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Re: [kictanet] kictanet Digest, Vol 116, Issue 24
by Aquinas Wasike 05 Jan '17

05 Jan '17

Kudos for this. We (ICT practitioners) were certainly being turned into some laughing stock for some of the sentiments that were expressed ostensibly by ICT experts, including our own CS (my friend Joe) who to say the least either for lack of clarity or otherwise chose to express himself unfaithful to his calling and training. Washington Odhiambo was spot-on in his comments a couple of days ago. Some of us submitted memoranda to the elections ICT working group and expressed very similar sentiments. Like I said last time as a postmortem to the last general elections; Technology didn't fail us, it is people who failed us......enough said. Regards, Aquinas Sent from my iPad, Powered by: LANTech (Africa) Limited Unified Communications System > On 5 Jan 2017, at 1:12 PM, "kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke" <kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > > Send kictanet mailing list submissions to > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > https://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: ICT Experts Brush Off Manual IEBC Back UpSystem > (Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu) > 2. Re: ICT Experts Brush Off Manual IEBC Back UpSystem > (Barrack Otieno) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Thu, 5 Jan 2017 13:09:12 +0300 > From: Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu <chemukoechk(a)gmail.com> > To: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] ICT Experts Brush Off Manual IEBC Back > UpSystem > Message-ID: > <CAApgMtykUCOR0ighLZn0ux6z-RSnfC8_APVVN+ipNwpYzHjtsQ(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Dear Listers , > > Below is a link to an article in regards to KictaNET's stand on the above > matter. > > http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/mobile/article/2000228773/ict-experts-brush-… > > Kind regards, > > Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu > Tel: 0718181644 > Skype: Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu > LinkedIn: Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu > Twitter: @Chemu_koech > > On 30 Dec 2016 12:02, "Odhiambo Washington via kictanet" < > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > >> Dear Listers, >> >> I am at that position where I feel very lost. In fact, I feel like I am >> quite detached from the reality. >> >> All along, I have keenly considered this matter that seems to have divided >> the country down the middle: *Manual Backup* during the 2017 voting >> process. From the Jubilee/govt side this is a do or die and so it must be >> there. This govt side seems hell-bent on confusing the masses, as well as >> the experts like the ICT Community. From the Opposition side, the agenda >> seems to be very clear - that of ensuring integrity of the Voters Register >> and stopping 'ghost voters' from ever casting their votes. >> >> That brings us to the famous acronyms - BVI (Biometric Voter Register) / >> BVI (Biometric Voter Identification). >> Having been to a Voter Registration Centre (later to become a Polling >> Station) to register as a voter, I did look at the equipment in use for the >> registration process. I saw the laptop which was fitted with a camera and >> fingerprints scanner. All these require power to run. I did not dwell on >> how they were powered, but probably there was a battery backup somewhere >> (besides the electricity) given that they needed to run for a whole day for >> several days during the voter registration process. When it comes to the >> Elections, they only need to run for about 11 hours. My point here is that >> of *Backup Power* should it be that there's electricity blackout and the >> built-in batteries can't last the whole day. That backup is very important. >> >> However, I did not see any piece of equipment which could suggest that the >> equipment in use required any form of connectivity back to some central >> server in order to function! Which now brings me to the currently national >> debate - Manual Backup during the Poll Day. What is it? Was the CS honest >> with his presentation before the Senate/Amos Wako committee yesterday? Does >> the CS himself really believe in the content of his presentation? I am >> asking that because I watched him and I don't believe him. I actually think >> he mislead the committee, and hence the nation at large. >> >> Someone please prove me wrong. I am at that point where I believe that the >> BVR/BVI does NOT require any form of connectivity and so this Manual Backup >> being touted by the ruling coalition side, strongly supported by the ICT >> CS is a big lie. WHY? >> >> My very first answer: Simply put, *when there was no requirement for a >> manual backup during voter registration, it goes without saying that there >> is NO NEED for on the polling day.* >> >> >> 1. For the issue that is in contention - BVR (used for BVI during polling) >> - this is a database that can be (and should be) statically stored on the >> equipment for each polling station. We are not supposed to rely on the >> Mobile Network to access this voters database. And every polling station >> can have two/three laptops/Biometrics scanner/Backup batteries to ensure >> that the voter identification doesn't fail. >> Some excuse has been fronted about some voters being mechanics, such that >> their fingerprints wouldn't be recognized by the BVI systems hence need for >> manual identification. My take on that is that every voter must carry their >> voter's card on that day. The clerks can check that card number against the >> electronic system - enter it, and it will bring the person's picture, ID >> number, etc and let him cast his ballot. >> >> 2. For electronics results transmission (ERT), this is not even necessary >> in the first place. We can have the results collated/announced at the >> tallying centres after being certified - forms 36A, and such. However, if >> the ERT must be done, the data footprint is so tiny that a 2G network can >> be used. Besides, it can be an SMS based system, which doesn't require 3G >> or VSAT. The results data isn't that large - it can't be in Megabytes to be >> sincere. Well, VSAT can be used if they MUST, but this is after the voting >> process itself is complete, has nothing to do with BVI. >> >> The ERT and the BVR/BVI are two distinct systems. That is what I want to >> believe. The ERT gets feedback from a manual process - of voters casting >> their vote, clerks/agents counting, verifying, and certifying, filling >> requisite forms then communicating the same via some customized phones >> which are programmed to communicate to a backend system. Am I right on >> that?? >> >> Now the big question here is, where do we need this much touted manual >> backup where network connectivity is being used as the major reason??? >> >> (a) Citing terrorism and the possibility of Al Shabaab knocking off base >> stations seems like well thought out lie meant to cover our eyes! If they >> attacked an area, I doubt there will be voting in the 1st place. >> And even so, the network connectivity is not required for BVI so >> there is no disenfranchising anyone if there is no manual backup (whatever >> that is). >> >> (b) Citing hacking is neither here nor there for a BVR/BVI system because >> it's not being accessed live during the voting. It's a static database, >> unique to the polling station, resident on the laptop used by the clerks. >> The only hacking that can be done then can only be by an "insider". Quoting >> Victor Kapiyo from Social Media, "*I guess it's a question of trust. >> Trust in systems and in trustworthy people to do the right thing. For >> M-Pesa, or KCSE results, we trust both. For IEBC, I guess the jury is still >> out*." >> >> The main issue is not allowing the dead voters to rise again to vote in >> the presidential vote, then disappear. So the important component here is >> the BVR/BVI, the credibility of the register and hence the vote. >> >> At what point does the BVI system require this connectivity they are >> talking about, which then necessitates the so called "manual backup"? >> >> Did the CS ICT lie to the Senate?? Did the CAK lie to the Senate in >> supporting the lie from the CS?? >> >> There is insincerity in this whole debate about 'manual backup' and the >> ICT community seems to either support it or is simply lost in the pool of >> confusion being peddled by politicians. >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> Best regards, >> Odhiambo WASHINGTON, >> Nairobi,KE >> +254 7 3200 0004/+254 7 2274 3223 >> "Oh, the cruft." >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ >> mailman/options/kictanet/chemukoechk%40gmail.com >> >> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform >> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and >> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT >> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. >> >> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors >> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, >> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do >> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. >

