just the rapid developments in the Information and Communication Technology but the difficult way to have access to it. Ethiopia: Over 11 mln Birr rural technology expansion center to begin service soon <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=1138790> 25/08/2005 (ENA <http://www.ena.gov.et>) -- A rural technology expansion center constructed in Afar State with an outlay of over 11 million Birr would soon begin providing services, the State animal, natural resource and environmental protection bureau said. *News > Censorship * Kenya: Parliament website shut after media reports <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=1218523> 03/09/2005 (East African Standard <http://www.eastandard.net>) -- Kenyan parliament has shut down its website amid reports that the The Standard's exclusive report of well-guarded secrets embarrassed some MPs. Yesterday, http://www.parliament.go.ke was blank after the two-day serialisation of what reads like an A-Z of some of our MPs' hitherto unknown -- and perhaps best kept -- career and educational details. *News > Freedom of Expression and Media * South Africa: FXI expresses concerns over Convergence Bill <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21866ne_1&x=920930> 16/08/2005 (IFEX <http://www.ifex.org>) -- The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) is deeply disturbed by a number of provisions in South Africa's new Convergence Bill, which is supposed to replace existing broadcasting and telecommunications legislation, and is also concerned about the process that has led up to the development of the Bill. The FXI presented a number of these concerns to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications earlier today. A number of provisions threaten the freedom of expression and independence of the communications sector, and the FXI fears that the Bill will not necessarily address the growing divide between the communications 'haves' and 'have-nots' in South Africa. Guinea: Government Democratises Airwaves <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=1274096> 07/09/2005 (IFEX <http://www.ifex.org>) -- The small West African republic of Guinea took an important step toward guaranteeing press freedom last month, following the signing of a presidential decree that opens up the airwaves to private broadcasters, reported the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Rwanda: RITA to launch ICT media network <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21872ne_1&x=1138459> 26/08/2005 (New Times Rwanda <http://www.newtimes.co.rw/>) -- Rwanda Information Technology Authority (RITA) will soon embark on a holistic ICT/media approach aimed at imparting the media with ICT skills to promote their reporting. On Tuesday, RITA assembled various journalists and discussed modalities of establishing the first ever ICT Media Network in the country. News > Laws and Regulation Ugandan President stops TV tax <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=1252438> 06/09/2005 (NewVision <http://www.newvision.co.ug>) -- PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has ordered information minister Dr James Nsaba Buturo to stop, with immediate effect, levying tax on television sets that are not used for commercial purpose. Museveni made the directive while meeting members of the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation at State House Nakasero yesterday morning. Nigeria: New guidelines for erection of telecom masts <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=1252892> 05/09/2005 (Vanguard <http://www.vanguardngr.com/>) -- The Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC , says new guide lines for the erection of telecommunication masts by telecom service providers in the country will soon be out. The new guidelines, according to the regulatory authority, will spell out many things as regards erection of masts in the country including the exact proximity to residential buildings. South Africa: No licences for content, applications providers <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=1138079> 27/08/2005 (ITWeb <http://www.itweb.co.za>) -- Applications and content service providers will not require licences in terms of the Convergence Bill, says Joe Mjwara, Department of Communications deputy director-general in charge of policy. News > E-Commerce Zambia: E-solutions right solution at a right time <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21864ne_1&x=1252890> 02/09/2005 (Times of Zambia <http://www.times.co.zm/>) -- THE steadfast growth in Zambia's gross domestic product (GDP) needs to be backed by the utilisation of electronic solutions (e-solutions) in the economy, Huawei Technologies managing director Zhang Wei has said. Mr Wei said in a statement released in Lusaka yesterday that his company had introduced e-banking, e-governments and e-campus in Zambia to assist the country in embracing and advancing in e-solutions. Zambia <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21864s21819e_1> | E-Commerce <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21864se_1> South Africa: Websites Become Lucrative in SA <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21864ne_1&x=1139069> 25/08/2005 (BusinessDay <http://www.businessday.co.za>) -- SOME South African websites are finally becoming an effective way of generating revenue for a business by attracting enough local and international consumers to make them viable. South Africa <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21864s21817e_1> | E-Commerce <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21864se_1> News > E-Governance Botswana: ICT can spur political change <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=1187973> 01/09/2005 (BOPA <http://www.gov.bw/cgi-bin/news.cgi>) -- GABORONE - A British academic attending WITFOR in Gaborone has called for a shift of perception from information and communication technology (ICT) as an instrument for development to ICT as part of a political