- KICTANet - KICTANet

Africa s Internet Community to gather in Nairobi in May
by Eric Osiakwan 05 Mar '06

05 Mar '06

Press Release For Immediate Release (Contact; Eric M.K Osiakwan eric(a)afrispa.org, +233.244.386792) Africas Internet Community to gather in Nairobi in May 4th March 2006 - the annual African Internet Forum will this year be held in Nairobi over 18-19 May and is expected to be the largest gathering of Africas expanding Internet community. The African Internet Forum provides an annual platform for ISPs, telecom operators, Internet users, developers, regulators, policy-makers and development agencies to share knowledge on the strategic and business issues related to the Internets development in Africa. The Forum is held under the auspices of the African ISP Association (AfrISPA) and is organized by AITEC in association with Balancing Act. The theme of this years Forum will be Survival of the fittest: How to thrive in the African Internet jungle Announcing the Forum, Russell Southwood CEO of Balancing Act and the forum programme co-ordinator, said: Africas Internet sector is simultaneously facing challenges that could make many of its players more marginal, whilst at the same time seeing enormous potential opportunities opening up for it. This Internet Forum seeks to let participants know what might be about to happen and to offer a briefing on how to avoid being crushed by the larger players. Brian Longwe, GM of AfrISPA, said Time has come for Africas Internet community to take their futures and livelihoods into their own hands. For too long Africa has been dependent on overseas infrastructure and facilities to provide inter-country (and sometimes intra-country) connectivity. A key item on this year Internet Forum agenda will be the issue of Africas ISPs finding ways of making the African backbone network a reality The Forum will follow the Internet training workshops, tutorials and related events being held by AfriNIC and AfNOG in Nairobi in May. AfNOG and AfriNIC are jointly organizing a two-week event that includes the AfNOG Workshop on Network Technology (offering advanced training in a week-long hands-on workshop), several half-day Tutorials, a one-day AfNOG meeting, and a two-day AfriNIC meeting. Further information about the event may be found at <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2006/> and <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/>. AfNOG Workshop: 7-12 May 2006 (Sunday - Friday) AfNOG Tutorials: 14 May (Sunday) AfNOG Meeting: 15 May (Monday) AfriNIC Meeting: 16-17 May (Tuesday - Wednesday) African Internet Forum: 18-19 May (Thursday Friday) AfrISPA AGM: 19 May (Friday) -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://afrispa.skybuilders.com/users/Eric/blog.html Slang: "Tomorrow Now" --

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Re: [Kictanet] Kenya ICT Action Network Condemns Overnight Raid on STANDARD AND KTN Offices
by Eric Osiakwan 04 Mar '06

04 Mar '06

Comrades, In a multistakeholder coalition like KICTANET, the principle is that any public engagement on behalf of the network must at least have majority buyin from the caucus. The lack of time to consult is not enough excuse to issue statements that does not even have the sight of members. The above provision does not also stop members of the coalition who have alternate positions to air them in view or otherwise of their minority vote. Eric here ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Wainaina Mungai" <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> Reply-To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Date: Sat, 04 Mar 2006 14:25:19 +0300 >Hi Malaba, > >I was under the impression that a "KICTANET statement" is a joint statement that needs wider consultation so as to legitimise the words below....because KICTANet does not exist without its membership. I may have been wrong. > >> > > We the members of the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet), a multistakeholder group of organisations > > > and networks from civil society, private >> > > sector, media, academia, and development partners > >Wainaina > > >> -------Original Message------- >> From: David Sparrow Malaba <sdmalaba(a)yahoo.com> >> Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Kenya ICT Action Network Condemns Overnight Raid on STANDARD AND KTN Offices >> Sent: 04 Mar '06 11:31 >> >> Dear Colleagues, >> I feel that as members of KICTANET, each one of us is >> free including our organizations to take a particular >> stand on any issue or issues at any time as they >> arise. But if Mr. Mungai is suggesting that in future >> we make joint press statements, then that is something >> else, that may perhaps require consultation from >> members. Some events do not provide us with adequate >> opportunity to consult each other. >> >> Let us play our roles even if it means commenting on >> any issue without fear of contradiction or even being >> labeled orvictimised by members. >> >> Kind regards >> David Malaba >> The Computer Society of Kenya >> >> >> --- "Made in Kenya.org" <info(a)madeinkenya.org> wrote: >> >> > Dear all, >> > >> > Just out of curiousity, who was consulted in the >> > drafting of this statement? As a member, I am >> > totally in the dark on this one.AS much as I >> > support the condemnation of the police action, I >> > must distance myself from this one-sided and >> > apparently unilaterally drafted statement that seems >> > to be in denial of the reality in Kenya today. Media >> > freedom is not absolute and Kenyan consumers have a >> > right to access accurate and unbiased information >> > from the media and other sources. >> > >> > The statement will only serve to sanitise misconduct >> > by the local media. KICTANet should not be seen as a >> > trade association where irresponsible media finds >> > solace.I hope that will not be the message >> > KICTANet will pass on to participants at the planned >> > "Media and ICTs workshop next week (March 10-13) in >> > Mombasa. All freedoms, especially the freedom of the >> > press must be exercised with restraint. Media >> > freedom carries with it alot of power and power has >> > corrupted a significant section of our media. >> > >> > The unilateral decision to draft and circulate a >> > statement on behalf of KICTANet despite protests >> > from some members(no matter how few) should not be >> > presented in a manner to imply that it is the >> > collective view of the network. >> > >> > Even the Media Owners Association did a much better >> > job by demanding that its membership exercise >> > responsible journalism. For that, I must >> > congratulate the MoA for exercising objectivity and >> > advice KICTANet to make an honest attempt at such >> > objectivity in future. >> > >> > Sincerely, >> > >> > Wainaina Mungai >> > >> > >-------Original Message------- >> > >From: alice(a)apc.org >> > >Subject: [Kictanet] Kenya ICT Action Network >> > Condemns Overnight Raid on STANDARD AND KTN Offices >> > >Sent: 03 Mar '06 10:27 >> > > >> > >Press Release >> > > >> > >Kenya ICT Action Network Condemns Overnight Raid >> > on STANDARD AND KTN Offices >> > > >> > >3 March 2006 >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > > >> > are shocked and outraged >> > >by the recent actions meted by the government on >> > the standard group. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >On Wednesday, 1 March 2006, the Government of >> > Kenya launched an >> > >unprecedented and vicious attack on the STANDARD >> > GROUP premises, harassed >> > >the journalists, confiscated equipment, >> > interrupted TV transmission and >> > >burned copies of the days newspaper edition. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >The Government has detained and continues to hold >> > in detention three >> > >Standard journalists apparently for misreporting >> > that a leading opposition >> > >politician had secretly met the President at >> > State House. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >When interviewed, the Internal Security Minister >> > Hon. Muchuki did not deny >> > >the governments involvement in this horrifying >> > event of March 1st stating >> > >state security as the reason behind the >> > governments actions. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >We see this as crude and gross abuse of power and >> > our constitution. >> > > >> > >At a recent ICT strategy conference held at the >> > safari park hotel his >> > >Excellency the president of Kenya unveiled >> > Kenyas ICT strategy, whose main >> > >objective is transforming Kenyas economy >> > through promoting and >> > >facilitating the private sector to serve as the >> > driver for economic >> > >development. This crude action contradicts the >> > governments recent >> > >objectives to maintain a favourable climate for >> > investment and creation of >> > >jobs for Kenyans.No investor would place their >> > money in an environment >> > >where the rule of law and order is disregarded >> > with utmost impunity. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >This action is also reminiscent of the dark days >> > in Kenya when the media was >> > >constantly harassed in order to suppress the >> > freedom of expression, thought >> > >and association.The action demonstrates that >> > the Government, which is the >> > >custodian of law and order is not committed to >> > the rule of law as the basic >> > >foundation for a modern and civilised society. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >Whereas the Government may be validly aggrieved, >> > there are established and >> > >internationally acceptable mechanisms for seeking >> > redress through the courts >> > >of law.The Kenya Telecommunication Act (1998 >> > revised 2001) clearly spells >> > >out the procedures that should be followed in the >> > event that a Media House >> > >needs to be shutdown. >> > > >> > >KICATNet translates this action as an attempt to >> > frighten the independent >> > >media, limit Kenyans political space and erode >> > our human rights. It is also >> > >a gross violation of our constitution. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >KICTANet therefore strongly condemns the >> > governments actions and stands in >> > >solidarity with the Kenyan media and particularly >> > our colleagues at the >> > >standard media group.We take this opportunity >> > to remind the government of >> > >Kenya that the foundation of a sound democracy is >> > the right to information >> > >and freedom of press. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >It is therefore imperative that the Government >> > quickly moves to restore not >> > >just investor confidence but also citizens >> > confidence in protection of our >> > >fundamental human rights and democratic space >> > that has been gained largely >> > >due to a free press. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >KICTANet is appalled by the actions and urges the >> > Minister(s) and the >> > >Agency/ies involved to publicly apologise and >> > expeditiously restore the >> > >services of the Media House as well as paying for >> > all the losses that the >> > >standard group have incurred. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) >> > > >> > > >> > >Contact Details for the network >> > > >> > >Judy Kimiti >> > > >> > >jkimiti(a)email.kictanet.or.ke >> > > >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > kictanet mailing list >> > kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >> > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> > >> > Please unsubscribe or change your options at >> > >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/sdmalaba%40yahoo.com >> > >> === message truncated === >> >> >> __________________________________________________ >> Do You Yahoo!? >> Tired of spam?Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around >> http://mail.yahoo.com >> >> --- >> Submitted by: Sparrow David Malaba - KITC <sdmalaba(a)yahoo.com> 2006-03-04 03:40:01 EST5 >> (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) >> --- >> You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [wainaina.mungai(a)oneworld.net] >> To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist-cl-117112D(a)lyris.idrc.ca >> >> > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/eric%40afrispa.org > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://afrispa.skybuilders.com/users/Eric/blog.html Slang: "Tomorrow Now" --

