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Positive energy and the KCSE
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 11 Apr '08

11 Apr '08

Dear All, As we discussed the the KCSE error, Eric Aligula sent the quotations below and I think they capture the spirit in which we should approach such problems. Often we spend more time to criticise yet this forum has some of the best minds in ICT. "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke "Far better to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory, nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt In the past we have spent our collective negative energy to kill projects that could have uplifted this country out of poverty. For example, the Nyayo car. Although there was evidence of corruption it is common knowledge that cost of any protype is usually high. Our learned good men and women did not come out to explain the behaviour of variable and fixed costs. The Malaysians if you read about their Proton were experiencing the same. What saved their project was the benevolent dictatorship of their leadership. Today the Proton is as good a car as any and Kenyans are importing it. You learn the history of motor industry, Kenyan technicians were taken to India, Zechoslovakia and South Africa to teach them on motor assembly. There are many projects that have come and gone because the good men that Edmund Burke is referring to are doing nothining. Indeed even those in public offices wanting to do good for the country fear taking any risk because there is no legal insurance. Therefore, the public had a responsibility to develop a common culture whose focus is to build rather than condem and destroy. Regards Ndemo. ---------------------------------------------- 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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Invitation to all Local Software Developers
by nancy bosire 11 Apr '08

11 Apr '08

*Dear ALL,* * * *Invitation to all Local Software Developers*** This is to invite you to a consultative meeting on Friday the 18th April 2008 at Centurion Systems Ltd, from 2.15pm to 4. 00 pm. The venue is New Rehema House, 2nd floor Centurion Systems Rhapta Road (Westlands). The objective of the meeting is to promote the local software development industry with all relevant government agencies. Issues for discussion include: - Identify hurdles that cripple local software development - The need for a Committee of KIF to address software development industry issues, and if need exists, terms of reference. Invite and circulate this email to other software developers so that we can have different points of view, contributions and suggestions to be able to start the journey towards advocating for the local software development industry. Please confirm attendance ahead of time, as we have limited accommodation. This is an initiative of Kevit Desai and Marcel Werner. -- Sincerely yours, Nancy Bosire Secretariat Manager Kenya ICT Federation Tel: 020 4440102 Mobile: 0721907995 secretariat(a)kif.or.ke, info(a)kif.or.ke http://www.kif.or.ke "When you learn to love what you strive for, then it ceases to be an effort" Napoleon Hill "Whatever your mind expects and demands, it will find a way to produce it." Mahatma Gandhi First they ignore you, Then they laugh at you, Then they fight you, AND THEN YOU WIN!!!

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Re: [kictanet] kictanet Digest, Vol 11, Issue 17
by godera＠skyweb.co.ke 11 Apr '08