process of change. Uganda: Digital land titles in offing <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=1040810> 23/08/2005 (NewVision <http://www.newvision.co.ug>) -- The lands ministry will introduce electronic land titles to eliminate the over 4,000 fake land titles in the country, the minister, Kahinda Otafiire, has said. During a workshop at the Grand Imperial Hotel in Kampala recently, Otafiire said the ministry had hired Stewards Net Technologies and Magna Carda to computerise the land registration system and print the cards. Nigeria: Obasanjo gives nod to electronic voting <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=1041399> 23/08/2005 (BusinessDay Online <http://www.businessdayonline.com>) -- President Olusegun Obasanjo has given tac-it support for the use of electronic voting machine for 2007 polls. This is even as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) maintains that the National Assembly cannot dictate to it on the method to be adopted for the polls. Zambia: State to computerise expenditure monitoring <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=1040979> 22/08/2005 (Times of Zambia <http://www.times.co.zm/>) -- The Government of Zambia will soon come up with a computerised system of checking how ministries are operating and utilising their budgetary allocations as a way of enhancing efficient use of money. Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary for budget Petronella Mwangala said yesterday when she appeared before the parliamentary committee on estimates that some ministries had a tendency of not using money even when the treasury had released the funds. News > National ICT Strategies Human Development Report 2005 Launched <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=1286705> 08/09/2005 (UNDP <http://www.undp.org/>) -- This year's Human Development Report takes stock of human development, including progress towards the MDGs. Looking beyond statistics, it highlights the human costs of missed targets and broken promises. Extreme inequality between countries and within countries is identified as one of the main barriers to human development--and as a powerful brake on accelerated progress towards the MDGs. Botswana: Political leaders urged to appreciate ICT <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=1251979> 06/09/2005 (BOPA <http://www.gov.bw/cgi-bin/news.cgi?>) -- Information communication technology experts have emphasised the importance of sensitising African political leaders about ICT issues so that they can appreciate and support it. Botswana: WITFOR Declaration To Be Presented To UNESCO <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=1251976> 05/09/2005 (Mmegi <http://www.mmegi.bw/>) -- The just ended World Information Technology Forum (WITFOR) conference adopted a proposal called the "Gaborone Declaration", which will be presented to the UNESCO general assembly. The proposal focuses on how technology can be used to enhance development and eradicate poverty in developing countries. Ethiopia: ICTAD project being undertaken with 25 million USD <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=1041059> 21/08/2005 (ENA <http://www.ena.gov.et>) -- The Information and Communication Technology Assisted Development (ICTAD) project is underway in Ethiopia with 25 million USD loan obtained from the World Bank. Manager of project management unit with the Ethiopian Information Communication Technology Development Authority (EICTDA), said the project is believed to be crucial in reducing poverty and improving living of the people. News > Media Kenya: Freedom of the media spelt out in document <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=1054699> 24/08/2005 (East African Standard <http://www.eastandard.net/>) -- The proposed new constitution for Kenya guarantees freedom of the media and gives citizens rights to information held by the Government. It bars the Government from controlling, interfering, harassing or penalising anyone concerned in publications and broadcasting. News > Training and Education Zimbabwe: Computers gather rust <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=1156172> 30/08/2005 (Zakeus Chibaya <mailto:zakchibaya@yahoo.com>) -- HARARE - Fearful that people are going to read uncensored information, the Zanu (PF) government is reneging on its promise to provide internet services to schools after doling out hundreds of computers countrywide during the March elections in their bid to woo voters. Uganda: Makerere University to start e-learning <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21878ne_1&x=921048> 16/08/2005 (NewVision <http://www.newvision.co.ug>) -- Makerere University is to start its first ever e-learning (internet) programmes in an effort to reduce congestion in the lecture rooms. The deputy Vice- Chancellor, Dr. Lillian Ekirikubinza, told an international Information Communication Technology conference at Makerere University that the University Council and Senate had approved the proposal. News > Science and Technology Zambia: Science and technology vital for wealth creation <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21874ne_1&x=1138268> 27/08/2005 (Times of Zambia <http://www.times.co.zm/>) -- Zambia Government has said science and technology will be given prominence in the Fifth National Development Plan in order to create wealth for the people. Science and technology minister Judith Kapijimpanga said yesterday during a workshop on Identification of Goals and Priorities in the Development and Application of Science and Technology in Lusaka, that Government was working on initiatives on how technology could play a role in wealth creation. //\//\//\//\//\//\/ -*INFORMATION & RESOURCES *- //\//\//\//\//\//\/ *Reports* Harnessing Science and Technology for Human Development - BOTSWANA 2005 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1287087> 08/09/2005 -- Botswana Human Development Report 2005 focuses on the role of science and technology in the development