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Of journalists, and corruption�.
by Rebecca Wanjiku 08 Aug '07

08 Aug '07

Of journalists, and corruption. When a friend of mine sent a scathing SMS castigating a fellow journalist, I was offended. He had advised me to urge my colleague to go to hell. I was offended because I expected more from a lawyer I had grown to respect, I thought he had better skills to deal with it than to splash mud on everyone. He complained of bad faith and malice, demonstrated by a cartoon in the newspaper. But the core of my friends complaint was what he described as chronic corruption within journalism. He felt that the journalists who write or publish negative things are the same ones who queue for handouts. This is an old saying, has been told over generations. Even the meanest of characters, who cant even afford to buy a drink for anybody, shout themselves dead when speaking about corrupt journalists. I am not overly impartial in this, because my opinion has always been- it takes two to be corrupt. Can anyone who gives money or other favors to journalists claim to be righteous? The main question: do the journalists hold a gun to anyone demanding money? This question was underscored by the Members of Parliament who claimed the only reason for passing the media bill is because the journalists are corrupt and survive on hand outs. It was argued that it is fair to pass the controversial media bill that will force journalists to reveal sources, because journalists are corrupt. It was even said that journalists are always seen walking to parliament. How right! The question of corruption is controversial, because the journalists threaten to publish malicious details. But there are other mechanisms for redress can sue or officially complain. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Building a website is a piece of cake. Yahoo! Small Business gives you all the tools to get online.

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"Call for Participation: Trust and the Future of the Internet
by alice 08 Aug '07

08 Aug '07

From: Lucy Lynch <lynch(a)isoc.org> Date: 8 augusti 2007 20.06.17 GMT+02:00 To: isoc-members-discuss(a)elists.isoc.org Subject: [isoc-members-discuss] A Call for Subject Experts Greetings - Your help in disseminating this announce would be greatly appreciated: "Call for Participation: Trust and the Future of the Internet The Internet Society (ISOC) Board of Trustees is currently engaged in a discovery process to define a long term Major Strategic Initiative to ensure that the Internet of the future remains accessible to everyone. The Board believes that Trust is an essential component of all successful relationships and that an erosion of Trust: in individuals, networks, or computing platforms, will undermine the continued health and success of the Internet. The Board will meet in special session the first week October of 2007 for intensive study focused on the subject of trust within the context of network enabled relationships. As part of this process, the Board is hereby issuing a call for subject experts who can participate in the two day discussion. Topics of interest include: the changing nature of trust, security, privacy, control and protection of personal data, methods for establishing authenticity and providing assurance, management of threats, and dealing with unwanted traffic. Participants will be selected based on a short paper summarizing individual interests and qualifications as well as availability. The retreat will be held in Toronto, Ontario (CA) . Travel and accommodation costs will be covered by ISOC and participants should expect to arrive October 4th and depart on the 6th or 7th. Expressions of interest may be emailed to: Oct07-retreat @ elists.isoc.org and papers should not exceed three pages. Papers must received by August 24th, 2007 and the Program Committee will make their selections on or before September 7th, 2007. Subject experts will be allotted one hour for presentation on October 5th and will be included in the days round-table discussions. In order to facilitate open discussion, final presentation materials should be forwarded to ISOC no later than September 21st, 2007. We look forward to a lively and informative meeting on this important topic and encourage you to share this announcement with your communities of interest." Lucy Lynch Director of Technical Projects Internet Society (ISOC)

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ICANN Releases Draft IDN Evaluation Plans
by alice 08 Aug '07

08 Aug '07

Procedures for IDN TLD Evaluation Deployment in the Root Zone 6 August 2007 ICANN has finalized the procedures describing how IANA will manage the insertion, administration and removal of internationalized top- level domains in the root zone for the upcoming evaluation. The procedures were posted previously for public comments. That comment, as well as advice from the technical community (including RSSAC), was taken into consideration in editing the final versions. The two procedures guiding this effort are: 1. IANA Root Zone Procedures for Test IDN Deployment <http://www.icann.org/topics/idn/test-deployment-procedures-06aug07.htm> The final procedure was approved by the ICANN Board on 29 June 2007 (see http://icann.org/minutes/resolutions-29jun07.htm <http://www.icann.org/minutes/resolutions-29jun07.htm>) after some clarifications were provided in response to public comment (see http://forum.icann.org/lists/iana-idn-process/) These procedures are being implemented by IANA in preparation for the insertion of IDN evaluation TLDs. 2. Root Server Operator Procedures for Emergency Revocation of Evaluation-purpose IDN TLDs <http://www.icann.org/topics/idn/operator-emergency-procedures-06aug07.htm> The purpose of this procedure is to provide a method of quickly removing IDN TLDs from the root zone in the very unlikely event that insertion of these evaluation strings negatively impact DNS or root server operations. After consultation with the RSSAC, the procedure has been modified to focus on a communication protocol that root server operators will employ in the identification and mitigation of any problems that might arise for root server operations as a consequence of the proposed testing of IDN strings . Root server operators will monitor and identify deteriorated service potentially caused by IDNs in the root. If such a result is detected, ICANN will be notified and in turn activate the procedure. IDN Program -- looking forward: The next milestones in the IDN Program Plan requires obtaining necessary approvals to insert the eleven suggested evaluation top-level domains (the term <.test> translated into eleven languages). (See the IDN .test Evaluation Plan at http:// icann.org/announcements/announcement-2-19jun07.htm <http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-2-19jun07.htm>). An additional announcement will be made once the approvals have been received. It is anticipated that these evaluation TLDs will be launched in late September 2007. ------------------------------------ Updated IDN .test Evaluation Plan ICANN updates the IDN .test Evaluation Plan based on comment to the previously posted version of the plan for the insertion of evaluation IDN TLDs in the root zone 19 July 2007 Update ICANN has amended the draft plan for insertion of evaluation IDN TDs into the root zone based on comments received on the public forum established for that purpose (see, http://forum.icann.org/lists/idn-tld-test/) Specifically, an amended version of the proposed label for the Persian TLD, has been posted (see, http://www.icann.org/topics/idn/idn-evaluation-plan-v2.9.1.pdf [PDF, 241K]). The changes that have been made: (i) replaces the previously suggested Persian .test TLD with an alternate TLD label that more clearly reveals the Persian YEH, and (ii) changes of the reference to the name of the language from Farsi to Persian. Comments on this or other aspects of the evaluation plan can be made to idn-tld-test(a)icann.org <mailto:[email protected]> and viewed at http://forum.icann.org/lists/idn-tld-test/. For more details please see: http://forum.icann.org/lists/idn-tld-test/msg00002.html and http://forum.icann.org/lists/idn-tld-test/msg00003.html. --------------------------------------------------- ICANN Releases Draft IDN Evaluation Plans 19 June 2007 As announced previously in the IDN program status report, in the draft IANA Root Zone Procedures for Test IDN Deployment, and the draft IDN TLD Root Server Performance / Tolerance, ICANN has developed a plan for insertion of IDN TLDs in the root zone for evaluation. The .test plan contains two separate evaluation facilities where the feasibility and usability of fully localized domain names can be evaluated and tested in a live environment. Implementation of this plan is one of the core elements in ICANN’s IDN Program. The draft .test plan is posted here for public comment <http://www.icann.org/topics/idn/idn-evaluation-plan-v2%209.pdf>. The draft contains a preliminary list of scripts for the example.test evaluation strings. Recommendations for changes or additions to this list of strings will be reviewed carefully to ensure broad public participation in the evaluations. During the public comment period, the plan will be discussed during several sessions of the ICANN meeting in San Juan (June 2007) and at the RSSAC / IETF meeting in Chicago (July 2007). Subject to these and other consultations, a final version of the plan will be provided for ICANN Board consideration at its 14 August 2007 meeting. ICANN Board approval will be sought for the plan, including approval of the insertion of the suggested evaluations strings (<.test> translated into a number of different languages), in the root zone. According to the plan the evaluation facilities will be launched in late September 2007. Comments to the draft .test plan can be submitted idn-tld-test(a)icann.org <mailto:[email protected]> and viewed here http://forum.icann.org/lists/idn-tld-test/. For other questions or inquiries regarding ICANN’s IDN Program please contact Tina Dam, ICANN’s Director for the IDN Program, at tina.dam(a)icann.org <mailto:[email protected]>. Translation of the .test plan into Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese is currently underway and will be released shortly.

