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Food for Thought
by Edwin Onchari 03 Feb '11

03 Feb '11

Dear Listers, An open ended food for thought! What are the limits (rules of engagement) of demanding better governance i.e. government accountability and efficiency (modern technology) in service delivery and job creation for the majority (read youth/rural folk) through the most applicable (can be open to debate) open channels such as FB/online Forums/Social media (exclusive of the modus operandi in Egypt & Tunisia)? I ask this because, whatever is happening (if at all it is) in that respect, just does not seem to reach the intended crowd (under/unemployed youth/rural folk)! Will this be sustainable?...just wondering! Ed

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Need for BPO sector re-alignment?
by Edwin Onchari 03 Feb '11

03 Feb '11

Dear Listers and passionate BPO industry practitioners, In recent constructive discussions on the state of the BPO sector in Kenya, and how this will impact the contribution to realizing our Vision 2030 goals, one thing clearly emerged. As a country, we have a fragmented strategy of creating a sustainable industry. I strongly feel that we need to a have a joint communiqué (re-aligning of strategies) from the following and any other agency that has/should have BPO as part of its TORs: 1. Kenya ICT Board (The line ministry and supporting agencies such as CCK) 2. KenInvest 3. OPM- BPO/ITES working group 4. Brand Kenya 5. Vision 2030 secretariat 6. The Kenya BPO Society and by membership extension; KEPSA 7. Any other auxiliary industry/government agencies It is imperative that we have a unified, well thought through, strategy for the sector if we were to achieve much. This call is in the back-drop of many industry start-ups and auxiliary service providers, either shutting shop altogether, or suspending BPO departments in their operations (over 40 start-ups have shut down in the last 4 years with a potential loss of 5000 direct jobs). What are your thoughts? Kind regards, Edwin Being on par in terms of price and quality only gets you into the game.Service wins the game. TONY ALESSANDRA

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Tenders for ICT Board assignments
by Paul Kukubo ICT Board 03 Feb '11

03 Feb '11

Listers Please be aware that the Kenya ICT Board issued expressions if interest as published in yesterday's daily newspapers 1. Expressions of interest for the development of a Kenya ICT incubator. This is a project under the BPO/ITES development program to provide a seed-bed of Kenyan IT firms. 2. Expressions of interest, issued by the Ministry of Information for the Kenya ICT Board. We shall be looking for reputable firms to express interest in providing international country positioning of Kenya Outsourcing. Details on Kenya ICT Board website www.ict.go.ke and click on the link for tenders. Regards Paul Kukubo CEO Kenya ICT Board Sent from my iPad

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Fw: UNCTAD Call for Contributions - Information Economy Report 2011
by Leonard Aloo 02 Feb '11

02 Feb '11

Of interest? Apologies for cross listing. Leonard Obura Aloo ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: ICT4D <ICT4D(a)unctad.org> Sent: Wed, February 2, 2011 7:08:31 PM Subject: UNCTAD Call for Contributions - Information Economy Report 2011 Information Economy Report 2011 - ICTs and Private Sector Development To be launched in late 2011 UNCTAD Call for Contributions The Information Economy Report 2011 will focus on the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in private sector development. A distinction will be made between efforts aimed at addressing internal constraints of enterprise growth and efforts at improving the broader conditions and systems in which private enterprises operate. Possible benefits from more effective use of ICTs may include reduced business costs, reduced risk, higher productivity, better access to markets and increased competition. In this context, UNCTAD is launching an open call for contributions. UNCTAD is interested in receiving studies/articles related to how governments and other stakeholders are applying ICT applications to support the creation or growth of enterprises in developing countries. Evidence of success or failure cases is also welcome. Deadline: 18 March 2011 Contributions should be sent to: ict4d(a)unctad.org

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Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] What would it take to create an internet blackoutin kenya?
by James Muendo 02 Feb '11