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Re: [Kictanet] Kenya ICT Action Network Condemns Overnight Raid on
by Eric Osiakwan 04 Mar '06

04 Mar '06

Comrades, In a multistakeholder coalition like KICTANET, the principle is that any public engagement on behalf of the network must at least have majority buyin from the caucus. The lack of time to consult is not enough excuse to issue statements that does not even have the sight of members. The above provision does not also stop members of the coalition who have alternate positions to air them in view or otherwise of their minority vote. Eric here ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Wainaina Mungai" <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> Reply-To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Date: Sat, 04 Mar 2006 14:25:19 +0300 >Hi Malaba, > >I was under the impression that a "KICTANET statement" is a joint statement that needs wider consultation so as to legitimise the words below....because KICTANet does not exist without its membership. I may have been wrong. > >> > > We the members of the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet), a multistakeholder group of organisations > > > and networks from civil society, private >> > > sector, media, academia, and development partners > >Wainaina > > >> -------Original Message------- >> From: David Sparrow Malaba <sdmalaba(a)yahoo.com> >> Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Kenya ICT Action Network Condemns Overnight Raid on STANDARD AND KTN Offices >> Sent: 04 Mar '06 11:31 >> >> Dear Colleagues, >> I feel that as members of KICTANET, each one of us is >> free including our organizations to take a particular >> stand on any issue or issues at any time as they >> arise. But if Mr. Mungai is suggesting that in future >> we make joint press statements, then that is something >> else, that may perhaps require consultation from >> members. Some events do not provide us with adequate >> opportunity to consult each other. >> >> Let us play our roles even if it means commenting on >> any issue without fear of contradiction or even being >> labeled orvictimised by members. >> >> Kind regards >> David Malaba >> The Computer Society of Kenya >> >> >> --- "Made in Kenya.org" <info(a)madeinkenya.org> wrote: >> >> > Dear all, >> > >> > Just out of curiousity, who was consulted in the >> > drafting of this statement? As a member, I am >> > totally in the dark on this one.AS much as I >> > support the condemnation of the police action, I >> > must distance myself from this one-sided and >> > apparently unilaterally drafted statement that seems >> > to be in denial of the reality in Kenya today. Media >> > freedom is not absolute and Kenyan consumers have a >> > right to access accurate and unbiased information >> > from the media and other sources. >> > >> > The statement will only serve to sanitise misconduct >> > by the local media. KICTANet should not be seen as a >> > trade association where irresponsible media finds >> > solace.I hope that will not be the message >> > KICTANet will pass on to participants at the planned >> > "Media and ICTs workshop next week (March 10-13) in >> > Mombasa. All freedoms, especially the freedom of the >> > press must be exercised with restraint. Media >> > freedom carries with it alot of power and power has >> > corrupted a significant section of our media. >> > >> > The unilateral decision to draft and circulate a >> > statement on behalf of KICTANet despite protests >> > from some members(no matter how few) should not be >> > presented in a manner to imply that it is the >> > collective view of the network. >> > >> > Even the Media Owners Association did a much better >> > job by demanding that its membership exercise >> > responsible journalism. For that, I must >> > congratulate the MoA for exercising objectivity and >> > advice KICTANet to make an honest attempt at such >> > objectivity in future. >> > >> > Sincerely, >> > >> > Wainaina Mungai >> > >> > >-------Original Message------- >> > >From: alice(a)apc.org >> > >Subject: [Kictanet] Kenya ICT Action Network >> > Condemns Overnight Raid on STANDARD AND KTN Offices >> > >Sent: 03 Mar '06 10:27 >> > > >> > >Press Release >> > > >> > >Kenya ICT Action Network Condemns Overnight Raid >> > on STANDARD AND KTN Offices >> > > >> > >3 March 2006 >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > > >> > are shocked and outraged >> > >by the recent actions meted by the government on >> > the standard group. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >On Wednesday, 1 March 2006, the Government of >> > Kenya launched an >> > >unprecedented and vicious attack on the STANDARD >> > GROUP premises, harassed >> > >the journalists, confiscated equipment, >> > interrupted TV transmission and >> > >burned copies of the days newspaper edition. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >The Government has detained and continues to hold >> > in detention three >> > >Standard journalists apparently for misreporting >> > that a leading opposition >> > >politician had secretly met the President at >> > State House. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >When interviewed, the Internal Security Minister >> > Hon. Muchuki did not deny >> > >the governments involvement in this horrifying >> > event of March 1st stating >> > >state security as the reason behind the >> > governments actions. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >We see this as crude and gross abuse of power and >> > our constitution. >> > > >> > >At a recent ICT strategy conference held at the >> > safari park hotel his >> > >Excellency the president of Kenya unveiled >> > Kenyas ICT strategy, whose main >> > >objective is transforming Kenyas economy >> > through promoting and >> > >facilitating the private sector to serve as the >> > driver for economic >> > >development. This crude action contradicts the >> > governments recent >> > >objectives to maintain a favourable climate for >> > investment and creation of >> > >jobs for Kenyans.No investor would place their >> > money in an environment >> > >where the rule of law and order is disregarded >> > with utmost impunity. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >This action is also reminiscent of the dark days >> > in Kenya when the media was >> > >constantly harassed in order to suppress the >> > freedom of expression, thought >> > >and association.The action demonstrates that >> > the Government, which is the >> > >custodian of law and order is not committed to >> > the rule of law as the basic >> > >foundation for a modern and civilised society. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >Whereas the Government may be validly aggrieved, >> > there are established and >> > >internationally acceptable mechanisms for seeking >> > redress through the courts >> > >of law.The Kenya Telecommunication Act (1998 >> > revised 2001) clearly spells >> > >out the procedures that should be followed in the >> > event that a Media House >> > >needs to be shutdown. >> > > >> > >KICATNet translates this action as an attempt to >> > frighten the independent >> > >media, limit Kenyans political space and erode >> > our human rights. It is also >> > >a gross violation of our constitution. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >KICTANet therefore strongly condemns the >> > governments actions and stands in >> > >solidarity with the Kenyan media and particularly >> > our colleagues at the >> > >standard media group.We take this opportunity >> > to remind the government of >> > >Kenya that the foundation of a sound democracy is >> > the right to information >> > >and freedom of press. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >It is therefore imperative that the Government >> > quickly moves to restore not >> > >just investor confidence but also citizens >> > confidence in protection of our >> > >fundamental human rights and democratic space >> > that has been gained largely >> > >due to a free press. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >KICTANet is appalled by the actions and urges the >> > Minister(s) and the >> > >Agency/ies involved to publicly apologise and >> > expeditiously restore the >> > >services of the Media House as well as paying for >> > all the losses that the >> > >standard group have incurred. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) >> > > >> > > >> > >Contact Details for the network >> > > >> > >Judy Kimiti >> > > >> > >jkimiti(a)email.kictanet.or.ke >> > > >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > kictanet mailing list >> > kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >> > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> > >> > Please unsubscribe or change your options at >> > >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/sdmalaba%40yahoo.com >> > >> === message truncated === >> >> >> __________________________________________________ >> Do You Yahoo!? >> Tired of spam?Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around >> http://mail.yahoo.com >> >> --- >> Submitted by: Sparrow David Malaba - KITC <sdmalaba(a)yahoo.com> 2006-03-04 03:40:01 EST5 >> (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) >> --- >> You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [wainaina.mungai(a)oneworld.net] >> To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist-cl-117112D(a)lyris.idrc.ca >> >> > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/eric%40afrispa.org > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://afrispa.skybuilders.com/users/Eric/blog.html Slang: "Tomorrow Now" --

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Re: [Kictanet] Kenya ICT Action Network Condemns Overnight Raid on STANDARD AND KTN Offices
by Wainaina Mungai 04 Mar '06

