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Google launches official blog for Africa
by Divon Lan 04 Jul '08

04 Jul '08

Greetings, I thought it might be worth while letting you know that we (Google) launched our official blog for Sub Saharan Africa today. You can view it here: http://google-africa.blogspot.com I hope you find it useful and interesting. Divon Lan Product Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, Google

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This is a test - please ignore
by Joseph Manthi 04 Jul '08

04 Jul '08

-- Joseph Manthi CEO MEO Ltd http://www.meoltd.com

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Conference on E-Commerce & Internet Security @ KICC
by Brian Longwe 03 Jul '08

03 Jul '08

FYI - apologies for cross-posting --------------------------- THE 1ST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON E-COMMERCE AND INTERNET SECURITY IN EAST AFRICA VENUE: KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, NAIROBI DATE: 13TH-15TH AUGUST 2008 Dear Partner, RE: THE 1ST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON E-COMMERCE AND INTERNET SECURITY IN EAST AFRICA Information and Communication Technology has been recognised as the engine of development all over the world. ICT sector provides endless opportunities for Africa and its growth in East Africa provides even greater benefits. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) may arguably be the most powerful tool for social and economic development. E-commerce has been the centre of debate in business management in the 21st Century across the globe. The pressure for businesses in Africa to go online like most developed nations could be attributed to large multinational corporations, who integrate the internet into their operations; as such suppressing buyers and suppliers located in developing countries, to adapt to the new business models. With the marketplace becoming increasingly global, many companies have come to a realization that it takes more than high quality, affordable prices and differentiation to excel in today's highly competitive multinational market place. E-commerce in the United States of America has flourished owing to several pre-existing conditions: along history of catalogue marketing that has helped the fast acceptance of virtual transactions, a high rate of internet penetration, a mature credit payment system and the presence of efficient delivery services. It is very significant that businesses in East Africa realize they have much to gain from embracing e-commerce in their marketing strategies. The payoffs are tremendous; penetration rate estimated currently at over 470 million people, reducing processing costs by up to 90%, reducing cycle time by up to 80% and improving staff productivity between 20% and 300%. The solution for Kenyan products and services to penetrate the global market lies in developing "e-markets", electronic meeting places for buyers and sellers with defined rules for e-purchasing, e-bidding and e-selling". It is a question of acting small but being big. Kenyan and East African companies have no choice but to deploy internet technologies to remain competitive. However, African government needs to take a proactive role in developing a robust, flexible regulatory framework for e-commerce. It is equally important to ensure effective coordination of government agencies, industry association and other facilitators. It is important that a stable physical and virtual infrastructure of trust - shared by all concerned parties, public authorities, local and foreign entrepreneurs, financial services, providers and customers - be equally enhanced. It is very significant that businesses realize that they have much to gain from embracing e-commerce in their strategies Development sector and commercial enterprises in Africa and all over the world however, have to grapple with serious challenges arising from the massive computer application insecurities such as stolen data, viruses, hackers, spam mail, government monitoring and privacy invasion among other threats. These threats are not only expensive to an organization in its efforts to deliver effective and efficient services to its clients but is time wasting and potentially destructive to organizations. Purple Images Productions proposes to organize the first conference to promote e-commerce as a tool of business and national development in the region. The main objective of the conference will be to create national forum to review and evaluate ICT development in organizations in relation to the internet and general computer security threats and challenges globally and in the region. Conference Presentation Topics: E-Commerce * The Challenges of Connectivity in Africa * The impact of Cultures on e-business * E-Commerce and youth employment * Web marketing challenges and opportunities * Business Process Outsourcing : The Challenges and Opportunities * Management Challenges facing E-businesses in East Africa * Marketing issues facing E-businesses in East Africa Computer and Internet Security · Website security : opportunities and challenges · E-Commerce Business Management and Marketing Security and Risk Management challenges * E-government, E-commerce, E-learning and E-banking Security: Emerging Threats and Technology Trends · Computer and Internet Crimes; The need for Legislation and Compliance · Business Process Outsourcing Opportunities , Challenges and Security Threats · E-commerce Security Policies , Alignment of Business and IT Security Efforts and intellectual property rights protection * In house security threats to business, database security, forensics, identification and authentication, intrusion detection INTERNET SECURITY & E-COMMERCE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS The following are the categories for the awards dinner ceremony: * The Most Successful E-Commerce Company in East Africa * The Most Promising Young Person in E-Business of the Year * The Most Innovative E-Commerce Achievement for the Year * The E-Commerce Woman of the Year * The ICT Manufacturer of the Year * E-Tourism Business of the Year * Computer Security Software Development Award of the Year * Business Process Outsourcing Company Award of the Year * Computer and Internet Security Business Leader of the Year (To be nominated for awards, send a profile of your e-commerce business on showing the successes of your business to: info@purpleimages. com) Booking and Conference Costs • Delegates to pay Kshs. 16,000 ($ 250) per person. The fee will cater for meals and materials. Delegates must also meet the costs of their travel and accommodation in Kenya . To be part of this great event, please register by completing the conference application form. Payment of the participation fee stipulated above is required to guarantee a slot in the limited places available. This fee covers lunches, teas & conference materials. Registration of delegates and the stakeholders is in process. There is a technical committee to receive and review abstract papers from the presenters and workshop facilitators. After reviewing the abstract papers on the different themes of the conference, the final list of the facilitators and delegates will be sent out alongside the final conference programme. Ms. Mercy Kariuki The Conference Coordinator The 1st International Conference on E-Commerce and Internet Security in East Africa Mbuchia House, 3rd Flr, West Wing, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya P.O BOX 58182 - 00200 Nairobi Telephone: 254-20-4450937/ 4452674 Cell: 254-720-425175/ 722 634947 Email: purplemedia2000@ yahoo.com or info@purpleimages. com Email: www.purpleimages. com -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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Fw: Google Groups: You've been added to KAZI AFRIKA
by Alex Gakuru 03 Jul '08

