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KenBlogs...
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 02 Jun '08

02 Jun '08

Greetings, I hope this reaches you in the best of health & highest of spirits. I'd like to introduce all to a mailing list I created for Kenyan Bloggers: KenBlogs (http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ken-blogs/) I firmly believe this is a field which can be developed into a leading division in the Information Technology industry. I'm an amateur blogger & my blog is called The 411... (http://kipsang.wordpress.com/) Check it out & feel free to leave a comment... My dream is to create a large virtual community that can be felt both locally & globally. Looking forward to all of you joining! Kind regards,Michael.---"The computer programmer...is a creator of universes for which he alone is the lawgiver...No playwright, no stage director, no emperor, however powerful, has ever exercised such absolute authority to arrange a stage or a field of battle and to command such unswervingly dutiful actors or troops."Joseph Weizenbaum,Computer Power & Human Reason.--- _______________________________________________ Join Excite! - http://www.excite.com The most personalized portal on the Web!

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Launch/Cocktail Reminder
by Harry Hare 02 Jun '08

02 Jun '08

Dear All, Just to remind you of the Launch and Cocktail today�see the email below for details. Harry ________________________________________ From: kictanet-bounces+harry=africanedevelopment.org(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+harry=africanedevelopment.org@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Harry Hare Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 1:27 PM To: harry(a)africanedevelopment.org Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] Growing the Regional ICT Opportunities Collectively:Launch of the Regional EAICT4D Network Dear Colleagues, KICTANet and the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), with support from the International Development and Research Centre (IDRC) will be hosting a Regional ICT for Development network building workshop from 19th to 24 May 2008 in Nairobi. Seven national networks from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda are coming together to share regional information on ICT4D developments and initiatives, opportunities and lessons learnt. The workshop will see the formation of an East African ICT for Development network that will aim at encouraging cooperation among ICT policy advocacy related networks in the region. This is, therefore, to invite you to join us for the official launch of the Regional EAICT4D Network on 23rd May 2008 at the Jacaranda Hotel, Westlands from 18:00hrs � 20:00hrs. The function is expected to be presided over by the Minister for East African Co-operation. We hope that you will be able to join us in this regional milestone in the ICT sector. Kindly confirm your attendance with Evelyne through evelyne(a)kictanet.or.ke. Kindest Regards Harry Hare For KICTANet African eDevelopment Resource Centre 3rd Floor, Nelleon Place Raphta Road, Westlands PO Box 49475 00100 Nairobi, Kenya Cel +254 725 650044 Land +254 20 4453445 www.africanedevelopment.org My Blogg *********************************************************** May/June 2008 Training Opportunities Certified Fiber Optic Technician 6-9 May e-Marketing 27-30 May ERP 3-6 June Supply Chain Management 27-29 June Book Now, Limited spaces available  Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

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Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] 3G prepaid service and tariff - fyi - but get the info confirmed for yourself
by Gakuru , Alex 30 May '08

30 May '08

3G over-enthusiasm wont last long? if were an excited user and lets say downloaded these videos < http://www.elon.edu/e-web/predictions/igf_interviews_2007.xhtml> Assuming each one is 250 MB, then Safaricom would make about kshs 65,772/= poorer (than I already am). Is it worth it? No! not at shs 12.60/MB. Maths (shs 12.60/MB *18*250 + 16% VAT) Note: Before telcom hiked 128/64 ADSL card to 9,200/= per month, it used to cost 5,600/=. It is possible to download 18 videos in 1 month;) >> at 56,700/= Safaricom internet price is like 1,000% of early last year's ADSL price. Not costs worth celebrating much over. Internet costs keep rising instead of falling "with competition" and the companies cause more poverty than prosperity for Africa. prove me wrong! Alex On Thu, May 29, 2008 at 2:23 AM, aki <aki275(a)googlemail.com> wrote: > OK, I called Safaricom corporate sales and talked to a person called Mr > Peter Oyamo on 427 4099 seeking some clarifications. This guys know > everthing... :) > > - For existing pre-paid users of the bambanet modem who migrate to 3G ( > like me ) , I shall continue to pay the 12.60/- per Mbyte with the option to > move to post paid. > > - For postpaid users of 3G, if you chose any package and exceed the volume, > the extra mbytes are charged at 12.60/- per mybte. > > So now you know. > > ( btw, I really dislike my current OS... not open source. Without my > knowlegde, it has already done some silly updates upto 50 MB. So those > using 3G on this OS should be wary of hidden demons that could end up > costing you a lot, incase you wondered where all those Mbytes went... ) > > _______________________________________________ > skunkworks mailing list > skunkworks(a)my.co.ke > http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com > Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke >

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Most data wireless technologies ( except 3G ) to become obsolete when kenya gets undersea fiber?
by aki 30 May '08

30 May '08

Firstly, a definate congratulations to safarciom for the bold 3G step forward and the vision of the future. Well done! And to the visionaries in cable operator companies such as KDN, JTL, TKL, you have set the destiny for kenya. Your planning for the future is on track. Now onto the issue about all wireless technologies becoming obsolete with the arrival of the undersea fiber. I believe these technologies will become a hinderance to internet growth in plenty parts of the country. End users may need to be more informed about the ROI on these technologies as the date for the undersea fiber nears : I list my points below : 1) For household broadband adsl services, can the technologies deliver 8Mbit/2Mbit services? 2) For business adsl and broadband services, can the technologies deliver 10-100Mbit services? 3) Do the base stations have the capacities to sustain large gigabit connectivity? 4) Are all the base stations inter-connected via fiber? 5) Those base stations that have microwave inter-connections, are there any planned upgrades to gigabit and above? 6) To keep continuation of the wireless business, will the providers become bottlenecks to end users? 7) Will cheaper backbone rates become expensive due to local loop costs? I think the future of internet distribution will revert to fiber to dslams' and copper to end users in the early stages with wireless as redundancy. Does the regulator have measures in place to discourage service providers from becoming hinderances? To encourage takeup of capacity, discourage backward trends due to older technologies and accelerate internet infrastructure growth, what would be the short terms and longer term policies ? Your comments/corrections are welcome. Thank you. Aki.

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Re: [kictanet] Review PPP Models - Roles, Motives and Challenges- Day 9 of 10
by Barrack Otieno 30 May '08