04 Mar '06

Hi Malaba, I was under the impression that a "KICTANET statement" is a joint statement that needs wider consultation so as to legitimise the words below....because KICTANet does not exist without its membership. I may have been wrong. > > > We the members of the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet), a multistakeholder group of organisations > > > and networks from civil society, private > > > sector, media, academia, and development partners Wainaina > -------Original Message------- > From: David Sparrow Malaba <sdmalaba(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Kenya ICT Action Network Condemns Overnight Raid on STANDARD AND KTN Offices > Sent: 04 Mar '06 11:31 > > Dear Colleagues, > I feel that as members of KICTANET, each one of us is > free including our organizations to take a particular > stand on any issue or issues at any time as they > arise. But if Mr. Mungai is suggesting that in future > we make joint press statements, then that is something > else, that may perhaps require consultation from > members. Some events do not provide us with adequate > opportunity to consult each other. > > Let us play our roles even if it means commenting on > any issue without fear of contradiction or even being > labeled or victimised by members. > > Kind regards > David Malaba > The Computer Society of Kenya > > > --- "Made in Kenya.org" <info(a)madeinkenya.org> wrote: > > > Dear all, > > > > Just out of curiousity, who was consulted in the > > drafting of this statement? As a member, I am > > totally in the dark on this one. AS much as I > > support the condemnation of the police action, I > > must distance myself from this one-sided and > > apparently unilaterally drafted statement that seems > > to be in denial of the reality in Kenya today. Media > > freedom is not absolute and Kenyan consumers have a > > right to access accurate and unbiased information > > from the media and other sources. > > > > The statement will only serve to sanitise misconduct > > by the local media. KICTANet should not be seen as a > > trade association where irresponsible media finds > > solace. I hope that will not be the message > > KICTANet will pass on to participants at the planned > > "Media and ICTs workshop next week (March 10-13) in > > Mombasa. All freedoms, especially the freedom of the > > press must be exercised with restraint. Media > > freedom carries with it alot of power and power has > > corrupted a significant section of our media. > > > > The unilateral decision to draft and circulate a > > statement on behalf of KICTANet despite protests > > from some members (no matter how few) should not be > > presented in a manner to imply that it is the > > collective view of the network. > > > > Even the Media Owners Association did a much better > > job by demanding that its membership exercise > > responsible journalism. For that, I must > > congratulate the MoA for exercising objectivity and > > advice KICTANet to make an honest attempt at such > > objectivity in future. > > > > Sincerely, > > > > Wainaina Mungai > > > > > -------Original Message------- > > > From: alice(a)apc.org > > > Subject: [Kictanet] Kenya ICT Action Network > > Condemns Overnight Raid on STANDARD AND KTN Offices > > > Sent: 03 Mar '06 10:27 > > > > > > Press Release > > > > > > Kenya ICT Action Network Condemns Overnight Raid > > on STANDARD AND KTN Offices > > > > > > 3 March 2006 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > are shocked and outraged > > > by the recent actions meted by the government on > > the standard group. > > > > > > > > > > > > On Wednesday, 1 March 2006, the Government of > > Kenya launched an > > > unprecedented and vicious attack on the STANDARD > > GROUP premises, harassed > > > the journalists, confiscated equipment, > > interrupted TV transmission and > > > burned copies of the days newspaper edition. > > > > > > > > > > > > The Government has detained and continues to hold > > in detention three > > > Standard journalists apparently for misreporting > > that a leading opposition > > > politician had secretly met the President at > > State House. > > > > > > > > > > > > When interviewed, the Internal Security Minister > > Hon. Muchuki did not deny > > > the governments involvement in this horrifying > > event of March 1st stating > > > state security as the reason behind the > > governments actions. > > > > > > > > > > > > We see this as crude and gross abuse of power and > > our constitution. > > > > > > At a recent ICT strategy conference held at the > > safari park hotel his > > > Excellency the president of Kenya unveiled > > Kenyas ICT strategy, whose main > > > objective is transforming Kenyas economy > > through promoting and > > > facilitating the private sector to serve as the > > driver for economic > > > development. This crude action contradicts the > > governments recent > > > objectives to maintain a favourable climate for > > investment and creation of > > > jobs for Kenyans. No investor would place their > > money in an environment > > > where the rule of law and order is disregarded > > with utmost impunity. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This action is also reminiscent of the dark days > > in Kenya when the media was > > > constantly harassed in order to suppress the > > freedom of expression, thought > > > and association. The action demonstrates that > > the Government, which is the > > > custodian of law and order is not committed to > > the rule of law as the basic > > > foundation for a modern and civilised society. > > > > > > > > > > > > Whereas the Government may be validly aggrieved, > > there are established and > > > internationally acceptable mechanisms for seeking > > redress through the courts > > > of law. The Kenya Telecommunication Act (1998 > > revised 2001) clearly spells > > > out the procedures that should be followed in the > > event that a Media House > > > needs to be shutdown. > > > > > > KICATNet translates this action as an attempt to > > frighten the independent > > > media, limit Kenyans political space and erode > > our human rights. It is also > > > a gross violation of our constitution. > > > > > > > > > > > > KICTANet therefore strongly condemns the > > governments actions and stands in > > > solidarity with the Kenyan media and particularly > > our colleagues at the > > > standard media group. We take this opportunity > > to remind the government of > > > Kenya that the foundation of a sound democracy is > > the right to information > > > and freedom of press. > > > > > > > > > > > > It is therefore imperative that the Government > > quickly moves to restore not > > > just investor confidence but also citizens > > confidence in protection of our > > > fundamental human rights