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KCA Amendment Bill 2008
by evelyne＠kictanet.or.ke 14 Jan '09

14 Jan '09

Dear All, This is to inform you that a stakeholders meeting convened by the Ministry of Information & Communication to discuss the KCA Amendment 2008 will take place tomorrow (15th Jan 2009) at the Lyco Regency Hotel from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Regards, Evelyne Ofwona KICTANet

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Re: [kictanet] A different perspective of looking at the problems caused by KC amendament act 08
by Barrack Otieno 14 Jan '09

14 Jan '09

Problems *By Dr. John C. Maxwell* In the comic strip, Peanuts, a hapless Charlie Brown occasionally would be stalked by ominous rainclouds. Although the rest of the sky would shine bright and blue, poor Chuck would be stuck under a dark cloud, getting doused by its showers. While his friends and neighbors enjoyed the beauty of the day, a drenched Charlie Brown would be a scowling onlooker. The lingering raincloud seemed to suggest Charlie Brown's inability to break clear from his problems. A melancholy character, he was prone to fits of worry and self-doubt. He concocted problems where none existed and fretted about those which were real. While we do not have to contend with perpetual drizzle like Charlie Brown, many of us live under the gloomy shadow of self-induced rainclouds. When life's twists and turns work against us, we retreat into a rotten attitude or heap blame on our surroundings. By doing so, we neglect to deal with our problems and only add to our misery. The Five Truths Leaders Understand about Problems *1. They're unavoidable.* For the aspiring leader, problems may be the most faithful companions of all. The road to success is seldom paved smoothly, and is oftentimes under construction. Potholes and barricades abound. At every bend in the journey, a leader's vision must peer around obstacles and through formidable walls to foresee a positive future. Leaders who sidestep problems stunt their growth - they end up shallow and debilitated. The successful leader stares down problems and resourcefully addresses them. *2. Perspective on the problem, rather than the problem itself, determines success or failure.* We see problems, not as they are, but as we are. That's why attitude plays such a crucial role in separating those who lead from those who follow. Alfred Armand Montapert said, "The majority see the obstacles; the few see the objectives; history records the successes of the latter, while oblivion is the reward of the former." Leaders look at problems from a healthy, self-confident vantage point. *A Wrong Perspective* Problems are unsolvable Problems are permanent Problems are not normal Problems make us bitter Problems control us Problems stop us *A Right Perspective* Problems are solvable Problems will pass Problems are natural Problems make us better Problems challenge us Problems stretch us *3. There's a big difference between problem spotting and problem solving.* Anyone, even the fairly imperceptive, can identify problems, but few people have the initiative to tackle them. As novelist John Galsworthy observed, "Idealism increases in direct proportion to one's distance from the problem." As rule, don't voice complaint about a problem until you're 1) able to put forth a recommendation for solving it, and 2) willing to take an action to solve it. *4. The size of the person is more important than the size of the problem.* You can tell the caliber of a person by the amount of opposition it takes to discourage him or her. Joke writer Robert Orben says that he once saw an ad from an entertainer that read, "Lion tamer - wants tamer lion." Clearly, this performer wasn't looking for greatness but merely for something manageable. To lead at the highest level requires wrestling with problems seemingly beyond our ability to apprehend. *5. Problems, responded to correctly, can propel us forward.* Leaders are not discovered in the limelight; rather they are forged in the darkness under heat and pressure. Leaders gain respect on difficult terrain, after taking a few blows and being shaped by the problems they encounter. As a matter of fact, courage and valor go undetected until seen through the lens of adversity. On Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 12:34 PM, Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com>wrote: > Alice, > > I may not share your opinion the study notwithstanding. The creation of an > ICT ministry is important at this point in time because of the complexity of > the sector. After listening to our learned colleagues dissecting the KC > ammendment act of 2008 and reading an article in todays standard about the > media act where they are refering to the act as "Mchuzi-Mix" am of the > opinion that creating the ministry might be for greater national good > otherwise we might continue finding ourselves in tussles due to the dynamic > nature of the ICT industry. In as much us we are talking about convergence, > we shouldnt forget to ask ourselves what is this that is converging, in my > humble opinion this is where the problem begins, each sector needs to be > ,managed as a separate entity if we are to derive benefits from it > optimumly. The PS reminded us that there was no need to re-invent the wheel > if we had working systems in other countires that we might emulate, in the > same spirit could we get input from our friends in Uganda on whether the > model is serving them. The issue is not just about having a ministry but a > high level vehicle that deals solely with matters ICT. > Regards > On Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 11:46 PM, alice <alice(a)apc.org> wrote: > >> I agree with David on some of the aspects here. >> >> We really don't need yet another ministry. Not for ICT. >> A study of Kenya's institutional structures and models for implementing >> the National ICT plan conducted by IDRC in 2005 found " evidence of >> significant role confusion" and a lack of overall coordinating mechanisms >> among ICT related public institutions in Kenya. >> >> So why not begin by addressing these challenges? more so within the >> context of the KC Amendment Act 2008. >> >> best >> alice >> >> P.S Views expressed are personal and not a reflection of any of the >> organisations/institutions I am affiliated with. >> >> >> Hi Waudo >>> Would you rather belong to the ministry of science and technology? >>> >>> I