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Journalists are THE Source of Corruption!
by Alex Gakuru 08 Aug '07

08 Aug '07

Welcome to despots utopia land where corruption must be legitimized by all legal means available. "Journalism is said to be a profession. But journalists are employed by media owners. The way journalists are treated is shameful. We know them and they are up there in the Press Gallery. I have never seen one driving a car. They live on handouts. That is what brings in a lot of corruption." http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143972553&catid=4 1. "is said to be a profession" depicts a resentment of despicable work 2. "But journalists are employed by media owners" according to him no professionals earnestly be employed. 3. "The way journalists are treated is shameful" Now the hero liberator comes to the rescue of mistreated journalists. 4. "We know them and they are up there in the Press Gallery." - We vs Them and we shall fix sort them out today 5. "I have never seen one driving a car." materiality concept is what is worship in the House? So when this MP see Kenyans walking, he has so little, if at at all any for them. Maybe he forgot to say "Please let us pass that other law quickly and tripple our 60 million retirement package. I need two new cars" 6."They live on handouts." Earlier had said "we know them" and now they live on handouts, so pass laws to make us richer and we feed them on our leftovers. 7."That is what brings in a lot of corruption." Thus passing this law is their noble respected legal responsibility in the fight against corruption. Why has not Guinness Book of Records awarded them with a medal recognizing their success at fighting graft? one asks. ---- Hello.. Hello.. awaken to the reality: http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=25&n… Will the President endorse this Bill? Nop! I highly doubt it. Will the MP get re-elected? Maybe, if voters are not aware of this Hansard Extact. WE WANT EVERY HANSARD AVAILED ONLINE! ____________________________________________________________________________________ Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today! http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7

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Key CTO Forum in Kenya to examine solutions to African rural connectivity]
by alice 08 Aug '07

08 Aug '07

CTO Forum in Kenya to examine solutions to African rural connectivity Africas search for real solutions that will lead to the early connection of the nearly 80% of the Continent that is still without telephone and internet access will take a giant leap forward when ministers, regulators, operating company executives and high-level officials from various development partner agencies converge in Nairobi for the Connecting Rural Communities Africa Forum 2007, and is preceded on the 20th August by a meeting of the Commonwealth Connects programme. The Forum is taking place at the Grand Regency hotel in Nairobi, Kenya from the 21st to the 24th August. This key event, organised by the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) and hosted by the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), will provide a forum for discussion of research findings, policy options, regulatory strategies, business models, financing and investment facilities, available technologies and public-private-people-partnerships that could enable improvement in African rural connectivity. The Conference proceedings are expected to contribute to a major study to be launched by the CTO on Africas Rural Connectivity within the context of the Commonwealth Connects programme, and recommendations from the Conference will go a long way to outline the agenda for subsequent meetings, workshops, programmes and projects in the sector. The advances in information and communication technologies (ICTs) in developing nations are facilitating socio-economic development, as well as the general progress and well-being of individuals and communities. ICT has been identified as playing a leading role in enabling countries to attain their Millennium Development Goals, such as the elimination of poverty, combating of serious disease, improving access to education and providing equal opportunities to women. This conference will discuss each of these issues and highlight the work of African governments, regulators and the private sector in providing universal access. For ICTs to be sustainable and provide widespread ubiquitous access to all citizens, it is generally considered imperative that governments, regulators and the private sector work together to provide solutions and enhance connectivity. As part of its commitment to bridging the digital divide, the CTO has produced this knowledge-sharing event, designed to bring together the giants of the ICT sector, from both the public sector, private companies, the development and academic community and civil society, especially non-governmental and community-based organisations. CTOs CEO, Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, states: We are delighted to be able to assemble such a high faculty of speakers and delegates from all over Africa, and also from many other regions of the world. Participants in this Conference are those who have come to acknowledge that of all the challenges the global community faces in the ICT sector, that of connecting Africas rural populations must be the epi-centre. All who are committed to the use of ICTs to advance the development process should be interested in this fundamental challenge. We look forward to seeing and meeting with as many of Africas development and investment partners as possible. The CTO Conference will significantly contribute to the development of universal access to ICT in the African region. Based on the success of last years CTO event on Connecting Rural Communities in Abuja, Nigeria, the CTO has decided to increase the duration of this years forum to three days to incorporate a Focus day which will cover amongst other things, telemedicine and improving the accessibility of education. The Conference be preceded by a half-day workshop on the use of satellites to connect rural communities in the afternoon 21st August; a half-day meeting between the CTO and heads of Universal Service Funding agencies in Africa, on the morning of 21st August, and by another all-day meeting on 20th August of representatives of African Commonwealth countries whose Points of Contact will discuss various issues involved in the Commonwealth Connects programme, that has been mandated by Commonwealth Heads of State and Government. According to an official of one of the several companies that has agreed to sponsor the event, Connecting Rural Communities Africa is a timely opportunity for all stakeholders who are spearheading rural connectivity to network, discuss best practices for harnessing ICT to deliver socio-economic benefits, share strategies for connecting rural Africa and consider different solutions for bridging the digital divide through sustainable ICT connectivity. For more information and to register to attend, or for opportunities to support this event, contact: Toby Davies Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation Tel.: +44 870 777 7697 t.davies(a)cto.int <http://mailer.eddiction.co.uk/_webscripts/emaillog.php?789c35cbcd0a80201004…> *** About the CTO - The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) is an international development partnership between Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth governments, business and civil society organisations. It provides the international community with effective means to help bridge the digital divide and achieve social and economic development, by delivering to developing countries unique knowledge-sharing programmes in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the specific areas of telecommunications, IT, broadcasting and the Internet.

