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Weekly Brief: Retention of ID cards by private security guards and the risks it poses
by David Indeje 09 Feb '24

09 Feb '24

Dear Listers, The J*owie Irungu and Jackie Maribe case concluded Friday.* Jowie was found guilty as charged in the murder of Monica Kimani, while Maribe was acquitted. The most interesting thing from the case, as revealed by Justice Grace Nzioka, is that the deceased's ID was stolen at Maribe's apartment security point, where private security guards are likely to have retained ID copies or scanned information. This stolen ID was then used to access Monica's apartment building, highlighting the potential consequences of such practices. Cherie Oyier - Program Officer for Women Digital Rights, KICTANet, says it raised issues on: - *Lack of data minimization and storage limitation* - *Inadequate training of security personnel on data protection:* - *Absence of data protection policies in private security companies* The judgement came after our Webinar *on Privacy Perspectives: Surveillance of AirBnBs and Operationalization of Section 48 of the Private Security Regulation Act.* Our guests, Dr Laibuta Mugambi, Cherie Oyier and Grace Mutung'u, shared their perspectives: - *The legality of the directive:* Dr Laibuta argued that the directive requiring surveillance of AirBnBs by private security companies is illegal because it was issued without the necessary regulations and violates the Data Protection Act. - *Need for regulations:* All three speakers agreed that regulations are needed under Section 48 of the Private Security Regulation Act to provide a legal framework for data collection and processing by private security companies. - *Data protection concerns:* Cherie Oyier and Grace highlighted several data protection concerns, including a lack of data minimization and storage limitation practices, Inadequate training of security personnel on data protection, Absence of data protection policies in many private security companies, Lack of oversight of the industry by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. *Recommendations: * - Dr. Laibuta proposes several actions, including the stoppage of illegal directives by the regulator. - Development of regulations under Section 48 in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. - Assessment and audit of private security companies' compliance with data protection laws. - Data inventory, retention schedule, and privacy notices. - Appointment of Data Protection Officers by private security companies. - Clear contractual agreements between security companies and property owners. - Establishment of data breach and incident management processes. - Registration of private security companies with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. - Cherie Oyier emphasized the need for training on data protection for security personnel and collaboration between the public and private sectors to address these issues. - Grace suggested a broader conversation about the purpose of data collection, the potential for techno-solutionism, and the need for alignment between the Data Protection Act and other relevant laws. Overall, there was consensus among the speakers that the current situation regarding data collection by private security companies in Kenya is problematic from a legal and data protection perspective. They called for urgent action to address these concerns through regulations, enforcement, and improved industry practices. *Stay informed on critical issues shaping Kenya's digital landscape!* 1. *Kenyan Security Measures Eroding Civic Space?* This multi-part research project was conducted by ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa, Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet), The Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies (CHRIPS), and HAKI Africa, revealing widespread harm inflicted on human rights and fundamental freedoms. This research comes at a crucial time for Kenya, as the country grapples with balancing security concerns with upholding human rights and democratic values. The reports <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenyan-security-measures-eroding-civic-space-new…> focused on “The Impact of the Prevention of Violence Extremism (PVE), Counter-Terrorism, and National Security Measures on Civic Space in Kenya.” 2. *KICTANet Champions Strategic ICT Investments in Kenya's 2024/25 Budget:* We participated in the Institute of Economic Affairs’ Open Pre-Budget Hearing on January 30, 2024, to advocate for strategic ICT sector investments in Kenya’s budget for the fiscal year 2024–25. Read our full budget proposal for detailed insights. <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/mdocs-posts/memorandum-on-the-budget-priorities-…> 3. *Kenya's Digital ID Stalled: Learning from Past Mistakes or Repeating Them? *In this article <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenyas-digital-id-stalled-learning-from-past-mis…>, Mr John Walubengo raises concerns about stalling Kenya's national digital ID program. He says learning from past mistakes and ensuring transparent, inclusive, and rights-respecting implementation will be key going forward. Enjoy the weekend! -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *KICTANet Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/18428106/admin/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/>