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Re: [kictanet] ICT Experts Brush Off Manual IEBC Back UpSystem
by Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu 05 Jan '17

05 Jan '17

Dear Listers , Below is a link to an article in regards to KictaNET's stand on the above matter. http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/mobile/article/2000228773/ict-experts-brush-… Kind regards, Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu Tel: 0718181644 Skype: Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu LinkedIn: Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu Twitter: @Chemu_koech On 30 Dec 2016 12:02, "Odhiambo Washington via kictanet" < kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > Dear Listers, > > I am at that position where I feel very lost. In fact, I feel like I am > quite detached from the reality. > > All along, I have keenly considered this matter that seems to have divided > the country down the middle: *Manual Backup* during the 2017 voting > process. From the Jubilee/govt side this is a do or die and so it must be > there. This govt side seems hell-bent on confusing the masses, as well as > the experts like the ICT Community. From the Opposition side, the agenda > seems to be very clear - that of ensuring integrity of the Voters Register > and stopping 'ghost voters' from ever casting their votes. > > That brings us to the famous acronyms - BVI (Biometric Voter Register) / > BVI (Biometric Voter Identification). > Having been to a Voter Registration Centre (later to become a Polling > Station) to register as a voter, I did look at the equipment in use for the > registration process. I saw the laptop which was fitted with a camera and > fingerprints scanner. All these require power to run. I did not dwell on > how they were powered, but probably there was a battery backup somewhere > (besides the electricity) given that they needed to run for a whole day for > several days during the voter registration process. When it comes to the > Elections, they only need to run for about 11 hours. My point here is that > of *Backup Power* should it be that there's electricity blackout and the > built-in batteries can't last the whole day. That backup is very important. > > However, I did not see any piece of equipment which could suggest that the > equipment in use required any form of connectivity back to some central > server in order to function! Which now brings me to the currently national > debate - Manual Backup during the Poll Day. What is it? Was the CS honest > with his presentation before the Senate/Amos Wako committee yesterday? Does > the CS himself really believe in the content of his presentation? I am > asking that because I watched him and I don't believe him. I actually think > he mislead the committee, and hence the nation at large. > > Someone please prove me wrong. I am at that point where I believe that the > BVR/BVI does NOT require any form of connectivity and so this Manual Backup > being touted by the ruling coalition side, strongly supported by the ICT > CS is a big lie. WHY? > > My very first answer: Simply put, *when there was no requirement for a > manual backup during voter registration, it goes without saying that there > is NO NEED for on the polling day.* > > > 1. For the issue that is in contention - BVR (used for BVI during polling) > - this is a database that can be (and should be) statically stored on the > equipment for each polling station. We are not supposed to rely on the > Mobile Network to access this voters database. And every polling station > can have two/three laptops/Biometrics scanner/Backup batteries to ensure > that the voter identification doesn't fail. > Some excuse has been fronted about some voters being mechanics, such that > their fingerprints wouldn't be recognized by the BVI systems hence need for > manual identification. My take on that is that every voter must carry their > voter's card on that day. The clerks can check that card number against the > electronic system - enter it, and it will bring the person's picture, ID > number, etc and let him cast his ballot. > > 2. For electronics results transmission (ERT), this is not even necessary > in the first place. We can have the results collated/announced at the > tallying centres after being certified - forms 36A, and such. However, if > the ERT must be done, the data footprint is so tiny that a 2G network can > be used. Besides, it can be an SMS based system, which doesn't require 3G > or VSAT. The results data isn't that large - it can't be in Megabytes to be > sincere. Well, VSAT can be used if they MUST, but this is after the voting > process itself is complete, has nothing to do with BVI. > > The ERT and the BVR/BVI are two distinct systems. That is what I want to > believe. The ERT gets feedback from a manual process - of voters casting > their vote, clerks/agents counting, verifying, and certifying, filling > requisite forms then communicating the same via some customized phones > which are programmed to communicate to a backend system. Am I right on > that?? > > Now the big question here is, where do we need this much touted manual > backup where network connectivity is being used as the major reason??? > > (a) Citing terrorism and the possibility of Al Shabaab knocking off base > stations seems like well thought out lie meant to cover our eyes! If they > attacked an area, I doubt there will be voting in the 1st place. > And even so, the network connectivity is not required for BVI so > there is no disenfranchising anyone if there is no manual backup (whatever > that is). > > (b) Citing hacking is neither here nor there for a BVR/BVI system because > it's not being accessed live during the voting. It's a static database, > unique to the polling station, resident on the laptop used by the clerks. > The only hacking that can be done then can only be by an "insider". Quoting > Victor Kapiyo from Social Media, "*I guess it's a question of trust. > Trust in systems and in trustworthy people to do the right thing. For > M-Pesa, or KCSE results, we trust both. For IEBC, I guess the jury is still > out*." > > The main issue is not allowing the dead voters to rise again to vote in > the presidential vote, then disappear. So the important component here is > the BVR/BVI, the credibility of the register and hence the vote. > > At what point does the BVI system require this connectivity they are > talking about, which then necessitates the so called "manual backup"? > > Did the CS ICT lie to the Senate?? Did the CAK lie to the Senate in > supporting the lie from the CS?? > > There is insincerity in this whole debate about 'manual backup' and the > ICT community seems to either support it or is simply lost in the pool of > confusion being peddled by politicians. > > > > > > -- > Best regards, > Odhiambo WASHINGTON, > Nairobi,KE > +254 7 3200 0004/+254 7 2274 3223 > "Oh, the cruft." > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ > mailman/options/kictanet/chemukoechk%40gmail.com > > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform > for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and > regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT > sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. > > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors > online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, > share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do > not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. >

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Re: [kictanet] Zuckerberg appears to admit Facebook is a media company
by Ali Hussein 04 Jan '17