30 May '08

Sorry for double posting On 5/29/08, Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Well, Businesses are always out to increase their market share by making a > good name (CSR), Civil Society is largely comprised of ideologists whereas > government has to manage the two by ensuring the policies they develop > jointly are adhered to, i think we need a system of checks and balances to > ensure that all players adhere to their mandate, for instance the public > procurement oversight authority ensures that all government instituions > adhere to procurement regulations set for government we need an independent > body to ensure that all players adhere to their mandate, am not sure whether > CCK is supposed to do that. > My opinion > > On 5/29/08, John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >> >> Morning all, >> >> Today & Tomorrow we shall wind up the discussion by >> reviewing the various Public Private Partnership Models for >> ICT4D initiatives. I am not privy to the details of the >> Models governing several PPP initiatives and would like to >> be enlightened where possible. >> >> Such initiatives include the TEAMs initiative with various >> Telco Operators, the Ministry of Education Kenya ICT Trust >> Fund with Microsoft, the World Bank TCIP (Transparency & >> Communication Infrastructure Project) with the Kenya ICT >> Board amongst others. >> >> My general opinion is that managing such alliances is bound >> to be problematic given the diverse and often conflicting >> motives of the players - particularly when one side (Govt) >> is heavily procedural, Private Sector is moderately >> procedural while the Civil Society is largely un-procedural >> (methinks). How then, does one harness such dialectic >> groups to read from the same ICT4D script and what are the >> Challenges experienced? >> >> 2days on this one. >> >> >> walu. >> --- Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> wrote: >> >> > Thanks, Ndegwa…we have already identified the media as >> > one of the key >> > partners, will come back to you on this. >> > >> > >> > >> > Regards >> > >> > Harry >> > >> > _____ >> > >> > From: >> > >> kictanet-bounces+harry=africanedevelopment.org(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> > >> [mailto:kictanet-bounces+harry <kictanet-bounces%2Bharry>= >> africanedevelopment.org(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke] >> > On Behalf Of MediaSpeak Africa >> > Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 2:44 PM >> > To: harry(a)africanedevelopment.org >> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions >> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] East Africa ICT4D Network >> > >> > >> > >> > Harry, >> > >> > Another good news for patriotic Kenyans. Congrats and >> > please push everybody >> > that needs to (must be) pushed for us to get into the >> > global ICT terrain. If >> > you would like a media partner we shall be right here! >> > >> > God bless. >> > >> > Ndegwa >> > >> > >> > >> > 2008/5/27 <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke>: >> > >> > Dear Harry, >> > Allow me to also take this opportunity to congraturate >> > you on your >> > achievements. Keep our flag flying high. >> > >> > Asante >> > >> > Ndemo >> > Sent from my BlackBerry(R) >> > >> > >> > -----Original Message----- >> > From: "Harry Hare" <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> >> > >> > Date: Mon, 26 May 2008 09:34:51 >> > To:bitange@jambo.co.ke <To%3Abitange(a)jambo.co.ke> <mailto: >> To%3Abitange(a)jambo.co.ke <To%253Abitange(a)jambo.co.ke>> >> > Cc:'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' >> > <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >> > Subject: [kictanet] East Africa ICT4D Network >> > >> > >> > Dear All, >> > >> > Many thanks for the congratulatory messages I have >> > received both through the >> > list and off-list. We shall be knocking on your doors to >> > seek partnership >> > opportunities as we start to implement the network's >> > ambitious strategic >> > plan. >> > >> > Kindest Regards >> > Harry >> > >> > >> > African eDevelopment Resource Centre >> > 3rd Floor, Nelleon Place >> > Raphta Road, Westlands >> > PO Box 49475 00100 >> > Nairobi, Kenya >> > Cel +254 725 650044 >> > Land +254 20 4453445 >> > www.africanedevelopment.org >> > May/June 2008 Training Opportunities >> > e-Marketing 20-23 May >> > ERP 3-6 June >> > Supply Chain Management 24-27 June >> > Space is limited Book Now! >> > P Please consider the environment before printing this >> > e-mail >> > >> > >> > ---------------- >> > >> > From: >> > >> kictanet-bounces+harry=africanedevelopment.org(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> > [mailto:kictanet-bounces+harry <kictanet-bounces%2Bharry> >> > <mailto:kictanet-bounces%2Bharry <kictanet-bounces%252Bharry>> >> > =africanedevelopment.org(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf >> > Of Kwach >> > Sent: Monday, May 26, 2008 8:31 AM >> > To: harry(a)africanedevelopment.org >> > Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' >> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] East Africa ICT4D Network >> > >> > Congrats to Harry, you deserve this for the active role >> > you have played in >> > the regional market. >> > >> > As the old saying goes; "The reward of a job well done is >> > an opportunity to >> > do more". Our best wishes to you. >> > >> > >> *********************************************************** >> > >> > Akich D. Kwach >> > Director - Research & Operations >> > ARCHWAY Technology Management >> > Mobile:+254 722 742155 >> > Tel: +254 20 2366404 >> > >> > e-mail: <mailto:kwach@archway-productions.com> >> > kwach(a)archway-productions.com >> > <http://www.archway-productions.com/> >> > www.archway-productions.com >> > >> > *** Market & Social Research for Development *** >> > >> > >> > >> > ---------------- >> > >> > From: >> > >> kictanet-bounces+kwach=archway-productions.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> > [mailto:kictanet-bounces+kwach <kictanet-bounces%2Bkwach> >> > <mailto:kictanet-bounces%2Bkwach <kictanet-bounces%252Bkwach>> >> > =archway-productions.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf >> > Of Leonard Mware >> > Sent: Friday, May 23, 2008 11:57 AM >> > To: kwach(a)archway-productions.com >> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions >> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] East Africa ICT4D Network >> > >> > >> > This is breaking news! >> > >> > Harrry Hare has just been elected the new Coordinator of >> > the EAICT4D >> > Network. This is another plus for the Civil Society given >> > Harry's good >> > network in East Africa and advocacy skills. Harry has >> > played a major role in >> > ICT4D activities in the region and is knowledgeable in >> > the field. The >> > election of Harry to this important office is therefore a >> > recognition of his >> > skills and contribution to the ICT4D in the region. >> > >> > We wish him well and hope he will consider pending issues >> > such as open >> > access and unified licensing in the communication sector >> > as priority for >> > advocacy. >> > >> > Congrats Harry!! >> > >> > >> > >> > Leonard >> > >> > >> > >> > Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> wrote: >> > Dear All, >> > >> > Just to remind you of the Launch and Cocktail today¡Ksee >> > the email below >> > for details. >> > >> > Harry >> > >> > ________________________________________ >> > From: >> > >> kictanet-bounces+harry=africanedevelopment.org(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> > [mailto:kictanet-bounces+harry <kictanet-bounces%2Bharry> >> > <mailto:kictanet-bounces%2Bharry <kictanet-bounces%252Bharry>> >> > =africanedevelopment.org(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf >> > Of Harry Hare >> > Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 1:27 PM >> > To: harry(a)africanedevelopment.org >> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions >> > Subject: [kictanet] Growing the Regional ICT >> > Opportunities >> > Collectively:Launch of the Regional EAICT4D Network >> > >> > Dear Colleagues, >> > >> > KICTANet and the Association for Progressive >> > Communications (APC), with >> > support from the International Development and Research >> > Centre (IDRC) will >> > be hosting a Regional ICT for Development network >> > building >> === message truncated ===> >> _______________________________________________ >> > kictanet mailing list >> > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> > >> > This message was sent to: jwalu(a)yahoo.com >> > Unsubscribe or change your options at >> > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%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 > ICWE Africa LTD > P.o. Box 746 > Nairobi 00100 > Tel: > +254721325277 > +254726544442 > +254202343960 > www.icwe.co.ke > http://projectdiscovery.or.ke > National Bank Building > Harambee Avenue 12th Floor -- Barrack O. Otieno ICWE Africa LTD P.o. Box 746 Nairobi 00100 Tel: +254721325277 +254726544442 +254202343960 www.icwe.co.ke http://projectdiscovery.or.ke National Bank Building Harambee Avenue 12th Floor