03 Jul '08

This is the probably the third time I am asking to be unsubscribed to a list owners keep forcefully subscribing me to yet again . And out of conversations on kictanet. Niko na kazi mingi, sihitaji kuongezwa zingine tafadhali;) Walu please issue an advisory. --- On Thu, 7/3/08, noreply(a)googlegroups.com <noreply(a)googlegroups.com> wrote: > From: noreply(a)googlegroups.com <noreply(a)googlegroups.com> > Subject: Google Groups: You've been added to KAZI AFRIKA > To: alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com > Date: Thursday, July 3, 2008, 2:47 AM > matengo marymatengo(a)gmail.com has added you to the KAZI > AFRIKA group with > this message: > > welcome to the biggest list of African intellectuals > > Here is the group's description: > > Karibu KaziAfrika groups. This is a group which is surely > interested in > posting vacancies for members. Please feel free to send > your jobs,cvs, career > tips and anything related to the work environment to > kaziafrika@googlegroups. > com. > > ----------------------- Google Groups Information > ---------------------- > > The owner of the group has set your subscription type as > "Email", meaning that > you'll receive a copy of every message posted to the > group as they are posted. > > > To view this group on the web, or edit your subscription, > you will need to > create a Google Account by going to: > > http://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount?service=groups2&reqemail=alex.gak… > > Visit this group on the web by using this URL: > > http://groups.google.com/group/kaziafrika?hl=en > > You can unsubscribe from this group using the following > URL: > > http://groups.google.com/group/kaziafrika/unsub?u=xYimwggAAAC5fW2PEscwK2lHF… > > -------------------- Information About This Message > -------------------- > > If you feel that this message is abuse, please inform the > Google Groups staff > by using the URL below. > http://groups.google.com/groups/abuse?direct=YQAAAAAANMZOAAAAAAb9l40AAAAAB0…

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Lets stick to the ICT Policy Agenda
by John Walubengo 03 Jul '08

03 Jul '08

A member whose address is disguised since the mail was private has challenged me on why I seem to be protecting 'thieves'. I sought to clear the air by saying that if you reviewed my first paragraph, you will realise that I did NOT deny that we have corrupt operators in our ICT industry (after all we are officially ranked by Transparency International amongst top 5 corrupt nations in Africa/World?). And neither am i protecting anyone for that matter. My thinking was simply that KICTAnet may miss its objective by attempting to un-ravel scandals that we are paying other people to un-ravel. In other words I dont think it should be our core business as a community and we may not be as effective on scandals as when we focus on ICT Policy and its implementation. Finally, I did not block discussion on corruption in ICT per se, but just thought care must be taken to avoid a full-blown, mud-slinging, self-defeating, electronic mob-justice episodes that results in collateral damage (i.e. the disintegration of an ICT Platform for exchanging useful ideas). I simply put some conditions for discussing such sensitive issuess by saying that they should be based on conclusive evidence and should add value in terms suggesting what governance/policy interventions can be put in place to avoid recurrence. This is the best practice and you can benchmark with the BBC blogging rules http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/help/4176520.stm walu. --- On Thu, 7/3/08, <xyz(a)xxx.com> wrote: > From: <xyz(a)xxx.com> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Lets stick to the ICT Policy Agenda > To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > Date: Thursday, July 3, 2008, 12:16 PM > Why do you protect thieves > Sent from my xxxx