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Telkom's new licence, Sh69b debt and layoffs
by Mike Theuri 08 Aug '07

08 Aug '07

The Standard reports the following excerpts in part: http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143972525&catid=14 ++++++++ *Telkom Kenya plans major debt and project swaps to rid it of liabilities amounting to Sh68.8 billion as part of restructuring before privatisation. *======== The debt burden itself is astounding given the sum of US$1bn. The government's promise to hand over TKL with a clean balance sheet ought to invite offers far in excess of the said $50m that was said to have been offered by some bidders. While debt swap is a novel idea, the tax payer should not inadvertently become the party to whom the debt is swapped to, directly or indirectly. *++++++++ Mr Solomon Kitungu, Director of Reforms in the Ministry of Finance, said the Government has already factored the funding initiatives in the current budget, with Sh41 billion made available towards the process.* ======= It appears that the Kenyan taxpayer is bound to be saddled with heavy debt obligations far more than the previously thought Ksh 20bn. The government would do well to inform Kenyans at large just as it did for the potential bidders as to what is in it for them and the country were the sale of TKL to be successful considering it is our hard earned taxes that are paying for this privitization +++++++ *This in addition to Safaricom interconnection interest of Sh1.3 billion, Paris Club and other loans paid by Government amounting to Sh3.8 billion. There is also the Government debt on telephone and data lines amounting to Sh3.4 billion, new mobile license (US$55m), which requires Sh3.9 billion and liquidity and investment support of Sh3.5 billion. *======= It now appears that TKL is set to transition from a fixed wireless provider for which it was already licensed, to a fully fledged mobile provider at par with Safaricom and Celtel. Whether the complaints against TKL generated more than the providers bargained for (ie the mere payment of excise and VAT taxes vs a new mobile operator on equal operational footing) remains to be seen. Clearly TKL with its basket of licences will be a formidable provider once privatized considering it will be able to offer competitive and bundled services (wireless + wireline + internet + IPTV etc etc). The $55m mobile licence fee presumably will again be footed by the taxpayer. Is the government in effect throwing this arena wide open to any RWA operator by licencing TKL as a mobile operator? This would be a big plus for the consumer and other entrants eager to tap the market. Hopefully the Kenyan taxpayer who is likely to be bearing this $1 billion+ burden will not be short changed when it comes to the offer amount. TKL's management had reportedly asked for 5 years to run TKL, 5 years might be too long but atleast 2-3 years ought to have been fair. I believe TKL if given a chance would alleviate the debt burden to be passed on to taxpayers by leveraging its new services and restructured organization so as not to unfairly burden the Kenyan taxpayer and unduely reward foreign entities coming on board. Hopefully we will get to see consortiums that include local partners bidding for the sale. The government should be willing to reject bids that do not reflect the true value of TKL after the Ksh 69 billion debt offload. With a clean balance sheet, TKL ought to be worth in excess of the range Rothschilds once valued it at: $800m - $1.3bn. Why the Government did not seek to ask the bidders to assume part of the debt remains to be seen, though it does make the sale very attractive. Also to be seen is whether the government intends to undertake measures to ensure that the Nation's national security is not compromised as a result of the sale. Mike Theuri

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Echelon (Spy Network).
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 07 Aug '07

07 Aug '07

Guys, Big brother is watching: 1. Echelon <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ECHELON> - Wikipedia Article. 2. The Echelon Project & Evidence of Anglo Leasing that even Ringera won't bear to ignore<http://kumekucha.blogspot.com/2007/03/echelon-project-and-evidence-of-anglo…> - Kumekucha Article. Kind regards, Michael. -- "To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wildflower...hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour..." ~ William Blakeg. --

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[KBC Poll] Internet Users: 90.4 per cent oppose revealing sources
by Alex Gakuru 07 Aug '07

07 Aug '07

According to the ongoing KBC (http://www.kbc.co.ke/) Poll (image attached), Internet Users resoundingly object to journalists revealing their sources of information. Guess we are mostly OK with the 4th Estate continuing to broadcast and publish their goofs on their front pages, when they do-it's better than government info black-outs. Hope our Safari Park Hotel request that the ICT Bill incorporates a Blogger Protection clause is incorporated. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase. http://farechase.yahoo.com/

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Security Tips.
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 06 Aug '07

06 Aug '07

Guys, Forewarned is forearmed. I didn't want to bypass an opportunity to disseminate this information. Don't forget to check out this great page on e-mail hoaxes to boost your awareness: Urban Legends & Folklore.<http://urbanlegends.about.com/> Kind regards, Michael. -- "To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wildflower...hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour..." ~ William Blakeg.

