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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: Kenya ICT board: What is the real problem?
by Crystal Watley Kigoni 02 Feb '10

02 Feb '10

Dear Benson, The Rural Information System is an excellent project! Please do put me in touch with them. I had heard of the project and its success before and was hoping to develop something similar in terms of commodity information exchange with the producer groups here in Kenya. One aspect I am very interested in is the increased profitability of the farmers, in terms of concrete community level data. I am also interested in finding out more information about the hardware, software, and Internet used if possible. Many thanks, Crystal Kigoni On Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 2:42 PM, Benson Mwangi <benson.mwangi(a)gmail.com>wrote: > Dear Crystal, > > Some years back, I was involved in setting up a Rural Information system in > Uganda. The system this far has been very successful and It's built on the > model of a "Revolving Fund" where organised farming groups are given ICT > equipments as a loan and they repay over a long period while the money they > repay is essentially ploughed back to the project to buy more equipment for > other groups. The project is supported by International Institute for > Communications and Development(IICD), I-Network Uganda, SNV and Uganda > Commodity Exchange. I believe there's something you can learn from the > project as well as them learning from your project. You could get more > information from http://www.uce.co.ug/ris/ > > Infact, the groups were able to negotiate for bandwidth/ pricing cuts from > ISPs with success. > > If Interested in discussions/ collaborations, I could put you through the > current project managers. > > Kind Regards, > <http://www.uce.co.ug/ris/> > ============================== > Benson Mwangi Irungu > PhD Student-NeuroImaging > University of Dundee > Level 5 > Centre for Neurosciences > Ninewells Hospital and Medical School > Dundee > DD1 9SY > United Kingdom > Personal Web: http://sites.google.com/site/bensonmwangi/ > Mob: +44-7502123641 > > > On 2 February 2010 10:54, Crystal Watley Kigoni < > crystal.kigoni(a)intersat.ae> wrote: > >> Thank you, Liko. >> >> I must admit the one of the reasons I love Kenya so much is because of the >> fantastic rural farming communities. As a matter of fact over 70% of our >> population is actively "employed" in the farming sector and this population >> also tend to be impoverished and isolated. They are always in the forefront >> of my mind. >> >> The kiosks are owned and operated by community based organizations and >> youth groups as income generating activities and will be entirely self >> sustaining. We do not plan to have donor involvement beyond subsidizing the >> initial purchase price. Our rationale is that the less that the groups have >> to pay for start up the sooner they will realize profits and the more >> motivated they will be. >> >> As the price of the kiosk includes all structural elements (ie no rent or >> electric bills) so the overhead is extremely low (maintenance and Internet >> access for under 10,000 Ksh). Youth from the group are employed as the kiosk >> operators thus giving them an income. The remaining profits are utilized in >> two ways: for the youth and community to fund additional income generating >> activities and to provide service for the community members in the greatest >> need (orphans, widows, HIV infected). Most groups are interested in >> agricultural businesses such as bee keeping, fish farming, and dairies. >> >> While the technology in itself is wonderful we are most interested in what >> socioeconomic change can result FROM the utilization of the technology. >> >> Asante sana. >> >> Best regards, >> >> Crystal >> >> >> >> On Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 1:21 PM, Agosta Liko <agostal(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> Crystal >>> >>> first ... kudos ... your heart is in the right place (Kimilili, Sirisia, >>> Kanduyi) :) >>> >>> Question ... are these RIK's sustainable ? do they make money ? >>> >>> Or donors will