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AI in Kenya: Opportunities, Challenges and Policy Actions
by David Indeje 16 Nov '23

16 Nov '23

Dear Listers, Some interesting pointers from the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy when it comes to embracing adopting AI in Kenya. Here are the full remarks from Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, Mbs, Principal Secretary. Key Note: AI in Kenya: Opportunities, Challenges and Policy Actions | KICTANet Think Tank <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/key-note-ai-in-kenya-opportunities-challenges-an…> -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *KICTANet Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/18428106/admin/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/>

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The Rise of Tech-Driven Solutions in East Africa: Trends and Opportunities
by David Indeje 15 Nov '23

15 Nov '23

Dear Listers, East Africa is a region that is undergoing rapid transformation, thanks to the adoption and innovation of various technologies. From mobile money and fintech to e-learning and edtech, to agritech and food security, to health tech and telemedicine, to clean energy and green tech, the region is witnessing a surge of tech-driven solutions that are addressing some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities on the continent. In this inaugural newsletter, we review some of the key technology trends that have happened in East Africa, based on the latest news and reports. <https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rise-tech-driven-solutions-east-africa-trend…> -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *KICTANet Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/18428106/admin/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/>

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Strengthening Kenya's ICT Environment with a New Partnership Agreement
by David Indeje 10 Nov '23

10 Nov '23

Dear Listers, We are excited to announce that we have signed a partnership agreement with The Slovak Agency for International Development Cooperation, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Nairobi that shares our vision and values for encouraging synergies for ICT policy-related activities and initiatives. This partnership will enable us to increase awareness and engagement in cybersecurity and privacy in Kenya, as well as to foster collaboration and exchange of best practices between the two countries. For details: KICTANet and Slovakia Sign ICT Partnership | KICTANet Think Tank <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kictanet-and-slovakia-sign-ict-partnership/> -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *KICTANet Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/18428106/admin/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/>

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An Overview of the Maisha Namba Project: Kenya’s New Digital Identity System
by David Indeje 10 Nov '23

10 Nov '23

Dear Listers, The article discusses the Maisha Namba project, which is a new digital identity system for Kenya that aims to replace the failed Huduma Namba project. The project consists of four elements: the Maisha Namba, the Maisha Card, the Digital ID, and the National Master Population Register. The article explains the features and benefits of each element, as well as the potential security and privacy challenges. The article also provides some background information on the previous Huduma Namba project and why it was unsuccessful. https://www.kictanet.or.ke/understanding-maisha-namba-kenyas-new-digital-id… -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *KICTANet Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/18428106/admin/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/>

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Did Safaricom stop US roaming?
by waudo siganga 08 Nov '23

08 Nov '23

Greetings, Does anyobe know if Ssfaricom stopped roaming service in the USA? Kind regards, Waudo

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Blank tape levy comes to effects in Kenya.
by Mwendwa Kivuva 07 Nov '23

07 Nov '23

The cost of ICT devices had gone up after the blank tape levy came into force. What is a Blank Tape Levy? A nominal fee imposed on the sale of blank media and devices, such as CDs, DVDs, USB drives, and smartphones, which can be used to make personal copies of copyright content. The collected funds are then distributed to creatives. What is affected? Any device that can be used to store copyrighted content like a phone, computer, laptops, smart watches, CDs, tapes, memory card, TV, game consoles, printing papers, photocopying machines, hard disks or USB disk. Why? This levy is imposed by the Copyright law to compensate copyright holders for potential revenue lost when individuals make private copies of their copyrighted works, such as music, movies, or software. Private copying allows individuals to make personal backups or copies of copyrighted material for their own use, such as making a backup of a music CD or copying a movie to a personal device. What is the commencement date? 15th September 2023. Read more about the law here https://copyright.go.ke/sites/default/files/downloads/FAQs%20on%20Blank%20T… Reuben Kagame sued to halt release of the levy to creatives to ensure the equitable distribution of the collected funds without excluding any category of copyright owners. Read more here https://www.google.com/search?q=blank+tape+levy+kigame&rlz=1CDGOYI_enKE1017…

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UNESCO Guidelines for the governance of digital platforms Launched
by Victor Kapiyo 07 Nov '23

07 Nov '23

Dear listers, UNESCO has launched the Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms. These Guidelines outline a set of duties, responsibilities and roles for States, digital platforms, intergovernmental organizations, civil society, media, academia, the technical community and other stakeholders to enable the environment where freedom of expression and information is at the core of digital platforms governance processes. The Guidelines were produced through a multi-stakeholder consultation that gathered more than 10,000 comments from 134 countries. These global-scale consultations fostered inclusive participation, ensuring a diversity of voices to be heard, including those from groups in situations of marginalization and vulnerability. Cultivating an Internet of Trust is a shared responsibility among all stakeholders. It calls upon us all to sustain an enabling environment for freedom of expression and the right to information. Read more - https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000387339 Regards, Victor Kapiyo Partner | Lawmark Partners LLP Nine Planet Apartments, Nairobi | Web: www.lawmark.co.ke ==================================================== “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude” Zig Ziglar

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Public Participation: Have Your Say on the Draft Kenya Space Bill 2023
by David Indeje 06 Nov '23

