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Proposed Kshs. 1 Million IPRS Annual Subscription Fee Could Stifle Innovation
by Kelvin Kariuki 24 Nov '23

24 Nov '23

*Dear Listers*, The government recently, through the State Department of Immigration and Citizen Services, revised the charges of some of its services including the *IPRS *charges as shown below: [image: image.png] The *Integrated Population Registration System (IPRS)* is a *centralized database* that serves as the authoritative source of information on all registered individuals residing in Kenya, including both *citizens *and *foreign nationals*. It provides automated services for verifying *national identification numbers* and* passport numbers* for both government and private entities, majorly the financial sector (banks) and telecommunications companies (Safaricom and Airtel). The applications of these services extend far beyond the financial and telecommunications sectors, with a *vast array of potential use cases*. However, the *introduction of a Ksh. 1 Million annual subscription fee and the hike in the verification fee from Ksh. 5 to Ksh. 20 *raise concerns about the accessibility of these services for* startups and smaller organizations*. Due to the public outcry, the government revoked this gazette notice and published a new one with minimal changes, IPRS charges remaining the same. Now the Ministry of Interior has invited *public participation* on the proposed charges which can be submitted via email *info.ctizenservices(a)interior.go.ke <info.ctizenservices(a)interior.go.ke> * on or before *8th Dec, 2023*. In my view, they should consider the approach by the *Office of the Data Protection Commissioner *where private sector companies are categorized in terms of their *annual turnover* and *number of employees* so as to be inclusive to start-ups. That said, the Ksh. 1 Million annual subscription is still too high and should be revised downwards. It is rare for a *Software of a Service to charge both a "Subscription Fee" and "Per Service Fee".* They should consider getting rid of the "Subscription Fee" altogether and also *reduce the "Verification Fee" to at most Ksh. 5*. *I will appreciate your perspectives on this matter*. Looking forward to your input. -- Best Regards, Kelvin Kariuki Assistant Lecturer Multimedia University of Kenya Faculty of Computing and Information Technology Twitter Handle: @teacherkaris Alt email: kkariuki(a)mmu.ac.ke Mobile: +2547 29 385 557 The Lord is my Shepherd

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Tele-gone! Telegram down. Is it an Internet Shutdown?
by Mwendwa Kivuva 24 Nov '23

24 Nov '23

Telegram has been down in Kenya. Users are reporting they can only access it using a VPN. An analysis by different platform including Ooni Observatory shows that the blocking of Telegram is across all networks. - https://twitter.com/OpenObservatory/status/1725202738370290053 Users across the major ISPs including Safaricom, Artel, and Jambonet reported not able to connect to Telegram. What is the experience of listers here? Have you had a challenge connecting to Telegram over the past week? The alleged reason for the blockage is to prevent cheating of the KCSE National examinations that are allegedly shared in the Telegram platform. Why only block Telegram? What is the percentage of Telegram usage compared to other popular platforms like WhatsApp and Signal? Can the blockade of Telegram in Kenya be considered a form of internet shutdown? Internet shutdown is defined as a deliberate disruption of internet or electronic communications, rendering them inaccessible or effectively unusable. The shutdown of one platform, such as Telegram, can be considered a form of internet shutdown, as it restricts access to a specific communication platform. Internet shutdowns are often used by governments to control information flow, stifle dissent, or prevent the coordination of protests and demonstrations. They can have significant social, economic, and political implications, affecting freedom of expression, access to information, and the ability to conduct business. After Telegram, what else will be shutdown? What will be the next excuse? What direction do we want to take as a country?