have to keep funding them for years to come ... >>> >>> Thanks >>> >>> On Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 12:03 PM, Crystal Watley Kigoni < >>> crystal.kigoni(a)intersat.ae> wrote: >>> >>>> Dear Paul and Edith, >>>> >>>> Since you have mentioned other projects rolling out ICT for development >>>> in Kenya, I would like to mention our work with the Rural Internet Kiosks >>>> (RIKs) once again. >>>> >>>> We are rolling out the RIK as an alternative form of cybercafe or >>>> digital village in a number of locations in Kenya this year. The first will >>>> be in Msambweni constituency in Coastal province, followed by 8 in Webuye >>>> constituency and 1 in Kimilili at the local library. We are also working on >>>> projects in Siaya, Sirisia, and Kanduyi. Hopefully the list will grow as we >>>> are able to finalize our funding streams. This year our goal is to implement >>>> at least 20 sites will our eyes towards the skies for many more. As of yet >>>> we have not had any support from the ICT Board, however, we would appreciate >>>> their participation. Perhaps this could be a complementary PASHA model. >>>> >>>> The kiosks are equipped with local WiFi to make true digital villages >>>> with access for all. >>>> >>>> Please see the attached file for a presentation with images of the Rural >>>> Internet Kiosk and the documentary we created on YouTube at >>>> http://www.youtube.com/user/ruralinternetkiosks. >>>> >>>> Best regards, >>>> >>>> Crystal Kigoni >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Crystal "Naliaka" Watley Kigoni >>>> Executive Director >>>> Voices of Africa for Sustainable Development >>>> crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org >>>> http://www.voicesofafrica.org/ >>>> >>>> Intersat Africa, Ltd >>>> Rural Internet Kiosks >>>> Project Coordinator >>>> crystal.kigoni(a)intersat.ae >>>> >>>> Society for New Communications Research Fellow 2010 >>>> http://sncr.org/ >>>> >>>> Twitter: VOA_Crystal >>>> Skype: crystal.naliaka >>>> Facebook group: Voices of Africa >>>> >>>> "You must be the change you wish to see" - Gandhi >>>> On Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 11:11 AM, Paul Kukubo <pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Edith >>>>> >>>>> Thanks for the questions. we have been through Telecentres extensively. >>>>> We have developed partnerships to understand the model as best as we can and >>>>> therefore the Pilot Pashas have support from both Cisco, Telkom >>>>> Kenya. Extensive planing has been undertaken. >>>>> >>>>> The key issue with the Pasha Model is sustainability. The project >>>>> objectives are to extend the reach of connectivity and government services >>>>> as well as provide a model for grassroots communities to develop an ICT >>>>> based livelihood. It is an entrepreneurial model. >>>>> >>>>> To answer the question someone else asked, we shall raise communication >>>>> to rural communities via mass media only when the project actually starts >>>>> going into full roll-out later this year. >>>>> >>>>> it would be an interesting to receive some comments from the >>>>> experiences of the private sector digital villages project operators, as >>>>> this exists as well. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Paul Kukubo >>>>> Chief Executive Officer, Kenya ICT Board >>>>> PO Box 27150 - 00100 >>>>> Nairobi, Kenya >>>>> >>>>> 12th Floor, Teleposta Towers Koinange Street >>>>> >>>>> Tel +254 20 2089061, +254 20 2211960 >>>>> >>>>> Fax: +254 20 2211962 >>>>> Cell: + 254 735 180001 >>>>> >>>>> website: www.ict.go.ke >>>>> skype: kukubopaul >>>>> googletalk: pkukubo >>>>> ____________________ >>>>> Vision: Kenya becomes a top ten global ICT hub >>>>> >>>>> Mission: To champion and actively enable Kenya to adopt and exploit >>>>> ICT, through promotion of partnerships, investments and infrastructure >>>>> growth for socio economic enrichment >>>>> Sent from Nairobi, Kenya >>>>> >>>>> On Mon, Feb 1, 2010 at 10:58 PM, Edith Adera <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke>wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Dear Kukubo, >>>>>> >>>>>> Thanks for this update - it would be nice