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Re: [kictanet] media workshop
by Frances Angalia 20 Apr '07

20 Apr '07

Hi Becky, Would be interested to attend. how much is it? Jane Angalia FEMNET COMMUNICATION <communication(a)femnet.or.ke> wrote: v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) } Dear Becky, Greetings from the African Womens Development and Communication Network (FEMNET). Thank you for your invitation to attend the workshop for journalists to be held on 26 April 2007. I will be pleased to attend on behalf of FEMNET. Best regards Magdalene Wanjugu For Communications Programme African Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) Reseau de Developpement et de Communications des Femmes Africaines P.O. Box 54562, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 3741301/20 Fax: +254 20 3742927 Email: admin(a)femnet.or.ke Website: http://www.femnet.or.ke FEMNET aims to strengthen the role and contribution of African NGOs focusing on women's development, equality and other human rights through communications, networking, training and advocacy. FEMNET est un reseau qui soutient le renforcement des capacites des femmes dans les domaines du plaidoyer et de la communication a travers le travail en reseau. Il facilite egalement les echanges d'informations, d'experiences, et de strategies entre les organisations feminines en vue d'une veritable promotion des droits humains et particulierement des droits de la femme. --------------------------------- From: kictanet-bounces+communication=femnet.or.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+communication=femnet.or.ke@kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Rebecca Wanjiku Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2007 9:36 AM To: communication(a)femnet.or.ke Subject: [kictanet] media workshop Kictanet and Kenya ICT journalists network will be holding a workshop for journalists on April 26 at Jacaranda from 9 am to 1 pm, the workshop, addressing OFC, FOI and ICT bill the workshop is basic and we expect to hold further training in a month or two, if you are interested in attending, please confirm with me directly, regards becky --------------------------------- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check out new cars at Yahoo! Autos. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jfrances02%40yahoo.com --------------------------------- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos.

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in the news
by Rebecca Wanjiku 20 Apr '07

20 Apr '07

ICT lobby group to educate users on their rights Written by Okuttah Mark Friday, 20 April 2007 [NAIROBI] Formation of an information and communication technologies (ICTs) consumer lobby group in Kenya, and a tender by the communications regulator for partners to educate Kenyan ICT consumers on their rights point to a shift towards reducing the vulnerability of users. As more people rely on ICTs in their daily lives, the more they open themselves up to financial and other abuses. According to Alex Gakuru, chairman of Kenya ICT Consumer Association, as the Internet, mobile telephony and other technologies take centre stage in Kenyan life, consumers must be made aware of their rights. "Consumers have a right to be informed about services they are getting," Mr Gakuru said. "Informed people always make informed decisions." According to Mr Gakuru, while ICT users remain ill-informed of their rights and have little legal protection against abuses, this is in contrast to corporate clients who often sign service level agreements with ICT service providers. The association alludes to complaints over services from Internet service providers (ISPs) as well as fixed and mobile telephone operators. According to Mr Gakuru, telephony users contend with costly local land-line calls, mobile network congestion and poor coverage in some areas, as well as too many failed calls. Some customers, the group adds, have lost pre-paid credit after buying it, or been charged for SMS messages that were never sent. <snip> <http://bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=679&Itemid=30…> __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Fwd: [UgaBYTES] Invitations to the 3rd EA-TLF
by chelimo kenneth 19 Apr '07

19 Apr '07

Dear All, Kindly go through the forwarded document. Iam sure it might be of interest to some of you. Thanks Ken Chelimo Note: forwarded message attached. --------------------------------- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos.

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[Fwd: [Aftld-discuss] AfTLD - Administrative Manager Post Announcement ..]
by Michuki Mwangi 19 Apr '07

