- KICTANet - KICTANet

Kictanet Tea Party
by Bill Kagai 15 Jul '08

15 Jul '08

On Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 9:37 AM, Sylvester Kisonzo <skisonzo(a)securenet.co.ke> wrote: > I suggest that an agenda for the meeting be agreed upon before the meeting. > This can be done in this forum, probably with inclusion of other interested > groups. > This reminds me of the Boston Tea Party<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_tea_party>which we can now call the Kictanet Tea Party. In the meeting, there will be the Sons of Liberty <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sons_of_Liberty> for change and Thomas Hutchinson<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Hutchinson_%28governor%29>for Status Quo. This is healthy and am sure we will all prevail if we all go with open minds. I support Kictanet initiating an agenda for consideration on this list.

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Re: [kictanet] Discipline & Ethics - Re: Legislation and Regulation for e-Commerce in Kenya
by Florence Etta 15 Jul '08

15 Jul '08

Hi all, It seems I have really stirred the hornet's nest by offering to facilitate a meeting. Ouch rather touchy here! I see. Just to clarify that I wasn't offering to make policy or even contribute to making one what I thought I was proposing is much like a football match's referee or lines man role afterall all I was offering was the role of an objective helper. Now that I see the great enthusiasm I therefore humbly withdraw this offer. Brian, Alex and all the rest of you I do sincerely wish you, the forum, etc all the very best and thanks a million for your very kind words. Florence Etta Co founder of KICTANet ----- Original Message ---- From: Tim Rick <timrick(a)gmail.com> To: florence.etta(a)gmail.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, 14 July, 2008 11:30:41 PM Subject: [kictanet] Discipline & Ethics - Re: Legislation and Regulation for e-Commerce in Kenya Bill,manthi,waudo et all who support things the Kenyan way, Am suporting you 101%.Dr. Flo Etta, with all due respect,Its good you proposed to get your services in a system that needs to be cleaned up,but it would be kind if you can watch as we do it our way.As you can see,people like Joe are doing it the crude way,yet I still appreciate it cause I believe he has a point only that he just put it in a raw manner. Dr. Shem you should be around to help us facilitate these.I believe your experience and services would be of great importance in such a system. Bill I suggest we should also meet for tea before the 31st.Otherwise Brian Keep organising and posting the logistics. Don't I love these. 2008/7/14 <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: Discipline & Ethics - Re: Legislation and Regulationfore-Commerce in Ken (waudo siganga) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:49:02 +0300 From: "waudo siganga" <emailsignet(a)mailcan.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Discipline & Ethics - Re: Legislation and Regulationfore-Commerce in Ken To: "Bill Kagai" <billkagai(a)gmail.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Message-ID: <1216064942.15291.1263456079(a)webmail.messagingengine.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Hey Bill - I have to agree with everything you say in this mail. Brilliant stuff! Kenyans need to be promoted into all sorts of leadership positions. Secondly, the meeting being called is a good idea but it must be by and for KENYANS. We got to start believing in ourselves. If this meeting is organized with participation of all and with the small matter of involving only KENYANS taken into account, then I will definitely attend. I also agree with Bw. Manthi that Flo, though being the nice personality she is, should not chair the meeting as there are many qualified KENYANS. About