to get these more regularly >>>>>> and other KICTB projects, otherwise stakeholders get very anxious! >>>>>> >>>>>> I recall that KICTB had committed to 10 pasha centres in the first >>>>>> round - are those and more still in the plan with the target of one per >>>>>> constituency. why 5 only? >>>>>> >>>>>> There are very many documented experiences with telecentres (which >>>>>> pasha centres really are) - are efforts in place to learn from the past >>>>>> mistakes - I worry that some of the challenges you've mentioned here were >>>>>> known 10 years ago. what's new? >>>>>> >>>>>> telecentre.org offers numerous lessons and there are various research >>>>>> studies done in early 2000s to mid 2000s about such centres including >>>>>> studies on business models - it will help to draw on these rich resources. >>>>>> >>>>>> I would also argue that a stand alone centre should not be categorized >>>>>> as a digital village - digital villages should provide radius of >>>>>> connectivity - and anyone within that radius can then get connected >>>>>> wirelessly - these are the innovative first mile solutions that we should >>>>>> pursue (and ensure local capacity is built to deploy and maintain them - >>>>>> hence the term "first mile"). We'll create jobs and build our innovation >>>>>> systems. >>>>>> >>>>>> just some thoughts >>>>>> >>>>>> Edith >>>>>> ------------------------------ >>>>>> *From:* Paul Kukubo [pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke] >>>>>> *Sent:* 01 February 2010 12:22 >>>>>> >>>>>> *To:* Edith Adera >>>>>> *Cc:* ke users; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions >>>>>> *Subject:* Re: [kictanet] Kenya ICT board: What is the real problem? >>>>>> >>>>>> Edith >>>>>> >>>>>> The digital villages project (Pasha) is still on track. >>>>>> >>>>>> The Board sends out regular communication to those who underwent the >>>>>> first lot of entrepreneurship training in October 2009, as well as other >>>>>> trainees applicants due to be trained in the next phases over the next two >>>>>> years.. The portal www.pasha.co.ke is also active and is updated to >>>>>> keep all informed on the progress. This portal is being >>>>>> enhanced continuously. >>>>>> >>>>>> A 2nd lot of 1500 people from all over the country are due to be >>>>>> trained in this first quarter of this year. The eventual target for training >>>>>> is 7500 in the next 2 years. >>>>>> >>>>>> The board has now finalized the Grants Manual, a document that >>>>>> provides the basis of how the funding for this grant to entrepreneurs will >>>>>> be administered. Each entrepreneur will have an opportunity to competitively >>>>>> apply for a grant to fund his start-up costs (or expansion costs for those >>>>>> who have some level of establishment). The board will also provide a >>>>>> technical support arrangement for the centers across the country for a fixed >>>>>> period. >>>>>> >>>>>> These Pasha centers will be self sustaining >>>>>> and entrepreneurs themselves will determine what specific services they >>>>>> provide based on their local circumstances. They will also act as one of the >>>>>> main gateways for government online services. >>>>>> >>>>>> There are 5 Pasha Pilot centres. in Kangundo, Gairrisa, Malindi, >>>>>> Mukuru (industrial Area), Meru, We continue learning about specific issues >>>>>> on the ground from these sites. Issues such as business model, >>>>>> infrastructure requirement, public uptake and demand for services. One key >>>>>> learning so far is that this project is in great demand for varying reasons >>>>>> across the country and that even if there is no 'one size fits all', >>>>>> citizens will adopt the centers to suit their needs. >>>>>> >>>>>> For details about the actual Pasha process visit this link on ours >>>>>> site >>>>>> http://www.ict.go.ke/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=68&Itemid=133 >>>>>> >>>>>> We welcome further questions and comments and encourage you to help >>>>>> us maintain public interest in this important project, which even we at the >>>>>> board are the first to admit, has taken longer than originally envisioned. >>>>>> Indeed projects such as this