04 Jan '17

Harry You raise pertinent issues. What you allude to is known as Runaway Capitalism <https://hbr.org/2012/01/runaway-capitalism> - As in the pursuit of Return on Equity as a measure of Value Creation above all else. Things are changing however. We are now seeing Major Corporates and Governments worldwide stepping back and tampering this destructive form of Capitalism. Governments are starting to measure their citizens Gross National Happiness <http://www.grossnationalhappiness.com/articles/> ( a term coined by the King of Bhutan in the early '70s) and Corporates are embracing 'Doing Well by Doing Good' <http://www.mckinsey.com/industries/social-sector/our-insights/doing-well-by…> Ethos. Ultimately this world will be better off by embracing this new thinking. Ultimately those who don't will be dealt with by the customer because customers are now demanding not only better services and experiences but that companies also be responsible corporate citizens. *Ali Hussein* *Principal* *Hussein & Associates* Tel: +254 713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim> 13th Floor , Delta Towers, Oracle Wing, Chiromo Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya. Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with. On Wed, Jan 4, 2017 at 5:50 PM, Harry Delano via kictanet < kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > > Quite insightful indeed. Borrowing from your experience, it's evidently a > truism that we have lived with ever since we got inducted into the > capitalist world, that it's got a savagery side to it‎. The biggest > financial muscle always would have it's way and literally crush anything in > its path. That's "Darwinism". Capitalism can be Savage and ruthless, for > instance to those hapless old taxi drivers, whose only mistake was to find > themselves on the wrong side of technology. Until then they were earning a > decent honest living doing what they do best. "Disruptists" have an uncanny > way of capturing the imagination of their audience, take the example of > the US President Elect who has a penchant to govern and communicate on > Twitter, and he's making serious strides, all this while because everyone > is tuned in. Well that was just an aside . But it brings me to the second, > most important part of the equation of ruthless capitalism. The "audience > " aka "consumer" who actually feeds the "beast" till it threatens to grow > into an uncontrolled monster. There's a decent chance it could come back to > bite the hand that fed it., will it..? > > Meanwhile, while uptake of all good tech out here is good on the basis of > willing-buyer willing‎-seller, on the other hand the economics don't work > in our favour. Take the example of a local corporate that exports abt > $170,000 p.a, just to consume external cloud email and ancillary services. > > Do we have local alternatives..? Yes, pretty much we do.. > > Harry > > > *From: *James Kagwe > *Sent: *Wednesday, January 4, 2017 17:12 > *To: *KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > *Cc: *Harry Delano > *Subject: *Re: [kictanet] Zuckerberg appears to admit Facebook is a media > company > > The reason why companies are conducting business that traverses many > classical sectors /industries is advent of new technology and technological > innovations. Disruptive technologies are affecting the big and the small > industries. Constraining some of these companies would be killing > innovations. After being away from Nairobi city for some time and upon > visiting recently I noticed that almost all the yellow line cabs are gone. > Some of the old men that used to operate these cabs cannot even operate a > smart phone or the taxi apps.The few that are remaining do not seem to be > getting any business. The yellow cabs at JKIA and Mombasa airport are also > basically out of business as a result of sticking to old ways of doing > business. The classical method of categorizing businesses will increasingly > become redundant. Another bitter reality is that old methods of regulating > different sectors cannot work anymore. The distinction between companies in > different sectors is also becoming dimmer. If you come close home what > sector would you consider Safaricom to be? Telecom?, Financials?, Transport > /logistics?...The list is endless. Some of the regulatory bodies will > undergo major metamorphosis or disappear altogether after being rendered > irrevant. > > Regards, > James > > On Jan 4, 2017 4:35 PM, "Harry Delano via kictanet" < > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > > Ali, > > Agreed, yes.. it's a whole new disruptive technological age we live in. > And yes, taking up key competences that span across 5/10 disciplines could > suffice‎. But when you spread yourself too thin wearing up to as many as 20 > different 'hats' all at ago, you become " a jack of all trades, but a > master of only a few".. unfortunately what has become the new norm in the > true capitalist fashion is the ferocious appetite backed by huge financial > muscle to eat off into the smaller upcoming innovators' cake or gobble them > up to edge them out of the way or stem off potential competition.. rings a > bell..? Scary part is some upcoming