don't quite buy the idea that having a ministry is a panacea for >>> anything. I also don't quite get the rationale for this clamour for 'our' >>> ministry! Not with the many ict institutions, including ict board, already >>> in place. Actually, you guys can have the information and comm ministry. We >>> wud actually be happy to separate the laws. We in the media don't crave for >>> much govt. For us the lesser govt the better bkos it doesn't add any value >>> to our work nor do we depend on it. The framework for freedom of expression, >>> the FOl, is all we need. And that isn't forthcoming soon despite dr ndemo's >>> promises. >>> Give us that and kenya will be a beautifu and prosperous place witht good >>> govt. >>> My thoughts. >>> >>> Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: "waudo siganga" <emailsignet(a)mailcan.com> >>> >>> Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:38:46 To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> >>> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Fwd: [DigAfrica] Uganda consumers get ICT lobby] >>> >>> >>> Talking of Uganda I have just learnt that they have a separate ICT >>> Ministry (headed by our good friend Mulira) and a completely separate >>> Ministry of Information and NATIONAL GUIDANCE to regulate >>> media/broadcast content etc. I still believe in the superiority of a >>> distinct ICT Ministry model . >>> Waudo >>> >>> On Mon, 12 Jan 2009 07:01:09 +0300, "alice" <alice(a)apc.org> said: >>> >>> >>>> http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/- < >>>> http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/-> >>>> /index.html >>>> >>>> ---------------------- >>>> >>>> Uganda consumers get ICT lobby >>>> By ESTHER NAKKAZI >>>> >>>> Posted Friday, January 9 2009 at 14:26 >>>> >>>> Dissatisfied ICT consumers in Uganda can now seek redress from the >>>> Uganda ICT Consumer Protection Association, in case of bad service, >>>> substandard products and general unscrupulous practices by data and >>>> voice service providers. >>>> >>>> The new lobby, which starts work later this month, will particularly >>>> address the issue of slow data speeds delivered by Internet service >>>> providers that do not correspond with the bandwidth paid for; >>>> overpricing of services and substandard mobile handsets sold at rock >>>> bottom prices through product promotions. >>>> >>>> The lobby's agenda is to ensure that consumers get value for money; >>>> act as an arbiter between consumers and service providers; be a >>>> platform for redress; be a proactive independent body that will set >>>> standards for service providers and also create an avenue for >>>> educating the public on consumer rights. >>>> >>>> "We want to bring the different players together for the good of the >>>> industry. Consumers will get to understand what the suppliers are >>>> giving them and the service providers will in turn realise that they >>>> cannot get away with poor service," said James Wire Lunghabo, >>>> chairman of the lobby and an IT expert at Linux Solutions. >>>> >>>> Mr Lunghabo said the lobby is not out to antagonise service providers >>>> but to hold them accountable and make them understand that "quality >>>> of service in the ICT sector is a right, not a favour." >>>> >>>> The chairman of the Parliamentary ICT Committee Edward Baliddawa, >>>> said, "The lobby is a good initiative that will create checks and >>>> balances within the industry. It will go a long way in helping to >>>> educate consumers, most of whom do not have the capacity to verify >>>> quality of services offered." >>>> >>>> The lobby group will complement the regulator Uganda Communications >>>> Commission, which is mandated by the government to do this work. >>>> >>>> But critics say that though the Commission is mandated to handle >>>> consumer complaints, the fact that it is funded by the service >>>> providers, it cannot not be a fair arbiter. >>>> >>>> The Commission is funded through licence fees paid by ICT operators, >>>> the government, a 1 per cent levy from operators' revenue under the >>>> Rural Communication Development Fund and other fees, which the lobby >>>> group says should be accounted for by an independent body. The >>>> Commission runs a consumer relations desk that has been accused of >>>> being docile. >>>> >>>> Commission officials said the new lobby is free to ask it for funding >>>> as funds for such activities are available, given that the issue of >>>> consumer protection is too big to be handled by a single entity. >>>> >>>> "We welcome every initiative and will be glad to have civil society >>>> and public collaboration. The issue of consumer protection calls for >>>> concerted efforts by all stakeholders in the sector," said Fred >>>> Otunnu, the Director of Communications and Consumer Affairs at the >>>> UCC. >>>> >>>> However, some industry players have already expressed reservations, >>>> saying that if the lobby is to be funded by the Commission, it will >>>> be controlled by the government and so lose its independence. >>>> >>>> http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/- < >>>> http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/-> >>>> /index.html >>>> >>>> __._,_ >>>> __,_._,___ >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> kictanet mailing list >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>> >>>> This message was sent to: emailsignet(a)mailcan.com >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>> >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/emailsignet%40mailcan.… >>>> >>>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: dmakali(a)yahoo.com >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmakali%40yahoo.com >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: alice(a)apc.org >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alice%40apc.org >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail… >> >> > > > -- > Barrack O. Otieno > ISSEN CONSULTING > Tel: > +254721325277 > +254726544442 > +254733206359 > www.issenconsult.com > http://projectdiscovery.or.ke > To give up the task of reforming society is to give up ones responsibility > as a free man. > Alan Paton, South Africa > -- Barrack O. Otieno ISSEN CONSULTING Tel: +254721325277 +254726544442 +254733206359 www.issenconsult.com http://projectdiscovery.or.ke To give up the task of reforming society is to give up ones responsibility as a free man. Alan Paton, South Africa