19 Apr '07

FYI -------- Original Message -------- Dear Colleagues African Top Level Domains Organization ("AFTLD") was incorporated as a non-profit organization on December 19th 2002 in Mauritius. AFTLD acts as a focal point for all the African TLDs Managers, to discuss matters of policy that affect ccTLDs regionally and globally. Further, AFTLD presents the African region members position on global matters relating to the DNS and ccTLDs, and is a regional body of ccNSO (country code Name Supporting Organization), one of ICANN’s supporting organization. To achieve these objectives, AFTLD is seeking a suitable candidate to run its day-to-day operations (primarily based in Mauritius) in the position of AFTLD Administrative Manager. More information on the post visit www.aftld.org . Best Regards, Mohamed EL Bashir Vice President, Communications & Out-Reach African Top Level Domains Orgnization "AfTLD" - Home of Africa National TLD Registries ------------------------------------ Chers Collègues L'organisation africaine de domaines de niveau supérieur ("AFTLD") a été incorporée comme organisation à but non lucratif le 2002 19 décembre en îles Maurice. AFTLD agit en tant que point focal pour tous les directeurs africains de TLDs, pour discuter des points de la politique qui affectent des ccTLDs régionalement et globalement. De plus, AFTLD présente aux membres africains de région la position sur les sujets globaux concernant le DNS et les ccTLDs, et est un corps régional de ccNSO (organisation de support nommée de code de pays), une de l'organisation de support d'ICANN's. Pour atteindre ces objectifs, AFTLD cherche un candidat approprié pour courir ses opérations de jour en jour (principalement basées en îles Maurice) en position de directeur administratif d'AFTLD. Plus d'informtion sur la visite www.aftld.org de poteau. Les meilleurs souvenirs, Mohamed EL Bashir le vice-président de communications AfTLD.org -- Michuki Mwangi KENIC _______________________________________________ Aftld-discuss mailing list Aftld-discuss(a)aftld.org http://lists.aftld.org/mailman/listinfo/aftld-discuss

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Re: [kictanet] Sluggish Internet? This works fast for me
by Jose' 19 Apr '07

19 Apr '07

You sure off topic but its all good.I believe your new discovery will surely work in our R & D (Cyber Cafe') department at Kimathi Information centre.I have to try with one computer tho and see the aftermath and repercussions. Thank you Alex. Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || ----- Original Message ---- From: Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> To: ngunjirijnr(a)yahoo.com Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2007 2:17:19 PM Subject: [kictanet] Sluggish Internet? This works fast for me Hi all, I know I am a little off-topic here but I could not resist to share this. For a while now, I changed my DNS server settings resulting in remarkable internet speed increase. Just this morning, one cyber cafe user asked "How come your internet is much faster" so I thought you should all know why, and also try it out if you like. Do not try this (at home or office:-) if you don't know how to change DNS Server settings on your internet connetion card. You know, that one with an IP address, subnet mask then DNS Server, alternate DNS (for windows). Remember to write down your current settings before changing so that you can revert to them whenever you wish, if your not on Linux-based systems which can take more than 2 DNS servers [>>FF>> <http://www.opendns.com/ (DNS 1 208.67.222.222 and DNS2 208.67.220.220 Would appreciate if you let me know (off-list) you if it helps.] They are saying: "OpenDNS helps you navigate the Internet in a safer, faster, smarter and more reliable way. Our service is free and requires nothing to download. OpenDNS doesn't replace your existing Internet connection, it just makes it better." "The only thing worse than a slow DNS service is an unreliable DNS service. When DNS isn't working it appears as if the entire Internet isn't working. Our service is built on our own high-performance network that is connected in multiple cities and to many different networks. We know reliability is important, and we stand behind ours." <http://www.opendns.com/what/> Simply put, when one types a website address on to their browser, your ISP's DNS Server resolve the characters into an IP address where and the browser is then directed to that IP address. What does DNS do? DNS, the Domain Name System, translates the human addresses of websites and servers (like wikipedia.org) to the numerical address used by computers (207.142.131.203). Do I use DNS? Every time you send an email or visit a web page, you are using DNS services. We estimate most people make at least 100 DNS requests every day. If you are unsure, readup some more from their site before making changes. Thxs Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check out new cars at Yahoo! Autos. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ngunjirijnr%40yahoo.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Sluggish Internet? This works fast for me
by Alex Gakuru 19 Apr '07

19 Apr '07

Hi all, I know I am a little off-topic here but I could not resist to share this. For a while now, I changed my DNS server settings resulting in remarkable internet speed increase. Just this morning, one cyber cafe user asked "How come your internet is much faster" so I thought you should all know why, and also try it out if you like. Do not try this (at home or office:-) if you don't know how to change DNS Server settings on your internet connetion card. You know, that one with an IP address, subnet mask then DNS Server, alternate DNS (for windows). Remember to write down your current settings before changing so that you can revert to them whenever you wish, if your not on Linux-based systems which can take more than 2 DNS servers [>>FF>> <http://www.opendns.com/ (DNS 1 208.67.222.222 and DNS2 208.67.220.220 Would appreciate if you let me know (off-list) you if it helps.] They are saying: "OpenDNS helps you navigate the Internet in a safer, faster, smarter and more reliable way. Our service is free and requires nothing to download. OpenDNS doesn't replace your existing Internet connection, it just makes it better." "The only thing worse than a slow DNS service is an unreliable DNS service. When DNS isn't working it appears as if the entire Internet isn't working. Our service is built on our own high-performance network that is connected in multiple cities and to many different networks. We know reliability is important, and we stand behind ours." <http://www.opendns.com/what/> Simply put, when one types a website address on to their browser, your ISP's DNS Server resolve the characters into an IP address where and the browser is then directed to that IP address. What does DNS do? DNS, the Domain Name System, translates the human addresses of websites and servers (like wikipedia.org) to the numerical address used by computers (207.142.131.203). Do I use DNS? Every time you send an email or visit a web page, you are using DNS services. We estimate most people make at least 100 DNS requests every day. If you are unsure, readup some more from their site before making changes. Thxs --------------------------------- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos.

