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Perceptions about Africa
by Brian Munyao Longwe 30 Jul '08

30 Jul '08

So here we are, working very hard to build knowledge societies, knowledge economies and bring 'e' into as many areas as possible. Achieving the highest levels of mobile growth than any other continent in the world. Providing the highest returns on any kind of investment into any sector than any other continent in the world. But here is how we are percieved: http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/kevin-myers/africa-is- giving-no thing-to-anyone--apart-from-aids-1430428.html What can we do about this? Troubled, Brian

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Program- National Stakeholders Meeting July 31st
by Rebecca Wanjiku 29 Jul '08

29 Jul '08

National ICT Stakeholders meeting to be held on 31st July 2008 at Kenya International Conference Centre Program 8:00 – 8:30 Registration 8.30 – 9:00 KICTANet – Introduction PS -Bitange Ndemo DG- Charles Njoroge 9:00- 9:30 TESPOK KENIC Skunkworks Computer Society of Kenya (CSK) 9:30 – 9:45 Q&A 10- 10:30 Kenya Telecommunications Operators Forum ICAK- ICT Consumer Association of Kenya National Communication Secretariat (NCS) 10:30- 10:45 Q&A 10:45-11:00 Tea Break 11:00- 11:30 B.P.O Association KENET Linux Chix Kenya Software Industry Association (KSIA) 11:30- 11:45 Q & A 11:45 -12:30 KIF ISACA- Information System Audit and Control Ass. E Government NSCT Media Council 12:30 – 12:45 Centre for Corporate Governance 12:45 – 1:00 Q&A 1:00 – 2:00 Lunch 2:00 – 2:30 Kenya ICT Board 2:30 – 3:00 KEPSA KIF LPA BIAK 3:00 – 3: 15 Q & A 3:00 – 3:45 Grant Management – Githongo & Ass. 3:45 – 4:00 Q & A 4:00 – 4:30 EACIT4D ICJ Media Owners Vision 2030 4:30 – 5:30 Open mic 6:00 Cocktail Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/

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EAC members to draft a ICT policy
by Mike Theuri 28 Jul '08

28 Jul '08

http://www.kbc.co.ke/story.asp?ID=51512 EAC members to draft a ICT policy Written By:KNA , Posted: Mon, Jul 28, 2008 Member states of the East African Community (EAC) have resolved to come up with a harmonized Information Communication technology (ICT) policy to promote regional integration to yield effective business investment opportunities. Participants at the EAC National Workshop for ICT Policy Review at a Nairobi hotel were Monday told that it was important for them to come up with a common policy for five member countries; Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. Information and Communication Permanent Secretary Dr. Bitange Ndemo in his address speech in opening the seminar said the community was looking towards deepening political, social, economic and cultural integration in order to improve the quality of life of people through increased competitiveness, value added production, trade and investment. "As you already know we have made a lot of progress towards integration of Customs Union in East Africa and our aim when we bring the five partner countries together is to establish a common market of at least 120 million people," he said. The PS said once the policy becomes synchronized East Africa residents would enjoy the benefit of sending data across the borders without hitches, as the ultimate outcome of the policy would ensure a level playing field for member countries. Dr. Ndemo said as the stakeholders discuss on the harmonization of the policy they needed to focus on issues such as market structures and regulations, effects a single market on consumers, political, economic and social considerations, institutional arrangements and prioritization areas. Kenya's Policy Review Framework he said was centered on the importance of ICT policy environment, interconnection costs, innovative technology and Finance, Internet Governance, Open access, ICT and violence against women, participation in international bodies and ICT and environment (E-waste). He said the Government has had problems with innovative technologies like the M-PESA as a lot of people in the financial sector complained of encroachment in banking sector while the region generally lacked adequate representation in international bodies for failing to sponsor somebody to represent the countries at the international organizations. He announced that the ICT Bill already has been published, was currently under review, and told the EAC stakeholders that the parliamentary committee on Information and Communication would invite them to discuss the bill in the next three weeks. He said the bill covers E-transaction and broadcasting with a broadcasting law that would lead to proper regulation of radio and television content. He also said the Freedom of Information Bill had reached advanced stages while the Government was also working on a new Bill called Data Protection Bill not covered in the ICT Bill. And the EAC Secretary General who was represented at the meeting by Philip Wambugu, Director of Planning and Infrastructure at the EAC secretariat said there was need to develop a policy that would lead to creation of an environment to foster massive expansion in coverage and capacity of information infrastructure network. He said that even though the region has witnessed growth of the mobile industry there was still limited improvement in broadband networks thus killing opportunities for development. "The universal access to ICT network and service as an indicator is still far from being a reality," said he.

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[Fwd: Computing in Developing Economies: IEEE Computer Current Issue]
by alice 28 Jul '08

28 Jul '08

The latest (June 2008) issue of IEEE Computer is a special on Computing in Developing Economies. The four-page editorial overview is available online at: http://www.computer.org/portal/cms_docs_computer/computer/homepage/June08/C… Included in the special issue is "ICT4D 2.0: The Next Phase of Applying ICT for International Development". It reviews the first ten years of ICT4D, and identifies the new technologies, new approaches to innovation, and new worldviews that will be required for the next ten years of ICT4D. If you wish to read this article but have problems accessing it, please let me know. Richard Heeks Development Informatics Group University of Manchester, UK

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Briefing note of the Paris meeting
by alice 28 Jul '08