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[Fwd: [DigAfrica] Uganda consumers get ICT lobby]
by alice 14 Jan '09

14 Jan '09

http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/- <http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/-> /index.html ---------------------- Uganda consumers get ICT lobby By ESTHER NAKKAZI Posted Friday, January 9 2009 at 14:26 Dissatisfied ICT consumers in Uganda can now seek redress from the Uganda ICT Consumer Protection Association, in case of bad service, substandard products and general unscrupulous practices by data and voice service providers. The new lobby, which starts work later this month, will particularly address the issue of slow data speeds delivered by Internet service providers that do not correspond with the bandwidth paid for; overpricing of services and substandard mobile handsets sold at rock bottom prices through product promotions. The lobby's agenda is to ensure that consumers get value for money; act as an arbiter between consumers and service providers; be a platform for redress; be a proactive independent body that will set standards for service providers and also create an avenue for educating the public on consumer rights. "We want to bring the different players together for the good of the industry. Consumers will get to understand what the suppliers are giving them and the service providers will in turn realise that they cannot get away with poor service," said James Wire Lunghabo, chairman of the lobby and an IT expert at Linux Solutions. Mr Lunghabo said the lobby is not out to antagonise service providers but to hold them accountable and make them understand that "quality of service in the ICT sector is a right, not a favour." The chairman of the Parliamentary ICT Committee Edward Baliddawa, said, "The lobby is a good initiative that will create checks and balances within the industry. It will go a long way in helping to educate consumers, most of whom do not have the capacity to verify quality of services offered." The lobby group will complement the regulator Uganda Communications Commission, which is mandated by the government to do this work. But critics say that though the Commission is mandated to handle consumer complaints, the fact that it is funded by the service providers, it cannot not be a fair arbiter. The Commission is funded through licence fees paid by ICT operators, the government, a 1 per cent levy from operators' revenue under the Rural Communication Development Fund and other fees, which the lobby group says should be accounted for by an independent body. The Commission runs a consumer relations desk that has been accused of being docile. Commission officials said the new lobby is free to ask it for funding as funds for such activities are available, given that the issue of consumer protection is too big to be handled by a single entity. "We welcome every initiative and will be glad to have civil society and public collaboration. The issue of consumer protection calls for concerted efforts by all stakeholders in the sector," said Fred Otunnu, the Director of Communications and Consumer Affairs at the UCC. However, some industry players have already expressed reservations, saying that if the lobby is to be funded by the Commission, it will be controlled by the government and so lose its independence. http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/- <http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/-> /index.html __._,_ __,_._,___

