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ROUNDTABLE ON POLICY DISCUSSION ON AI IN KENYA
by nzambi kakusu 20 Feb '24

20 Feb '24

Dear Listers, Greetings from KICTANet! KICTANet will be hosting a Roundtable meeting on Policy Discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Kenya on Thursday, 16 November 2023 from *08:00 am to 12:00 noon. *The objective of the roundtable is to provide a platform for dialogue and engagement on the concerns and opportunities arising from the use of artificial intelligence in Kenya and to identify priority policy actions and potential solutions to promote an enabling environment for AI in Kenya. Please take a look at the concept note and programme <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/policy-discussion-on-artificial-intelligence-in-…> for more details. KICTANet would like to extend the invitation to the listers for *10 slots* on a first come first served basis. To RSVP to the roundtable meeting, please email @nkakusu@kictanet.or.ke <nkakusu(a)kictanet.or.ke>. Warmly, Nzambi *jNzambiKakusu*

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AWS Community Day Call for sponsors
by Nelly Nyadzua 19 Feb '24

19 Feb '24

Dear Listers, Happy New Year! I trust this email finds you well. We are excited to let you know about the upcoming AWS Community Day in Kenya scheduled to take place on Saturday 13th April 2024. We offer three sponsorship tiers: Platinum, Gold, and Silver. Each tier comes with distinct benefits, providing sponsors with varied exposure and engagement opportunities. The Call for speakers document is attached below. We also have speaking opportunities where you can apply as a panelist, academic speaker, or technical Presenter. You can submit your proposal at the link below. Call for Speakers <https://sessionize.com/aws-community-day-kenya/> Regards, Nelly Nyadzua *Cybersecurity Consultant* Mobile: +254711357989

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Freenom settles $500 million Meta lawsuit and will exit domain business
by Barrack Otieno 18 Feb '24

18 Feb '24

Listers, Interesting Developements on the domain name Business front, more on this link <https://domainincite.com/29520-freenom-settles-500-million-meta-lawsuit-and…> Freenom today announced it has resolved the lawsuit brought by Meta Platforms, Inc. on confidential monetary and business Terms. Freenom recognizes Meta’s legitimate interest in enforcing its intellectual property rights and protecting its users from fraud and abuse. Freenom and its related companies have also independently decided to exit the domain name business, including the operation of registries. While Freenom winds down its domain name business, Freenom will treat the Meta family of companies as a trusted notifier and will also implement a block list to address future phishing, DNS abuse, and cybersquatting. Regards -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Should we regulate AI in Africa?
by Jennifer Kaberi 17 Feb '24

17 Feb '24

Hi Listers, I hope you are well. There has been a push to regulate AI in Kenya and Africa. But is this a good move, will it stifle innovation in Africa. Read the paper and let's have a chat about it. Typed by Thumb👍 -- http://www.mtotonews.com <http://www.mtotonews.com> We are an integrated information and media company that is leveraging on technology to improve the lives of children by making them visible. The core of our business is an approach that puts the best interests of the child first, while our DNA is child participation. DISCLAIMER: This message (and any files attached) contain confidential information and is intended only for the individual(s) named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete it from your system. E-mail transmission cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain viruses. The sender therefore does not accept liability for any errors, omissions, or damage caused by virus, in the contents of this message, which arise as a result of e-mail transmission

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Stories of Kenyan Women Facing Online Gender-Based Violence
by David Indeje 16 Feb '24