28 Jul '08

BRIEFING NOTE - Overall summary of the Paris meeting *http://par.icann.org/briefing-note What was it?* ICANN's 32nd international public meeting was one of three held annually to conduct policy development and outreach. It was hosted by ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) and Agifem, a non-profit organization made up of several French Internet companies and organizations. The meeting was opened by the Eric Besson, France's Minister of State for forward planning, assessment of public policies, and development of the digital economy. 1,672 people participated from 166 different countries, making this ICANN's biggest ever meeting. The participants engaged in a wide range of discussions about the Internet's domain name system and related issues. Further information about the meeting, including presentations and transcripts, is available at http://par.icann.org/. ICANN's next international public meeting will take place in Cairo, Egypt, beginning on 3rd November, 2008. *What happened and what are the next steps? * Many meetings, workshops, public forums and informal discussions were held over six days by the different stakeholders of the ICANN model: • business interests • civil society • governments and government agencies • Internet service providers • registrants • registrars • registries • the technical community Several key issues and themes evolved over the course of the meeting. They are summarized below. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *New gTLDs* ICANN's Board of Directors took a significant step forward on the introduction of new generic top-level domains (new gTLDS - extensions to the domain name system in addition to, for example, .COM or .INFO). The Board approved the policy recommendations on new gTLDs developed by the GNSO, ICANN's policy development arm for the generic name space. The Board directed ICANN staff to further develop and complete a detailed implementation plan. New generic top-level domains were a featured topic of conversation during the meeting. The week began with a dedicated two-and-a-half-hour interactive session where experts from different industries and sectors around the world shared a diversity of views about the potential changes to the Internet as the New gTLD Program is launched. The workshop was presented with MARQUES, the Association of European trademark owners, which represents trademark owners' interests before EU and other international bodies. ICANN staff updated the community on how new gTLDs may be implemented, including a timeline and recent steps taken to address potential disputes. Similar updates were presented to the various stakeholders including the GNSO Council. New gTLDs were also discussed at the Public Forum, later in the week. During the meeting, a number of suggestions for new gTLDs also emerged. The discussions on new gTLDs were the subject of worldwide and widespread press coverage including by BBC, CNN, NBC, Les Echos, Business Week, Le Monde, Liberation, The Times of London, the Financial Times, and other media outlets all over the world. More information is available on ICANN's new gTLDs page (http://www.icann.org/topics/new-gtld-program.htm) This web page includes a factsheet on the topic written in plain language and accessible to a general audience. *Next steps:* The Board approved the policy recommendations on new gTLDs, drawn up by the GNSO, and directed ICANN staff to further develop and complete a detailed implementation plan. Before the new gTLD introduction process is launched, the Board will be given a final version of the implementation proposals of the proposed process after a community review. *More information:* More information can be found online at: http://www.icann.org/topics/new-gtld-program.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *IDNs and IDN Fast Track* Much of the discussion about Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) during the Paris meeting centered on the work of the IDNC Working Group (IDNC WG). The IDNC WG was chartered by the Board at its November 2007 meeting. Its participants were appointed by the following supporting organizations and advisory committees of ICANN: the Country Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO), GNSO, Government Advisory Committee (GAC), At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) and Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC). The group has been working on the issue of an accelerated introduction of IDNs (the "fast track") where specific, non-controversial country-code top-level domains in non-Latin scripts could be approved and added to the Internet's root without having to wait for the full approval process to be finalized. The IDNC WG released its draft final report on the feasibility of this approach for public comment two weeks prior to the Paris meeting. The report provided a number of high-level recommendations and received broad approval from the ccNSO and the GAC. On the broader topic of IDNs, the Director of the IDN Program, Tina Dam, gave updates to the Supporting Organizations and Advisory Committees, describing progress on technical and other IDN implementation issues. IDNs were discussed at the Public Forum, and a progress update was also given on the final day of the meeting. Of particular interest was how finalization of the IDNA protocol revision would impact top-level IDN domains, in particular when and how they will be introduced. *Next steps:* The Board asked the IDNC WG final report to be posted for public comment and asked staff to produce a detailed report on implementation issues, following consultation with the community, in time for the next meeting in Cairo in November 2008. *More information:* More information can be found online at: http://ccnso.icann.org/workinggroups/idnc-charter.htm and at http://icann.org/topics/idn ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Improving Institutional Confidence* The Paris meeting saw the release of three documents from the President's Strategy Committee (PSC) outlining a new "Improving Institutional Confidence" public consultation. This consultation's aim is for the community to discuss possible changes to ICANN in the lead up to the completion of the JPA in September 2009. This work has been led by the PSC whose role is to provide advice to the Board. The three documents – Improving Institutional Confidence in ICANN, Transition Action Plan and Frequently Asked Questions – were used as the basis for a two-hour discussion session. During a public meeting on the issue, the PSC explained how the consultation would work and how people could find out more information at each stage. The issue was also given a dedicated timeslot in the Public Forum. The documents are currently out for public comment (closing on 31 July). *Next Steps: * The consultation process outlined in the Transition Action Plan will be followed. The entire community is encouraged to read the documents and send their comments in before 31 July. The documents will then be revised and put out for additional comment in September 2008 in preparation for further discussions at the Cairo meeting in November. A final report by the PSC will be provided to the Board in December. *More information:* More information is available online at: http://icann.org/jpa/iic ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Independent Reviews* The independent review process requires each of ICANN's Supporting Organizations and Advisory Committees to undergo review every few years to make sure that the organization as a whole continues to serves the needs of the global Internet community. There are several independent reviews currently underway or soon to be launched. The Board of Directors is