technologies are bought off by big > players just to literally "kill" or stifle them off.. So there's the good > and there's the utter bad, either angle you look at it.. hence we need a > strong muscled regulator.. > > Harry > *From: *Ali Hussein > *Sent: *Wednesday, January 4, 2017 13:02 > *To: *Harry Delano > *Cc: *Ali Hussein via kictanet > *Subject: *Re: [kictanet] Zuckerberg appears to admit Facebook is a media > company > > Harry > > That's the beast we must tame. The pigeon holing oneself to an industry > and missing huge opportunities. There's a new meaning of *Focus* in > today's hyper changing world. > > > *Ali Hussein* > *Principal* > *Hussein & Associates* > +254 0713 601113 > > Twitter: @AliHKassim > > Skype: abu-jomo > > LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim > > > "Discovery consists in seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking > what no one else has thought". ~ Albert Szent-Györgyi > > Sent from my iPad > > On 4 Jan 2017, at 12:06 PM, Harry Delano <harry26001(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Ali, > > They'd best pass off as a "jack of all trades"..aka "identity crisis".. > > Little surprise none of the ceo's can with pin point accuracy define or > place themselves exactly where they belong .. > > Harry > > *From: *Ali Hussein via kictanet > *Sent: *Wednesday, January 4, 2017 11:27 > *To: *Harry Delano > *Reply To: *KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > *Cc: *Ali Hussein > *Subject: *Re: [kictanet] Zuckerberg appears to admit Facebook is a media > company > > If it walks like a duck, sounds like a duck and swims like a duck... :-) > > In today's complicated world however, where whole industries have been > disrupted its more difficult to pigeon hole a company into an industry.. > The loose definition is usually taken from the business model of companies > - Say if more than 50% of your revenue comes from advertising space on your > platform then you are a media company; from Software and Hardware then you > are an IT/Technology Company; from voice calls/data a telco company etc. > > This however is the traditional definition hence why I'd agree with > Zuckerberg in his assertions that whilst Facebook is a media company it's > simply not a traditional media company. > > So if we look at the local context I'd like to pose some questions:- > > 1. Which industry is Safaricom in? Media? Telecommunications? Banking? > Entertainment? > > 2. How about Equity Bank? Telco, Banking? > > 3. Wananchi? Media? Telecommunications? Content disruption? > > *Ali Hussein* > *Principal* > *Hussein & Associates* > +254 0713 601113 > > Twitter: @AliHKassim > > Skype: abu-jomo > > LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim > > > "Discovery consists in seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking > what no one else has thought". ~ Albert Szent-Györgyi > > Sent from my iPad > > On 4 Jan 2017, at 10:15 AM, Mildred Achoch via kictanet < > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > > Happy new year everyone, > > This may be of interest: > > "Facebook’s chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, appears to have finally > conceded that the social network is a media company, just not a > “traditional media company”." > > https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/dec/22/mark-zuck > erberg-appears-to-finally-admit-facebook-is-a-media-company > > Regards, > Mildred Achoch. > > Check out the Rock 'n' roll film festival, Kenya TV Channel! > http://kenyarockfilmfestivaljournal.blogspot.com > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/m > ailman/options/kictanet/info%40alyhussein.com > > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform > for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and > regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT > sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. > > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors > online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, > share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do > not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/m > ailman/options/kictanet/kagwejg%40gmail.com > > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform > for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and > regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT > sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. > > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors > online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, > share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do > not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ > mailman/options/kictanet/info%40alyhussein.com > > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform > for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and > regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT > sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. > > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors > online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, > share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do > not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. >