16 Feb '24

Dear Listers, This collection of summaries, *"Narratives of Strength and Survival," *highlights the experiences of Kenyan women who have encountered online gender-based violence (OGBV) and their fight for justice and survival. These summaries are based on interviews conducted by Maryanne W. Waweru as part of KICTANet and APC's "Our Voices, Our Stories" (OVOF) project. *1. Mary Mwendwa: Hunted by Her Own Story* Award-winning journalist, Mary Mwendwa's experience, showcases the chilling reality of online harassment women face in the media. After publishing a story on struggling former boxers, she faced online attacks and threats, highlighting the dangers of digital spaces for journalists speaking out on sensitive topics. http://tinyurl.com/3dyne4tz *2. Living with HIV and Online Hate* This story explores the double burden faced by women living with HIV who encounter online hate speech and stigmatization. The article sheds light on the challenges of combating online discrimination and promoting inclusivity for marginalized communities. http://tinyurl.com/ntzc4682 *3. Wanjiku Thiga's Battleground: The 2022 Kenyan Elections* Wanjiku Thiga, a politician and human rights activist, details her experience of online attacks and disinformation campaigns during the 2022 Kenyan elections. This story underscores the weaponization of digital platforms for political manipulation and the impact on women candidates. http://tinyurl.com/2p92cr9s *4. The Price of Visibility: A Queer Activist's Battle with Online Trolls* Scarlet, a queer woman activist based in Nairobi, and her experiences with online harassment and abuse. Through interviews with Scarlet, the article sheds light on The impact of social media visibility on queer activists and; the Psychological costs of online harassment, and the need for supportive communities and platforms http://tinyurl.com/mswvwpdm These stories paint a picture of the diverse challenges faced by Kenyan women online, ranging from targeted harassment to broader societal issues like HIV stigma and political manipulation. Reading these stories is crucial to understanding the lived experiences of OGBV and advocating for solutions to create a safer and more inclusive online environment for all. -- *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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Launch of the #UtuNaUzalendoKE Podcast
by Mutemi wa Kiama 13 Feb '24

13 Feb '24

Greetings all, I know this will be of interest to many here *Will the real Njeri stand up?* Launching tomorrow on Valentine's Day 2024 at 2:30 pm, the #UtuNaUzalendoKE Podcast brings you the first part of a candid conversation with *Njeri Mwangi.* Beyond being a wife and partner to Activist *Boniface Mwangi*, Njeri is many other things. Tune in as she delves into these multiple identities in a fascinating conversation with *Mwalimu Mutemi wa Kiama.* https://youtu.be/VUwXEW_B_dA?si=brW8eOy5gfCK1T7D Welcome to the "*Utu Na Uzalendo" Podcast*, where we transcend the ordinary and venture into the heart of true Kenyan narratives, unearthing the real but untold human stories of the people who shape our societies quietly. This Podcast series aims to amplify changemakers we at *Mzalendo Halisi Foundation* perceive as *Wazalendo* embodying the true values and philosophies of Utu Na Uzalendo. *I am because we are.* These are the Kenyans who are challenging the dominant Kenyan leadership vernaculars every day by creating and advancing new ways of showing up as active citizens and leaders. These are Kenyans who "wamejituma", because of a sense of duty and empathy and a desire to advance the larger Common Good of our society and humanity out of a sense of duty. We aim, in the process, to hopefully inform and catalyze alternative imaginations of an active citizenry that embodies and exemplifies the *Utu Philosophy* (I am because we are) and a leadership espousing a different set of values that focuses more on service and giving to others rather than taking from fellow citizenry. Warm regards, Mutemi wa Kiama Co-Chair, Africans Rising Movement Coordinating Collective Team Captain, This Is Africa: https://thisisafrica.me Thoughts become things... choose the good ones! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Public Intellectual, Social Justice & Social Accountability Entrepreneur, Strategic Planning & Organizational Development Facilitator, Strategic Communications, Movement Building Coach, Human Rights Defender, #DevolutionIsRevolution Champion. Mzalendo Halisi Foundation (MHF) https://mzalendohalisi.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwin-mutemi-wa-kiama-1aa51615/ https://twitter.com/WanjikuRevolt Ordinary, fearless Kenyans https://twitter.com/MutemiWaKiama http://www.scribd.com/wmkenya "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~Margaret Mead

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Why IT experts want State to reject the new robotics bill
by Victor Kapiyo 12 Feb '24

12 Feb '24

Information Technology experts have asked Parliament to reject the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Society Bill, 2023 on grounds that it has a lot of glaring gaps. The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) says the Bill will precipitate a national disaster if it is enacted in its current form. The experts told the National Assembly’s Communication, Information, and Innovation (CII) committee that stakeholders in the AI and Robotics space were not involved at any stage before coming up with the Bill. Read more: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/economy/why-it-experts-want-state-to…

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Data projection in the health sector
by Benson Muite 12 Feb '24

12 Feb '24

Posts on health data protection legislation in India: https://sflc.in/the-abdms-decentralized-and-patient-centric-consent-managem… https://sflc.in/__trashed/ A challenge being faced is the varying levels of literacy and how this impacts whether true consent is obtained for using personal data in a specified manner.