02 Feb '11

I found this interesting: 3 Projects to Create a Government-less Internet<http://www.readwriteweb.com/cloud/2011/01/3-projects-to-create-a-government…> http://rww.to/gEY5cs On 2 February 2011 17:35, [Brainiac] <arebacollins(a)gmail.com> wrote: > @steven you forget redundancy on KPLC. but then again, easy to run an > inside job there... right? > > On Wed, Feb 2, 2011 at 5:32 PM, ndungu stephen <ndungustephen(a)gmail.com>wrote: > >> In Kenya; cutting out main internet is simple... >> >> Simply send a few guys in the Ukambani wide lands; with a panga... >> >> And they cut the fiber [?]<whack!> >> >> >> >> === >> Yes I know we have the issue of satellites etc,, but i have noticed that >> many companies abandoned the more expensive satellites for the cheaper (more >> vulnerable) fiber. >> >> Then after that the fiber, the Gova then shuts down power... And guys >> with satellite continue using UPS. >> >> When UPS runs outs, we will be left with guys with Solar --- and thats >> like less than 0.5%. >> >> So if we dont want to be shut down (internet wise),, lets invest on >> building by building Solar energy,, and add a little satellite connection! >> >> >> w/regards >> Stephen N. >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Skunkworks mailing list >> Skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke >> http://orion.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >> ------------ >> Skunkworks Rules >> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >> ------------ >> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >> > > > > -- > *“The twentieth century has been characterized by three developments of > great political importance: the growth of democracy, the growth of > corporate power, and the growth of corporate propaganda as a means of > protecting corporate power against democracy”* > > ~ Alex Carey ~ > > Tel No: 0x2af23696 > > > _______________________________________________ > Skunkworks mailing list > Skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke > http://orion.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > ------------ > Skunkworks Rules > http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 > ------------ > Other services @ http://my.co.ke > -- James M. Muendo P.O Box 28016 - 00200, Nairobi. Mobile: +254725567508 skype:tim.rick | Twitter: Mmuendo | gtalk: timrick<http://muendoshead.blogspot.com/>

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Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] What would it take to create an internet blackoutin kenya?
by James Muendo 02 Feb '11

02 Feb '11

I found this interesting: 3 Projects to Create a Government-less Internet<http://www.readwriteweb.com/cloud/2011/01/3-projects-to-create-a-government…> http://rww.to/gEY5cs On 2 February 2011 17:35, [Brainiac] <arebacollins(a)gmail.com> wrote: > @steven you forget redundancy on KPLC. but then again, easy to run an > inside job there... right? > > On Wed, Feb 2, 2011 at 5:32 PM, ndungu stephen <ndungustephen(a)gmail.com>wrote: > >> In Kenya; cutting out main internet is simple... >> >> Simply send a few guys in the Ukambani wide lands; with a panga... >> >> And they cut the fiber [?]<whack!> >> >> >> >> === >> Yes I know we have the issue of satellites etc,, but i have noticed that >> many companies abandoned the more expensive satellites for the cheaper (more >> vulnerable) fiber. >> >> Then after that the fiber, the Gova then shuts down power... And guys >> with satellite continue using UPS. >> >> When UPS runs outs, we will be left with guys with Solar --- and thats >> like less than 0.5%. >> >> So if we dont want to be shut down (internet wise),, lets invest on >> building by building Solar energy,, and add a little satellite connection! >> >> >> w/regards >> Stephen N. >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Skunkworks mailing list >> Skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke >> http://orion.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >> ------------ >> Skunkworks Rules >> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >> ------------ >> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >> > > > > -- > *“The twentieth century has been characterized by three developments of > great political importance: the growth of democracy, the growth of > corporate power, and the growth of corporate propaganda as a means of > protecting corporate power against democracy”* > > ~ Alex Carey ~ > > Tel No: 0x2af23696 > > > _______________________________________________ > Skunkworks mailing list > Skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke > http://orion.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > ------------ > Skunkworks Rules > http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 > ------------ > Other services @ http://my.co.ke > -- James M. Muendo P.O Box 28016 - 00200, Nairobi. Mobile: +254725567508 skype:tim.rick | Twitter: Mmuendo | gtalk: timrick<http://muendoshead.blogspot.com/>

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KICTANet discussions: Independent Communications Commission of Kenya and Media council Draft bills 2010
by Alice Munyua 02 Feb '11