do take a long time and stakeholder anxiety is >>>>>> to be expected. >>>>>> >>>>>> We shall keep you informed more regularly. >>>>>> >>>>>> Paul Kukubo >>>>>> Chief Executive Officer, Kenya ICT Board >>>>>> PO Box 27150 - 00100 >>>>>> Nairobi, Kenya >>>>>> >>>>>> 12th Floor, Teleposta Towers Koinange Street >>>>>> >>>>>> Tel +254 20 2089061, +254 20 2211960 >>>>>> >>>>>> Fax: +254 20 2211962 >>>>>> Cell: + 254 735 180001 >>>>>> >>>>>> website: www.ict.go.ke >>>>>> skype: kukubopaul >>>>>> googletalk: pkukubo >>>>>> ____________________ >>>>>> Vision: Kenya becomes a top ten global ICT hub >>>>>> >>>>>> Mission: To champion and actively enable Kenya to adopt and exploit >>>>>> ICT, through promotion of partnerships, investments and infrastructure >>>>>> growth for socio economic enrichment >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On Mon, Feb 1, 2010 at 10:44 AM, Edith Adera <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke>wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Good questions Rebecca - whatever happened to the digital village >>>>>>> projects - is it a case of failed promises? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> It would be nice to get official updates on some of these initiatives >>>>>>> critical for this country. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Edith >>>>>>> >>>>>>> ------------------------------ >>>>>>> *From:* kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke[kictanet-bounces+eadera= >>>>>>> idrc.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Rebecca Wanjiku [ >>>>>>> rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com] >>>>>>> *Sent:* 01 February 2010 06:33 >>>>>>> *To:* Edith Adera >>>>>>> >>>>>>> *Cc:* ke users; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions >>>>>>> *Subject:* [kictanet] Kenya ICT board: What is the real problem? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> The promise of BPO marketing, digital villages..... >>>>>>> >>>>>>> www.wanjiku.co.ke >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Tel. 254 720 318 925 >>>>>>> >>>>>>> blog: wanjiku.co.ke >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> kictanet mailing list >>>>>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>>>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>>>>> >>>>>>> This message was sent to: pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke >>>>>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>>>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/pkukubo%40ict.go.ke >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> kictanet mailing list >>>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>>> >>>>> This message was sent to: crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org >>>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/crystal%40voicesofafri… >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> kictanet mailing list >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>> >>>> This message was sent to: agostal(a)gmail.com >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/agostal%40gmail.com >>>> >>>> >>> >> >> >> -- >> Crystal "Naliaka" Watley Kigoni >> Executive Director >> Voices of Africa for Sustainable Development >> crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org >> http://www.voicesofafrica.org/ >> >> Intersat Africa, Ltd >> Rural Internet Kiosks >> Project Coordinator >> crystal.kigoni(a)intersat.ae >> >> Twitter: VOA_Crystal >> Skype: crystal.naliaka >> Facebook group: Voices of Africa >> >> "You must be the change you wish to see" - Gandhi >> >> _______________________________________________ >> ke-internetusers mailing list >> ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net >> http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers >> >> > -- Crystal "Naliaka" Watley Kigoni Executive Director Voices of Africa for Sustainable Development crystal(a)voicesofafrica.org http://www.voicesofafrica.org/ Intersat Africa, Ltd Rural Internet Kiosks Project Coordinator crystal.kigoni(a)intersat.ae Twitter: VOA_Crystal Skype: crystal.naliaka Facebook group: Voices of Africa "You must be the change you wish to see" - Gandhi