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Fwd: Bulk of KenyanWealth Owned by Foreigners
by wainaina.mungai＠gmail.com 03 Jul '08

03 Jul '08

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: wainaina.mungai(a)gmail.com Date: Thu, 3 Jul 2008 12:22:00 +0300 Subject: Bulk of KenyanWealth Owned by Foreigners To: kictanet(a)kictanet.org Kudos John/Moderator.. I suggest the next time a member opts to digress towards shadow boxing and unsubstantiated insinuations, a 2 week suspension may be a good prescription. We seem to have forgotten our common enemy......that is, inadequate ICT policies, laws and action plans... have a moderated day ;-) Wainaina -- Made in Kenya Network P. O. Box 72031 - 00200 Nairobi. Kenya Tel: +254-20-3590451 Cel: +254-722-811171 Cel: +254-735-370840 www.madeinkenya.org www.bungesms.com www.pamonet.org -- Made in Kenya Network P. O. Box 72031 - 00200 Nairobi. Kenya Tel: +254-20-3590451 Cel: +254-722-811171 Cel: +254-735-370840 www.madeinkenya.org www.bungesms.com www.pamonet.org

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Muthoni wins prestigious international award award that honours technical women
by Wanjira, Alice Munyua 03 Jul '08

03 Jul '08

Congratulations Dorcas...we are proud of you! More details below. best alice ----------------- The Anita Borg Change Agent Awards honor technical women that live and work outside the United States. They are change agents in their community - working to attract and support women in technology in their region. Recipients are recognized for their technical leadership and advocacy work. http://www.anitaborg.org/initiatives/awards/ -------------- Dear Dorcas, Congratulations! In recognition of your commitment to bringing attention to the issues of women in computing in Kenya, we am pleased to inform you that you have been awarded an Anita Borg Change Agent Award. We recognize your work as a change agent, and we would like you to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration for Women in Computing Conference. As a highly respected scientist who is dedicated to addressing the challenges of advancing a complex society as Kenya, and holding the position of Founder and Managing Director of OPENWORLD Ltd., you truly are a pioneer. It is our hope that your participation in the Grace Hopper Celebration will help bridge women technologists in the United States and abroad. _______________________________________________

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E-Commerce/M-commerce - which way for Africa?
by Brian Longwe 03 Jul '08