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Banks’ plan to set up mobile money transfer platform stalls - Corporate News
by Ali Hussein 04 Jan '17

04 Jan '17

Listers This is an interesting one. An excerpt from the story in the Business Daily:- The Business Daily has learned that KBA member banks submitted their product and system proposals to the CBK in July ahead of the planned August launch date, seeking approvals. Such authorisations, which are ordinarily issued after a maximum of one month, are however yet to be issued, delaying the launch of a product that promises to revolutionise the financial services sector. Read on:- http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corporate-News/mobile-money-transfer-pla… As a matter of public interest it would be interesting to know why there's been such a delay in the regulatory approval of such a game changing initiative for the banking sector. Anyone who has an inkling on the workings at the Central Bank? It seems to me that 7 months waiting for an approval is simply too long... Ali Hussein Principal Hussein & Associates +254 0713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim "Discovery consists in seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought". ~ Albert Szent-Györgyi Sent from my iPad

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Zuckerberg appears to admit Facebook is a media company
by Mildred Achoch 04 Jan '17

04 Jan '17

Happy new year everyone, This may be of interest: "Facebook’s chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, appears to have finally conceded that the social network is a media company, just not a “traditional media company”." https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/dec/22/mark-zuckerberg-appears-… Regards, Mildred Achoch. Check out the Rock 'n' roll film festival, Kenya TV Channel! http://kenyarockfilmfestivaljournal.blogspot.com

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Re: [kictanet] Manual Backup and Elections 2017: Is the CS ICT Honest
by Barrack Otieno 04 Jan '17