11 Apr '08

Dear Citizens, I am simply perplexed at how an "outdated computer programming language" can be blamed for such a fiasco. With all due respect, SOMEONE is responsible for ensuring that no "outdated programs" are used, assuming that the report is really true.There is absolutely no room for such complacency, not when you are talking about the future of these children. We surely cannot simply blame a machine that requires instruction then say the machine let the country down. We are talking about the credibility of the Kenyan education system here! We have for years read such bizzare stories happening in other "banana" republics and it appears we spent so much time laughing we forgot to look at ourselves and continued living in "past glory". Such things were unheard of in Kenya then. These days we are simply a laughing stock of the so called "banana" republics! Can someone stand up and take responsibility please! Gilda Odera Quoting kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke: > Send kictanet mailing list submissions to > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > You can reach the person managing the list at > kictanet-owner(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of kictanet digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: KCSE results fiasco explained? (bitange(a)jambo.co.ke) > 2. KCSE (bitange(a)jambo.co.ke) > 3. Re: KCSE results fiasco explained? (Frank Ojiambo) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:53:29 +0300 (EAT) > From: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > Subject: Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > To: "David Aduda" <daduda(a)nation.co.ke> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Message-ID: <50958.213.42.2.22.1207828409.squirrel(a)mail.jambo.co.ke> > Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1 > > Dear Aduda, > You are dealing with multiple errors here. The first error was created by > a computer programmer. The second error was created by either the > reporter or the messenger who tried to correct error number one. Errors > of omission are common when fundermentals are not observed. We need to > examine the software since Hardware (the computer) does nothing unless > instructed to do so. > > Regards > > > Ndemo. > > > > > > Colleagues, > > > > I would be excited to get someone who can explain how the so-called > > computer error just happened this year and how a body (KNEC) entrusted > > with the noble task of setting, administering, marking and grading marks > > for our children could not detect the problem upfront. Is computer > > becoming the latter day punching bag for grave human mistakes? And does > > the computer generate its own data or fit's ed by human beings? > > > > If there is nay error here, blame my computer? > > > > Aduda > > > >> ---------- > >> From: kictanet-bounces+daduda=nation.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke on > >> behalf of Leonard Mware > >> Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 1:29 PM > >> To: David Aduda > >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > >> > >> <<File: ATT5157354.txt>> > >> 'Outdated' as in fashion or not just not able to crunch figures due to > >> 'uzee"? > >> > >> > >> > >> ----- Original Message ---- > >> From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > >> To: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com > >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >> Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 10:11:36 AM > >> Subject: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > >> > >> >>>Daily Nation, 9th April. > >> A programming error is to blame for last year?s KCSE > >> results fiasco in which the error led to the adjustment of > >> mean grades for some students. > >> > >> Education Minister Sam Ongeri said when he released a > >> report on last year?s Form Four examinations fiasco > >> yesterday. The report blamed outdated computer programming > >> language for the error which led to the adjustment of mean > >> grades for nearly 40,000 candidates. It arose from the use > >> of an outdated version of a programming language at Kenya > >> National Examinations Council. > >> >>>rest of story @ > >> > http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp? category_id=1&newsid=120791 > >> > >> I found it quite difficult to understand how an 'outdated' > >> programming language that has been working well over the > >> years suddenly begins to lose memory (its mind?) due to the > >> 'ageing' process...ama are we experiencing Y2K bug ver 2 > >> remixed here? > >> > >> ...and now that the report is public, could Barnabas (ICT > >> Mnger, Education) shed some more technical light on what > >> could have transpired? Or maybe Prof. Kashorda who sat on > >> the Investigation committee? Because technically I still > >> dont get it... > >> > >> walu. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > ________________________________________________________________________________ ____ > >> You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster > >> Total Access, No Cost. > >> http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > >> > >> _____ > >> > >> You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster > >> Total Access, No Cost. > >> > > > > DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is > > intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain > > confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No > > confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If > > you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all > > copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify > > the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, > > distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the > > intended recipient. > > > > Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and > > do not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. > > > > ?To get all breaking news alerts send the word BREAK to 6667 or visit > > http://www.nationmedia.com/wap to read news on your mobile phone.? > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > > This message has been scanned for viruses and > > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > > believed to be clean. > > --------------------------------------------- > > "easy access to the world" > > > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > This message was sent to: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:34:11 +0300 (EAT) > From: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > Subject: [kictanet] KCSE > To: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > Cc: 'Catherine Ngahu' <cngahu(a)sboresearch.com>, KICTAnet ICT Policy > Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>, vkyalo(a)ict.go.ke > Message-ID: <16784.213.42.2.22.1207834451.squirrel(a)mail.jambo.co.ke> > Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1 > > Dear All, > My earlier e-mail to Aduda has elisted direct questions as to how the > programing error could have occured. Usually errors such as the one > explained by the Minister occur during Data Mining. > > Researchers generally define data mining (sometimes called data or > knowledge discovery) as the process of analyzing data from different > perspectives and summarizing it into useful information - information that > can be used to increase revenue, cuts costs, or both. Data mining software > is one of a number of analytical tools for analyzing data. It allows users > to analyze data from many different dimensions or angles, categorize it, > and summarize the relationships identified. Technically, data mining is > the process of finding correlations or patterns among dozens of fields in > large relational databases like KCSE. > > Data does not automatically become information unless it is mined properly. > > > Ndemo > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:22:21 +0300 > From: "Frank Ojiambo" <wanyama(a)nation.co.ke> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > To: <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Message-ID: > <61CFDAF4B595904B9156E157C2D9D44C0A395006(a)NATIONMAIL.nation.co.ke> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > > Bitange, > > > Perhaps the likes of our Minister for Education, the KNEC Secretary and > others that choose to call a spade by any other name should submit to your > wise counsel. > > And it's not just the software that needs examination. The KNEC Secretary > and his officers should be placed under a microscope considering plethora > problems that have perennially afflicted national examinations. > > The abnormally high levels tolerance/impotence among Kenyans is perhaps to > blame. > > It's for this reason that ECK Chairman Samuel Kivuitu and his team of zombies > are, bizzaringly still in office. > > What of the top political leaders currently playing a dangerous chess game, > with the 35 million Kenyans relegated to mere pawns? > > It's an insult that Prof Ongeri, Mr Wasanga and his team of goofers at KNEC > are still in office. > > I long for the day when lynch mobs shall pay courtesy calls on such people > and do what they do best. > > > Frank > > > > > > > ---------- > > From: kictanet-bounces+wanyama=nation.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke on behalf > of bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > > Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 2:53 PM > > To: Frank Ojiambo > > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > > > > Dear Aduda, > > You are dealing with multiple errors here. The first error was created by > > a computer programmer. The second error was created by either the > > reporter or the messenger who tried to correct error number one. Errors > > of omission are common when fundermentals are not observed. We need to > > examine the software since Hardware (the computer) does nothing unless > > instructed to do so. > > > > Regards > > > > > > Ndemo. > > > > > > > > > > > Colleagues, > > > > > > I would be excited to get someone who can explain how the so-called > > > computer error just happened this year and how a body (KNEC) entrusted > > > with the noble task of setting, administering, marking and grading marks > > > for our children could not detect the problem upfront. Is computer > > > becoming the latter day punching bag for grave human mistakes? And does > > > the computer generate its own data or fit's ed by human beings? > > > > > > If there is nay error here, blame my computer? > > > > > > Aduda > > > > > >> ---------- > > >> From: kictanet-bounces+daduda=nation.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke on > > >> behalf of Leonard Mware > > >> Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 1:29 PM > > >> To: David Aduda > > >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > > >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > > >> > > >> <<File: ATT5157354.txt>> > > >> 'Outdated' as in fashion or not just not able to crunch figures due to > > >> 'uzee"? > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> ----- Original Message ---- > > >> From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > > >> To: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com > > >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > > >> Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 10:11:36 AM > > >> Subject: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > > >> > > >> >>>Daily Nation, 9th April. > > >> A programming error is to blame for last year?s KCSE > > >> results fiasco in which the error led to the adjustment of > > >> mean grades for some students. > > >> > > >> Education Minister Sam Ongeri said when he released a > > >> report on last year?s Form Four examinations fiasco > > >> yesterday. The report blamed outdated computer programming > > >> language for the error which led to the adjustment of mean > > >> grades for nearly 40,000 candidates. It arose from the use > > >> of an outdated version of a programming language at Kenya > > >> National Examinations Council. > > >> >>>rest of story @ > > >> > http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp? category_id=1&newsid=120791 > > >> > > >> I found it quite difficult to understand how an 'outdated' > > >> programming language that has been working well over the > > >> years suddenly begins to lose memory (its mind?) due to the > > >> 'ageing' process...ama are we experiencing Y2K bug ver 2 > > >> remixed here? > > >> > > >> ...and now that the report is public, could Barnabas (ICT > > >> Mnger, Education) shed some more technical light on what > > >> could have transpired? Or maybe Prof. Kashorda who sat on > > >> the Investigation committee? Because technically I still > > >> dont get it... > > >> > > >> walu. > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > ________________________________________________________________________________ ____ > > >> You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of > Blockbuster > > >> Total Access, No Cost. > > >> http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com > > >> > > >> _______________________________________________ > > >> 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 > > >> > > >> > > >> _____ > > >> > > >> You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of > Blockbuster > > >> Total Access, No Cost. > > >> > > > > > > DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is > > > intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain > > > confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No > > > confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. > If > > > you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all > > > copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify > > > the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, > > > distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the > > > intended recipient. > > > > > > Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author > and > > > do not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. > > > > > > > '> To get all breaking news alerts send the word BREAK to 6667 or > visit > > > http://www.nationmedia.com/wap to read news on your mobile phone.> '> > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > > > This message has been scanned for viruses and > > > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > > > believed to be clean. > > > --------------------------------------------- > > > "easy access to the world" > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > kictanet mailing list > > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > > > This message was sent to: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > > > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke > > > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > > This message has been scanned for viruses and > > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > > believed to be clean. > > --------------------------------------------- > > "easy access to the world" > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > This message was sent to: wanyama(a)nation.co.ke > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wanyama%40nation.co.ke > > > > > > DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is > intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain > confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No > confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If > you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all > copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify the > sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, > print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended > recipient. > > Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and do > not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. > > ?To get all breaking news alerts send the word BREAK to 6667 or visit > http://www.nationmedia.com/wap to read news on your mobile phone.? >

