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Apple "reinvents the phone," unveils iPhone
by Brian Longwe 12 Jan '07

12 Jan '07

Talk about convergence! This phone is a real handheld computer! View this article at: http://www.macnn.com/articles/07/01/09/ apple.unveils.iphone/ Tuesday, January 9,2007 @ 12:55pm Apple "reinvents the phone," unveils iPhone [u] Apple today unveiled the iPhone (site not updated), a wide-screen iPod with touch controls that also functions as a mobile phone and an internet communication device. The company chief Steve Jobs revealed the new device during his keynote speech at the Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco. "This is a day I've been looking forward to for two and a half years," Jobs said on stage in front of the keynote attendees. "Every once in a while a product comes along to change the industry. Apple has been fortunate to introduce a few of these: the Mac in 1984; the iPod in 2001. Apple will introduce three revolutionary products of this class. Wide-screen iPod with touch controls. The second is a mobile phone. The third is a break-through internet communication device. All of those in a single device. Not separate devices, but a single device called iPhone. Apple reinvents the phone." [updated] iPhone development began with a revolutionary user interface that leverages hardware as well as software, overcoming the problem of fixed controls that cannot change as applications change. The iPhone utilizes a touch sensitive screen with "multi-touch" technology that does not require a stylus pen to operate, and is far more accurate than other touch displays, according to Jobs. The touch pad allows multi-finger gestures that Jobs says is "at least five years ahead of any other." The iPhone runs Mac OS X with power management, networking, security, applications, Core Animation, and audio/video support. Users can also create desktop-class applications, according to Apple's chief. The iPhone includes a 3.5-inch screen with 160 pixels per inch, as well as a single "home" button. The phone is thinner than any other phone at 11.6mm, and offers volume controls alongside a two megapixel camera built-in on the back. The phone also features a 3.5mm headphone jack, a sleep/wake button on top, a speaker microphone, and an iPod connector on the bottom. A proximity sensor turns off the screen as well as the touch sensor when the phone passes close to the head, and an ambient light sensor turns down the screen brightness as necessary. An accelerometer determines whether to capture a landscape or portrait orientation when taking photos, and the phone includes coverflow technology similar to that used in the company's iTunes software. Apple's iPhone has a dashboard- like interface to each module and function, allowing users to scroll using a finger. The home button returns users back to the dashboard, and the coveflow technology supports scrolling through album art with the touch of a finger. Jobs demonstrated the iPhone's video capability by playing "The Office" TV show, and began playing a wide- screen movie using on-screen controls. The iPhone -- which includes more than 200 patents for inventions used in the device -- offers visual voicemail that allows random access voicemail for direct access, and functions as a quad-band GSM/Edge phone. iPhone includes WiFi and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity, providing users with SMS functionality alongside various applications such as a calendar, contacts, and more. An iChat-like interface enables users to send as well as receive SMS messages, and the iPhone supports error correction via a visual keyboard that allows users to type messages. The phone includes built-in photo management that can scroll through photos with the touch of a finger, and a 'pinch' motion zooms in or out while viewing images. Further iPhone features include rich HTML email capability that works with any POP/IMAP email service, and a fully usable copy of Apple's Safari Web browser with support for Google Maps. The phone includes widgets for weather and stocks, and automatically locates WiFi networks when they are available -- switching to the network to maintain internet connectivity. Additionally, Yahoo is offering all iPhone users free push IMAP email service with inline photos and rich text email support. Apple's iPhone also automatically parses out phone numbers with a simple touch-to-call option. Finger gestures navigate Web pages in Safari when browsing the Web, and pinching gestures zoom in on a particular area of a page. Double tapping on a page zooms to that area, while a Cingular menubar displays an AirPort-like signal indicator for WiFi strength. Users can also quickly move to portions of a Web page before it is finished downloading. Steve Jobs introduced Cingular Wireless CEO, saying that features like visual voicemail required help from the carrier. Cingular entered into a multiyear exclusive contract with Apple without ever having seen the phone. Jobs said Apple hopes to grab 1 percent market share (10 million units) in 2008 following the iPhone's introduction into the existing mobile phone market, which consists of nearly 1 billion phones. iPhone accessories include standard headphones that feature a button to answer calls, as well as a new Bluetooth headset with a single button that automatically goes to sleep. Jobs promises five hours of battery life for talking time or video playback, as well as 16 hours of audio playback time. The iPhone will ship in June for $499 (4GB model) and $599 (8GB model), both with a 2 year contract. Copyright ©1995-2005 Macintosh News Network, Inc. All rights reserved.

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FW: [Idlelo2] Fw: ADVERT: PROJECT COORDINATOR - LINUXCHIX AFRICA
by Harry Hare 08 Jan '07

08 Jan '07

Apologies for cross posting. Harry -----Original Message----- From: idlelo2-bounces+harry=aitecafrica.com(a)fossfa.net [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Anna Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 7:49 PM To: idlelo2(a)fossfa.net Subject: [Idlelo2] Fw: ADVERT: PROJECT COORDINATOR - LINUXCHIX AFRICA ---------- Forwarded Message ----------- From: "Anna" <anna(a)cs.wits.ac.za> To: africasource2-l(a)lists.tacticaltech.org, africasource-l(a)lists.tacticaltech.org Sent: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 18:44:17 +0200 Subject: Fw: ADVERT: PROJECT COORDINATOR - LINUXCHIX AFRICA LinuxChix Africa (LCA) Programme Coordination LinuxChix Africa seeks to appoint a Project Coordinator. The Project Coordinator will be based at the LinuxChix Africa offices in Johannesburg, South Africa. This position includes both administrative responsibilities and programme management responsibilities, and an opportunity to make a substantive contribution to the growth of LCA. LinuxChix Africa is an African continental organisation that aims to build technical GNU/Linux and Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) skills among African women. We have a presence in over 26 African countries and we are one of the fastest growing networks. We actively encourage and facilitate the active participation of African women in FOSS software development projects. Key areas of responsibility are: 1. Coordinate the following projects: - Capacity Development for LCA in Open Source Software, Production of Training Kits and LCA e-Learning initiatives. - Advocacy and Policy recommendations. - Awareness, Publicity and Software Freedom Day celebration planning and activities. - Communications and Newsletters. - Marketing and Public Relations Strategies. - Conference Planning and Logistics - Policies and Governance coordination. - Develop strategic partnerships with key regional, continental and local organizations. 2. Coordinate LCA website enhancements, lists and newsletters. Manage the online communication with Council, Board, and the membership lists (chix and femme). 3.Convene key meetings with core regional and continental educational institutions and related organizations. 4. Manage the project budget according the objectives and plans agreed to with the Board. 5. Report to the Board meetings and prepare reports as requested by the Board, Council and Funders. 6. Manage Office Staff 7. Any other duties as assigned. Requirements: - Postgraduate qualification. A postgraduate qualification in ICT will be an advantage, - Experience in women and ICTs issues and a passion for women's development in ICT and FOSS - Excellent written and oral presentation skills in English - Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research and project management - Willingness to travel in Africa and occasionally outside the continent, as required - Strong computer and organisational skills, attention to detail, ability to prioritize, and resourcefulness in problem-solving - Ability to listen and communicate clearly and effectively with people from diverse cultures - Ability to work independently but also as a team member (with staff of LCA, the Board, Council and the general membership). The job is offered on a one-year contract. Interested and qualified candidates who match the profile are invited to submit their CV and a letter of interest to: The Chairperson LinuxChix Africa The School of Computer Science University of the Witwatersrand Private Bag 3 Wits 2050 Email: anna(a)cs.wits.ac.za Closing Date for applications is 10th January 2007. Only short-listed candidates will receive a response from LinuxChix Africa. Althouhg LinuxChix Africa does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender or creed, preference will be given to a female candidate. ------- End of Forwarded Message ------- Anna _______________________________________________ Idlelo2 mailing list Idlelo2(a)fossfa.net http://mailman.dst.gov.za/mailman/listinfo/idlelo2 -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.5/616 - Release Date: 1/4/2007 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.7/619 - Release Date: 1/7/2007 ---------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world"

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E-COMMERCE THE WAY FORWARD FOR KENYA and other articles on Kenya from Balancing Act
by alice＠apc.org 07 Jan '07