and democratic space > > that has been gained largely > > > due to a free press. > > > > > > > > > > > > KICTANet is appalled by the actions and urges the > > Minister(s) and the > > > Agency/ies involved to publicly apologise and > > expeditiously restore the > > > services of the Media House as well as paying for > > all the losses that the > > > standard group have incurred. > > > > > > > > > > > > Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) > > > > > > > > > Contact Details for the network > > > > > > Judy Kimiti > > > > > > jkimiti(a)email.kictanet.or.ke > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > Please unsubscribe or change your options at > > > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/sdmalaba%40yahoo.com > > > === message truncated === > > > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around > http://mail.yahoo.com > > --- > Submitted by: Sparrow David Malaba - KITC <sdmalaba(a)yahoo.com> 2006-03-04 03:40:01 EST5 > (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) > --- > You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [wainaina.mungai(a)oneworld.net] > To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist-cl-117112D(a)lyris.idrc.ca > >

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Re: [Kictanet] Kenya ICT Action Network Condemns Overnight Raid on STANDARD AND KTN Offices
by Made in Kenya.org 04 Mar '06

04 Mar '06

Dear all, Just out of curiousity, who was consulted in the drafting of this statement? As a member, I am totally in the dark on this one. AS much as I support the condemnation of the police action, I must distance myself from this one-sided and apparently unilaterally drafted statement that seems to be in denial of the reality in Kenya today. Media freedom is not absolute and Kenyan consumers have a right to access accurate and unbiased information from the media and other sources. The statement will only serve to sanitise misconduct by the local media. KICTANet should not be seen as a trade association where irresponsible media finds solace. I hope that will not be the message KICTANet will pass on to participants at the planned "Media and ICTs workshop next week (March 10-13) in Mombasa. All freedoms, especially the freedom of the press must be exercised with restraint. Media freedom carries with it alot of power and power has corrupted a significant section of our media. The unilateral decision to draft and circulate a statement on behalf of KICTANet despite protests from some members (no matter how few) should not be presented in a manner to imply that it is the collective view of the network. Even the Media Owners Association did a much better job by demanding that its membership exercise responsible journalism. For that, I must congratulate the MoA for exercising objectivity and advice KICTANet to make an honest attempt at such objectivity in future. Sincerely, Wainaina Mungai > -------Original Message------- > From: alice(a)apc.org > Subject: [Kictanet] Kenya ICT Action Network Condemns Overnight Raid on STANDARD AND KTN Offices > Sent: 03 Mar '06 10:27 > > Press Release > > Kenya ICT Action Network Condemns Overnight Raid on STANDARD AND KTN Offices > > 3 March 2006 > > > > > > We the members of the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet), a multi > stakeholder group of organisations and networks from civil society, private > sector, media, academia, and development partners are shocked and outraged > by the recent actions meted by the government on the standard group. > > > > On Wednesday, 1 March 2006, the Government of Kenya launched an > unprecedented and vicious attack on the STANDARD GROUP premises, harassed > the journalists, confiscated equipment, interrupted TV transmission and > burned copies of the days newspaper edition. > > > > The Government has detained and continues to hold in detention three > Standard journalists apparently for misreporting that a leading opposition > politician had secretly met the President at State House. > > > > When interviewed, the Internal Security Minister Hon. Muchuki did not deny > the governments involvement in this horrifying event of March 1st stating > state security as the reason behind the governments actions. > > > > We see this as crude and gross abuse of power and our constitution. > > At a recent ICT strategy conference held at the safari park hotel his > Excellency the president of Kenya unveiled Kenyas ICT strategy, whose main > objective is transforming Kenyas economy through promoting and > facilitating the private sector to serve as the driver for economic > development. This crude action contradicts the governments recent > objectives to maintain a favourable climate for investment and creation of > jobs for Kenyans. No investor would place their money in an environment > where the rule of law and order is disregarded with utmost impunity. > > > > > > This action is also reminiscent of the dark days in Kenya when the media was > constantly harassed in order to suppress the freedom of expression, thought > and association. The action demonstrates that the Government, which is the > custodian of law and order is not committed to the rule of law as the basic > foundation for a modern and civilised society. > > > > Whereas the Government may be validly aggrieved, there are established and > internationally acceptable mechanisms for seeking redress through the courts > of law. The Kenya Telecommunication Act (1998 revised 2001) clearly spells > out the procedures that should be followed in the event that a Media House > needs to be shutdown. > > KICATNet translates this action as an attempt to frighten the independent > media, limit Kenyans political space and erode our human rights. It is also > a gross violation of our constitution. > > > > KICTANet therefore strongly condemns the governments actions and stands in > solidarity with the Kenyan media and particularly our colleagues at the > standard media group. We take this opportunity to remind the government of > Kenya that the foundation of a sound democracy is the right to information > and freedom of press. > > > > It is therefore imperative that the Government quickly moves to restore not > just investor confidence but also citizens confidence in protection of our > fundamental human rights and democratic space that has been gained largely > due to a free press. > > > > KICTANet is appalled by the actions and urges the Minister(s) and the > Agency/ies involved to publicly apologise and expeditiously restore the > services of the Media House as well as paying for all the losses that the > standard group have incurred. > > > > Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) > > > Contact Details for the network > > Judy Kimiti > > jkimiti(a)email.kictanet.or.ke >