process. The theme is inspired both by recognition of what humanity has achieved ? in agriculture, manufacturing, communication, medicine etc - with the aid of science and technology and the development possibilities technology offers to Developing Nations. *Opinion* After Tunis: A summit without implementation and civil society? <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1274422> 07/09/2005 -- Civil society groups active in the WSIS have voiced their protest against a serious development related to the Tunis summit outcomes. The latest draft for the summit document on implementation and follow-up is lacking a meaningful commitment to implementation, and they also are a serious setback for the multi-stakeholder approach. South Africa: Govt should set measurable ICT targets <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1253198> 05/09/2005 -- It is important SA has clear and measurable ICT targets, the presidential international advisory council on information society and development heard this weekend. The council convened for its annual meeting in Zeerust in the Northwest. Established five years ago, the council's objective is to advise the president on bridging the digital divide, including making telephony accessible to the disadvantaged. Managing technological learning: a strategic imperative <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1253225> 05/09/2005 -- Firms in developing countries that wish to innovate effectively must be able to manage the process of 'technological learning'. This refers to the accumulation of capabilities to change technologies, in contrast to the more formal type of knowledge that emerges from lab-based research and development. Guess Where IT Belongs? <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1251905> 05/09/2005 -- I was struck by the recurrence of the phrase "IT has no boundaries" during the deliberations of the Information Technology conference that was held in Gaborone last week. IT is a product of the most advanced economies, which needed war in order to conquer and enslave other nations. And to do so required good means of communication. Hence the Morse code, and then the telephone, which is a little over a hundred years old, and then this thing that we now call IT. Sub-Saharan Africa needs policy action <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1188048> 01/09/2005 -- Sub-Saharan Africa lags behind in such a way that without a decisive local or international policy action, the sub-continent will not achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). Thomas Feige, the acting head of the European Delegation in Gaborone, said yesterday that the European Union (EU) recognises the role that transport, energy, water and sanitation as well as information and communication technologies can play in helping Africa implement its infrastructure plan that the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD) spearheads. *Analysis* Software and seeds: Open source methods <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1207091> 02/09/2005 -- Open source methodologies used in software are interrogated and then compared to the methods used in farmers' rights groups. The use of open source methods in other contexts illustrates increasing interest in grassroots democratic movements participating in the continuing process of balance between public and private interests. These efforts provide a possible alternate framework for policy decisions concerning intellectual property. Information and Communications Technology for Sustainable Development <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1094043> 26/08/2005 -- Carnegie Mellon hosted a Workshop on June 26-27, 2003, at the World Bank, in Washington, DC, for ICT and development professionals from around the world. This was followed up by the Bangalore Workshop on ICT for Sustainable Development, January 14-16, 2004. The results of these Workshops form part of the book Information and Communications Technology for Sustainable Development: Defining a Global Research Agenda. Africa Civil Society Prepcom Briefing <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1060734> 24/08/2005 -- The WSIS PrepCom III of Phase II of the WSIS - will take place from September 19-30 and will be the last meeting for negotiation of the final Tunis documents. The following document outlines briefly the documents that will be negotiated, how they will be negotiated, and different opportunities for lobbying and the timetable for negotiations for PrepCom III. Access to Technology <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1253227> 06/09/2005 -- One of the major challenges that experts at the third Commonwealth Telecommunication Organisation holding in Yaounde would face is seeking appropriate technology for developing countries. Considering the concern of opinion leaders and decision-makers to respond to the growing need for access of their citizens to ICT, especially within the growing market, participants would have to come out with workable solutions and not just theories. Bandwidth Can Bring African Universities Up to Speed <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1253290> 06/09/2005 -- There are two striking facts about African universities and bandwidth. The first is that the average university in Africa has the same aggregate bandwidth as a single home user in North America or Europe. The second is that the average African university pays more than 50 times for this bandwidth than its counterparts in Europe or North America do for much more capacity. Media ethics and professionalism scrutinised at MISA Conference <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1274069> 03/09/2005 -- Those governments in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region that still own, control and influence media operations were urged to stop furthering their political agendas through media control. Government control stifles editorial independence and free, fair and