06 Nov '23

Dear Listers, The Kenya Space Agency is developing a legal framework to regulate and promote the development of the space sector in Kenya. The Draft Kenya Space Bill 2023 aims to provide for the establishment, management, and functions of the Kenya Space Agency, as well as the regulation of space activities and related matters. We invite you to review the Draft Kenya Space Bill 2023 and share your views and comments. You can access the draft bill and other relevant documents from the links below. Kenya Space Agency (ksa.go.ke) <https://ksa.go.ke/docs/kenya-space-bill> Please send your written submissions by email to secretariat(a)ksa.go.ke or by post to the Director-General, Kenya Space Agency, by Monday 20 November 2023 at 5:00 p.m. -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *KICTANet Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/18428106/admin/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/>

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Citizen Data protection anomaly at Ministry of Interior
by Mwendwa Kivuva 05 Nov '23

05 Nov '23

In the age of data protection, the Ministry of Interior is publishing at scale the names of all citizens who have successfully applied for passports. Every week since the CS initiated the rapid results initiative, the Immigration Department has been publishing publicly the names of all passports ready for collection. Kindiki may have been doing a good thing - expediency, but as they say, the road to hell is paved by good intentions. The list is available on the immigration department website here http://immigration.go.ke/category/rri-7/ for all passports ready for collection for 6th-10th November 2023. More data is available for other weeks. The data has tracking numbers, full passport holder names, and collection dates. Through quick analysis, this week alone has 18,654 names published and distributed as follows; Kisii 1500 Kisumu 1692 Eldoret 1787 Embu 1750 Mombasa 1552 Nakuru 1000 Nairobi 9373 Questions 1. What can go wrong? What can bad actors do with this data? 2. Do data subjects need to give consent for such data to be published in a public portal? 3. Does the government have the capacity to safely handle mass citizen data? 4. How have other government agencies provided verification services without compromising on privacy? IEBC had such a challenge before the 2022 elections and they instituted a verification process for accessing voter registration data. 5. Does the Ministry of Interior have the capacity to roll out the Digital ID dubbed Maisha namba? 6. Is the ODPC under the Data Protection Act 2019 up to the task of regulating and enforcing compliance of government agencies? 7. How can we help the government in handling citizen data? For demonstration purposes, what are the implications of a data breach at scale? Just this year, there were allegations that Fuliza scammers gained access to the National Registration Bureau Database and added new citizens. The freshly minted ghost citizens went ahead and borrowed close to Ksh500 million through Safaricom’s Fuliza overdraft facilities. https://ntvkenya.co.ke/crime/eight-suspects-arrested-in-kes-500-million-ful…

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Complaint on Quality of Service along SGR Corridor (Mombasa - Nairobi)
by Twahir Hussein Kassim 27 Oct '23

27 Oct '23

Chukua Hatua Team, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concern and frustration regarding the poor quality of service for mobile and internet connectivity along the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) corridor between Mombasa and Nairobi. The SGR has undoubtedly been a significant infrastructure development for our country, greatly improving transportation between these two major cities. However, the lack of reliable and consistent connectivity along this corridor is negatively impacting both travellers and businesses alike. As a frequent traveller on the SGR, I have experienced repeated disruptions in mobile and internet services during my journeys. These connectivity issues not only inconvenience passengers but also hinder productivity and communication for those who rely on the train as a workspace. The challenges I've faced include: 1. *Inconsistent Network Coverage:* The SGR corridor often lacks adequate network coverage, resulting in dead zones where passengers are unable to make calls, send emails, or access the internet. 2. *Slow and Unreliable Internet:* Even when there is signal, the internet speed is frustratingly slow, making it almost impossible to carry out essential online tasks, particularly for professionals who work remotely. 3. *Communication Breakdown:* Travelers, including business professionals, are finding it increasingly difficult to stay in touch with colleagues, clients, and family members while on the move. 4. *Missed Business Opportunities:* Entrepreneurs and businesses aiming to expand their operations or make crucial business decisions during their journey face significant hindrances due to connectivity issues. The SGR corridor has enormous potential not just for transportation but also for enhancing Kenya's digital infrastructure. As it stands, the inadequate connectivity is preventing us from fully benefiting from this world-class railway. I kindly request the Communication Authority of Kenya to investigate these connectivity issues along the SGR corridor and take necessary actions to improve the quality of service. Our nation's growth and development depend on a reliable and robust digital infrastructure, and it is imperative that travellers and businesses have access to efficient and uninterrupted connectivity. I would appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and would be willing to provide any further information or feedback that could assist in addressing these challenges. I believe that by working together, we can ensure that the SGR corridor becomes a symbol of progress and connectivity for our country. Thank you for providing a platform where we can lodge complaints / feedback. Sincerely, *Twahir Hussein Kassim* *Founder * *Dunia Moja Community Network* *Telephone: +254 734 259 223* *WhatsApp: +254 722 259 223* *Skype: twahirhk* *LinkedIn: *https://www.linkedin.com/in/thkm/ [image: Mailtrack] <https://mailtrack.io?utm_source=gmail&utm_medium=signature&utm_campaign=sig…> Sender notified by Mailtrack <https://mailtrack.io?utm_source=gmail&utm_medium=signature&utm_campaign=sig…> 10/27/23, 11:29:36 AM

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