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Google Announces Umoja, a new fiber optic cable connecting Africa to Australia
by Victor Kapiyo 24 May '24

24 May '24

Today, Google announced new investments in digital infrastructure and security initiatives designed to increase digital connectivity, accelerate economic growth, and deepen resilience across Africa. Anchored in Kenya, the Umoja cable route will pass through Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, including the Google Cloud region, before crossing the Indian Ocean to Australia. Umoja’s terrestrial path was built in collaboration with Liquid Technologies to form a highly scalable route through Africa, including access points that will allow other countries to take advantage of the network. Read more: https://blog.google/intl/en-africa/company-news/improving-connectivity-and-…

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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OF THE FINANCE BILL, 2024 ON THE ICT SECTOR; 20th - 22nd MAY 2024.
by Linda Wairure 22 May '24

22 May '24

*Dear Listers,* Greetings from KICTANet! As a leading advocate for ICT policy and regulation, *KICTANet* is dedicated to fostering collaboration and promoting an enabling environment in the ICT sector. With our strategic objectives focused on effective multi-stakeholder participation, we are committed to engaging with stakeholders like you to ensure robust, rights-based policies. We are reaching out to invite you to participate in the *three-day moderated online mailing list discussion *regarding the* Finance Bill, 2024 (National Assembly Bills No. 30 of 2024). This bill contains c*rucial proposals related to revenue-raising measures, including the digital service tax, liability and collection of taxes. Your insights and contributions are vital as we navigate these proposals and their potential impact on the ICT sector. The discussion will take place on the KICTANet mailing list from *Monday, May 20th to Wednesday, May 22nd* . Each day of the discussion will focus on specific aspects of the Finance Bill, 2024, allowing us to delve into its provisions and implications. We encourage you to review the Finance Bill, 2024 link attached and the template format of submission of the memorandum. We shall include a matrix presentation outlining our concerns and proposals regarding relevant provisions of the Finance Bill, 2024. Your feedback and perspectives are invaluable as we work towards promoting policies that support a thriving ICT ecosystem. http://www.parliament.go.ke/sites/default/files/2024-05/Finance%20Bill%2C%2… Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to lgichohi(a)kictanet.or.ke . We are eager to hear your thoughts and insights on this crucial matter. Thank you for your continued support and participation. We look forward to engaging with you in this discussion. Sincerely, Linda Gichohi. *Kenya ICT Action Network.*

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finance bill discussion
by chrisphine ketta 21 May '24

21 May '24

hi cephas , am surprised with this bill ,here is a scenario of what we call say by with the left but act with the right hand ,we are going back to the colonial periods ,the hustler is now the hunted .

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KRA seeks data protection waiver to spy on tax cheats
by Barrack Otieno 21 May '24

21 May '24

Listers, Interesting developments <https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/economy/kra-seeks-data-protection-wa…> just after Kenya hosted NADPA. Regards -- *Barrack Otieno* *Trustee* *Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTAnet)* *Skype:barrack.otieno* *+254721325277* *https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrack-otieno-2101262b/ <https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrack-otieno-2101262b/>* *www.kictanet.or.ke <http://www.kictanet.or.ke>*

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Bill To Introduce Mandatory Registration For All ICT Service Providers
by Cephas Joseph 20 May '24

20 May '24

"The legislative proposal by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo, proposes that those who intend to provide ICT services shall be required to apply to the Authority for accreditation." Will this elusive, new proposal get anywhere this time around? https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/business/2024/05/bill-to-introduce-mandatory-re… --- *Cephas O.M *

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Are you Interested? Upcoming Events
by David Indeje 16 May '24

16 May '24

Dear Listers, Below are our upcoming events that you might find interesting: *Kenya Internet Governance Forum 2024 (Hybrid)* - - *Date*: June 10th–27th, 2024 The Kenya IGF brings together stakeholders from government, the private sector, civil society, academia, media, and the public to engage in policy dialogue on Internet governance issues. This multistakeholder model ensures the Internet’s sustainability for economic and social development. *____________________________________________* *Kenya School of Internet Governance 2024 (KeSIG)* - - *Date*: 3 – 21 June 2024 KeSIG aims to enhance the capacity of key actors in local internet governance, including human rights defenders, civil society, students, academia, and the tech community. Participants contribute African perspectives to global internet policymaking debates. Applications for the 9th Edition of KeSIG are open until May 31, 2024. <https://tinyurl.com/mpbzj52c> ____________________________________________ Stakeholder Engagement on the ODPC Guidance Note for the Communication Sector - *Date: 5 June 2024 * The Data Protection Commissioner’s office issued a guideline for the telecommunication sector on data privacy, covering concerns like surveillance and data collection. This guideline is not legally binding but offers recommendations for compliance. To address the tension between privacy and data processing, Article 19 Eastern Africa and KICTANet will hold a meeting with stakeholders to discuss data protection challenges in the telecommunications sector. Read More <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/stakeholder-engagement-on-the-odpc-guidance-note…> ______________________________________________ KICTANet Thought Leadership Series: Policy Discussion on Digital Taxation in Kenya *Date: May 29, 2024* KICTANet in partnership with Meta Platforms Inc., is pleased to convene a thought-leadership roundtable discussion titled “*Policy Discussion on Digital Taxation in Kenya*“. Read More <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kictanet-thought-leadership-series-policy-discus…> ________________________________________________ KICTANet Digital Accessibility: “The Internet and Disability: A Focus on Digital Inclusion” *Date: 27th to 31st May 2024 * KICTANet in partnership with the Communication Authority (CA), will be hosting a five-day technical workshop on Digital Inclusion. Read More <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kictanet-digital-accessibility-the-internet-and-…> . _________________________________________________ Feel free to explore these events further and how you can participate in discussions that shape Kenya’s digital landscape. You can also reach out to us. -- *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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We are social: Let's build a brighter ICT ecosystem
by David Indeje 13 May '24