07 Jan '07

* E-COMMERCE THE WAY FORWARD FOR KENYA (from Balancing Act) > > The way we do things has changed in the last few years mobile phones > became more affordable. > > Take, for example, the short message service, or SMS as it is popularly > known. It is now the medium of interaction in popular radio and TV > programmes or season's greetings and invitations. There is an addition to > our vocabulary - smsing. > > Our lives have been tremendously changed by technology. This is a perfect > illustration of the magnitude of change. > > A local beer company once held a competition that required participants to > send entries of bottle tops by post. A story is told of a gentleman who > went ballistic when he woke up one morning from a night of heavy drinking > to find his little son scattering his treasured collection of > "prize-wining" tops. > > Today such a humiliating quarrel over bottle tops would not arise since > all the old fellow needs to do is instantly SMS the details of entry to > the company server, and he will be notified of the outcome by SMS. > > And if this is what the simple SMS can do, what revolution would computers > and the internet cause if they were made accessible to more people? > > Advertisements along the road from a country's major airport to the city > centre is said to reflect its core economic activity. > > And what do we see from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Kenyatta > Avenue in Nairobi? An array of what the world calls ICT (information and > communication technology) messages are lined up to entice us - from mobile > phone handsets and wireless service providers, computers, TVs and so on to > radio stations. > > They are the gadgets and services that matter, and what George Gilder > calls "the vectors of growth, the sweet spots of finance" (Telescom: The > World After Bandwidth Abundance, Touchstone, 2002). So if the information > age is where the money is, who does not want to be there? > > One sector that is going to drive the next phase of the internet boom, or > Web 2.0, is e-commerce, which is doing business electronically without the > seller and the buyer being in physical contact. > > Lower communication costs is enabling people to reach wider markets and > making it possible for goods and services to be traded in a whole new way. > > For example, some women's groups in Tabaka, Gucha district, now sell their > soapstone artifacts to the world by simply taking digital pictures of > their new products and posting offers on their Web ite, > www.soapstoneafrica.com > > A firm in Eldoret that spins yarn and makes woollen products cannot > imagine business without the e-mail, which has made it easy for them to > reach the sophisticated western market at the click of the mouse. > > There are many more Kenyans making innovative efforts in the e-business, > especially in the service industries of consultancy and outsourcing. > People used to believe in duty-free shops as real bargains, but they now > say they are as cheap as the internet. > > Although e-commerce is the future of enterprise, consumer protection, > intellectual property rights, privacy and security are issues of grave > concern. For instance, on the internet you do not know whom you are > dealing with; it could be a robber or a con man. > > Thus, for e-business to grow, people must trust the technology. People are > not only buying and selling cars, computers and kiondos and other "brick > and mortar" goods online, but they are also dealing in information, music > and software, which are now categorised as products. There is an urgent > need to enact e-commerce laws. The law shoulddeal with if electronic > evidence is admissible in the court. > > Kenyans would do more business if there was legislation and the right > infrastructure for electronic transactions, and more tourists would be > happy to come and see the new wonder of the world at the Maasai Mara and > make payments online. > > Although it may be difficult to tame the Internet because of its > cross-border nature, all is not lost as there are tools of control. Recent > efforts by the Government and development partners to tackle reforms in > e-transaction and e-commerce laws are commendable, but more needs to be > done. > (SOURCE: The Nation) * KENYA GOVT MAY LET VTEL OFF 30% LOCAL STAKE AS IT CONSIDERS RULE CHANGE > > The government of Kenya is considering abolishing the rule that stipulates > that foreign companies investing in the telecommunication sector must > allocate at least 30 per cent shares to nationals. > > It is the government's response to the perennial disputes between local > and foreign investors that have frustrated the conclusion of major > telecommunications projects in the country, especially of late. > > The East African has learnt that the Ministry of Information and > Communication has already drafted a document with proposals for a more > liberal regime for foreign investors. The developments come in the wake of > a major falling out between the shareholders Vtel Holding Ltd - the > company that only recently won the bid for a major telecommunications > licence combining mobile and landline services - that has now plunged what > was regarded as the most promising deal in the telecommunications sector > in recent years into uncertainty. > > V-tel won the highly contested licence, for which it bid an impressive > Ksh12 billion ($169 million) - the single largest foreign direct > investment in Kenya in decades. Well-placed sources told The East African > that the government wants an arrangement where the 30 per cent local > shareholding rule will be made optional, on the understanding that foreign > investors have to sell the 30 per cent stake to the public through an IPO > after a stipulated period. > > Before the Dubai firm won the bid, the licensing of the second national > operator to compete with the lacklustre Telkom Kenya - the country's sole > fixed-line operator - had proved to be a messy affair mired in court cases > leading to several postponements. > > But hopes that the Vtel will hit the ground running seem to be fading > after it turned out that its local partners are unable to raise their > portion of the financial commitment. > In a development that is eerily reminiscent of the woes plaguing Kenya's > third operator Econet Wireless, the dispute between Vtel and its Kenyan > partners seems destined for the courts, where it is likely to take years > to resolve. > > Legal experts who spoke off the record to The East African trace the > origins of the problem to a policy statement made by the government in > 1997. In November of that year, the government published the "postal > telecommunications sector policy statement," spelling out a new structure > for the industry. It was this document that introduced the threshold for > equity participation by local investors in privatised telecommunications > companies. > > Specifically, the document stipulated that "any company licensed to > provide telecommunications services in the liberalised market should have > at least 70 per cent of its equity owned by Kenyans." In subsequent years, > to make the regime more friendly to foreign investors, the rule was > revised to 60 per cent for foreigners and 40 for locals. > > In the year 2002, then Minister for Information and Telecommunications > Musalia Mudavadi published a gazette notice in which he changed the local > equity threshold to 70 per cent for foreign investors and a minimum of 30 > per cent for locals. > > Another condition that has come to affect the process and which Vtel will > have to deal with is the requirement that the shareholding structure of > the winning bid's tender cannot be changed before the licence is issued. > This, say experts, is what has seen the South African-based Econet > Wireless Ltd locked in one case after another. > > Sources tell The East African that Vtel was facing a crisis that emerged > barely a fortnight after it won the tender, when it failed to formally > submit its licence application. > > It is believed that Vtel, a $1 billion holding company registered in the > United Arab Emirates, which serves as the investment arm of the > Palestinian Telecommunications Company (Paltel) in the Middle East, North > Africa and Asia, could easily pay its share of the licence fees, but was > being held back by its local partners. > > Sources say the firm stated as much in a letter to the Communications > Commission of Kenya (CCK) in which it sought an extension of the December > 8, 2006 deadline for formally applying for the licence. > > Subsequently, one of the local partners, Unitel, denied in a press > statement that they were unable to raise their share of the licence fee. > > Unitel's managing director Francis Makanga, insisted that the firm has the > required funds. He said the company's documents were completed on time and > are filed with the CCK and that it will have all financing ready for its > shares by the time the licence fee is to be paid. > > Vtel Holdings, the consortium's bid leader for the second national > operator, had written to the Communications Commission of Kenya notifying > their intention to drop its local partner owing to its inability to meet > its share of financial obligations. > > A profile of Vtel's local partners makes for intriguing reading. They > comprise Kirinyaga Construction, a leading road builder in Kenya > associated with tycoon Ephraim Maina; Unitel, which is said to be owned by > the family of former District Commissioner Ben Makanga; Kusco, the > umbrella body of more than 3,000 co-operatives; and businessman Michael > Kirui, Nairobi lawyer Fred Ngatia and Fairacres Ltd coming in as minority > shareholders. Loita Capital Partners International is the lead transaction > advisor. > > Sources say Vtel, in its letter to the CCK, was seeking the nod to drop > its partners on the grounds that they were facing difficulties coming up > with their share of the licence fees. The firm says it will not be able to > submit its application with Unitel as its partner, raising fears that the > matter could be headed for the courts. > > Econet, has been involved in damaging feud with its local partners, the > Federation of Co-operatives of Kenya and Corporate Africa after the two > failed to raise their share of the licence fees, which saw the matter end > up in court, where it is still stuck. > > Vtel's imminent falling out with its partners has put paid to a > declaration by its Chief Executive Officer Nour Atout that the consortium > will roll out both fixed line and mobile telephony networks at the same > time, making a record of sorts. > > The pledge saw Telkom, Vtel's principal competitor as a national operator, > declare it will also venture into the highly profitable cellphones sector, > drawing immediate protests from its partner Safaricom, the region's most > successful cellular phone company. > (SOURCE: The East African) > > > WEB AND MOBILE DATA NEWS > _____________________________________________________________________ > * KENYAN PUPILS GET SCHOOL RESULTS THROUGH THE INTERNET AND MOBILE PHONES > > For the first time in KCPE history, candidates and their parents yesterday > received details of their results directly on their cellphones and through > the Internet. The results were accessible through the Kenya National > Examination Council (Knec) website www.examscouncil.org.ke or on the > cellphone after sending a prescribed short text message (sms) to 7070. > > Last February, Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education candidates were > able to access their results by logging on to the council website, but > yesterday was the first time the short text message was used to relay > examination results. This year's top candidate David Wamugi got a > breakdown of his results on the sms service. > > His father, James Wamugi, sat for his primary school examination 27 years > ago at Gathathiini primary school in Nyeri. But it took him a day to > receive his results from the school, unlike the instant services his son's > generation is enjoying. Last week, the senior Wamugi told the Nation: "I > didn't know that they had received the breakdown until I saw it on the > mobile phone. "In our days, it took a day to receive the results and then > one had to see the result slip to get a breakdown." > > The website appears to have been inundated with visitors and it often > failed to download the results, unlike the first instance in February this > year when KCSE candidates used it. The public also expressed concern that > strangers could access the results of any candidate whose index number > they held and suggested that a security measure be put in place to protect > the candidates. > > The tradition has been that provincial directors of education attend the > news conference where the Education minister was releasing examinations. > They were then expected to physically transport the results to their > respective offices where their juniors from the districts and head > teachers would collect them. Students in Nairobi would receive their > results the same day while those in other parts of the country would have > to wait for a day or more, depending on how far the school was from > Nairobi. > > > In Mombasa, hundreds of parents jammed cyber cafes trying to know how > their children had performed but left frustrated as the Knec website was > yet to be updated. > Boniface Otieno, who wanted to know how his sister had performed, said: "I > have spent three hours trying to refresh this website but there are no > KCPE results." > (SOURCE: The Nation) . > To see a copy of our new rate card for 2006, e-mail a request to: > (info(a)balancingact-africa.com) Don't get left behind. Be seen and known > through advertising in our e-letter and on our web-site. > ____________________________________________________________________________ > All material printed in Balancing Act's News Update is subject to > copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the > express permission of the publisher. > ____________________________________________________________________________ > > > > > >