objective reporting. This was said at the recently concluded regional conference organised in Windhoek by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) on the theme Media, Ethics and Professionalism: Towards an Ethical Africa Media. *Guides* Free/open source software (FOSS) policy in Africa: A toolkit for policy-makers and practitioners <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=re_1&x=1153147> "Free/open source software (FOSS) policy in Africa: A toolkit for policy-makers and practitioners" is targeted at governments that are investigating whether and how they can integrate FOSS into their strategies for social and economic development. It provides a broad overview of how FOSS fits into national ICT policy-making, outlines the areas where governments can take policy decision related to FOSS as well as some of the possible approaches, and lists activities related to FOSS policy from across Africa. Managing ICTs in South African Schools; A guide for School Principals <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=re_1&x=937793> The purpose of this guide is to give principals and senior school management information on using and managing ICT resources so that they can provide leadership in their schools. The guide also considers some implications of the use of the computer and related resources for teaching and learning. The authors hope that it will also be a valuable resource for other senior members of the school staff, and for School Governing Bodies. //\//\//\//\//\//\/ - *EVENTS* - //\//\//\//\//\//\/ *24/08/2005*, International <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s30084e_1> Africa Civil Soceity Discussion Forum on WSIS Prepcom 3 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=1126129> The Africa civil society organizations is holding a discussion forum Discussion on WSIS Prepcom 3 and the report of the WGIG. Organized by the African Civil Society for the Information Sociey (ACSIS) with the collaboration of PIWA (CIPACO project) and APC. From 24 August to 17 September 2005. *07/09/2005* PICTA/GKP Meeting, 7 - 8 Sep 2005 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=1253497> The 2005 annual PICTA meeting is taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 7 - 8 September 2005 under the theme of Networking Development in Africa. This year the core PICTA partners are expected to put extra effort into strengthening PICTA as an arena for collaboration among the key institutions involved with ICT and Knowledge for Development in Africa. *12/09/2005*, South Africa <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21817e_1> Highway Africa Conference 2005 'Reinforcing journalism in the information society'** <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=33696> The Highway Africa 2005 will explore the above issues and seek to assist in overcoming the challenges. Highway Africa's programme includes a unique mix of plenary and keynote presentations, panel discussions and hands-on workshops where delegates acquire practical skills and expertise. *19/09/2005*, International <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s30084e_1> PrepCom-3 of the WSIS Tunis phase to take place in Geneva <http://www.itu.int/wsis/preparatory2/pc3/index.html> The third meeting of the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom-3 of the Tunis phase) will take place in Palais des Nations, Geneva (Switzerland) from 19-30 September 2005. *24/10/2005*, South Africa <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21817e_1> World Development Information Day (WDID) 2005 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=1274358> SANGONeT will host a special event on Monday, 24 October 2005, to celebrate World Development Information Day. The United Nations General Assembly instituted World Development Information Day in December 1972 with the objective of drawing public attention annually to development problems and the importance of strengthening international cooperation to solve them. //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// ABOUT APC The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is an international network of civil society organisations dedicated to empowering and supporting groups and individuals through the strategic use of information and communication technologies, especially internet-related technologies. APC and its members in more than 30 countries pioneer practical and relevant uses of ICTs for civil society. APC is an international facilitator of civil society's engagement with ICTs and related concerns, in both policy and practice. APC: http://www.apc.org. APC and ICT Policy Advocacy in Africa APC's Communications and Information Policy Programme aims to contribute to more enabling ICT policy environments through promoting inclusive policy processes. In Africa APC is doing this through the Africa ICT Policy Monitor project which aims to enable civil society organisations to engage in ICT policy development to promote an information society based on social justice and human rights. APC's Africa ICT Policy Monitor: http://africa.rights.apc.org The APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor is supported by HIVOS and the International Research Development Centre (IDRC). //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// To change your subscription (set options like digest and delivery modes, get a reminder of your password, or to stop receiving APC Africa Policy Monitor Website e-Updates and Newsletter), visit the mailing list: http://lists.sn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/africa-ir-public or send an email to africa.rights(a)apc.org //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Emmanuel Njenga Njuguna Africa Policy Monitor Project Association for Progressive Communications (APC) Email: africa.rights(a)apc.org or njenga(a)apc.org Web: http://africa.rights.apc.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Fwd: ICT and Parliament in Rwanda
by Florence Etta 08 Sep '05