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Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained?
by Frank Ojiambo 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

Bitange, Perhaps the likes of our Minister for Education, the KNEC Secretary and others that choose to call a spade by any other name should submit to your wise counsel. And it's not just the software that needs examination. The KNEC Secretary and his officers should be placed under a microscope considering plethora problems that have perennially afflicted national examinations. The abnormally high levels tolerance/impotence among Kenyans is perhaps to blame. It's for this reason that ECK Chairman Samuel Kivuitu and his team of zombies are, bizzaringly still in office. What of the top political leaders currently playing a dangerous chess game, with the 35 million Kenyans relegated to mere pawns? It's an insult that Prof Ongeri, Mr Wasanga and his team of goofers at KNEC are still in office. I long for the day when lynch mobs shall pay courtesy calls on such people and do what they do best. Frank > ---------- > From: kictanet-bounces+wanyama=nation.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke on behalf of bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 2:53 PM > To: Frank Ojiambo > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Subject: Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > > Dear Aduda, > You are dealing with multiple errors here. The first error was created by > a computer programmer. The second error was created by either the > reporter or the messenger who tried to correct error number one. Errors > of omission are common when fundermentals are not observed. We need to > examine the software since Hardware (the computer) does nothing unless > instructed to do so. > > Regards > > > Ndemo. > > > > > > Colleagues, > > > > I would be excited to get someone who can explain how the so-called > > computer error just happened this year and how a body (KNEC) entrusted > > with the noble task of setting, administering, marking and grading marks > > for our children could not detect the problem upfront. Is computer > > becoming the latter day punching bag for grave human mistakes? And does > > the computer generate its own data or fit's ed by human beings? > > > > If there is nay error here, blame my computer? > > > > Aduda > > > >> ---------- > >> From: kictanet-bounces+daduda=nation.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke on > >> behalf of Leonard Mware > >> Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 1:29 PM > >> To: David Aduda > >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > >> > >> <<File: ATT5157354.txt>> > >> 'Outdated' as in fashion or not just not able to crunch figures due to > >> 'uzee"? > >> > >> > >> > >> ----- Original Message ---- > >> From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > >> To: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com > >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >> Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 10:11:36 AM > >> Subject: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > >> > >> >>>Daily Nation, 9th April. > >> A programming error is to blame for last year?s KCSE > >> results fiasco in which the error led to the adjustment of > >> mean grades for some students. > >> > >> Education Minister Sam Ongeri said when he released a > >> report on last year?s Form Four examinations fiasco > >> yesterday. The report blamed outdated computer programming > >> language for the error which led to the adjustment of mean > >> grades for nearly 40,000 candidates. It arose from the use > >> of an outdated version of a programming language at Kenya > >> National Examinations Council. > >> >>>rest of story @ > >> http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=1&ne… > >> > >> I found it quite difficult to understand how an 'outdated' > >> programming language that has been working well over the > >> years suddenly begins to lose memory (its mind?) due to the > >> 'ageing' process...ama are we experiencing Y2K bug ver 2 > >> remixed here? > >> > >> ...and now that the report is public, could Barnabas (ICT > >> Mnger, Education) shed some more technical light on what > >> could have transpired? Or maybe Prof. Kashorda who sat on > >> the Investigation committee? Because technically I still > >> dont get it... > >> > >> walu. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> ____________________________________________________________________________________ > >> You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster > >> Total Access, No Cost. > >> http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > >> > >> _____ > >> > >> You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster > >> Total Access, No Cost. > >> > > > > DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is > > intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain > > confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No > > confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If > > you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all > > copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify > > the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, > > distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the > > intended recipient. > > > > Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and > > do not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. > > > > > '> To get all breaking news alerts send the word BREAK to 6667 or visit > > http://www.nationmedia.com/wap to read news on your mobile phone.> '> > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > > This message has been scanned for viruses and > > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > > believed to be clean. > > --------------------------------------------- > > "easy access to the world" > > > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > This message was sent to: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: wanyama(a)nation.co.ke > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wanyama%40nation.co.ke > > DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended recipient. Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. To get all breaking news alerts send the word BREAK to 6667 or visit http://www.nationmedia.com/wap to read news on your mobile phone.