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Fw: Kibaki signs Bill into law
by dmakali＠yahoo.com 14 Jan '09

14 Jan '09

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device -----Original Message----- From: dmakali(a)yahoo.com Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 06:04:41 To: Barrack Otieno<otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law Ndudu Barrack, The media is a basket of diverse characters and multiple interests trying to serve various demands placed on it by many publics. The situation is not helped by the fact that every1 assumes that the media should serve his or her interests however provincial. Or the assumption that there is one homogenous institution called media. To be candid, there are massive problems in the industry. But the proposed legislation is designed or will have the effect of strangling it rather than helping. To start with, I don't see the pt of applauding the things which are good in that law if that implies accepting or lessening on the gravity of the bad ones. Yet what I see on this ict list is just that -cheer readers excited by the ict provisions we have all been waiting for and a determination to gloss over or sweep aside the glaring omissions or shortcomings of the law. I find that myopic and selfish, vis-a-vis the greater public interest. The media must be understood too. Accusations of sensationalism may be valid but what else did the media have in its quest to be heard? Why were its proposals ignored? The last resort was to fight back against an unjust law using any and all means. And it was going to get worse had sense not prevailed. Now again you blame the victim and not the aggressor politician for attempting to polarise the nation. For me, this debate is polemical if you can't address objections we have raised with specific clauses. Dwelling on the good and uncontestable aspects of the bill is waste of ink. We don't have to educate the public about how the bill is good because, well, that is what it should be. But we have a duty to warn the public of an impending disaster. And why are some of you on this forum quick to lynch the media but molly coddling politicians who pay lip service to media freedom and yet go ahead to stab it? Who brought us to this pass? The same proposals they rejected with hubris before the passage of that bill are going to be taken in this time round. Why? That's something to ponder. It only takes silence or collusion such as ICT folks are engaged in to end up with tyranny. Let me conclude that its not true that the media did not make submissions to that bill. It did. And a committee was even set up to do so comprised of min officials. What became of their proposals? Let ndemo tell us. The truth is we would make proposals but the ministry was hell bent on driving thro its agenda so none of our views would be taken on board until the law was passed. Then we decided we were not going to take it. The moral is that no law should be shoved down anybody just because its govt. That era of govt fiat is gone. I admit we have quite a big house cleaning job as industry to do. But frankly, some of the claims being pinned on the media are baseless. The media can't be responsible for the failure of political leadership! Barrack, you ICT people will only begin to appeal to us on this side if you at least acknowledge the law is flawed in key ways, eg- sections 5, 46, and so on. I advice this forum to wait for our detailed amendment proposals on tuesday, and desist from vacuous charges of sensationalism against the media. What is at stake here is fundamental to our democracy and freedoms. David Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device -----Original Message----- From: "Barrack Otieno" <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 08:18:09 To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law Well Bwana Makali, As you may have realised media and ICT seem to be strange bedfellows even though we are together in the name of convergence the more reason this debate has taken this angle. Nonetheless i guess Bill has just laid on the table facts that might need to be considered by the media fraternity and i am happy you have read through his write up. We all know where this country has come from and we shouldnt continue talking about politicians nor comparing ourselves to them because we know what they are made of. As one of the leaders of the media fratenity it is important that you highlight the above mentioned issues to members of the fraternity because your house is not in order, it is unprofessional or shall we say unethical to attack personalities and institutions the way the media did in the past few days because of their opinions however much you would like to justify what you did, your acts only served to prove how media can polarise the Nation. Nonetheless the new act brings good tidings to the ICT sector despite the scare tactics being deployed i am yet to come across a balanced view of the act devoid of sensationalism from a member of the fourth estate other than the attacks being meted on personalities can we start with you Bwana Makali, where were you guys at the stakeholders negotiations to raise this issues as the PS asked? i bet this issues were there even then....What i am saying David is that the media needs to get its act together your house is not in order On Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 1:12 AM, <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > What disadvantage to ICT, Gilda, is caused by lumping so called ICT with > broadcasting issues? That's hilarious. > As for Bill's pontification below, my verdict is that he should seek to > inform himself about media operations in kenya and elsewhere first before he > purports to educate others. Some of the views he espouses are extremely > pedestrian altho he wants to pass them off as truth. While I agree with the > need to curb media conentration and monopolies, his suggestions about daily > press being owned by the public or the masses are a bit misplaced. And the > points being raised by the media are not necessarily those of media owners. > Hello! Remove your blinkers and see facts for what they are. Your defence of > the president and minister reeks of the sycophancy of yore. Presidents and > ministers have to take responsibility for their actions or inaction, they > are not rubber stamps! > Ask yourself why we have media concentration now, and how come most > frequencies are held by politicians and or their cronies or allies. How did > michuki, midiwo, koigi, etc come to own frequencies? Isn't there a cck? > Don't you think it should be independent to avoid being bullied or be > shielded from political directives? > And to say the Act should be renamed ICT and not media doesn't amount to > much change. Moreover, let the law speak for itself, we don't need anyone to > explain its intentions or the meaning - least of all you! You are neither > its author or implementer. A good law should be explicit and unambiguous in > its meaning, not open to diff interpretation. Which is part of the problem > with the new Act. Be honest at least. Skewed logic and such other partisan > and ignorant views about the media and how it should investigate stories are > clearly outside this law. Don't give it imaginary power. True, training and > capacity of the media are issues worth discussing but not in this context. > That's dabbling in territory about which you can only speculate. Before you > lament, have you ever investigated a story or given a newspaper an > investigative lead? And to claim that the duty of a journalist is to report > the truth and publish regardless of the consequence is plainly naïve and > insensitive. > Before you go far, read sect 5 of the Bill. One would expect that since you > are reading the bill uncritically when the weaknesses of the bill are > pointed out you begin to appreciate the concerns raised and not remain > dogmatic in your belief that every criticism in malicious and govt is > infallible. No? > Let's engage in constructive arguments and not spread hate. You have much > to thank the media for than you know or can admit. > David > > > Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device > > -----Original Message----- > From: "Gilda Odera" <godera(a)skyweb.co.ke> > > Date: Fri, 9 Jan 2009 15:06:54 > To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law > > >_______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: dmakali(a)yahoo.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmakali%40yahoo.com > >_______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail… > -- Barrack O. Otieno ISSEN CONSULTING Tel: +254721325277 +254726544442 +254733206359 www.issenconsult.com http://projectdiscovery.or.ke To give up the task of reforming society is to give up ones responsibility as a free man. Alan Paton, South Africa

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Obama team seeks delay in US digital TV switch
by alice 13 Jan '09