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Re: [kictanet] It's a new twist for Econet Wireless
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 06 Aug '07

06 Aug '07

Dear Mr. Theuri, Thank you for supplying more details. You raise many issues here and more importantly is the fact that you understand the difference between regulatory and policy. For smooth running of the industry, the regulator must be independent. The current Government at least wants an indepedent regulator. We must leave regulatory issues to the regulator. The Econet matter is regulatory. The Government has extricated itself from mixing regolatory and policy issues. This is simple and straight forward. Your problem is the fact that you are a party to the issues sorrounding Econet and you are not disclosing that to your audiences. At some point I am told you did not want KNFC to have access to the licence. Now you are advocating issuance of the same licence to KNFC. I deceided to engage with you in this discussion because I thought you were a sincere Kenyan interested in seeing justice. I now know that you cannot in any way see issues in this matter objectively. You will therefore excuse met from further discussion on this issue. I HAVE RESTED MY CASE. Regards Ndemo. > Dear Dr. Bitange, > > Thank you for your candid response and dialogue. I disagree that I am > in effect spilling any beans. The information being shared is in > possession of the Government, the regulator, KACC, courts in various > jurisdictions and covered in numerous publications across the world. > These are public domain sources and some of these documents have been > provided in many different courts by none other than Econet and the > regulator. In case my liberal sharing has been misunderstood, the > information I have shared revolves around the infamous litigant, > Econet, any information that touches on the Government is a result of > being willingly or unwillingly mired in the scandal and highlights the > danger of the Government crossing the line of being an impartial party > and becoming complicit by extension in the actions of the foreign > entity. > > The documents and facts speak for themselves and I believe there is a > pending matter in court against the regulator over the failure to > respond appropriately to an objection to the licence as required by > law. Such are the endless consequences that will potentially continue > to haunt the government if the right decision is not carried out. > > My humble opinion is that for the sake of integrity and faith in > future tendering and so as to attract companies that will not > disappoint, that the regulator seek to conduct proper and thorough due > diligence so that Kenyans and the GoK are not in essence defrauded or >%2 ---------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world"

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Should the ICT Bill pasing follow The Media Bill...
by Alex Gakuru 05 Aug '07

05 Aug '07

On second thought, I recall the President said "Kama mtu yeyote [serikali-ni] ana kukasirisha sema..hapana ogopa! basi..." thus Bill Kagai,no-one should succumb to online intimidations and if I am wrong they should just say so. I am fully aware that some providers are afraid of "license implications" if they speak out... Now, given the secrecy, contradictions and last-minute maneuvers in Kenya's law-making processes consumers may be forced to pro-actively go to court to challenged the ICT Bill on constitutional illegality, certainly if the "storming clause" is not deleted. Other transparent legislators committed to consumers accessing affordable telecommunications even publish their Bills online(e.g. PDF bill, Section 5 Excemptions (2) "during an emergency declared by the President") http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070803-community-broadband-act-would… ____________________________________________________________________________________ Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today! http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7

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Register your free offical Postal Email Address at PostKenya.com
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 04 Aug '07

04 Aug '07

Can you say: "Najivunia kuwa Mkenya?" ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: TelePosta Communications <postmaster(a)postkenya.com> Date: 04-Aug-2007 22:51 Subject: Register your free offical Postal Email Address at PostKenya.com To: kipsangb(a)gmail.com Dear Kenyan, As a proud Kenyan or a person with interest in Kenya, we are glad to announce to you that a new Email hosting PostOffice platform for Kenyans has been launched at http://www.postkenya.com Here, you can get your own FREE official email address and start to communicating officially with both local and international clients as well as get insightful business tips. Register now for free at PostKenya.com to get your own *email(a)postkenya.com*and have an official address that you can use to communicate freely. Please forward this message to friends and help get Kenyans on the web officialy. TeleP0sta Communications, PostKenya.com <http://www.postkenya.com> -- "To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wildflower...hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour..." ~ William Blakeg.

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New law forces media to reveal sources
by Alex Gakuru 04 Aug '07

04 Aug '07

>From now on, would you trust Kenya media with any confidential corruption story, especially if you were in the civil service? or expect Editors to even touch let alone fearlessly publish corruption reports when they will have to name their sources. Who will now dare accuse a minister of graft? In short, "You Kenyans shut up and let us eat". Loss of business for local media houses and we revive your old shortwave radio. You will need it henceforth to tune in to BBC, VOA, etc for breaking news on Kenya? But then again, one can always publish in foreign newspapers that protect their sources and on websites. At least for the time being before another internet censorship and PCs confiscation law is passed. Don't you love Kenya? Have fun with whistle blower protection program joke... ____________________________________________________________________________________ Sick sense of humor? Visit Yahoo! TV's Comedy with an Edge to see what's on, when. http://tv.yahoo.com/collections/222

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Fellowships to Ensure Global Voices Heard at ICANN
by alice 03 Aug '07

03 Aug '07

see <http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-02aug07.htm> Fellowships to Ensure Global Voices Heard at ICANN Program builds on the successful pilot program run at San Juan meeting 2 August 2007 MARINA DEL REY, Calif.: More voices from across the globe will be heard at ICANN's 30th International Public Meeting in Los Angeles later this year thanks to the global fellowships program being launched today. "ICANN has a global mandate and it's important that we do what we can to support participation from every corner of the world. This program makes sure we have involvement from individuals from developing and least developed nations who otherwise may be unable to attend," said Theresa Swinehart, ICANN's Vice President, Global and Strategic Partnerships. "The pilot of the fellowship program at our San Juan meeting was a success and has helped us refine the program for the upcoming ICANN meeting in Los Angeles." The 33 fellows from 24 countries who played an active role at the San Juan meeting were chosen from 125 applications received -- and 65 per cent of the fellows and 68 per cent of applicants had never attended an ICANN meeting. Priority will be given to applicants who are current residents of developing and least developed nations who are interested in participating in ICANN and its supporting organizations, such as the Governmental Advisory Committee, the Country Code Names Supporting Organization, and the Generic Names Supporting Organization. The fellowship will assist in covering airfare, hotel and a stipend. Recipients will be expected to actively participate in and contribute to ICANN processes. As always, registration for ICANN's meetings is free for anyone wanting to attend. The Los Angeles meeting will be held from 29 October to 2 November 2007. "ICANN is working on major efforts with internationalized domain names and new top-level domains -- efforts that represent some of the biggest changes to the Internet since it was invented," Swinehart added. "ICANN wants as much input and global engagement as possible on issues like IDNs and top-level domains -- and the fellowship program has a key role in helping us accomplish that goal." Applications will be accepted from now until 1200 PDT (UTC -7) on Friday 24 August 2007. More information, as well as a link to the application for a fellowship, is available online at: http://www.icann.org/fellowships/ etc etc about ICANN. ____________________________________________________________