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Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained?
by David Aduda 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

Colleagues, I would be excited to get someone who can explain how the so-called computer error just happened this year and how a body (KNEC) entrusted with the noble task of setting, administering, marking and grading marks for our children could not detect the problem upfront. Is computer becoming the latter day punching bag for grave human mistakes? And does the computer generate its own data or fit's ed by human beings? If there is nay error here, blame my computer? Aduda > ---------- > From: kictanet-bounces+daduda=nation.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke on behalf of Leonard Mware > Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 1:29 PM > To: David Aduda > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Subject: Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > > <<File: ATT5157354.txt>> > 'Outdated' as in fashion or not just not able to crunch figures due to 'uzee"? > > > > ----- Original Message ---- > From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > To: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 10:11:36 AM > Subject: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > > >>>Daily Nation, 9th April. > A programming error is to blame for last year?s KCSE > results fiasco in which the error led to the adjustment of > mean grades for some students. > > Education Minister Sam Ongeri said when he released a > report on last year?s Form Four examinations fiasco > yesterday. The report blamed outdated computer programming > language for the error which led to the adjustment of mean > grades for nearly 40,000 candidates. It arose from the use > of an outdated version of a programming language at Kenya > National Examinations Council. > >>>rest of story @ > http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=1&ne… > > I found it quite difficult to understand how an 'outdated' > programming language that has been working well over the > years suddenly begins to lose memory (its mind?) due to the > 'ageing' process...ama are we experiencing Y2K bug ver 2 > remixed here? > > ...and now that the report is public, could Barnabas (ICT > Mnger, Education) shed some more technical light on what > could have transpired? Or maybe Prof. Kashorda who sat on > the Investigation committee? Because technically I still > dont get it... > > walu. > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. > http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > _____ > > You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. > DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended recipient. Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. To get all breaking news alerts send the word BREAK to 6667 or visit http://www.nationmedia.com/wap to read news on your mobile phone.