13 Jan '09

http://www.blnz.com/news/2009/01/08/Obama_team_seeks_delay_digital_1582.html Obama team seeks delay in US digital TV switch AFP AFP American Edition Jan 07, 2009 19:00 EST US president-elect Barack Obama's transition team has asked for a delay in the nation's scheduled switch to digital television next month, citing funding difficulties. The Obama transition team co-chair John Podesta has written to key US lawmakers asking for an extension to the February 17 legislatively-mandated analog cutoff date, according to copy of the letter made available to AFP. Obama will take over from President George Bush on January 20. Based on plans by the Bush administration, stations will cease their analog transmissions and broadcast only in digital form from February 17, requiring consumers who rely on over-the-air signals to install converter boxes. Consumers are to be provided with a 40-dollar coupon to defray the cost of the converter but Podesta said the program to distribute the coupons "has run out of funds." "During the transition, we have discovered major difficulties in the preparation for the February 17 conversion from analog to digital broadcasting," he said. "These weaknesses mean major problems for consumers." By early February projections suggested more than five million coupon requests would not be met, with the figure "increasing by hundreds of thousands every day," he said. In addition, the funds provided to support the conversion are "woefully inadequate," he said, pointing out that particularly low income, rural and elderly Americans would be hit. "With coupons unavailable, support and education insufficient, and the most vulnerable Americans exposed, I urge you to consider a change to the legislatively-mandated analog cutoff date," Podesta said in the letter to key legislators in the Senate and House of Representatives. The US Congress reportedly allocated 1.34 billion dollars to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to distribute converter box coupons. The switch to digital television will free up wireless airwaves for public safety agencies and other advanced mobile services. An auction of those analog airwaves raised 19 billion dollars for the government last year, according to the the Washington Post. Major American broadcasters have signaled that they support a delay. "Our first concern is what's best for our viewers, and we believe that the Obama-Biden Transition Team shares our concern," media giant News Corporation said in a statement Thursday. But the Consumer Electronics Association, an industry group, suggested keeping the February 17 transition date. It said converter boxes were available in sufficient supply and consumers were aware of and prepared for the transition, but added legitimate concerns about the coupon program should be addressed immediately. "If the goal is to avoid consumer confusion, keeping the February 17 transition date that is engrained in consumer minds is the best solution," said association president Gary Shapiro Source: http://www.blnz.com/news/2009/01/08/Obama_team_seeks_delay_digital_1582.html

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Media To Snub Civil Society Congress Forum
by Bill Kagai 13 Jan '09