the other mail promoting me to the honourable position of goat herder I have to disappoint you since I have been goat-herding for a number of years now. Everyone who knows me well knows that whenever I get a chance I am always upcountry in Mukangu village, Kakamega. This in addition to my other work as WITSA Director and Vice President (feel free to call me Mr Vice President), still serving my term on ICANN Nom-Com, on the Board of IFIP, Co-Chair of WITFOR busy preparing the next meeting in Vietnam 2009, Board Member at the ICC BASIS in Paris, etc. In WITSA I have to serve until after the 2012 World IT Congress in Canada - and that is renewable! You see, rearing goats does not exclude one from being busy. We need to meet over tea Bill, preferably in the village. Long live KENYA, Waudo On Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:36:45 +0300, "Bill Kagai" <billkagai(a)gmail.com> sa id: On Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 7:57 PM, <[1]alkags(a)alkags.com> wrote: I wonder if protectionist policies would enhance our global competitiveness as a country in the larger scheme of things? Alkags, I have written too much (today), but kindly indulge me with this one last post I could not resist because it harbours on what I do for a living - information vending ;-) You know about Unilver Tea. Basic stats look like this...and another reason why you should subscribe to MediaCorp services NSE Sector Agricultural Company Unilever Tea Code UNLV Year Of 1925 Year of Listing 1972 Issued Shares 48,875,000.00 Share Float 11 All Time Low 36.00 All Time High 130.00 Market Capitalisation (Million) 2.26B Par Value Top 10 Shareholders Name % Shareholder1 Brooke Bond Group Ltd. - 88.23 Shareholder2 Board of Trustees Of NSSF 2.94 Shareholder3 KCB Staff Pension 0.52 Shareholder4 UAP Provincial Insurance 0.33 Shareholder5 Old mutual life Ass 0.29 Shareholder6 BBK Nominees 0.27 Shareholder7 Co-op Bank Kenya 0.22 Shareholder8 BBK Nominees 0.22 Shareholder9 xxxx Shareholder10 Ins Co. of East Africa 0.17 Top10Total Shares 93.37 Profit Before Tax (Year) [Million] Profit After Tax (Year) [Million] 2000 410.00 2000 450.00 2001 420.00 2001 220.00 2002 415.00 2002 130.00 2003 400.00 2003 60.00 2004 450.00 2004 370.00 2005 100.00 2005 70.00 2006 100.00 2006 60.00 2007 2007 Earning Per Share Kshs Dividend PayOut Kshs 2000 9.20 2000 6.00 2001 4.60 2001 2.00 2002 2.50 2002 2.50 2003 1.30 2003 6.00 2004 7.40 2004 8.00 2005 1.40 2005 2.00 2006 1.10 2006 2.00 2007 2007 P/E Ratio Bankers Barclay bank of Kenya,Citibank NA,Cooperative Bank Registrars Cooperative Bank Registrars My point Foreigners hold 88% of the company and thus in a position to make board decisions regardless of the African investors thinking after all..they holding only 12%. Some investors bought into this company at more than kshs 100 and when it ceased trading, shares were moving in the 40-45 range. The shares will be called back because the foreigners agenda is different and there intention is not to make money for the local investors. [Country of origin and Fair trade issues]. The local investors including NSSF, KCB pensioners and many more Wanjikus have been screwed. RVR is coming next. Joe is therefore really not far from the point...if Unilever lesson is anything to go by. We need a unified approach ...If you want to do business in Kenya...get Kenyan partner...is simply not enough... We need to get Kenyans in decision making positions also. PS. Regarding Flo's kind request to facilitate... Ownership of the process is what is critical. Locals should not only drive but own and ultimately be responsible for the direction they take. You have done well...but maybe...as Frank Sinatra would sing...its time for MY WAY. Ciao, Bill References 1. mailto:alkags@alkags.com People make a plan work, a plan alone seldom makes people work (Confucius).