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[Fwd: AfriNIC position on the future of IP number resources]
by Michuki Mwangi 03 Aug '07

03 Aug '07

PLEASE READ - Very IMPORTANT! -------- Original Message -------- Subject: AfriNIC position on the future of IP number resources Date: Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:13:29 +0400 From: Adiel A. Akplogan <ceo(a)afrinic.net> To: members-contact(a)afrinic.net Dear Members, After considering the situation of the IPv4 central pool exhaustion and the analysis paper published by AfriNIC staff in April 2007 [1], The AfriNIC Board approved in its last meeting an action plan for the staff to intensify its awareness campaign on the issue and advise network operators in the region to make their network infrastructure IPv6 ready as soon as possible. Resolution [#200707.01]: "Noting the imminent exhaustion of the IPv4 address central pool, the AfriNIC Board resolves that efforts to draw the public's attention to the problem and potential solutions such as IPv6 be intensified, and instructs the staff to take appropriate action in this regard" In line with this resolution, we have released the attached message to draw your attention to the situation. This direct communication will be followed by different other measures/activities to continue to promote the adoption of IPv6 in the Africa region. Among other activities, AfriNIC will have a press conference to reach out to a larger audience including the media and intensify its IPv6 training activity across the continent. We will also soon launch a specific area on our web site dedicated to IPv6, from where policy, training materials, papers and other useful information related to IPv6 will be available. Do not hesitate to contact our team, should you have any further questions or need more clarification. Sincerely, [1] http://www.afrinic.net/news/ipv4_exhaustion.htm ______________________________________________________________________ Adiel A. AKPLOGAN Tel. +230 466 66 16 Chief Executive Officer, AfriNIC Fax: +230 466 67 58 adiel(a)afrinic.net www.afrinic.net <http://www.afrinic.net/>================ See you at AfriNIC-7 - Durban, South Africa 23-28 September 2007, www.afrinic.net/meeting/afrinic-7 <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/afrinic-7> -- Michuki Mwangi KENIC _______________________________________________ members mailing list members(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/members

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ICT & Investment
by Bill Kagai 03 Aug '07

03 Aug '07

*MEDIACORP INVESTOR CLINIC – NYALI BEACH HOTEL, MOMBASA Saturday, 1st September 2007 – 9.00am – 4.00pm* MediaCorp Limited is a Licensed Information Vendor of the Nairobi Stock Exchange [NSE]. In our efforts to promote awareness and as a result of overwhelming interest from our subscribers and the investing community in Mombasa, we will be hosting the above mentioned clinic at the coastal city. The main panel will consist of the following speakers: - *Dr. Bitange Ndemo* – PS, Ministry of Information and communication who will speak on the role of ICT in harnessing online trading. - *Mr. Jimnah Mbaru* – Chairman, Nairobi Stock Exchange [NSE] who will speak on transforming the market from a paper to a digital market and the future vision of the NSE. - *Mr. Bob Karina* – Managing Director, Faida Securities who will speak on demystifying the bond market by taking advantage of ICT in Kenya. Other key themes of the Clinic will feature; - NSE Real Time Data Demonstration by MediaCorp - Investor Rights and Redress - Brokers, Unit Trusts and Investment Groups Exhibition - Upcoming Safaricom IPO - Facts and Figures - Presentations by Exhibitors - Plenary with Mombasa Investors *EXHIBITION* A parallel exhibition will run at the conference venue and interested players are invited to participate so as to take advantage of interacting with the Mombasa investing community. Branded booths will be available for Kshs 46,400 (VAT Inclusive). This includes free access for two to the Clinic and exhibition area. *PARTICIPATION FEE* Kshs 2,500 per person inclusive of VAT. Patrick Kahugi, the event coordinator is available on Tel. 254 20 272 8332 or Mobile 0722 374 393 to confirm your attendance. -- Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited Nairobi Stock Exchange [NSE] - Authorised Information Vendor Suite B2 Tetu Apartments StateHouse Avenue P. O. Box 20311-00200 Tel. 254 20 272 8332 Fax. Rendered Obsolete URL. www.mediacorpafrica.com --

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[Fwd: CTO and Kenya Work Together to Prepare for Post 3G Era]
by alice 02 Aug '07

02 Aug '07

Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation INFORMATION FOR THE PRESS For immediate release 2nd August 2007 CTO Telephone: +44 870 777 7697 Fax: +44 870 034 5626 E-mail: j.manuel(a)cto.int <http://mailer.eddiction.co.uk/_webscripts/emaillog.php?789c35cbcd0a80201004…> www.cto.int <http://mailer.eddiction.co.uk/_webscripts/emaillog.php?789c4b49ca4cb135b254…> CTO and Kenya Work Together to Prepare for Post 3G Era The CTO is to run a multi-stakeholder workshop on mobile technologies beyond 3G in Nairobi, Kenya from the 6th to the 10th August. The workshop is organised as part of a CTO-CCK programme to help telecom professionals in Kenya gain a thorough understanding of the opportunities future mobile network generations hold for access to mobile services and ICTs. Like most Commonwealth countries, Kenya embraced the potential of new technologies as an opportunity to extend public services and improve trade through new applications such as e-commerce and m-commerce. And with todays ever increasing data processing and the transmission capabilities of handsets and networks and their relative lower cost compared with traditional PCs, mobile telephony is proving the most likely means for the unconnected masses in developing countries, not only to experience and use the Internet on a regular basis, but to fully integrate the information economy. For this to become a nation-wide reality, these new applications require trained engineers and business managers, and also networks to migrate to more spectrum-efficient transmission systems and standards. The workshop will give telecoms professionals in Kenya a detailed understanding of both the evolution from 2G to 3G and the network elements and air interface of the original UMTS system. Furthermore, the course will be covering other broadband services such as WLAN, Wimax and MWBA, whilst also looking at LTE (Long Term Evolution) and how the latest developments in UMTS will push the technology very close to 4G requirements. In fact, the aim in the end is for participants to be able to understand and leverage the UMTS and IEEE standards. CTO is intensifying its programmes on new technologies for greater access. Earlier this year, three Kenyans from CCK were sent by CTO to a high-level workshop in Yaoundé, Cameroon on frequency planning and spectrum management for NGN. And to spur member countries interest on the potential of NGN, the CTO is holding a major conference on NGN and convergence. Organised within CTO's Programme for Development and Training (PDT) in partnership with CCK and Nokia Siemens Networks, the Nairobi workshop will last five days. As the Commonwealth capacity building programme for ICTs, the PDT is a unique corporate membership programme for sharing of industry best practices in a uniquely fast-moving and global industry. Hundreds of ICT professionals from public and private sector organisations around the world benefit from its professional development programmes each year, built around a mix of high-quality training, networking and consulting in four main areas: ICT policy development, regulation, technology and business management. For more information and to register to attend, contact: Juliet Manuel Programme Management Officer Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation Tel.: +44 870 777 7697 j.manuel(a)cto.int <http://mailer.eddiction.co.uk/_webscripts/emaillog.php?789c35cbcd0a80201004…> *** About the CTO - The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) is an international development partnership between Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth governments, business and civil society organisations. It provides the international community with effective means to help bridge the digital divide and achieve social and economic development, by delivering to developing countries unique knowledge-sharing programmes in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the specific areas of telecommunications, IT, broadcasting and the Internet.Click here to unsubscribe <http://mailer.eddiction.co.uk/_webscripts/emaillog.php?789c1d8a3b0ac4300c05…>

