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Shared Services Masterplan Finalized
by Paul Kukubo 05 May '11

05 May '11

Listers The Kenya ICT Board would like to announce the finalization and handover of the Shared Services Masterplan for government of Kenya. Details on http://www.ict.go.ke/index.php/public-sector-shared-services The project now moves into execution phase. Indeed Ministry of Finance has already commenced the re-engineering and redeployment of the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMIS). The 6 volume masterplana documents were handed over to PS Ndemo, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Communications and Sam Mwale, Principal Administrative Secretary Cabinet Office, by Accenture's Jessica Long and Victor Kyalo Director of Infrastructure and Projects Kenya ICT Board. The handover took place in the presence of a private and public sector guests at Panafaric Hotel on May 3rd 2011. The lead consultants Accenture Development Partners have worked with the Kenya ICT Board, and Egovernment Directorate for over a year on this project. The eventual aim is to create a world class government back-end system for Human Resources, Financial Management, IT Collaboration and email. Directorate of egovernment and the respective shared services agencies now move into the execution phase. More details on the Kenya ICT Board website. www.ict.go.ke Paul Kukubo Chief Executive Officer, Kenya ICT Board PO Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya 12th Floor, Teleposta Towers Koinange Street Tel +254 20 2089061, +254 20 2211960 Fax: +254 20 2211962 website: www.ict.go.ke local content project: www.tandaa.co.ke, www.facebook.com/tandaakenya twitter:@tandaaKENYA BPO Project: www. doitinkenya.co.ke Digital Villages Project: www.pasha.co.ke personal contacts _______________ Cell: + 254 717 180001 skype: kukubopaul googletalk: pkukubo personal blog: www.paulkukubo.co.ke personal twitter: @pkukubo ____________________ Vision: Kenya becomes a top ten global ICT hub Mission: To champion and actively enable Kenya to adopt and exploit ICT, through promotion of partnerships, investments and infrastructure growth for socio economic enrichment

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Government helpless as cyber criminals target women
by Edith Adera 05 May '11

05 May '11

Listers, This article, forwarded to me by a journalist, covers a pertinent issue in the country, which has not been debated much. Congrats Alice for the study and raising some important policy issues that require attention and can make for some interesting debate on this list. Click here for more details http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/InsidePage.php?id=2000034341&cid=4& It's timely given the earlier email shared by a lister in which his life was threatened. I'm shocked to learn from the report that after Government trained policemen for 4 months in the US to set up a cybercrime unit within CID, nothing has taken off and the same "well trained staff" have been redeployed elsewhere! when we all know that current and future crime will take place in cyberspace....are we going forward as a country? Any one knows if there are any plans to resuscitate this unit? Thanks Alice for bringing these issues to our attention! Edith

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Call for Papers and Exhibitions: 1st International Conference on Emerging and Future ICTs (ICEFICT) 2011
by Kamotho Njenga 05 May '11

05 May '11

Fellow Lister, Please find attached the information poster over the above cited conference. The 1st International Conference on Emerging and Future ICTs (ICEFICT) is organized by the ICT Association of Kenya (ICTAK) and hosted by the Kenya Methodist University. Some of the expected final outcomes of the ICEFICT 2011 conference are: -A consensus strategy document that will provide guidance on how scholars and business leaders can cultivate a sustainable relationship to anchor innovative practice -An authoritative case book of experiences that will detail how organizations have taken advantage of technology and how they continue to resolve emergent business and management oriented challenges -Launch of annual proceedings which will act as a repository for technology based knowledge and research -Publication of presented papers in a special edition of the International Journal of Professional Practice (IJPP). This will be an invaluable reference point of home grown knowledge that is extremely relevant for scholarly leadership Thus, by bringing together academicians, industry members and government, we hope to ensure that the bridge between theory and practice is strengthened. Being the premier ICT discussion list it would be great to have KICTanet members seize the conference moment to disseminate seasoned technology based ideas, share research findings, ventilate useful perspectives or stimulate discussion on emerging trends of ICT applications and appropriation. In light of the above, kindly regard this as a special invitation to participate in your preferred mode in the ICEFICT 2011. Kamotho Njenga Secretary, ICEFICT 2011

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AfriNIC Board Election : Opening of the candidacy nomination period for vacant board seats.
by Walubengo J 05 May '11

05 May '11

In case you know suitable candidates from Central Africa or Indian Ocean areas, plse ask them to apply to sit on the AfriNIC Board. NB: AfriNIC is one of the five Regional Internet Registries - organisations that are mandated to allocate and manage global IP resources. walu. --- On Wed, 5/4/11, Ernest - (AfriNIC) <ernest(a)afrinic.net> wrote: From: Ernest - (AfriNIC) <ernest(a)afrinic.net> Subject: [afnog] AfriNIC Board Election : Opening of the candidacy nomination period for vacant board seats. To: "Afnog Mailing List" <afnog(a)afnog.org>, announce(a)afrinic.net, "AfriNIC Resource Policy Discussion List" <rpd(a)afrinic.net>, africann(a)afrinic.net Date: Wednesday, May 4, 2011, 7:34 PM Dear Colleagues, According to Section 11 of the AfriNIC Bylaws, the following members occupying seats on the AfriNIC Board will retire at the end of June 2011: Primary: Viv Padayatchy (Mauritius) - Indian Ocean sub-region Didier R. Kasole (DRC) - Central African sub-region Alternate Lala Andriamampianina (Madagascar) - Indian Ocean sub-region Jean Philemon Kissangou (Congo) - Central African sub region As a result, two (2) seats on the AfriNIC Board will be open for election: A) Seat 3: The Indian Ocean sub-region (Primary and Alternate) Mandate: 2011 to 2014 B) Seat 4: The Central African sub-region (Primary and Alternate) Mandate: 2011 to 2014 We are pleased to invite nominations to fill in the above seats. Any suitable natural person residing in one of the above sub-regions can be nominated provided they comply with the minimum qualifications stipulated in Section 11 of the Bylaws. Self-nominations are also acceptable but need to be endorsed by two AfriNIC members in good standing. Nominees should demonstrate at least three years of managerial experience in the Internet Protocol Service/ Business or other Internet related organisation and preferably hold a senior level position such as Board member or similar. Candidates should be able to actively participate and contribute to all activities conferred to the Board under Section 13 of the AfriNIC bylaws: http://www.afrinic.net/corporate/bylaws.htm. Candidates should have a good comprehension of the English language (the working language of the Board). Nominations should be sent to nomcom2011(a)afrinic.net with the following information: 1. Candidate Information - Nominee (Full name): - Organisation (or affiliation): - Position: Physical address: - e-mail address: - Phone number: - Fax number: - Country of Residence: - Sub-region nominated for: 2. Nominator: Name, e-mail address, organisation and motivation. 3. Seconder Information – in the case of a self-nomination (must be a member of AfriNIC in good standing). Seconder 1: Name, e-mail address, organisation and motivation. Seconder 2: Name, e-mail address, organisation and motivation. 4. Referees : 1. (Name, e-mail address, organisation) 2. (Name, e-mail address, organisation) 5. Brief statement explaining the candidate's background and motivation (in English, and in not more than 500 words). Please highlight what expertise and experience you will bring to the organisation in general and to the board in particular. A copy of the candidate’s CV (in English preferably), should also be attached. The deadline for nominations is Thursday 19 May 2011 at 20:00 UTC. For more information on the election process, please refer to http://www.afrinic.net/elections/process or, in case of clarification you can contact us at nomcom2011(a)afrinic.net Note: It is highly expected that candidates attend the AfriNIC-13 meeting in person on the Election Day (09 June 2011) where they may be afforded an opportunity for introduction and to make a short presentation. More information about AfriNIC is available at http://www.afrinic.net/about.htm Sent on behalf of the Chair, 2011 Nominations/Elections Committee _______________________________________________ afnog mailing list http://afnog.org/mailman/listinfo/afnog