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Discipline & Ethics - Re: Legislation and Regulation for e-Commerce in Kenya
by Tim Rick 14 Jul '08

14 Jul '08

Bill,manthi,waudo et all who support things the Kenyan way, Am suporting you 101%.Dr. Flo Etta, with all due respect,Its good you proposed to get your services in a system that needs to be cleaned up,but it would be kind if you can watch as we do it our way.As you can see,people like Joe are doing it the crude way,yet I still appreciate it cause I believe he has a point only that he just put it in a raw manner. Dr. Shem you should be around to help us facilitate these.I believe your experience and services would be of great importance in such a system. Bill I suggest we should also meet for tea before the 31st.Otherwise Brian Keep organising and posting the logistics. Don't I love these. 2008/7/14 <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: Discipline & Ethics - Re: Legislation and > Regulationfore-Commerce in Ken (waudo siganga) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:49:02 +0300 > From: "waudo siganga" <emailsignet(a)mailcan.com> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Discipline & Ethics - Re: Legislation and > Regulationfore-Commerce in Ken > To: "Bill Kagai" <billkagai(a)gmail.com> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Message-ID: <1216064942.15291.1263456079(a)webmail.messagingengine.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Hey Bill - I have to agree with everything you say in this mail. > Brilliant stuff! Kenyans need to be promoted into all sorts of > leadership positions. Secondly, the meeting being called is a > good idea but it must be by and for KENYANS. We got to start > believing in ourselves. If this meeting is organized with > participation of all and with the small matter of involving only > KENYANS taken into account, then I will definitely attend. I also > agree with Bw. Manthi that Flo, though being the nice personality > she is, should not chair the meeting as there are many qualified > KENYANS. > > About the other mail promoting me to the honourable position of > goat herder I have to disappoint you since I have been > goat-herding for a number of years now. Everyone who knows me > well knows that whenever I get a chance I am always upcountry in > Mukangu village, Kakamega. This in addition to my other work as > WITSA Director and Vice President (feel free to call me Mr Vice > President), still serving my term on ICANN Nom-Com, on the Board > of IFIP, Co-Chair of WITFOR busy preparing the next meeting in > Vietnam 2009, Board Member at the ICC BASIS in Paris, etc. In > WITSA I have to serve until after the 2012 World IT Congress in > Canada - and that is renewable! You see, rearing goats does not > exclude one from being busy. We need to meet over tea Bill, > preferably in the village. > > Long live KENYA, > Waudo > > > On Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:36:45 +0300, "Bill Kagai" <billkagai(a)gmail.com> sa > id: > > On Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 7:57 PM, <[1]alkags(a)alkags.com> wrote: > > I wonder if protectionist policies would enhance our global > competitiveness as a country in the larger scheme of things? > > Alkags, > I have written too much (today), but kindly indulge me with this > one last post I could not resist because it harbours on what I do > for a living - information vending ;-) > You know about Unilver Tea. Basic stats look like this...and > another reason why you should subscribe to MediaCorp services > > NSE Sector > > Agricultural > > > > Company > > Unilever Tea > > > > Code > > UNLV > > > > Year Of > > 1925 > > > > Year of Listing > > 1972 > > > > Issued Shares > > 48,875,000.00 > > > > Share Float > > 11 > > > > > > > > All Time Low > > 36.00 > > > > All Time High > > 130.00 > > > > Market Capitalisation (Million) > > 2.26B > > > > Par Value > > > > > > > > > > > > > Top 10 Shareholders > > Name > > % > > Shareholder1 > > Brooke Bond Group Ltd. - > > 88.23 > > Shareholder2 > > Board of Trustees Of NSSF > > 2.94 > > > Shareholder3 > > KCB Staff Pension > > 0.52 > > > Shareholder4 > > UAP Provincial Insurance > > 0.33 > > > Shareholder5 > > Old mutual life Ass > > 0.29 > > > Shareholder6 > > BBK Nominees > > 0.27 > > > Shareholder7 > > Co-op Bank Kenya > > 0.22 > > > Shareholder8 > > BBK Nominees > > 0.22 > > > Shareholder9 > > xxxx > > > > Shareholder10 > > Ins Co. of East Africa > > 0.17 > > > > > > > Top10Total Shares > > > 93.37 > > > > > > > Profit Before Tax (Year) > > [Million] > > Profit After Tax (Year) > > [Million] > > 2000 > > 410.00 > > 2000 > > 450.00 > > 2001 > > 420.00 > > 2001 > > 220.00 > > 2002 > > 415.00 > > 2002 > > 130.00 > > 2003 > > 400.00 > > 2003 > > 60.00 > > 2004 > > 450.00 > > 2004 > > 370.00 > > 2005 > > 100.00 > > 2005 > > 70.00 > > 2006 > > 100.00 > > 2006 > > 60.00 > > 2007 > > > 2007 > > > > > > > Earning Per Share > > Kshs > > Dividend PayOut > > Kshs > > 2000 > > 9.20 > > 2000 > > 6.00 > > 2001 > > 4.60 > > 2001 > > 2.00 > > 2002 > > 2.50 > > 2002 > > 2.50 > > 2003 > > 1.30 > > 2003 > > 6.00 > > 2004 > > 7.40 > > 2004 > > 8.00 > > 2005 > > 1.40 > > 2005 > > 2.00 > > 2006 > > 1.10 > > 2006 > > 2.00 > > 2007 > > > 2007 > > > P/E Ratio > > > > > Bankers > > Barclay bank of Kenya,Citibank NA,Cooperative Bank > > Registrars > > Cooperative Bank Registrars > > > > My point > Foreigners hold 88% of the company and thus in a position to make > board decisions regardless of the African investors thinking > after all..they holding only 12%. Some investors bought into this > company at more than kshs 100 and when it ceased trading, shares > were moving in the 40-45 range. The shares will be called back > because the foreigners agenda is different and there intention is > not to make money for the local investors. [Country of origin and > Fair trade issues]. The local investors including NSSF, KCB > pensioners and many more Wanjikus have been screwed. > RVR is coming next. > Joe is therefore really not far from the point...if Unilever > lesson is anything to go by. We need a unified approach ...If you > want to do business in Kenya...get Kenyan partner...is simply not > enough... > We need to get Kenyans in decision making positions also. > PS. Regarding Flo's kind request to facilitate... > Ownership of the process is what is critical. Locals should not > only drive but own and ultimately be responsible for the > direction they take. You have done well...but maybe...as Frank > Sinatra would sing...its time for MY WAY. > Ciao, > Bill > > References > > 1. mailto:alkags@alkags.com > People make a plan work, a plan alone seldom makes people work (Confucius). > >