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Re: [kictanet] Software Certification Kenya. ICT Board Project to support the BPO/ITES sector
by Paul Kukubo 02 Feb '10

02 Feb '10

Thank you for your questions. many have written to me directly to seek clarification. I have received a flurry of questions on the status report and I will respond to those that are of a recurring nature directly on this list while pointing listers to the website www.ict.go.ke for more information and updates on aspect of the projects. * * *Objective of the assignment* The objective of this assignment is to recruit a leading international academic institution or standards body to develop and implement an internationally recognized and sustainable software developer certification program (Certification Program) for Kenya. The Certification Program will have multiple components, including content and processes for local software developers to prepare, register and be certified; an Internet enabled credentialing program; and an initial pilot testing, evaluation and fine tuning of the Certification Program. The program should be underpinned by a sustainable business model.** * Scope of services* i. *Inception Report and Business Plan:* Provide an Inception Report that contains a description of start-up activities, the detailed work plan, methodologies, and an estimate of the time allocation for involved personnel from both the Government of Kenya and the organization’s team. In addition, to provide a business plan that spells out the resources to be deployed and the results proposed to be achieved. The business plan should also propose long term, sustainable business model options for the Certification Program. ii. *Content Development:* Develop appropriate content for certification in close collaboration with relevant partners; including leading international and local IT companies, academic institutions, governments, international standards bodies and industry/trade associations. The developed content should have their explicit support in terms of relevance and quality, be based on the latest technologies and extensible to address the major languages (C, C++, Java), operating systems, language combinations, and software development tools and environments. iii. *Certification Process Development: *Develop an internationally recognized, authentic, secure and valid process for software developer certification. This process should be developed in consultation with leading IT companies and academic institutions as well as have the buy-in of at least two industry associations of established countries in the area of BPO, and two countries aspiring to establish themselves in this domain. Countries should be chosen to be representative of at least three regions out of the following: Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, East Asia and other parts of Sub Saharan Africa. In addition, the processes should be based on proven experiences in similar certification programs. The testing process should be representative of real-life, professional software development. The examinations should also be refreshed annually; and extendable to address the full software development life cycle (including post-deployment maintenance) and modern issues (including the development of secure software systems). The examination must be developed using recognized techniques for validation and verification of quality. Linkages may be established with one or more organizations with leading testing and certification mechanisms to ensure that the certification will be conducted in a secure and proctored setting. iv. *Provision of Internet-Enabled Credentialing Program:*Provide a web-enabled credentialing program, including functions for online registration, preparation and certification. v. *Piloting:* To pilot the Certification Program with an initial batch of at least 50 enrollees, comprising of local software developers who should be benchmarked against a control group. vi. *Evaluation Reports:* Conduct an evaluation of the pilot to prepare a detailed report to recommend strategies and action plans for improving the Certification Program. An evaluation should also be conducted on gaps and weaknesses in software development skills, so as to recommend changes in curriculum and pedagogy required as part of broader education reforms in Kenya. vii. *Program Refinement and Local Capacity Building:* Refine the Certification Program based on the agreed recommendations of the Evaluation Report, and develop capacity within the country to conduct the assessments for certification. viii. *‘Live’ Rollout:* Commence ‘live’ rollout of the Certification Program with assessment of certification by local institutions, with the target of testing at least 200 local software developers. In addition, to obtain the commitment of leading companies operating globally and locally to use the results as a necessary pre-requisite for their hiring decisions. ix. *Mass Rollout and Marketing, and Business Model Implementation: *Implement mass rollout and marketing campaign for the Certification Program across Kenya, with a target to test at least 500 local software developers. In addition, to implement a business model for the Certification Program that is internationally recognized, financially self-sustaining and affordable for local software developers by the end of this consultancy service (24 months after contract signature). A final report is to be prepared to highlight the next steps to be taken by Kenya for the Certification Program, including future steps on training content development, certification process and local capacity building. Paul Kukubo Chief Executive Officer, Kenya ICT Board PO Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya 12th Floor, Teleposta Towers Koinange Street Tel +254 20 2089061, +254 20 2211960 Fax: +254 20 2211962 Cell: + 254 735 180001 website: www.ict.go.ke skype: kukubopaul googletalk: pkukubo ____________________ Vision: Kenya becomes a top ten global ICT hub Mission: To champion and actively enable Kenya to adopt and exploit ICT, through promotion of partnerships, investments and infrastructure growth for socio economic enrichment Sent from Nairobi, Kenya

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FW: Safaricom partners with KPLC to expand its data footprint
by Pius Walela 02 Feb '10

02 Feb '10

Its been a long time coming ….for growth the sheer infrastructure and reach of KPLC is un paralleled ..to me it was a question of when Safcom would make its move . Strategic partnerships foster competitive advantages and are essential for security. Another feather in mighty Joseph’s cap. From: kictanet-bounces+pwalela=strathmore.edu(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Harry Hare Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:41 PM To: Pius Walela Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] Safaricom partners with KPLC to expand its data footprint This is a very interesting development, bringing to fore the potential that KPLC have as a game changer with its fiber. http://tinyurl.com/ybbhsmn Harry African eDevelopment Resource Centre eDevelopment House : : 604 Limuru Road Old Muthaiga : : P O Box 49475 00100 Nairobi : : Kenya T +254 20 3741646/7 : : C +254 725 650044 Training : : Research: :Consultancy: : Publishing ________________________________ Strathmore University provides all-round education in an atmosphere of freedom and responsibility. This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for use by the recipient(s) to whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email and/or any files attached to it from your computer. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Strathmore University. The University accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damages incurred, or suffered, resulting, or arising, from the use of this email and/or its attachments. The University warrants neither the integrity of the e-mail nor its freedom from errors, viruses, interception or any other form of interference. …………………………………………………………………. Website: www.strathmore.edu

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Kenyan BPO fails to snap up the subsidy, why?
by Rebecca Wanjiku 01 Feb '10

01 Feb '10

Read more here... http://bit.ly/bnRo1r Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Re: Kenyan BPO fails to snap up thesubsidy, why?
by Edwin Onchari 01 Feb '10

