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Obama team seeks delay in US digital TV switch
by alice 13 Jan '09

13 Jan '09

http://www.blnz.com/news/2009/01/08/Obama_team_seeks_delay_digital_1582.html Obama team seeks delay in US digital TV switch AFP AFP American Edition Jan 07, 2009 19:00 EST US president-elect Barack Obama's transition team has asked for a delay in the nation's scheduled switch to digital television next month, citing funding difficulties. The Obama transition team co-chair John Podesta has written to key US lawmakers asking for an extension to the February 17 legislatively-mandated analog cutoff date, according to copy of the letter made available to AFP. Obama will take over from President George Bush on January 20. Based on plans by the Bush administration, stations will cease their analog transmissions and broadcast only in digital form from February 17, requiring consumers who rely on over-the-air signals to install converter boxes. Consumers are to be provided with a 40-dollar coupon to defray the cost of the converter but Podesta said the program to distribute the coupons "has run out of funds." "During the transition, we have discovered major difficulties in the preparation for the February 17 conversion from analog to digital broadcasting," he said. "These weaknesses mean major problems for consumers." By early February projections suggested more than five million coupon requests would not be met, with the figure "increasing by hundreds of thousands every day," he said. In addition, the funds provided to support the conversion are "woefully inadequate," he said, pointing out that particularly low income, rural and elderly Americans would be hit. "With coupons unavailable, support and education insufficient, and the most vulnerable Americans exposed, I urge you to consider a change to the legislatively-mandated analog cutoff date," Podesta said in the letter to key legislators in the Senate and House of Representatives. The US Congress reportedly allocated 1.34 billion dollars to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to distribute converter box coupons. The switch to digital television will free up wireless airwaves for public safety agencies and other advanced mobile services. An auction of those analog airwaves raised 19 billion dollars for the government last year, according to the the Washington Post. Major American broadcasters have signaled that they support a delay. "Our first concern is what's best for our viewers, and we believe that the Obama-Biden Transition Team shares our concern," media giant News Corporation said in a statement Thursday. But the Consumer Electronics Association, an industry group, suggested keeping the February 17 transition date. It said converter boxes were available in sufficient supply and consumers were aware of and prepared for the transition, but added legitimate concerns about the coupon program should be addressed immediately. "If the goal is to avoid consumer confusion, keeping the February 17 transition date that is engrained in consumer minds is the best solution," said association president Gary Shapiro Source: http://www.blnz.com/news/2009/01/08/Obama_team_seeks_delay_digital_1582.html

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Media To Snub Civil Society Congress Forum
by Bill Kagai 13 Jan '09

