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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications for basiccomputer usage Hijacked
by Barrack Otieno 02 Dec '09

02 Dec '09

Wow what a storm, As mentioned earlier, it seems consultations were held but some stakeholders must have been left out, David you are right in proposing for meeting of stakeholders we are in the era of GNU's and all sides must be heard, bwana PS dont get tired of our "Peculiar" habits, i guess KIE should host meeting this since going by the thread this is a matter that touches on the national education curricula, the agenda should be to address "Contentious issues", i commend those who came up with the proposals that tickled our emotions Regards On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 4:45 PM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > Lets get it right the University teaches the basics the rest is for the > student to find out "I give you the power to read and do al that appertains to > this degree" not "with this degree thou shall be able to develop an erp > system". > > Many of us did out computer applications 101 on amstrad computers and > apples, yet because we got good grounding you are able to quickly learn and > utilise any new application be it wordstar, wordperfect, word or open > office. > > A driving school does not teach night driving or how to get out of mad, > they give you the basics and you pick the rest, so lets stop throwing stones > when we leave in glass houses. > > > Regards > > Robert Yawe > KAY System Technologies Ltd > Phoenix House, 6th Floor > P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 > Kenya > > Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 > > --- On *Wed, 2/12/09, DAI <svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com>* wrote: > > > From: DAI <svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com> > > Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications > forbasiccomputer usage > To: "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)gmail.com>, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > Cc: "robert yawe" <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk>, > ke-internetusers-bounces(a)bdix.net, "Evans Ikua" <ikua.evans(a)gmail.com>, > "ke-users" <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> > Date: Wednesday, 2 December, 2009, 10:54 > > Dear all, > > There is a danger in involving a standardisation organisation such as KEBS > who deals with product standards and other fixed standards in anything which > deals with rapidly developing standards. > > Kenya is currently suffering from the misconception that ICT education can > be standardised in terms of the content. Therefore, some braindead > universities are still living in the mid-1990's, while offering > ICT-educations not even worth the paper they are distributed on. They are - > however - able to defend their backwardness, in that it is standard !!!! > > Thus, many universities teach Waterfall Model as development model for > Software, even though that model died hard more than a decade ago after > numerous billion dollar scandals. > > Standards in terms of software development which actually reinvents itself > almost every 5th year, shall deal with the standards on a meta level, and > KEBS is not in gear at all, to handle such a challenge. > > Let me be concrete: You can standardise software development by saying that > there shall be planning processes. You can for instance carefully talk about > the V-model for project development - but making it standard would kill the > universities once again. They would now think "V-Model" every time they talk > project development, instead of just thinking about what should be used !! > > You can standardise by specifying that a certain way of looking at software > production can be beneficiary. But don't make it standard. You are at high > risk of locking into our educational system a smart, modern, well thought > out model, which unfortunately turns into a dinosaur after only few years > because of that better systems have evolved. > > Therefore - Software Development IS a scientific area because of that it > develops so very very fast. Therefore one cannot lock the standards down in > heavy documents and books, but should rather standardise the framework in > which the standards can be recorded. > > In our little institute, we revise our educational material annually, and > rest assured that we are some times changing up to 40% of the content - the > market is changing that rapidly, and if we don't follow suit, we will not > maintain our position, ahead of the crowd. > > Therefore - please stay clear of standardisation organisations when we > discuss software, unless you are ready to re-standardise some every 3-4th > year. > > Kind regards > *Digital Age Institute Ltd. > *David Svarrer > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > *From:* Alex Gakuru <http://mc/[email protected]> > *To:* bitange(a)jambo.co.ke <http://mc/[email protected]> > *Cc:* robert yawe <http://mc/[email protected]> ; > ke-internetusers-bounces(a)bdix.net<http://mc/[email protected]>; Evans > Ikua <http://mc/[email protected]> ; ke-users<http://mc/[email protected]>; > DAI <http://mc/[email protected]> > *Sent:* Wednesday, December 02, 2009 1:21 PM > *Subject:* Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications > forbasiccomputer usage > > Asante Dr. Ndemo for scheduled meeting with KASNEB. > > I am actually typing this message from Kenya Bureau of Standards where > I have been attending a Technical Committee ("TC") meeting all > morning. Incidentally, KEBS would be very interested in partnering > with KASNEB on an ICT Standards examinable course( eg e-Learning, > Security, software, telecommunication, etc). > > Daktari, kindly share this with KASNEB CEO? > > regards, > > Alex > > > On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 12:59 PM, <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke<http://mc/[email protected]>> > wrote: > > Robert, > > I am meeting with KASNEB next week to consider a local equivalent > syllabus. Before we started CPA locally, we had to contend with ACCA for > some time. Bottom line we need standards now as we move into more IT enabled > services. Our prospective customers need the standards to gauge from where > we are starting. > > > > I understand all you are saying although it is a challenge for us to > start being more patriotic in all our endeavors. > > > > Regards > > > > Ndemo. > > Sent from my BlackBerry® > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk<http://mc/[email protected]> > > > > Date: Wed, 2 Dec 2009 09:10:11 > > To: Evans Ikua<ikua.evans(a)gmail.com<http://mc/[email protected]>>; > ke-users<ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net<http://mc/[email protected]>>; > DAI<svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com<http://mc/[email protected]> > > > > Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications for > > basiccomputer usage > > > > _______________________________________________ > > ke-internetusers mailing list > > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net<http://mc/[email protected]> > > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > ke-internetusers mailing list > > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net<http://mc/[email protected]> > > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail… > > -- Barrack O. Otieno Administrative Manager Afriregister Ltd (Ke) P.o.Box 21682 Nairobi 00100 Tel: +254721325277 +254733206359 +254202498789 Riara Road, Bamboo Lane www.afriregister.com www.afriregister.co.ke ICANN accredited registrar. Skype: barrack.otieno

