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KICTANet Mwongozo wa Kila Mwezi – June 2025
by Odhiambo WASHINGTON 01 Jun '25

01 Jun '25

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KICTANet Monthly Guide – Participation, Rules & Unsubscribe Info – June 2025
by Odhiambo WASHINGTON 01 Jun '25

01 Jun '25

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Arrest & Detention of Rose Njeri
by Mathare Infotech Lab 31 May '25

31 May '25

Dear Listers, To those who don't know who Rose Njeri is... She's the brightest tech pro in this struggle, using technology to help keep records of the unjust theatrics of this regime. She made the website *insulttracker.netlifly.app <http://insulttracker.netlifly.app>* to keep the records of all the insults we have received from this regime. In response to the punitive finance bill, she has made a website civic-email.vercel.app to make it easy for us to respond to the punitive finance bill. We must fight for Rose Njeri. She was arrested along Enterprise Road after a training with a tech incubator. She was picked up by an entourage of about 15 officers at about 2pm yesterday. The said officers didn't inform her on why the DCI was interested in her, arresting her or detaining her. The said officers demanded that they take her to her house. Where they gained access to her premises and seized gadgets, laptop, flash disks etc. She was not provided with a copy of the court order seeking to detain the gadgets etc. She was later driven around Nairobi and later taken to DCI HQ. At DCI HQ she was interrogated by three officers. Zainab, Mustafa and (unknown) third officer. She was denied right to legal counsel despite her asking for one. She was forced to record a statement. She was interrogated on this two issues. https://civicemail.netlify.app/ https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/ruto-filter/oknbejcilhapilbcpkclhp… She was later brought to Pangani Police Station at about 6 pm yesterday. Regards, Gibson Maina Mathare Infotech Lab Kongamano La Mapinduzi

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Unlocking Digital Empowerment: This Week’s Key Milestones and Insights from KICTANet
by David Indeje 30 May '25

30 May '25

Dear Listers, During the week, KICTANet was at the forefront of digital policy and empowerment initiatives across Kenya and the East African region. We completed an in-person training in Mombasa <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/voices-rights-and-safety-strengthening-cyber-hyg…> aimed at equipping vulnerable communities—particularly women, human rights defenders, and journalists—with essential digital safety, data protection, and cyber hygiene skills. This effort, supported by GIZ, underscores KICTANet’s commitment to digital inclusion and advocacy. The Connected Africa Summit 2025, held in Diani, Kenya, marked a milestone with the launch of the National Digital Literacy Skills Curriculum. <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenya-launches-digital-literacy-curriculum-at-co…> This curriculum seeks to standardize digital skills training across Kenya, empowering citizens to participate in the digital economy. We actively participated in and hosted key sessions, including* "Telecommunications & Connectivity: Driving Last-Mile Access"* and* "FinTech Track - Beyond Payments: The Next Frontier of FinTech in Africa."* Our engagement reflects our commitment to advancing telecommunications infrastructure and connectivity, which are critical enablers of economic growth and social development in Africa. We also addressed pressing challenges, such as bridging digital divides for marginalized groups, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and rural communities. Through multi-stakeholder platforms like KICTANet, we advocate for ICT policies and regulations that promote equitable access and protect digital rights. Earlier in the week, civil society organizations, filed a public interest petition challenging recent government interference with internet access <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/digital-freedoms-on-trial-civil-society-groups-c…>, signalling a key moment for digital rights and freedoms in Kenya. Additionally, KICTANet held its inaugural Africa Tech Policy Summit 2025 <https://youtu.be/jHry6aPqExY?si=S7wR_L2jjd_wB1sG>, hosting discussions on digital rights, resilience, and the future of internet freedom. The Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KIGF), held during the summit, featured debates on responsible AI, emerging technologies, and the importance of aligning innovation with ethics and equity. Regionally, KICTANet co-hosted the East Africa Internet Governance Forum (EAIGF), emphasising the need for digital unity and collaboration among East African nations. At the ongoing Africa Internet Governance Forum, KICTANet is represented to advance the outcomes that were realised in Kenya and EAIGF. Finally, in the spirit of multistakeholderism, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has published eight (8) Draft Guidance Notes aimed at supporting sector-specific compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2019. We encourage you to review the drafts and share your comments or recommendations by the latest 28th May, 2025. Submit your comments via this form: https://forms.gle/sxVPvtWtR5L9H3d69 In summary, the week was marked by active advocacy, impactful training, and regional leadership in digital policy, all aimed at fostering a more inclusive, ethical, and empowered digital society. -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