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Nurturing Future Enterprenuers....
by Fatma Bashir 19 Apr '07

19 Apr '07

NURTURING FUTURE ENTREPRENUERS. By Fatma Bashir When I got a call confirming that I would have a chance to make a presentation before ICT stakeholders, I was delighted. I somewhat expected more Industry representation, perhaps from the Information and Communication Ministry and a cross section of players from the industry such as communication, hardware and software providers. However, the attendance was good and presentations were excellent. Kictanet Monthly Forum is a good forum to meet and exchange ideas and I am sure that our views will reach the right tables. The media bit was tricky because I missed most of Gakuru's presentation when I was being interviewed. Being on the KICTANet mail list is a revelation, once again THANK YOU! I am getting to know more and more and soon will start to add my voice on a lot of things that are being sent around. My interest is in education...not only because I am a teacher by profession but because without our building understanding of the use of ICT in education and maximizing of this emergent market in schools we will have chosen to be rained on instead of walking in the rain. Needless to say, tomorrow's entrepreneurs, policy makers, presidents, business owners, employees, mums and dads are in school right now. I look forward to the next forum you can count on my attendance and contribution. Fatma A Bashir Chief Marketing Officer Cyber School Technology Solutions Ltd. P.O. Box 14636-00100 Nairobi, Kenya. T: 4452870/1 ; 0726/0734 880864 F: 4452873 M: 0722 5070 50 www.cyberschooltech.com ---------------------------------------------- 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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International telecommunications blackout looms
by Rebecca Wanjiku 19 Apr '07

19 Apr '07

17 April 2007 International telecommunications blackout looms In a move that threatens to cause a blackout in the telecommunications sector, Zimbabwe’s mobile phone operators, Econet, Net*One and Telecel have said they will start billing all outgoing international calls in foreign currency. The move will also see Tel*One, the sole fixed telephone network provider charging all outgoing calls in United States Dollars. Mobile phone companies, which have been engaged in a rate wrangle with the Posts and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), maintain that they are unable to pay the termination rates charged in United States dollars, and have accumulated many debts. Chair of the Telecommunications Operators Association of Zimbabwe Douglas Mboweni is quoted as having stated that currently it costs ten times cheaper to make an international call from Zimbabwe than anywhere else in the world and as a result most international calls now emanate from Zimbabwe . Consequently, these companies have to pay more termination rates than the corresponding countries. POTRAZ has set the tariffs using the official exchange rate of Z$250 against each US $ a rate which has become unsustainable for most exporters and service providers. Zimbabwe is currently facing a foreign currency shortage, making it virtually impossible for subscribers to pay their telephone bills in foreign currency. Nyasha Nyakunu Research and Information Officer Media Institute of Southern Africa - Zimbabwe 84 McChlery Ave Eastlea P.O Box HR 8113 Harare Zimbabwe Tel: 263 4 776165 / 746838 misa(a)mweb.co.zw www.misazim.co.zw __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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My day with journalists……By Jose Ngunjiri
by Jose' 19 Apr '07

19 Apr '07

It was the first time for Kimathi Information Centre (KIC) to do a presentation at a panel of ICT stakeholders. I was still getting to know how things work around the meeting until the journalists sought to interview me. Working around journalists has made me become more cautious with what I say. I was interviewed by KBC and the first time is always shaky, you don’t know what to say or what not to. It went on well and we got valuable coverage. Thanks to Kictanet. After the forum, KDN (Kenya Data Networks) Pledged that they will help us network the six E-learning centres that we are planning to open. The big question is where are the resources to sustain all these? We are a group operating at the community level and we are under so much pressure from the neighboring communities to set up e-learning centres. Our growth is narrowed down by lack of resources. in as much as we have no money, we are approaching local banks for loans but the only collateral we have are computers and we have not made progress in securing loans. We are not afraid to get loans because we believe in what we are doing. Countries like Malaysia succeeded on commercial loans and through hard work they have reaped benefits. We will too. On March 24th, we organized a financing symposium that mainly addressed areas that require financing and how to approach financing institutions. Small Medium enterprise Solution centre (SSC) a World Bank affiliate attended the symposium and emphasized on starting small enterprises and on ways to access funds as the youth and the importance of building business capacity. More than 134 youth delegates were inspired to see Edith Adera from IDRC. Adera is KIC’s mentor and greatest supporter. Thanks for your support! Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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setting digital pace in Eastlands
by Rebecca Wanjiku 19 Apr '07