13 May '24

Dear Listers, Technology can create a more inclusive future for everyone. *Our Philosophy* At KICTANet, we believe in fostering collaboration across all sectors to develop strong ICT policies for Kenya, the region and globally. We bring together industry, academia, government, and the public to create a more open and inclusive digital landscape. *Our Mission* Promote an enabling environment in the ICT sector that is robust, open, accessible, and rights-based through multistakeholderism. *Stay Connected!* - *Subscribe <https://mm3-lists.kictanet.or.ke/mm/lists/kictanet.lists.kictanet.or.ke/>to our newsletter:* Get the latest news, updates, and event notifications straight to your inbox. - *Follow us on social media:* We're on X <https://twitter.com/KICTANet?t=Q7nYNFoEQ6_PscThWc-5hw&s=03>, LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/kictanet/>, Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet?mibextid=ZbWKwL>, YouTube <https://www.youtube.com/@kictanet8886>, Instagram <https://instagram.com/kictanet?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==>, and TikTok <https://www.tiktok.com/@kictanet?_t=8ehdmlJ3YNp&_r=1>! Share your thoughts, ask questions, and stay connected. - *Join our WhatsApp Channel <https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaQsX4w6mYPIctLsGh1K>:* Get exclusive updates and engage in discussions. *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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2024 Digital Rights and Inclusion in Africa Report—Londa
by raymond amumpaire 13 May '24

13 May '24

Dear Listers, Paradigm Initiative launched the 2024 Digital Rights and Inclusion in Africa Report—Londa. The report focuses on cross-cutting issues affecting digital rights and inclusion in 26 African countries. It identifies key developments and proffers critical recommendations. The report covers the following themes: Internet access and disruptions, Online Freedom of Expression, Privacy and Surveillance, Gendered Disinformation, Data Protection and Cyber Security, Digital IDs, Digital Inclusion, the Universal Service Fund, Developments in ICT and Emerging Technologies. You can access the report here <https://paradigmhq.org/londa-23/>. *Raymond AmumpaireLLB (Hons) UCU, Dip. LP (LDC)Team Lead, Centre for AI Ethics and Governance in Africa (CAIEGA)Advisory Council Member, Africa Data Governance Hub (ADGH)* *+256 (0) 783 670 308 / 705 001 863* *raymondamumpaire(a)gmail.com* <raymondamumpaire(a)gmail.com>*Website: Raymond's Website <https://linktr.ee/iamraymond>* *1 Cor 10:31 "Todo para la gloria de Dios"*

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Validation of the AU, AI continental strategy , May 9-10 2024
by Gachungi, Lydia 09 May '24

09 May '24

Dear Listers You are all welcome to attend virtually the validation of the Draft AU continental AI strategy I have been sharing with you. It is happening today and tomorrow afternoon. I apologise for the short notice. * As per the AU procedures, please note during the validation, all stakeholders are welcome to take the floor and propose additions /edits which if adopted, the AU will incorporate. * Additionally, the implementation plan which is mentioned in the attached updated version, will be populated before the Extra ordinary STC- C-ICT in June. The meeting link for the validation r https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIlfuyrrjgqHdDLBj_T8Y_SaRa3yLxqZafj All working documents can be found using the link below: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZomCRWwYdEeHTLHA-9N4WTemHjSe3_0p Kind regards Lydia

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Request for Feedback: 5-Year Reflections on Kenya's Data Protection Act.
by Linda Wairure 09 May '24

09 May '24

Dear Listers, As part of our ongoing efforts to assess the effectiveness and impact of Kenya's Data Protection Act (2019) over the past five years and in anticipation of the NADPA Conference being held from 7 - 9 May 2024, we are reaching out to gather your valuable insights and reflections. To this end, KICTANet will be moderating an online discussion on the KICTANet mailing list from *Monday 29 April 2024 - Friday 3 May 2024.* We want to draw special attention to the contributions of the Data Governance and Emerging Technologies Working Group on the ICT legislative reform process and in particular the recommendations on data governance. To chart the progress, challenges, and considerations for the future of data protection in Kenya, KICTANet shall be exploring the following topics over the course of next week through targeted daily questions for your reflections. *TOPICS:* *A. **Day 1: Legal Framework on Data Protection* *B. **Day 2: Data Controllers & Processors * *C. **Day 3: Data Subjects’ Rights* *D. **Day 4: Emerging Issues and Best Practices* *E. **Day 5: Recommendations and Shaping the Future.* Please feel free to respond directly to this email with your insights. Alternatively, you can reach out to Linda Gichohi (lgichohi(a)kictanet.or.ke) if you have any questions or additional comments. Thank you for your time and participation. Regards, *Linda Gichohi.* *Kenya ICT Action Network.*

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