also undergoing an independent review in 2008. The Paris meeting saw a number of updates on the current reviews. *GNSO* The GNSO's review has been completed and it is now in the implementation stage. The Board approved all but one of the recommendations developed by a special Board working group to improve the effectiveness of the GNSO's policy activities, structure, operations and communications. Recommendations to be implemented include: • use of a working group model for future policy development • a revised policy development process • enhancements to the different constituencies that make up the GNSO • improved communications. The Board deferred its final decision on one recommendation - restructuring the GNSO Council – and decided to give the GNSO one last chance to submit a consensus recommendation on how to structure the Council before it makes its final decision in the next few weeks. The Board requested that the GNSO convene a small working group to submit a consensus recommendation on Council restructuring no later than 25 July. The group is to include one member from each constituency, one of the current Nominating Committee appointees, and one member from each liaison-appointing advisory committee (if that advisory committee so desires). In a related development, the GNSO Council postponed a vote on a top-level GNSO Improvements Implementation Plan and called for a 21-day public comment forum on the document. That open public comment forum closes on 18 July 2008. *ALAC* Two public sessions and two informal sessions were held to discuss a report from the ALAC's independent reviewers. The Board's ALAC review working group held its first sessions. The draft report is currently out for public comment. *Board of Directors* The Boston Consulting Group was selected as the consultant to perform the independent review of the Board of Directors. *Nominating Committee* A working group created by the Board Governance Committee is working on recommendations following the independent evaluators' report on the Nominating Committee. *Others* The Board established three working groups to review future independent review reports. They will cover: the Board, the DNS Root Server System Advisory Committee (RSSAC), and the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC). *Next steps:* The reviews will continue to progress through each step in the review process. Updates will be provided at the Cairo meeting in November. *More information:* More information including links to each of the reviews and public comments pages can be found online at: http://www.icann.org/reviews/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Registrar Accreditation Agreement* More progress was made on improvements to protections for registrants provided through the Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA – the contract ICANN holds with companies that register domain names on behalf of registrants). 15 revised changes and amendments were published in a report currently out for public comment (the comment period closes 4 August 2008). The amendments were outlined in meetings with individual Supporting Organizations and Advisory Committees, as well as a dedicated one-and-a-half-hour public workshop. RAA amendments also had a specific timeslot for discussion during the Public Forum, and were further outlined at the final day's report session. There are four categories of amendment to the RAA: • Enforcement tools, including graduated sanctions, liability and audit provisions • Protections for registrants, including possible improvements to data escrow and the ability to make resellers comply with RAA obligations • A more stable registrar marketplace, including training for registrar operators • Modernizing the agreement, bringing it up to date with changes in the use and reuse of domain names *Next steps:* The amendments will be revised following input during the public comment period and then shared with the Board, who will determine the next steps. *More information:* More information can be found online at: http://www.icann.org/topics/raa/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Meetings Review* A paper covering possible changes to ICANN meetings themselves was put to the community in a number of different sessions, including several Supporting Organization and Advisory Committee meetings, the opening day public forum, mid-week Public Forum, and the closing-day reports session. There were two main recommendations in the paper: • that ICANN move from three to two meetings a year; and • that one of those meetings be held in a "hub" city. There was a broad range of views and discussion on both points, as well as discussion of the change to the Paris schedule which saw the meeting end a day earlier on Thursday, rather than on Friday. *Next steps:* The meetings paper is out for public comment until 10 July and will be revised following feedback from the community. *More information:* More information can be found online at: http://www.icann.org/public_comment/#meeting-consultation-2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *IPv6* A number of information sessions on the new Internet Protocol were held in order to the make community more aware of support issues and to outline ways forward. The ALAC, ccNSO, Registry and Registrar constituencies were also addressed by experts on this topic during their own meetings. Business leaders were given an overview as part of the Business Access Agenda. IPv6 was also discussed during the Public Forum. The GAC heard from several individuals and organizations, including the OECD and the Names Resource Organization, about current trends and the challenges to IPv6 deployment worldwide. More information: A factsheet written in plain and clear language has been produced: "IPv6 – The Internet's vital expansion - October 2007". It explains the protocol upgrade to a non-technical audience and is available here: http://www.icann.org/announcements/factsheet-ipv6-26oct07.pdf <http://www.icann.org/announcements/factsheet-ipv6-26oct07.pdf> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Business Access Agenda* For the first time, a specific agenda and series of targeted meetings and discussions were held for business leaders in an effort to engage business more effectively within ICANN's processes. The agenda included briefings on the most significant topics facing ICANN at the moment, including new gTLDs, IDNs and IPv6, and a meeting with the Board of Directors. It was organized in cooperation with the E-Business, IT and Telecoms Commission of the International Chamber of Commerce. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Other issues* • The Board approved a recommendation by the GNSO to tackle "domain tasting". • The FY09 ICANN operating plan and budget of $57.1m were adopted by the Board. • Approval was given to a plan by PIR (the Public Interest Registry) to add the security protocol DNSSEC to the .org registry. • An "At Large Summit" was approved to enable representatives of Internet user groups (At-Large Structures) to meet together within the next year, most likely at the Mexico City meeting in March 2009. • The SSAC published a number of new reports and survey results relating to security and stability of the Internet. (http://www.icann.org/committees/security/) • A number of policy development processes were started or advanced at the GNSO including Fast Flux and inter-registrar transfers. • The GAC reiterated its strong support for a number of studies into the use and abuse of Whois data, and asked for clarification from the Board on whether studies would depend on the outcome of the GNSO Council's decision. The GNSO Council created a working group to review recommendations for Whois studies.