04 Jan '17

Technology as a hindrance to voter rights? Interesting conversation going on. Regards On Jan 3, 2017 1:55 PM, "Watila Alex via kictanet" < kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: iebc electronic technology regulations http://www.iebc. or.ke/index.php/2015-01-15-11-10-24/research-publications/ item/iebc-ict-regulations-on-use-of-technology-in-elections Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android <https://overview.mail.yahoo.com/mobile/?.src=Android> On Tue, 3 Jan, 2017 at 10:38, Watila Alex <awatila(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: SK Macharia: Where there’s no mobile telephones,you can use satellite phones and they are cheaper #ElectionLawsDebate https://t.co/V26IDADqCv https://twitter.com/citizentvkenya/status/816184858124943360 Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android <https://overview.mail.yahoo.com/mobile/?.src=Android> On Mon, 2 Jan, 2017 at 9:47, Emmanuel Chebukati via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: Listers, Here is my ideal vision of how the election process should run which may also serve as a summary to this discussion: Step Event Description 1 *Voter Registration* *Technology* Biometric data is collected. These systems are off-grid hence no network connectivity is required. 2 *Register Clean Up and Distribution* *Technology* After registration, all data should be collated by IEBC to check for redundancies and irregularities. Voters with problematic details should be contacted. Before the election, the complete voter register should be split per-polling station and each chunk copied onto a device. For now, let us call and picture this device as an “external hard disk”. The “hard disk” shall contain the biometric data required to identify a voter at only one polling station – where they registered. After copying, the data on the disk should be hashed and compared with the hash on IEBC servers for integrity purposes. This will be useful on election day. 3 *Verify Voters on Election Day* *Technology* Before election day, these “hard disks” should be securely distributed to their respective locations. Before the start of voting, the data on the disk should again be hashed and compared with the hash on IEBC servers. If the hashes are the same, the register is clean and voter verification can begin. If the hashes differ, they should try a backup disk. If the hashes still differ, that polling station will be on hold as they await a fresh voter register to be transmitted from IEBC HQ. 4 *Cast Vote* *Manual* Voters pick ballot papers for the different posts and cast their secret ballot for each. 5 *Count Votes* *Manual* The key here is that the total number of votes cast should not exceed the number of voters that the biometric devices verified. 6 *Transmission of Results* *Technology* After all parties and agents agree on the results, they should be manually entered onto the “hard disk” for transmission. Again, once entered, this data should be hashed. If the polling station has network connectivity, the results should immediately be sent together with the hash. IEBC then verify the hash with the data received and if they match, they approve the results. If the polling station lacks network connectivity, the “hard disk” should be physically and securely transported to the nearest point with network connectivity for transmission from there. After all, the constitution speaks of polling station > constituency > county-level. Agents should be involved until they see “Successfully transmitted” on the screen confirming receipt of results by IEBC. With proper testing (load testing, penetration testing, etc) staff training and sufficient voter education, the above should work seamlessly to deliver a free, fair and credible election. The most effective way to test is by carrying out at least two mock elections/simulations with dummy data to prepare all parties for any eventuality and equip them with the knowledge of how to react. I wish you all a prosperous new year. Regards, Emmanuel Chebukati On Fri, Dec 30, 2016 at 11:30 AM, Odhiambo Washington via kictanet < kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > Dear Listers, > > I am at that position where I feel very lost. In fact, I feel like I am > quite detached from the reality. > > All along, I have keenly considered this matter that seems to have divided > the country down the middle: *Manual Backup* during the 2017 voting > process. From the Jubilee/govt side this is a do or die and so it must be > there. This govt side seems hell-bent on confusing the masses, as well as > the experts like the ICT Community. From the Opposition side, the agenda > seems to be very clear - that of ensuring integrity of the Voters Register > and stopping 'ghost voters' from ever casting their votes. > > That brings us to the famous acronyms - BVI (Biometric Voter Register) / > BVI (Biometric Voter Identification). > Having been to a Voter Registration Centre (later to become a Polling > Station) to register as a voter, I did look at the equipment in use for the > registration process. I saw the laptop which was fitted with a camera and > fingerprints scanner. All these require power to run. I did not dwell on > how they were powered, but probably there was a battery backup somewhere > (besides the electricity) given that they needed to run for a whole day for > several days during the voter registration process. When it comes to the > Elections, they only need to run for about 11 hours. My point here is that > of *Backup Power* should it be that there's electricity blackout and the > built-in batteries can't last the whole day. That backup is very