13 Jan '09

Makali, Do you speak for the entire Media fraternity when you say media stakeholders have decided not to participate in these public discussions which have no specific bearing?? I really do not see why Media should snub a civil society forum aimed at making Mwananchi understand experiences from the two sides of the divide. On Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 7:37 AM, Gakuru Alex <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com>wrote: > Makali: > > Thanks for the info. > > All: > > Kindly confirm the status of this event. I had extended invitations to > ke-users (consumers) and skunkworks (techie) lists and I would like to > update them, ASAP. > > Regards, > > Alex > > On Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 7:01 AM, <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > Alex, thank you. > > No, I and as far as I can tell the other media stakeholders, decided not > to engage in these public discussions which have no specific bearing on the > objective of attaining a balanced law. As we confirmed at the kicc and > yestday's serena so called stakeholder meetings, they are choreographed to > bash the media and portray them as opposed to regulation, which is a grand > lie. > > We raised very specific objections about particular clauses we need > addressed but all the choruses going on are about the gud things in the law > that won't cure the identified defects. > > Our efforts are directed towards crafting the amendments, as directed, > which we will finish and hand over to wako today for onward processing and > transmission. Anything else is a distraction or futile academic posturing > because I doubt anybody is listening, least of all the media. > > Honestly. > > > > Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Gakuru Alex <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> > > > > Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:02:56 > > To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> > > Cc: kictanet<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Fwd: [DigAfrica] Uganda consumers get ICT lobby] > > > > > > Hello Makali, > > > > On Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 11:44 PM, <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > >> Hi Waudo > >> Would you rather belong to the ministry of science and technology? > >> > >> I don't quite buy the idea that having a ministry is a panacea for > anything. I also don't quite get the rationale for this clamour for 'our' > ministry! Not with the many ict institutions, including ict board, already > in place. Actually, you guys can have the information and comm ministry. We > wud actually be happy to separate the laws. We in the media don't crave for > much govt. For us the lesser govt the better bkos it doesn't add any value > to our work nor do we depend on it. The framework for freedom of expression, > the FOl, is all we need. And that isn't forthcoming soon despite dr ndemo's > promises. > >> Give us that and kenya will be a beautifu and prosperous place witht > good govt. > >> My thoughts. > > > > Three reactions: > > > > 1. We are in agreement in regard to saving public taxes by avoiding > > creation of yet another ministry when 'convergence' has led into a > > networked communications environment. Fortunately, some of the media > > houses, for example NMG, would appear to have taken cognizance and > > taken steps toward it <http://www.nation.co.ke/editorialteam> > > > > 2. Whether broadcasters desire their "own" law, ministry, or > > grievances framework, we must 'converge' at some point because you > > deal with information and communicating it which needs regulation. An > > example is UK's ('CCK') on broadcasting content regulation > > <http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/features/broadtin> and BBC complaints > > handling <http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/handle.shtml> > > > > 3. Yesterday the Minister for Information and Communications repeated > > government's commitment to fast enact FOI. It was good to note the > > priority given given to this very important law that we do not have. > > Fundamentally, FOI law is for all people (not just the media) have > > access to information along the Universal Declaration of Human Rights > > <http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html> thus everyone enjoys their > > basic freedoms 'regardless of all frontiers.' Everyone is obligated to > > uphold UDHR ....We agree here! > > > > You will be at today's Civil Society Public Forum, won't you? > > > > regards, > > > > Alex > > > > (Sent from my wireless device;) > > > >> Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device > >> > >> -----Original Message----- > >> From: "waudo siganga" <emailsignet(a)mailcan.com> > >> > >> Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:38:46 > >> To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> > >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Fwd: [DigAfrica] Uganda consumers get ICT > lobby] > >> > >> > >> Talking of Uganda I have just learnt that they have a separate ICT > >> Ministry (headed by our good friend Mulira) and a completely separate > >> Ministry of Information and NATIONAL GUIDANCE to regulate > >> media/broadcast content etc. I still believe in the superiority of a > >> distinct ICT Ministry model . > >> Waudo > >> > >> On Mon, 12 Jan 2009 07:01:09 +0300, "alice" <alice(a)apc.org> said: > >>> > >>> http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/- > >>> <http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/-> > >>> /index.html > >>> > >>> ---------------------- > >>> > >>> Uganda consumers get ICT lobby > >>> By ESTHER NAKKAZI > >>> > >>> Posted Friday, January 9 2009 at 14:26 > >>> > >>> Dissatisfied ICT consumers in Uganda can now seek redress from the > >>> Uganda ICT Consumer Protection Association, in case of bad service, > >>> substandard products and general unscrupulous practices by data and > >>> voice service providers. > >>> > >>> The new lobby, which starts work later this month, will particularly > >>> address the issue of slow data speeds delivered by Internet service > >>> providers that do not correspond with the bandwidth paid for; > >>> overpricing of services and substandard mobile handsets sold at rock > >>> bottom prices through product promotions. > >>> > >>> The lobby's agenda is to ensure that consumers get value for money; > >>> act as an arbiter between consumers and service providers; be a > >>> platform for redress; be a proactive independent body that will set > >>> standards for service providers and also create an avenue for > >>> educating the public on consumer rights. > >>> > >>> "We want to bring the different players together for the good of the > >>> industry. Consumers will get to understand what the suppliers are > >>> giving them and the service providers will in turn realise that they > >>> cannot get away with poor service," said James Wire Lunghabo, > >>> chairman of the lobby and an IT expert at Linux Solutions. > >>> > >>> Mr Lunghabo said the lobby is not out to antagonise service providers > >>> but to hold them accountable and make them understand that "quality > >>> of service in the ICT sector is a right, not a favour." > >>> > >>> The chairman of the Parliamentary ICT Committee Edward Baliddawa, > >>> said, "The lobby is a good initiative that will create checks and > >>> balances within the industry. It will go a long way in helping to > >>> educate consumers, most of whom do not have the capacity to verify > >>> quality of services offered." > >>> > >>> The lobby group will complement the regulator Uganda Communications > >>> Commission, which is mandated by the government to do this work. > >>> > >>> But critics say that though the Commission is mandated to handle > >>> consumer complaints, the fact that it is funded by the service > >>> providers, it cannot not be a fair arbiter. > >>> > >>> The Commission is funded through licence fees paid by ICT operators, > >>> the government, a 1 per cent levy from operators' revenue under the > >>> Rural Communication Development Fund and other fees, which the lobby > >>> group says should be accounted for by an independent body. The > >>> Commission runs a consumer relations desk that has been accused of > >>> being docile. > >>> > >>> Commission officials said the new lobby is free to ask it for funding > >>> as funds for such activities are available, given that the issue of > >>> consumer protection is too big to be handled by a single entity. > >>> > >>> "We welcome every initiative and will be glad to have civil society > >>> and public collaboration. The issue of consumer protection calls for > >>> concerted efforts by all stakeholders in the sector," said Fred > >>> Otunnu, the Director of Communications and Consumer Affairs at the > >>> UCC. > >>> > >>> However, some industry players have already expressed reservations, > >>> saying that if the lobby is to be funded by the Commission, it will > >>> be controlled by the government and so lose its independence. > >>> > >>> http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/- > >>> <http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/-> > >>> /index.html > >