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Build successful business on FOSS
by Gakuru, Alex 28 Jul '08

28 Jul '08

Hi, I recently met an official from http://www.sun.com and requested if their company would be willing to speak to local FOSS services business providers on "How to build successful business based on Open Source Software"? and he agreed. At the BarCamp several local FOSS-SMEs signed up and before I proceed to the next level of organising a workshop/seminar/meeting (sometimes I get lost in the difference;) I've felt it would be prudent to ask if there would be other FOSS service providers interested? If so, please drop me an email at gakuru(a)gmail.com Regards, Alex

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Who should solve this Internet Crisis
by Michuki Mwangi 28 Jul '08

28 Jul '08

A very sober approach IMHO http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/27/AR200807270… Regards, Michuki. -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.

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Re: [kictanet] kictanet Digest, Vol 14, Issue 151
by Evans J. Nyagah 28 Jul '08

28 Jul '08

Why don't we put the discussion on new DG to rest and give him, a benefit of doubt to prove his worth, shem and the rest who believe they should be DG's have an opportunity since the DG position is not everlasting but has definite period one can serve. Evans Nyagah -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+ejnyagah=telkom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 8:53 PM To: Evans J. Nyagah Subject: kictanet Digest, Vol 14, Issue 151 Send kictanet mailing list submissions to kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke You can reach the person managing the list at kictanet-owner(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of kictanet digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Re: New DG (Joseph Manthi) 2. Official invitation for the Third IGF Meeting (alice) 3. DiploFoundation Call For Applications: Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme for INDIA 2008 (Plain Text email)] (alice) 4. Re: New DG (Joseph Manthi) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:40:09 -0400 From: Joseph Manthi <jmanthi(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] New DG To: Brian Longwe <blongwe(a)gmail.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Message-ID: <7BFDA3B6-0B09-4612-B15D-76A01A51BB0C(a)gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Bryan Well said New Vision is their way of saying that unless things go there way they shall scream and holler corruption all day long. As in this case. Let's use this case as an example - Shem thinks he should be the new DG not because he has the relevant experience but because he has a PhD in "imformatician" From what you have indicated they seem to have made the right decision. Joe Sent from my iPhone On Jul 25, 2008, at 5:33 AM, "Brian Longwe" <blongwe(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Wow, > > I think you guys are now just arguing for the sake of arguing. > > Some facts to help clear the air. > > 1) Mr. Njoroge has been with CCK since it's inception > 2) Mr. Njoroge has been working as second violin to all of the > preceding DGs > 3) The position was advertised broadly in all the local dailies by a > reputable International "Executive Appointments" firm > 4) The said firm processed applications, came up with a short list, > presented this to the CCK board > 5) CCK board interviewed all candidates > 6) CCK Board conducted follow up interviews on all candidates who > passed first interview > 7) CCK Board independently selected the highest scoring > candidate ... Mr. Njoroge > 8) CCK Board forwarded their recommendation to the Minister/President > 9) A lot of politicians tried to "get their man in" - thus wasting a > lot of time > 10) The Minister/President did the wise thing and ratified the > Board's recommendation > 11) Mr. Njoroge was announced as the new DG > > Is this the way things should be done? Yes! > Should we wish/hope for our Government to use a different approach? > No! > > So I'm happy and elated that we for the first time have a DG who has > served in/with the regulator for over 8 years. > > As Manthi has put it - let us see if he can deliver - I have a > feeling he will. > > Regards, > > Brian > > ps - what is this New Vision list I see copied whenever Shem is > mentioned? > > On Thu, Jul 24, 2008 at 5:50 PM, Joseph Manthi <jmanthi(a)gmail.com> > wrote: > See below > > On Thu, Jul 24, 2008 at 10:37 AM, Odhiambo Washington <odhiambo(a)gmail.com > > wrote: > On Thu, Jul 24, 2008 at 5:25 PM, Joseph Manthi <jmanthi(a)gmail.com> > wrote: > > Washington: > > I am not being personal, everything I have stated here is either > what Shem > > has said himself and what is in public record. One thing about > democracy is > > that the person in power appoints his people. When that person is > off power, > > all his people are replace with those of the new "presidents" > political > > persuasion. I do not see what you guys are whining about. > > In the US, the person in power appoints, and the appointee gets vetted > by Congress, > which has the rights to refuse such an appointment, yes? That is > democracy. > In Kenya, where noone can vet, do you still call it democracy? > > That is Parliament's problem not CCK or of this forum. If the > parliament does not want to exercise its prerogative to change laws > that allow it to oversee parastatals who are to complain if > appointments are skewed to one side. The only other recourse you and > I have is to make sure that we vote the right candidate in - that is > Democracy. We have a new parliament lets hope they listen to you. > > BTW: If you did not know it Dr Shem Ochuodho was an MP. Did he table > a motion to give the parliament powers to oversee appointment of CCK > DGs? > > I do not know > > > > > > Under the circumstances, the current leadership would have > appointed a > > village idiot to run CCK because according to them the idiot was > qualified > > and there would have been nothing wrong with that. You are > listening way too > > much to the WB/IFC to be of any good to the country. This guy has > worked in > > CCK - as someone else has stated. He probably knows more about > deregulation > > and ICT than 90% of the subscribers to this list - me and Shem > included - > > because deregulation is an economic concept. I expect him to lead > the CCK > > into the right direction. > > > > Having some ICT knowledge does not make you a good Regulator > Manager. The > > problem with people complaining too much is that their audience > stops > > listening. > > > > Give the guy a chance and stop whining about who should and who > should not > > have been appointed. > > So according to you, the status quo is equally good? > Then surely, I believe you are wrongly in this list, which seeks to > establish changes by > coming up with policies that can see this country move to the next > level! > > You are reverting back to stone age arguments. > > This is a political argument. I do not know the new guy, so neither > do you. And therefore you do not know his capability. Give him a > chance to prove himself. After all I am sure the full cabinet > including the PM's office was in on the appointment. Did they raise > hell because of his appointment? No. They obviously know something > you or I do not. > > Again - from studying places where Regulation and Deregulation has > happening - you do not need an "informatician" - whatever that is - > to run an ICT house or a regulator. > > An example: > - Steve Ballmer can't write a single line of code > - Ratan Tata probably does not know what an RJ45 cable is > - To name a few > > These two guys are running some of the best run ICT companies in the > world > > Joe > > > > -- > Best regards, > Odhiambo WASHINGTON, > Nairobi,KE > +254733744121/+254722743223 > _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ > > "Oh My God! They killed init! You Bastards!" > --from a /. post > > > > -- > Joseph Manthi > CEO > MEO Ltd > http://www.meoltd.com > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: blongwe(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/blongwe%40gmail.com > > > > > -- > Brian Munyao Longwe > e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com > cell: + 254 722 518 744 > blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com > meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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Re: [kictanet] Public Sector Appointments must be on MERIT
by waudo siganga 27 Jul '08

27 Jul '08

Thank you for the reassurance with regard to the particular instance of the DG Bwana P.S. This is what we want to hear: that Public Sector appointments are on Merit, especially in our industry. Waudo On Sun, 27 Jul 2008 21:36:51 +0300 (EAT), bitange(a)jambo.co.ke said: > Dear Waudo, > I agree with you 100% that Public Sector Appointments MUST be on MERIT. > Indeed the process that led up to the appointment of the DG was > transparent and meritorious. The reason why the selection agency (Ernest > Young) was competitively picked was to avoid any form of interverance. > > The Agency gave the Board six names. Five attended the interviews. > Three > names were forwarded to the Minister. Unfortunately, none of the five was > a woman (new policy we need to give a certain % of appointment to women > who make it to such a high level list plus other considerations include > regional representation). The Minister has the prerogative of picking > any > of the last three finalists but in this case he picked based on the order > of merit. In sum total, there was no political interverance in > appointing > CCK DG. The Government is open to views on a more meritorious process > that we need to use especially in appointing the Brand Kenya CEO. > > Asante. > > Ndemo. > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > People make a plan work, a plan alone seldom makes people work (Confucius).

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DiploFoundation Call For Applications: Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme for INDIA 2008 (Plain Text email)]
by alice 25 Jul '08

25 Jul '08

DIPLO FOUNDATION INTERNET GOVERNANCE AND POLICY > >Call for Applications > >Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme for INDIA 2008 > >DiploFoundation (http://www.diplomacy.edu) and the National Internet >Exchange of India (NIXI) (http://www.nixi.in/) are currently accepting >applications for the Online Capacity Building Training in Internet >Governance for India. This online training is designed to improve Internet >Governance (IG) related knowledge and skills for participants. The training >also facilitates community-building among individuals with different >backgrounds. > > >The Programme > >The programme offers places for 30 young professionals in India from diverse >stakeholder backgrounds in IG-related fields. The programme will start on 1 >September 2008, and will last for 10 weeks. > >The training is conducted entirely online and in English. Participation >takes place through an online learning platform enabling a variety of >interactive learning and communication tools and encouraging sharing of >knowledge and experiences. Participants are divided in two groups of 15 >participants, each, under the guidance of certified Diplo online tutors and >with support from trained professionals from the region. > >The ten most successful participants will be awarded a Policy Fellowship >from NIXI. The fellowship from will facilitate participation at the Internet >Governance Forum in Hyderabad, India, December 2008, by sponsoring five days >of bed and breakfast, and a stipend of ten thousand rupees to cover travel >and other costs. The selected participants may present findings of their >research at some parallel events at the IGF. > > >Timeline > >§ 10 July - call for applicants > >§ 5 August - application deadline > >§ 15 August - selection results > >§ 1 September - start of the course > >§ 15 November - final evaluation > > >Fee > >While the course is subsidized by NIXI and DiploFoundation, there is a >nominal fee of Rupees 1000 (Approx. USD 25) per participant (to be paid >after the selection). > > >Deadline > >The deadline for applications is 5 August 2008, by midnight UTC/GMT. > > >How to Apply > >For further information and to apply, please visit the DiploFoundation IG >website at http://www.diplomacy.edu/ig/IGCBP/display.asp?Topic=Call-India. >Do not hesitate to contact us at ig(a)diplomacy.edu . > > > > > > >____________________________________________________________ >You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance(a)lists.cpsr.org >To be removed from the list, send any message to: > governance-unsubscribe(a)lists.cpsr.org > >For all list information and functions, see: > http://lists.cpsr.org/lists/info/governance

