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Digital Divide in Kenya: Data Reveals Disparities
by David Indeje 16 Jan '25

16 Jan '25

Dear Listers, This week, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics has published various documents that reveal that we have a long way to go to ensure equitable access and usage to ICT as a country. Below are key findings from the 2023/24 Kenya Housing Survey - *Uneven ICT Access:* Significant disparities exist in computer and internet access across Kenyan counties. - *Urban-Rural Divide:* Urban areas exhibit higher ICT usage than rural areas. - *Gender Gap:* Males generally have higher internet usage than females, particularly in rural areas. - *Regional Disparities:* Nairobi leads in ICT access, while counties like Mandera and Marsabit lag. - *Economic Impact:* Higher ICT access correlates with greater contributions to the Gross County Product (GCP). KICTANet believes that bridging the digital divide is crucial for inclusive economic growth in Kenya and investing in digital infrastructure and literacy programs in underserved regions is essential. https://www.kictanet.or.ke/digital-divide-in-kenya-ict-access-and-usage-dat… -- *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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Join Us in Tracking Online Gender-Based Violence Across Africa
by Neema Mujesia 16 Jan '25

16 Jan '25

Dear Listers, Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) is on the rise globally, affecting not just high-profile individuals such as politicians, journalists, and human rights defenders, but also ordinary day-to-day internet users. To address this pressing issue, KICTANet has developed an OGBV Tracker to document incidences of OGBV across Africa and monitor its prevalence. The data collected will play a crucial role in advocating for effective policies to combat OGBV at both national and regional levels. We are committed to publishing reports on the status of the tracker to highlight trends and inform actionable solutions. We need your support! Let’s track OGBV together and create a safer online space for everyone. Share your observations, reports, or any relevant data through the tracker. [*Click here to access the OGBV Tracker Form <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchC0y2jNLGbrW1QS2ix3Iw7OSmJ5S1ozD…>* ] [*Click here to access the OGBV Tracker Map*] <https://ogbv.kictanet.or.ke/feed> Your input matters—help us make an impact! [image: KICTANet-OGBV-Tracker.png] With Best Regards, *Neema Mujesia,* Communications Officer@*KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> @NeemaMasitsa <https://x.com/NeemaMasitsa?t=j6CNaieXaw74Mleb0-7YcA&s=09>| LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/neema-masitsa-254350222/> ___________________________. KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | X <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/kictanet/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/kictanet/> | Youtube <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbcLVjnPtTGBEeYLGUb2Yow/videos> | TikTok <https://www.tiktok.com/@kictanet> | WhatsApp <https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaQsX4w6mYPIctLsGh1K> KICTANet: *Transformed communities through the power of ICTs *

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Deputy Director at the Communications Authority of Kenya - USF?
by Odhiambo Washington 16 Jan '25

16 Jan '25

I have a feeling we need him to appraise us on how the USF is being used to "unlock opportunities in unserved and underserved areas". Or does such information get published on a portal that I am the only one not aware of? Also, shouldn't CA be engaging with stakeholders on how/where the USF should be used, on an agreed priority basis? [image: Screenshot 2025-01-16 094317.png] -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254 7 3200 0004/+254 7 2274 3223 In an Internet failure case, the #1 suspect is a constant: DNS. "Oh, the cruft.", egrep -v '^$|^.*#' ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ :-) [How to ask smart questions: http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html]

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Invitation to Review the Draft Kenya AI Strategy 2025–2030
by A Mutheu 14 Jan '25

14 Jan '25

Dear KICTANet Listers, I hope this email finds you well and thriving in the new year! I am reaching out to kindly invite you to review the *Draft Kenya AI Strategy 2025–2030*, as comments are due by *19th January 2024*. As professionals deeply invested in the well-being and advancement of our tech sector, it is pivotal that our collective opinions are heard in shaping this crucial strategy. Artificial Intelligence is a revolutionary technology—offering immense opportunities for growth and innovation, while also presenting potential challenges. As such, it is vital that we ensure Kenya’s national AI strategy is both *robust* and *flexible*, providing a framework that fosters innovation without stifling creativity. Your insights and expertise would be invaluable in shaping a strategy that positions Kenya as a leader in ethical and transformative AI. Let us take this opportunity to contribute to a policy that reflects our shared vision for the future of Kenya’s technology sector. Wishing you a wonderful start to the year! Stay happy, Mutheu. *The Kenyan Draft AI Strategy 2025-2030 can viewed via this link ...https://ict.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-01/Kenya%20National%20AI%20Strategy%20%28Draft%29%20for%20Public%20Validation%20%20%5B14-01-2025%5D.pdf <https://ict.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-01/Kenya%20National%20AI%20Strat…> * [image: image.png]