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications forbasiccomputer usage
by robert yawe 02 Dec '09

02 Dec '09

Lets get it right the University teaches the basics the rest is for the student to find out "I give you the power to read and do al that appertains to this degree" not "with this degree thou shall be able to develop an erp system". Many of us did out computer applications 101 on amstrad computers and apples, yet because we got good grounding you are able to quickly learn and utilise any new application be it wordstar, wordperfect, word or open office. A driving school does not teach night driving or how to get out of mad, they give you the basics and you pick the rest, so lets stop throwing stones when we leave in glass houses. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 --- On Wed, 2/12/09, DAI <svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com> wrote: From: DAI <svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com> Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications forbasiccomputer usage To: "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)gmail.com>, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke Cc: "robert yawe" <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk>, ke-internetusers-bounces(a)bdix.net, "Evans Ikua" <ikua.evans(a)gmail.com>, "ke-users" <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> Date: Wednesday, 2 December, 2009, 10:54 Dear all, There is a danger in involving a standardisation organisation such as KEBS who deals with product standards and other fixed standards in anything which deals with rapidly developing standards. Kenya is currently suffering from the misconception that ICT education can be standardised in terms of the content. Therefore, some braindead universities are still living in the mid-1990's, while offering ICT-educations not even worth the paper they are distributed on. They are - however - able to defend their backwardness, in that it is standard !!!! Thus, many universities teach Waterfall Model as development model for Software, even though that model died hard more than a decade ago after numerous billion dollar scandals. Standards in terms of software development which actually reinvents itself almost every 5th year, shall deal with the standards on a meta level, and KEBS is not in gear at all, to handle such a challenge. Let me be concrete: You can standardise software development by saying that there shall be planning processes. You can for instance carefully talk about the V-model for project development - but making it standard would kill the universities once again. They would now think "V-Model" every time they talk project development, instead of just thinking about what should be used !! You can standardise by specifying that a certain way of looking at software production can be beneficiary. But don't make it standard. You are at high risk of locking into our educational system a smart, modern, well thought out model, which unfortunately turns into a dinosaur after only few years because of that better systems have evolved. Therefore - Software Development IS a scientific area because of that it develops so very very fast. Therefore one cannot lock the standards down in heavy documents and books, but should rather standardise the framework in which the standards can be recorded. In our little institute, we revise our educational material annually, and rest assured that we are some times changing up to 40% of the content - the market is changing that rapidly, and if we don't follow suit, we will not maintain our position, ahead of the crowd. Therefore - please stay clear of standardisation organisations when we discuss software, unless you are ready to re-standardise some every 3-4th year. Kind regards Digital Age Institute Ltd. David Svarrer ----- Original Message ----- From: Alex Gakuru To: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke Cc: robert yawe ; ke-internetusers-bounces(a)bdix.net ; Evans Ikua ; ke-users ; DAI Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 1:21 PM Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications forbasiccomputer usage Asante Dr. Ndemo for scheduled meeting with KASNEB. I am actually typing this message from Kenya Bureau of Standards where I have been attending a Technical Committee ("TC") meeting all morning. Incidentally, KEBS would be very interested in partnering with KASNEB on an ICT Standards examinable course( eg e-Learning, Security, software, telecommunication, etc). Daktari, kindly share this with KASNEB CEO? regards, Alex On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 12:59 PM, <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> wrote: > Robert, > I am meeting with KASNEB next week to consider a local equivalent syllabus. Before we started CPA locally, we had to contend with ACCA for some time. Bottom line we need standards now as we move into more IT enabled services. Our prospective customers need the standards to gauge from where we are starting. > > I understand all you are saying although it is a challenge for us to start being more patriotic in all our endeavors. > > Regards > > Ndemo. > Sent from my BlackBerry® > > -----Original Message----- > From: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> > Date: Wed, 2 Dec 2009 09:10:11 > To: Evans Ikua<ikua.evans(a)gmail.com>; ke-users<ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net>; DAI<svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com> > Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications for > basiccomputer usage > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers >

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ICDL and foreign certifications for basiccomputer usage
by robert yawe 02 Dec '09