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Official invitation for the Third IGF Meeting
by alice 25 Jul '08

25 Jul '08

Hi All For those who follow global internet policy and governance processes, here's the official invitation to the 3rd Internet Governance Forum taking place in India. best alice --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The UN Secretary General's invitation to the third IGF meeting, Hyderabad, India (3-6 December 2008) is online <http://www.intgovforum.org/usgdesa-letter-en.html> On behalf of the Secretary-General, it is my pleasure to invite you to participate in the Third IGF in Hyderabad, India on 3 - 6 December 2008. The meeting will be open to all World Summit on the information Society (WSIS) accredited entities, as well as other institutions and persons with proven expertise and experience in matters related to Internet governance. Following broad-based consultations through the Multi-stakeholder Advisory Group (MAG), the proposed agenda for the Third Meeting of the IGF will be as follows: * Reaching the next billion; * Promoting cyber-security and trust; * Managing critical Internet resources; * Taking stock and the way forward; * Emerging issues - the Internet of tomorrow The overall theme of the meeting will be internet for all'. This theme complements that of the 2008 World Telecommunications and Information Society Day, 'connecting people with disabilities'. The theme underscores the importance of ensuring that we include the world's 650 million people with disabilities as we move towards giving internet access to the next billion people. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Government of India for hosting the next Meeting of the internet Governance Forum (IGF). Our host this year provides us with a practical example of how tremendous economic growth can be achieved through harnessing the tools which the Internet has placed at our disposaL We will see first hand in the host city of Hyderabad, how India's development through the application of Information and Communication Technology (lCT) has been truly astounding. I look forward to welcoming you to the IGF in Hyderabad this December. The invitation is made by Under-Secretary-General Sha Zukang on behalf of the Secretary-General.

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Domain Name Security Paper Released]
by alice 25 Jul '08

25 Jul '08

http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-24jul08-en.htm <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=9826720&msgid=163486&act=9MXL&c=1…> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Domain Name Security Paper Released 24 July 2008 Marina Del Rey, Calif: For many years, the Internet community has been developing and enhancing a Domain Name System (DNS) security technology called DNSSEC. ICANN's strategic <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=9826720&msgid=163486&act=9MXL&c=1…> and operating <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=9826720&msgid=163486&act=9MXL&c=1…> [PDF, 480K] plans call for ICANN to be operationally ready to deploy DNSSEC at the root level and work with relevant stakeholders to determine how this should be implemented. With input from many stakeholders, ICANN has prepared a document describing this path to operational readiness for signing the root. The purpose of this paper <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=9826720&msgid=163486&act=9MXL&c=1…> [PDF, 342K] released today is to: a) articulate ICANN's initiatives toward operational readiness for DNSSEC signing; and b) help determine the right structures so ICANN is "…prepared to digitally sign the root using DNSSEC technology by late 2008", as directed in the July 2008 – June 2011 ICANN Strategic Plan after consultation with stakeholders and having sought the necessary approvals. Specifically, this document is not a roadmap for DNSSEC deployment. Ultimately, this roadmap will be developed by a community consultation process, and require relevant approvals through ICANN's IANA functions contract with the U.S. Department of Commerce. A public forum has been established at http://forum.icann.org/lists/dnssec-roadmap/ <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=9826720&msgid=163486&act=9MXL&c=1…> and ICANN actively seeks your input on this important matter. Email comments to dnssec-roadmap(a)icann.org <mailto:[email protected]> In addition recently, a prominent security researcher privately reported two domain name system (DNS) vulnerabilities to many DNS name server developers. DNSSEC would be a solution to these vulnerabilities. The details of the vulnerabilities have not yet been disclosed publicly at this stage so that developers can produce patches to reduce the threat these vulnerabilities pose. Private disclosures of this kind also give DNS operators an opportunity to patch systems before the vulnerabilities can be exploited for malicious or criminal purposes. ICANN understands there will be a public announcement of these vulnerabilities by the researcher in coming weeks. This vulnerability does not affect root-level servers or services that provide authoritative name service at the top level. But it does represent a threat for domain name servers that operate between end users and the root; servers operated by Internet Service Providers or large enterprises. Commercial service providers in general are aware of this issue, and are working with vendors to update their software to the latest versions. ICANN's Security Stability Advisory Committee will be examining this issue and may report more fully later. ICANN urges any entity operating name services to update to the current versions to provide greatest protection. Glen de Saint Géry GNSO Secretariat gnso.secretariat(a)gnso.icann.org http://gnso.icann.org _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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NATIONAL WORKSHOP FOR ICT POLICY REVIEW
by Esther WANJAU 25 Jul '08

25 Jul '08

Further to my invitation letter to the above workshop, I hereby attach a provisonal agenda for your information. Those who have not confirmed attendance please do so before end of thursday 24th, July, 2008. Esther Esther Wanjau Assistant Director/ICT Ministry of Information and Communications Tel: +254 20 251152/250517 Cell: +254 722 867361 email: esther.wanjau(a)information.go.ke

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Re: [kictanet] A LADY CPA II ACCOUNANT IS REQURED TO DO PART TIME TRAINING
by charles nduati 25 Jul '08