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Benchmarking national regulatory authority websites
by A.K. Mahan 14 Jul '08

14 Jul '08

*Benchmarking national regulatory authority websites* Four new LIRNE studies provide feedback to regulators across different categories of information provision. These regional assessments of national telecom regulatory authority websites in Latin America, the Caribbean and North America, Asia and Africa, seek to illuminate best practices for using NRA websites as vehicles to provide information about the sector to the full range of stakeholders. *Working Papers available for free download include: http://lirne.net/2008/07/benchmarking-nra-websites/* * Benchmarking Latin America NRA Websites by Hugo Carrión (DIRSI) Estándares de comparación para los sitios web de los Entes Reguladores Nacionales de América Latina * Benchmarking Caribbean and North American National Regulatory Authority Websites by Opal Lawton * Benchmarking Asia Pacific National Telecom Regulatory Authority Websites by Lara Alawattegama and Chanuka Wattegama (LIRNEasia) * Benchmark Indicators for African National Regulatory Authority Websites, Monica Kerretts-Makau (Research ICT Africa!) National regulatory authorities have a key role to play as information society drivers and facilitators by providing an example of using new technologies and facilitating access to, among others, legislation, standards and best practices for information and communication technology (ICT) adoption and development. NRA websites constitute an important vehicle for information dissemination, communication and transparency. Although these studies do not claim to measure the overall effectiveness, efficiency or transparency of the regulator, the benchmarking and ranking serve to clarify categories of information and their respective users, and to indicate responsiveness and interactivity in providing information. Finally, it is hoped that regulators will benefit from an awareness of how other national regulatory websites provide access and serve their respective communities. http://lirne.net/2008/07/benchmarking-nra-websites/ -- __________________________________ Amy Mahan, LIRNE.NET Coordinator Montevideo, Uruguay Tel: +598.2.410 2979 Fax: +44.870.759 8283 www.LIRNE.net __________________________________

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Re: [kictanet] Discipline & Ethics - Re: Legislation and Regulation fore-Commerce in Keny
by wesley kiriinya 13 Jul '08

