- KICTANet - KICTANet

A Call for DRIF Session Proposals
by Judith Ogutu 18 Dec '23

18 Dec '23

Dear Colleagues, Greetings from Paradigm Initiative. *Paradigm Initiative (PIN) will host the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum from April 23-25, 2024 in Accra, Ghana and is extending an invitation to all interested members to submit session proposals <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4Br2OnP4ilMlOK7H3IGRCnl_yJzSThU1…> for the in-person event hosted under the theme - 'Fostering Rights and Inclusion in the Digital Age.’ The deadline for receiving the submissions is January 14th, 2024. The Forum serves as a dynamic platform for delving into digital rights and inclusion issues. Embracing a comprehensive approach, the event provides a space to discuss global challenges regarding digital rights, privacy, access, digital tools, violations, digital empowerment for underserved communities and similar themes. You can find out more about DRIF here. <https://drif.paradigmhq.org/about-drif/>* *If you are interested in supporting the participation of key stakeholders or any other way, feel free to reach out at drif(a)paradigmhq.org <drif(a)paradigmhq.org>.* Kind Regards Judith Ogutu Communications Manager [image: Logo] <https://paradigmhq.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Signature-Finding-diana-a…> Paradigm Initiative Westlands, Nairobi 00100, Kenya t: +254721259193 e: judith.ogutu(a)paradigmhq.org www.paradigmhq.org [image: Facebook icon] <https://web.facebook.com/ParadigmHQ> [image: LinkedIn icon] <https://ng.linkedin.com/company/paradigmhq> [image: Twitter icon] <https://twitter.com/ParadigmHQ> [image: Youtube icon] <https://www.youtube.com/paradigmhq> [image: Instagram icon] <https://www.instagram.com/paradigmhq> [image: Banner] <https://paradigmhq.org/londa-22/> This email is confidential and intended for the recipient(s) specified in the message only. It is strictly forbidden to share any part of this message with any third party without the written consent of the sender. If you have received this message in error, please delete it immediately

2 1

Adequacy in Data Protection Regulation in Kenya
by Mugambi Laibuta 15 Dec '23

15 Dec '23

Good day listers, I wish to share my PhD thesis with the title *'Adequacy of Data Protection Regulation in Kenya*'. *Citation:* *This thesis aimed to determine whether the Kenyan Data Protection Act of 2019 (KPDA) provides “adequate” legal protection. A novel adequacy framework was created, considering the problems of state surveillance, surveillance capitalism, and the need for effective remedies for data breaches. Privacy theory, the laws of South Africa, and the laws of the European Union informed this new adequacy framework. After weighing up the KDPA against the new adequacy framework, twenty recommendations for law reform were made.* -- *Regards,* *Mugambi Laibuta * <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Virus-free.www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

8 7

KICTANet Annual Report 2022: A Year of Transformation and Impact
by David Indeje 14 Dec '23

14 Dec '23

Dear Listers, In 2022, we embarked on a journey of unwavering commitment to ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for positive change, empowering all Kenyans. Our commitment to impact was evident throughout the year: - *10 projects under implementation* aimed at building digital skills, promoting access, and fostering innovation - *23 thought leadership forums* convened experts and stakeholders to shape policy and practice - *360 individuals were trained* on various ICT-related topics, empowering them to thrive in the digital age - *27 publications and 7 policy briefs* informed public discourse and policy decisions - *4 submissions to the Legislature* ensured that KICTANet's voice was heard in shaping policies and laws within the ICT space - *500 delegates from across the globe* participated in our flagship events, showcasing KICTANet's international reach - *70 young leaders participated* in the Youth IGF, a youth-led initiative aimed at developing the capacity for meaningful inclusion - *350 applications were received* for the KICTANet Kenya School of Internet Governance Program, training individuals to advocate for Internet rights and freedoms We believe technology has the power to transform lives and create a more equitable society. Read our 2022 Annual Report <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kictanet-annual-report-2022-building-a-platform-…> and learn more about our initiatives that are making a difference in the lives of Kenyans. -- *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/>

1 0

75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and KICTANet’s commitment to freedom, equality, and justice for all in the digital age
by David Indeje 10 Dec '23

10 Dec '23

Dear Listers, Today, December 10, 2023, marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which is commemorated globally as International Human Rights Day. The theme this year is freedom, equality, and justice for all. KICTANet recognizes the critical role of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in achieving this vision in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. As we commemorate the International Human Rights Day, KICTANet stands as a steadfast guardian of the human rights principles that define our collective humanity in the digital age. Our commitment to freedom, equality, and justice for all remains resolute. Today serves not just as a milestone but as a compelling reminder of the enduring imperative to champion these fundamental principles. https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kictanet-commemorates-international-human-rights… -- *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/>

1 0

Webinar: Beyond the Screen: Tackling Online Surveillance of Women
by David Indeje 07 Dec '23

07 Dec '23

Dear Listers, *#16DaysOfActivism is still going on. * Are you interested in learning more about how online surveillance affects women’s rights and freedoms in the digital space? Do you want to know how to protect yourself and others from the harms of surveillance technologies and policies? If yes, then join us for a webinar titled “Beyond the Screen: Tackling Online Surveillance of Women,” hosted by the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) and the Association for Progressive Communication (APC) *on December 6, 2023, via Zoom <https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrc-CrqjkpGtzcZSoWDyspNPBgssKvW_…> from 10:00 am.* -- *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/>