02 Feb '11

Dear all, Very best wishes for 2011. Following an invitation by P.S Dr. Ndemo for stakeholder input/comments and discussions on the two proposed draft bills, I am pleased to announce that the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet), University of Nairobi (UoN), and the International Development and Research Center (IDRC) will launch discussions starting Monday January 24th, 2011. "Media Council Bill 2010" discussions/input will begin on Monday 24 for 10 days ending February 4th. Thereafter discussions/input on the "Independent Communications Commission of Kenya draft bill" from February 14th to 25th. As with previous policy related discussions the processes will be facilitated. Grace Githaiga will facilitate discussions on the Media council bill, Dr. Catherine Adeya on the Independent Communications Commission of Kenya, Kerubo Kemunto will assist with moderation and reporting and Washington Odhiambo continues to manage technical aspects of the list/s. Each draft bill discussion will take ten days on the KICTANet mailing list and blog. All comments,suggestions, edits and opinions relevant to the draft bills will be collated and will form part of the first draft report that will be validated at a face to face workshop in March 2011 (dates to be announced later). The final report/s will be submitted to the Ministry of Information and Communication as well as the Parliamentary Select committee on Energy Information and Communication. We look forward to very vibrant discussions. Attached the two draft bills. Can also be accessed on the ministry website: http://www.information.go.ke/ very best Alice --

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Google takes Ladies Mapping Party to Nairobi
by Albert Mucunguzi 02 Feb '11

02 Feb '11

Dear All, I thought some of you might be interested in this information. http://www.pctechmagazine.com/news/324-google-takes-ladies-mapping-party-co… _____________________________ Albert Mucunguzi Team Leader PC Tech Magazine Mobile: +256 712 619812 / 782 619812 Website: www.pctechmagazine.com E-Mail: i(a)albertmucunguzi.com Twitter: @albertmuc Facebook: www.facebook.com/almuc Personal Web: www.albertmucunguzi.com Blog: www.pctechmagazine.com/blogs/almuc

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Re: [kictanet] Media council Draft bill 2010 (Day Seven--Complaints and Dispute Resolution)
by toby＠law-democracy.org 02 Feb '11

02 Feb '11

Hi all, My comments on this round: 1) I agree the chair should not be required to be a lawyer but I think it is clear that the Council will appoint the chair and that is OK with me. 2) I think it is OK not to specify how they will publish the the decision. Surely it is understood that this will at least be on their website. The main point is that they make it public so that those with an interest can follow-up. This is not something that will usually be of very wide public interest. Related to this, publication in the Official Gazette is to ensure formal legal publication of the decision. It seems OK to me. 3) I am also OK with the decisions of the Complaints Commission having legal force. For me, what is important here is the sanctions (see s. 30), which may only be an apology and/or reprimand. I don't like the idea of an apology, which I find offensive to the (absolute) freedom to hold opinions. So I would replace this with a requirement to carry a statement by the Commission (ie to the effect that a decision has gone against you and for what reasons). 4) I have another serious problem with the complaints process, however. Pursuant to s. 27, anyone who is 'aggrieved' may complain about any publication or conduct of a journalist. The Commission will then reject or uphold such complaint. But the Bill nowhere indicates the standards against which such a complaint should be judged. This effectively leaves it up to the unfettered discretion of the members of the Commission to decide and leaves journalists and the media open to being held in breach of a standard that was never communicated to them, which is clearly inappropriate. Instead, complaints should be judged against an established a code of conduct to be adopted by the Council, after consultation with interested stakeholders. It could, theoretically, be the Code in the second schedule, except that this is not appropriate for this purpose (eg it is not appropriate for anyone to complain that a journalist has not defended the independence of the media, as required by section 2 of this Code). Also, the Code should not be legislated but should emerge from the consultation. Best wishes, Toby ___________________________________ Toby Mendel Centre for Law and Democracy toby(a)law-democracy.org Tel: +1 902 431-3688 Fax: +1 902 431-3689 www.law-democracy.org

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GOK Making progress
by robert yawe 02 Feb '11

02 Feb '11

Hi, Today I met a government official who gave me his card, you wonder what is so major about that, well the phone number was ISDN, well PS Ndemo it is clear that there is light at the end of the tunnel as relates to the government having a single contact number. This is at the office of the Prime Minister which is a clear indication that there was more done to the building than just interior refurbishments. Regards PS. But they need to be educated about DID? Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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