13 Jul '08

To make it clearer. I am not embarassed by people questioning how much of Kenya is run by foreigners. I'm embarrased by how it's being done. For example I don't think it's appropriate to mention/imply in a public forum that someone is a foreigner therefore they can't do this or that. In my humble opinion if I post in this forum I'm communicating with anonymous people from other parts of the world not just Kenya and that's why I wrote "...as much as free speech is appreciated, so is discretion..." Quoting Saidi: "...it's a question of building, maintaing and protecting local capacity..." Refer to a lot of my posts. E.g. the recent one on Expensive Software systems. I understand this issue. It's a shame to Kenya, but is the governemnt/parliament to blame or is it foreigners or is it both? "...One of the key requirements, forced on poor countries by the IMF and the World Bank, centered on privatization and deregulation, even if the poor countries had no capacity to compete with foreign firms flush with cash..." I have heard a lot about similar statements and I have started to have my doubts about such organizations. So don't assume that I support their actions. Regards. --- On Sun, 7/13/08, saidimu apale <saidimu(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: saidimu apale <saidimu(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Discipline & Ethics - Re: Legislation and Regulation fore-Commerce in Keny To: kiriinya2000(a)yahoo.com Date: Sunday, July 13, 2008, 12:40 PM Wesley, You miss the point of these discussions. Whether they are embarassing or not isn't the issue; it's a question of building, maintaing and protecting local capacity. > > Before these so called foreigners got these positions that Kenyans would > have occupied, what were Kenyans waiting for? (Honest question.) > Have you heard of SAPs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structural_adjustment_program)? One of the key requirements, forced on poor countries by the IMF and the World Bank, centered on privatization and deregulation, even if the poor countries had no capacity to compete with foreign firms flush with cash. You should read "Globalization and its Discontents" by the Nobel-prize winning economist Joseph Stiglitz for the inside scoop. What we are experiencing right now in the ICT and Telecom industries is a direct result of what the book describes. So instead of being embarassed by this thread, perhaps you should react differently? Let me put it another way: would you have been too embarassed to join the Mau Mau and fight the British colonialists? Since de-facto foreign ownership and domination of the local economy is also colonialism (neo-colonialism), why are you ashamed to "join the fight"? Or is that too "uncivilised"? Decades later, when you grand-children ask you where you when foreigners virtualy re-colonized Kenya, what will you say? That you were too embarassed to "join the fight"? Don't kid yourself: there will be no real and lasting development if the agenda is set and controlled by non-Kenyans, it's as simple as that. I hope you'll take this email for what it is: a friendly conversation from a fellow Kenyan and ICT colleague who respects your work in the gaming industry, and ICT at large. Saidi On Sun, Jul 13, 2008 at 10:51 AM, wesley kiriinya <kiriinya2000(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Gentlemen, > > Before these so called foreigners got these positions that Kenyans would > have occupied, what were Kenyans waiting for? (Honest question.) > > If there is a higher appointing authority that picks these so called > foreigners over Kenyans then it's them to blame (if there is a good reason). > > That said, as much as free speech is appreciated, so is discretion. Sorry to > say but it is embarrassing to read some of these posts. > > Regards. >

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FW: [wougnet] [UgaBYTES] RIU Innovation Challenge Fund
by Harry Hare 12 Jul '08