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Kictanets Planning minutes
by Judy kimiti 06 Jan '07

06 Jan '07

Dear Member, We at the secretariate would like to begin by wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Attached are the minutes and presentation of the last Kictanet meeting on December 21st 2006. Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. Thank you Judy Kimiti KICTANet Tel: 4453671 / 2 Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

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[Fwd: Present from the ITU]
by Michuki Mwangi 03 Jan '07

03 Jan '07

FYI -------- Original Message -------- http://www.dailypayload.com/2006/1221.html ITU to Distribute Standards Free of Charge December 21, 2006 Many people in the telecommunication industry have pressed for the ITU to make its standards documents available free of charge. Well, the long wait is over. Starting January 2, 2007 the ITU will make its standards documents available to the public free of charge. The same kind of change in policy took place at ETSI several years ago. Reportedly, making its standards available for free did not have a negative impact on ETSI's bottom line. Rather, the free standards helped to drive participation in the standards-making body, thus compensating for any loss in revenue.This move came after a very long trial wherein the ITU allowed a person to register an e-mail address and download three documents free. This trial demonstrated conclusively that there was a strong desire to receive standards at no cost. Since the ITU publishes some documents jointly with ISO, special consideration will be given to those "common" texts, since ISO still charges for its standards and is apparently heavily dependent on the revenue from the sales of its standards. For such "common" texts for which ISO charges a fee, the ITU will not release documents free of charge until they are at least one year old. Documents will be made available in PDF format, downloadable directly from the ITU web site. _______________________________________________ Ietf mailing list Ietf(a)ietf.org https://www1.ietf.org/mailman/listinfo/ietf

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Fw: KICTANET CLOSING DATES
by Judy kimiti 21 Dec '06

21 Dec '06

Dear Members, Please Note Opening Date will be Monday 8th January 2007 and not Thursday as earlier indicated. Thank you and have Merry Christmas. Judy Kimiti ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Judy kimiti <jkimiti01(a)yahoo.co.uk> To: kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke Sent: Thursday, 21 December, 2006 10:14:32 AM Subject: KICTANET CLOSING DATES Dear members, partners, colleagues and friends Greetings. Please note that the KICTANet secretariat will be closed for the christmas holidays from Thursday 21st, 2006 to Thursday 8th, January 2007. We thank you all for your support this year and look foward to continued collaboration in the years to come. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a fabulous 2007. Best wishes Alice Munyua Evelyne Majale Judy Kimiti Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com ___________________________________________________________ All New Yahoo! Mail – Tired of Vi@gr@! come-ons? Let our SpamGuard protect you. http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

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KICTANET CLOSING DATES
by Judy kimiti 21 Dec '06

21 Dec '06

Dear members, partners, colleagues and friends Greetings. Please note that the KICTANet secretariat will be closed for the christmas holidays from Thursday 21st, 2006 to Thursday 8th, January 2007. We thank you all for your support this year and look foward to continued collaboration in the years to come. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a fabulous 2007. Best wishes Alice Munyua Evelyne Majale Judy Kimiti Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

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Brain drain is a myth so don�t shed tears for it
by Wainaina Mungai 19 Dec '06

19 Dec '06

Brain drain is a myth so dont shed tears for it By Angeyo Kalambuka ( SOURCE: http://www.eastandard.net ) It has become fashionable to lament the brain drain. On the surface, the loss of professionals to the West or other progressive countries looks gloomy. In academic and research circles, there is a concerted raid by overseas groups on our scientific talent. There is an overall feeling of gloom and despair in medicine and engineering about our ability to recruit and retain talented professionals. But the brain drain concept is misleading if not plain wrong. It is a myth. It is bogus to debate it in modern times. Some economists have even calculated how many billions Africa has lost and the West gained from brain drain. That if it costs $5,000 (Sh350,000) to train an engineer in Africa and $100,000 (Sh7 million) in America, there is a drain of $95,000 (Sh6.65 million) when an engineer moves from Africa to the US. This logic makes no sense. First, it assumes that the true value of goods or services is the cost of producing it in the importing country, not the exporting country. The West supplies aeroplanes and weapons that we do not make. So, does it make sense to say there is a huge aeroplane and weapons drain from the West to Africa? Does it matter if highly skilled Africans leave? The genuine answer is No. There is no reason for anyone to agonise over the loss of our best and brightest. There is probably more brain drain from Europe to America, and from elsewhere to Africa, than there is from Africa to the rest of the world combined. But Europeans and Americans are not anxious because they know that economics usually prevails over protectionist sentiments. I celebrate the success of a Kenyan engineer in the Silicon Valley. The global labour market and entrepreneurial capital is just as competitive as any other business. Most talented people go where there is opportunity for growth, meritocracy, peaceful life, order in political and public life and a reasonable chance of prosperity. Even conservative societies such as Japan and Germany have acknowledged the need for qualified foreign work force, and they issue thousands of green cards. It is easy to note that skilled talent is the scarcest commodity in the world and competition for it is stiff. Realism should be the crying need. We are not desperate for quality work force and entrepreneurial talent. Why do we agonise losing our best and at the same time passionately pretend to believe in free trade? Why should we demur when it comes to globalisation of labour? Western experts have provided technology to Africa for generations. Does it follow, therefore, that there is an infinitely large technology drain from abroad to Africa? When a foreign technical expert comes to Kenya, we pay for his services. But when an African doctor migrates to the West, Africa gets no payment. Is that a drain? It is not because huge flows of brainpower in the reverse direction are free too. The overwhelming bulk of brainpower used in our universities is from research done in the West. No Kenyan pays for Albert Einstens knowledge or the huge flow of knowledge in scientific journals. Let us concede that much of the flow of free knowledge is from the rich to poor countries. Yes, we lose brainpower in form of engineers and academics among others. And, yes, we enjoy a huge import of free brainpower in a multitude of forms. But on balance, we get far more than we supply. We should stop being fixated with the brain drain for there are flows of global brainpower, ideas and creativity. The biggest flow is of brainpower in goods and services made with the latest technology. On balance, such technology constitutes a massive net flow of brainpower from rich to poor countries. The reverse in the so-called brain drain is tiny compared to the huge flow of goods and services. Most research development and academic is done in rich countries. Research budgets in the West for producing entertainment, books and other products are huge. Much of it results in not just superior, but also cheaper goods. The low cost of production reflects enormous brainpower that went into cost reduction. Innovation in technology is extremely expensive. To progress, rich countries spend enormous resources on research and development. But poor and extremely disorganized countries such as Kenya leapfrog from traditional, craft technology to modern technologies quickly and at little cost, with little research effort of their own. This gives us a huge advantage: Catching up with technology leaders is easier and faster than developing it. Rapid catch up possibilities have enabled developing countries to grow much faster than rich ones. China or the South-East Asian tigers now register eight to 10 per cent economic growth for using Western technical and managerial input. But the main sources of innovation, including the US, cannot average more than three per cent annual growth. We ought to also bear in mind that not only are our best and brightest going overseas, but the mediocre and the average, too, and earn money in low skill jobs such as sales, building and cleaning. Further, the majority of the so-called talented Africans who go to the West do not engage in any work that requires the best of their brains per se. Finally, the brain drain we waste locally constitutes a far bigger loss than we are ready to admit. Africa gets a net inflow of brainpower. The question is whether our gain would be greater if we did not lose many skilled people to the West. It is a difficult one to answer. --- The writer is a lecturer at the University of Nairobi ---