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FW: Journalist Competition Announcement - Extension Conference
by John Matogo 05 May '11

05 May '11

Dear colleagues, This may be of interest to some of you on the list. Regards, John Matogo From: Chevouline, T. Sent: 04 May 2011 17:33 To: Media for Development (Media4Dev) Subject: [ctaseminar2009] Journalist Competition Announcement - Extension Conference Pour les francophones, la version française sera disponible la semaine prochaine. Merci de votre compréhension Dear all, CTA in collaboration with its national, regional and international partners is delighted to announce the launch of the 2011 ACP Media Competition. Open to all media and communication professionals from the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, the competition aims to encourage investigation of challenges and opportunities in providing extension and advisory services to farmers. The competition is being held in conjunction with the International Conference on Innovations in Extension and Advisory Services, which will take place from 15 - 18 November in Nairobi, Kenya. The top six finalists will be supported to attend the conference and provide media coverage. The top three winners will be announced during the event. Submissions are invited to discuss one or more of the following themes: - Policy issues in extension - Capacity Development - Tools and approaches for delivering extension services - Learning networks fostering innovation in extension Interested candidates are invited to send in one original print or audio-visual piece in English, French or Spanish to extension2011(a)cta.int<mailto:[email protected]>, copying info(a)fara-africa.org<mailto:[email protected]> and info(a)g-fras.org<mailto:[email protected]> by 15 August. For additional information, please read the attached announcement of the competition. For full details of the competition would be soon available, please visit http://extensionconference2011.cta.int. Contacts: Mr. Samuel Mikenga Mrs Judith-Ann Francis Tel: +31 317 467101 Tel: +31 317 467190 Email: mikenga(a)cta.int<mailto:[email protected]> Email: francis(a)cta.int<mailto:[email protected]> Thilda Chevouline (Ms) Young Professional Officer CTA | P.O. Box 380 | 6700AJ Wageningen |The Netherlands | www.cta.int<http://www.cta.int/> Follow CTA on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/CTApage> and Twitter<http://www.twitter.com/ctaflash> ... Sharing knowledge, improving rural livelihoods ... P please consider the environment before printing this email pensez à l'environnement avant d'imprimer ce message ________________________________ Strathmore University provides all-round education in an atmosphere of freedom and responsibility. This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for use by the recipient(s) to whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email and/or any files attached to it from your computer. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Strathmore University. The University accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damages incurred, or suffered, resulting, or arising, from the use of this email and/or its attachments. The University warrants neither the integrity of the e-mail nor its freedom from errors, viruses, interception or any other form of interference. ............................................................................ Website: www.strathmore.edu

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Deadline reminder: call for project write-ups, climate change ICTs and water
by Alan Finlay 04 May '11

04 May '11

Dear all This is a reminder that the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is calling for short two-page project write-ups from initiatives in Africa, LAC and Asia dealing with climate change, ICTs and water. These will be collated into a publication to accompany research in those three regions. Three of the authors of the case studies will be invited to a workshop in South Africa in July. Details of the call, with French and Spanish translations at the bottom of the page, can be found at: http://www.apc.org/en/news/icts-climate-change-and-water-call-project-and-i… For further information on this, please contact Alan Finlay (alan(a)apc.org ). **** Alan Finlay Co-ordinator: ICTs and Environmental Sustainability Association for Progressive Communications (APC) www.apc.org Skype: alan_finlay

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Re: [kictanet] Stingy solution to cable vandalism
by harry＠africanedevelopment.org 04 May '11

04 May '11

Hey Francis, You use armoured fiber in such cases. Harry Quoting Francis Hook <francis.hook(a)gmail.com>: > Interesting...I wonder would corrosive liquids/caustic chemicals (flushed > down toilets) not compromise the fibre? Just wondering... > > > > On 4 May 2011 09:59, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > >> Hi, >> >> I was reading through the CIO May issue and came across and interesting >> article on the roll out of metro fibre optic cable in South Africa. >> >> i3 Africa is rolling out their national fibre optic cable through the >> sewerage system, this should increase the cost of hiring vandals to sabotage >> the competitors network, this could be a new revenue stream for our local >> authorities. >> >> Regards >> >> "One man's waste pipe is another's data pipe" >> >> Robert Yawe >> KAY System Technologies Ltd >> Phoenix House, 6th Floor >> P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 >> Kenya >> >> Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/francis.hook%40gmail.c… >> >> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for >> people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and >> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT >> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. >> >> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors >> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, >> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do >> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. >> > > > > -- > Francis Hook > +254 733 504561 >

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KRA & Postal
by robert yawe 04 May '11