19 Apr '07

SETTING DIGITAL PACE IN EASTLANDS When Dr Bitange Ndemo, Information and Communication Permanent Secretary asked Collin Bruce and his team to visit Eastlands, everybody was eager. Eager because the PS had sang praises about Kimathi Information Centre (KIC) and how it had used Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) to uplift the lives of the youth in the area. As the PS and his team snaked through the streets of Maringo, Jerusalem, Bahati and Uhuru, the team of youth at KIC were putting final touches to the presentation. The KIC team is comprised of Catherine Atieno Agallo {21}, Jose Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri {26} and Lillian Gloria Okumu {28). Before welcoming the visitors, the KIC team and the volunteers had to ensure that all the work due to the local schools has been delivered and any other pending jobs are finalized. This is their day to show what the youth can do. The PS has been so impressed by KIC’s digital innovation and integration to the community that every visitor to Ndemo’s office is referred to the centre for examples of how Kenya has embraced ICTs. Bruce, the World Bank country director was not disappointed at what he saw. He witnessed how the area youth had worked with meager resources to improve living conditions in the area. “We have received tremendous support from Dr. Ndemo. It has motivated us to keep exploring our potential,” said Ngunjiri. He was speaking at the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) monthly forum, where innovators in ICTs showcase their achievements to other industry players as well as the public. So why was KIC started? According to Ngunjiri, they teamed up in December 2005 and decided to come up with innovative practical solutions to the problems of unemployed youth in the area. KIC serves Eastland’s community in Kimathi, Bahati, Jerusalem, Maringo and Uhuru. Apart from unemployment, the youth in the area lack of proper skills to search for jobs, lack job interview skills and some have been unable to secure attachment opportunities after university. Armed with their findings and suggested solutions, the trio approached Computer for Schools Kenya and the International Development Research Council (IDRC) seeking assistance. Impressed by the innovation, the two organizations donated 13 computers and agreed that the trio would train and equip the youth and the whole communities in the area. “I think they have done an excellent job that can be shared with others,” said Edith Adera from IDRC. Ngunjiri told KICTANet members how that partnership has improved ICT knowledge, reduced crime rate, unemployment and ignorance among the youth. “We have tried to ensure that the community owns the project, they give collective security and our equipment has never been stolen. The youth who would have been out mugging people is now working behind computers,” Ngunjiri added. KIC works with neighbouring schools to provide computer services if needed. For instance, at the end of the term, the teachers forward the scores for tallying and grading instead of doing it manually. “It is now easier and time saving for teachers to grade the students. Once they mark the exams, we send one volunteer to get the data, organise according to instructions then send back to the school. A minimal cost is charged,” said Ngunjiri. KIC has tried to integrate everybody into the project provided they show interest in learning. Those with skills they can share with others are encouraged to visit the centre and benefit the others. Working with university graduates, KIC goes beyond ICTs skills and teaches accounting and small business management skills to those aspiring to start businesses. Other services offered include- research and study centre, library centre through e-learning, data base centre for small business entrepreneurs, security pay point for Kimathi estate, networking centre, web design training for teenagers under the Mtandao Africa initiative. Out of the activities, the centre raises money to sustain itself and pay minimal wages to the workers. The priority now is to ensure the community fully embraces ICTs before they can pursue profits. To fulfill their social responsibility, Ngunjiri told KICTANet forum how KIC supports Shelter of Hope Centre- the local children’s home. The home houses sixty orphans in the neighboring Kiambiu slum. Because the space at KIC is limited, two trainers from the children’s home have been trained with the expectation that they will impart the orphans with ICT knowledge. Every Sunday, have a volunteer from KIC teaches 5 students from the children’s centre on computer packages and any advanced skills needed. The progress of KIC has not gone unnoticed by the corporate sector, Popote wireless gave thirty volunteers a chance market the company’s products. The library and research centre expects to train many students and enter competition for international awards including the Bill and Melinda gate Foundation Program. Ends Rebecca Wanjiku, journalist, p.o box 33515, Nairobi.00600 Kenya. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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