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Comms ACT - What happens to KENIC?
by Michuki Mwangi 12 Jan '09

12 Jan '09

Hi all, According to the new communications ACT, it appears that going forward KENIC will have to acquire a license (from CCK) to continue managing the ccTLD. KENIC is established as a PPP of which CCK is a party to. 1) Is there any precedence where the regulator (CCK) is party to or legally seats on the board of licensee ?. Wouldnt this constitute to a conflict of interest on its end? if not then all is well. a) If this is the case, what impact would this have on the organizations governance structure, the ppp model and where KENIC is hosted. b) Worth taking note, with the model being recognized as a global best practice for ccTLDs, what message are we sending out to the rest of the world?. 2) With the introductions of Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) and IDN ccTLDs by ICANN, does that mean i now have an opportunity to apply for a license to run the .ke equivalent in arabic script? and use the same license to acquire the mandate from ICANN. 3) Section 88 - does it mean that anyone can also now go and apply for a license to operate second levels under ccTLDs. For instance are we ready to run a split registry where .go.ke is run by e-gov and .ac.ke is run by KENET etc; and others that maybe proposed (since its subject to license issuance) in the future. For argument sake 'i have an application for .bank.ke for the financial sector and the catch would be that i would provide DNNSEC which KENIC doesnt offer at the moment.' Do i qualify for a sub-registry license? IMHO, i hope such and issues that i have noted on the Certificate Authority sections are equally reviewed for the greater good. Best regards, Michuki.

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(no subject)
by Margaret Gichuki 11 Jan '09

11 Jan '09

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Mobinfo - Mobile Information
by Michael Wakahe 11 Jan '09

11 Jan '09

Check out the web and mobile directory service at this website: http://www.mobinfo.co.ke. Regards, Michael

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Civil Society Congress Forum on Kenya ICT Act
by Bill Kagai 11 Jan '09

11 Jan '09

Friends, You may wish to pen in to your diaries this interesting public forum that will be held at the Hilton on Tuesday, 13th January 2009. -Hilton Hotel, Tuesday, 13th January 2009, 2.00 - 5.00pm. -Keynote - Hon. Farah Maalim - Deputy Speaker. -Presentations - Mbugua Mureithi and Mildred Ngesa. -Discussants - Paul Muite, Ezekiel Mutua, Wahu Kaara, Linus Gitahi and our very own, Alex Gakuru. -Moderator - Haron Ndubi. -Convenor - National Civil Society Congress. Full details on today's, Sunday Standard, Pg.7. -- Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited Nairobi Stock Exchange Authorised Information Vendor Suite B2, Tetu Court, State House Avenue P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel. 254 20 272 8332 Fax. Rendered Obsolete S - 1°17'13.8" E - 36°48'22.7" www.mediacorp.co.ke ---

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Deadline January 18th for Citizen Media Outreach Projects
by Janet Feldman 10 Jan '09

10 Jan '09

http://rising.globalvoicesonline.org/blog/2008/12/23/rising-voices-seeks-mi… Application Deadline: January 18, 2009 Rising Voices (http://rising.globalvoicesonline.org) the outreach arm of Global Voices (http://globalvoicesonline.org) is now accepting project proposals for microgrant funding of up to $5,000 for new media outreach projects. Ideal applicants will present innovative and detailed proposals to teach citizen media techniques to communities that are poorly positioned to discover and take advantage of tools like blogging, video-blogging, and podcasting on their own. As the internet becomes more accessible to more people, including mobile phone users, the so-called digital divide seems to be narrowing. In its place, however, we see a participation gap in which the vast majority of blogs, podcasts, and online video are being produced in middle-class neighborhoods in major cities around the world. Rising Voices aims to help bring new voices from new communities and speaking new languages to the conversational web, by providing resources and funding to local groups reaching out to underrepresented communities in the developing world. Please visit our current list of grantees for project examples: http://rising.globalvoicesonline.org/projects. The sky is the limit, but unfortunately funding is not. Rising Voices outreach grants will range from $2,000 to $5,000. Please be as thoughtful, specific, and realistic as possible when drafting your budgets. Successful projects will be prominently featured on Global Voices. Grantees are expected to host regular workshops to train participants how to start and maintain a weblog, upload and share digital photographs, and produce basic videos. Grantees are also required to post regular project evaluations and updates to the Rising Voices website. Completed applications will be accepted no later than Sunday, January 18. Please submit your completed application on the Rising Voices apply page: http://rising.globalvoicesonline.org/apply/ Feel free to ask questions in the comments section below or by sending an email to outreach(a)globalvoicesonline.org. All the best, David Sasaki Rising Voices