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Re: [kictanet] Civil Society Roles (activities, motives & challenges) Day 4 of 10
by Leonard Mware 30 May '08

30 May '08

Thanks Fred for your excellent contribution. As one of the main players in ICT4D , CFSK has been visible indeed. The achievements as mentioned by you indicates that your contribution as an "Implementing" civil society has been more successful than what the government have achieved in the same area over time. My question then is: What is the secret? What hinders the public sector (government) from moving effectively like your selfs? I mean, in terms of resources MoE has more than CFSK. Question two: Is there any impact assessment of the CFSKs rollout? Can you share some of the critcal findings? Lastly, we have another category of Civil Society (that includes KICTANET) involved in policy advocacy rather than implementation. Which of the two in your view is more relevant? the "implementing" civil society (less talk) or the "policy advocacy" civil society. It is said some countries are so efficient in churning out policy documents but very little is taking place on the ground. It also said that some Civil Societies in the name of advocacy hinder developement by over "advocating" issues such as environment and human rights. I want to suggest to the forum that Kicatenet should now come out strongly advocating for the implementation of the policies that it has helped nurture in Kenya. Leonard ----- Original Message ---- From: Fred Okono <fredokono(a)cfsk.org> To: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2008 2:58:48 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Civil Society Roles (activities, motives & challenges) Day 4 of 10 Hi Everybody! We at CFSK are actively involved in taking ICT to the people - specifically what we call youth intensive environments: educational & training institutions and community information access & resource centres. We are engaged in all the activities comprising the digital pipeline, from acquisition and placement of computers; through sensitisation, training,content development, evaluation and certification; to environmentally friendly and sustainable disposal of decommissioned computers and related equipment. In the five and a half years we have been in existence, we have placed well over fifteen thousand computers in over five hundred institutions; and offered training (ranging from simple user proficiency to professional-level competence) to thousands of teachers and institutional managers. Our work has touched over half a million youth, and since we mainly work with resource-poor communities many of them would otherwise not have had the opportunity but for our intervention. Having started off with a staff of three volunteers housed in a single room at Starehe Boys' Centre, CFSK now has over 70 highly-motivated mainly young people working towards its mission, distributed in eight centres around the country. We are an example of communities, private sector corporations, national and international civil society and government working together to transform the lives of communities that are often marginalised and suffering endemic poverty with no apparent means to escape the vicious cycle in which they find themselves. Amongst locally-based organisations that have been pivotal in the CFSK story are IDRC (that supported the pilot phase and has been with us ever since - and without whom we simply wouldn't exist!); Microsoft (who enable us to provide legitimate sofware for every single computer we place); the Safaricom Foundation (which has directly worked with us to bring computers to 80 schools around the country and indirectly in many other areas); AccessKenya Group who have also been with us right from the beginning and whose support through quality Internet access is invaluable; Kenya Airways; Barclays Bank; Cadbury's; Unilever; Total Oil; Kenya Airways; AfricaOnLine; Nation Newspapers; Hewlett Packard and many other partners in Kenya. Internationally, ComputerAid International, Digital Links International, FAIR Norway, Siso, Partners Worldwide, Computers for Schools Canada, Computers for Development (Nertherlands) and many others have also supported us. The model that CFSK operates on is considered an exemplar of sustainable provision of ICTs to resource-challenged communities, and active efforts are ongoing in many African countries to replicate the same. Indeed, the Rwanda ICT miracle has been significantly fuelled by lessons they picked from CFSK! That ICT is the greatest development facilitator available to Kenya today as we aspire for NIC status by 2030 cannot be overemphasised. We at CFSK hope to continue to make our small contribution towards the realisation of that noble vision - and we are keen to partner with one and all working for the same! Fred Fredrick Okono Deputy Director -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Computers for Schools Kenya Semco Business Park | Unit 1, Mombasa