04 May '11

Hi, Yesterday I went to the post office to clear a parcel that had been sent from the US, after inspection by the KRA officer the charges due to KRA where calculated at Kes. 1,130/-. I promptly dipped into my pocket and retrieved the cash but alas I was informed that payment could only be made at a Co-Op or National Bank branch. Well, off I went to the bank, cutting a short story shorter one and a half hours later I was back at the post office to collect the parcel. What is so difficult with KRA having the cash collected at the post office or even better why can't they make it possible for one to pay them using mobile money? This seems a lot like another of those salient schemes to have politically correct organisations make money at the expense of convenience. If KPLC and many other organisations are comfortable with Postal collecting cash for them why does KRA not have the same level of confidence. I hope someone out there will forward my sentiments to the powers that be to resolve this issue. Liko, this might be a good opportunity for PesaPal to expand its reach. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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Stingy solution to cable vandalism
by robert yawe 04 May '11

04 May '11

Hi, I was reading through the CIO May issue and came across and interesting article on the roll out of metro fibre optic cable in South Africa. i3 Africa is rolling out their national fibre optic cable through the sewerage system, this should increase the cost of hiring vandals to sabotage the competitors network, this could be a new revenue stream for our local authorities. Regards "One man's waste pipe is another's data pipe" Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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Fwd: Kenyan Contestant Athman Ali wins World Bank's Apps for Development Award
by Paul Kukubo ICT Board 04 May '11

04 May '11

Listers Please see below an email from the world bank. The message is clear.. Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: > From: pwarutere(a)worldbank.org > Date: 29 April 2011 13:54:14 GMT+03:00 > Cc: kmuthembwa(a)worldbank.org > Subject: Kenyan Contestant Athman Ali wins World Bank's Apps for Development Award > > Dear Colleague: > > This is great news for Kenya. Read the story of innovation by Athman Ali, a Kenyan, who was one of the winners of the World Bank's Apps for Development competition. He is featured on the World Bank Kenya website: > http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/AFRICAEXT/KENYAEXTN/0,,m… > > Athman received his award from World Bank President Robert Zoellick during this years' Spring meetings in Washington DC earlier this month. > > You can also watch Athman explaining the innovation here: http://vimeo.com/22414610. > > Regards, > > Peter > ------------------------------- > Peter Warutere > AFRSC-World Bank > Hill Park, Upper Hill Road > PO Box 30577 – Nairobi, Kenya > Tel +254-20-322-6444;+254-722-524472 > Dama: 5368+6444 > The World Bank in Kenya > www.worldbank.org/ke > The World Bank in Africa > www.worldbank.org/afr > Learn more about our: > <50400274.jpg> > Join the conversation: > <50156809.jpg><50038916.jpg><50480734.gif><50133214.jpg><50149169.jpg> >

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Fw: [Skunkworks] TRENDY DESKTOP - HOW KENYANS TWEET: THE TOP TWITTERCLIENTS
by alice＠apc.org 03 May '11

03 May '11

Very interesting study. Alice -----Original Message----- From: Jacob Ayienda <jacobayienda(a)gmail.com> Sender: skunkworks-bounces(a)lists.my.co.ke Date: Tue, 3 May 2011 21:28:37 To: <Skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke> Reply-To: Skunkworks Mailing List <skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke> Subject: [Skunkworks] TRENDY DESKTOP - HOW KENYANS TWEET: THE TOP TWITTER CLIENTS TRENDY DESKTOP - HOW KENYANS TWEET: THE TOP TWITTER CLIENTS I looked at 15,000 tweets randomly collected at different intervals over the past month(April) and found several ways in which kenyans interact with the Twitter. These is a follow up to a previous analysis. Again, I used the Twittter API to monitor public feeds from the Kenyan locality. The tweets were randomly collected throughout the month (April) using Trendy Desktop. The results are attached as images. http://twitpic.com/4sffft What is most significant is the rise of fluppy (m.fluppy.me) an open source mobile web client with Snaptu previously the most popular falling sharply as well as twitter. What is most interesting is that over 80% of Kenyans tweet from their mobiles. Also included is an analysis of how different users interact with twitter http://twitpic.com/4rw7dz http://twitpic.com/4rvzlh http://twitpic.com/4rvwrc http://twitpic.com/4rufvh http://twitpic.com/4ruff4 http://twitpic.com/4ruejw http://twitpic.com/4rkzh2 http://twitpic.com/4rkxv3 http://twitpic.com/4rkx0v http:\\www.twitter.com\trendydesktop

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You're invited to "Prince 2 Foundation and Practitioner...
by Harry Hare 03 May '11

03 May '11

I though this might be of interest to some of you. Cheers Harry Event: Prince 2 Foundation and Practitioner Training Date: Monday, May 23, 2011 Friday, May 27, 2011 Location: eDevelopment House, 604 Limuru Road, Old Muthaiga Nairobi Kenya Hosted By: Organizer object

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Re: [kictanet] Governance debates Online - Using ICT to fight graft
by Edith Adera 03 May '11