01 Feb '10

Thanks Mwende, Your views capture the intent of the society. Our membership is quite varied, there are those players that indeed are focused on getting business - "onshore" (Kenya); "nearshore" (east and the larger African continent) or "offshore" (EU and North America) or a combination of the above. The society's strategy then has to incorporate all these aspirations. The onshore market challenge is that of lack of sensitization, most local companies do not see clearly the benefits of outsourcing their non-core functions. Most BPO/ITES startups lack the capital to effectively do this(and there are many reasons to this), which is where the KBPO Society and the government come in. Capacity building to address the above models must be there and it need not only focus on local business but international as well. For example, the EU (in particular; Netherlands and Denmark) have expressed strong interest in partnering in ITO, we cannot afford to ignore these. Key partners in the US and UK have expressed the same. We are not focusing on stealing the market share from India, but from the global outsourcing market; local outsourcing marketing being a part of it. Mwende, KTDA and the society (members) can work together in developing this local market. Please do let me know when and where you are available to map this further Kind regards, Edwin M Onchari CEO- Kenya BPO Society +254-(0)720 755 951 eonchari(a)kenyabposociety.or.ke www.kenyabposociety.or.ke Blogs: http://kenyabposociety.blogspot.com/2010/01/key-to-unlocking-kenyas-outsourc ing.html http://kenyabposociety.blogspot.com/2010/01/discounted-medical-cover-for-ind ustry.html -----Original Message----- From: Mwende Gatabaki [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 11:15 AM To: Edwin Onchari Cc: ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions; Harry Hare Subject: RE: [ke-internetusers] Re: [kictanet] Kenyan BPO fails to snap up thesubsidy, why? Edwin; To be honest, the BPO industry needs to re-think its strategy and re-design the concept of outsourcing to meet today's needs and move away from the 1990's ideas. For example: If I (on behalf of KTDA) wants to outsource business processes, services, or support or Infrastructure or data center etc, who can I call? - a local? Guess who - Safaricom! Safaricom has de-mystified the whole concept of outsourcing and found their niche right here locally - they are busy tailoring their products and services to address this niche. - once done, they will go global - I see them monopolizing the so called "BPO industry" the same way they have done with the mobile. The moral of the story: Stuck in the ideas of 1990's, the Kenya's BPO is still trying to compete with India's (and others) BPOs - which have since matured and moved to new heights. Clearly, it's like "Yu" going for Safaricom's share of the mobile cake! Mwende -----Original Message----- On 2/1/10 7:57 AM, "Edwin Onchari" <eonchari(a)kenyabposociety.or.ke> wrote: > Hi all, > > The lack of business can and will be addressed on 2 fronts: > 1. marketing - The Society is developing a model that will bear fruit > mid-year (June/July) for key international markets (North America, UK) and > throughout the year for the local market beginning this month (February). We > are also developing marketing strategies for the EU market that is more > targeting ITES operations. > 2. Capacity- this includes what Charles is talking about, fiber, ease of > doing business, but most important (especially for international clients) > data security policy. This policy is being developed (requirements document) > in collaboration with our partners in key markets and once information > collection is complete, we'll develop a data security guideline for the > industry and assist local players comply with this ahead of the June/July > marketing initiative. > > Kind regards, > > Edwin M Onchari > CEO- Kenya BPO Society > +254-(0)720 755 951 > eonchari(a)kenyabposociety.or.ke > www.kenyabposociety.or.ke > Blogs: > http://kenyabposociety.blogspot.com/2010/01/discounted-medical-cover-for -ind > ustry.html > > > -----Original Message----- > From: kictanet-bounces+eonchari=kenyabposociety.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:[email protected] r.ke > ] On Behalf Of charles nduati > Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 7:45 AM > To: eonchari(a)kenyabposociety.or.ke > Cc: ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net; kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kenyan BPO fails to snap up the subsidy, why? > > hi all, > > Nick has hit the nail right on the head > > As JKUAT, we have also taken on this challenge and signed on with African > BPO Academy and BCI to start offering BCI's certifications so that our > graduates know what it takes to take Kenya where it ought to be in BPO > space. > give us the support by sending your staff for trainibg which we are also > offering at Nairobi CBD. > > regards > > charles > > On Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:26 EET nicholasnesbitt wrote: > >> this biggest concern for this industry is the lack of business. not the > lack of talent or the high costs. It's the cost of overcoming perceptions, > reaching out to new prospects, convincing them that kenya is a worthwhile > outsourcing destination. Marketing! Spreading the word. >> >> I have just spent a week in the UK meeting with some of the largest > outsourcers in the world. They have never heard of Kenya as an outsourcing > destination. Very interested now, but completely unaware. We stopped > marketing Kenya as a BPO destination before we had built international > recognition and credibility, which raises questions in these prospects' > minds about our commitment as a country to making Kenya an outsourcing > destination... >> >> Nicholas A. Nesbitt >> Chief Executive Officer >> KenCall EPZ Ltd >> P.O. Box 27507 - 00506 >> Sameer Industrial Park, Mombasa Road >> Nairobi, Kenya >> >> +254.20.660.2000 (office) >> +254.20.660.2222 (fax) >> +254.721.458.458 (cell) >> +253.733.458.458 (cell 2) >> >> nnesbitt(a)kencall.com >> www.kencall.com >> >> BEST Non-European Contact Centre 2008 >> > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: eonchari(a)kenyabposociety.or.ke > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/eonchari%40kenyabpo soci > ety.or.ke > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.432 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2647 - Release Date: 01/26/10 > 19:36:00 > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: harry(a)africanedevelopment.org > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/harry%40africanedev elopme > nt.org African eDevelopment Resource Centre eDevelopment House : : 604 Limuru Road Old Muthaiga : : P O Box 49475 00100 Nairobi : : Kenya T +254 20 3741646/7 : : C +254 725 650044 Training : : Research: :Consultancy: : Publishing _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.432 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2647 - Release Date: 01/31/10 19:35:00