Road | P.O. Box 48584-00100 | Nairobi , Kenya | Tel:254(0)202060919, Tel/Fax: 254 (0)20 2060920 Mobile (0)723-527106|Email:fredokono@cfsk.org|Website: www.cfsk.org ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Walubengo" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> To: <fredokono(a)cfsk.org> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2008 11:54 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Civil Society Roles (activities,motives & challenges) Day 4 of 10 Thanx Jose and Louis, we are actually on Day 4 but I got caught up in my 'real-life' duties ;-). Anyway it is instructive to note that most of the Civil Society chaps have suddenly gone quiet - IDRC, AeRC, KICTAnet, FOSSFA amongst others. I hope it wont set a bad precedent for the Private sector tomorrow... Let's hear more on that above please. walu. --- "Othieno, Louis" <LOthieno(a)ke.peacecorps.gov> wrote: > Hi all > > Every year the ICT programme at the U.S.Peace Corps > receives and assigns about 8 American ICT professionals > to work for up to 2 years on Voluntary basis with ICT > ventures across Kenya. Their skills vary. Some are > trained and experienced in hardware maintenance and > networking, while others are programmers and experienced > in setting up huge and complex databases. Some are > involved in teaching basic ICT skills while others are > computer graphics designers and web-developers and > programmers -including establishment of e-commerce > enabled websites for small businesses and co-operatives. > A number have worked on programming in wireless > environments -to take advantage of the wide cellphone > coverage in Kenya > > Computers for Schools - earlier mentioned, is one of the > Peace Corps clients. Others are Land O Lakes -which is > currently beta-testing a program known as co-op works > created with assistance from FAO. Co-op works is an ICT > platform that integrates all aspects of running a dairy > co-operative, and with minor modifications will work for > other kinds of co-operatives as well. Peace Corps > Volunteers were involved in programming the software for > drumnet - also earlier mentioned. Peace Corps Volunteers > were assigned to support a pilot effort in Western Kenya > to bring Internet Connectivity wirelessly to 20 schools > within a 15 km radius using refurbished satellite > equipment from Eastern Europe, and then deliver > interactive education content through this means > > The Peace Corps does not directly advance its own ICT > agenda. Rather it supports efforts to make ICTs more > relevant and impactful upon the lives of rural > populations - especially low income segments of this > population - whether the impact is long-term (as in > education) or short term e.g. an e-commerce enabled > website for Malindi Handicrafts co-operative society. > Volunteers also share their ideas about opportunities to > deploy ICT for the benefit of poor rural populations in > the hope that some local institution might get interested > and "sponsor" the prototyping and testing of the idea > > Cheers all > > Louis > > ________________________________ > > From: > kictanet-bounces+lothieno=ke.peacecorps.gov(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:kictanet-bounces+lothieno=ke.peacecorps.gov@lists.kictanet.or.ke] > On Behalf Of Jose' > Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 6:03 PM > To: Othieno, Louis > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Subject: [kictanet] Civil Society Roles > (activities,motives & challenges) Day 3 of 10 > > > Greetings Walu and all, > It happens that am in the workshop with Mr.Hare. > Kimathi Information Centre based in Kamukunji > constituency and its offices in Kimathi Estate; > > ACTIVITIES > 1)Uses computers as a tool in catalyzing Macro n Micro > businesses to get skills on how to use office based > programs. > > 2)Offer trainings/workshops for Ideas,Macro & Micro > enterprise on how to write business plans,letters and > business etiquette.(August trainings registration open.We > are in partnership with University of British Columbia). > > 3)We provide convenience to the community inhabitants in > offering Internet based services as its main > sustainability model. > > CHALLENGES > > 1) Convincing the stakeholders to fund initiatives > e.g,Workshops/Symposiums. > 2) Poor Internet connectivity.Unfortunately its our > sustainability model. > 3)Capacity building on training staff on changing trends > in the ICT field.However its important to note that this > issue is being addressed by stakeholders like Kictanet > and ICTBOARD. > Regards, > José. > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com > _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: fredokono(a)cfsk.org Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/fredokono%40cfsk.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 8.0.100 / Virus Database: 269.24.0/1459 - Release Date: 5/21/2008 5:34 PM _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mleonardo%40yahoo.com