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[Fwd: [governance] registration for Rio IGF is open]
by alice 01 Aug '07

01 Aug '07

For all those interested in internet governance issues: http://intgovforum.org/register/index.php Registration for the second meeting of the IGF is <http://intgovforum.org/register/index.php>now open. [updated 30 July 2007] The Government of Brazil will host the second IGF meeting. It will take place in Rio de Janeiro on 12 - 15 November 2007. best, Veni ____________________________________________________________ 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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[Fwd: [Kenic-board] IT Internship Position]
by alice 01 Aug '07

01 Aug '07

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: [Kenic-board] IT Internship Position Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2007 14:13:01 +0300 From: Vincent Ngundi <vincent(a)kenic.or.ke> To: KeNIC Board <kenic-board(a)kenic.or.ke> CC: KeNIC Mgmt <mgmt(a)kenic.or.ke> KENIC wishes to invite interested and qualified persons to submit applications for the above vacancy. *Position* The KENIC Internship programme aims at giving the Intern's hands-on experience on certain aspects of the working environment. The programme also provides additional human resources to the existing KENIC workforce. The KENIC Internship programme will run on a 3-month rotational basis. *Qualifications and Skills* Interested candidates should meet the following criteria: * Be an undergrauate pursuing a Bsc in Computer Science degree - on vacation(preferably going to their final year) or just cleared college * Hands-on experience in using UNIX/LINUX * N+ or Cisco Certifications will be an added advantage * Hardworking * Self-driven - can work with minimum supervision * Ladies are encouraged to apply *How to Apply* Applications should contain a cover letter detailing skills and abilities and with the subject "Application for IT Internship Position" and should be sent via email to internship(a)kenic.or.ke <mailto:[email protected]> on or before the 24th of August 2007. Applicants should also attach a detailed copy of their resume. Kind Regards, *Administrative Manager* *Kenya Network Information Centre* _______________________________________________ Kenic-board mailing list Kenic-board(a)ole.kenic.or.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kenic-board

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Re: [kictanet] It's a new twist for Econet Wireless
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 01 Aug '07

01 Aug '07

Dear Mr. Theuri, Whereas you may be having more information than we do, it may be prudent for you to spill out the beans for the world to know. It is pointless to implicate the Government if you cannot substantiate your claims. We have gone through all these motions for the past one year and the best way forward was to remove government from any possible liability. Remember we accepted $15 million deposit for the licence fee (whether this was right or wrong it is water under the bridge). Even if we were to refund this at normal interest rates, it is a lot of money to the tax payer. One way or another, we had to make a decision since this matter is more of regulatory than policy. If indeed there is injustice to the whole matter, the courts will deny Econet from getting to set up in Kenya. Nobody has stopped KNFC from pursuing justice. One thing that I have learnt in this office is that you cannot be indicisive and hope to achieve anything. I have always used Thika road as the best analogy. In as much as the users are suffering with traffic jams, they usually do not think the same if the Government wanted to make it a six lane highway in both sides, still there will be protesters who will say pedestrians crossing will have a problem or the goat keepers at Utalii will claim lost business. Once in a situation and you want to move on, the most prudent thing you do is to make a decision (good or bad). Have a decive day. Regards Bitange Ndemo. > One cannot envy the PS for he is in a difficult situation trying to > extricate the government from a situation which would never have occurred > had those responsible (long before the tender concluded) abided by the law > and struck out the litigant based on publicly and widely available > information during the pre-qualification stage of the tender. Even though > some might disagree, two wrongs do not make a right, and history no matter > how long it takes to get there will be the judge of this government's > actions. As was the case, while the Government was fighting the litigant > in > Kenyan courts, a different arm of the Government was bizarrely engaged in > a > PR campaign on behalf of the litigant in a foreign country! Was the > litigation in Kenya a mere public relations exercise to show Kenyans that > the government tried to do something so that Kenyans could mistakenly > conclude that atleast the government 'fought tooth and nail' ? > > The government cannot claim to know it did not know what kind of 'animal' > it > was dealing with when it allowed the litigant to get past > pre-qualification > while international telecom giants with more experience, cash and > ---------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world"

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Internet privacy does not really exist
by Alex Gakuru 01 Aug '07

01 Aug '07

Even you feel "stupid" at least now you know.... ------------------------------------------------- Experts in the field of Internet privacy have a consensus that Internet privacy does not really exist. Privacy advocates believe that it should exist. ISPs Consumers obtain Internet access through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). All Internet data to and from the consumer must pass through the consumer's ISP. Given this, any ISP has the capability of observing anything and everything about the consumer's (unencrypted) Internet activities; however, ISPs presumably do not do this (or at least not fully) due to legal, ethical, business, and technical considerations. ISPs do, however, collect at least some information about the consumers using their services. From a privacy standpoint, the ideal ISP would collect only as much information as it requires in order to provide Internet connectivity (IP address, billing information if applicable, etc). A common belief exists that most ISPs collect additional information, such as aggregate browsing habits or even personally-identifiable URL histories. What information an ISP collects, what it does with that information, and whether it informs its consumers, can pose significant privacy issues. Beyond usages of collected information typical of third parties, ISPs sometimes state that they will make their information available to government authorities upon request. In the US and other countries, such a request need not involve a warrant. An ISP cannot know the contents of properly-encrypted data passing between its consumers and the Internet. For encrypting web traffic, https has become the most popular and best-supported standard. Note however, that even if users encrypt the data, the ISP still knows the IP addresses of the sender and of the recipient. (However, see the IP addresses section for workarounds.) General concerns regarding internet user privacy have become a concern enough for a UN agency report to on the dangers of identity fraud. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_privacy ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545469