13 Jan '09

Makali, Do you speak for the entire Media fraternity when you say media stakeholders have decided not to participate in these public discussions which have no specific bearing?? I really do not see why Media should snub a civil society forum aimed at making Mwananchi understand experiences from the two sides of the divide. On Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 7:37 AM, Gakuru Alex <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com>wrote: > Makali: > > Thanks for the info. > > All: > > Kindly confirm the status of this event. I had extended invitations to > ke-users (consumers) and skunkworks (techie) lists and I would like to > update them, ASAP. > > Regards, > > Alex > > On Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 7:01 AM, <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > Alex, thank you. > > No, I and as far as I can tell the other media stakeholders, decided not > to engage in these public discussions which have no specific bearing on the > objective of attaining a balanced law. As we confirmed at the kicc and > yestday's serena so called stakeholder meetings, they are choreographed to > bash the media and portray them as opposed to regulation, which is a grand > lie. > > We raised very specific objections about particular clauses we need > addressed but all the choruses going on are about the gud things in the law > that won't cure the identified defects. > > Our efforts are directed towards crafting the amendments, as directed, > which we will finish and hand over to wako today for onward processing and > transmission. Anything else is a distraction or futile academic posturing > because I doubt anybody is listening, least of all the media. > > Honestly. > > > > Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Gakuru Alex <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> > > > > Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:02:56 > > To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> > > Cc: kictanet<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Fwd: [DigAfrica] Uganda consumers get ICT lobby] > > > > > > Hello Makali, > > > > On Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 11:44 PM, <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > >> Hi Waudo > >> Would you rather belong to the ministry of science and technology? > >> > >> I don't quite buy the idea that having a ministry is a panacea for > anything. I also don't quite get the rationale for this clamour for 'our' > ministry! Not with the many ict institutions, including ict board, already > in place. Actually, you guys can have the information and comm ministry. We > wud actually be happy to separate the laws. We in the media don't crave for > much govt. For us the lesser govt the better bkos it doesn't add any value > to our work nor do we depend on it. The framework for freedom of expression, > the FOl, is all we need. And that isn't forthcoming soon despite dr ndemo's > promises. > >> Give us that and kenya will be a beautifu and prosperous place witht > good govt. > >> My thoughts. > > > > Three reactions: > > > > 1. We are in agreement in regard to saving public taxes by avoiding > > creation of yet another ministry when 'convergence' has led into a > > networked communications environment. Fortunately, some of the media > > houses, for example NMG, would appear to have taken cognizance and > > taken steps toward it <http://www.nation.co.ke/editorialteam> > > > > 2. Whether broadcasters desire their "own" law, ministry, or > > grievances framework, we must 'converge' at some point because you > > deal with information and communicating it which needs regulation. An > > example is UK's ('CCK') on broadcasting content regulation > > <http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/features/broadtin> and BBC complaints > > handling <http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/handle.shtml> > > > > 3. Yesterday the Minister for Information and Communications repeated > > government's commitment to fast enact FOI. It was good to note the > > priority given given to this very important law that we do not have. > > Fundamentally, FOI law is for all people (not just the media) have > > access to information along the Universal Declaration of Human Rights > > <http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html> thus everyone enjoys their > > basic freedoms 'regardless of all frontiers.' Everyone is obligated to > > uphold UDHR ....We agree here! > > > > You will be at today's Civil Society Public Forum, won't you? > > > > regards, > > > > Alex > > > > (Sent from my wireless