02 Dec '09

Hi, I have always said that Kenya has no shortage of thinkers, James why not run an online demonstration of your systems where we can participate without having to leave our cozy dens. Lets utilise technology to achieve our objectives. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 --- On Wed, 2/12/09, joseph james <jjngatia(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: joseph james <jjngatia(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications for basiccomputer usage To: "robert yawe" <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Cc: "Evans Ikua" <ikua.evans(a)gmail.com>, "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)gmail.com>, "Walubengo J" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com>, "ke-users" <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> Date: Wednesday, 2 December, 2009, 10:50 Robert, Thanks for the collective view. I can say that our company, Octopus ICT solutions has built the capacity in regards to global eLearning solutions visit www.easyLearning.co.ke and www.octopusict.com Our EasyLearning courses are distributed using scratch cards and Pin Code technology. Each card unlocks one course for a period of 3 months and each course has inbult exams with certificates options for each course completed. This is likened to a mock preparation phase prior to Invigilation where the student takes final exam for a curriculum of courses of choice like Project management, sales, marketing and so on... Ware also working with KDN on the DVN project the current with regards to supplying consumable eLearning solutions to users at grassroot level thro the Scratch card technology. We have piloted this in 4 Digital centers. I must say that this is a revenue generating scheme for DVN operators who will get the cards on commision for redistibution. The retail price is Kshs. 800 for any course on the easyLearning form. For example It will cost 800x7 for the 7 ICDL courses. Users can pursue certification as when and where they choose for a cost of say 8400 to 10000. The training and certification cost is approx. 14000 to 16000. In short, our eLearning idea like you mentioned, is in itself a business case for setting up a Digital village where people can use it a eLearning centre. It will be a great oppportunity to develop a similar IT curriculum for KASNEB and other organisations who choose to digitize their curricula. Let me know what you think on the above. Thank you for your veiws. On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 1:19 PM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: Walubengo, We need to let the experts do what they do best, KASNEB can examine any subject, I believe we need to develop and strengthen such institutions. Dr. Bitange has indicated that he is meeting KASNEB to discuss the same, lets all pray for the best. I noted a few people on this list are e-learning experts can they please start sending proposals to KASNEB and the ministry on how we can have the training offered electronically and also the examinations. This would be ideal as a revenue stream for the so called DigitalVillages. Don't hide your light under a bushel. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 --- On Wed, 2/12/09, Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: From: Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications for basiccomputer usage To: "Evans Ikua" <ikua.evans(a)gmail.com>, "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)gmail.com>, "robert yawe" <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Cc: "ke-users" <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> Date: Wednesday, 2 December, 2009, 10:09 Yawe, by the way, I had not seen that connection between ICDL and KASNEB. Actually KASNEB is doing what the government is attempting to do through ICDL. Indeed the IT Technician Exams (ICTT) provides "Computer Application Packages" (=ICDL) as just as one of its 6modules. Why not ask KASNEB to extract and repackage that exam into one that competes with ICDL? They have the infrastructure to execute this. Unfortunately some IT professionals felt and continue to feel that KASNEB should not "eat" into the IT market and should remain in the "accounting" side of things. However, KASNEB has evolved into an examinations brand and has the procedures and structures to literally examine anything thrown its way ;-) walu. nb: proclaimer:-i do happen to have some affiliation with KASNEB. --- On Wed, 12/2/09, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: From: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications for basiccomputer usage To: "Evans Ikua" <ikua.evans(a)gmail.com>, "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)gmail.com> Cc: "ke-users" <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 1:19 PM Alex, I love a thought through response like this one, if KASNEB are good enough to certify our bean counters (read accountants) what makes them incompetent when it comes to developing an IT proficiency curriculum and examination? The KASNEB finance certification is recognized worldwide, I repeat worldwide and is treated as gospel within the greater east African region. An accountant is responsible for higher value activity so if we can test accountants why not IT proficiency. Come to think of it we even exam and certify doctors who last time I checked provide a more critical service than a typist using a work processor. Alex thanks for your input, now who will nip this new "anglo leasing" scam in the bud? Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 --- On Tue, 1/12/09, Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications for basiccomputer usage To: "Evans Ikua" <ikua.evans(a)gmail.com> Cc: "ke-users" <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> Date: Tuesday, 1 December, 2009, 5:21 Evans, You may be pleased to know that the Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB) in 2006 introduced two examinable courses( 1 Professional Level("CICT"), 1 Technician Level"ICTT"). Last week, KASNEB Secretary and CEO kindly send me copies of the syllabus -(commencement June 2009) I have copied this message to KASNEB CEO with the hope that they may be interested in joining this list at least for the purpose of this discussion? Kind regards, Alex On Mon, Nov 30, 2009 at 9:32 PM, Josiah Mugambi <jmugambi(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Evan's argument was regarding the cost of certification, not platform - and > whether KIE can develop a local certification instead of 'sending forex > abroad' > > On Nov 30, 2009 8:58 PM, "DAI" <svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com> wrote: > > ICDL is platform independent. Period. > >> > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Evans Ikua > To: ke-users > Sent: >> > Monday, November 30, 200... > > ________________________________ > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers -- Kind regards, James J Ngatia Q: I could not, at any age, be content to take my place by the fireside and simply look on. Life was meant to be lived. Curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life. ELEANOR ROOSEVELT:

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications forbasiccomputer usage
by robert yawe 02 Dec '09