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FW: ANSA-Africa: FInal conference participation call
by Eric Aligula 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

Any interested parties? Papers on ICTs and Social Accountability - Kenyan Perspective would be interesting. Forward as appropriate. Kind regards Eric Aligula Magolo Senior Policy Analyst Infrastructure and Economic Services Division Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis P.O. Box 56445, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254-20-2719933/4 Fax: +254-20-2719951 E-mail: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke <mailto:jairah@kippra.or.ke> URL: www.kippra.org <http://www.kippra.org/> Proudly Kenyan "In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility..........I welcome it." John F. Kennedy "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke "Far better to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory, nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt "Ex Africa semper aliquid novi" From: rhumphries(a)hsrc.ac.za [mailto:rhumphries@hsrc.ac.za] Sent: Monday, April 07, 2008 4:07 PM Subject: ANSA-Africa: FInal conference participation call Dear Colleagues You should have received earlier notifications of ANSA-Africa's forthcoming stakeholder conference - to be held in Addis Ababa on the 19th and 20th of May 2008. Our website's home page contains the conference announcement. More details will be posted later this week. With the conference just over one month away, this e-mail is a final call for both abstracts and intention to participate as a delegate. We have some places left for sponsored delegates. Persons wishing to be considered for these places must fill in the delegate application form and submit it to Mrs Ingrid du Toit at the ANSA-Africa secretariat (Ingrid.dutoit(a)mweb.co.za) The form is attached for ease of access. Many thanks indeed. richard h Richard Humphries Affiliated Network for Social Accountability (Africa) www.ansa-africa.net Human Sciences Research Council Pretoria www.hsrc.ac.za

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MPesa - Whose brand is it? Safaricom or Vodafone?
by Harry Hare 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

Dear Colleagues, Just saw this story on CNNMoney and started wondering whose product M-Pesa is.I always thought M-Pesa was a local invention of the creative minds at Safaricom but looks like Vodafone is claiming ownership of the brand. It would probably be good to start documenting the origins of M-Pesa as I see this brand across Africa. Regards Harry http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/AFX-0013-24343341.htm Vodafone's jv to launch mobile money transfer service in Tanzania April 08, 2008: 08:40 AM EST Apr. 8, 2008 (Thomson Financial delivered by Newstex) -- - Vodafone (NYSE:VOD) Group Plc. said its joint-venture, Vodacom Group plans to launch its M-Pesa mobile money transfer service to its 4.1 mln customers in Tanzania at the end of the month. Vodacom, which has operations in South Africa, Tanzania, Lesotho, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a joint venture between Vodafone and Telkom South Africa. The launch of Vodafone M-PESA in Tanzania will see Vodafone's award-winning mobile money transfer service available in a second African market. 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 <http://www.africanedevelopment.org/> My Blogg <http://egov-notes.blogspot.com/> *********************************************************** April/May 2008 Training Opportunities GIS 16-18 April Records Management 28-30 April Web Applications Security 28-30 April Certified Fiber Optic Technician 6-9 May e-Marketing 27-30 May Book Now, Limited spaces available P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

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Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained?
by Leonard Mware 09 Apr '08

09 Apr '08

'Outdated' as in fashion or not just not able to crunch figures due to 'uzee"? ----- Original Message ---- From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> To: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 10:11:36 AM Subject: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? >>>Daily Nation, 9th April. A programming error is to blame for last year’s KCSE results fiasco in which the error led to the adjustment of mean grades for some students. Education Minister Sam Ongeri said when he released a report on last year’s Form Four examinations fiasco yesterday. The report blamed outdated computer programming language for the error which led to the adjustment of mean grades for nearly 40,000 candidates. It arose from the use of an outdated version of a programming language at Kenya National Examinations Council. >>>rest of story @ http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=1&ne… I found it quite difficult to understand how an 'outdated' programming language that has been working well over the years suddenly begins to lose memory (its mind?) due to the 'ageing' process...ama are we experiencing Y2K bug ver 2 remixed here? ...and now that the report is public, could Barnabas (ICT Mnger, Education) shed some more technical light on what could have transpired? Or maybe Prof. Kashorda who sat on the Investigation committee? Because technically I still dont get it... walu. ____________________________________________________________________________________ You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com _______________________________________________ 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 ____________________________________________________________________________________ You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com