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WIPO treaty may remove South's ability to decide on patents
by Dorcas Muthoni 03 Mar '06

03 Mar '06

<http://www.wipo.int/meetings/2006/scp_of_ge_06/en/scp_of_ge_06_inf1.html> SUNS #5977 Thursday 2 March 2006 New WIPO treaty may remove South's ability to decide on patents Geneva, 28 Feb (Martin Khor) -- Developing countries risk losing their present flexibility to decide on the standards for granting patents if developed countries' proposals for a new WIPO treaty on patents are adopted. This warning was given by an expert on intellectual property law in a paper distributed at the WIPO Open Forum on the draft Substantive Patent Law Treaty (SPLT) which started in Geneva on Wednesday. Professor Carlos Correa of the University of Buenos Aires, who is a renowned authority on intellectual property and development issues, said the developed countries had proposed a uniform definition to key aspects determining the scope of patentability for the SPLT, which is being negotiated in WIPO. Under the TRIPS Agreement of the WTO, Members are allowed to adopt their own definitions on all the concepts proposed for harmonization in the SPLT (i. e. definition of prior art, grace period, novelty and inventive step). Thus, TRIPS provides the WTO Members with flexibility to design their patent regimes. However, if the developed countries' proposals in the SPLT are adopted, the harmonization of patent standards would eliminate the room that countries have retained to decide what an 'invention' is and how the patentability standards are determined. Correa is a speaker on the opening day of the three-day WIPO open forum. His paper, "An Agenda For Patent Reform And Harmonization For Developing Countries" is available on the WIPO website, together with papers of other speakers. The forum was mandated by the WIPO General Assembly as part of an attempt to break the impasse in the negotiations on the SPLT. The developed countries are pushing for a new patent treaty that harmonises national patent laws in order to have common treatment of aspects including prior art, grace period, novelty, and inventive step. Many developing countries are opposed to this narrow agenda and want the treaty to address public interest flexibilities, anti-competitive practices and disclosure in patent applications of the source of origin of genetic resources and traditional knowledge. An informal meeting of the WIPO's Standing Committee on Patents will be held on 10-12 April to discuss how the work on the SPLT is to proceed, taking into account the results of the forum. Correa's paper gives an account of the patent harmonization process in WIPO (of which the SPLT negotiations are a major part) and analyses its implications for developing countries. According to the paper, the patent system contains serious distortions and there is need for a "deep re-examination" of how it operates in different countries. Correa warned that the patent harmonization process under WIPO overlooks the problems of the system, nor is it intended to adapt the system to the needs of the developing countries. "The harmonization process poses a significant challenge and creates a number of risks for developing countries," said Correa, adding that there are no convincing reasons for the developing countries to support the process, if it proceeds further on the basis of the proposals of the major developed countries. Correa also warned that it would be a great disservice to developing countries if they were induced through WIPO processes to import features of a patent regime that is growingly seen as malfunctioning in developed countries, and often stifling rather than promoting innovation. The paper recalled that in 2001, WIPO's Director-General Dr Kamil Idris launched a 'Patent Agenda' whose main emphasis has been to facilitate the acquisition of patent protection in foreign countries by making the system more user-friendly, cost effective and secure. The main purpose of the Patent Agenda, as set out by the WIPO Director-General is, therefore, to create mechanisms whereby inventors and industry have access to national, regional and international patent protection systems that enable them to obtain, maintain and enforce their patents globally. "Development objectives are completely absent from the initiative," said Correa. "No assessment was provided about the benefits and costs of the proposed harmonization, particularly as it would eliminate the room that countries have retained to decide what an 'invention' is and how the patentability standards are determined. "The proposed Agenda failed to acknowledge the major problems that the patent system currently face, as a result of the application of lax patentability criteria, the asymmetries in the ability to use it due to high enforcement costs, and the disadvantages of patent policy harmonization for different levels of economic and technological development." One component of the Patent Agenda is the development of an SPLT. As originally conceived in 2000, the SPLT was to have a wide agenda of issues. But due to resistance from developing countries and disagreement among developed countries on some provisions, the developed countries opted for a more gradual approach. The US, Japan and the EU suggested (in what is known as the trilateral approach) to limit immediate discussions to a narrow but important set of four issues: definition of prior art; grace period; novelty; and non-obviousness/Inventive Step. "The issues suggested for this initial phase of harmonization are crucial. If agreed upon, they would provide a uniform definition to key aspects determining the scope of patentability," said Correa. In order to push forward this proposal, WIPO's Director-General convened 'informal consultations' concerning future sessions of the Standing Committee on Patents in Casablanca, in February 2005. Widely criticized for lack of transparency and the attempt to give undue weight to the outcome of the meeting, this process was unable to move the negotiations further. At the WIPO Assemblies held in September 2005, a compromise was reached to continue work at the SCP. Correa said that the 'Trilateral proposal' aims at addressing key issues concerning the patentability standards. These concepts determine the extent of knowledge that may be detracted from the public domain and subject to exclusive rights for a minimum twenty years' period. The TRIPS Agreement does allow Members to adopt their own definitions on all these concepts, thereby providing Members flexibility to design their patent regimes. The paper examines the proposals on the four issues. On the first issue of prior art, the eventual harmonization of this concept would require agreement on a number of issues on which national laws differ, notably: Non-written disclosures; Secret prior commercial use or the offer for sale without disclosure; Disclosures in prior patent applications; Determination of the date of availability to the public; Availability to the public; and Indigenous/traditional knowledge. On the issue of grace period, the application of a grace period (admitted in the US and in many other countries) has raised a significant controversy between the US and European countries, where such period is not provided for. "It expands the scope for patenting, as inventions disclosed during that period would be eligible for protection, notwithstanding that they would have been deemed in the prior art in accordance with the general rule on novelty." On the third issue of novelty, Correa said that the definition of 'novelty' is crucial. Since the TRIPS Agreement allows Members to adopt their own concept, the US, for instance, has been able to maintain its relative novelty standard with regard to the place where disclosures have taken place. Novelty results from the comparison between the existing prior art at the date of filing (or the date of priority) and the claimed invention. In practice, the concept of novelty is narrowly construed by patent offices, requiring in