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Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law
by David Aduda 10 Jan '09

10 Jan '09

Wainana, The media, and not only Media Owners Associations, but editors, journalists, TV and Radio anchors and producers, have always been ready for dialogue and honest one at that. We don't know your criteria for the so-called "well-thought out" memorandum, but we can assure that we had prepared many documents, which we presented to the minister, PS and PM. We will revisit them and prepare something and hopefully it will "well-though and devoid of propoganda". Aduda > ---------- > From: kictanet-bounces+daduda=nation.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke on behalf of Wainaina Mungai > Sent: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 10:52 PM > To: David Aduda > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law > > The Presidential directive to Hon. Poghisio & Hon. Amos Wako has set > the pace for a new engagement strategy. Let's hope it brings to an end > the "drama queen" strategy used by media owners so far. > > The media owners will need to present well thought-out memoranda > devoid of propanganda. I hope they are ready to engage in the same way > as the ICT sector did. > > The proposals by media owners must be subjected to objective debate in > the longterm interests of the nation. > > Wainaina > > On 1/7/09, Wainaina Mungai <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> wrote: > > It sounds like Tanzania has a very objective Media Council. > > > > They recognise that the law is abit too tough but they believe the > > Kenyan media brought it upon themselves when they failed to > > self-regulate. > > > > Through the one-sided campaign, it is clear that the media has no > > intention to implement true self-regulation. Individual media houses > > are now setting standards and walking away from the biased "group > > mind" approach to issues. > > > > Let's hope that Kenya's Media Council will learn from Tanzanians. > > > > Wainaina > > > > On 1/7/09, Jotham Kilimo Mwale <jokilimo(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > >> Hi All, > >> > >> Just came across this view of our Act from Media Council of Tanzania. > >> > >> http://www.dailynews.habarileo.co.tz/magazine/index.php?id=9330 > >> > >> Interesting. > >> > >> Regards, > >> > >> Jotham K. Mwale > >> > >> > >> --- On Tue, 1/6/09, Akich Kwach <kwach(a)archway-productions.com> wrote: > >> > >> From: Akich Kwach <kwach(a)archway-productions.com> > >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law > >> To: jokilimo(a)yahoo.com > >> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >> Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 1:14 AM > >> > >> Hi All, > >> > >> I think it is time time we stopped blaiming our brother and sisters from > >> the > >> media. It is said that if you were in their shoes, you would be shouting > >> loudest > >> like them. I believe they have a point and I do agree with Dorcas > >> Muthoni, > >> the > >> style or approach by the media team might be the problem. As they seek > >> for > >> freedom, they have to be visionery. I am reminded of the wise advice by > >> Lyndon > >> Johnson, a former US president "You do not examine legislation in the > >> light of the benefits it will convey if properly administered, but in the > >> light > >> of the wrongs it would do and the harms it would cause if improperly > >> administered." > >> > >> To set the records straight, I do support the signing of the Bill and the > >> rest > >> of the amendments can be lobbied for later. It is sad the Wanjikus, > >> Atienos > >> and > >> Moraas outside Nairobi would find it difficult to know the benefits the > >> new > >> law > >> carries because the same media that should have passed the message is > >> still > >> in a > >> "mourning period". How can we help spread the message? > >> > >> I look forward to the discussions as stated by Walu > >> > >> Akich Kwach > >> > >> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Barrack Otieno" > >> <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> > >> To: <kwach(a)archway-productions.com> > >> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions"> > >> <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >> Sent: Monday, January 05, 2009 10:29 PM > >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law > >> > >> > >> You have a point David, this convergence business is a bit confusing > >> to the waheshimiwa as well as a good number of Kenyans, i bet eighty > >> percent might no understand what is going on, Alex you seem to be > >> having some answers though your answers are too complicated :) > >> Let the debate continue > >> > >> On Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 9:14 PM, <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > >>> Barrack, I don't see our pt of diff. Media are the first users of ict > >> and thea is no doubt ict is imptant in a modern ecoomy. But that's it. > >> So > >> is freedom of speech and access to information. > >>> And we don't have to compare media and ict. What I state and repeat is > >> the tendency by ict buffs to think only ict in isolation or see nothing > >> wrong > >> else with the aw as long as their concerns are taken care of, then say > >> dismissively that there are other iinstitutions to deal with their > >> legitimate > >> concerns or reason should prevail. Which? How come ict folks are not > >> raising > >> their voices on thoz issues they acknowledge media have except as btw or > >> in > >> a > >> back handed manner? Am very awake to the fact the country desperately > >> needed > >> to > >> kick