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KCSE results fiasco explained?
by John Walubengo 09 Apr '08

09 Apr '08

>>>Daily Nation, 9th April. A programming error is to blame for last years KCSE results fiasco in which the error led to the adjustment of mean grades for some students. Education Minister Sam Ongeri said when he released a report on last years Form Four examinations fiasco yesterday. The report blamed outdated computer programming language for the error which led to the adjustment of mean grades for nearly 40,000 candidates. It arose from the use of an outdated version of a programming language at Kenya National Examinations Council. >>>rest of story @ http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=1&ne… I found it quite difficult to understand how an 'outdated' programming language that has been working well over the years suddenly begins to lose memory (its mind?) due to the 'ageing' process...ama are we experiencing Y2K bug ver 2 remixed here? ...and now that the report is public, could Barnabas (ICT Mnger, Education) shed some more technical light on what could have transpired? Or maybe Prof. Kashorda who sat on the Investigation committee? Because technically I still dont get it... walu. ____________________________________________________________________________________ You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com

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Digital Villages
by Edith Adera 08 Apr '08

08 Apr '08

Dr Ndemo, It's good to learn of this new development and to know that things are moving towards implementation. Kudos to the ICT Board! May I ask whether there is any plan to share with stakeholders (and the public) the DV Program implementation model that is envisaged for discussion and feedback? Has there been some in-country background research to determine the needs and potential areas for locating the DVs? Having been funders of similar telecentres and community-owned networks for the last decade across Africa, there are some hard lessons worth sharing (some of which have already been shared directly with the Board), but I believe others have invaluable lessons and experiences to share. An opportunity to publicly discuss the model will be useful. Edith -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of bitange(a)jambo.co.ke Sent: 02 April 2008 21:07 To: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] Digital Villages Dear All, In today's Daily Nation, the ICT Board advertised (p 18) for Digital Village Entrepreneurs. This is very significant in the sense that we are now very close to involving our rural folks in creating wealth through ICT enterprise. In the past few months since the idea of DVs was mooted, we have learnt a great deal and new rural technologies have emerged. Private sector is beginning to see opportunities in our rural areas. Similar programs elsewhere have often been taken up by the private sector and escalated Broadband penetration. In Slovakia for example Government direct subsidies to rural areas has helped the country achieve the greatest broadband density in Europe. The subsidy drove demand for broadband beyond any estimates. In Chile direct subsidy, intense government local content coupled with tax incentives for rural infrastructure helped the country take broadband to the even sparsely populated Tundra regions of the Andes. Farmers in the region have as much as 11 MB broadband to homes. Operators are happy and productively utilizing rural Base Stations without additional subsidies. Although in our case we have managed some sort of subsidy, we need more especially tax incentives on rural infrastructure. With incentives, it will be attractive for operators to take up rural connectivity on commercial basis. We shall be through with the supply side of ICTs when the undersea, the terrestrial fibre, data centers, disaster recovery centers and network operation centers are ready in the next few months. Some of these projects are being undertaken by the private sector and where necessary the Government may intervene marginally. The challenge now lies on the Demand side. The risk is that operators may concentrate to provide for the bent up demand in urban areas forgetting rural areas. Yet Mpesa shows us that the money is in rural areas. The purpose of this e-mail therefore, is to seek for your support in identifying youth from your rural areas (that is if you come from a village like me) and recommend them to Victor at the ICT Board. I know there are other private initiatives outside of operators intending to support the DV project but we are still grabbling with how this can be distinctively done without causing confusion. Knowing that we have a great resource in you (Kictanet) I am confident that your contribution would enhance the efforts to scale up ICTs in our country. Asante. Bitange Ndemo. ---------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world" _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/eadera%40idrc.or.ke

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