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Fwd: ICANN PRESS RELEASE: ICANN ANNOUNCES NEW gTLD APPLICANT SUPPORT PROGRAM TARGETING UNDEREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES IN GLOBAL MARKETS INCLUDING KENYA
by Peter Wakaba 20 Nov '24

20 Nov '24

Dear Editor/Reporter, I trust you are well. Kindly find attached below and attached press release *‘ICANN ANNOUNCES NEW gTLD APPLICANT SUPPORT PROGRAM TARGETING UNDEREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES IN GLOBAL MARKETS INCLUDING KENYA’ *for your action. Thank you for your continued support. CAPTION *IMAGE 1* – Pierre Dandjinou, ICANN Vice President Stakeholder Engagement, Africa. *PRESS RELEASE* *ICANN ANNOUNCES NEW gTLD APPLICANT SUPPORT PROGRAM TARGETING UNDEREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES IN GLOBAL MARKETS INCLUDING KENYA* *The program will see eligible organisations wanting to operate a registry get a 75-85% reduction in gTLD evaluation fees.* *Nairobi, Kenya – 20th November 2024*: The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers <https://www.icann.org/> (ICANN), the nonprofit organization that coordinates the Domain Name System (DNS), has today announced the opening of the Applicant Support Program (ASP) for the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: Next Round. The New gTLD Program: Next Round is an initiative that will enable the introduction of new gTLDs (including those longer than three characters and in non-Latin scripts) into the Internet’s domain name space. It will be the first opportunity since 2012 to secure a gTLD, and *the ASP makes it possible for lesser-resourced organizations to benefit from this transformation in their presence online*. “This is an opportunity for Kenyan businesses, communities, and others to apply for new top-level domains tailored to their community, culture, language, business, and customers. A gTLD can be a branding opportunity for a business, but the commercial opportunities are endless, allowing businesses in countries, entire sectors, or niche markets to develop a unique label on the Internet,” says Pierre Dandjinou, ICANN Vice President Stakeholder Engagement, Africa. Top-level domains are the part of an Internet address that comes after the dot. For example, in the domain name icann.org, the characters ‘org’ identifies the TLD and help to classify the purpose of the domain name. The Internet started with just a handful of TLDs, such as .com, .net., .org and others. As it has evolved, the number of generic TLDs in the DNS has increased to reflect the multidimensionality of its billions of users and to help classify and communicate the purpose of a domain name. *Discounted fees for applicants * ICANN appreciates that applying to operate a gTLD can be expensive and out of reach for many organizations. The ASP is intended to make the processes and fees involved in applying for a new gTLD more accessible to entities that may want to operate a gTLD but are unable because of financial and other resource constraints. Supported applicants will be eligible to receive access to pro bono service providers, training, and other resources, and a 75-85% reduction in gTLD evaluation fees. “The ASP supports that commitment by paving the way for more entrepreneurs, small businesses, governments, and communities around the world to apply to operate a generic top-level domain of their own choosing,” adds Dandjinou. To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet financial need and financial viability criteria, and fall into at least one of the following entity categories: - Nonprofits, charities, or equivalent - Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) - Indigenous/tribal peoples’ organizations - Social impact or public benefit micro or small businesses - Micro or small businesses from a less-developed economy More information on evaluation and eligibility criteria are described in Section 4: Applicant Eligibility and Evaluation Categories, of the ASP Handbook <https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-rounds/round2/asp/handbook>. ASP applicants will be evaluated on an ongoing basis. The first applicants to apply and qualify for support will the first to take advantage of the available resources. The application window will remain open for 12 months. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. For more information on the New gTLD Program visit. To learn more about the ASP, including eligibility and submission requirements, please visit https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-rounds/round2/asp*.* *About ICANN* ICANN's mission is to help ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet. To reach another person on the Internet, you need to type an address – a name or a number – into your computer or other device. That address must be unique so computers know where to find each other. ICANN helps coordinate and support these unique identifiers across the world. ICANN was formed in 1998 as a nonprofit public benefit corporation with a community of participants from all over the world. Kind Regards,

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Elections Technology in Kenya
by Victor Kapiyo 20 Nov '24