02 Dec '09

Hi David, We need to move forward and set the stage for the rest, all we need is to talk to KDN, OrangeTelkom or Safaricom to setup a conferencing server and we can have this brainstorm virtually. We where all up in arms when the cabinet went to Mombasa on a 11 million bonding session. Most of them are over 60 so they need a siesta after every 2 hours on activity, they don't know any better so lets show by example. If one of those mentioned above is game then I am ready to offer my time and skill to run the virtual conference. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 --- On Wed, 2/12/09, DAI <svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com> wrote: From: DAI <svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com> Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications forbasiccomputer usage To: "LEO" <onyango.liech(a)gmail.com>, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke Cc: "robert yawe" <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk>, ke-internetusers-bounces(a)bdix.net, "Evans Ikua" <ikua.evans(a)gmail.com>, "ke-users" <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> Date: Wednesday, 2 December, 2009, 10:45 Dear all, How about that we call for a grand meeting where we will do systematic brainstorming on the curriculum for the future ICT educations here in Kenya ? There are various very effective and systematic brain storming methods which can be used in large groups to reach consensus and conclusions in only 2-3 days. How do we gather the necessary financial support to make such an event take place for instance in January, we would in that case advertise the event in the Digital Age Journal, January 2010 issue, and we would report from the event in the February 2010 issue. I would propose that we simply meet, every one who have a positive interest in making Kenya a preferred outsourcing destination for High Tech - for instance in Software Development - and then we talk and systematically record what transpires.. Proposals welcome. We could have initial meetings in our institute. I propose that we meet for instance on Sunday, the 8th of December 2009, at 14:00. Our address is View Park Towers, 16th floor, Nairobi City. (Next to Anniversary Towers and opposite Alliance Francaise. Kind regards Digital Age Institute Ltd. David Svarrer ----- Original Message ----- From: LEO To: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke Cc: robert yawe ; ke-internetusers-bounces(a)bdix.net ; Evans Ikua ; ke-users ; DAI Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 1:14 PM Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications forbasiccomputer usage I agree with the PS on the fact that we need to start from somewhere in terms of standards. It is a high time we started putting a caveat to guide towards best practice and good quality of the educational requirements. on the same line, we need to start vetting the graduates that come from the numerous universities with an IT based degree. Some of these degrees produce half baked graduates. LEO On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 12:59 PM, <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> wrote: Robert, I am meeting with KASNEB next week to consider a local equivalent syllabus. Before we started CPA locally, we had to contend with ACCA for some time. Bottom line we need standards now as we move into more IT enabled services. Our prospective customers need the standards to gauge from where we are starting. I understand all you are saying although it is a challenge for us to start being more patriotic in all our endeavors. Regards Ndemo. Sent from my BlackBerry® -----Original Message----- From: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Date: Wed, 2 Dec 2009 09:10:11 To: Evans Ikua<ikua.evans(a)gmail.com>; ke-users<ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net>; DAI<svarrer(a)digitalageinstitute.com> Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] ICDL and foreign certifications for basiccomputer usage _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers -- -- Regards LEO

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unsubscribing from the list; Marja Simojoki
by Simojoki Marja 02 Dec '09

02 Dec '09

Hi, I am leaving Kenya for good. Kindly drop me from the mailing list. It has been interesting reading, indeed! Best regards, Marja Simojoki Senior Programme Officer Embassy of Finland Tel: 020 3750721,22,23,24,26,27 P.O. Box 30379 Nairobi 00100, Kenya Eden Square, Block 3, 6th Floor Greenway Road, off Westlands Rd sanomat.nai(a)formin.fi<mailto:[email protected]> www.finland.or.ke<http://www.finland.or.ke> Please consider the environment - do you really need to print this email?