03 May '11

Alice/Bwana Ndemo, I can't agree with you more that ICTs can make a difference in addressing poor governance. Alice you raise a critical issue about digital disparity while Bwana Ndemo points to convergence of all ICT medium to allow all to participate including via sms which can help reduce this disparity. The greatest challenge is to converge all media and also incorporate multilingual capability...people must be able to express themselves in the langauge they are comfortable in. With AgendaYetu platform we attempted this - I must say it's not easy! So I join Bwana Ndemo in challenging the techies to come up with a fully converged mulitlingual platform that will mobilize ALL Kenyans to fight graft! and demand for governance reforms and monitor implementation of Agenda 4. See attached some interesting research findings of work IDRC funded on how Kenyans are using ICTs in the governance field (within the context of Agenda 4). It includes what their thoughts are on how ICTs can be used to fight corruption. This research was done after the post - election violence and just before the promulgation of the constitution in 2010. Read the section on "what did we find" after you've quickly perused the background of the study. So, I believe it's possible to mobilize Kenyans around a platform to fight corruption. which agency is ready to take the lead? Edith ________________ Edith Ofwona Adera Senior Program Specialist ICT4D Program and Climate Change & Water Program International Development Research Centre | Centre de recherches pour le développement international Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa Tel: +254202713160 | Fax/Téléc: +254202711063 | Skype: edithadera eadera(a)idrc.or.ke<mailto:[email protected]> | www.idrc.ca<http://www.idrc.ca/> | www.crdi.ca<http://www.crdi.ca/> ________________________________ From: kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Alice Munyua [alice(a)apc.org] Sent: 02 May 2011 21:26 To: Edith Adera Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] Governance debates Online - Using ICT to fight graft Agree a great idea. As social media enables participation access, collaboration and even transparency and has great potential to enhance governance processes by way of facilitating participation from broad based stakeholders/constituencies. Some of the features can be used/applied to many aspects of governance, including feedback on anti corruption initiatives, maintaining participation, direct involvement in policy processes, deliberations, etc. However, there are some fundamental limitations we must keep in mind and deal with. To begin with, the disparity in internet access with social media services still reflects an education and/or class bias. Additionally, folks tend to join most networks as a means to an end, for example joining some lists knowing that they are more likely to get the ear of the service provider and/or government and this over reliance would in the long run ends up undermining efforts that require commitment and follow through, for those who have been members of this list will bear witness to this particularly when it comes to policy processes. So are social networks the magic bullet to participation? I also tend to think that social media sites have not really been developed for governance in the way we may be thinking, for example face book has a person cap, further, most of these sites were designed in ways to encourage participation to serve advertising revenue so perhaps we would need our very talented developers/skunks etc to begin to think about developing Social media platforms suited to our governance, anti corruption etc needs. A good example remains ushaidi. Best Alice This is actually a brilliant idea. Especially aggregating information on Social Media platforms. We already have some companies (e.g. www.gotissuez.com<http://www.gotissuez.com>) who report on such matters (corruption, poor service etc). We additionally have social media monitoring platforms that would be able to get random information on twitter about certain topics (e.g. you can monitor what people say about brand X or brand Y), many companies are already this sort of thing in place as it offers feedback on both the negative and positive aspects (many times, what is being done right is ignored). Additionally, consistent feedback that there is a problem in a particular area will point the anti corruption agencies in the right direction. Many companies use this information to monitor brand equity and customer complaints. It's just an issue of doing the same thing for the government... On Fri, Apr 29, 2011 at 8:05 PM, <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: Lusters, I spent most of the day at KIA with other colleagues, civil society, religious groups and KEPSA to discuss strategies for fighting corruption. It was evident that as we get closer to election, the level of corruption goes up (read sugar). There was a sense of frustration that we are not making much progress. There was a dim of hope in the sense that where we have automated, revenues are up and less corruption. It was also clear that we (civil service) had sufficient delegated authority to significantly change the future of our nation. In areas where social media has been put to use, up to 60% of graft can be detected even before it is concluded. If we scale up the use of social media, a senior KACC official tells me that they would gladly embrace it. In this list we have many smart people. I need suggestions how we can integrate SMS, Twitter, Facebook and any other tool to assist in the fight against this scourge. In my considered view, the anwser lies in technology. However, One of the presenters said that the western method of fighting corruption through courts could be the problem. If you recall in 2008 at the height of the post election crisis in Mombasa, one businessman did not have to go to court to recover his goods opting to see a witch doctor. Any views would be highly appreciated. Regards Ndemo. > FYI > > ----- Forwarded Message ---- > From: Agenda Yetu <admin(a)agendayetu.org<mailto:[email protected]>> > To: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke<mailto:[email protected]> > Sent: Wed, April 27, 2011 1:05:41 PM > Subject: High Cost of Living in Kenya > > Is the government doing enough to deal with the spiraling cost of living > in Kenya? > > Visit www.agendayetu.org<http://www.agendayetu.org><http://www.agendayetu.org> to take part in the > discussion; and opinion poll; on â€œThe spiraling cost of living in > Kenyaâ€ . > > Change Kenya â€¦â€¦â€¦â€¦. Be the Voice > > Join the AgendaYetu Facebook page: > http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Agenda-Yetu/149981608349201<http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/Agenda-Yetu/149981608349201> > > Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/agendayetu<http://twitter.com/#%21/agendayetu> > > Agendayetu Blog: http://www.agendayetu.org/blog/ > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<mailto:[email protected]> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke > > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform > for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and > regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT > sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and > development. > > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors > online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, > share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do > not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. ---------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world" _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<mailto:[email protected]> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/pkariuki%40gmail.com The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. -- With Regards, Phares Kariuki | T: +254 720 406 093 | E: pkariuki(a)gmail.com<mailto:[email protected]> | Twitter: kaboro | Skype: kariukiphares | B: http://www.kaboro.com/ | _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<mailto:[email protected]> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alice%40apc.org The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.

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PRESS STATEMENT BY SAFARICOM ON MOBILE NUMBER PORTABILITY
by Michael Ouma 03 May '11