20 Nov '24

Dear Listers, Privacy International has recently published a new tech explainer on election technologies in Kenya. The explainer a deep dive into the technologies employed to manage and administer the election process in Kenya, such as biometric voter registration (BVR), voter identification, results transmission, and candidate management systems. You can read more: https://privacyinternational.org/explainer/5445/election-technology-kenya https://privacyinternational.org/news-analysis/5449/our-new-tech-explainer-… Following the last election, and even as the country is slowly progressing to the next cycle, it is important to review the election technologies and see where improvements need to be made. Regards, Victor

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On the matter of cheating in exams
by mnyanchama＠aganoconsulting.com 18 Nov '24

18 Nov '24

Friends, It looks like this is a worldwide phenomenon. On our part in Kenya, many students and graduates of Kenya universities earn pretty well from writing papers for folks worldwide. I am not sure whether anyone has formally studied this. According to the attached document (it's long) an American professor laments the change in attitude towards cheating. She argues that, while in the past people could be ashamed of being caught cheating and that folks were proud of the 'sweat of their labour' that is no longer the case. In my view, cheating happens because all around us people are cheating and (apparently) getting ahead of others; even those who get caught manage to game the system and get away with it. It is happening everywhere: in homes, churches, schools, government, private sector, etc. ... Name it! Gaming the system and beating it is a triumph for many! Second, in the old days, some taboos limited people's will to act beyond certain limits. A person could, for instance, fear that a curse might befall them! ... No more: people are cheating, getting ahead and no curse seems to come their way! All this has eroded the work ethic where folks could be proud that 'the sweat of their labour' has made them attain success. So just because someone works hard, has integrity and 'gives to Caesar what belongs to Caesar' does not underlie the person's status in that society. Thieves and scoundrels (and just because they are loaded with mbesha, regardless of how it was earned) seem to win! I am not sure what, as a society, we should do to restore meritocracy because this is the surest way for society to maximize its human capital potential. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matunda Nyanchama, PhD, CISSP; Director & Managing Consultant, mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com<mailto:mnyanchama@aganoconsulting.com>; Phone: +254 101 915 260 Agano Consulting Inc.; www.aganoconsulting.com<http://www.aganoconsulting.com/>; Twitter: nmatunda; <http://twitter.com/#%21/nmatunda> Skype: okiambe ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manage your ICT risks! We are the experts you need! The trusted partners you deserve! Call: +254 101 915 260 (Kenya) or info(a)aganoconsulting.com<mailto:info@aganoconsulting.com> Licensed by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA)

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Transitioners from Silicon Savannah light up the 11th Angel Fair Africa
by Eric Osiakwan 14 Nov '24

14 Nov '24

https://www.itedgenews.africa/transitioners-from-silicon-savannah-light-up-…

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Enrolling Kenyans From NHIF To SHIF Without Consent Is Legal - MoH
by Mwendwa Kivuva 13 Nov '24

13 Nov '24

The Ministry of Health holds that the ongoing enrolment of Kenyans into the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) without their consent is legal. As SHIF’s rolling out kicked off on Tuesday, October 1, members of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) – the public health insurance scheme SHIF replaced – have been getting SMS messages that they have been automatically registered for the controversial new plan. In a statement on Thursday, Health Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai said: “The Ministry has received inquiries regarding the transition of existing NHIF members to SHA. We wish to clarify that the laws as per legal notice 147 of 2024 provided for the transition of all registered and verifiable NHIF members into SHA.” https://www.citizen.digital/news/moh-insists-enrolling-kenyans-from-nhif-to… Best Regards ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwendwa-kivuva

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Market Analysts required
by Gerhard May 12 Nov '24

12 Nov '24

Dear all, DETECON International, Germany is requiring two Market Analysts. For details please see below. Please get in touch with me if you are interested (gerhard.may(a)gmail.com) Detecon is looking for 2 Market Analysts for a duration of 130 man days within a period of 9 month in March 2025 to analyze the demand for broadband in certain regions in Kenya. Retail and based on that Wholesale Demand. Detecon is a consulting company with more than 1.100 employees headquartered in Cologne, Germany. Consultants from 50 nations. Clients in more than 165 countries. 45 years of experience in management and technology consulting (see detecon.com) *Requirements* • At least a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/ICT, Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Economics, Geography, Statistics or a related field • Established industry track record of not less than five (5) years in the field of market analysis in Telecommunications and ICT • Track record in conduct of market analysis, demand forecasting and assessment of client needs (Minimum of 3 assignments) • Fluency in both written and spoken English is essential. -- Gerhard May