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MOBILE WEB EAST AFRICA
by Lucy Gachui Odhiambo 01 Feb '10

01 Feb '10

Dear All, The board is proud to endorse the first chapter of Mobile Web East Africa. The event, organized by All Amber, is already highly successful in west Africa and will run from 3-4th Feb at Intercontinental Hotel. The CEO will present on the topic: Harnessing the potential of the internet and applications on mobile devices The presentation will include . A synopsis of the Kenyan Government's approach to driving the expansion of the mobile sector for the benefit of the populace . Where does the mobile device (and its many beneficial services) sit within the current Government strategic thinking? . What approach has been adopted to drive the realisation of the potential of the mobile device particularly in relation to the mobile internet and applications? . Supporting the Private Sector- encouraging the entire mobile ecosystem to expand This event, will be different from others in the past in that it will be 'round table' format. The event will feature scheduled "Discussion Periods" lasting just under an hour and will have a mixture of traditional panel discussions and 'interactive roundtable discussions'. Speaking about the same event held very successfully in west Africa , Stephane Boyere, Program Manager Web Foundation, had this to say. "A very interactive conference, with a great number of people from different backgrounds." The cost per delegate USD475. The discounted cost per delegate applicable for NGO, Mobile start ups, Government officials, Developmental organization, and academia is USD 238. The event is kindly sponsored by Symbiotic, Safaricom, Access Kenya, BrandKey, Ushahidi, World Wide Web Foundation, IEEE, Biz Community among others. Please see attached agenda and visit their website www.mobileeastafrica.com for more details. Sincerely, Lucy Gachui Odhiambo Communications Manager Kenya ICT Board 12th Floor Telposta Towers Koinange Lane PO Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya Cell 0737- 839047 Tel: 254-020-2093040 <http://www.ict.go.ke> www.ict.go.ke It is our mission to champion and actively enable Kenya to adopt and exploit ICT, through promotion of partnerships, investments and infrastructure growth for socio economic enrichment

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Meeting Reminder, iHub Discussion, Tomorrow, 6pm, 4th Floor Teleposta Towers, MMU
by Phares Kariuki 01 Feb '10

01 Feb '10

There will be a Skunkworks Meetup on the 2nd of February 2010. This will be the first meeting this year, and it's an honor that we will be discussing iHub, Nairobi's new Tech Innovation Hub... http://whiteafrican.com/2010/01/25/ihub-nairobis-tech-innovation-hub-is-here The meeting will be coordinated by Erik Hersman, who is a co-founder at Ushahidi (www.ushahidi.com) who is also behind the concept of iHub. Meeting starts at 6pm, Teleposta Tower's, 4th Floor, Multimedia University... Profound gratitude to Multimedia University, who have hosted the Skunkworks meetings for the last year and have been more than gracious hosts over the period. -- With Regards, Phares Kariuki | T: +254 734 810 802 | E: pkariuki(a)gmail.com | Twitter: kaboro | Skype: kariukiphares |