device;) > > > >> Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device > >> > >> -----Original Message----- > >> From: "waudo siganga" <emailsignet(a)mailcan.com> > >> > >> Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:38:46 > >> To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> > >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Fwd: [DigAfrica] Uganda consumers get ICT > lobby] > >> > >> > >> Talking of Uganda I have just learnt that they have a separate ICT > >> Ministry (headed by our good friend Mulira) and a completely separate > >> Ministry of Information and NATIONAL GUIDANCE to regulate > >> media/broadcast content etc. I still believe in the superiority of a > >> distinct ICT Ministry model . > >> Waudo > >> > >> On Mon, 12 Jan 2009 07:01:09 +0300, "alice" <alice(a)apc.org> said: > >>> > >>> http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/- > >>> <http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/-> > >>> /index.html > >>> > >>> ---------------------- > >>> > >>> Uganda consumers get ICT lobby > >>> By ESTHER NAKKAZI > >>> > >>> Posted Friday, January 9 2009 at 14:26 > >>> > >>> Dissatisfied ICT consumers in Uganda can now seek redress from the > >>> Uganda ICT Consumer Protection Association, in case of bad service, > >>> substandard products and general unscrupulous practices by data and > >>> voice service providers. > >>> > >>> The new lobby, which starts work later this month, will particularly > >>> address the issue of slow data speeds delivered by Internet service > >>> providers that do not correspond with the bandwidth paid for; > >>> overpricing of services and substandard mobile handsets sold at rock > >>> bottom prices through product promotions. > >>> > >>> The lobby's agenda is to ensure that consumers get value for money; > >>> act as an arbiter between consumers and service providers; be a > >>> platform for redress; be a proactive independent body that will set > >>> standards for service providers and also create an avenue for > >>> educating the public on consumer rights. > >>> > >>> "We want to bring the different players together for the good of the > >>> industry. Consumers will get to understand what the suppliers are > >>> giving them and the service providers will in turn realise that they > >>> cannot get away with poor service," said James Wire Lunghabo, > >>> chairman of the lobby and an IT expert at Linux Solutions. > >>> > >>> Mr Lunghabo said the lobby is not out to antagonise service providers > >>> but to hold them accountable and make them understand that "quality > >>> of service in the ICT sector is a right, not a favour." > >>> > >>> The chairman of the Parliamentary ICT Committee Edward Baliddawa, > >>> said, "The lobby is a good initiative that will create checks and > >>> balances within the industry. It will go a long way in helping to > >>> educate consumers, most of whom do not have the capacity to verify > >>> quality of services offered." > >>> > >>> The lobby group will complement the regulator Uganda Communications > >>> Commission, which is mandated by the government to do this work. > >>> > >>> But critics say that though the Commission is mandated to handle > >>> consumer complaints, the fact that it is funded by the service > >>> providers, it cannot not be a fair arbiter. > >>> > >>> The Commission is funded through licence fees paid by ICT operators, > >>> the government, a 1 per cent levy from operators' revenue under the > >>> Rural Communication Development Fund and other fees, which the lobby > >>> group says should be accounted for by an independent body. The > >>> Commission runs a consumer relations desk that has been accused of > >>> being docile. > >>> > >>> Commission officials said the new lobby is free to ask it for funding > >>> as funds for such activities are available, given that the issue of > >>> consumer protection is too big to be handled by a single entity. > >>> > >>> "We welcome every initiative and will be glad to have civil society > >>> and public collaboration. The issue of consumer protection calls for > >>> concerted efforts by all stakeholders in the sector," said Fred > >>> Otunnu, the Director of Communications and Consumer Affairs at the > >>> UCC. > >>> > >>> However, some industry players have already expressed reservations, > >>> saying that if the lobby is to be funded by the Commission, it will > >>> be controlled by the government and so lose its independence. > >>> > >>> http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/- > >>> <http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/-> > >>> /index.html > >