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#DigitalRightsKE : Civil Society Statement on Kenya’s Telegram Shutdown
by David Indeje 09 Nov '24

09 Nov '24

Dear Listers, As civil society organizations and stakeholders committed to Digital Rights and Internet Freedom, we are deeply alarmed by the Kenyan government's recent decision to block access to Telegram. This move, implemented to prevent cheating during national exams, is a blatant violation of fundamental human rights and a dangerous precedent for digital freedom in Kenya. We urge the Kenyan government and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to: - *Immediately lift the Telegram ban.* - *Respect international human rights standards and the principles of the Global Digital Compact.* - *Explore alternative, lawful, and rights-respecting measures to address exam integrity issues. * Please share this message and use the hashtag *#DigitalRightsKE* to amplify our message. https://www.kictanet.or.ke/civil-society-statement-on-kenyas-telegram-shutd… -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

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Report: How Kenyans Fought Back Against the 2024 Finance Bill
by David Indeje 09 Nov '24

09 Nov '24

Dear Listers, How can we leverage digital tools to empower citizens and hold governments accountable? In our latest report, *"Generational Shifts? Civic Tech in Kenya’s Anti-Finance Bill Protects, <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/mdocs-posts/generational-shifts-civic-tech-in-ke…>" *Kenya's 2024 Finance Bill ignited a digital revolution, with Gen Z, millennials, and citizens uniting online to protest VAT hikes, vehicle levies, and subsidy cuts. *Key takeaways from the report* - *Digital Activism:* Kenyans used social media to amplify their voices, coordinate protests, and expose police brutality. - *Global Solidarity:* Hashtags like #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #RutoMustGo gained international traction, sparking solidarity protests worldwide. - *Celebrity Influence:* High-profile figures joined the movement, further amplifying its reach. - *Youth-Led Change:* Gen Z-led initiatives secured government concessions, inspiring similar actions in neighbouring countries. - *Digital Challenges:* The movement also faced increased disinformation and digital authoritarian tactics. *Download and Read the full report here:* https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?mdocs-file=50695 *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

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Submission: KICTANet's input on the Public Participation Bill 2024
by David Indeje 09 Nov '24

09 Nov '24

Dear Listers, We've submitted our recommendations on the Public Participation Bill 2024, highlighting key areas for improvement in human rights and ICTs. Details are contained below. https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?mdocs-file=50685 -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

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Raising Awareness on Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV)
by David Indeje 08 Nov '24

08 Nov '24

Dear Listers, This month, we will be focusing on an important issue that impacts countless individuals, particularly women: Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV). OGBV is a form of gender-based violence facilitated by technology, and it takes various harmful forms, including bullying, defamation, hate speech, sexual harassment, and stalking. Here are some important statistics: - 85% of women globally have experienced some form of online violence. - 65% of women know others in their circles who have been targeted online. - 38% of women have personally faced online violence. (Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit) - Young women are disproportionately affected, with 45% of Gen Z and Millennials reporting personal experiences, compared to 31% of Gen X and Baby Boomers. Most of this violence is sexual and often targets a person’s appearance, exploiting perceived vulnerabilities. Throughout this month, we’ll be discussing OGBV, its impact, and ways to create safer online spaces for everyone. To dive deeper into this issue, we encourage you to read KICTANet's report, "Unmasking The Trolls: Research on Online Gender-Based Violence in Kenya" here <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?mdocs-file=48843>. This is in partnership with the UK Digital Access Programme (DAP) and the Kenyan government, is working to narrow the digital divide in Busia and Mandera counties. Also, join the conversation #CyberAwarenessKE and #DigitalAccessProgramme and stay informed by following KICTANet’s social media pages <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet>. Let’s work together to raise awareness and make a positive impact in the fight against OGBV -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

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