some cases an almost 'photographic' disclosure of the invention in a single prior document in order to consider that novelty does not exist. On the fourth issue of non-obviousness/inventive step, Correa said defining this is one of the most critical aspects of a patent regime, as it determines the level of technical contribution required to obtain protection. As the TRIPS Agreement does not define this concept, Member countries are free to determine whether they want a system under which a myriad of minor, incremental, developments are patentable, or one aimed at rewarding substantive departures from the prior art. The draft SPLT Regulations proposed a low standard for determining inventive step. The claimed invention would be assessed against the general knowledge of an ordinary skilled person, and not against specialized knowledge in a particular field of technology. "Developing countries will be made a great disservice if they were induced, through the WIPO patent harmonization process, technical assistance or other means, to import features of a patent regime that is growingly seen as malfunctioning in developed countries, and often stifling rather than promoting innovation," said Correa. The decline in the patentability standards is one of the factors behind what has been described as the 'intense pathology of the current [patent] system' in the US. "The best policy for developing countries would rather be to establish high standards of inventive step, in order to avoid 'ever-greening' and other patenting strategies aimed at blocking genuine competition and follow-on innovation," said Correa. ['Ever-greening' consists of the patenting of minor changes to or versions of existing products (e. g. formulations, dosage forms, polymorphs, salts, etc.) in order to extend the life of the original patent over an active ingredient.] For instance, the recent reform (2005) of the Indian Patent Law has incorporated an anti-ever-greening provision, which tightens the inventive step requirement as applied to new forms or modifications of existing pharmaceutical products. Correa said that developed countries are likely to pursue negotiations on a 'light' SPLT on the basis of the trilateral proposal. "Quite clearly, it is not in the interest of developing countries to seek either a 'light' SPLT or a more comprehensive SPLT, since they have little to gain from a broader harmonization of substantive patent law," he said. "Developing countries should resist any attempt to limit their capacity to prevent the patenting of developments that do not constitute a real technical contribution to the state of the art." If such countries wished to promote 'minor' innovations, the appropriate policy would not be to lower the patentability requirements, as it is often argued, but to establish utility models (or 'petty patents') that confer less extensive rights than patents or to explore other options, such as the recognition of a remuneration right rather than exclusionary rights. In brief, developing countries should endeavour to keep the existing policy space to determine the level of the 'inventive step'. If negotiations on the prior art and novelty concepts were pursued, developing countries should aim at the recognition of a universal novelty standard that does not discriminate on the basis of the place where non-written disclosures took place. Such a standard could prevent a significant part of the misappropriation of genetic resources and indigenous/traditional knowledge that currently occurs. However, the change of the novelty standard may not be sufficient to prevent bio-piracy if the evidentiary requirements for non-written disclosures made abroad are too complex or stringent, thus making the proof of the existence of prior art too difficult or impossible . If this were the case, there would be little gain for developing countries. In addition, the circumstances under which traditional knowledge may be deemed or not part of the prior art should be explored systematically and incorporated into the discussion. Developing countries should also incorporate into any possible negotiating text an obligation to disclose the origin of genetic materials and associated indigenous/traditional knowledge claimed in patent applications, as demanded by such countries within both WTO and WIPO. In addition to the disclosure of origin obligation, developing countries may seek to incorporate safeguards and other provisions that ensure sufficient flexibilities and a pro-development approach. In fact, those countries had already suggested in the SPLT process some of such provisions, such as exception, public interest exceptions, and compliance with applicable law on other matters. Correa suggested that other provisions may be worked on, including (i) requirement of industrial applicability (as opposed to utility) based on a distinct technical effect of the invention; (ii) best mode as a uniform requirement; (iii) principles and objectives; (iv) transfer of technology; and (v) measures against anti-competitive practices. The paper concludes that "a deep re-examination of the patent system and how it operates in different contexts is called for. The system presents a number of serious distortions that affect its potential role in promoting innovation, particularly in developing countries. "The harmonization process conducted for almost two decades under WIPO's auspices overlooks the problems and asymmetries of the system, and essentially aims at reducing the operational costs for users at a global scale. That process is certainly not intended to address the system's current shortcomings, nor adapting it to the needs of developing countries." Correa added that the harmonization process poses a significant challenge and creates a number of risks for developing countries. While there are no convincing reasons for such countries to support the process, if it proceeds further on the basis of the trilateral or other proposals, three main issues should be considered. Firstly, what objectives developing countries should pursue in responding to the harmonization demands of developed countries? Developing countries should aim at the recognition of a universal novelty requirement and of a disclosure of origin obligation. They should also seek, inter alia, to clarify the treatment of indigenous/traditional knowledge as part of prior art. The ability to determine the required level of inventive step should not be negotiable; in particular, no proposals should be admitted that allow for a low inventive step standard for the granting of patents. Developing countries should consider means alternative to patents to promote minor innovations, if suitable to their developments needs. Secondly, how feasible and practical do these proposals have to be in order to gain support from other stakeholders and to be successfully carried forward in international fora? Although developing countries should seek the elaboration of a scientifically-based development assessment on the general implications of the proposed harmonization process, they should also elaborate concrete proposals on the issues put on the table by developed countries, as well as those that are of interest to developing countries, such as those mentioned above. Thirdly, which could be the areas of the respective reform processes where coalitions could be built between developing and developed partners? There are specific areas in which agreements with some developed countries may be reached. Thus, European countries are likely to support demands for a truly universal novelty requirement, while the US may support the consideration of prior patent applications as part of the prior art for both novelty and inventive step. Developing countries negotiating strategies should try to ably capitalize on the divergences that exist between developed countries in order to advance their own agenda in the process. + _______________________________________________ incom-l mailing list incom-l(a)incommunicado.info http://mail.kein.org/mailman/listinfo/incom-l