12 Jul '08

My apologies for cross-posting. Harry -----Original Message----- From: wougnet-l-bounces(a)wougnet.org [mailto:wougnet-l-bounces@wougnet.org] On Behalf Of Silvia Caicedo (by way of Dorothy Okello <dokello(a)wougnet.org>) Sent: 11 July 2008 17:25 To: WOUGNET Mailing List Subject: [wougnet] [UgaBYTES] RIU Innovation Challenge Fund FYI, Silvia ============================== Call for funding Second RIU Call for Proposals - Innovation Challenge Fund: Phase 2 Africa The purpose of the African Innovation Challenge Fund (African ICF) is to provide financial support to teams so they can take promising research, funded by DFID, to the next stage of use. The selected initiatives will contribute to RIU's purpose by delivering significant use of RNRRS and other natural resources research outputs for the benefit (direct or indirect) of poor men and women in different contexts. The first RIU call issued in 2007 focused on target countries in S and S.E. Asia (India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Cambodia, Vietnam) and the response demonstrated that there were many entry points for scaling up RNRRS research knowledge. However the subsequent lesson learning study on the Asian challenge fund process indicated that, the scope of the call may have been too broad, creating wide expectations which the challenge fund was unable to fulfill. The RIU management team have therefore decided to focus the Africa call on two key elements which we feel are critical in getting research into use and from which lessons can be drawn for decision makers. These two elements are 1) novel communication methods and 2) public-private partnerships which can stimulate the use of natural resource technologies and processes produced by DFID research activities for the benefit of large numbers of people. More information on these focal areas and the context of the African ICF can be found in the guidance notes (available in English and in French) The RIU Innovation Challenge Fund Africa will focus on the following countries in sub Saharan Africa: Ghana, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, S.Africa plus three Francophone countries- Senegal, Mali and Niger (Total 10 countries). Other countries in Africa e.g. Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi and Nigeria are involved in RIU country programmes under another RIU component -component 1.2- Enhancing Demand. To avoid duplication of effort these six countries are not the primary focus of the African ICF. They may be considered for funding where regional initiatives exist but we stress that in this call we wish to focus on the ten countries which have been highlighted above. The guidance notes and application forms are available in English and French, although we kindly request that applications are submitted in English to assist selection procedures. Any questions or queries should be directed to the RIU Grants and Policy co-ordinator Lucy Nickoll L.nickoll(a)nrint.co.uk Closing date for submission of Concept Notes: Monday, 1st September, 12 noon (GMT+1) If you are interested in this call, please view the following documents: 1. Concept Note Application Form (English) <http://www.researchintouse.com/downloads/African_CN_english.doc> 2. Concept Note Application Form (French) <http://www.researchintouse.com/downloads/African_CN_francais.doc> 3. Guidance Notes (English) <http://www.researchintouse.com/downloads/Africa_guidance_notes_v5_english.d oc> 4. Guidance Notes (French) <http://www.researchintouse.com/downloads/Africa_guidance_notes_v5_Francais. doc> 5. Natural <http://www.researchintouse.com/index.php?section=16&subsection=49> Resources Knowledge Database 6. RIU Logframe <http://www.researchintouse.com/downloads/RIU_Logframe_June_2007.doc> 7. RIU Data Management Guideline <http://www.researchintouse.com/downloads/RIU_Data_management_guidelines.pdf > Please also see our website; www.researchintouse.com _______________________________________________ ugabytes mailing list ugabytes(a)lists.ugabytes.org http://lists.ugabytes.org/mailman/listinfo/ugabytes_lists.ugabytes.org No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.4.7/1546 - Release Date: 11/07/2008 06:47

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[Fwd: Orange to Launch iPhone in Kenya]
by alice 12 Jul '08

12 Jul '08

Sorry if this is already old news .... Orange to Launch 3G iPhone in Kenya http://www.apple.com/iphone/countries/ke/ -- Joe Mucheru

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Experts' warnings of web's future
by wesley kiriinya 12 Jul '08

12 Jul '08

Good people, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/7466085.stm In summary the first part of the article (what I was interested in) talks about how platforms are taking over the net and are squeezing out the liberty to develop apps that use the net. Platforms include facebook, google apps and apple. One of the main arguments is that e.g. in Facebook the developer has to agree to the terms of the platform which might not be very favourable. "...[There are] rights to charge the makers of applications for the privilege of allowing that application to continue to exist on Facebook at any rate Facebook chooses. Rights to terminate any application that they don't like, for any reason..." Good Weekend. Ohh, almost forgot Sent from my Dell Inspiron 1520 8~D

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FW: [administrators-en] Vacancy announcement: ICT for Development Programme Coordinator
by Edith Adera 10 Jul '08