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Sir Tim Berners-lee web inventor
by robert yawe 02 Dec '09

02 Dec '09

I wish we could get to the gist of the issue, what matters is whether we heard what Sir Tim said about putting Kenya on the web map (world map is obsolete). >From the little I got of his speech that we all need to take home is generate content, do not try and filter or analyse just put local content on the web everything else is just domo domo (a really love political statements) an issue I have been thinking and preaching for years. As one great mind said to another, great minds think alike. 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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God did it, why can't we? UN ponders 'Net "10 commandments"
by alice 01 Dec '09

01 Dec '09

God did it, why can't we? UN ponders 'Net "10 commandments" http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/11/god-did-it-why-cant-we-un-p… Turns out God had a pretty hot idea all those years ago. As the UN-backed Internet Governance Forum 2009 met last week just a stone's throw from Mount Sinai, some wondered whether it wasn't time to draft a "10 commandments" for the Internet. And everyone had ideas about what should be on it. By Janna Quitney Anderson <http://arstechnica.com/author/nate-anderson/> | Last updated November 23, 2009 1:07 PM Write a new 10 Commandments of the Internet, Peter proposed, and draft them on a tablet PC on Mount Sinai. The "Peter" in question was Internet historian Ian Peter, and the place was the UN-backed Internet Governance Forum 2009 held last week in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, a few kilometers from Mount Sinai. Peter's model for his proposed commandments isn't Moses, but the engineers and computer science guys who dreamed up the Internet back in the 1960s, building it through an amazingly open and collaborative effort that continues functioning to this day. When he asked if anyone would be interested in formally documenting the principles of the Internet ethos, Internet ecosystem or whatever one might call it, hands shot up all around the room. Thou shalt document thy networking principles An all-star lineup of folks at the top echelon of the organizations that arose out of the principles established in the 1960s were at IGF 2009 to speak, and represented organizations such as the Internet Society, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. And everyone had an opinion about the issues most central to the Internet. Daniel Dardailler of W3C said, "Computer science principles require that layers can work separately. The Web sits on top of the Internet. This separation is important. Everything has to be extensible. You want only one root—you want unique ID—we need to keep one root. The Web is putting data in the pipe and we don’t want the data to go faster through some sites without our knowledge. Common to Internet technology is that we are open-standards and open-source. Everyone should be able to test the system with their own platform. We want our technologies to be royalty-free. For the Web it’s important. We are at the top of the stack—there will be more things later on, but right now we are the interface. Everyone needs to have access to the system. It has to be visible to any type of device. Separation of content from implementation is paramount. Websites should have metadata. “The principle that runs throughout all of what I have said is the principle of choice. I buy a computer in France, I arrive in Egypt, in my hotel I get WiFi and I can use it. We don’t want to go back to a point where we have incompatibility. The Internet has been on the forefront in regard to allowing people to participate in the design of communication.” Alun Michael, a member of the UK Parliament and an active Internet policy maker, said there is a need to be careful to grasp what is important but not to squeeze too hard. “We need to grasp three nettles,” he explained. “First we’re dealing with a future not yet conceived. Management techniques of industry, government, [and] the international community are too slow to keep up with changes on the Internet. Second, the core values are the technical values and they affect the whole of society and not just engineers. Cities don’t often turn out as their architects intended. It’s about the people. We also need to not just listen to young people, we need to hand it over to young people. They talk about the issues in a completely different way and there’s a real and powerful opportunity to use that talent and engagement in a positive way. Third, the IGF process needs to communicate to legislators who do not take an interest in this process in any way. Policymakers are overwhelmed by issues like cybersecurity. We need a proportionate response. My favorite quotation about legislation comes from 1890s: ‘Laws rarely prevent what they forbid.’ We have the opportunity for much better governance in the real-world sense. Do proposals to fix the problem threaten the core values of the Internet? We have to prove that a cooperative approach works. It depends on the right people at the right times do something about it. We have to deliver solutions instead of relying on the last refuge of the policymaker which is to legislate and regulate.” Nathan James, director of OneWebDay, began by bringing up the importance of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. "This is a beautiful expression of one of the most sacred of human rights,” he said. “I would argue that the real value of the Internet is its human network of users and that a discussion of core Internet values must begin with the consideration of the human values of its users. Do users value the end-to-end principle, open innovation systems, a secure root, the most modern version of IP? If they do, most of them don’t know it. Instead, users value the Internet as an expression of their deeper values and aspirations: expression, collaboration, dissent, freedom, democracy, family, friendship, community, opportunity, justice, even fun.” Alejandro Pisanty, a longtime leader in both the Internet Society and ICANN, said he sees core values under threat. “The Internet was conceived as a means of communication between computers,” he said, describing that in the early years of computing nobody knew this would all scale up to be a network of billions of users. “Standards-developing organizations did not imagine this was serious. No network is a simple network. Computer processing power was limited. You had to make things extra-simple to communicate. There was a flat hierarchy. Request for Comments (RFC) 760 has several interesting phrases and statements, including, 'Be liberal with what you receive and conservative with what you send.' This later became part of RFC 1855 on netiquette. It translates to ethics of openness and tolerance of communication.” Pisanty believes these values are in danger. “They can be threatened. It can start with things that come from the corporate world. You should not be privileging one product over others. All packets are equal. It can come from the desire to bring back the owned-network model—the telephone company model—people try to make this happen over and over again. It is one of the tricks we must not fall for. We have to look very carefully from the Internet point of view to not let openness be crushed by constraints that are built into the technology or by other means." Ian Peter then took his own turn, saying, “As a tool for our development, the Internet is an extraordinarily powerful one and an extraordinarily useful one. In 1988, Brian Carpenter said the principle of constant change is probably the only thing that will continue to change indefinitely. In the middle of all of this change, what is it that we need to protect? It’s a great task for us to determine what the core of it is that makes it so exciting.” He listed some of the core values he treasures—his selected list of possibilities for his proposed 10 Commandments: 1. Independence of applications 2. New applications can be added anytime that’s a core value 3. Permissionless innovation 4. Open standards 5. Accessible and globally inclusive—anyone can use it 6. User choice—I can choose what applications I use and where I go to with them 7. Ease of use—I can use it in my language, I can use it in a device I’m familiar with 8. Freedom of expression 9. The ability to change rapidly 10. Trustworthy and reliable is one we have to work on; it’s got to be a core value. Upon completing his list, Peter delivered the clever twist. “Quite coincidentally,” he said, “there are 10 of these. Now here we are in the shadows of Mount Sinai. If we had good remote communication, we could go up there and we could write this on a tablet of stone. “I don’t think [drawing up such a list] is a job for any one organization. I would like us in the IGF to be involved in bringing something forward. We need to find some way for all sorts of people who hold these beliefs quite dearly to express this and get this into a document." /IGF 2009 coverage is provided courtesy of a team from Elon University in North Carolina, USA. Janna Quitney Anderson, director of the Imagining the Internet Center and associate professor in the School of Communications at Elon, wrote this entry. See more on IGF Egypt at www.imaginingtheinternet.org <http://www.imaginingtheinternet.org/>. / /from: /AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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ICT4ALL.OR.KE Invitation = putting East Africans on the Information Highway
by Grace Bomu 01 Dec '09