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Regulator warns of mobile Internet privacy concerns]
by alice 29 May '08

29 May '08

Regulator warns of mobile Internet privacy concerns[fr][de] Published: Thursday 29 May 2008 http://www.euractiv.com/en/infosociety/regulator-warns-mobile-internet-priv… Searching on the Internet via a mobile phone poses higher privacy-related concerns than traditional computer-based queries, according to the Italian authority for the protection of personal data. Background: Mobile Internet is considered the future of the Web. Yahoo! predicts that in less than ten years, the majority of Internet users are expected to access the net via their mobile handsets (see EurActiv 15/05/08). Privacy concerns related to the Internet mainly arise from social networking websites and search advertising. The latter is based on user profiles assembled by search engine operators by putting together personal information such as query histories, geographical locations and IP addresses. The effectiveness of targeting specific consumers makes search advertising more valuable than traditional display ads based on banners aimed at non-specific users. Using a search engine on a mobile handset makes available a larger amount of personal data, allowing for easier identification and location of a user. Specifically, by matching the information collected by search engines and the particular data collected by Telecom networks, "it is possible to have a very accurate profile of a user, namely in terms of localisation," warned Giovanni Buttarelli, secretary general of the Italian Data Protection Authority, after a meetingexternal in the EU Parliament on privacy and the Internet yesterday (28 May). He expressed his "concern" over potential new scenarios foreseeable due to mobile Internet and reminded search engine operators that they have to abide by the principles set in an opinionPdf external issued by EU Privacy regulators last April. The text invites search engines to ask users' permission to collect private data to be used to offer personalised advertisements on the Internet (see EurActiv 09/04/08). The EU's increasingly cautious stance on Internet privacy may have significant consequences for the thriving targeted ads market, developed by search engines by compiling detailed knowledge of their users. Search (or targeted) ads represent around 45% of the online advertising market in the EU and 40% in the US, comparing to around 30% in both areas for display ads and lower percentages for email advertising. The entire market for online advertising already has an estimated value of around 25 billion euros worldwide, an impressive figure considering that the first Internet banner only appeared in 1994, according to figures from the Milan-based Bicocca University. Google is the dominant player by far, controlling the largest market share both for search and display ads. The recent acquisition of DoubleClick further strengthened its position in the online advertising market, yet was considered to comply with competition rules by both EU and US regulators (see EurActiv 12/03/08). European citizens are also becoming more concerned about the use of personal information on the Internet. 82% of European Internet users have little trust in personal data management over the Web, according to a recent Eurobarometer pollPdf external (see EurActiv 18/04/08). Another poll issued yesterday indicates that in Italy, France, Germany and the UK, 83% of the people interviewed consider it inappropriate for a company to collect a wide variety of detailed personal information on a user. Another 93% said that this information should not in any case be used for targeted ads. The poll was carried out from a sample of 150 citizens per country in spring 2008 by ICOMP (Initiative for a Competitive Online Marketplace), an advocacy forum sponsored by Microsoft. Positions: Giovanni Buttarelli, secretary general of the Italian Data Protection Authority, said: "We have increased concerns on data retention on Internet searches through mobile phones." Not excluding new EU regulation on online advertising, the EPP-ED MEP Gunnar Hokmarkexternal (Sweden) said: "We see an increased technology convergence. And this concerns also advertisement. We could have different rules for ads on radio, on TV and so on. I wonder if we should look at it in a more general way." Commenting on the consolidation trend in online advertising, Marco Pierani, public affairs chief at Altroconsumo, an Italian consumer organisation and member of the EU association BEUC, said: "We are at the moment in a period of transition. We have to be sure that competition is still there. We believe that more competition leads to better privacy protection." Links European Union * EU Privacy Regulators (Article 29 Working Party): Opinion on privacy and search enginesPdf external (4 April 2008) * European Commission/Gallup: Eurobarometer on data protection in the European UnionPdf external (February 2008) * EU: Data Protection Directiveexternal (24 October 1995) [FR]external [DE]external Business & Industry * Google: Reaction to EU privacy concernsexternal (7 April 2008) _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Destination Kenya : What are the progress updates for the undersea fiber to kenya?
by aki 29 May '08