up the ict sector with facilitative legislation. I have personally > >> suffered > >> from its lacking. But we can't gloss over fundamental issues out of that > >> desperation! > >>> China has all the ict you want but wat kind of society is it. You > >> can't enjoy ict in a repressive environment. And this country is in the > >> cusp > >> of potential tyranny midwifed by our unresolved political equations that > >> we > >> are > >> just about to begin to resolve. If any political axis should be handed > >> control > >> over the media, even with its weaknesses, you will rue the day you > >> dismissed > >> our > >> protestations. > >>> I have written too much and may be I feel too strongly about this but no > >> emotions. Straight shooting perhaps. > >>> David > >>> > >>> Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device > >>> > >>> -----Original Message----- > >>> From: "Barrack Otieno" <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> > >>> > >>> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 20:36:51 > >>> To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> > >>> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law > >>> > >>> > >>> Bwana Makali, > >>> I think you are being sensational, lets try and get emotions out of > >>> this argument, for as long as i can remember media practioners have > >>> always rubbished the role of ICT in the countries socio-political > >>> landscape, i witnessed this behaviour in a forum sponsored by Unesco > >>> at the Grand Regency a couple of years ago which was apparently > >>> chaired by CEO's from leading media houses and i can see bwana makali > >>> repeating it on this list which is unaccepatble here even though we > >>> are democratic!!, give us a break sir. None the less may be we need > >>> our own ministry as Dr Siganga says to champion the ICT agenda and > >>> save us from this circus. The Media has a point and we all agree that > >>> there are contentious issues that need to be sorted out however let > >>> reason prevail, we have instituions in place to handle this kind of > >>> problems and they need to be put into use > >>> > >>> On Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 6:59 PM, <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > >>>> The media's ref to the comm amendm bill 2008 (yuck!) as media or > >> ict bill is attributable to two factors. The media have a right and an > >> editorial > >> licence to abbreviate long and cumbersome names. Do you guys know how > >> difficult > >> it is to write headlines? Write one to test your editorial skills - 25 > >> letters > >> across 40cms and include all that communications bla bla!?> > >>>> Second, the media have a right to christen anything for ease of > >> reference. Why aren't you media phobes complaining about ndungu, waki, > >> kriegler or whatever other commissions that don't exist in fact and which > >> you have quite happily swallowed? wats wrong with the media or ict or > >> (next) > >> postal bill if it captures the essence of what is on the table or > >> disputed? > >> I > >> find it trite argument to insist that the media have misrepresented the > >> bill. If > >> there is nothing contestable about the others, or they are less > >> controversial or > >> for whatever reason they dim in significance, what is the big deal? > >>>> Finally, of course, some media could just have failed to see the > >> bigger picture and erroneously referred to it as media bill. In which > >> case > >> that > >> all fair in war and love. You can't moan till morning. > >>>> Let's face the facts. The law has bad provisions that only myopic > >> and selfish people or those with axes to grind the media can't see. > >> Unfortunately, it takes a very short time before the reality catches up > >> with > >> such people wen they find themselves on the receiving end. > >>>> Jog your memory. > >>>> David > >>>> Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device > >>>> > >>>> -----Original Message----- > >>>> From: "waudo siganga" <emailsignet(a)mailcan.com> > >>>> > >>>> Date: Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:35:00 > >>>> To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> > >>>> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy > >> Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >>>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> Thanks for noting the changing goal posts in terms of the title of > >> this > >>>> Law Alice. In fact a short while ago some referred to it as the > >> "ICT > >>>> Bill" before briefly reverting to Kenya Communications > >> (Amendment) Bill > >>>> 2008 and then finally resting at "Media Bill". For me I > >> think I > >>>> understand the reasons for this confusion, particularly for the > >> public: > >>>> this is a compound Law in one basket. The lesson I learn is that in > >>>> future we need to change some things otherwise it is possible to reach > >> a > >>>> stage where useful ICT Policy, Legislative and regulatory development > >>>> processes are held back by things that really have nothing to do with > >>>> ICT. What if the courier services who are now regulated by this Law > >> had > >>>> successfully opposed it? We would be missing e-transactions > >> legislation > >>>> simply because of a function that has nothing to do with ICT. > >>>> For starters, the Government should restructure so that we have an ICT > >>>> only Ministry like they have in India, Egypt, Mauritius and other > >>>> countries worth copying. For many years after independence we had a > >>>> Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. That Minstry should be > >> revived > >>>> to focus on the interests of our media