25 Jul '08

Hi All, Kindly forward to me ASAP CV for a lady who has minimum CPA II to be employed as a trainer ITS CALLED GENDER BALANCE Regards, Charles CHARLES N. NDUATI BUSINESS MANAGER JKUAT ENTERPRISES LTD JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY JUJA MAIN CAMPUS, THIKA P. O. BOX 79324-00200 NAIROBI, KENYA TEL: 254-067-52420 OR 254-067-52711 FAX: 254-067-52438 MOBILE:254-722728815 EMIAL:[email protected] www.jkuat.ac.ke ----- Original Message ---- From: joseph wafula <muliaro(a)yahoo.com> To: charles nduati <charlesnduati2002(a)yahoo.co.uk> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thursday, 24 July, 2008 5:17:06 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] NATIONAL WORKSHOP FOR ICT POLICY REVIEW Director Esther Wanjau, though I have atempted to confirm my attendance at National ICT Policy Review, I have realized that I have no invitatation letter. Is it possible for me to get one now or how do we go about it. Surely ICT policy is my domain of research and I cant imagine missing the workshop. Kindly advice Regards Dr Muliaro Wafula Institute of Computer Science & IT JKUAT --- On Tue, 7/22/08, charles nduati <charlesnduati2002(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: From: charles nduati <charlesnduati2002(a)yahoo.co.uk> Subject: Re: [kictanet] NATIONAL WORKSHOP FOR ICT POLICY REVIEW To: muliaro(a)yahoo.com Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 9:54 PM Hi Director Esther Wanjau, Thanks for the invitation, I bilieve I will attend the workshop and congratulations on your promotion to Assistant director Cheers Charles CHARLES N. NDUATI BUSINESS MANAGER JKUAT ENTERPRISES LTD JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY JUJA MAIN CAMPUS, THIKA P. O. BOX 79324-00200 NAIROBI, KENYA TEL: 254-067-52420 OR 254-067-52711 FAX: 254-067-52438 MOBILE:254-722728815 EMIAL:[email protected] www.jkuat.ac.ke ----- Original Message ---- From: Esther WANJAU <esther.wanjau(a)information.go.ke> To: charlesnduati2002(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Tuesday, 22 July, 2008 3:45:18 PM Subject: [kictanet] NATIONAL WORKSHOP FOR ICT POLICY REVIEW Further to my invitation letter to the above workshop, I hereby attach a provisonal agenda for your information. Those who have not confirmed attendance please do so before end of thursday 24th, July, 2008. Esther Esther Wanjau Assistant Director/ICT Ministry of Information and Communications Tel: +254 20 251152/250517 Cell: +254 722 867361 email: esther.wanjau(a)information.go.ke ________________________________ Not happy with your email address? Get the one you really want - millions of new email addresses available now at Yahoo! _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: muliaro(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/muliaro%40yahoo.com __________________________________________________________ Not happy with your email address?. Get the one you really want - millions of new email addresses available now at Yahoo! http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/ymail/new.html

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Re: [kictanet] NATIONAL WORKSHOP FOR ICT POLICY REVIEW
by charles nduati 24 Jul '08

24 Jul '08

Hi Director Esther Wanjau, Thanks for the invitation, I bilieve I will attend the workshop and congratulations on your promotion to Assistant director Cheers Charles CHARLES N. NDUATI BUSINESS MANAGER JKUAT ENTERPRISES LTD JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY JUJA MAIN CAMPUS, THIKA P. O. BOX 79324-00200 NAIROBI, KENYA TEL: 254-067-52420 OR 254-067-52711 FAX: 254-067-52438 MOBILE:254-722728815 EMIAL:[email protected] www.jkuat.ac.ke ----- Original Message ---- From: Esther WANJAU <esther.wanjau(a)information.go.ke> To: charlesnduati2002(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Tuesday, 22 July, 2008 3:45:18 PM Subject: [kictanet] NATIONAL WORKSHOP FOR ICT POLICY REVIEW Further to my invitation letter to the above workshop, I hereby attach a provisonal agenda for your information. Those who have not confirmed attendance please do so before end of thursday 24th, July, 2008. Esther Esther Wanjau Assistant Director/ICT Ministry of Information and Communications Tel: +254 20 251152/250517 Cell: +254 722 867361 email: esther.wanjau(a)information.go.ke __________________________________________________________ Not happy with your email address?. Get the one you really want - millions of new email addresses available now at Yahoo! http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/ymail/new.html

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Global Dialogue on the Future of e-Government: Government 2.0 and Beyond, July 29, 3.30pm -6.30pm
by Harry Hare 24 Jul '08

24 Jul '08

Dear Colleagues, Transforming governments is not easy. While technology alone cannot transform governments, governments today cannot transform without technology. In the fast paced world of technology, new approaches constantly extend the boundaries of what is possible. The pace of change is evidenced by the fact that terms like SOA, WOA, community sourcing, cloud computing, software-as-a-service, and Web 2.0 that seem almost common place today, were not in the lexicon only a few years ago. It would be good to step back and take a dispassionate view of where the practice of government is heading. Some interesting questions, in a 5-10 years time perspective include: * What is the future of government? Is technology facilitating a movement towards minimalist government? Joined-up, seamless government: is it feasible? * What is likely to be the next frontier in moving from e-government to i-government to u-government*? * How will government services be delivered in the future? What technologies are likely to be most relevant? * What should governments do to leverage existing and emerging technologies to achieve transformation? * What are the major challenges in moving towards Government 2.0 and beyond? It is from this background that African eDevelopment Resource Centre in conjunction with the Kenya ICT Board and the eDevelopment Thematic Group of the World Bank invite you to participate in the Global Dialogue on the Future of e-Government via videoconference at the World Bank Office Nairobi on 29 July 2008 3.30 pm - 6.30pm local time. Participation is free but one needs to register. Should you be interested in participating, please send your request to wangechi(a)africanedevelopment.org by mid-day 28th July 2008. Kindest regards Harry African eDevelopment Resource Centre eDevelopment House 604 Limuru Road, Old Muthaiga PO Box 49475 00100 Nairobi, Kenya Cel +254 725 650044 Land +254 20 3741646/7 <http://www.africanedevelopment.org> www.africanedevelopment.org July/August 2008 Training Opportunities Records Management 28-30 July IT Security 6-8 August GIS 20-22 August VSAT Eng 27-29 August (Dar es Salaam) Space is limited Book Now! P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

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harmonization policy for government ICT projects?
by saidimu apale 24 Jul '08

24 Jul '08

The Ministry of Lands is going hi-tech (http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=1&ne…) so is/was the Immigration Ministry, the Ports Authority with its failed/failing KWATOS system, the KRA... etc. Is there a gov't policy to guide Ministries or gov't agencies on implementation of such complex systems? A set of guidelines/best-practices? Minimum standards on care and retention of Kenyans' personal information? Most of those systems have a basic set of identical data (Kenyans' personal information: name, ID, etc): any guidelines on how the systems should inter-operate? In case of conflicting personal data, which of these systems is "official"? Apologies if this was discussed/settled earlier. Saidi