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Fwd: PUBLIC PARTICIPATIONGazette Notice 15492 - REVISION OF CHARGES, FEES AND LEVIES RELATING TO IMMIGRATION AND CITIZEN SERVICES
by Linda Gichohi 21 Nov '23

21 Nov '23

Echoing your sentiments, I vouch for the recommendation on mirroring the ODPC's approach to enable fair considerations. There is need to review the 50,000/= connection fee as well. We need to create an enabling environment especially for the digital economy. https://twitter.com/InteriorKE/status/1724483979896627258?t=2xRSiw7XaTEarSc… Increasing those charges will likely inhibit data-driven solutions, hampering innovation. Businesses relying on identity verification will also be affected since they shall be experiencing heightened operational costs. Higher fees may discourage startups and smaller organizations from incorporating IPRS services into their innovations. In general i believe this might end up stifling creativity and technological advancements that could benefit from reliable identity verification. I did not see any changes in the Passport section as well as many citizens had reservations for. The increment is high for the common mwananchi. More efforts should be put into sorting the passport backlog first. Overall the individuals or organizations unable to afford these services might end up being left out of the digital ecosystem or missing out on different opportunities, including the economical impact. There is need for a calculated balance towards the bigger picture. https://twitter.com/InteriorKE/status/1724483979896627258?t=2xRSiw7XaTEarSc… From: Kelvin Kariuki via KICTANet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Tue, 21 Nov 2023, 12:09 Subject: [kictanet] Proposed Kshs. 1 Million IPRS Annual Subscription Fee Could Stifle Innovation *Dear Listers*, The government recently, through the State Department of Immigration and Citizen Services, revised the charges of some of its services including the *IPRS *charges as shown below: [image: image.png] The *Integrated Population Registration System (IPRS)* is a *centralized database* that serves as the authoritative source of information on all registered individuals residing in Kenya, including both *citizens *and *foreign nationals*. It provides automated services for verifying *national identification numbers* and* passport numbers* for both government and private entities, majorly the financial sector (banks) and telecommunications companies (Safaricom and Airtel). The applications of these services extend far beyond the financial and telecommunications sectors, with a *vast array of potential use cases*. However, the *introduction of a Ksh. 1 Million annual subscription fee and the hike in the verification fee from Ksh. 5 to Ksh. 20 *raise concerns about the accessibility of these services for* startups and smaller organizations*. Due to the public outcry, the government revoked this gazette notice and published a new one with minimal changes, IPRS charges remaining the same. Now the Ministry of Interior has invited *public participation* on the proposed charges which can be submitted via email *info.ctizenservices(a)interior.go.ke <info.ctizenservices(a)interior.go.ke> * on or before *8th Dec, 2023*. In my view, they should consider the approach by the *Office of the Data Protection Commissioner *where private sector companies are categorized in terms of their *annual turnover* and *number of employees* so as to be inclusive to start-ups. That said, the Ksh. 1 Million annual subscription is still too high and should be revised downwards. It is rare for a *Software of a Service to charge both a "Subscription Fee" and "Per Service Fee".* They should consider getting rid of the "Subscription Fee" altogether and also *reduce the "Verification Fee" to at most Ksh. 5*. *I will appreciate your perspectives on this matter*. Looking forward to your input. -- Best Regards, Kelvin Kariuki Assistant Lecturer Multimedia University of Kenya Faculty of Computing and Information Technology Twitter Handle: @teacherkaris Alt email: kkariuki(a)mmu.ac.ke Mobile: +2547 29 385 557 The Lord is my Shepherd _______________________________________________ KICTANet mailing list -- kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke To unsubscribe send an email to kictanet-leave(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Unsubscribe or change your options at: https://mm3-lists.kictanet.or.ke/mm/lists/kictanet.lists.kictanet.or.ke/ Mailing List Posts Online: https://posts.kictanet.or.ke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KICTANet/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KICTANet/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kictanet/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbcLVjnPtTGBEeYLGUb2Yow/ KICTANet is a multi-stakeholder Think Tank for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. KICTANet is a catalyst for reform in the Information and Communication Technology sector. Its work is guided by four pillars of Policy Advocacy, Capacity Building, Research, and Stakeholder Engagement. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. PRIVACY POLICY: See https://mm3-lists.kictanet.or.ke/mm/lists/kictanet.lists.kictanet.or.ke/ KICTANet - The Power of Communities, is Kenya's premier ICT policy engagement platform.