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Kenya lost Sh4.2bn to Telegram shutdown in 2023
by Sidney Ochieng 08 Feb '24

08 Feb '24

Listers, I can't find the original thread but I've been meaning to ask if any of the organisations that wrote a letter demanding an explanation got any kind of response from the regulators or the government. As our executive continues to show less tolerance toward independent institutions I'd really like more confidence the internet will remain free. Kenya lost Sh4.2bn to Telegram shutdown in 2023 - Business Daily https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/corporate/companies/kenya-lost-sh4-2… -- Warmly, Sidney *Twitter:* @princelySid <https://twitter.com/princelySid>* |* *Github:* princelySid <https://github.com/princelySid> | *Web: *sidneyochieng.co.ke

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eCitizen Convenience Fee
by Victor Kapiyo 08 Feb '24

08 Feb '24

While most of Kenyans’ concern about the government merging its PayBill number was on how reliable the process would be, the last two moves – school fee and meal payments – have revived debate about the Ksh.50 convenience fee one is charged when paying for services on the platform. Nearly 10 years after the introduction of eCitizen in 2014, the convenience fee is still shrouded in mystery. Read more: https://citizen.digital/news/convenience-fee-the-ksh50-govt-service-charge-…

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Invitation to "Inside The Lens: Privacy Perspectives" Webinar on Surveillance of AirBnBs and Operationalization of Section 48
by Neema Mujesia 07 Feb '24

07 Feb '24

Dear Listers We are excited to invite you to our upcoming webinar titled "Inside the Lens: Privacy Perspectives," where we will delve into the surveillance of AirBnBs and the operationalization of Section 48 of the Private Security Regulation Act. This discussion is particularly relevant due to recent government statements <http://tinyurl.com/mw2xjjbx> highlighting the practice of recording and temporarily identifying individuals in accommodation establishments, particularly in response to the urgent need to address and mitigate ongoing femicide cases allegedly involving AirBnBs. The webinar will take place on February 7, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EAT. We have assembled a panel of esteemed speakers and moderators to lead the discussion: Speakers: 1. Dr. Mugambi Laibuta - Privacy and Data Protection Consultant 2. Grace Mutungú - Independent Researcher 3. Cherie Oyier- Program Officer for Women Digital Rights at KICTANet Moderator: 1. Linda Gichohi - Legal/Program Assistant for Data Protection Monitoring Policies To join the webinar, please use the following Zoom link: http://tinyurl.com/3weztuh4 If you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to your participation. Best regards, Neema Mujesia, Communications Personnel at KICTANet

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Re: eCitizen is Down
by Paul Magacha 06 Feb '24

06 Feb '24

https://youtu.be/-AylX4C4YKc Sent from my iPhone > On 27 Jul 2023, at 18:36, David Indeje via KICTANet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: >

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Safer Internet Day: Join KICTANet in Building a Safe Digital World
by David Indeje 06 Feb '24

06 Feb '24

Dear Listers, KICTANET celebrates Safer Internet Day (SID), a global initiative advocating for a safer and more secure internet for all, especially children and young adults. Launched in 2004 under the EU's Safe Borders project, it has grown immensely, involving over 150 countries by 2023. SID's significance lies in its holistic approach to digital safety. It addresses online dangers like cyberbullying, phishing, and privacy breaches while highlighting positive actions to counter them. Schools, organizations, and individuals participate in events and activities that raise awareness and teach practical skills for safe online navigation. KICTANet remains committed to in building the capacity and awareness of being digitally safe. Beyond awareness, KICTANet being a multistakeholder think tank, drives positive change. It acts as a catalyst for policy adjustments, educational programs, and community initiatives aimed at building a safer digital world. Safer Internet Day underscores the need for continuous vigilance and education in the digital age, reminding everyone of their role in safeguarding the Internet. SID emphasizes the importance of secure online practices <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP_IGFlrjmU&list=PLYSO7PoCyXHTkI_FKmKFrMtzb…>, especially strong passwords. While often disliked, passwords are crucial for digital security. Major data breaches occur due to weak password management, highlighting the need for robust password protocols. *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *KICTANet Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/18428106/admin/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/>