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ICT and Engineering Students Exhibition 2007
by Kevit Desai 31 Jul '07

31 Jul '07

Dear All, The 10th Anniversary of the annual ICT and Engineering Students' Exhibition 2007 of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) will be held on 14th -15th September 2007 in Nairobi at Sarit Centre Expo Hall. This exhibition brings together academia, industries and government to realize the vital opportunity of creating linkages and collaboration.. The event is supported by the Ministry of Information and Communications, Kenya Private Sector Alliance and the Kenya ICT Federation,Kenya Association of Manufacturers among others. This years' theme is 'ICT IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT' The objective of the Engineering Students Exhibition is to encourage students to develop their engineering skills and to give them deeper insight in technology coupled with market demand. The preparation and presentation of projects challenges them to use their theoretical knowledge and demonstrate their engineering ability. Students also network with local and international participants, and interact with senior representatives of the private sector. This being the 10th Anniversary, the exhibition will be equally large and best projects that demonstrate innovation and talent are being sort. The participants are required to place their projects in one of the following categories: i. Electronics Engineering * Electrical * Electronic ii. Information & Communication Technology (ICT) * Computer Hardware * Computer Software iii. Mobile Application I therefore wish you to encourage students in all learning Institution to register for projects and email to: <file:///\\Md\..\..\..\..\Kevit\Desktop\ieee%20dcos\IEEE%202007%20EXHIBITION \exhibition(a)centurionsystemsltd.com> exhibition(a)centurionsystemsltd.com The following link www.engineeringexhibition.com <http://www.engineeringexhibition.com/> is the web page for The Engineering Students' Exhibition.You can access the registration forms. Yours Faithfully, Chair- IEEE Kenya Section Kevit Desai Director of Engineering - Centurion Systems Ltd Chairperson IEEE - Kenya Section Governor - KEPSA Director - KEPSA Director - Innovation Africa BOA - AIESEC Member - National Strategy for University Education 2nd Fl, New Rehema Hse, Raphta Rd, Westlands -Nairobi P.O. BOX 66031 - 00800 Nrb. Tel: 0204440101 Fax: 0204440104 Mobile: 0722517067 http://www.centurionsystemsltd.com <http://www.centurionsystemsltd.com/> http://www.ieee.org <http://www.ieee.org/> http://www.engineeringexhibition.com <http://www.engineeringexhibition.com/> http://www.innovation-africa.net <http://www.innovation-africa.net/> http://www.kepsa.or.ke <http://www.kepsa.or.ke/> http://www.powerup.co.ke <http://www.powerup.co.ke/> http://www.aiesec.org <http://www.aiesec.org/>

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VoiP market dominated by big players
by Alex Gakuru 31 Jul '07

31 Jul '07

BTW/I hope this is not the duo's proactive strategy to lock out interconnection with our upcoming community WiFi telcos? We intent to populate rural areas with IP phones using Licence Free 2.4 and 5.8 GHz band courtesy of CCK. I shall reveal details at my CTO presentation here <http://www.events.cto.int/default.aspx?event=crcafrica07> [Business Daily] <http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2196&Item…> "VoiP market dominated by big players" Okuttah, Mark 31-July-2007 --<snip>-- Recently, the CCK came up with the maximum amount chargeable for voice interconnection. The regulator also asks companies to interconnect with other network providers though it does not state how or how long an interested party should engage the other. Mr Nzioka Waita, the Legal Service Manager at Safaricom, said the company is negotiating with seven ISP providers on the matter and that sealing a deal depends on a number of factors, including the traffic volumes and quality of service. Some of the providers dump low quality VoIP services on consumers, so why go through them if we are able to secure the same deal with an international partner? he asked. Mr Nzioka says Safaricoms capacity cannot allow it to interconnect with all the players and was using a first come first served formula, which is usually on the basis of a nondisclosure agreement. Celtel Kenya CEO David Murray says while a number of the ISPs have shown interest in interconnecting to the companys network, most do not have independent clients and can only act as agents. <snip> ____________________________________________________________________________________Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV. http://tv.yahoo.com/

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Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] It's a new twist for Econet Wireless
by Mike Theuri 31 Jul '07