29 May '08

Any progress from TEAMS and the rest? Still on paper? Seacom cable construction begins : *13 December 2007* Tyco Telecommunications has announced that it has started construction on the US$650-million Seacom undersea fibre-optic cable, which will link southern and eastern Africa with India and Europe by 2009, bringing down connectivity costs on the continent. "Seacom's offerings will complement communication carriers of south and east africa through the sale of wholesale international capacity to global networks eastward through India and westward through Europe," Tyco said in a statement on Wednesday. "The system will provide African retail carriers with equal and open access to inexpensive bandwidth, removing the international infrastructure bottleneck and supporting east and south African economic growth." According to Tyco, the increased capacity of the cable as compared to existing infrastructure will enable the greater availability and lower cost of high-demand services such as high definition television (HDTV), peer to peer networks and internet protocol television (IPTV). *Majority African owned* South African companies will own half of the private equity funded Seacom undersea fibre-optic cable, with total African ownership of the cable to reach 75%. The future of the 15 000km SEA Cable System (Seacom) was previously in doubt when Communications Minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri announced that any cable landing in the country would have to be majority South African owned. Business Day reported in November that local investment company VenFin was putting in $75-million for a 25% stake in the project, while black economic empowerment companies Shanduka and Convergence Partners were each taking a 12.5% stake worth $37.5-million. The paper added that Industrial Promotion Services, a unit of Kenya-based development agency the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, had also taken a 25% stake in the cable, making it majority-owned by African investors. The group had already awarded a $10-million marine survey and engineering contract to American-based Tyco Telecommunications. "East and South African user demand for international bandwidth, whether for business, institution or individual use, has greatly surpassed the existing supply," Herakles Telecom vice president Brian Herlihy said in the statement by Tyco. "Seacom, as an international submarine cable system, will provide significant supply at affordable prices." According to Business Day, New York-based Herakles Telecom is a development group that has invested some $4-billion in Africa, and owns 25% of the cable. South Africa's second national operator, Neotel, is not part of the cable-building consortium, but owns the landing rights as part of its licence and will contribute R20-million toward the project, with funds going toward the cable landing station and all related facilities within South African territory. *'Cable a success story'* "We are particularly excited that the South African investors in Seacom have a 50% stake, making this [cable] one of the country's success stories", Neotel managing director Ajay Pandey said in a company statement. Seacom will have a capacity of 1.28 terabits per second, which is approximately 10 times the current capacity of the SAT-3 cable which runs along Africa's west coast and connects South Africa to Europe. According to Neotel, the cable should be ready for service during 2009, placing South Africa in a much stronger position to support the 2010 Fifa World Cup, whose demand for international bandwidth, and in particular high definition television broadcasting, will be unprecedented. In addition, Neotel states it will operate the local landing station and facilities on an open access basis, thus stimulating the country's international bandwidth market. "Neotel remains committed to a new era in the telecoms industry of South Africa where access to international bandwidth will not be as constrained." Pandey said. --- www dot southafrica.info/business/economy/infrastructure/seacom-141107.htm --- > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: aki <aki275(a)googlemail.com> > Date: Wed, May 28, 2008 at 2:17 PM > Subject: Destination Kenya : What are the progress updates for the undersea > fiber to kenya? > To: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > > While everyone keeps mentioning that next year is due date for the fiber > connectivity, can anyone share the real time progress updates on the > undersea fiber to kenya? I plan to keep a calender on these > technology events. > > - Has the actual work started? > > - How much has been achieved so far? > > - How far is the cable from mombasa ? > > - What is the planned initial capacity? > > The cable is the next biggest technology achievement in kenya. Your input > will be appreciated. > > Thank you. > > Aki. > > > > > >

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Pretty Queit?- future topics.
by John Walubengo 27 May '08

27 May '08

whao! i must admit this discussion is likely to be the most 'silent' i have ever done. Anyway, here's an advanced list of what is in the pipeline for the months of June and July. 1. eTransaction Bill - what are the contents and expectations? 2. Internet Governance Forum- why should it matter? 3. ICT Indicators - the Kenyan Perspective. Hpe u are now fore-warned and hopefully will be more prepared. Some of you claim that the current topic 'Role of Public, Private Sector and Civil Soceity in ICT4D' was 'ambushed' on them and so they have minimal contributions. walu.

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VALIDATION WORKSHOP - ELECTRONIC WASTE MANAGEMENT
by Evelyne Majale 27 May '08

27 May '08

Dear all This is a reminder of tomorrow's (Wednesday 28th May 2008) validation workshop on Electronic Waste Management Project in Kenya. Kindly note details of venue below: Lenana House Conference Centre Situated on Jacaranda Avenue Off Gitanga Road, LAVINGTON Nairobi Attached find the programme Please confirm attendance off the list for planning purposes. Thanking you in advance and looking forward to seeing you. Evelyne

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