08 Sep '05

> > >NEWS EXTRA > >Kenyan MPs humbled in Rwanda > > > >Story by CYRUS KINYUNGU > >Publication Date: 09/08/2005 > >Kenyan MPs inside Parliament. Their Rwandese colleagues use modern > >technology to conduct business, making operations, efficient and quick. > >MPs visiting the Rwandese Parliament recently found themselves taking > >lessons on how to do things briskly, efficiently and in a modern way > >through the use of technology. > >Most did not think there was anything Kenya could learn from Rwanda and had > >gone there to witness the effects of the 1994 genocide in which about > >800,000 people were massacred. True, they carried back home lessons on the > >genocide and why Kenya's stability may be its most vital asset. > >But when they toured Parliament in Kigali, they thought Kenya's own belongs > >to the Victorian age. > >Humbling experience > >Considering Kenya's superior social economic status at least compared to > >Rwanda which is recovering from the effects of the genocide the > >experience was humbling. > >Immediately they were ushered in, the MPs faced an electronic board which > >showed how votes in the House were recorded. > >"The voting here is done electronically," said an excited Mbita MP Otieno > >Kajwang' immediately he saw the board. > >Unlike in Kenya where MPs have to stand and move to the closest microphone > >while addressing the House, in Rwanda the microphones are placed next to > >the seats. > >Before the Speaker addressed his Kenyan guests, they had to be guided on > >how to use microphones and other electronic equipment. > >"For those who speak Kinyarwanda use channel one, those who speak English > >Channel Two and those who speak French use channel 3," a voice announced > >just before the start of the session. > >Excited MPs > >As the MPs pulled their chairs closer to their tables to put on the > >headphones, one could not fail to notice their excitement. > >When the president of the senate was explaining how the two-chamber > >Parliament was run in Kinyarwanda, interpretation to English and French was > >going on simultaneously. > >"The operations in this Parliament are like those in an international > >conference," explained Mr Gideon Kanyinamura, a Rwandese MP. > >The operations of the Parliament were explained on a big white screen > >rolled from the rooftop of the building to the front, where the chamber's > >president and Kenya's head of delegation, Mr Mirugi Kariuki, were seated. > >The information was beamed to the large screen from a laptop computer using > >a small projector behind the MPs. A technician rolled the programme in > >tandem with the speed of the presenter. > >But what surprised the MPs most was learning that every Rwanda member of > >Parliament had a laptop with Internet connection. > >They were also amazed to learn that minutes of Cabinet meetings are always > >posted on the Internet. > >The whole of Parliament is networked such that MPs can access Internet from > >any corner of the compound without the need of cables. > >"Every MP in our Parliament has a laptop and has been trained on how to use > >it. One can access Internet from any corner of Parliament without > >connection cables," said Dr Nyramirimo Odette, an MP in the chamber of > >deputies. > >The wireless network allows those without access to wired ports access to > >on-line resources using a wireless network standard, which allows > >communication between a device such as a laptop and a wireless access point > >connected to the main network. > >To access the network you must have a wireless network card for your > >laptop, which must be compatible with the 802.11b or 802.11g wireless > >standard. > >An ID user name and password is required and once the wireless device has > >been booted and a browser opened, the user is prompted on how to proceed. > >While in Kenya, MPs have to go for divisions when they disagree on some > >matters, in Rwanda they just touch a button which determines where their > >vote goes. > >The division in the Kenyan chamber goes for close to two hours while their > >counterparts in Rwanda seal their debates in less than five minutes. > >"During voting, all the lights in the electronic gadgets on the tables go > >off so that not even your neighbour may know how you are voting," said Dr > >Odette. > >"You will only see numbers in either Yes or No increasing without knowing > >how individuals voted," she added. > >The Rwandese Parliament has the highest number of women in the world. The > >chamber of deputies, which has 80 members, has 24 seats reserved for women. > >In the House, 53 members are elected, two by the National Youth Council and > >one by the Federation of the Association of the Disabled besides the 24 > >women seats two from each province and Kigali city. > >In the current Parliament, women comprise 48.7 per cent of the members. > >Mr Kariuki, the Internal Security assistant minister, said there was a lot > >to learn from the country's Parliament in terms of technology. > >He said the MPs' experience in the Rwandese Parliament was a great > >challenge to them and marvelled at the fact that all MPs in the country had > >access to a laptop connected to the Internet. > >"The system of governance and technology in Rwanda makes our Parliament > >look Victorian and archaic," said Mandera Central MP Billow Kerrow. > >He said a lot of paper was wasted in printing order materials while in > >Rwanda one only needed to follow proceedings from their laptops. > >He said their Parliament was more modern and better run than Kenya's. > >"In their House, which has 80 members, there must always be a quorum of 60 > >per cent at all times. They take their work more seriously and enjoy more > >respect and recognition from the public," he added. > >Justice and Constitutional Affairs assistant minister Njeru Githae said the > >biggest challenge to Kenyans was Rwanda's technological advancement. > >"While in Kenya a member has to keep standing to catch the eye of the > >Speaker, in Rwanda you only have to press a button and he knows you want to > >speak," he said, adding that the Kenyan Parliament took hours to make > >decisions due to the voting system, while it only took minutes with the > >electronic voting in Rwanda. > >Drinking water > >"Drinking water is placed at every member's table unlike in Kenya where we > >have to walk to the dispatch box sometimes disrupting contributions," said > >Mr Githae, hoping that the planned renovation of Parliament would proceed > >at a more urgent pace. > >He denied that he had been against the renovations, saying that he had only > >been concerned about the cost involved. > >"Nobody is against the renovation of Parliament. We were just concerned > >with its cost. The specifications were expensive but the idea was noble," > >he said. > >When the Kenyans visited President Paul Kagame in his Kigali office, they > >were hosted at the Cabinet room where microphones are fixed next to every > >chair and translation facilities are readily available. > >President Kagame explained to the MPs that every Cabinet minister had a > >laptop and had been trained on how to use it. > >The President told the MPs that minutes of all Cabinet meetings are > >available on the Internet and there was little paper work in the room since > >everything was done electronically. > > >--- >You are currently subscribed to acacia-admin-cl as: [FEtta(a)idrc.or.ke] >To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-acacia-admin-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca

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Kenya National Assembly: http://www.parliament.go.ke/
by John Walubengo 08 Sep '05

08 Sep '05

http://www.parliament.go.ke/ Check out the above site. A classic case of what Bush calls 'A Clash of Civilisation'. walu. Background: For those outside Kenya who may not be upto speed with what happened. The Kenyan Parliament website was launched with much pomp and celebration 1week ago. But 48 hours later, it was administratively shutdown after several MPs expressed reservation regarding why their details - particularly academic- should be displayed. The shutdown is apparently occassioned to enable the webmaster collect more accurate information regarding the MPs. It remains to be seen if, and when the site comes up, those MPs who allegedly achieved primary level education, will have completed their degree level of education... I big clap for the IT Team at Kenya National Assembly(KNA) for having attempted to bring transparency and accountability through ICTs at KNA. Keep up the good fight. walu.

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Fwd: RE: [wsis-gc] Women's Rights Crucial for UN Summit Agend(er)
by Florence Etta 07 Sep '05

07 Sep '05

> FYI sorry for crossposting. Cheers, FE >Dear all, > >Women's Rights UN SUMMIT lobbying: >I would like to inform you of the possibility to "speak" or "Chat" with >European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Mr Louis >Michel. > > >Have a look to this Web page: > >The EU at the UN Summit on the Millennium Development Goals - 12/09/2005 >http://europa.eu.int/comm/chat/michel/index_en.htm > >European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Mr Louis >Michel, is >going to New York to attend the United Nations Summit on the Millennium >Development >Goals (MDGs). > >He is going to New York to attend the United Nations Summit on the Millennium >Development Goals (MDGs). > >Just before he leaves, you will have the chance to take part in a two-hour >chat with >the Commissioner, live from Brussels, on a number of issues : What is the >European >Union doing about development and humanitarian aid? What do you think of >it? Are we >doing enough? How can you, and the EU, help to achieve the Millennium >Development >Goals? ¿Why not to ask about women rights? > >Put your questions direct to the Commissioner (*), live, on 12 September >between >18.00 and 20.00 CET, or send them already now to this mailbox >dev-webchatmichel(a)cec.eu.int <dev-webchatmichel(a)cec.eu.int>. >Remember, this is your chance to debate the issues live with your >Commissioner. > >* in English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Polish, Portuguese or Spanish > > > > >-- >Anne le Maignan >Foro GeneroUrban Género y urbanismo >http://www.generourban.org >Foro Araca Estudios Feministas >http://mailman.uba.ar/mailman/listinfo/araca > > > > Dear all, > > > > If I understood it correctly, the question is whether the MDG Summit is > > open > > for NGO influence. The actual Summit is not, what we heard was that we don > > not even have to try to come near 1st Avenue. If NGOs wish to influence > > the > > MDG Summit in September, they should do this by lobbying friendly > > governments. > > In June, there have been civil society hearings in the General Assembly. > > > > Kind regards, > > > > Annelien van Meer > > Information & Communication > > Femmes Africa Solidarité > > International Secretariat > > P.O. Box 5037 > > 8, Rue du Vieux-Billard > > CH-1211 Geneva 11, Switzerland > > Tel: +41 22 328 80 50 > > Fax: +41 22 328 80 52 > > Email: communication(a)fasngo.org > > > > >________________________________________ >wsis-gc is a listserve set up by the WSIS Gender Caucus, a global group of >women and men working on gender equality and Information Society issues. >It has been established to circulate information in preparation for the >World Summit on the Information Society, which takes place in two phases >-- WSIS 2003, December 2003 in Geneva and WSIS 2005 in Tunis. > >To post to this list use wsis-gc(a)genderwsis.org > >To learn more about the WSIS Gender Caucus check out the web-site at: >http://www.genderwsis.org > >For the WSIS Gender Caucus archives, go to: >http://lists.genderwsis.org/mailman/private/wsis-gc/ > >To subscribe/unsubscribe or change your options, go to >http://lists.genderwsis.org/mailman/listinfo/wsis-gc

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Re: [afnog] [Kictanet] Career Workshop for High School Girls
by Brian Longwe 06 Sep '05