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Re: [kictanet] Expensive Software Systems [Update]
by James Kagwe 23 Jul '08

23 Jul '08

"Windows Explorer" browser? Who wrote this document??? ________________________________ From: kictanet-bounces+jkagwe=kippra.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of wesley kiriinya Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2008 3:18 PM To: James Kagwe Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] Expensive Software Systems [Update] Following the previous post about the KPA software system which costs > 200M (about 450M including hardware machines), I found the following interesting: http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8717&Item… In summary, the system only uses Internet Explorer (which makes one wonder whether a requirements document was ever created). I can already see your eyes twitching and teeth grinding so I will stop there... And it seems like KRA’s Simba's system is IE only also. I hope this area of ICT is covered in the policy so that Kenyans (whom I believe are very talented) are empowered to take up such projects. Regards. When I am working on a problem I never think about beauty. I think only how to solve the problem. But when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong. -R. Buckminster Fuller.

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FW: [TriumphOfContent] FW: How many subscribers to a web email list does it take to change a lightbulb? (Humor)]
by alice 23 Jul '08

23 Jul '08

Interesting....KICTAnet mailing list is different and immune...is it? best alice -----Original Message----- *From:* TriumphOfContent(a)yahoogroups.com [mailto:[email protected]] *On Behalf Of *Anjana Basu *Sent:* July 22, 2008 4:49 AM *Subject:* [TriumphOfContent] FW: How many subscribers to a web email list does it take to change a lightbulb? (Humor) *How many subscribers to a web email list does it take to change a light bulb? * *ANSWER:* * 1 to change the light bulb and to post that the light bulb has been changed. * 14 to share similar experiences of changing light bulbs and how the light bulb could have been changed differently. * 7 to caution about the dangers of changing light bulbs. * 27 to point out spelling/grammar errors in posts about changing light bulbs. * 41 to correct the spelling/grammar flames. * 6 to argue over whether it's 'lightbulb' or 'light bulb.' * Another 6 to condemn those 6 as anal-retentive. * 2 industry professionals to inform the group that the proper term is 'lamp.' * 27 to post URLs where one can see examples of different light bulbs. * 12 to post to the group that they will no longer post because they cannot handle the light bulb controversy. * 4 to suggest that posters request the light bulb FAQ. * 44 to ask, 'What is an FAQ?' * 2 to post reasons why the light bulb burning out is the result of a government conspiracy. * 4 to say, 'Didn't we go through this already a short time ago?' * 43 to say, 'Do a Google search on light bulbs.' * 1 lurker to respond to the original post 6 months from now and start it all over again. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: governance(a)lists.cpsr.org To be removed from the list, send any message to: governance-unsubscribe(a)lists.cpsr.org For all list information and functions, see: http://lists.cpsr.org/lists/info/governance

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Community Broadcasters
by Alex Gakuru 23 Jul '08

23 Jul '08

Good morning, I need to connect and correspond with community broadcasters. I recall KochFM had their representatives attend kictanet meetings last year.Does SIDAREC have representatives on the list? All help contacting other community stations is most appreciated. Regards, Alex

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NATIONAL WORKSHOP FOR ICT POLICY REVIEW
by Esther WANJAU 23 Jul '08

23 Jul '08

My Name is Esther Wanjau. I am the head of ICT in the Ministry of Information and Communications. The PS has requested me to invite all of you to the National ICT Policy Review Workshop on 28th - 29th July 2008 at Hilton Hotel to discuss the EA Harmonized ICT Policy. The PS will use the occasion to briefly present the Kenya ICT Policy Review Framework and invite you to contribute before the drafting begins. Attached is the Invitation Letter. Esther Esther Wanjau Assistant Director/ICT Ministry of Information and Communications Tel: +254 20 251152/250517 Cell: +254 722 867361 email: esther.wanjau(a)information.go.ke

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Flip Video Captures Kenya's Jimi Hendrix
by Brian Munyao Longwe 23 Jul '08

23 Jul '08

Nairobi Buzz: Flip Video captures Kenya's Jimi Hendrix The day I picked up the Flip Video camera I had a late dinner/drink with Harry Hare at Rezorus, a restaurant in Westlands. We innocently walked in and took our seats not knowing that that night was slated for a special performance by one of Nairobi's hottest bands. Within a very short time we realised that this was no ordinary evening as people kept streaming in and the place got fuller. But we cared less as the band kept belting out their own renditions of popular songs, both old as well as new. The hottest was probably "Hotel California" - during which the guitarist played the guitar solo Jimi Hendrix style with his teeth. As he was doing this, Harry punched me and pointed at the Flip - "Go catch that!" he shouted. And here is the result. http://mashilingi.blogspot.com/2008/07/nairobi-buzz-flip-video- captures-kenyas.html

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Re: [kictanet] Expensive Software Systems [Update]
by tyrus＠icsit.jkuat.ac.ke 23 Jul '08

23 Jul '08

> > "Windows Explorer" browser? Who wrote this document??? > Am also equally astounded at the level of technical aptitude these technical writers have and this is not the first time a glaring fact error has been made in this section of the BD. Honestly, if some one will write an IT article, will they atleast get their facts right? Tyrus Muya Kamau. Systems Administrator, eLearning Jomo Kenyatta University of Agri & Techology Kenya, Cell Phone: +254-721292936. Mail:[email protected] [DISCLAIMER] This message may contain confidential information and must not be copied, disclosed or used by anybody other than the intended recipient. If you have received this message in error, please notify us by e-mail (noreply(a)jkuat.ac.ke) and then delete the e-mail and any copies of it. E-mail may be susceptible to data corruption, interception and unauthorised amendment, and no liability is accepted for any such corruption, interception or amendment, or the consequences thereof. No liability or responsibility is accepted for viruses - it is your responsibility to scan

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IDS Research Fellows in Knowledge...]
by alice 22 Jul '08