03 Jul '08

E-Commerce/M-commerce - which way for Africa? As pointed out by White African in his blog, there are lots of ideas flying around regarding payment solutions that can both fit and function according to the needs of the broader African populace. Top amongst these is the opportunity (or should we call it challenge) that mobile telephony offers. It has been well documented by the ITU that mobile telephony in Africa is growing faster than in any other part of the world. This is supported by World Bank reports that "The African mobile market has been the fastest-growing market of all regions, expanding at twice the rate of the global market." There is therefore every reason to see mobile telephony as an avenue towards delivery of financial services to the largely unbanked population of Africa. White African very elaborately says that "What we need is a carrier and bank agnostic ecommerce platform for Africa." This is further borne out in his discourse on the benefits of such a platform and the potential risks associated with current models that are tied to a single network operator. A couple of years ago during a period of much reflection on the same subject I came across a company that has implemented such a system in South Africa. Wizzit - mobile banking in South Africa Wizzit - is the name of the South African service that provides a cellphone based banking and transaction system. The company deliberately kept a low profile during it's early days to avoid been stonewalled by the larger banks in South Africa and instead developed it's product in partnership with a small bank that had enough flexibility and innovation to support the development of the product. The most significant aspect of Wizzit is that it works across all networks i.e. it is not linked or tied to any of the mobile operators - any subscriber with any network can sign up and use the service by simply purchasing a 'starter pack' for the equivalent of Kshs 60 (US$ 1) at any filling station convenience store or major supermarket. Employing the Unemployed Another very cool aspect of Wizzit's intervention is that instead of going the conventional route and hiring a sharp and savvy team of marketers and sales people, they created something called Wizz-Kids and invited unemployed youth; trained them, suited them up in very cool, branded gear and sent them out into the townships, rural areas and nether regions of the country to sign up customers. The initial team of close to 1,000 kids brought in over 10,000 accounts and in excess of 100,000 transactions within the system within the first couple of months. Since it's launch in 2004 Wizzit has provided thousands upon thousands of South African youth with employment. Banking the Unbanked Users don't have to have a bank account, but get a Maestro Debit card with the starter pack, which is linked to their Wizzit account which they can load up with money at any of thousands of agents, post offices and bank branches across the country. Once an account is loaded they can make person to person payments or transfer money to any other Wizzit user or merchant, load up airtime and pay for utilities. For those who need cash, a network of 'cash back' outlets at post offices and major supermarkets countrywide is available. What about the rest of Africa? Wizzit's innovation has had an incredible impact in South Africa but unfortunately has not been 'exportable', 'transferable' or capable of replication in countries outside of South Africa. In 2005 I made a number of efforts to engage with Wizzit guys and discuss the possibility of bringing the brand and model to Kenya. Unfortunately the fees and percentages that came out of these discussions were unbearable (or to be more precise commercially unviable). And for whatever reason, no one in other countries seems to have been able to put together a similar package of partnerships, agreements, legal loopholes to allow delivery of a similar model (at least none that I know of) So, what can we do about getting something like this going in other parts? [Brian blogs on venture capital, startups, investment, technology and trends at: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com] -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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E-Commerce/M-Commerce - which way for Africa?
by Brian Longwe 02 Jul '08

02 Jul '08

E-Commerce/M-commerce - which way for Africa?<http://mashilingi.blogspot.com/2008/07/e-commercem-commerce-which-way-for.h…> As pointed out by White African <http://whiteafrican.com/> in his blog, there are lots of ideas flying around regarding payment solutions that can both fit and function according to the needs of the broader African populace. Top amongst these is the opportunity (or should we call it challenge) that mobile telephony offers. It has been well documented by the ITU that mobile telephony in Africa is growing faster than in any other part of the world. This is supported by World Bank reports that "The African mobile market has been the fastest-growing market of all regions, expanding at twice the rate of the global market." [full article at http://mashilingi.blogspot.com] -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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Job ICT Manager -- Deadline 4 July
by Catherine Adeya 01 Jul '08

01 Jul '08

Sorry if you have already seen this but it is important for those who have not as I am aware there are many who are searching. Every opportunity must be grasped. Thanks Nyaki ----- Original Message ---- ICT MANAGER POSITION JOB TITLE: ICT Manager JOB CODE: PR/DC/ICTM/608 DEPARTMENT: ICT REPORTS TO: Managing Director LOCATION: Nairobi CLOSING DATE: July 4, 2008 Summary Our client is a leading retail chain in East Africa and are looking for an innovative ICT Manager to manage the overall ICT function for efficient and effective service delivery in Nairobi, Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. This position reports directly to the Managing Director and will require the individual to immediately take ownership and manage the implementation of a new ERP system. Primary Responsibilities · Identify and implement relevant programs and infrastructure for ICT applications for effective customer relationship management · Manage all communication and data transfer activities of the organization · Ensure appropriate backups, archiving and disaster preparedness procedures are adhered to · Generate reports as required by user departments · Evaluate and recommend suitable ICT equipment · Ensure timely systems licensing and documentation · Training users on ICT · Managing ICT staff performance and evaluations (1 ICT Administrator and 2 hardware and software support technicians) Basic Requirements · Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science, ICT, Electrical /Electronics Engineering of recognized equivalent · Recognized industry certification in networking and systems administration · At least 3 years experience in a management position · Demonstrable leadership, professionalism, initiative and competence in organizing and directing work · Ease with both practical and strategic management orientations · At least 30 years of age Benefits · Medical · Group Life Insurance · Pension Contribution HOW TO APPLY If you have the above credentials, please apply attaching your current resume and quoting the job code on the subject line of your email or application. Email applications are preferable. The application should reach the following address by 4 July 2008. Personnel Resource Email: recruiter(a)personnelresource.org P.O. Box 856-00606 Nairobi, Kenya

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