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Re: [kictanet] Kenyan BPO fails to snap up the subsidy, why?
by charles nduati 01 Feb '10

01 Feb '10

hi all, Nick has hit the nail right on the head As JKUAT, we have also taken on this challenge and signed on with African BPO Academy and BCI to start offering BCI's certifications so that our graduates know what it takes to take Kenya where it ought to be in BPO space. give us the support by sending your staff for trainibg which we are also offering at Nairobi CBD. regards charles On Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:26 EET nicholasnesbitt wrote: >this biggest concern for this industry is the lack of business. not the lack of talent or the high costs. It's the cost of overcoming perceptions, reaching out to new prospects, convincing them that kenya is a worthwhile outsourcing destination. Marketing! Spreading the word. > >I have just spent a week in the UK meeting with some of the largest outsourcers in the world. They have never heard of Kenya as an outsourcing destination. Very interested now, but completely unaware. We stopped marketing Kenya as a BPO destination before we had built international recognition and credibility, which raises questions in these prospects' minds about our commitment as a country to making Kenya an outsourcing destination... > >Nicholas A. Nesbitt >Chief Executive Officer >KenCall EPZ Ltd >P.O. Box 27507 - 00506 >Sameer Industrial Park, Mombasa Road >Nairobi, Kenya > >+254.20.660.2000 (office) >+254.20.660.2222 (fax) >+254.721.458.458 (cell) >+253.733.458.458 (cell 2) > >nnesbitt(a)kencall.com >www.kencall.com > >BEST Non-European Contact Centre 2008 >

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Nairobi Super Highway Proposal
by robert yawe 01 Feb '10

01 Feb '10

Hi, It was sad to read about the KQ pilot who was robbed on Uhuru Highway and later died from injuries inflicted by the thieves. This is an opportunity to kill many birds with one stone. I want to make a proposal to all parties out there that we turn the entire mombasa rd, Uhuru Highway and Waiyaki way into a digital super highway. How you ask? We have fiber optic cable laid along the length of the road from Athi River interchange to the Limuru Interchange. Then install solar powered wifi equipment and web-cams atop the street lights and also on any building with a fibre node along the stretch. The WiFi will turn the whole of the road into a hotspot which will enable tourists to use their WiFi enabled phones as they drive from & to the airport as well as business traveler and Yawe. Through the link we can feed country specific information such as weather, animal sightings, culture etc. In addition the links should enable the mounting of multimedia display boards along the road that can have content streamed to them remotely. This two areas will provide the revenue for maintaining the infrastructure. Traffic information can also be provided through the display boards to enable drivers decide if they want to remain in the jams especially when the president has been allowed out of statehouse. With the webcams the police will have a better view of what is happening on the road and can fine errant drivers such as the matatus that obstruct at the Shell near DHL. We can also connect the traffic light controllers to the police allowing the lights to be controlled remotely therefore leaving the extra traffic policemen to be redeployed. I have provided this information with no non-disclosures anyone out there who can pick it and run with it is welcome to do so. If you feel you would like to invite me to participate please feel free to do so. "don't hide your light under a bushel" Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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Broadband my foot
by robert yawe 01 Feb '10

01 Feb '10

Hi, I notice the 3G discussion has come to an abrupt end, as usually, but I feel I need to share my frustration with all the GSM providers. I live in South C but frustratingly I can only use my phone (Safaricom, Orange GSM & Orange CDMA) from a particular corner of the house, if this is the service available in Nairobi how much worse is the condition outside the City. Many of you raised concerns about the 3G license issue and I said this should not be the issue, CCK needs to enforce service delivery levels for the GSM providers. I am forced to carry 4 modems with me if I am to get any miningful work done when I am at home as the providers services are erratic. As I write this the Orange Internet Nowhere service is offline. My Safaricom bambanet working but only working at edge speed, it normally would not work at all but I found a solution by purchasing an external high gain antennae. The other providers modems unfortunately do not have a facility for plugging in an external arial. CCK can you please do your work of monitoring the network operators performance, if you cannot monitor this in Nairobi how will you be able to do it nationally. Maybe we should devolve CCK. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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