22 Jul '08

Begin forwarded message: Message from Lawrence Haddad Dear Alumni: Warm greetings from IDS. I would be most grateful if you could circulate this advertisement for 2 IDS Research Fellows within your networks. Closing date for applications is July 29. Best wishes, Lawrence IDS Research Fellows in Knowledge, Information and Communication in International Development (closing date, July 29, 2008) http://www.ids.ac.uk/go/about-ids/working-at-ids/current-vacancies What roles do knowledge, information and communication play in positive social change? The Institute of Development Studies (IDS), Sussex, has launched a new research theme to advance understanding in this area (including the contribution of associated technologies) and is looking to appointtwo Research Fellowsto lead this work, linking research and practice within its Information Department, Communications Unit and Research Teams. IDS is looking for researchers interested in exploring this theme from an issue perspective, or equally as processes in themselves, for example, how information, communication and knowledge shape, and are shaped by, power relationships; how they affect the ways in which groups and individuals know, express and engage with development ideas. The two Research Fellows will be located within the IDS Information Department which runs several Knowledge Services (www.ids.ac.uk/info) that act as information and knowledge intermediaries. We therefore have a special research interest to develop thinking and practice in this area, closely linked to our capacity development work to support intermediaries around the world. Required qualifications and skills: Applicants will need to demonstrate their capacity for leadership, innovation and fund-raising and have a strong track record of independent research and publication and/or equivalent practical experience in a relevant field. They will also need to demonstrate how they would link analysis and research findings to practice and policy. Candidates should have a doctorate or equivalent demonstrable experience in research or practice, with at least one years experience post-doc. A commitment to working collaboratively and in teams with people from a range of cultural, disciplinary and organizational backgrounds is essential. Lawrence Haddad Director Institute of Development Studies www.ids.ac.uk good with research ------- End of forwarded message ------- _______________________________________________ AAW-Network mailing list AAW-Network(a)lists.apcwomen.org http://lists.apcwomen.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aaw-network

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Inside Nairobi, the Next Palo Alto?
by alice 22 Jul '08

22 Jul '08

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/20/business/worldbusiness/20ping.html?ex=121… Inside Nairobi, the Next Palo Alto? Jacob Wire/European Pressphoto Agency Google has mapped Nairobi and wants to add similar detail for other African cities. Other places must be content with technologies made by others. Yet people in these areas are dreaming of more. Consider Wilfred Mworia, a 22-year-old engineering student and freelance code writer in Nairobi, Kenya. In the four weeks leading up to Apple’s much-anticipated release of a new iPhone on July 11, Mr. Mworia created an application for the phone that shows where events in Nairobi are happening and allows people to add details about them. Mr. Mworia’s desire to develop an application for the iPhone is not unusual: many designers around the world are writing programs for the device. But his location posed some daunting obstacles: the iPhone doesn’t work in Nairobi, and Mr. Mworia doesn’t even own one. He wrote his program on an iPhone simulator. “Even if I don’t have an iPhone,” Mr. Mworia says defiantly, “I can still have a world market for my work.” Nairobi’s challenges are many. Internet use is relatively expensive and slow. Power failures are common. The city also lacks a world-class technical university. Mr. Mworia’s professors don’t offer lessons in the latest computer languages; he must learn them on his own. Political instability can be a problem, too. Earlier this year, Kenya suffered widespread violence after its disputed national election. For weeks, work in Nairobi came to a halt. “If you have a bright idea in Nairobi, you can’t just turn it around,” says Laura Frederick, an American working on an online payment system in the city. Still, Nairobi is home to a digital brew that invites optimism about its chances for creating unusual innovations. The city has relatively few wired phone lines or networked personal computers, so mobile phones are the essential digital tool. Four times as many people have them as have bank accounts. Text messages are far more popular than e-mail. Safaricom, the dominant mobile provider, offers a service called M-pesa that lets customers send money with text messages. Nokia sells brand-new phones here for as little as $33. While engineers in the United States lavish attention on expensive phones that boast laptoplike features, in Kenya there are 10 million low-end phones. Millions more are used elsewhere in Africa. Enhancements to such basic phones can be experimented with cheaply in Nairobi, and because designers are weaned on narrow bandwidth, they are comfortable writing compact programs suited to puny devices. “Applications are heavy in America,” says Michael Wakahe, a Nairobi code writer. “Here we have to make them light,” because simpler hardware requires smaller programs. These can have advantages in wireless systems. The distinctive digital experience in Nairobi inspires confidence in its youthful community of programmers, bloggers and Web enthusiasts. Over the past year, about 600 people in Nairobi — most under 25 — have coalesced into a group called Skunk Works, sharing ideas and encouraging new businesses. In June, it held an all-day workshop that included sessions on using the Android phone operating system from Google, developing applications for digital maps and creating content for mobile phones. “Possibilities are opening up for us,” says Josiah Mugambi, one of the group’s organizers. The prospect of marrying low-end mobile phones with the Internet is earning Nairobi notice from outsiders, who wonder whether the city might emerge as a test-bed for tomorrow’s technologies. One intriguing possibility is broadcasting local television programs on mobile phones. In Nairobi’s highest-profile validation, Google opened a development office here last September. “Africa is a huge long-term market for us,” Eric E. Schmidt, Google’s chief executive, said by e-mail. “We have to start by helping people get online, and the creativity of the people will take care of the rest.” Google hired seven recent university graduates, who digitally mapped the streets and structures of Nairobi for Google Maps. The company is now doing the same for other African cities. A leading Nairobi television broadcaster, NTV, has made a deal to present whole episodes of its programs on YouTube, a Google property. Google plans to hire more people in Nairobi and is recruiting staff in half a dozen other African cities. In Nairobi, Google chose a veteran of the city’s Internet-access industry to lead its office. The company assigned two Americans here; like the presidential candidate Barack Obama, each is the child of a Kenyan and an American. The company’s presence has raised ambitions. “When I interview people for jobs in this office,” explains Chris Kiagiri, a Google technology officer in Nairobi, “I ask them, ‘What would you like to see Google do in this market that it has not attempted anywhere else in the world?’” “A lot of people assume Google is trying to replicate in Africa what it has done elsewhere,” adds Mr. Kiagiri, who transferred last year from Google’s head office in California. “Sure, we want to bring existing products into this market. But we also want to organize information locally in a way we haven’t done elsewhere.” To be truly creative in a technological backwater is to defeat geography. Even as powerful a technological force as Google might not succeed. But dreaming of greatness, Kenyans are pushing Google to expand into completely new areas. One local programmer, Timothy Mbugua, wants Google to enhance its communication backbone so he can use it to build a money-transfer business that would charge lower rates than existing services. While it sounds daunting, Mr. Mbugua explains, “I’m only saying to Google, ‘This is what I need from you in order to execute my idea.’” G. Pascal Zachary teaches journalism at Stanford and writes about technology and economic development. E-mail: gzach(a)nytimes.com.

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