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Fw: [AU-Monitor] Fahamu conference on mobile technology
by alice＠apc.org 19 Dec '06

19 Dec '06

----- Original Message ----- From: "Binaifer Nowrojee" <bnowrojee(a)osiea.org> To: "Kevin Ombajo" <kombajo(a)yahoo.com>; "A. Wanjira Munyua" <alice(a)apc.org> Cc: "Juliana Osodo" <josodo(a)osiea.org>; "Mugambi Kiai" <mkiai(a)osiea.org> Sent: Monday, December 18, 2006 10:54 PM Subject: FW: [AU-Monitor] Fahamu conference on mobile technology FYI -----Original Message----- From: au-monitor-bounces(a)fahamu.org [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Patrick Burnett Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 8:57 AM To: au-monitor(a)fahamu.org Subject: [AU-Monitor] Fahamu conference on mobile technology Dear All, I thought you might be interested in this workshop/conference that Fahamu is developing on the use of mobile technology in Africa. Please let us know if you are interested, feel free to pass the information on to your networks and do let us know if you know of any interesting mobile technology initiatives in your country or region. Please reply to fahamumobile(a)gmail.com and not to the list. Best, Patrick Patrick Burnett Contributing Editor Fahamu www.fahamu.org >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Pambazuka News www.pambazuka.org >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mobile phones for social justice: Calls for expressions of interest Fahamu www.fahamu.org Mobile phone technologies have taken Africa by storm. The technology has raised new possibilities for activism by human rights and social justice organisations and for service delivery in fields such as health care, banking and agricultural information. In 2007, Fahamu and Tactical Tech will hold a conference in Nairobi, Kenya, that will aim to enable those using mobile phone technologies in activism or service delivery work to exchange their experiences of using the technology in the African context and plan strategies to support their work. The conference will explore areas related to the use of mobile technology in the African context, future trends, best practice and available tools and resources. The conference will establish an African regional network of those who use mobile phone technologies and facilitate an ongoing support network. The meeting will also lead to the development of a toolkit on mobile phones put together by an international team of practitioners with relevant expertise. As part of the development of this initiative, Fahamu is conducting research to consult widely and involve as many interested parties as possible in the network and 2007 conference. Fahamu would like to hear from you if you have: - Used, are currently using, or planning to use, mobile phone technology in human rights and social justice work in Africa; - Used or are currently using mobile phones in service delivery work in Africa; - Developed or are in the process of developing technologies related to mobile phones; - Plan to use mobile phone technologies in the future in Africa. Interested individuals and organisations are asked to send an expression of interest not longer than one page to fahamumobile(a)gmail.com with the following information: - Name of organisation or individual - Contact Details - Country - Nature of past, existing or planned work involving mobile technology, including a description of the project, the problem it sought to address and its successes or failures. Alternatively, we would welcome seeing any reports you may have produced (any such information will be treated confidentially if that is your preference). If you would like to discuss this on the phone (preferably using something like Skype) please let us know. It is envisaged that the conference will be held in May 2007. Funds will be available for travel, accommodation and limited expenses of invited participants. Further information about Fahamu can be found at www.fahamu.org and www.pambazuka.org _______________________________________________ Au-monitor mailing list Au-monitor(a)fahamu.org http://lists.fahamu.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/au-monitor African Union Monitor list managed by Fahamu - Networks for Social Justice (http://www.fahamu.org) Subscribe to Pambazuka News (http://www.pambazuka.org)

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VISION 2030 Meeting Agenda
by Judy kimiti 18 Dec '06

18 Dec '06

Dear Member, Please find attached the Agenda for the Vision 2030 Meeting on 21st December 2006 at the Jacaranda Hotel , 3:00pm. For logistics purposes, please RSVP to the undersigned your attendance. Thank You Yours Faithfully Judy Kimiti KICTANet ___________________________________________________________ The all-new Yahoo! Mail goes wherever you go - free your email address from your Internet provider. http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

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Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Access to learning Award: applications 2007
by alice＠apc.org 18 Dec '06

18 Dec '06

See attached the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Access to Learning Award (ATLA) 2007 Award. >The Award recognizes excellence in providing >public access to information through computers, >at no cost to the user. The focus is on >libraries and other information centers. The >recipient will receive an award of up to US $1 >million. Have to stress that the award for work >already completed or in progress, it is not a >grant. > >Application form attached. More >information at ><http://www.inasp.info/ldp/awards/> . >Closing date is 31 December 2006, short notice. >Applications must be emailed or postmarked no >later than December 31. > >Best, > >Adam

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CTO Funding
by alice＠apc.org 18 Dec '06

18 Dec '06

Dear Members, The Commonwealth Secretariat is inviting governments, NGOs and academic institutions to submit project proposals that can help bridge the digital divide. For details and application form, please see: http://www.commonwealthfoundation.com/news/news/detail.cfm?id=277 The deadline is Jan 05, 2007

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Autoreply: Job opening at APC: Africa ICT policy advocacy coordinator
by eadera＠idrc.or.ke 16 Dec '06

16 Dec '06

I am on Leave from 18th December 2006 to 7th January 2007. For any urgent matters, please contact Gladys Githaiga ggithaiga(a)idrc.or.ke) or Nancy Ndungu (nndungu(a)idrc.or.ke)

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Job opening at APC: Africa ICT policy advocacy coordinator
by alice＠apc.org 16 Dec '06

16 Dec '06

Job opening at APC: Africa ICT policy advocacy coordinator BERLIN, Germany -- Job opening at APC: Africa ICT policy advocacy coordinator APC has played a role with other stakeholders in advocacy for the reduction of the cost of international connectivity in Africa. This regional strategy has focused on the East and Southern African Submarine Cable System (EASSy) and the SAT3/SAFE/WASC cable for West Africa. The advocacy work focuses on bringing a civil society perspective to bear on the policy and regulatory structure of these initiatives. It requires tracking the issues, engaging regional policy institutions and stakeholders in government, NEPAD, international institutions, regulators, the private sector, civil society, research centres and the media. It also involves disseminating research and information on the issues at stake as well as scanning the horizon for emerging issues related to information and communications for development and internet governance in Africa, and making connections with global policy forums like the Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID) and the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The Africa information and communication technology (ICT) policy advocacy coordinator is responsible for the coordination and tracking of all ICT advocacy issues within the region and engaging all stakeholders. Application deadline: Tuesday, 31 January 2007, 15:00 UTC Start date: As soon as possible. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES . Develop and implement the APC regional ICT policy advocacy strategy with regard to information and communication technology and development, and internet governance . Work closely with the Africa ICT policy monitor coordinator and the Africa ICT policy researcher to jointly develop research and information dissemination strategies . Network and participate in regional ICT policy processes and with key regional policy institutions and stakeholders in government, NEPAD, international institutions, the private sector, civil society, research centres, regulators and the media in Africa . Report and document regional advocacy initiatives . Participate in the global APC policy programme strategy regarding the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and the Global Alliance on ICT and Development (GAID) JOB REQUIREMENTS . Excellent project management skills . Knowledge of ICT policy advocacy issues in the region, as well as globally . Experience of working in networks and managing partnerships . Experience in information management and dissemination . Work experience in an international context . Online work experience . Good presentation skills . Ability to work as part of a team . Ability to communicate in English and French (written and verbal) . Live in Africa Additional desirable qualities include: . Familiarity with ICT-based civil society networks like the APC ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS The Africa ICT policy advocacy coordinator reports to the communication and information policy programme manager and works closely with other members of the team. Most of the work will take place in online discussion spaces, email groups and mailing lists. LOCATION AND WORK CONDITIONS The successful applicant is expected to provide his/her own computer, have access to the internet and a fax machine and work during normal office hours. While much of the work will take place online, some travel to meetings, conferences and workshops, within Africa and internationally, is expected. REMUNERATION This is a full time, one year fixed term/renewable contract. Remuneration is based on APC's salary scale for the position and includes an adjustment that will reflect the cost of living of the successful applicant's country of residence. For more information on the salary range, contact jobs(a)apc.org. ABOUT APC The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is an international network of civil society organisations dedicated to empowering and supporting groups and individuals working for peace, human rights, development and protection of the environment, through the strategic use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), including the internet. For more information about APC, visit: http://www.apc.org HOW TO APPLY Send a covering letter and detailed CV (as an attachment) which include the following information: . A description of your interest in working with APC in this position . Your experience related to the job requirements listed above . Where you live . A rating of the languages you speak and write . A description of your computer skills . Experience of working in networks and managing partnerships . Work experience in an international context . Online work experience . Other information you think might be of importance to our assessment of your application . Three (3) references: names, relationship and their contact details. Please send this information via email to jobs(a)apc.org with the subject line: "Africa ICT policy advocacy coordinator". Application deadline: Tuesday, 31 January 2007, 15:00 UTC Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted. Any applications received with viruses will be disqualified automatically. http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=5047031

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IP - the Future of Intellectual Property
by John Walubengo 13 Dec '06

13 Dec '06

For those who may want to move from IP (Internet Protocols) into Intellectual Property (another IP), check this out... http://www.re-public.gr/en/?p=93 walu. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Have a burning question? Go to www.Answers.yahoo.com and get answers from real people who know.