01 Dec '09

Dear all, I hope you are well. The ICT Consumers Association of Kenya with the support of the Ministry of Information and Communications and Akiba Uhaki Foundation will be convening an ICT Consumers conference . The Conference will seek to critically look at emerging issues from a rights perspective and develop a consumers position for the upcoming Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) forum on proposed regulations under the Kenya Communucations Act. Date: 12-13 November, 2009 Venue: Multi Media University (Mbagathi) Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm For inquiries or confirmations please contact Grace or Marrtin on 254 020 244 1204/244 1196 www.ict4all.or.ke or email conference(a)ict4all.or.ke More information on the same is attached in the following forward. We look forward to seeing you there. Many thanks, Grace Bomu ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> Date: 2009/11/9 Subject: Please share::.. ICT4ALL.OR.KE Invitation = putting East Africans on the Information Highway To: Grace Mutung'u <nmutungu(a)gmail.com> Dear Grace, Further to advertisements appearing on press, kindly forward below invitation to whomever you feel may be interested. regards, Alex Gakuru --- Dear Eastern Africa ICT Stakeholder, This is to invite you to the 1st Eastern Africa ICT Consumers Convening. Date: 12-13 November, 2009 Venue: Multi Media University (Mbagathi) Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm For more details and a program of events are visit at http://ict4all.or.ke/ Various speakers of diverse backgrounds have confirmed their participation at this 2-day ground-breaking event that seeks to expose the cause(s) why technology does not serve us they it should - like in other regions, and offering regulatory proposals to remedy this serious development predicament. We look forward to your participation and valued contributions that will enrich Kenya Communications (Regulations), 2009. Sincerely, Alex Gakuru, the convener, on behalf of the Organising Committee -- Grace L.N. Mutung'u (Bomu) +254721898732 +254736091242 Kenya