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Online Child Sexual Abuse and Mental Health Issues Dominate Social Media CEOs Grilling by US Senate
by Kelvin Kariuki 02 Feb '24

02 Feb '24

What particularly stood out in this article is the US Senate's initiative to introduce the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), aimed at safeguarding children from the adverse impacts of social media. Read more here: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Family/4-takeaways-parents-senate-grilling-socia… -- Best Regards, Kelvin Kariuki Assistant Lecturer Multimedia University of Kenya Faculty of Computing and Information Technology Twitter Handle: @teacherkaris Alt email: kkariuki(a)mmu.ac.ke Mobile: +2547 29 385 557 The Lord is my Shepherd

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Re-assigning mobile number and identity theft
by Victor Kapiyo 01 Feb '24

01 Feb '24

A story published in the Nation today shows the challenge that arises when telcos resell mobile numbers to third parties without notice to current owners. End of the road for magistrate’s fake boyfriend https://nation.africa/kenya/news/end-of-the-road-for-magistrate-s-fake-boyf…

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INVITATION TO A TRAINING FOR SMES ON CYBER HYGIENE WEDNESDAY, 23 JANUARY 2024.
by Nzambi Kakusu 31 Jan '24

31 Jan '24

Dear Listers, Greetings from KICTANet! KICTANet is a non-profit ICT Policy Think Tank, which acts as a multi-stakeholder platform for ICT policy and regulation. KICTANet in partnership with KPMG and the ICT Authority with support of the UK FCDO will be hosting a Training of Trainers training for SMES on “Cyber Hygiene” scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 23rd January 2024, physically in Nairobi from 0800 - 1630 hours. The objective of this training is to raise awareness about cyber hygiene practices among Kenyan SMEs and improve their overall cybersecurity posture. The training will target owners, employees, and SME representatives in Kenya. It is expected that after the training, their cyber hygiene awareness and cyber security practices will be enhanced. Please see the concept note and programme <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/tot-training-for-smes-on-cyber-hygiene/>. Please inform interested persons to express their interest in participating in the training by registering here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdcYn_S_3LRReHE0ZhfEEr-hOgIf99XtVS…> at their earliest convenience and hopefully before 19 January 2024 to facilitate planning. Additional information shall be provided to those who have registered to participate. Should you require any clarification, do not hesitate to contact me at nkakusu(a)kictanet.or.ke. We look forward to your response. Sincerely, Nzambi Kakusu

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Launch of Reports on the Impact of Prevention Violence Extremism(PVE), Counter-Terrorism, and National Security Measures on Civic Space in Kenya
by Neema Mujesia 31 Jan '24

31 Jan '24

Dear Listers, We are thrilled to inform you that KICTANet <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/>, in collaboration with Article 19, Haki Africa, Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies (CHRIPS), with support from Civic Future and Fund Global Human Rights, has launched a series of reports today. The focus of these reports is on "*The Impact of the Prevention of Violence Extremism (PVE), Counter-Terrorism, and National Security Measures on Civic Space in Kenya."* The specific report from KICTANet <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> is titled "*Surveillance Laws and Technologies Used in Countering Terrorism and their Potential Impact on Civic Space*." This comprehensive paper examines the ramifications of Counter-Terrorism (CT), the Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE), and similar national security measures in Kenya. The objective is to foster greater accountability for violations and advocate for an open civic space, free from unwarranted restrictions under the pretext of security. To access our reports, kindly click this link: http://tinyurl.com/yzr5ntzc Thank you for your continued support. Best regards, Neema Mujesia, Communications Personnel at KICTANet

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