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Vision 2030 Discussion - Date Correction
by Judy kimiti 13 Dec '06

13 Dec '06

Dear Member, Please Note this meeting will be on 21st December, 3:00pm Jacaranda Hotel and not 21st November as earlier indicated. My apologies for this and hope to see you on the said date. Thank you Yours Faithfully Judy Kimiti ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Judy kimiti <jkimiti01(a)yahoo.co.uk> To: kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke Sent: Monday, 11 December, 2006 12:47:50 PM Subject: Vision 2030 Discussion Dear Member, We wish to invite you for a discussion and broader understanding on how we can work together and contribute to the development of the Vision 2030. The discussion will be VISION 2030 : Catalyzing the Vision through ICT by Mr. Francis Mwaura, E-gov Directorate and will take place on 21st November 2006, 3:00pm, Jacaranda Hotel at the KICTANET Monthly meeting. The presentation is meant to give members first hand information and provide a platform for members to give input. We look forward having you join us at for this presentaion and also request that you please RSVP your attendance to the undersigned for logistics purpose. Thank You Yours Faithfully, Judy Kimiti KICTANET Tel: 4453671 / 2 Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

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Re: [Kictanet] Vision 2030 Discussion
by Judy kimiti 13 Dec '06

13 Dec '06

Greetings Mucheru, My apologies for that, yes it is 21st Dec, see you then Thanks and best regards Judy ----- Original Message ---- From: Joseph Mucheru <mucheru(a)wananchi.com> To: jkimiti01(a)yahoo.co.uk Sent: Tuesday, 12 December, 2006 6:19:16 AM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Vision 2030 Discussion See you then! I take it it is 21st December and not November? -- Joseph Mucheru Chief Executive mucheru(a)wananchi.com Wananchi Online Ltd Voted ISP of the Year 2006 Computer Society of Kenya Annual Awards 30th November 2006 Panari Hotel, Nairobi Are you hosting your domain name with the leaders??: See http://webhosting.info/webhosts/tophosts/Country/KE > From: Judy kimiti <jkimiti01(a)yahoo.co.uk> > Reply-To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> > Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2006 09:47:50 +0000 (GMT) > To: <mucheru(a)wananchi.com> > Subject: [Kictanet] Vision 2030 Discussion > > Dear Member, > > We wish to invite you for a discussion and broader understanding on how we can > work together and contribute to the development of the Vision 2030. The > discussion will be VISION 2030 : Catalyzing the Vision through ICT by Mr. > Francis Mwaura, E-gov Directorate and will take place on 21st November 2006, > 3:00pm, Jacaranda Hotel at the KICTANET Monthly meeting. The presentation is > meant to give members first hand information and provide a platform for > members to give input. > > We look forward having you join us at for this presentaion and also request > that you please RSVP your attendance to the undersigned for logistics purpose. > > Thank You > > Yours Faithfully, > Judy Kimiti > KICTANET > Tel: 4453671 / 2 > > Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Please unsubscribe or change your options at > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mucheru%40wananchi.com _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jkimiti01%40yahoo.co.uk ___________________________________________________________ All new Yahoo! Mail "The new Interface is stunning in its simplicity and ease of use." - PC Magazine http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

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Vision 2030 Discussion
by Judy kimiti 12 Dec '06

12 Dec '06

Dear Member, We wish to invite you for a discussion and broader understanding on how we can work together and contribute to the development of the Vision 2030. The discussion will be VISION 2030 : Catalyzing the Vision through ICT by Mr. Francis Mwaura, E-gov Directorate and will take place on 21st November 2006, 3:00pm, Jacaranda Hotel at the KICTANET Monthly meeting. The presentation is meant to give members first hand information and provide a platform for members to give input. We look forward having you join us at for this presentaion and also request that you please RSVP your attendance to the undersigned for logistics purpose. Thank You Yours Faithfully, Judy Kimiti KICTANET Tel: 4453671 / 2 Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

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ICT bill .....does it fit the bill?
by frank＠ace-media.net 11 Dec '06

11 Dec '06

I'd like to support Rebecca's point of view. A while back one lister asked to know what are the actual contents of the draft presented to the AG. Are listers in agreement with the version hosted on www.information.go.ke? Dated Feb 2006? Has the bill incorporated the recommendations by KIF and do we know that for a fact? Unless I have overlooked something, the version on information.go.ke, dated feb 06, does not expressly or comprehensively cover data protection, copyright and intellectual property issues - issues which I think are to e-commerce (and BPO and IT Outsourcing) what spark plugs and fuel are to an automobile engine. I hear that media owners are not in agreement with the proposed restrictions on cross-ownership and ownership of newspapers by radio and TV licence holders (Ahead of an election year, coupled with an anti-media stance from various quarters in government, perhaps some more questions should be raised to this as well). Thus, to expect a bill to be passed in record time may not necessarily be an indicator of parliament's competence. The debate envisaged on issues of broadcasting will only serve to delay its enactment, to the detriment of the ICT sector. Francis Hook From: Rebecca Wanjiku <rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com> Subject: [Kictanet] eCommerce Legislation, so near and yet so far. To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Message-ID: <291576.79333.qm(a)web57710.mail.re3.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Walu, strong as it maybe, it has taken ten years, i may have used strong words but in my opinion, the government hasnt shown much commitment apart from singing how ICTs can improve our lives and you are right, some bills have been passed in record time, yet one maybe tempted to think the government is very committed, but to what extent, thats just the way i see it!! Rebecca John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Rebecca, Your comment ''...Kenya has no ICT law, doesn?t seem to care much about e-commerce whether in country or between Kenya and other countries''...may be abit on the stronger side. I believe the relevant Kenyan agencies both in Govt, Private Sector and Civil society do care and have made and continue to make effort towards a legalised eCommerce environment. The current Kenyan ICT policy does take cognisance of the significance that eCommerce has and the draft ICT Bill (2006) does make attempts to legalise this e-environment. What could be lacking is a mechanism for fast-tracking the issues i.e. escalating the time frame between Policy, Bill and Law. Indeed, the last bit - enacting law is the trickiest since it lies at the mercy of Parliamenterians (MPs)... Nevertheless, there could be interventions tailored to gain Parliamentary 'buy-in'. After all, they have been known to pass some Bills in record-time, why not the e-Bills? walu. -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ .

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Fwd: [Stock-Detective News] Research Unit Launched
by Bill Kagai 09 Dec '06

09 Dec '06

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: info(a)circuitspackets.co.ke <info(a)circuitspackets.co.ke> Date: Dec 7, 2006 12:29 PM Subject: [Stock-Detective News] Research Unit Launched To: news(a)stock-detective.co.ke Following numerous requests by our readers for detailed analysis of various listed companies, stock-detective will now be offering our subscribers a customised package comprising price movement alerts as well as detailed analysis of the companies' performance, strategy and new products. We have now launched a Research Unit headed by Mr. Kingori Choto, a lawyer/researcher by profession and previously with Market Intelligence. To subscribe to this new service, please visit: www.stock-detective.co.ke/research With Kind Regards, Bildad Kagai MD - Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd Content & Training Partner - JKUAT E-Government Academy Suite B2, Tetu Apartments, State House Avenue P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel. 254 20 2728332 Fax. 254 20 2726965 URL. www.circuitspackets.co.ke URL. www.JKUATEgovAcademy.ac.ke URL. www.stock-detective.co.ke _______________________________________________ News mailing list News(a)stock-detective.co.ke http://www.stock-detective.co.ke:8080/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/news

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Re: [Kictanet] IS ICANN IMPORTANT?
by Florence Etta 07 Dec '06