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RE: [Kictanet] Kenya ICT Action Network Condemns Overnight Raid o n STANDARD AND KTN Offices
by James Nguo 03 Mar '06

03 Mar '06

Dear ALL, I take Wainaina's sentiments that KICTANet should issue a statement but we need to consult and agree on some facts in the statements. James Nguo Regional Director Arid Lands Information Network-Eastern Africa (ALIN-EA), P.O. Box 10098, 00100 G.P.O. Nairobi, Kenya, AAYMCA Building, Along State House Crescent, Off State House Avenue. Tel +254 20 2731557 Telefax +254 20 2737813 Email: james(a)alin.or.ke Website: www.alin.or.ke ------------------------------------------------------------- Enriched livelihoods of the people in arid areas of Eastern Africa through targeted information support and facilitation of information exchange -----Original Message----- From: Made in Kenya.org [mailto:info@madeinkenya.org] Sent: 03 March 2006 14:38 To: james(a)alin.or.ke Cc: KIPlist Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Kenya ICT Action Network Condemns Overnight Raid on STANDARD AND KTN Offices Dear all, Just out of curiousity, who was consulted in the drafting of this statement? As a member, I am totally in the dark on this one. AS much as I support the condemnation of the police action, I must distance myself from this one-sided and apparently unilaterally drafted statement that seems to be in denial of the reality in Kenya today. Media freedom is not absolute and Kenyan consumers have a right to access accurate and unbiased information from the media and other sources. The statement will only serve to sanitise misconduct by the local media. KICTANet should not be seen as a trade association where irresponsible media finds solace. I hope that will not be the message KICTANet will pass on to participants at the planned "Media and ICTs workshop next week (March 10-13) in Mombasa. All freedoms, especially the freedom of the press must be exercised with restraint. Media freedom carries with it alot of power and power has corrupted a significant section of our media. The unilateral decision to draft and circulate a statement on behalf of KICTANet despite protests from some members (no matter how few) should not be presented in a manner to imply that it is the collective view of the network. Even the Media Owners Association did a much better job by demanding that its membership exercise responsible journalism. For that, I must congratulate the MoA for exercising objectivity and advice KICTANet to make an honest attempt at such objectivity in future. Sincerely, Wainaina Mungai > -------Original Message------- > From: alice(a)apc.org > Subject: [Kictanet] Kenya ICT Action Network Condemns Overnight Raid on STANDARD AND KTN Offices > Sent: 03 Mar '06 10:27 > > Press Release > > Kenya ICT Action Network Condemns Overnight Raid on STANDARD AND KTN Offices > > 3 March 2006 > > > > > > We the members of the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet), a multi > stakeholder group of organisations and networks from civil society, private > sector, media, academia, and development partners are shocked and outraged > by the recent actions meted by the government on the standard group. > > > > On Wednesday, 1 March 2006, the Government of Kenya launched an > unprecedented and vicious attack on the STANDARD GROUP premises, harassed > the journalists, confiscated equipment, interrupted TV transmission and > burned copies of the day's newspaper edition. > > > > The Government has detained and continues to hold in detention three > Standard journalists apparently for misreporting that a leading opposition > politician had secretly met the President at State House. > > > > When interviewed, the Internal Security Minister Hon. Muchuki did not deny > the government's involvement in this horrifying event of March 1st stating > state security as the reason behind the government's actions. > > > > We see this as crude and gross abuse of power and our constitution. > > At a recent ICT strategy conference held at the safari park hotel his > Excellency the president of Kenya unveiled Kenya's ICT strategy, whose main > objective is " transforming Kenya's economy through promoting and > facilitating the private sector to serve as the driver for economic > development". This crude action contradicts the government's recent > objectives to maintain a favourable climate for investment and creation of > jobs for Kenyan's. No investor would place their money in an environment > where the rule of law and order is disregarded with utmost impunity. > > > > > > This action is also reminiscent of the dark days in Kenya when the media was > constantly harassed in order to suppress the freedom of expression, thought > and association. The action demonstrates that the Government, which is the > custodian of law and order is not committed to the rule of law as the basic > foundation for a modern and civilised society. > > > > Whereas the Government may be validly aggrieved, there are established and > internationally acceptable mechanisms for seeking redress through the courts > of law. The Kenya Telecommunication Act (1998 revised 2001) clearly spells > out the procedures that should be followed in the event that a Media House > needs to be shutdown. > > KICATNet translates this action as an attempt to frighten the independent > media, limit Kenyan's political space and erode our human rights. It is also > a gross violation of our constitution. > > > > KICTANet therefore strongly condemns the government's actions and stands in > solidarity with the Kenyan media and particularly our colleagues at the > standard media group. We take this opportunity to remind the government of > Kenya that the foundation of a sound democracy is the right to information > and freedom of press. > > > > It is therefore imperative that the Government quickly moves to restore not > just investor confidence but also citizens' confidence in protection of our > fundamental human rights and democratic space that has been gained largely > due to a free press. > > > > KICTANet is appalled by the actions and urges the Minister(s) and the > Agency/ies involved to publicly apologise and expeditiously restore the > services of the Media House as well as paying for all the losses that the > standard group have incurred. > > > > Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) > > > Contact Details for the network > > Judy Kimiti > > jkimiti(a)email.kictanet.or.ke > _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/james%40alin.or.ke

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Kenya ICT Action Network Condemns Overnight Raid on STANDARD AND KTN Offices
by alice＠apc.org 03 Mar '06