important. > > However, I did not see any piece of equipment which could suggest that the > equipment in use required any form of connectivity back to some central > server in order to function! Which now brings me to the currently national > debate - Manual Backup during the Poll Day. What is it? Was the CS honest > with his presentation before the Senate/Amos Wako committee yesterday? Does > the CS himself really believe in the content of his presentation? I am > asking that because I watched him and I don't believe him. I actually think > he mislead the committee, and hence the nation at large. > > Someone please prove me wrong. I am at that point where I believe that the > BVR/BVI does NOT require any form of connectivity and so this Manual Backup > being touted by the ruling coalition side, strongly supported by the ICT > CS is a big lie. WHY? > > My very first answer: Simply put, *when there was no requirement for a > manual backup during voter registration, it goes without saying that there > is NO NEED for on the polling day.* > > > 1. For the issue that is in contention - BVR (used for BVI during polling) > - this is a database that can be (and should be) statically stored on the > equipment for each polling station. We are not supposed to rely on the > Mobile Network to access this voters database. And every polling station > can have two/three laptops/Biometrics scanner/Backup batteries to ensure > that the voter identification doesn't fail. > Some excuse has been fronted about some voters being mechanics, such that > their fingerprints wouldn't be recognized by the BVI systems hence need for > manual identification. My take on that is that every voter must carry their > voter's card on that day. The clerks can check that card number against the > electronic system - enter it, and it will bring the person's picture, ID > number, etc and let him cast his ballot. > > 2. For electronics results transmission (ERT), this is not even necessary > in the first place. We can have the results collated/announced at the > tallying centres after being certified - forms 36A, and such. However, if > the ERT must be done, the data footprint is so tiny that a 2G network can > be used. Besides, it can be an SMS based system, which doesn't require 3G > or VSAT. The results data isn't that large - it can't be in Megabytes to be > sincere. Well, VSAT can be used if they MUST, but this is after the voting > process itself is complete, has nothing to do with BVI. > > The ERT and the BVR/BVI are two distinct systems. That is what I want to > believe. The ERT gets feedback from a manual process - of voters casting > their vote, clerks/agents counting, verifying, and certifying, filling > requisite forms then communicating the same via some customized phones > which are programmed to communicate to a backend system. Am I right on > that?? > > Now the big question here is, where do we need this much touted manual > backup where network connectivity is being used as the major reason??? > > (a) Citing terrorism and the possibility of Al Shabaab knocking off base > stations seems like well thought out lie meant to cover our eyes! If they > attacked an area, I doubt there will be voting in the 1st place. > And even so, the network connectivity is not required for BVI so > there is no disenfranchising anyone if there is no manual backup (whatever > that is). > > (b) Citing hacking is neither here nor there for a BVR/BVI system because > it's not being accessed live during the voting. It's a static database, > unique to the polling station, resident on the laptop used by the clerks. > The only hacking that can be done then can only be by an "insider". Quoting > Victor Kapiyo from Social Media, "*I guess it's a question of trust. > Trust in systems and in trustworthy people to do the right thing. For > M-Pesa, or KCSE results, we trust both. For IEBC, I guess the jury is still > out*." > > The main issue is not allowing the dead voters to rise again to vote in > the presidential vote, then disappear. So the important component here is > the BVR/BVI, the credibility of the register and hence the vote. > > At what point does the BVI system require this connectivity they are > talking about, which then necessitates the so called "manual backup"? > > Did the CS ICT lie to the Senate?? Did the CAK lie to the Senate in > supporting the lie from the CS?? > > There is insincerity in this whole debate about 'manual backup' and the > ICT community seems to either support it or is simply lost in the pool of > confusion being peddled by politicians. > > > > > > -- > Best regards, > Odhiambo WASHINGTON, > Nairobi,KE > +254 7 3200 0004/+254 7 2274 3223 > "Oh, the cruft." > > ______________________________ _________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ mailman/listinfo/kictanet > <https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet> > > Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ > mailman/options/kictanet/ echebukati%40gmail.com > <https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/echebukati%40gmail.com> > > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform > for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and > regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT > sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. > > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors > online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, > share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do > not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. > _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail.com The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.