10 Jul '08

_____ From: Rambaldi, G. [mailto:Rambaldi@cta.int] Sent: jeudi 10 juillet 2008 08:08 To: Dgroups administrator peer support Subject: [administrators-en] Vacancy announcement: ICT for Development Programme Coordinator <http://www.cta.int/> <http://www.cta.int/> <http://www.cta.int/> <http://www.cta.int/> Vacancy announcement Summary Job title: ICT for Development Programme Coordinator Location: Wageningen, the Netherlands Employment: Full-time and long-term international position; possibility to start under a consultancy contract Area: Agricultural science and development Education: University degree in the field of communication sciences or related discipline Experience: 5 10 years in ICT4D domain Introduction The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural <http://www.cta.int/> Cooperation (CTA) is an ACP-EU organisation established under the Lomé Convention, now succeeded by the Cotonou Agreement, between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states. CTAs tasks are to develop and provide services that improve access to information for agricultural and rural development, and to strengthen the capacity of ACP countries to produce, acquire, exchange and utilise information in these areas. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are widely regarded as enabling tools in fighting poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals when these are integrated into development policies and programmes. The current rapid pace of innovation in ICTs is therefore significant and worthy of note as benefits may accrue to a growing number of organisations and individuals based in the developing world. Free or low-cost, simple, internet-based services are now available to the general public which make effective online collaboration a reality. Web 2.0 is the name given to this new dimension of on-line services, where people and communities collaborate and share information. CTAs mandate puts emphasis on facilitating access, exchange and dissemination of information in the fields of agriculture and rural development. Therefore, many Web 2.0 applications play a key role in its own strategies and programmes. Responsibilities Working closely with the members of the ICT Innovation Team and reporting to the head of department, the incumbent will carry out the following activities: (i) Contribute to the interdepartmental efforts towards improving (a) CTA internal ICT/ICM systems; (b) capacity in using in-house software applications; and (c) adoption of innovative ICT/ICM by ACP stakeholders; (ii) Establish and run a permanent ICT Observatory focusing on ICT4D and Web 2.0 innovations; (iii) Contribute to the testing, appraisal, eventual promotion and adoption of innovative ICT4D and Web 2.0 applications within CTA and among CTA partner organisations; (iv) Assist CTA partners in developing project proposals. (v) Manage the projects cycle including programming, processing, administration and evaluation phases; (vi) Liaise with development agencies and partners on collaborative work related to ICT4D and Web 2.0 initiatives; (vii) Contribute to the development of strategies and action plans; (viii) Implement other tasks as requested by CTAs Director and the Head of Department. Requirements (i) A university degree in communication sciences or related discipline. (ii) 5 - 10 years of relevant professional experience in the ICT4D domain (international experience will be an advantage) as well as exposure to the full project cycle (i.e., programming, project processing to project administration); (iii) Experienced and having keen interest in ICT4D in the contexts of African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and preferably in the sectors of agriculture, rural development and natural resource management. (iv) Proficient in the use of a range of innovative ICTs. These may include mobile PC-based ICTs, phone (SMS) and SMS to web technologies and broadcasting. Eager to discover and explore ICT combinations appropriate to CTA working contexts. (v) Proficient in web publishing and/or video-editing and in the use of Web 2.0 applications including among others social networking, blogging, vlogging, podcasting, use of wikis and remote collaboration solutions, collaborative tagging and more; (vi) Experienced team worker. Encourages cooperation within and between teams and promotes the value of diversity in teams, such as in different views, culture, nationality, and gender. (vii) Proficient in word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software; (viii) Excellent oral and written communication skills in English or French and ability to work in the other language. (ix) Good organisational, inter-personal and communication skills in a multi-cultural working environment; international experience is an asset; (x) National of either a European Union member state or of one of the 79 ACP (Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific) States. Employment package A range of benefits, including private pension and health insurance scheme will support an attractive tax-exempt salary. Procedure Qualifying candidates are invited to forward before August 8th, 2008: - One-page motivational letter explaining why he/she qualifies for this position; - Curriculum Vitae; - Scanned copies of relevant diplomas and certificates; - Full contact details of three referees. Please quote the source of the advertisement. Please note that only candidates under serious consideration will receive written notice of the selection process. Mr. Jean-Claude Burguet CTA - Head of Administration, Budget and Human Resources Department Ref: ICT4D P.O. Box 380 6700 AJ Wageningen The Netherlands Fax: +31 317 46 71 78 E-mail: Burguet(a)cta.int Dgroups is a joint initiative of Bellanet, DFID, Hivos, ICA, ICCO, IICD, OneWorld, UNAIDS and World Bank --- You are currently subscribed to administrators-en as: rthioune(a)idrc.org.sn To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-administrators-en-245890K(a)dgroups.org Dgroups is a joint initiative of Bellanet, DFID, Hivos, ICA, ICCO, IICD, OneWorld, UNAIDS and World Bank --- You are currently subscribed to administrators-en as: rthioune(a)idrc.org.sn To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-administrators-en-245890K(a)dgroups.org

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Legislation and Regulation for e-Commerce in Kenya
by Marcel Werner 10 Jul '08