03 Mar '06

Press Release Kenya ICT Action Network Condemns Overnight Raid on STANDARD AND KTN Offices 3 March 2006 We the members of the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet), a multi stakeholder group of organisations and networks from civil society, private sector, media, academia, and development partners are shocked and outraged by the recent actions meted by the government on the standard group. On Wednesday, 1 March 2006, the Government of Kenya launched an unprecedented and vicious attack on the STANDARD GROUP premises, harassed the journalists, confiscated equipment, interrupted TV transmission and burned copies of the day’s newspaper edition. The Government has detained and continues to hold in detention three Standard journalists apparently for misreporting that a leading opposition politician had secretly met the President at State House. When interviewed, the Internal Security Minister Hon. Muchuki did not deny the government’s involvement in this horrifying event of March 1st stating state security as the reason behind the government’s actions. We see this as crude and gross abuse of power and our constitution. At a recent ICT strategy conference held at the safari park hotel his Excellency the president of Kenya unveiled Kenya’s ICT strategy, whose main objective is “ transforming Kenya’s economy through promoting and facilitating the private sector to serve as the driver for economic development”. This crude action contradicts the government’s recent objectives to maintain a favourable climate for investment and creation of jobs for Kenyan’s. No investor would place their money in an environment where the rule of law and order is disregarded with utmost impunity. This action is also reminiscent of the dark days in Kenya when the media was constantly harassed in order to suppress the freedom of expression, thought and association. The action demonstrates that the Government, which is the custodian of law and order is not committed to the rule of law as the basic foundation for a modern and civilised society. Whereas the Government may be validly aggrieved, there are established and internationally acceptable mechanisms for seeking redress through the courts of law. The Kenya Telecommunication Act (1998 revised 2001) clearly spells out the procedures that should be followed in the event that a Media House needs to be shutdown. KICATNet translates this action as an attempt to frighten the independent media, limit Kenyan’s political space and erode our human rights. It is also a gross violation of our constitution. KICTANet therefore strongly condemns the government’s actions and stands in solidarity with the Kenyan media and particularly our colleagues at the standard media group. We take this opportunity to remind the government of Kenya that the foundation of a sound democracy is the right to information and freedom of press. It is therefore imperative that the Government quickly moves to restore not just investor confidence but also citizens’ confidence in protection of our fundamental human rights and democratic space that has been gained largely due to a free press. KICTANet is appalled by the actions and urges the Minister(s) and the Agency/ies involved to publicly apologise and expeditiously restore the services of the Media House as well as paying for all the losses that the standard group have incurred. Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) Contact Details for the network Judy Kimiti jkimiti(a)email.kictanet.or.ke

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March 2006 - IMARK launches new e-learning for managers in international development a
by alice＠apc.org 03 Mar '06

03 Mar '06

March 2006 - IMARK launches new March 2006 - IMARK launches new e-learning module to help managers in international development address the challenges of the new information environment. 1 March 2006 - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is pleased to announce on behalf of the Information Management Resource Kit (IMARK) Steering Group, the release of the English version of the latest IMARK e-learning module "Investing in Information for Development". The module addresses the needs of managers and decision-makers for new awareness and skills related to development and implementation of strategies, policies, structures, and procedures for effective management of information. "Information management has evolved rapidly in recent years, in relation to the powerful but complex digital technologies that are now available. This latest module considers the impact of technology on the information environment, and on the decisions that managers in development organizations have to take", explains Anton Mangstl, Director of FAO's Library and Documentation Systems Division. The module was developed by FAO, with support from the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) and the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ). A series of lessons and resources is provided to assist managers in developing an information strategy, and in implementing new structures and procedures for effective information management and exchange. The module includes a series of lesson plans, learner notes and presentations which can be adapted by trainers developing their own curricula for face-to-face seminars and courses. This, and all IMARK modules, are available at no-cost either through the IMARK website www.imarkgroup.org or on CD-ROM upon request. Learners are encouraged to register and select a course. IMARK now has over 30 partners and collaborating institutions since its inception in 2001, and its activities are coordinated through a Steering Group whose members are: the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), FAO, the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (Cirad), the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 1 March 2006 - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is pleased to announce on behalf of the Information Management Resource Kit (IMARK) Steering Group, the release of the English version of the latest IMARK e-learning module "Investing in Information for Development". The module addresses the needs of managers and decision-makers for new awareness and skills related to development and implementation of strategies, policies, structures, and procedures for effective management of information. "Information management has evolved rapidly in recent years, in relation to the powerful but complex digital technologies that are now available. This latest module considers the impact of technology on the information environment, and on the decisions that managers in development organizations have to take", explains Anton Mangstl, Director of FAO's Library and Documentation Systems Division. The module was developed by FAO, with support from the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) and the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ). A series of lessons and resources is provided to assist managers in developing an information strategy, and in implementing new structures and procedures for effective information management and exchange. The module includes a series of lesson plans, learner notes and presentations which can be adapted by trainers developing their own curricula for face-to-face seminars and courses. This, and all IMARK modules, are available at no-cost either through the IMARK website www.imarkgroup.org or on CD-ROM upon request. Learners are encouraged to register and select a course. IMARK now has over 30 partners and collaborating institutions since its inception in 2001, and its activities are coordinated through a Steering Group whose members are: the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), FAO, the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (Cirad), the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Alice Wanjira National Coordinator, Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA) Association for Progressive Communications (APC) alice(a)apc.org http://www.apc.org http://www.catia.ws

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Re: [Kictanet] Re: Burning and Closure of Standard Media Group
by Eric Osiakwan 02 Mar '06

02 Mar '06

Wainaina, Please permit me to differ with you. The civilised world has resolved to ensure that there are due processes subject to the rule of law by which we deal with such reculcitrant elements of our deomocratic experiment so to ignore such consitutional and instituional mechanisms is worse a precident as the acts of the reculcitrant element being subjected. Two wrongs dont make a right. ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Wainaina Mungai" <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> Reply-To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Date: Thu, 02 Mar 2006 12:01:21 +0300 >Dear all, > >As we all so readily rotest against the unwarranted destruction of property etc, let us not be sucked into supporting misconduct within the media. We must not lose sight of the fact that the media has become is a law unto itself; while the rest of society is governed by rules of civilised conduct. The media is a powerful tool that has even been abused to the extent of fueling conflict in many countries. As we all know, it has also been used positively. > >However, there are currently several cases in court and other incidents that indicate the media has failed to regulate itself. The Media Council of Kenya may just have proved to Kenyans over the years that the concept of self-regulation may be the way to go in Kenya. > >As much as I empathise with the Standard Group, I would urge them to give Kenyans (wether in government or not) a fair hearing and endevour to report ONLY the truth. Sensational reporting in an attempt to gain market share will lead to situations as we have now as the parties seek resolution (whether the methods are wrong or right). In cases where mistakes a made, they should not hid apologies in a small corner of page 92 but put into where the original story (Page 1, if the story was a headline story) and so on. Anything short of that should be handled by very stringent laws of conduct. > >Politically incorrect but I hope it will keep us focused. There is an urgent need to get a working system for regulation of the media conduct. > >--- >Wainaina Mungai >http://www.madeinkenya.org > >SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. > > >> -------Original Message------- >> From: Waudo Siganga <csk(a)nbi.ispkenya.com> >> Subject: Burning and Closure of Standard Media Group >> Sent: 02 Mar '06 19:29 >> >> Dear Colleagues, >> >> The reports received this morning regarding the crackdown and closure of >> the Standard Media Group are shocking and the CSK will issue a statement on >> the same later in the day. >> >> Kind Regards >> Waudo Siganga >> Chairman >> The Computer Society of Kenya >> >> >> --- >> Submitted by: csk(a)nbi.ispkenya.com 2006-03-02 00:40:37 EST5 >> (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) >> --- >> You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [wainaina.mungai(a)oneworld.net] >> To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist-cl-117112D(a)lyris.idrc.ca >> >> > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/eric%40afrispa.org > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://afrispa.skybuilders.com/users/Eric/blog.html Slang: "Tomorrow Now" --

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