03 May '11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASETUESDAY MAY 3RD 2011 PRESS STATEMENT BY SAFARICOM ON MOBILE NUMBER PORTABILITY It has been about one month since the Kenyan mobile telephony market started implementing Mobile Number Portability (MNP) and as we embark on the second month of implementing this important process, we as telecom industry leaders wish to make a number of pertinent observations. 1. We wish to thank industry regulator Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) for its patience and professionalism in handling the implementation of MNP thus far. Even where there have been teething problems, as was widely expected, the CCK has shown leadership through its consultative approach to seeking solutions. A good example of this is the regular troubleshooting meetings held between the CCK, industry players and Porting Access who are the administrators of the process. In addition and following publicized complaints about the technical hitches affecting the uptake of MNP, the CCK initiated an audit process between Safaricom, Bharti-Airtel and Porting Access to establish the cause of SMS failures to the Porting Access data base. We appeal to the CCK to resist all attempts by some operators to derail the on-going audit process by engaging in media side-shows and to complete this crucial exercise and to make its findings public. 2. We remind the public that MNP was implemented in Kenya after a single week of technical testing. This is against a global benchmark of at least 6 to 8 weeks of testing time necessary to guarantee the robustness of all inter-linking systems and dependencies. Naturally, the numerous teething problems we are seeing now were to be expected. As late as this morning, we have received communication from Porting Access BV that they were having technical challenges based on what they cite to be unstable connectivity from their end, which challenges are affecting the ability of ALL operators in the Kenyan space to successfully implement some of the day to day actions related to the MNP process. 3. We are disturbed by a certain emerging trend in the implementation of MNP in Kenya so far, which we feel constrained to bring to the public attention. While it was always understood that the successful implementation of MNP greatly hinges upon the goodwill and mutual co-operation of all operators, the regulator and Porting Access, it is emerging that the actual experience is quite different. Safaricom is inclined to believe, based on available evidence, that Porting Access, which acts as the custodian of the porting database, has abdicated its role as a neutral clearing house for the MNP process in Kenya by actively batting from the corner of a single operator: Bharti-Airtel completely against the letter and spirit of the multi-lateral contract signed between the operators. We strongly object to the impression created, by Bharti-Airtel and indeed by some commission-hunters, that the single measure of the success or otherwise of MNP in Kenya, ishow many subscribers port from other operators to Bharti-Airtel. Anecdotal evidence, which we have gathered and shared with CCK, points to an active collaboration between Bharti-Airtel and Porting Access on the timing and intensity of their attacks against Safaricom. The content and tonality of their messaging since this process began shares more than coincidental similarity. As recently as last week, we are privy to information that on Thursday 28th April both entities used a single venue for separate press conferences within minutes of each other while only one of the parties paid in full for the venue. 4. Safaricom takes great exception to the content of the message which has consistently been published by Porting Access and a certain Mr. Patrick Musimba, who has been speaking on its behalf. Mr. Musimba has taken to making a slew of unsubstantiated allegations against Safaricom and its officials regarding the implementation of MNP, and in the process upending and circumventing the audit process that was agreed to on 26th April 2011 by CCK, Safaricom, Bharti-Airtel and Porting Access. 5. Contrary to the impression that Porting Access are trying to create Safaricom is a Kenyan company, supporting a huge local stakeholder base and social economic ecosystem that includes over 740,000 individual Kenyan shareholders and the Government of Kenya (by extension all Kenyans), it employs over 3,000 direct employees, thousands of dealers and M-PESA agents. We shall do all in our power to protect their interests and the overall reputation of Safaricom which has been painstakingly built over the years. Consequently, Safaricom has today instructed its lawyers to institute legal proceedings against Porting Access and the person of Mr. Musimba for what we believe are acts of defamation and the tort of economic sabotage against Safaricom Limited, this legal action will be vigorously pursued to its logical end. We have also appealed to the CCK to urgently review the role of Porting XS BV of Netherlands and specifically its local partner Porting Access in the administration of MNP as we believe they have lost the moral and legal legitimacy to position themselves as an honest and impartial broker of the porting process. Signed: NZIOKA WAITA Director-Corporate Affairs SAFARICOM LIMITED Michael Ouma Journalist Kenya Tel:+254-725-537823 "Do not go where the path may lead, but go instead where there is no path and leave a trail," - Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Extortion sms
by Peter K. Kenduiywo 03 May '11

03 May '11

I wonder if there will soon be a law requiring all phone users to be registered. I have just received this sms on my phone. "I 've been hired to get rid of ur life,4 the reason I dn't know ,4 more information mpesa 10,000 if wish go and report but take care, thanks" How's one supposed to react knowing this is most likely an unregistered number? I'm only praying this a random extortionist!

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IGF 2011 Host website request for comments and vote
by Alice Munyua 03 May '11

03 May '11

(apologies for cross posting) Dear Colleagues and friends, The Kenya Internet Governance Steering committee is putting final touches on the 2011 IGF host website. We would like to get your comments on the site as well as your vote on the logo. Please visit: http://igf.or.ke/ We expect to close the period for comments and vote on 26th May 2011. Thank you very much for your support Alice Munyua

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Governance debates Online - High Cost of Living in Kenya
by Edith Adera 02 May '11

02 May '11

FYI ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Agenda Yetu <admin(a)agendayetu.org> To: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke Sent: Wed, April 27, 2011 1:05:41 PM Subject: High Cost of Living in Kenya Is the government doing enough to deal with the spiraling cost of living in Kenya? Visit www.agendayetu.org<http://www.agendayetu.org> to take part in the discussion; and opinion poll; on “The spiraling cost of living in Kenya”. Change Kenya …………. Be the Voice Join the AgendaYetu Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Agenda-Yetu/149981608349201 Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/agendayetu Agendayetu Blog: http://www.agendayetu.org/blog/

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Fwd: [ISOC] Accepting Applications: Internet Society IGF Ambassadors
by Alice Munyua 02 May '11

02 May '11

(Apologies for cross posting) -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [ISOC] Accepting Applications: Internet Society IGF Ambassadors Date: Mon, 2 May 2011 11:46:48 -0400 From: Connie Kendig <kendig(a)isoc.org> To: isoc-members-announce(a)elists.isoc.org Dear Internet Society members; IGF 2011 Ambassadors Programme – Call for Applications The Internet Society is pleased to announce a call for applications to participate in the Internet Society (ISOC) Ambassador programme to the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) meeting in Nairobi, Kenya in September 2011. As part of the Internet Society’s Next Generation Leaders programme <http://www.isoc.org/leaders>, the IGF Ambassador programme is designed to involve members in ISOC’s global engagement activities while providing valuable expertise and know-how to the IGF meeting in Nairobi. The Internet Society supports participation of first time Ambassadors as well as returning Ambassadors from Internet Governance Forums in Rio (2007), Hyderabad (2008), Sharm El Sheik (2009), and Vilnius (2010). "Since the Internet Society started the IGF Ambassadors programme in Rio in 2007,” notes Toral Cowieson, Internet Society Senior Director of Internet Leadership Programmes, “the issues have become more complex and the stakes higher. ISOC is committed to fostering rising and future decision-makers at the intersection of policy, technology, and business and our renewal of this programme recognizes that these multi-disciplinary leaders are at the core of the discussion of an open and robust Internet." The IGF 2011 meeting will take place Tuesday 27 through Friday 30 September 2011. Interested individuals should be available to arrive no later than Saturday 24 September. The deadline for applications is Friday, 27 May 2011. The Next Generation Leaders programme, under the patronage of the European Commission for Information Society and Media, blends course work and practical experience to help prepare young professionals (aged from 20 to 40) from around the world to become the next generation of Internet technology, policy, and business leaders. Further details on the Internet Society’s IGF 2011 Ambassador program are available here <http://www.isoc.org/pubpolpillar/igfambassadors/>. For more information, see: • Next Generation Leaders programme <http://www.isoc.org/leaders> • Internet Governance Forum <http://www.intgovforum.org> The Internet Society’s Next Generation Leaders programme is sponsored by Nominet Trust <http://www.nominettrust.org.uk/> and AFNIC <http://www.afnic.fr>. For more information on how to become a Next Generation Leader programme partner, visit http://www.isoc.org/leaders or e-mail leader-sponsor[at]isoc.org. Connie J Kendig Sponsored Programs & Grants Manager Internet Society www.InternetSociety.org <http://www.InternetSociety.org> What will the Internet look like in 10 years? Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OInTXcZ4HZM For more information: www.internetsociety.org/scenarios <http://www.internetsociety.org/scenarios>