07 Dec '06

Thanks Becky for this valuable and insightful piece. I would ask what can KICTANEt and or similar networks do about this. This is for me ois the bigger question. Cheers, FE Florence Etta P.O. Box 14285,00800 Westlands-Nairobi, Kenya Tel: Mobile + 254-733-621851 Terrestrial: + 254-20-7121506 Fax: + 254-20-7125732 Alternative Email:[email protected] ----- Original Message ---- From: Rebecca Wanjiku <rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com> To: feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk Sent: Tuesday, 5 December, 2006 9:36:41 PM Subject: [Kictanet] IS ICANN IMPORTANT? PLAYING THE CATCH UP GAME- AFRICAN STYLE By Rebecca Wanjiku Paul Odhiambo is an ICT officer at the Ministry of Education in Kenya . He is used to the technical jargon and all issues relating to the information society. But attending the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) meeting is not that easy for Odhiambo. In some of the sessions, he finds himself in unfarmiliar territory. Why ? afterall he is a techie ! Because at the meetings, participants discuss about ICT laws and how they can be made responsive to people´s demands and privacies. For instance, during discussions on WHOIS, participants discuss issues on how much information should be available to the public and whether such information should be shared accross the sectors. Then there are other issues on the menu like security concerns and the usual business aspect of e-commerce. Legal issues are also discussed regarding applicable laws in case of cross country trade. For example, if importing a car from Dubai , if it’s damaged at sea and you bought it online, which courts can you seek redress? Kenyan court or Dubai . Odhiambo may find himself in unfamiliar territory because Kenya has no ICT law, doesn’t seem to care much about e-commerce whether in country or between Kenya and other countries. Odhiambo´s story is probably the story of many African participants at ICANN meetings. Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia seem to be operating on a different level compared to Africa . While the rest are discussing progressive issues, African delegates can only watch and say, we have our issues- access, and policy formulation. But for how long will Africa cling on to the problems as an excuse? Take for example the issue of access, those who were in the ICT industry will maybe confirm that some African heads have sang this song of the digital divide, lack of access and lack of money. But the leaders have gyrated and swung their hips at the prospect of development that ICT holds. Whilst the question of infrastructure and finance maybe understood, what about policy formulation, can that be understood too? Many of us stay home and wonder why ICANN meetings are important. Some may view it as a travel club or a playground for techies. While you wonder what label to give them, these guys are making policies that could affect you. What are you doing about it? Ends Rebecca Wanjiku, journalist, p.o box 33515, Nairobi.00600 Kenya. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ Want to start your own business? Learn how on Yahoo! Small Business._______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/feanywhere%40yahoo.co.uk Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

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KICTANets Monthly Minutes and KDN Presentation
by Judy kimiti 07 Dec '06

07 Dec '06

Dear Member, Please find attached the minutes of the Planning Meeting that took place on 9th November 2006 and the KDN Presentation by Kai Wulff . Thank You. Yours Faithfully Judy Kimiti KICTANet Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com ___________________________________________________________ All new Yahoo! Mail "The new Interface is stunning in its simplicity and ease of use." - PC Magazine http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

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Women in ICTs in South Africa - final reports released
by A. Wanjira Munyua 04 Dec '06

04 Dec '06

A comprehensive study on the status of women in high-level ICTs in South Africa has recently been completed. A separate Manual of Possible Interventions has been produced alongside the status report - this maps out six possible programmes with a breakdown of activities and possible role players to take these actions forward. A third report shares international experiences, with particular emphasis on Finland. This has provided useful insights for consideration in addressing South Africa's needs. The three documents can be accessed at: http://women-in-ict.meraka.csir.co.za <http://women-in-ict.meraka.csir.co.za/> The report looks at how girls and women are progressing (or not) in the education system and the workplace. It presents gender-disaggregated data on the current situation and reflects on the perceptions of women in ICTs, including those in leadership positions. There has been some improvement in the participation of women in the sector, but the numbers are still low and increasing the levels of participation requires urgent attention. Various support mechanisms are in place to help women in the ICT sector but they are fragmented and uncoordinated. Recommendations for addressing these needs have been expanded in the Manual of Interventions. The work was the result of a South African-Finnish partnership between the Meraka Institute (CSIR), icteum consulting and the University of Oulu, Finland (Kajaani Consortium). Other South African collaborators include the Human Sciences Research Council, WomensNet and the Tshwane University of Technology. The study was funded by the Embassy of Finland, South Africa. For further details contact: Tina James (project leader) icteum consulting tjames(a)intekom.co.za Tel: +27 12 346-8264 Ronel Smith Meraka Institute Rsmith2(a)csir.co.za -- A. Wanjira Munyua National Coordinator, Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA) Association for Progressive Communications (APC) alice(a)apc.org http://www.apc.org http://www.catia.ws Cell: +254 733 731074

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TAKE BACK THE TECH! Reclaiming ICTs to End Violence Against Women
by A. Wanjira Munyua 04 Dec '06

04 Dec '06

Please help disseminate. Apologies for crossposting *********************************************************** TAKE BACK THE TECH! Reclaiming ICTs to End Violence Against Women www.takebackthetech.net 25 November - 10 December *********************************************************** Day 8: Digital Storytelling be heard - tell your story --------------------------- Listen to survivors of violence against women take up multimedia technology, and tell their own powerful and transformative stories. Digital storytelling by Silence Speaks [www.silencespeaks.org] is an initiative that makes it possible for survivors and witnesses of violence to come together in small groups, reflect on their gender training and experiences of abuse, and tell their stories in their own words, sounds and images. Few opportunities exist for survivors to tell their stories in their own words. Silence Speaks fills this gap by connecting survivors and witness of abuse with their creativity and making their voices the centerpiece of violence prevention and social justice efforts. Bearing witness to these stories moves the issue from the individual to the collective, and offers hope for ending the violence. Twelve powerful stories are showcased on Take Back The Tech!, in partnership between Silence Speaks and APC Women's Programme. Listen deeply. [www.takebackthetech.net/actions/storytelling.htm] ************* Action Day 8 ************* A study [http://www.stopvaw.org/Prevalence_of_Domestic_Violence.html] based on 50 surveys from around the world shows that at least 1 in every 3 women has been beaten, coerced into sex, or abused in her lifetime. Depressing statistics. But at the same time, think of all the women that you know. Grrls and women that you have chatted with on the bus, at some party, waiting for the elevator, at a work function, distant relatives, their partners.. There are so many survivors amongst us. 1 in every 3 women whom we come across has experienced targeted and senseless violence; and they are just. fine. We walk amongst unnamed sheroes; with stories of tenacity, courage and everyday survival. Action begins from reality. Tell your story. Use technology to amplify your voice. If the rabble is loud in its protest, if 1 in 3 women speak their case, then reality might start to look a little less ridiculous. . Go to "Talk Tech & VAW" [http://www.takebackthetech.net/talktech.htm] . Click on "Share Your Story" . Start telling yours! -- Take Back The Tech Day 8: Digital Storytelling be heard - tell your story www.takebackthetech.net _______________________________________________ Grace mailing list Grace(a)lists.apcwomen.org http://lists.apcwomen.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grace

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Re: [Kictanet] [Fibre-for-africa] Whats i have being talking of as a public private partnership in ownership of the critical infrastructur
by Eric Osiakwan 04 Dec '06