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Court fines Student 7.5m for defamation on Facebook
by Mwendwa Kivuva 29 May '25

29 May '25

Is this defamation judgement excessive? A third-year law student at the University of Nairobi, Kevin Ndung’u, has been ordered by an Eldoret court to pay KSh 7.5 million in damages for defaming Benard Kagia, the driver of Prophet David Owuor of the Repentance and Holiness Ministry. The defamation case arose after Ndung’u made Facebook posts accusing Kagia of infidelity and claiming he could not take care of his family, which reportedly led to the breakdown of Kagia’s marriage. Kagia filed a libel case, arguing the comments were harmful and defamatory. Chief Magistrate Dennis Mikoyan ruled in Kagia’s favor, stating that the statements were indeed defamatory and emphasizing the serious legal consequences of making such remarks online. Ndung’u protested the hefty fine, telling the court he had no assets or property to pay the amount ordered. The matter is set for further directions on May 28, 2025. https://nation.africa/kenya/counties/uasin-gishu/uon-student-sh7-5m-fine-fo… Best Regards ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwendwa-kivuva

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AI Use in Kenya's Public Sector
by John Otieno Oredo 29 May '25

29 May '25

Dear Listers, I am looking for information about the use of AI in Kenya's public sector. If you know of any government agency, organ etc that is planning to implement or is already using any form of AI in their operations, please let me know the details. Regards, -- *John Otieno Oredo, PhD, MKIM, PMP, CGEIT* *Senior Lecturer*, Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) University of Nairobi-Kenya *Visiting Fellow: Northumbria University (UK)* President: *|* AIS Eastern Africa (AISEA) Chapter <https://aisnet.org/members/group.aspx?id=229647> *|*| myORCID <https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7855-5175> | myUniversity of Nairobi Profile <https://profiles.uonbi.ac.ke/johnoredo/biocv> | My Project Management.Com Profile <https://www.projectmanagement.com/profile/JohnOredo>| myLinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnoredo/> | myTwitter <https://twitter.com/JohnOredo> | myFacebook <https://www.facebook.com/john.o.oredo> | *Senior Editor*: Information Technology and People (CABS 3* Journal) <https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/journal/itp> *Latest Publications*: 1, Choudrie, J. <https://www.emerald.com/insight/search?q=Jyoti%20Choudrie>, *Oredo, J <https://www.emerald.com/insight/search?q=John%20Oredo>. <https://www.emerald.com/insight/search?q=John%20Oredo>*, Anand, A. <https://www.emerald.com/insight/search?q=Amitabh%20Anand>, Patil, S. <https://www.emerald.com/insight/search?q=Shruti%20Patil>, Kotecha, K. <https://www.emerald.com/insight/search?q=Ketan%20Kotecha> and Kusal, S. <https://www.emerald.com/insight/search?q=Sheetal%20Kusal> (2025), "Visiting and exploring digital transformation management: a bibliometric analysis and review study" , *Internet Research <https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/1066-2243>*, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/INTR-12-2023-1152 2. *Oredo, J*., Pearce, A., Quan, R., Elly, D. O., Bailey, M., & Ndede, F. (2024). The Design, Development, and Implementation of a Digital Platform to Enhance Value Co-Creation within an Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Sub-Saharan Africa. In *Developing University Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa* (pp. 13–54). WORLD SCIENTIFIC. https://doi.org/10.1142/9789819800520_0002

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Government Plans to sell its stake in Safaricom Plc
by Victor Kapiyo 29 May '25

29 May '25

Dear Listers, The Kenyan government plans to sell a significant portion of its 35% stake in Safaricom PLC as part of a broader strategy to raise KSh 149 billion (about $1.16 billion) during the 2025/26 financial year to finance the national budget. Two main approaches are being considered: a secondary Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, or a block sale targeting high-net-worth investors, potentially attracting regional and international buyers. Safaricom, whose estimated value is at around KES 280.5 billion, is the largest and most valuable state-owned enterprise capable of generating substantial revenue compared to other parastatals. The government receives healthy dividends of about KES 16 billion annually from the company, which now has operations in neighbouring Ethiopia. Read more: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/economy/treasury-to-sell-safaricom-s… Is this a smart move? What say you? *Victor Kapiyo* Partner | *Lawmark Partners LLP* *Nine Planet Apartments, Nairobi | **Web: www.lawmark.co.ke <http://www.lawmark.co.ke/> * ==================================================== *“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude” Zig Ziglar*