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Fastest Internet ...
by Willis Muriu 17 Nov '23

17 Nov '23

In other news, China launches world's fastest internet: 'Can transmit 150 movies in 1 second' | The Business Standard (tbsnews.net) <https://www.tbsnews.net/tech/china-launches-worlds-fastest-internet-can-tra…> Regards, Willis Muriu Cold Solutions East Africa +254 715 530 349

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AI in Kenya: Opportunities, Challenges and Policy Actions
by David Indeje 16 Nov '23

16 Nov '23

Dear Listers, Some interesting pointers from the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy when it comes to embracing adopting AI in Kenya. Here are the full remarks from Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, Mbs, Principal Secretary. Key Note: AI in Kenya: Opportunities, Challenges and Policy Actions | KICTANet Think Tank <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/key-note-ai-in-kenya-opportunities-challenges-an…> -- *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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The Rise of Tech-Driven Solutions in East Africa: Trends and Opportunities
by David Indeje 15 Nov '23

15 Nov '23

Dear Listers, East Africa is a region that is undergoing rapid transformation, thanks to the adoption and innovation of various technologies. From mobile money and fintech to e-learning and edtech, to agritech and food security, to health tech and telemedicine, to clean energy and green tech, the region is witnessing a surge of tech-driven solutions that are addressing some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities on the continent. In this inaugural newsletter, we review some of the key technology trends that have happened in East Africa, based on the latest news and reports. <https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rise-tech-driven-solutions-east-africa-trend…> -- *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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Strengthening Kenya's ICT Environment with a New Partnership Agreement
by David Indeje 10 Nov '23

10 Nov '23

Dear Listers, We are excited to announce that we have signed a partnership agreement with The Slovak Agency for International Development Cooperation, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Nairobi that shares our vision and values for encouraging synergies for ICT policy-related activities and initiatives. This partnership will enable us to increase awareness and engagement in cybersecurity and privacy in Kenya, as well as to foster collaboration and exchange of best practices between the two countries. For details: KICTANet and Slovakia Sign ICT Partnership | KICTANet Think Tank <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kictanet-and-slovakia-sign-ict-partnership/> -- *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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An Overview of the Maisha Namba Project: Kenya’s New Digital Identity System
by David Indeje 10 Nov '23

10 Nov '23

Dear Listers, The article discusses the Maisha Namba project, which is a new digital identity system for Kenya that aims to replace the failed Huduma Namba project. The project consists of four elements: the Maisha Namba, the Maisha Card, the Digital ID, and the National Master Population Register. The article explains the features and benefits of each element, as well as the potential security and privacy challenges. The article also provides some background information on the previous Huduma Namba project and why it was unsuccessful. https://www.kictanet.or.ke/understanding-maisha-namba-kenyas-new-digital-id… -- *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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Did Safaricom stop US roaming?
by waudo siganga 08 Nov '23

08 Nov '23

Greetings, Does anyobe know if Ssfaricom stopped roaming service in the USA? Kind regards, Waudo

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Blank tape levy comes to effects in Kenya.
by Mwendwa Kivuva 07 Nov '23

07 Nov '23

The cost of ICT devices had gone up after the blank tape levy came into force. What is a Blank Tape Levy? A nominal fee imposed on the sale of blank media and devices, such as CDs, DVDs, USB drives, and smartphones, which can be used to make personal copies of copyright content. The collected funds are then distributed to creatives. What is affected? Any device that can be used to store copyrighted content like a phone, computer, laptops, smart watches, CDs, tapes, memory card, TV, game consoles, printing papers, photocopying machines, hard disks or USB disk. Why? This levy is imposed by the Copyright law to compensate copyright holders for potential revenue lost when individuals make private copies of their copyrighted works, such as music, movies, or software. Private copying allows individuals to make personal backups or copies of copyrighted material for their own use, such as making a backup of a music CD or copying a movie to a personal device. What is the commencement date? 15th September 2023. Read more about the law here https://copyright.go.ke/sites/default/files/downloads/FAQs%20on%20Blank%20T… Reuben Kagame sued to halt release of the levy to creatives to ensure the equitable distribution of the collected funds without excluding any category of copyright owners. Read more here https://www.google.com/search?q=blank+tape+levy+kigame&rlz=1CDGOYI_enKE1017…

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