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Weekly Brief: Retention of ID cards by private security guards and the risks it poses
by David Indeje 09 Feb '24

09 Feb '24

Dear Listers, The J*owie Irungu and Jackie Maribe case concluded Friday.* Jowie was found guilty as charged in the murder of Monica Kimani, while Maribe was acquitted. The most interesting thing from the case, as revealed by Justice Grace Nzioka, is that the deceased's ID was stolen at Maribe's apartment security point, where private security guards are likely to have retained ID copies or scanned information. This stolen ID was then used to access Monica's apartment building, highlighting the potential consequences of such practices. Cherie Oyier - Program Officer for Women Digital Rights, KICTANet, says it raised issues on: - *Lack of data minimization and storage limitation* - *Inadequate training of security personnel on data protection:* - *Absence of data protection policies in private security companies* The judgement came after our Webinar *on Privacy Perspectives: Surveillance of AirBnBs and Operationalization of Section 48 of the Private Security Regulation Act.* Our guests, Dr Laibuta Mugambi, Cherie Oyier and Grace Mutung'u, shared their perspectives: - *The legality of the directive:* Dr Laibuta argued that the directive requiring surveillance of AirBnBs by private security companies is illegal because it was issued without the necessary regulations and violates the Data Protection Act. - *Need for regulations:* All three speakers agreed that regulations are needed under Section 48 of the Private Security Regulation Act to provide a legal framework for data collection and processing by private security companies. - *Data protection concerns:* Cherie Oyier and Grace highlighted several data protection concerns, including a lack of data minimization and storage limitation practices, Inadequate training of security personnel on data protection, Absence of data protection policies in many private security companies, Lack of oversight of the industry by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. *Recommendations: * - Dr. Laibuta proposes several actions, including the stoppage of illegal directives by the regulator. - Development of regulations under Section 48 in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. - Assessment and audit of private security companies' compliance with data protection laws. - Data inventory, retention schedule, and privacy notices. - Appointment of Data Protection Officers by private security companies. - Clear contractual agreements between security companies and property owners. - Establishment of data breach and incident management processes. - Registration of private security companies with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. - Cherie Oyier emphasized the need for training on data protection for security personnel and collaboration between the public and private sectors to address these issues. - Grace suggested a broader conversation about the purpose of data collection, the potential for techno-solutionism, and the need for alignment between the Data Protection Act and other relevant laws. Overall, there was consensus among the speakers that the current situation regarding data collection by private security companies in Kenya is problematic from a legal and data protection perspective. They called for urgent action to address these concerns through regulations, enforcement, and improved industry practices. *Stay informed on critical issues shaping Kenya's digital landscape!* 1. *Kenyan Security Measures Eroding Civic Space?* This multi-part research project was conducted by ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa, Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet), The Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies (CHRIPS), and HAKI Africa, revealing widespread harm inflicted on human rights and fundamental freedoms. This research comes at a crucial time for Kenya, as the country grapples with balancing security concerns with upholding human rights and democratic values. The reports <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenyan-security-measures-eroding-civic-space-new…> focused on “The Impact of the Prevention of Violence Extremism (PVE), Counter-Terrorism, and National Security Measures on Civic Space in Kenya.” 2. *KICTANet Champions Strategic ICT Investments in Kenya's 2024/25 Budget:* We participated in the Institute of Economic Affairs’ Open Pre-Budget Hearing on January 30, 2024, to advocate for strategic ICT sector investments in Kenya’s budget for the fiscal year 2024–25. Read our full budget proposal for detailed insights. <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/mdocs-posts/memorandum-on-the-budget-priorities-…> 3. *Kenya's Digital ID Stalled: Learning from Past Mistakes or Repeating Them? *In this article <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenyas-digital-id-stalled-learning-from-past-mis…>, Mr John Walubengo raises concerns about stalling Kenya's national digital ID program. He says learning from past mistakes and ensuring transparent, inclusive, and rights-respecting implementation will be key going forward. Enjoy the weekend! -- *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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Kenya lost Sh4.2bn to Telegram shutdown in 2023
by Sidney Ochieng 08 Feb '24

08 Feb '24

Listers, I can't find the original thread but I've been meaning to ask if any of the organisations that wrote a letter demanding an explanation got any kind of response from the regulators or the government. As our executive continues to show less tolerance toward independent institutions I'd really like more confidence the internet will remain free. Kenya lost Sh4.2bn to Telegram shutdown in 2023 - Business Daily https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/corporate/companies/kenya-lost-sh4-2… -- Warmly, Sidney *Twitter:* @princelySid <https://twitter.com/princelySid>* |* *Github:* princelySid <https://github.com/princelySid> | *Web: *sidneyochieng.co.ke

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