04 Dec '06

Dear All, In my rush to attend to some emergency yesterday i did not read over so ended up with french (not good enough french for Bill to read.....:-) instead of english so please allow me to come again. Also this is being monitored on the KICTANET list so i have made an extension to them as well as to the AfrISPA list on which this is taking space. Anriette, The principle is the same however since EASSy was spanning multiple jurisdictions, it waranted multiple platforms for the stock market activity but the Kenyan one (TEAMS) is a single domain so in my mind the question should be "would it make sense for it to trade on one exchange or the multiple approach would generate much scale in terms of the financial lifting that is expected and the activities thereoff?" In someway Brian seems to suggest a multiple approach but i have a knowledge deficit of the East African Stock markets co- operatin and how this may work. Am aware that SWOPNET in Tanzania is similar to KICTANET and iNETWORK in Uganda also has the same semblance so if KICTANET liases with those camps we could get some country info on the dynamics at play or someone from the lists could feed us with some knowledge (at least am interested in knowing.....:-) YES, it looks like a race (NOT A RAT RACE...:-) but the precedent of very low cost bandwidth and non-discriminatory practise must be a guiding light. Eric here NB: Bill, thanks for the heads up. For those who are seeing this for the first time, below is MY french version of the english rendition above so if you dont understand the french dont worry, just stick to the english and you would not have missed anything at all.....:-) On 27 Nov 2006, at 20:06, Eric M.K Osiakwan wrote: > Anriette, > > The principle is the same however since EASSy was spanning multiple > jurisdictions then it warantted multiple platforms for the stock > market activity but the Kenyan one is a single domain so in my mind > should be that would is make sense for it to trade on one exchange > or the multiple approach would generate much scale in terms of the > financial lifting the expected activities? > > YES, it looks like arade but the precedent of very low cost and non- > discriminatory practise must be a guiding light. > > Eric here > > > On 27 Nov 2006, at 22:19, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > >> Dear Eric >> >> A group of us APC people actually discussed your idea quite >> intensively a >> while ago. >> >> The one difference between what is happening here, and what you >> propose, >> is that the Kenyan initiative will involve only one stock >> exchange.... so, if the >> IPO continues, it will be listed in Kenya... as far as I know. >> >> Your proposal would have involved the 'entity' listing on multiple >> stock >> exchanges.... that would have been much more complicated. >> >> Seeing these new financial models emerge is very interesting. And >> it does >> feel a bit like a race... whose cable will light up first? Who >> will sell the >> cheapest bandwidth? Any bets? >> >> Anriette >> >> >>> Folks, >>> >>> Below is exactly what i have being chanting as a way forward in the >>> ownership of the infrastructure; The Kenya Government will have a 40 >>> per cent holding in the project, Etisalat 20% and the remaining 40% >>> will go to investors in the East African region. The Government has >>> said it will organise an IPO on the Kenyan Stock Exchange. Several >>> Kenyan companies have expressed interest and one said that the >>> Government had told them it would "guarantee their loan". The >>> details of the finance package have not yet been settled but it is >>> unclear where the Kenyan Government will raise its 40% from. Will >>> the >>> World Bank simply shift a portion of its EASSy funding to the new >>> project as many think likely? >>> >>> NB; From this week's Balancing Act, full story below for your >>> pleasure. >>> >>> Thank God the Kenya are experimenting with this approach where >>> government owns part, private sector owns part, educational >>> institutions should also own part, CSO owns part through IPO on the >>> stock market. >>> >>> The Kenya government can actually raise the 40% from government >>> bonds >>> and am not an expert on the stock market discipline of shares or >>> bonds but this is where the financial experts need to come out with >>> innovative solutions that can help raise much of this money locally >>> and it is possible. >>> >>> In the attached paper which is an output of the great work Rahul >>> Tongia did with some colleagues and little input from me, it is >>> clear >>> that we could actually wire Africa up with fiber to the most >>> population densed centres for a billion dollars whcih means if every >>> African put a dollar on the table we could wire Africa up with fiber >>> and 50 percent of that dark fiber already exist - what does that >>> mean >>> to you as an African? >>> >>> >>> You Kenyans are showing the way and even it it does not work you >>> would be know for showing us how this model is not workable and then >>> we can try another. We Africans must try new ways of doing these >>> things and make our own mistakes and find our own solutions to our >>> problems but learn to avoid the mistakes of the Americans, Europeans >>> and Asians. Thank God for this BOLD move, it is commendable. >>> >>> >>> TOP STORY: KENYA BEGINS THE COUNTDOWN TO CHEAP INTERNATIONAL FIBRE >>> ____________________________________________________________________ >>> _ >>> >>> It´s like waiting for a matatu. You wait for ages and none come >>> along. But just when you´re about to give up hope, three come along >>> at the same time, all trying to come to a screaming halt in front of >>> you. Kenya now has three (or more) potential international fibre >>> projects that could be complete within 12 months. Each one is loudly >>> proclaiming that it will deliver cheap international bandwidth. >>> Russell Southwood took the temperature in the market last week about >>> what the impact of this bandwidth will be upon the market. >>> >>> The Kenya Government has signed an MOU to build a fibre link to >>> Fujairah >>> in the UAE currently costed at Ksh5.7 billion. The construction and >>> supply contract will be awarded early next year and the project, >>> dubbed The East African Marine System (Teams), will be ready by >>> November, according to a joint statement issued by both parties from >>> Dubai. Many in the sector believe that it will be more like 19 >>> months >>> or more before completion. >>> >>> The Kenya Government will have a 40 per cent holding in the project, >>> Etisalat 20% and the remaining 40% will go to investors in the East >>> African region. The Government has said it will organise an IPO >>> on the >>> Kenyan Stock Exchange. Several Kenyan companies have expressed >>> interest and one said that the Government had told them it would >>> "guarantee their loan". The details of the finance package have >>> not yet been settled but it is unclear where the Kenyan Government >>> will raise its 40% from. Will the World Bank simply shift a >>> portion of >>> its EASSy funding to the new project as many think likely? >>> >>> The Government´s commitment to a 12 month schedule is a bold move >>> but one that must lay them open to a certain amount of >>> scepticism. The >>> tender for expressions of interest was only issued 2 weeks ago and >>> Government timetabling is notoriously slow compared to the private >>> sector. Apparently the Private Secretary has been telling interested >>> parties that the Government wants prices comparable to those to be >>> found in India in 12 months time. This benchmark has been set in >>> order >>> that Kenya will be able to compete in the international outsourcing >>> market. >>> >>> Apparently a number of interested parties said that they would >>> put up >>> all the money to build it if they could have a monopoly and he sent >>> them away disappointed. But more worryingly one interested party >>> told >>> us that it could only get involved if it also allowed Telkom >>> Kenya to >>> be a shareholder. >>> >>> The next international fibre project is KDN´s and it has now signed >>> its contract with Flag Telecom. Its link from Mombasa will terminate >>> in an undersea junction in international waters off of the Yemen. It >>> says the link will be fully operational in the first quarter of >>> 2008, >>> just 15 months away. The company believes that it will come to >>> market >>> with capacity at $500 per mbps pm but that the price of bandwidth >>> will >>> go up to those wanting to invest as time passes. In other words, for >>> those who commit early prices will be lowest and for those who >>> come in >>> late, prices will go higher. It also stresses that its landing >>> station >>> at Mombasa will allow other carriers to co-locate there charging >>> only >>> electricity and services at cost. >>> >>> So this leaves the third project EASSy looking as if it will be the >>> third runner. NEPAD appears to have made little more progress on >>> persuading more African Governments to sign its political protocol. >>> And whilst the members of the EASSy consortium (that still includes >>> KDN and Telkom Kenya) are still moving things forward, there >>> remains a >>> disconnect between the political and commercial ends of the project. >>> If both of the above projects go ahead, there is clearly much less >>> need to build the Mombasa-Djibouti section of the route and it >>> has to >>> be said that both of the above projects have better international >>> connection points. >>> >>> As if three were not enough, Ethiopia´s ETC has now had its >>> international fibre connection working effectively for two months >>> via >>> Port Sudan and Saudi Arabia. But because it is landlocked and it had >>> endless fruitless arguments with Djibouti Telecom over control of a >>> possible fibre link, it wants to find a second international fibre >>> connection. Therefore it is in serious conversations with both of >>> Kenya´s fibre network operators about connecting to the Mombasa >>> links when they are ready. If this goes ahead, both it and Kenya >>> will >>> then have two international fibre links. >>> >>> Because the process of getting the international fibre to Kenya has >>> been both confusing and "on-off", everyone in the market >>> (including customers) have understandably not really grasped the >>> impact of its arrival on their businesses. Until now ISPs and >>> satellite resellers have largely been in the businesses of living on >>> the margin they make between buying and selling bandwidth. >>> >>> These margins have been kept high as they have concentrated on >>> selling >>> to comparatively few customers. Ironically it has been a high-price, >>> low volume business where their primary commodity - bandwidth - >>> has always been in short supply, not least because some of them >>> increased their margin by contending it as much as possible. This >>> has >>> meant that bandwidth quality is often variable at best for those not >>> paying "top dollar" for a premium service. >>> >>> If you argue that international fibre prices should be low price, >>> high >>> volume, then the national business model changes: what´s sauce for >>> the goose is sauce for the gander. Bandwidth becomes cheap and >>> plentiful at a sub $1000 threshold. The margins that can then be >>> charged make it difficult for those who are not operating at >>> volume to >>> stay in business. >>> >>> However it does now open up opportunities for new services, content >>> and applications that can be sold to customers who should now be >>> paying European prices for real broadband connections (1-2 meg >>> upwards) rather than the paltry 64 kbps they are currently >>> receiving. >>> There are at least 500,000 households in Kenya that are at an income >>> level that make them potential targets for broadband. It would take >>> only half of those households to sign up for there to be the >>> beginnings of a very different market. >>> >>> The real sign that the market has not "got it" is that some key >>> ISPs are not passing on the information about these soon-to-be cheap >>> prices but are seeking to protect their high margins by telling >>> customers higher prices. A heads-up, guys. The sector is a >>> village and >>> news will get round quickly and we´ll encourage the circulation of >>> this price information. The market´s about to change, get ready to >>> change with it. >>> >>> At the national level, there is now a third source of fibre >>> capacity. >>> Jamii Telecommunications has signed an agreement with the Kenya >>> Light >>> and Power Company (KPLC) to sell an STM1´s worth of its fibre >>> capacity in Nairobi and Mombasa, with KPLC saying that it will >>> triple >>> its capacity shortly. Two other companies - CTN and Cable Vision - >>> have been granted a licence to sell KPLC´s capacity and it is >>> telling (in terms of the argument above) that both are in the video >>> download and pay-TV business. Not so far afield, Tanzanian power >>> utility TANESCO is currently building out fibre capacity and has >>> invited bids to sell this capacity. Again KDN is poised to make a >>> fibre connection to Tanzania. >>> >>> However a recent ping on the Kampala-Nairobi route shows that >>> neither >>> KDN nor Telkom Kenya has got its fibre route operational. KDN is >>> promising it will be operational by the end of first quarter 2007 >>> and >>> that prices will be 20% cheaper. >>> >>> Elsewhere in the market, the new VoIP operators are finding it >>> difficult >>> to get interconnection agreements and to get proper service from >>> interconnect service providers. Telkom Kenya is charging absurdly >>> high >>> prices but has at least reached interconnect agreements. >>> Nevertheless >>> the new fixed wireless operators - Flashcom and Popote - are >>> having difficulties: customers are unable to receive or make >>> calls to >>> certain countries. Apparently anyone who calls a customer number of >>> these fixed wireless operators from Germany gets a number >>> unobtainable. >>> >>> Access Kenya´s Yello VoIP service has been aimed at corporates and >>> has attracted 250 customers who generate 120,000 minutes a month. >>> But >>> it has had difficulty getting interconnection agreements with the >>> mobile operators. It made a complaint to regulator CCK in April and >>> became so frustrated that it said it would run an advertisement >>> publicising the position. Safaricom came back to the table but >>> Celtel >>> refuses to enter discussions, saying that it will do so in its own >>> time. >>> >>> Kenyan ISPs are under heavy pressure from all the new operators. >>> Flashcom and Popote are taking more money from data than voice at >>> the >>> moment as customers are primarily signing up for cheaper Internet >>> access. Also the introduction of EDGE services by Safaricom is >>> eating >>> into their high-end customers: one ISP´s CEO admitted privately that >>> he was losing hundreds of customers a month to these new >>> competitors. >>> The challenge for everyone in the market will be whether they can >>> take >>> the soon-to-arrive cheaper international bandwidth and use it to >>> transform the market. >>> >>> >>> Eric M.K Osiakwan >>> Executive Secretary >>> AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) >>> Tel: + 233.21.258800 >>> Fax: + 233.21.258811 >>> Cell: + 233.244.386792 >>> Handle: eosiakwan >>> Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North >>> Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North >>> Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ >>> Slang: "Tomorrow Now" >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> >> ------------------------------------------------------ >> Anriette Esterhuysen, Executive Director >> Association for Progressive Communications >> anriette(a)apc.org >> http://www.apc.org >> PO Box 29755, Melville, South Africa. 2109 >> Tel. 27 11 726 1692 >> Fax 27 11 726 1692 >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Fibre-for-africa mailing list >> Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org >> http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa >> > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > ICT Consultant and Journalist > Tel: + 233.21.258800 > Fax: + 233.21.258811 > Cell: + 233.244.386792 > Handle: eosiakwan > Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North > Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ > Slang: "Tomorrow Now" > > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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Infrastructure Financing for TEAMS through the Capital Markets
by Bill Kagai 30 Nov '06