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Re: [kictanet] mailing list
by Pius W Walela 01 Dec '09

01 Dec '09

pwalela(a)strathmore.edu __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4576 (20091105) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com 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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"Blogging Positively": E-Guide, WAD Chat (Dec 3), and Project
by Janet Feldman 01 Dec '09

01 Dec '09

Dear Friends, Rising Voices (http://rising.globalvoicesonline.org) is pleased to announce the release of "Blogging Positively," a collection of case studies, interviews, and best practices about citizen media related to HIV/AIDS. Copies in PDF form can be downloaded here: http://rising.globalvoicesonline.org/guides In this e-guide, you will be introduced to some of the leaders and veterans of the HIV/AIDS-related blogging community, and also to citizen media projects which aim to spread more awareness about the pandemic. The guide contains tips for workshop facilitators and teachers, and points readers to helpful resources for new bloggers just getting started. The project began two years ago when Kenyan blogger, Serina Kalande, volunteered to lead a working group for Rising Voices--the outreach arm of Global Voices Online--to discuss how citizen media can best be implemented in the field of HIV/AIDS. Rising Voices is especially interested in how new media tools can be used most effectively to spread awareness and encourage discussion about HIV/AIDS-related topics. We also wanted to better understand some of the risks and obstacles facing bloggers who are HIV-positive, or who regularly write about HIV/AIDS-related topics. Four online chats brought together people from all over the world, and from a wide range of fields. In addition to this guide, the participants of the chats and others are collaborating on the creation of a map-based directory of people and groups who blog about HIV/AIDS. This is a link to the map: http://is.gd/545x4 If you are an HIV-positive blogger, someone who blogs about HIV/AIDS, or if you have suggestions for links to add to the directory, please contact Global Voices Public Health Editor, Juhie Bhatia (juhiebhatia(a)gmail.com) or the Blogging Positively Guide creator and co-editor, Janet Feldman (kaippg(a)earthlink.net) The importance and impact of this guide depends on our collective ability to get it into the hands of activists, and to encourage their contributions to the worldwide conversation that is taking place daily at the Global Voices website (http://globalvoicesonline.org) Please consider sharing this with your network of friends and blogging about it. If there are HIV/AIDS organizations and support groups in your region, please send them a copy of the guide. World AIDS Day "Blogging Positively" Chat: December 3, 2009 at 11am EST (USA) To join us, please visit: http://www.worknets.org/chat/base Select "English" and press "Next". We will create chat rooms for other languages if the opportunity arises. The chat will begin at 11am EST (Boston-New York). This is 2pm (Buenos Aires), 4pm (London), 6pm (Cape Town, Beirut), 7pm (Nairobi), 9:30pm (New Delhi) 12am (Dec 4) (Beijing, Manila), 1am (Tokyo), 3am (Dec 4) (Sydney). For other WAD coverage at Global Voices Online: http://globalvoicesonline.org Thanks and hope you will join us for one or all of these activities! Janet Feldman ActALIVE (www.actalive.org) KAIPPG International (www.kaippg.org) Creator and Co-Editor, Blogging Positively Guide (Rising Voices) kaippg(a)earthlink.net

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