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Welcome to KICTANet – Monthly Participation Guide & Netiquette
by Odhiambo Washington 28 May '25

28 May '25

Dear KICTANet Members, Thank you for being part of *Kenya’s premier ICT policy engagement platform* . As a subscriber to this mailing list, you are part of a vibrant, multi-stakeholder network of civil society actors, academia, private and public sector professionals, development partners, and media representatives—all working together to catalyze reform and dialogue in the ICT sector. To keep our conversations productive and respectful, here’s a quick monthly reminder on how to interact with the list, maintain healthy discussions, and manage your subscription. ------------------------------ 📬 How to Interact with the Mailing List - *Post a Message:* Simply send an email to *kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke* and it will be distributed to all list members. - *Reply Thoughtfully:* When responding, please trim quoted content and stay on topic. - *Stay Civil & Constructive:* Keep discussions respectful and grounded in facts. Disagree without being disagreeable. ------------------------------ ❗Rules of Engagement – KICTANetiquette To ensure respectful and meaningful dialogue, please observe the following guidelines: 1. *Be Respectful:* Treat others as you would in a face-to-face professional environment. 2. *No Personal Attacks:* Refrain from flaming, personalizing debates, or using abusive language. 3. *Stay Relevant:* Share ideas, questions, and knowledge related to ICT policy and practice. 4. *No Spam or Marketing:* Avoid unsolicited promotions or advertising your services or qualifications. 5. *Respect Privacy:* Do not forward private communications without permission. 6. *Manage Bandwidth:* Avoid unnecessarily long posts or attachments. ------------------------------ 🔐 Your Privacy & the Public Nature of This List Please note: - All posts are *publicly archived* and indexed by search engines. - Your email and name (if provided) are visible to the public through the archive. - Information remains publicly available even after you unsubscribe. ------------------------------ 🔄 Need to Unsubscribe? To leave the list, send an email to: 📧 *kictanet-unsubscribe(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke* You’ll receive a confirmation email to finalize the process. ------------------------------ If you ever need help managing your subscription or have questions about the list, feel free to contact the administrators at: 📧 *kictanet-owner(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke* ------------------------------ Thank you for your continued engagement. Together, we are shaping the future of ICT in Kenya! *KICTANet – The Power of Communities* *www.kictanet.or.ke <http://www.kictanet.or.ke>* By List Admin Team. -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254 7 3200 0004/+254 7 2274 3223 In an Internet failure case, the #1 suspect is a constant: DNS. "Oh, the cruft.", egrep -v '^$|^.*#' ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ :-) [How to ask smart questions: http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html]

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The Kenya Information & Communications (Amendment) Bill 2025.
by Lawrence Muchilwa 27 May '25

27 May '25

Hey Listers... The proposed changes regarding usage of meters are misinformed, counter productive. ISP already keep track of connections to an extent. The system isn't without gaps but existing gaps can better be address by eg more adoption of IPv6,instead of this retrogressive approach that will increase connectivity overhead,making Internet access more expensive,reduce number of users on the net, effectively undermining any digital transformation, adoption and progress. Link to bill: http://www.parliament.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-05/The%20Kenya%20Infor… with kind regards Muchilwa Lawrence https://overwatch.or.ke www.testmyids.ke

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CA Launches Universal Service Fund (USF) Strategy 2023–2027
by David Indeje 26 May '25

26 May '25

Dear Listers. The Communication Authority’s Universal Service Fund (USF) Strategy 2023–2027 <https://www.ca.go.ke/sites/default/files/CA/USF%20Strategy/Universal%20Serv…> marks a critical juncture in Kenya’s digital transformation journey, aiming to ensure that no community is left behind in the digital revolution. Universal Service and Access Funds (USAFs) play a role in enhancing telecommunications access in rural and remote areas by funding the deployment of essential infrastructure—such as towers and cables—to connect these regions to national communication networks. However, the USF Strategy requires a total investment of KES 40.037 billion over the next five years to expand ICT infrastructure, foster digital skills, and build institutional capacity across the country. While the Communication Authority can raise KES 28 billion, there remains a significant deficit of KES 12 billion that must be bridged to fully realise the strategy’s objectives. KICTANet appreciates your invaluable feedback and contributions during the development of this strategy <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?mdocs-file=45054> especially when it comes Digital Skills and Content: Developed local content and applications to encourage and promote usage of ICT services and products. Your continued support is crucial as we move forward to implement these transformative initiatives. -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

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