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Comms ACT - What happens to KENIC?
by Michuki Mwangi 12 Jan '09

12 Jan '09

Hi all, According to the new communications ACT, it appears that going forward KENIC will have to acquire a license (from CCK) to continue managing the ccTLD. KENIC is established as a PPP of which CCK is a party to. 1) Is there any precedence where the regulator (CCK) is party to or legally seats on the board of licensee ?. Wouldnt this constitute to a conflict of interest on its end? if not then all is well. a) If this is the case, what impact would this have on the organizations governance structure, the ppp model and where KENIC is hosted. b) Worth taking note, with the model being recognized as a global best practice for ccTLDs, what message are we sending out to the rest of the world?. 2) With the introductions of Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) and IDN ccTLDs by ICANN, does that mean i now have an opportunity to apply for a license to run the .ke equivalent in arabic script? and use the same license to acquire the mandate from ICANN. 3) Section 88 - does it mean that anyone can also now go and apply for a license to operate second levels under ccTLDs. For instance are we ready to run a split registry where .go.ke is run by e-gov and .ac.ke is run by KENET etc; and others that maybe proposed (since its subject to license issuance) in the future. For argument sake 'i have an application for .bank.ke for the financial sector and the catch would be that i would provide DNNSEC which KENIC doesnt offer at the moment.' Do i qualify for a sub-registry license? IMHO, i hope such and issues that i have noted on the Certificate Authority sections are equally reviewed for the greater good. Best regards, Michuki.

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(no subject)
by Margaret Gichuki 11 Jan '09

11 Jan '09

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Mobinfo - Mobile Information
by Michael Wakahe 11 Jan '09

11 Jan '09

Check out the web and mobile directory service at this website: http://www.mobinfo.co.ke. Regards, Michael

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Civil Society Congress Forum on Kenya ICT Act
by Bill Kagai 11 Jan '09

11 Jan '09

Friends, You may wish to pen in to your diaries this interesting public forum that will be held at the Hilton on Tuesday, 13th January 2009. -Hilton Hotel, Tuesday, 13th January 2009, 2.00 - 5.00pm. -Keynote - Hon. Farah Maalim - Deputy Speaker. -Presentations - Mbugua Mureithi and Mildred Ngesa. -Discussants - Paul Muite, Ezekiel Mutua, Wahu Kaara, Linus Gitahi and our very own, Alex Gakuru. -Moderator - Haron Ndubi. -Convenor - National Civil Society Congress. Full details on today's, Sunday Standard, Pg.7. -- Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited Nairobi Stock Exchange Authorised Information Vendor Suite B2, Tetu Court, State House Avenue P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel. 254 20 272 8332 Fax. Rendered Obsolete S - 1°17'13.8" E - 36°48'22.7" www.mediacorp.co.ke ---

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