1 1

KICTANet statement on security of ICTs in 2021-2025
by David Indeje 07 Dec '23

07 Dec '23

Dear Listers, This week, KICTANet made general comments on the issue of Regular Institutional Dialogue, with the Chair of the Open-ended Working Group on the security of and the use of information and communications technologies 2021-2025. KICTANet suggests that civil society can facilitate dialogue and collaboration to ensure coordinated approaches to cybersecurity capacity building. Stakeholders should also be onboarded on national cybersecurity committees and CERTs for better coordination. States need to invest in projects such as training courses and knowledge-sharing resources aimed at increasing capacity to improve people’s, businesses, and governments’ cybersecurity expertise. For more details: KICTANet statement on Security of ICTs in 2021-2025 | KICTANet Think Tank <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kictanet-statement-on-security-of-icts-in-2021-2…> -- *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/>

1 0

Should the Data Commissioner report to a Board?
by David Indeje 06 Dec '23

06 Dec '23

Dear Listers, The parliamentary committee that investigated the recent Worldcoin saga made several recommendations that, among others, are stated on page 115, Section 6(d), as follows: Amend the Data Protection Act, 2019 to provide for a Board where the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) reports to or accounts to on its daily operations. Do you agree? https://www.kictanet.or.ke/why-the-data-commissioner-should-or-shouldnt-rep…

4 4

Roll-out of Maisha Namba already manifestly flawed
by Nelson Otieno 05 Dec '23

05 Dec '23

Dear Listers, It is roughly two weeks to the launch of Maisha Namba. As they say, the train has left the station, or so it seems. But wait a minute, the proposed identification systems' weakest link appears to be located at where it ought to matter most - the people, the very sovereign, I must add. That the government has ambushed ordinary Kenyans with a launch date suggests that it has not learned its lessons from *Nubian Human Rights case*, *Katiba Institute cases* and the *Free Kenya Initiative case*. If it did make attempts to learn any lessons then I am certain it got it upside down. I will not, therefore, be surprised if the implementation faces serious legal hurdles and eventually suffers a fate similar to that of its infamous predecessor. What plays out shows how the citizens' interests may be so easily threatened and or slaughtered at the altar of competing economic and political interests conveniently couched in western constructs of so-called development. More so since at such times, as is the case with Maisha Namba, the State that owes the duty to protect is complicit, decides to look the other way or 'feigns evasive lunacy' in clearest of cases. Regards, NO (DPIA legal specialist)

2 2

International Day of Persons with Disabilities
by Nicodemus Nyakundi 04 Dec '23

04 Dec '23

Dear all, Let us all join in congratulating the disability community on the occasion of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). Since its inception in 1992, this day has marked significant progress in the inclusion and integration of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in society. This progress is worth celebrating. Notably, in Kenya, we have seen great initiatives aimed at empowering and improving the socio-economic participation of PWDs. Firstly, the KICTANet Digital Accessibility program has actively worked with PWDs, undertaking various initiatives such as research, capacity building, and advocacy to ensure equity and equality in the ICT sector for persons with disabilities. Secondly, on the 28th of November 2023, the National Council for People with Disabilities launched a Self-Registration service under E-Citizen, a few months after devolving the council services to the counties. This service will ease the previously tedious and cumbersome registration process for PWDs. Another win for persons with disabilities is the public-private partnership between NCPWD, Safaricom PLC, and FUZU to waive data charges for the NCPWD.FUZU job portal. I believe this will encourage more individuals with disabilities to join the workforce and actively participate in socioeconomic development towards self-independence. In conclusion, I believe that inclusion is achievable. Let us all celebrate this day and recognize the strides made in the inclusion and integration of persons with disabilities in society. Happy International Day for Persons with Disabilities! Nicodemus Nyakundi ICT Accessibility & Equality for PWDs KICTANet *Nicodemus Nyakundi* ICT Accessibility & Equality for PWDs *KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/kictanet/posts/?feedView=all> <https://twitter.com/KICTANet> <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet>

4 3

Reminder: Webinar: Unmasking the Trolls – OGBV Research in Kenya
by David Indeje 04 Dec '23

04 Dec '23

Dear listers, You are invited to join our webinar on online gender-based violence (OGBV) in Kenya, where we will share the findings of our study "Unmasking the Trolls – OGBV Research in Kenya" <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/mdocs-posts/unmasking-the-trolls-research-on-onl…> and discuss the challenges and solutions for this pressing issue. The webinar will cover the following topics: - The various forms of OGBV and the impact on minority groups such as women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and persons with disabilities (PWDs); - The existing legal and policy framework in Kenya, the policy gaps and the policy recommendations to tackle OGBV. - The empowerment and advocacy strategies to combat OGBV. The webinar will take place on *Monday, December 4, 2023, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am (EAT).* To register for the webinar, please click on this [link] <https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUldOCorzwuHdFYIDpA7vU9AC3fzt9cMA…>. You will receive a confirmation email with the details on how to join the webinar. We look forward to seeing you at the webinar. -- *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/>

1 0