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Fwd: Pre-IGF event Kenya and ITU
by Alice Munyua 02 May '11

02 May '11

Dear Colleagues, *__*(apologies for cross posting) The Government of Kenya (GOK) will hold a High level Ministerial forum on 26th September 2011. This forum Co-organized with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) will providea platform where Ministerial level participants and other stakeholders will discuss issues of mutual interest around the opportunities and challenges to developing countries presented by information and communications technologies. The main agenda topics will be drawn from the following themes: ·Broadband: Access, challenges and opportunities ·Uptake of wireless devices as key elements in providing a conduit to a new and dynamic socio-economic future for the region, including new mobile services (e.g. E-government, mobile banking, access to Internet, among others) ·Cloud computing and; ·Cyber security and Privacy. The outcomes of the Ministerial forum will be shared with the main IGF scheduled from 27^th - 30^th September 2011. More details will be made available soon. Best regards Alice Munyua --

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Re: [kictanet] UCC attempts to block social networks
by S.Murigi Muraya 30 Apr '11

30 Apr '11

Think HIV is more of a danger to us than churches in Kenya are. Serious churches (and very many do) require HIV tests before marrying people. This started in the 90's when Church Leaders found their members were getting together with others who did not disclose they were HIV infected. In less corrupt churches, HIV Tests became one of the conditions to be fulfilled before performing wedding ceremonies. So it is hard to see how an institution that helps check the spread of HIV can be a danger to Kenyan society. It is easier to hound Sheep instead of Political Wolves who steal Billions from the Kenyan public to finance their election campaigns and to support their close associates/mistresses. Am sure most Churches would cooperate with the Central and County Govts in building databases that would help check a major cause of turmoil in Kenya. Am not aware of any law that requires Kenyans to disclose their HIV status but it would help if we knew whether we are being conned or not. huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/05/china-marriage-database-p_n_804686.html -----Original Message----- From: Agosta Liko <agostal(a)gmail.com> Sent: Friday, 29 April 2011 08:28 To: murigi.muraya(a)gmail.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] UCC attempts to block social networks Daktari I agree about the preachers.... Can your Ministry or in this case CCK do something ? Or Cofek .... Kenyans need protection from these churches more than from telcos Thanks Sent from my iPhone 5 Trial Device On Apr 27, 2011, at 8:55 AM, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke wrote: > You sound like a pessimist. This administration has created more freedom > reforms than the entire East Africa combined including the past two > administrations in Kenya. And if it realy wanted to curtail such freedom, > the New Costitution would not have passed. > > We are aware that Kenyans are using social media to propagate hate > messages. This is a moral issue and I know the basis of it. Here is the > summary: > > Over the Easter, I decided to record and listen to all the sermons from at > least five TV stations. My conclusion. We are a drift (lost in the > wilderness). some of the preachers should not preach to human beings. > Here you find extortionists, liers and peddlers of deception. Our > theology is misplaced from what it is supposed to be. They promise a > heaven yet we know we are supposed to make heaven here on earth. > > We need a religious regulator in Kenya and demand for some reforms in this > sector. We know Jesus went through Biblical Studies before he started to > preach but what I saw was unqualified individuals pretending to preach. > In the 16th century Europe, they were in our current state of deception, > corruption, begging etc. It was the Protestant Ethic that shaped their > destiny and led to the current idiologies in the West. Read the work of > Martin Luther, John Calvin and the Puritans of England. This is what > shaped the future of Europe. > > We must now embrace the values in our new constitution and hopefully > reform our religions to the extent that they can lead a moral revolution. > Without this, no one individual can govern this country effectively. We > must blame ourselves for the weaknesses we have. Honesty, intergrity, > humility et [The entire original message is not included]

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Re: [kictanet] Governance debates Online - Using ICT to fight graft
by eonchari＠lynxbits.com 29 Apr '11

29 Apr '11

The government can borrow from what the commercial sector has been doing for decades now, namely mining data (and subsequently generating the same to useful info) that is generated at points of touch for their customers and lately social media has increasingly become a major point of touch. Edwin ----- Original Message ----- From: pkariuki(a)gmail.com To: eonchari(a)lynxbits.com Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Sent: 4/29/11 1:19 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Governance debates Online - Using ICT to fight graft > This is actually a brilliant idea. Especially aggregating information on > Social Media platforms. We already have some companies (e.g. > www.gotissuez.com) who report on such matters (corruption, poor service > etc). We additionally have social media monitoring platforms that would be > able to get random information on twitter about certain topics (e.g. you can > monitor what people say about brand X or brand Y), many companies are > already this sort of thing in place as it offers feedback on both the > negative and positive aspects (many times, what is being done right is > ignored). Additionally, consistent feedback that there is a problem in a > particular area will point the anti corruption agencies in the right > direction. > > Many companies use this information to monitor brand equity and customer > complaints. It's just an issue of doing the same thing for the government.... > > > On Fri, Apr 29, 2011 at 8:05 PM, wrote: > > > Lusters, > > I spent most of the day at KIA with other colleagues, civil society, > > religious groups and KEPSA to discuss strategies for fighting corruption. > > It was evident that as we get closer to election, the level of corruption > > goes up (read sugar). There was a sense of frustration that we are not > > making much progress. There was a dim of hope in the sense that where we > > have automated, revenues are up and less corruption. It was also clear > > that we (civil service) had sufficient delegated authority to > > significantly change the future of our nation. In areas where social > > media has been put to use, up to 60% of graft can be detected even before > > it is concluded. > > > > If we scale up the use of social media, a senior KACC official tells me > > that they would gladly embrace it. In this list we have many smart > > people. I need suggestions how we can integrate SMS, Twitter, Facebook > > and any other tool to assist in the fight against this scourge. In my > > considered view, the anwser lies in technology. > > > > However, One of the presenters said that the western method of fighting > > corruption through courts could be the problem. If you recall in 2008 at > > the height of the post election crisis in Mombasa, one businessman did not > > have to go to court to recover his goods opting to see a witch doctor. > > > > Any views would be highly appreciated. > > > > > > Regards > > > > > > Ndemo. > > > > > > > > > > > > > FYI > > > > > > ----- Forwarded Message ---- > > > From: Agenda Yetu > > > To: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke > > > Sent: Wed, April 27, 2011 1:05:41 PM > > > Subject: High Cost of Living in Kenya > > > > > > Is the government doing enough to deal with the spiraling cost of living > > > in Kenya? > > > > > > Visit www.agendayetu.org to take part in the > > > discussion; and opinion poll; on âThe spiraling cost of living in > > > Kenyaâ . > > > > > > Change Kenya â¦â¦â¦â¦. Be the Voice > > > > > > Join the AgendaYetu Facebook page: > > > http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Agenda-Yetu/149981608349201 > > > > > > Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/agendayetu > > > > > > Agendayetu Blog: http://www.agendayetu.org/blog/ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > > > This message has been scanned for viruses and > > > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > > > believed to be clean. > > > --------------------------------------------- > > > "easy access to the world" > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > kictanet mailing list > > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > > > > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke > > > > > > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform > > > for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and > > > regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT > > > sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and > > > development. > > > > > > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors > > > online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and > > bandwidth, > > > share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do > > > not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > > This message has been scanned for viruses and > > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > > believed to be clean. > > --------------------------------------------- > > "easy access to the world" > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/pkariuki%40gmail.com > > > > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for > > people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and > > regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT > > sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. > > > > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors > > online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, > > share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do > > not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. > > > > > > -- > With Regards, > > Phares Kariuki > > | T: +254 720 406 093 | E: pkariuki(a)gmail.com | Twitter: kaboro | Skype: > kariukiphares | B: http://www.kaboro.com/ | > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/eonchari%40lynxbits.com > > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. > > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. >