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Fwd: Memorandum on Election law (Amendment) Bill 2016 from the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet)
by Barrack Otieno 04 Jan '17

04 Jan '17

Dear Listers, The previous email missed one attachment, herewith please find the complete memorandum and letter to the senate. Best Regards

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Re: [kictanet] Manual Backup and Elections 2017: Is the CS ICT Honest
by waudo siganga 03 Jan '17

03 Jan '17

For your information - tender IEBC Tender NO.IEBC/32/2016-2017 for the Supply of an Integrated Electoral Management System closing on 9th January W.

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Manual Backup and Elections 2017: Is the CS ICT Honest
by Odhiambo Washington 03 Jan '17

03 Jan '17

Dear Listers, I am at that position where I feel very lost. In fact, I feel like I am quite detached from the reality. All along, I have keenly considered this matter that seems to have divided the country down the middle: *Manual Backup* during the 2017 voting process. From the Jubilee/govt side this is a do or die and so it must be there. This govt side seems hell-bent on confusing the masses, as well as the experts like the ICT Community. From the Opposition side, the agenda seems to be very clear - that of ensuring integrity of the Voters Register and stopping 'ghost voters' from ever casting their votes. That brings us to the famous acronyms - BVI (Biometric Voter Register) / BVI (Biometric Voter Identification). Having been to a Voter Registration Centre (later to become a Polling Station) to register as a voter, I did look at the equipment in use for the registration process. I saw the laptop which was fitted with a camera and fingerprints scanner. All these require power to run. I did not dwell on how they were powered, but probably there was a battery backup somewhere (besides the electricity) given that they needed to run for a whole day for several days during the voter registration process. When it comes to the Elections, they only need to run for about 11 hours. My point here is that of *Backup Power* should it be that there's electricity blackout and the built-in batteries can't last the whole day. That backup is very important. However, I did not see any piece of equipment which could suggest that the equipment in use required any form of connectivity back to some central server in order to function! Which now brings me to the currently national debate - Manual Backup during the Poll Day. What is it? Was the CS honest with his presentation before the Senate/Amos Wako committee yesterday? Does the CS himself really believe in the content of his presentation? I am asking that because I watched him and I don't believe him. I actually think he mislead the committee, and hence the nation at large. Someone please prove me wrong. I am at that point where I believe that the BVR/BVI does NOT require any form of connectivity and so this Manual Backup being touted by the ruling coalition side, strongly supported by the ICT CS is a big lie. WHY? My very first answer: Simply put, *when there was no requirement for a manual backup during voter registration, it goes without saying that there is NO NEED for on the polling day.* 1. For the issue that is in contention - BVR (used for BVI during polling) - this is a database that can be (and should be) statically stored on the equipment for each polling station. We are not supposed to rely on the Mobile Network to access this voters database. And every polling station can have two/three laptops/Biometrics scanner/Backup batteries to ensure that the voter identification doesn't fail. Some excuse has been fronted about some voters being mechanics, such that their fingerprints wouldn't be recognized by the BVI systems hence need for manual identification. My take on that is that every voter must carry their voter's card on that day. The clerks can check that card number against the electronic system - enter it, and it will bring the person's picture, ID number, etc and let him cast his ballot. 2. For electronics results transmission (ERT), this is not even necessary in the first place. We can have the results collated/announced at the tallying centres after being certified - forms 36A, and such. However, if the ERT must be done, the data footprint is so tiny that a 2G network can be used. Besides, it can be an SMS based system, which doesn't require 3G or VSAT. The results data isn't that large - it can't be in Megabytes to be sincere. Well, VSAT can be used if they MUST, but this is after the voting process itself is complete, has nothing to do with BVI. The ERT and the BVR/BVI are two distinct systems. That is what I want to believe. The ERT gets feedback from a manual process - of voters casting their vote, clerks/agents counting, verifying, and certifying, filling requisite forms then communicating the same via some customized phones which are programmed to communicate to a backend system. Am I right on that?? Now the big question here is, where do we need this much touted manual backup where network connectivity is being used as the major reason??? (a) Citing terrorism and the possibility of Al Shabaab knocking off base stations seems like well thought out lie meant to cover our eyes! If they attacked an area, I doubt there will be voting in the 1st place. And even so, the network connectivity is not required for BVI so there is no disenfranchising anyone if there is no manual backup (whatever that is). (b) Citing hacking is neither here nor there for a BVR/BVI system because it's not being accessed live during the voting. It's a static database, unique to the polling station, resident on the laptop used by the clerks. The only hacking that can be done then can only be by an "insider". Quoting Victor Kapiyo from Social Media, "*I guess it's a question of trust. Trust in systems and in trustworthy people to do the right thing. For M-Pesa, or KCSE results, we trust both. For IEBC, I guess the jury is still out*." The main issue is not allowing the dead voters to rise again to vote in the presidential vote, then disappear. So the important component here is the BVR/BVI, the credibility of the register and hence the vote. At what point does the BVI system require this connectivity they are talking about, which then necessitates the so called "manual backup"? Did the CS ICT lie to the Senate?? Did the CAK lie to the Senate in supporting the lie from the CS?? There is insincerity in this whole debate about 'manual backup' and the ICT community seems to either support it or is simply lost in the pool of confusion being peddled by politicians. -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254 7 3200 0004/+254 7 2274 3223 "Oh, the cruft."

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Fwd: Memorandum on Election law (Amendment) Bill 2016 from the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet)
by Barrack Otieno 03 Jan '17

03 Jan '17

Listers, Attached please find the memorandum submitted to the Senate by the Kenya ICT Action Network on the amendment of electoral law. Happy New year Regards

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