06 Sep '05

All of a sudden when there are "chix" involved - the gurus start popping up ;-) hehehe ..... Just kiddin ..... That's a good idea, we need to develop our local human networks as much as possible. Regards, Brian On 5 Sep 2005, at 17:18, Sammy Lusiola wrote: > Ngigi, > > Perhaps you could consider rounding some gurus together and getting > them to > contribute at this event. I think it's about time we started giving > something back to the community. > > Sammy Lusiola > Systems Manager > ISPKenya > > > > > On 2 Sep 2005, at 16:44, Dorcas Muthoni wrote: > > >> On September 10, 2005 starting 9.30 a.m, members of LinuxChix >> Africa (www.africalinuxchix.org) who live in Kenya will to hold a >> Career Workshop for High School girls to encourage them to pursue >> careers in Computing. >> >> We believe that computing as a whole and Free and Open Source >> Software(FOSS) in particular, can play a significant role in >> empowering women. The copyleft nature of FOSS helps programmers to >> learn from programs or modify them so that they build on the >> innovations of others rather than re-invent the wheel: Great >> achievements can only be made by standing on the shoulders of giants. >> >> However, IT innovations and the opportunities are ineffectual if >> people are un-aware of them. The lack of awareness goes a long way >> in explaining the notable dearth of women in the IT industry in >> Kenya. A situation, that exists inspite of the fact that they >> achieve as well as the boys in pre-university examinations. Due to >> lack of access to information about the opportunities in the ICT >> field, girls who do well in their O-Levels often opt for other >> disciplines. The purpose of this workshop is to provide them with >> information on computing and also answer their questions regarding >> computing as a career. >> >> The team is composed of former and current Computer Science >> students and other players in the computing industry. Keynote >> speakers will comprise luminaries from various IT displines. We >> shall have women system administrators, system analysts, >> developers, academics, entreprenuers, CTOs and other computer >> scientists. The focus on women keynote speakers is a deliberate >> move that aimed at demonstrating success in the IT industry is not >> impeded by one's gender. It is hoped that the speakers will inspire >> and serve as role models to the girls. >> >> We expect up to 450 students to attend. The event will be held at >> the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Jubilee Hall Auditorium >> in collaboration with their Computer Science Department. >> >> Although this event is in commemoration of the Software Freedom >> Day, the team intends to build on the gains of the day by setting >> up Linuxchix Africa affliated clubs in the schools in order spread >> the spirit of opensisterhood in computing. >> >> In the afternoon starting *2.00 p.m*, we shall have discussion >> tables where industry players can freely interact with the students >> in order to share their experiences and inspirations. All are >> welcome. >> >> We shall distribute CDs and leaflets to the girls which they will >> be able to carry and share with others. >> >> This event will happen with support from Catholic University of >> Eastern Africa, KENIC, KICTANET and CATIA. We applaud them for >> their kindness. >> >> >> Thanks and regards, >> Dorcas Muthoni >> Team Leader >> Cofounder LinuxChix Africa >> >> <dmuthoni.vcf> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> > > > _______________________________________________ > afnog mailing list > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.18/89 - Release Date: > 9/2/2005 > > > -- > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.18/89 - Release Date: > 9/2/2005 > > > >

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Fw: KIctanet Minutes
by alice＠apc.org 05 Sep '05

05 Sep '05

Dear All Find attached minutes of the planning meeting held on 2nd September. If you have any comments kindly send them to me off list. Thanks once again Wafula. thanks alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "TONY WAFULA" <twaf78(a)yahoo.com> To: "Alice Munyua" <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Sunday, September 04, 2005 6:03 PM Subject: KIctanet Minutes > Hi Alice, > Hope you had a nice weekend. > Please find herein attached minutes of the last meeting we had. > Incase i've forgotten anything kindly make the necessary amendments. > Will be ready to circulate after corrections. > > > > WITH COMPLIMENTS OF ANTHONY WAFULA > > --------------------------------- > Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page

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Fw: [Kictanet] Career Workshop for High School Girls
by alice＠apc.org 05 Sep '05