brothers. > >>>> Right now it is very difficult to pin down what is "ICT" in > >> Kenya. Some > >>>> of the issues being brought under the umbrella of "ICT" are > >> those that > >>>> the real ICT people cannot contribute to. Some people are saying > >>>> everything is OK because of "convergence". But as can be > >> seen, even > >>>> trying to converge Laws is an issue unto itself. > >>>> > >>>> Waudo > >>>> On Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:47:32 +0300, "alice" > >> <alice(a)apc.org> said: > >>>>> I agree and for Pete's/Jane's sake could media drop the > >> "media bill" > >>>>> reference. It is the Kenya Communications (Amendment) bill 2008, > >> which > >>>>> covers much much more than broadcasting issues. and much more > >>>>> importantly it finally deals with issues of convergence from a > >>>>> technological, content, regulatory, as well as economic > >> perspective. it > >>>>> is important that the communications "sector" adapts to > >> this global > >>>>> convergence trend/scenario, because it will provide for expansion> > >> of > >>>>> universal access to ICTs, in terms of reducing costs while > >> stimulating > >>>>> economic and social growth. This can only be done through > >> appropriate > >>>>> ICT policy and regulatory mechanisms, which the bill provides for. > >>>>> > >>>>> What we should be focusing on are the challenges that will come > >> with > >>>>> this dynamic because adaption to convergence is not the end point. > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>>> best > >>>>> alice > >>>>> > >>>>> p.s. views are personal and not a reflection of any of the > >>>>> institutions/organisations I am affiliated with. > >>>>> > >>>>> > Great suggestions, > >>>>> > > >>>>> > I feel we can support the media but not in-toto. > >>>>> > > >>>>> > First, it would be nice of the MoA et. al. to let go of the > >> negative > >>>>> > "Media Bill" campaign and engage constructively > >> with other players. > >>>>> > > >>>>> > Secondly, media should consider calling ICT advocacy > >> personalities to > >>>>> > a forum where they can share how ICT issues have successfully > >> been > >>>>> > incorporated without the animosity that is common when > >> advocating for > >>>>> > media issues. > >>>>> > > >>>>> > I believe the media needs to feel secure that if their > >> arguments are > >>>>> > valid, they'll have our undivided support....issue by > >> issue. > >>>>> > > >>>>> > Wainaina > >>>>> > > >>>>> > On 1/4/09, Bill Kagai <billkagai(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >>>>> > > >>>>> >> The 4 fundamentals; > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> 1. When the Media fraternity suggested the bill be > >> rejected in-toto, >> ICT > >>>>> >> sector players felt this was akin to pouring the birth > >> water together >> with > >>>>> >> the baby. Personally I am happy the ICT issues did not go > >> down the >> drain. > >>>>> >> And I think that was what many of us were asking for. > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> 2. The Media has genuine concerns as Haron Ndubi > >> articulated in his >> legal > >>>>> >> opinion on the probibity of the bill. However, the Media > >> completely >> blacked > >>>>> >> out ICT sector concerns during our campaign to have the > >> bill signed. >> We even > >>>>> >> went out of the way to show the remedies to the issues > >> through the > >>>>> >> miscelleneous amendment bill as suggested in the very > >> fast legal >> opinion > >>>>> >> whose author requested we keep his/her identity > >> anonymous. > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> 3. ICT players and especially Kictanet ought to prove > >> it's the bigger >> wo/man > >>>>> >> by showing solidarity in the front-line with our cousins > >> in the Media > >>>>> >> looking for a way out of the quagmire. We do not have to > >> ignore them >> simply > >>>>> >> because they refused to side with us in our campaign. > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> 4. We are extremely careless in handling crisis. If you > >> are familiar >> with > >>>>> >> Newton's method of factoring variable change and the > >> Monty Hall > >>>>> >> > >> Paradox<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Hall_paradox>, > >>>>> >> then we can analyse the options the President had > >> mathematically. > >>>>> >> 4a) Sign Bill > >>>>> >> 4b) Don't Sign Bill > >>>>> >> 4c) Do nothing and hold Kenyans in suspense. > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> Each option had a 33% probability of being the > >> 'right' decision. So, > >>>>> >> assuming he had not seen the bill earlier since he was > >> not the author >> and > >>>>> >> had decided not to sign the bill following the Media > >> owners petition, >> was it > >>>>> >> wise to change his decision from 'Don't Sign' > >> to 'Sign'?? > >>>>> >> Monty Hall > >> <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Hall_paradox> proves >> that > >>>>> >> changing the decision increases the probability of > >> getting it 'right' >> to > >>>>> >> 66.6%. And that is proven by the fact that we [in ICT] > >> feel content >> and > >>>>> >> support ways of also making our brothers in the media > >> achieve 'State >> of > >>>>> >> Nirvana'. This bill will also give the Minister of> > >> Finance some >> head-up > >>>>> >> before he dismisses innovations such as M-Pesa without > >> prior >> knowledge. > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> Conclusion; > >>>>> >> For Makali, Openda, Kaikai and other leading Media > >> personalities who >> I know > >>>>> >> are on this list, why don't you invite ICT > >> stakeholders in to your >> media > >>>>> >> stations to