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Data Protection Commissioner sued for handling Privacy Cases
by Victor Kapiyo 14 Jan '25

14 Jan '25

A petition has been filed at the High Court challenging the Data Protection Commissioner's (ODPC) authority to adjudicate cases involving personal data violations and privacy rights in Kenya. The Petitioner argues that the ODPC's actions are unconstitutional, claiming the office has usurped the High Court's jurisdiction to handle matters concerning fundamental rights and freedoms, as stipulated in Article 23(1) of the Kenyan Constitution. The petition seeks a determination on whether the ODPC's actions are within its legal mandate and whether it has overstepped the High Court's constitutional jurisdiction. https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/corporate/companies/data-protection-…

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Report - Content Moderation of Kiswahili on Social Media Platforms
by Victor Kapiyo 13 Jan '25

13 Jan '25

This report investigates how social media platforms moderate Kiswahili content, focusing on Kenya and Tanzania due to their large Kiswahili-speaking populations and differing approaches to moderation. Main findings: The study reveals that Instagram and TikTok are the most popular platforms in the region, with concerns rising about misinformation and hate speech in the Kiswahili online sphere. Three main approaches to Kiswahili content moderation were identified: a global approach (Meta) applying uniform policies, a local approach (TikTok) attempting cultural context consideration but limited by primarily Kenyan moderators, and a multi-country approach (JamiiForums) employing native moderators from each country for better contextual understanding. Content moderation vendors often misrepresent the job's realities, failing to adequately prepare moderators for graphic content, leading to inconsistencies and inaccuracies in content evaluation. The report highlights the challenges of moderating low-resource languages like Kiswahili, emphasizing the need for more inclusive and representative approaches that account for linguistic diversity and cultural nuances across different East African countries. https://cdt.org/insights/moderating-kiswahili-content-on-social-media/

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Meta's Shift Away from Fact-Checking: A Dangerous Precedent?
by David Indeje 10 Jan '25

10 Jan '25

Dear Listers, Meta's recent decision to replace its third-party fact-checking program with a "Community Notes" system has sent shockwaves through the tech world and raised serious concerns about the future of online discourse. While CEO Mark Zuckerberg frames this shift as a return to "foundational principles of free speech," critics argue that it prioritizes unchecked freedom over responsible content moderation. This move has significant implications, including: - Increased Risk of Misinformation - Heightened Concerns Over Hate Speech - Potential for Political Manipulation Cherie Oyier, Programs Officer-Women’s Digital Rights, KICTANet says this shift away from responsible content moderation poses a serious threat to the integrity of online discourse and raises critical questions about the role of technology companies in upholding democratic values. https://www.kictanet.or.ke/meta-ditches-fact-checkers-sparks-global-debate-… *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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Gov’t wants all cybercafés fitted with CCTV surveillance, users identified
by Victor Kapiyo 10 Jan '25

10 Jan '25

The government seeks to license all internet cafés in Kenya afresh and introduce new controls in what it says are efforts to streamline regulation and spur the growth of the local ICT sector. Read more: https://www.citizen.digital/tech/govt-wants-all-cybercafes-fitted-with-cctv… What do you think?

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ODPC Draft Strategic Plan for the next five years
by Grace Githaiga 09 Jan '25

09 Jan '25

Happy 2025 Listers The ODPC has produced the following draft documents: 1. Draft Strategy from ODPC <https://www.odpc.go.ke/draft-odpc-strategic-plan-2/#> and 2. The Data Protection (Compliance audit) Regulations 2024) <https://www.odpc.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24-06-2024-The-Data-Prote…> We will be submitting comments on January 17, 2024. Valerie Waswa will take the lead in collecting views on these two important documents. Highly appreciated. -- Kind regards, Dr. Grace Githaiga*,* CEO@*KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> @ggithaiga <http://twitter.com/ggithaiga> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegithaiga/> ___________________________ KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/kictanet/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/kictanet/> | Youtube <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbcLVjnPtTGBEeYLGUb2Yow/videos> | TikTok <https://www.tiktok.com/@kictanet> KICTANet: *Transformed communities through the power of ICTs*

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Building Multi-Generational Multi-National African Tech Corporations
by Eric M K Osiakwan 09 Jan '25

09 Jan '25

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