10 Jul '08

Legislation and Regulation for e-Commerce in Kenya Kenya ICT Federation (KIF) - Briefing Note # 3 - Report - Public Panel 19 June 2008 *Electronic commerce (e-commerce) will add at least one percent point growth to Kenya's overall economic growth within five years. This is contingent upon the adoption of legislation that supports electronic transactions. *Kenya, as an emerging economy and regional leader, lags behind in having a legal framework for e-commerce in place. The current situation is an anachronism hampering national development, placing provincial centres at a disadvantage, and harming global competitiveness. Both external and internal trade require the new framework.The Kenyan private sector strongly supports e-commerce legislation, as well as legislation of the Information and Communication Technology sector that guarantees an open market and promotes innovation. Why e-commerce law? Today, legislation supporting electronic transactions represents the single most powerful innovation opportunity in the legal framework of the ICT sector. Legislation is needed to: -Legalize e-commerce transactions by recognizing an electronic signature -Manage and control e-commerce risks -Remove e-commerce barriers KIF has studied drafts currently circulating in the public domain, the Information and Communications Bill, 2008, and the Electronic Transactions Bill, 2007, respectively, both of which are of the highest technical standards. Public panels and hearings with sectors of the economy (including tourism, agriculture, ICT) have been held on 6th and 27th May, 4th June and 19th June. The Kenyan private sector has expressed overwhelming support for urgent legislation of e-commerce. Suggested improvements in Bills - The public panels and hearings to date have yielded the following important issues for improvement in the current Bills: - Provisions on who can prosecute are missing - Liability of Internet Service Providers must be demarcated - Clarification on which commercial documents are excluded from proposed legislation - Eliminate any ambiguity on admissibility of electronic evidence - Need for data protection and privacy provisions - The Bills are more lenient on e-commerce fraud than on traditional fraud - Remove inconsistencies in determining crimes and punishments - Provisions for the inclusion of cyber-crime within the scope of the Extradition Act - Creation of an Administrator for e-commerce laws whose functions will be policy implementation and advisory, as a multi-sectoral body with industry associations including KIF, lead regulator Communications Commission of Kenya and co-regulator Central Bank of Kenya Gains in tourism, agriculture, healthcare Industry sectors, notably the tourism industry, are expressing their desire to see e-commerce covered by law. In tourism, on-line travel bookings have exceeded 80% in the USA and 50% in Europe. Decline in off-line bookings is in ample evidence. Those destinations that cannot legally support abundant on-line booking, such as Kenya, will loose market share. E-commerce in agriculture will improve small-holder's living standards. Great impact is expected notably in the coffee sector that provides livelihood to at least 5 million Kenyans, as well as in the dairy industry. Healthcare efficiency and affordability will improve by on-line health data management systems. Business operators in rural towns and rural centres have also expressed keen interest, as they see scope to address issues of trade efficiency and security in rural Kenya. What is e-commerce E-commerce is a method of trading that replaces paper-based documentation by a mutually binding electronic protocol between buyers and sellers. E-commerce is gaining ground globally and has become an irreversible trend. Many trading partners are already practicing e-commerce, by mutual agreement, also in Kenya. However, e-commerce will reach its full potential when parties that do not know each other are able to trade with full mutual protection under the law. This will benefit large numbers of consumers and businesses, including small-holder farmers, tourism operators, small-scale industry and services providers in almost any business sector. About KIF The Kenya Information and Communication Technology Federation (KIF) represents the ICT industry with Government and with private sector bodies e.g. Kenya Association of Manufacturers and Kenya Private Sector Alliance KEPSA <http://www.kepsa.org/>. KIF is a legally registered membership based Association, made up of trade associations and professional bodies within the national ICT industry, as well as commercial corporations. KIF has been accepted as the private sector voice of ICT by Government. KIF contributes ideas to key sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, construction industry, and last but not least supports e-government development. KIF is a membership-driven organisation. Members bring issues on public policy and industry development forward for KIF to take action. Issues include: innovation promotion, education improvement, duties, taxes and levies, rural ICT investment. KIF has a strong and active network, with excellent relationships with all government agencies. KIF membership is open for market segment associations and individual companies. Membership charges are annual and based on company size. Contact: secretariat(a)kif.or.ke, 020 4440102 MARCEL WERNER, Chairman, Kenya ICT Federation please send any business mail to: Marcel.Werner(a)innovation-africa.or.ke

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