31 Jul '07

David, These are good questions, and several remain to be unravelled. There are many dimensions to this issue. One party clearly has a public relations scoop over the other as certain reporters who masquerade as 'correspondent' gleefully write about one entity in a one sided manner that borders on glorification. If KNFC's arguments are accurate, it begs the question of how a minority shareholder made a decision on behalf of an entire company without the knowledge of the other shareholders so as to 'withdraw' the case. I doubt that KNFC want to pocket the difference, just the other day none other than Vice President Awori promised to deliver the licence to KNFC/EWK on Ushirika day while addressing members of the Co-operative movement. This was reported in sections of the media (note the lop sided coverage) and KNFC was quoted as stating they were prepared to go it alone (per KT and Capital FM). You are right on the mark, it is imperative to use lawyers to avoid these types of controversies or where token board members (now former) of a company are compromised and terrorize an entire movement. KNFC were brought on board by a well meaning Kenyan who was then an executive at the foreign entity, he was apparently inspired by how Empowerment programs were working in South Africa. KNFC has the capacity to raise the capital. KNFC has been derailed several times by powerful outside forces who continuously meddle in its attempts to progress. This licence is fully capable of being wholly owned by Kenyans and Kenyans alone if need be through a combination of grass root equity through the cooperative movement, private equity,debt financing and a build, operate and transfer arrangement. What KNFC needs is an advisory firm with experience preferably with transactions in South Africa's empowerment models. As to the retention of the funds, it will be interesting to see how the Government handles this debacle. As it is, if the tender rules were to have been followed to the letter the licence ought to have been cancelled over 2 years ago according to the tender rules and the Kenya Communication Regulations. ======== Page 16, Section 4.5 of the Tender document: The pre-qualified mobile operators consortia shall not be allowed to change the character of their composition by either substituting any of the pre-qualified operators' consortia with a new member or by submitting separate bids. ========== Page 90 of the 3rd mobile Tender document regarding cancellation was also appropriately applied in the case of the Second National Operator in cancelling Vtel's bid where VTel was willing to pay but its local partners were not: (iii) if the Applicant, after having notified the Commission of its acceptance of the licence, fails to pay the licence fee fully within 60 (sixty) days after such notice; http://www.telegeography.com/cu/article.php?article_id=16405 The East African reported on November 1, 2004, the following: However, the licence was not awarded as the fee was not raised by the October 17 deadline. But neither did the Communication Commission of Kenya (CCK) invite fresh tenders or award the licence to the second highest bidder as required by the Kenya Communications Act. Instead, it decided to give the Kenya National Federation of Co-operatives another 30 days – beginning October 18 – to raise its share of the amount required. Econet has already paid its share of $15 million of the licence fee. ========= Perhaps VTEL should get a similar deal no matter how unorthodox and get a second shot at the licence now that the regulator has established a precedent?? Well that remains to be seen. Mike Theuri On 7/25/07, David Kiania | Asentric Consulting Ltd <kianiadee(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > Herein lies poignant lessons for anyone looking to partner for whatever > reason. First avoid Farmers and amorphous bodies their interests are as > diverse as their membership. KNFC nees to tell us since EWK will be > settling the legal costs of the suits that they have terminated, what % > of the legal bills will they foot. Secondly can they or can't they raise > their portion of license fee which was a point of contention ab initial. > From what I gather, they are broke and are not in a position to so of > the US$ 27m license fee, Econet International has already paid $12M > being the majority shareholder can KNFC raise $15M or are they seeking > to auction their shareholding and have and pocket the surplus. Me thinks > they want to cash out and pocket something. > > Last but not least, the outcome will also be influenced by their > shareholders' agreement on liquidation and ownership transfer. Herein > lies the other lesson, during incorporation get a good lawyer, not a pal > because they will cost you nothing. From my experience get a lawyer (in > their personal capacity) with one of the big firms (K&S, HHM, etc) they > have great incorporation templates and are thorough not to mention they > know how to get things done right. > > I have a feeling that EW Kenya may carry the day, after all the govt > needs to fund the Kshs 400 billion budget deficit and are in not > position to refund the $12M already paid, it's an election year :) Watch > what happens carefully . > > Kiania D. > > > > Mike Theuri wrote: > > It's a new twist for Econet Wireless as it prepares to roll out its > > services > > Written By:Emmanuel Toili , Posted: Tue, Jul 24, 2007 > > > > It's a new twist for the third mobile service provider Econet Wireless > > International after the Kenya National Federation of Co-operatives > > limited- > > KNFC > > threatened to take a court injunction to stop the rolling out of the > > mobile > > services. > > > > Interim Chairman Stanley Muchiri said the Federation had neither > > withdrawn > > two > > court cases that prevented Econet Wireless International from > > providing the > > mobile services. > > > > The government and Econet Wireless International had last week signed a > > settlement agreement and agreed to settle the contentious issues out of > > court. > > > > KNFC who are allegedly the majority shareholders of Econet Wireless > > Consortium, > > want the Communications Commission of Kenya - CCK, to issue them a > > license > > as a > > partner. > > > > http://www.kbc.co.ke/story.asp?ID=43974 > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > > _______________________________________________ > > skunkworks mailing list > > skunkworks(a)my.co.ke > > http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > > Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com > >

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Fwd: [DigAfrica] CyberTrackers of the Kalahari take out their PDAs in Botswana
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 30 Jul '07

30 Jul '07

I thought I might want to share this with you... (KWS wanafanya nini?) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: yamanjanl <yamanjanl(a)yahoo.com> Date: 15-Jul-2007 17:58 Subject: [DigAfrica] CyberTrackers of the Kalahari take out their PDAs in Botswana To: DigAfrica(a)yahoogroups.com That indispensable electronic tool of every rising young executive, the personal digital assistant (PDA), has been matched to the traditional knowledge of the Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert to give Africa a new profession: digital wildlife tracker. The high-tech wildlife trackers have been used against poachers, in ecotourism, environmental education, research and monitoring. The free software that links up traditional knowledge to electronic data mapping has been applied around the world to social surveys, organic farming, integrated pest management and disaster relief. The new profession sprang from the work of Louis Liebenberg, a South African conservation scientist who learned tracking from bow-and- arrow hunters in Botswana. He recognized the importance of their skills and knowledge for conservation — and how little it was valued by protection authorities, partly because the Bushmen could not read or write. With former University of Cape Town computer scientist Justin Steventon, Liebenberg developed a hand-held computer and software to capture their knowledge. He called the system CyberTracker. The computer displays a palette of symbols representing more than 40 animal species, subspecies and plants. The icons also cover activities such as drinking, feeding, running, fighting, mating and sleeping. Pressing an icon records a sighting or other indications. Each screen allows the user to record increasingly detailed information. They found that one tracker might record up to 300 observations in a day. Connected to a satellite navigational system in 1996, the hand-held computer automatically recorded the details, time, date and exact location. This information was processed on a base-station computer to create maps and charts of animal movements and feeding habits. Today, all the data collection can be done on a PDA and worked on a personal computer. The free software used to turn a tracker into a digital wildlife tracker has now been downloaded over 25,000 times in more than 50 countries. When Liebenberg received a Rolex Award for Enterprise for his work with CyberTracker, the European Union funded work that enabled him to set up a non-governmental organization to develop and distribute the software as part of his effort to establish a worldwide network to monitor wildlife (http://www.cybertracker.org) Mr Liebenberg's plan was to hand over management to someone else and go back to research exclusively, but so far that remains a dream, and he now also spends time evaluating trackers for certification. The scientist's efforts had a social development goal from the start. "I set out to show that there is an alternative for the desperately downtrodden and impoverished Bushmen whose understanding of nature and its rhythms is unparalleled," he says. The illiterate trackers who carried out the first project, a detailed study of the black rhinoceros, were able to publish their findings in a respected scientific journal with the aid of Liebenberg and Steventon. Certified trackers now run into the hundreds. Liebenberg runs tracker certificate programmes in South Africa at the Thorny Bush Nature Reserve, a private reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park, and the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park. Others are now also organized in the United States. 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