engage Kenyans on what is good and what is > >> bad in the ICT >> [not > >>>>> >> Media] bill so that we can fight together against what we > >> feel is not >> good?? > >>>>> >> This has nothing to do with whether the grand coalition > >> will hold or >> not, > >>>>> >> since neither the Right Honourable nor His Excellency > >> drafted this >> bill. We > >>>>> >> did and the buck should stop with us!!! > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> -- > >>>>> >> Bildad Kagai > >>>>> >> MD - MediaCorp Limited > >>>>> >> Nairobi Stock Exchange Authorised Information Vendor > >>>>> >> Suite B2, Tetu Court, State House Avenue > >>>>> >> P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 > >>>>> >> Nairobi, Kenya > >>>>> >> Tel. 254 20 272 8332 > >>>>> >> Fax. Rendered Obsolete > >>>>> >> S - 1°17'13.8" > >>>>> >> E - 36°48'22.7" > >>>>> >> www.mediacorp.co.ke > >>>>> >> --- > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> On Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 6:21 PM, alice > >> <alice(a)apc.org> wrote: > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >> > >>>>> >>> Thank you Wainaina. Happy 2009. > >>>>> >>> Now that the bill has been signed, what does the ICT > >> industry think >>> about > >>>>> >>> this whole debate? especially those who have worked > >> for such a long >>> time > >>>>> >>> with government to introduce legislation for the > >> sector? > >>>>> >>> > >>>>> >>> best > >>>>> >>> alice > >>>>> >>> > >>>>> >>> Happy New Year for ICT development in Kenya. > >>>>> >>> > >>>>> >>>> We can now look at the Media's concerns on > >> the Kenya Communications > >>>>> >>>> Act and support whatever amendments may be > >> justified. > >>>>> >>>> > >>>>> >>>> Wainaina > >>>>> >>>> > >>>>> >>>> > >>>>> >>>> > >>>>> >>>> > >>>>> >>> > >>>>> >>>_______________________________________________ > >>>>> >>> kictanet mailing list > >>>>> >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >>>>> >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >>>>> >>> > >>>>> >>> This message was sent to: billkagai(a)gmail.com > >>>>> >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >>>>> >>> > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/billkagai%40gmail.com > >>>>> >>> > >>>>> >>> > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>>> _______________________________________________ > >>>>> kictanet mailing list > >>>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >>>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >>>>> > >>>>> This message was sent to: emailsignet(a)mailcan.com > >>>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >>>>> > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/emailsignet%40mailcan.… > >>>> > >>>> _______________________________________________ > >>>> kictanet mailing list > >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >>>> > >>>> This message was sent to: dmakali(a)yahoo.com > >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmakali%40yahoo.com > >>>> _______________________________________________ > >>>> kictanet mailing list > >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >>>> > >>>> This message was sent to: otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com > >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail… > >>>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> -- > >>> Barrack O. Otieno > >>> ISSEN CONSULTING > >>> Tel: > >>> +254721325277 > >>> +254726544442 > >>> +254733206359 > >>> www.issenconsult.com > >>> http://projectdiscovery.or.ke > >>> To give up the task of reforming society is to give up ones > >>> responsibility as a free man. > >>> Alan Paton, South Africa> > >>> > >> > >> > >> > >> -- Barrack O. Otieno > >> ISSEN CONSULTING > >> Tel: > >> +254721325277 > >> +254726544442 > >> +254733206359 > >> www.issenconsult.com > >> http://projectdiscovery.or.ke > >> To give up the task of reforming society is to give up ones > >> responsibility as a free man. > >> Alan Paton, South Africa > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> kictanet mailing list > >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > >> This message was sent to: kwach(a)archway-productions.com > >> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kwach%40archway-produc… > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> kictanet mailing list > >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > >> This message was sent to: jokilimo(a)yahoo.com > >> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jokilimo%40yahoo.com > >> > >> > >> > >> > > > > -- > > Sent from my mobile device > > > > --- > > http://www.bungesms.com > > > > TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/bungesms > > > > KABISSA.org - > > http://www.kabissa.org/about/news/member-spotlight-made-kenya-network > > > > KAMPALA Workshop presentation - > > http://m4d.kcl.co.ug/sites/default/files/presentations/BungeSMS_MadeinKenya… > > > > -- > Sent from my mobile device > > --- > http://www.bungesms.com > > TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/bungesms > > KABISSA.org - http://www.kabissa.org/about/news/member-spotlight-made-kenya-network > > KAMPALA Workshop presentation - > http://m4d.kcl.co.ug/sites/default/files/presentations/BungeSMS_MadeinKenya… > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: daduda(a)nation.co.ke > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/daduda%40nation.co.ke > > DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended recipient. Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. To get all breaking news alerts send the word BREAK to 6667 or visit http://mobile.nation.co.ke to read news on your mobile phone.