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Re: [kictanet] Defacement of another government site
by Dennis Kioko 29 Apr '11

29 Apr '11

I agree, on my way to Connected Kenya, i saw some mabati structures next to the NYS post. lets hope they are "surveyors" and not permanet settlers

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Defacement of another government site
by Dennis Kioko 29 Apr '11

29 Apr '11

see http://www.nationaldisaster.go.ke/: With the planned Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT)<http://www.cio.co.ke/Main-Stories/connected-kenya-citizens-to-enjoy-better-…>should help the government deal with such repeat violators of our cyber space. eGovernment and ICT Board should also help government and its agencies come up with platforms that are secure and regularly updated. As we digitize our systems, we do not want other countries snooping on our data without our knowledge. -- with Regards: <https://twitter.com/#%21/denniskioko> <http://blog.denniskioko.com> www.denniskioko.com

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Fw: Analysis: Deadly policing
by william janak 29 Apr '11

29 Apr '11

From: IRIN <no-reply(a)IRINnews.org> Subject: Analysis: Deadly policing To: "William Oloo" <williamjanak(a)yahoo.com> Date: Friday, April 29, 2011, 10:48 AM Analysis: Deadly policing JOHANNESBURG, 29 April 2011 (IRIN) - On 13 April millions of South Africans saw news footage showing a group of police beating an unarmed protester with batons in Meqheleng, a township outside Ficksburg in South Africa's Free State Province. Andries Tatane, a community activist and father of two children, was then seen looking down at an apparent rubber bullet wound on his bare chest before collapsing to the ground. He died shortly afterwards. The incident has sparked widespread public outrage and a national debate about the level of force being used by the South African Police Service (SAPS), particularly in the wake of another fatal shooting of an unarmed woman by an officer outside a Johannesburg police station on 26 April. A spokesperson for National Police Commissioner General Bheki Cele told a local radio station that the cases should be treated as "isolated incidents", but many commentators point out that the use of lethal force by the police has risen dramatically in recent years. Figures from the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD), which is charged with investigating all deaths resulting from police action, show that 568 people were shot dead by the police in 2008/09, more than double the number just three years earlier, and the highest number since the ICD was established in 1997. "The only thing that was an aberration [in Tatane's killing] was that it was captured on national television," said Gareth Newham, head of the Crime and Justice Programme at the Institute for Security Studies, a South Africa-based think-tank. Lack of training In the apartheid era police routinely used violence to quell protests, but with the transition to democracy in 1994, and the incorporation of various human rights in the constitution, police heavy handedness was discouraged. Most demonstrations post-1994 were peaceful and many units specializing in public order policing were closed down, with a resultant loss of skills in dealing with protests, Newham said. In recent years, mounting frustration among the high numbers of black South Africans who continue to live in relative poverty has often erupted in the form of service delivery protests like the one in Meqheleng. Newham noted that police handling of such protests tended to escalate conflict rather than neutralize it. "They think their job is to squash protest, and anyone taking part is seen as the enemy," he told IRIN. "Often they fire tear gas and rubber bullets before there's any real reason to." Sam Motseare, chairperson of Meqheleng Concerned Citizens group, of which Tatane was also a member, was among those who witnessed how quickly relations between protesters and police can disintegrate. "On that fateful day there was lots of police - we were shocked there were so many," he said. The protesters, whose main complaint was that parts of the township had been without running water for several years, had obtained permission to march and proceeded to the municipal offices without incident. "Somebody started throwing stones from the roof of the offices - that's when things starting getting out of control," said Motseare, who said the police did not seem to have appropriate training to deal with the situation. He told IRIN that he heard the police officer in charge give the order to shoot Tatane. "It has broken our trust in the police," he said. "We're afraid to call for another march." Damaging rhetoric Newham and others argue that the escalation in the use of force by the SAPS goes beyond the issue of training. Statements by political and SAPS leaders in recent years urging police to make use of their weapons to deal with criminals have been heard by the ranks. "The subliminal message that has been conveyed to members of the police service... seemed to encourage a gloves-off approach," said David Bruce, a senior researcher at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation. "A lot of police management... believe that excessive force is necessary in order to get the job done, which often means turning a blind eye to how force is used." South Africa's high rates of violent crime also mean that many people welcome a tougher stance by the police. Norman Mampane, spokesman of the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU), criticized a decision in April 2010 to introduce military-style ranks to the SAPS, describing it as "the re-militarization of the police service". "Communities have a right to march and demonstrate," he told IRIN. "The police shouldn't be used to crush the views of protesters and strikers." ICD not part of the solution Within two weeks of Tatane's death eight police officers were arrested on charges of murder and assault, but Newham said it was more common for the police to evade responsibility. The alleged shooting and subsequent death of South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) member Petros Msiza by police during clashes with striking bus workers in Pretoria in March was not captured by cameras and so far no one has been arrested. SAMWU spokesperson Tahir Sema said it was far from the first time union members had experienced violent treatment by police. "We've put together evidence over a number of years," he told IRIN. "We've been calling for some time now for a judicial inquiry, but until we get those in government accepting that levels of police brutality are unacceptable, we won't be able to ensure that police don't clamp down on protesters." Newham supports SAMWU's call for an independent judicial inquiry to investigate the patterns and causes of police using excessive force and make policy recommendations, but doubts it will happen. "It's often seen as politically dangerous to expose findings about the police service to the public, especially in the run-up to elections," he said, referring to municipal elections set for 18 May. Politicians tend to believe it is the ICD's responsibility to deal with police brutality, but the institution lacks either the capacity or the legal clout to do much more than investigate allegations of misconduct, Newham said. Recommendations for disciplinary action were usually ignored. Bruce agreed that the ICD had little power to solve the problem. "Their [the ICD] rate of convictions is almost irrelevant," he told IRIN. "The use of force by police needs to be controlled, and that needs to come from enlightened police leaders." ks/he [END] This report online: http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?reportID=92619 Côte d'Ivoire crisis: http://www.irinnews.org/Country.aspx?Country=CI © IRIN. All rights reserved. More humanitarian news and analysis: http://www.irinnews.org [This item comes to you via IRIN, the humanitarian news and analysis service of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the United Nations or its Member States. Reposting or reproduction, with attribution, for non-commercial purposes is permitted. Terms and conditions: http://www.irinnews.org/copyright.aspx IRIN partners: UAE, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, UNEP and the IHC. More information: http://www.irinnews.org/donors.aspx This mail is from an automatic address. Contact IRIN at: feedback(a)irinnews.org. Revise/stop your subscription: http://bit.ly/9nCoUP ] Subscribed Email: williamjanak(a)yahoo.com