05 Sep '05

Hi Dorcas Were you aware of the Strathmore do? ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brian Longwe" <cto(a)nbi.ispkenya.com> To: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke>; "Richard Mwangi" <RMWANGI(a)strathmore.edu>; "Angelica Kiboro" <AKIBORO(a)strathmore.edu> Cc: "Michuki Mwangi" <michuki(a)kenic.or.ke>; <gathogo(a)cuea.edu>; <afnog(a)afnog.org> Sent: Friday, September 02, 2005 8:59 PM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Career Workshop for High School Girls > Wow! This is a direct clash with Strathmore University's Annual ICT > Conference. Or is there compe? Campuses should have better coordination > > Brian > > > On 2 Sep 2005, at 16:44, Dorcas Muthoni wrote: > >> On September 10, 2005 starting 9.30 a.m, members of LinuxChix Africa >> (www.africalinuxchix.org) who live in Kenya will to hold a Career >> Workshop for High School girls to encourage them to pursue careers in >> Computing. >> >> We believe that computing as a whole and Free and Open Source >> Software(FOSS) in particular, can play a significant role in empowering >> women. The copyleft nature of FOSS helps programmers to learn from >> programs or modify them so that they build on the innovations of others >> rather than re-invent the wheel: Great achievements can only be made by >> standing on the shoulders of giants. >> >> However, IT innovations and the opportunities are ineffectual if people >> are un-aware of them. The lack of awareness goes a long way in >> explaining the notable dearth of women in the IT industry in Kenya. A >> situation, that exists inspite of the fact that they achieve as well as >> the boys in pre-university examinations. Due to lack of access to >> information about the opportunities in the ICT field, girls who do well >> in their O-Levels often opt for other disciplines. The purpose of this >> workshop is to provide them with information on computing and also >> answer their questions regarding computing as a career. >> >> The team is composed of former and current Computer Science students and >> other players in the computing industry. Keynote speakers will comprise >> luminaries from various IT displines. We shall have women system >> administrators, system analysts, developers, academics, entreprenuers, >> CTOs and other computer scientists. The focus on women keynote speakers >> is a deliberate move that aimed at demonstrating success in the IT >> industry is not impeded by one's gender. It is hoped that the speakers >> will inspire and serve as role models to the girls. >> >> We expect up to 450 students to attend. The event will be held at the >> Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Jubilee Hall Auditorium in >> collaboration with their Computer Science Department. >> >> Although this event is in commemoration of the Software Freedom Day, the >> team intends to build on the gains of the day by setting up Linuxchix >> Africa affliated clubs in the schools in order spread the spirit of >> opensisterhood in computing. >> >> In the afternoon starting *2.00 p.m*, we shall have discussion tables >> where industry players can freely interact with the students in order to >> share their experiences and inspirations. All are welcome. >> >> We shall distribute CDs and leaflets to the girls which they will be >> able to carry and share with others. >> >> This event will happen with support from Catholic University of Eastern >> Africa, KENIC, KICTANET and CATIA. We applaud them for their kindness. >> >> >> Thanks and regards, >> Dorcas Muthoni >> Team Leader >> Cofounder LinuxChix Africa >> >> <dmuthoni.vcf> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >

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Career Workshop for High School Girls
by Dorcas Muthoni 02 Sep '05

02 Sep '05

On September 10, 2005 starting 9.30 a.m, members of LinuxChix Africa (www.africalinuxchix.org) who live in Kenya will to hold a Career Workshop for High School girls to encourage them to pursue careers in Computing. We believe that computing as a whole and Free and Open Source Software(FOSS) in particular, can play a significant role in empowering women. The copyleft nature of FOSS helps programmers to learn from programs or modify them so that they build on the innovations of others rather than re-invent the wheel: Great achievements can only be made by standing on the shoulders of giants. However, IT innovations and the opportunities are ineffectual if people are un-aware of them. The lack of awareness goes a long way in explaining the notable dearth of women in the IT industry in Kenya. A situation, that exists inspite of the fact that they achieve as well as the boys in pre-university examinations. Due to lack of access to information about the opportunities in the ICT field, girls who do well in their O-Levels often opt for other disciplines. The purpose of this workshop is to provide them with information on computing and also answer their questions regarding computing as a career. The team is composed of former and current Computer Science students and other players in the computing industry. Keynote speakers will comprise luminaries from various IT displines. We shall have women system administrators, system analysts, developers, academics, entreprenuers, CTOs and other computer scientists. The focus on women keynote speakers is a deliberate move that aimed at demonstrating success in the IT industry is not impeded by one's gender. It is hoped that the speakers will inspire and serve as role models to the girls. We expect up to 450 students to attend. The event will be held at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Jubilee Hall Auditorium in collaboration with their Computer Science Department. Although this event is in commemoration of the Software Freedom Day, the team intends to build on the gains of the day by setting up Linuxchix Africa affliated clubs in the schools in order spread the spirit of opensisterhood in computing. In the afternoon starting *2.00 p.m*, we shall have discussion tables where industry players can freely interact with the students in order to share their experiences and inspirations. All are welcome. We shall distribute CDs and leaflets to the girls which they will be able to carry and share with others. This event will happen with support from Catholic University of Eastern Africa, KENIC, KICTANET and CATIA. We applaud them for their kindness. Thanks and regards, Dorcas Muthoni Team Leader Cofounder LinuxChix Africa

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ICT Consumer Empowerment
by Alex Gakuru 02 Sep '05

02 Sep '05

Hi, Pointers as discussed earlier today. Thxs, Alex

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Fw: Planning meeting Jacaranda hotel 10.00am
by alice＠apc.org 02 Sep '05

02 Sep '05

attached the agenda. ----- Original Message ----- From: <alice(a)apc.org> To: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 5:37 PM Subject: Planning meeting Jacaranda hotel 10.00am > Dear all > > A reminder. > KICTANet planning meeting tomorrow 2nd September 2005 > Jacaranda hotel from 10.00 am. > > One world will chair the meeting > > thanks and regards > > Alice Wanjira > National Coordinator, Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA) > Association for Progressive Communications (APC) > alice(a)apc.org > wanjira(a)cck.go.ke > http://www.apc.org > http://www.catia.ws > >

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