8 9

Kibaki signs Bill into law
by Wainaina Mungai 09 Jan '09

09 Jan '09

Happy New Year for ICT development in Kenya. We can now look at the Media's concerns on the Kenya Communications Act and support whatever amendments may be justified. Wainaina -- Sent from my mobile device --- http://www.bungesms.com TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/bungesms KABISSA.org - http://www.kabissa.org/about/news/member-spotlight-made-kenya-network KAMPALA Workshop presentation - http://m4d.kcl.co.ug/sites/default/files/presentations/BungeSMS_MadeinKenya…

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Fwd: W3C Workshop on the Mobile Web, 1-2 April, Maputo
by alice 09 Jan '09

09 Jan '09

FYI: Please note deadlines.... January 12, 2009 - Deadline for abstract submission see others below. best alice ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE WORLD WIDE WEB CONSORTIUM Africa Perspective on the Role of Mobile Technologies in Fostering Social Development 1-2 April 2009, Maputo, Mozambique Hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Government of Mozambique ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: http://www.w3.org/2008/10/MW4D_WS/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ W3C WORKSHOP CALL FOR PARTICIPATION The W3C Workshop on the «Africa Perspective on the Role of Mobile Technologies in Fostering Social and Economic Development» aims to understand specific challenges of using mobile phones and Web technologies to deliver services to underprivileged populations of developing countries, and to capture the specificities of the African context. More specifically, workshop participants will discuss the barriers for potential content providers (NGO/ grassroots, government, entrepreneur, etc.) to develop and deploy services, and the barriers for the targeted population to access these services (issues around illiteracy, internationalization, accessibility, usability, etc.). TOPICS OF DISCUSSION The Web, and ICT in general, has been recognized as a great tool to potentially resolve the historical divides between developed and developing economies by providing an infrastructure to deploy minimal services (health, education, business, government, etc.) to rural communities and under-privileged populations. A new hope is coming with the very high penetration rate of mobile telephony in emerging economies. The challenges that the workshop will explore involve a coordinated approach from different fields, and different actors. Topics that might serve as appropriate discussion points for position papers include, but are not limited to: * Analysis of use-cases / real-world projects. * Challenges of integrating ICTs in rural communities. * Usability and Human-Computer Interfaces (HCI) challenges of mobile browser and mobile content. * Challenges and potential solutions against illiteracy. * Analysis on the way the mobile phones and/or the Web could improve people's lives in developing countries. * Comparison between different potential platforms to support ICT's deployment (mobile phones, low-cost laptop, telecenters, etc.). * Challenges of sustainability, scalability and replicability. * Challenges and opportunity of integrating mobile phones in specific domains: eGovernment projects (mGovernment), e-health projects, disaster management, etc. WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Representatives from the following communities are encouraged to attend: * ICT for Development experts * Academics from developed and developing nations * Field practitioners and NGO/grassroots organizations * Local entrepreneurs with experience in ICT services * Usability, accessibility and Web experts * Mobile industry and digital divide experts REQIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION There is no participation fee and W3C membership is not required in order to participate in the workshop. Because of the space limitation and to ensure relevance of interests, each participant must submit a statement of interest before February 12, 2009. In addition, each participant wishing to have a paper published on the workshop Web site and/or wishing to make a presentation during the event must submit a position paper abstract no later than January 12, 2009. More details are available on the workshop page at: http://www.w3.org/2008/10/MW4D_WS/#Participation Authors will be notified of the decision of the Program Committee by January 25, 2009. All statement of interests, as well as selected papers will be made public before the workshop. IMPORTANT DATES * January 12, 2009 - Deadline for abstract submission * January 25, 2009 - Committee decisions and abstract selection * February 20, 2009 - Program released * March 10, 2009 - Deadline for full paper submissions * March 15, 2009 - End of sponsorship opportunity * March 20, 2009 - Deadline for registration * April 1-2, 2009 - Workshop WORKSHOP ORGANIZATION The workshop will be chaired by Stéphane Boyera (W3C,Chair of the Mobile Web for Social Development group)and George Sadowsky. The Program Committee currently hosts: * Ken Banks, Kiwanja.net * Anthony Bloome, Peace Corps * Philip Hoschka, W3C * Michael Maltese, Legatum Center * Gary Marsden, University of Cape Town * Americo Muchanga, University Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique * David Sawe, Government of Tanzania * Alice Wanjira Munya, Kenya ICT Action Network * Raul Zambrano, UNDP SPONSOR THIS WORKSHOP! This workshop offers a sponsorship program, as a marketing opportunity that enables sponsors to showcase their organization and to communicate to the community of participants, and to the industry at large, that their organization is a driving force within the mobile Web for social development community. There are three levels of sponsorship (Platinum/Gold/Silver) offering a wide range of benefits. For further information, please contact Stéphane Boyera (boyera(a)w3.org) and Marie-Claire Forgue (mcf(a)w3.org) before 15 March 2009. Note: this sponsorship program is designed to enable participation by individuals and organizations with particular expertise, but who might not otherwise be able to attend due to travel or other costs. -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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