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Fwd: Google and Kenya ICT Board organize G-funze for teachers
by Paul Kukubo ICT Board 29 Apr '11

29 Apr '11

G-Funze by Google for Teachers > Google and the Kenya ICT Board want to bring the skill of search and sort to Kenyan teachers. Through a one-day event named G-Funze, Google and the Kenya ICT Boardwill show teachers how they can use Google to bring interactivity and knowledge to the classroom. The event will be offered free of charge, open to 500 ICT- literate teachers from Nairobi and its environs. > > Objectives and Benefits > > G-Funze hopes to benefit teachers by giving them skills that would make them not only more confident to use ICT in the classroom, but expose them to knowledge and information that can be passed on to their students. The objectives of G-Funze are to: > > a) Expose teachers to Google tools – Google Search, Google Apps and Google Earth > > b) Increase efficiency in internet search including search for web-pages, articles, photos, news, books > > c) Enhance communication and collaboration between teachers and their classrooms through Google Apps > > d) Demonstrate the value of Google Earth to bring any topic with a geographical context to life > > Structure > > Date: Friday April 29, 2011 > Venue: KICC > Time: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm > Entrance fee: FREE – workshops, refreshments, lunch and take-away materials sponsored by Google > Guest of Honor: PS Ministry of Education, PS Ministry of Information and Communications > > The day long event will be opened by the PS Ministry of Education and the PS of Ministry of Information and Communications. The opening will be followed by a key-note address by a Google education specialist visiting from San Francisco. This keynote will address the value that technology can bring to teaching and will feature specific local case studies. > > Participants will then split into three working streams and spend the rest of the morning and afternoon in focused, intensive workshops. The workshops streams are: > > 1. Google search: how to find quality information online > > 2. Google Earth, Maps and YouTube: Bringing subjects alive through visual tools > > 3. Google Apps: increasing productivity through Google’s communication and collaboration tools > > The interactive and information-rich day will end in plenary with a final session to discuss lessons learnt. > > Participants > > The organizers invite Kenyan high school teachers to participate in the event. Teachers should have access to computers and the Internet at their school and be ICT and internet literate (i.e. experience and understanding of using the internet) > > Partners > > In organizing G-Funze, Google and the Kenya ICT Board are honored to partner with the Teacher Service Commission (TSC) and Association of Head Teachers who will support the event by organizing and managing the invitation of teachers. > > A request has also been made to the Kenya Institute for Education (KIE) to work with Google to ensure the content is localized and relevant for Kenyan teachers. > > In addition, the event is supported by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Information and Communications. > > Budget > > Google Kenya will cover all costs for hosting the event including meals, conference package and giveaways > >> Background >> > Kenya’s vision 2030 aims to build Kenya into a knowledge society. At the core of a vibrant knowledge society is universal access to information—and currently the most powerful tool for information dissemination is the Internet. The internet is often described as the most democratic technology offering information to anyone with access. In Kenya, access to the internet has increased tremendously since the first fiber optic under sea cable landed in Mombasa in 2009. At the end of 2010, the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK)reported that 8.6 million Kenyans now have access to the internet. > > Among those with greater access to the internet are teachers and students. For teachers, the internet offers a variety of opportunities to support self-development and teaching in the classroom through access to information. Once universal access to information is achieved, what will separate the good from the great is the ability to efficiently search, sort and analyze the vast amounts of information made available. Being proficient in searching and sorting information is a key skill for Internet users. > > Contact > > For more information on G-Funze contact: > > Farzana Khubchandani > Country Marketing Manager, Google Kenya > email: farzanak(a)google.com > Mobile: 0732 629 393 | office: 020 360 1100 > > KaburoKobia > Project Manager Local Digital Content, Kenya ICT Board > email: kkobia(a)ict.go.ke > mobile: 0729466260 | office: 0202211961 > > > kenya ICT Board > Teleposta Towers, 12th Floor, Kenyatta Ave > P.O. Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya > t: + 254-020-2093040 | m: + 254 (0)729466260 | e: kkobia(a)ict.go.ke > > Visit: www.ict.go.ke > Become a fan: www.facebook.com/tandaakenya > Follow us on twitter: @tandaakenya > --------------------- > Our Vision: Kenya becomes a top 10 ICT hub > Our Mission: To champion and actively enable Kenya to adopt and exploit ICT, through promotion of partnerships, investments and infrastructure growth for socio economic enrichment > > > >

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