30 Nov '06

[Summary of TEAMS financing discussion on www.stock-detective.co.ke] At a recent seminar hosted by the Nairobi Stock Exchange, options for infrastructure financing through the capital markets were comprehensively discussed by various financial experts. It is worthwhile to consider various financing options for the East African Marine System or Teams project, a fiber optic line linking Mombasa to Fujaira, in the context of various options for infrastructure financing through the capital markets discussed at the seminar. A strong case was put forward for funding for infrastructure projects in Kenya through the NSE. Among the experts who made a pitch for the idea were NSE chairman Jimnah Mbaru, NSE CEO Chris Mwebesa, Suntra Investment Bank chairman James Murigu, and IFC Operations Officer for Financial Markets, Ndiritu Muriithi. Infrastructure financing through the capital markets is still in its infancy stages in Kenya. Yet there is a huge opportunity for companies and government agencies to raise money cheaply to build roads and power dams through bonds and shares at the Nairobi Stock Exchange given that the current government development budget stands at around Ksh. 70 billion. The cost of completing the Machakos-Limuru dual carriage section of the Mombasa-Busia highway alone is estimated to cost Ksh. 108 billion. This means that the government has to find alternative sources of funding (other than donor funding) to meet the massive shortfall in funding for infrastructure projects. The government has indicated that it will consider raising money through an IPO to finance the Teams project. It recently signed an MOU with Etisalat of Dubai to implement the Ksh. 5.7 billion project. The government will hold a 40 per cent stake in the project, Etisalat 20 per cent and the remaining 40 per cent will be offered to investors in the East African region. The government has set an ambitious date for the completion of the project by November next year. If the government proceeds with the IPO as indicated, the project is certain to generate considerable interest among investors given the potentially high returns and profits from the link once activated. But the question still begs an answer: why has infrastructure financing through the capital markets been slow to develop in Kenya even with the recent expansion of the stock market? In other words, why haven't institutions like Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Pipeline, National Housing Corporation, to mention just a few, been issuing to the public? Experts cite bureaucracy and lack of concise policy as the main bottlenecks to infrastructure financing through the domestic capital market. Mr. Muriithi is of the view that although the demand for infrastructure financing is huge, policy questions on issues like the role of the capital market in the process are not fully settled. He added that discussions are still on-going and that technical issues such as the financing structure, type of instruments and so on, were yet to be refined. He further noted that state owned enterprise have to obtain approval from Treasury to borrow money from the capital. Where such approval is not forthcoming especially considering red-tape and other internal bottlenecks, the opportunity to source funds cheaply from the investing public is squandered. Mr. Mbaru gave the example of East African Portland Cement which wanted to raise Ksh 2 billion through the capital markets to extend its line to Western Kenya and Uganda but shelved the plan after it failed to get Treasury approval. Mr. Murigu on his part argued that many SOEs went shopping abroad for financing while they could raise funds for infrastructure projects locally and at a cheaper cost. If the government is to successfully push through an IPO by mid-2007, Treasury approval will then have to come fast. Otherwise, the project could end up in the bog of red-tape as Treasury mandarins dillydally over approval. In seeking to raise financing for the project through the capital market, the government has a variety of options to consider. And critical here will be the manner in which the government structures the deal for investors. Mr. Mwebesa said of the market's ability to absorb infrastructure-backed instruments, that "if properly conceptualized and structured with detailed information on the specific infrastructure project, the capital markets will absorb the same". If the government chooses the IPO way, then it will have to create a special purpose vehicle whose shares it will then offer to the public. According to Mr. Mwebesa once such government-driven SPVs are listed in the NSE, bonds for specific infrastructure projects can then be issued by the SPV. Kenyans can then invest in such bonds through various vehicles such as pension funds, co-operative societies, insurance companies and collective investment schemes (companies or trusts created to mobilize investment funds from individuals). Pension funds are a good way of mobilizing investment in infrastructure bonds since the long-term financing needs of infrastructure projects match the long-term liability profiles of pension/retirement benefit schemes. Infrastructure or asset-backed bonds can provide income for retirees a few years down the line and are thus a viable investment option for pension fund managers. However, the law needs to be changed to facilitate such initiatives. In addition certain policy and tax incentives are needed to boost private sector participation. Mr. Mbaru proposes that income derived by investors from infrastructure-backed instruments be exempted from withholding tax to make them more attractive. He also proposes a 2-3 year grace period before interest payments to investors or alternatively the issue of zero-coupon bonds (bonds issued at a discount to the price and principal and interest paid lump-sum upon maturity) to finance such deals. There is no doubt that the Teams project can be financed through the NSE. It is up to the government to speed up the creation of an SPV as well as Treasury approval and also give investors an attractive value proposition. This is not to mention that public awareness of the viability of the Teams project and its importance to Kenya's ICT sector and the economy as a whole is very vital and a condition precedent to the success of the project. The government may also want to consider a cross-listing of the SPV once put in motion now that integration of the three stock exchanges is well under way. -- With Kind Regards, Bildad Kagai MD - Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd Content & Training Partner - JKUAT E-Government Academy Suite B2, Tetu Apartments, State House Avenue P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel. 254 20 2728332 Fax. 254 20 2726965 Cell. 254 724 226600 URL. www.circuitspackets.co.ke URL. www.JKUATEgovAcademy.ac.ke

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Fwd: [Stock-Detective News] Investing in the Teams Project
by Bill Kagai 29 Nov '06

29 Nov '06

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: info(a)circuitspackets.co.ke <info(a)circuitspackets.co.ke> Date: Nov 29, 2006 12:01 PM Subject: [Stock-Detective News] Investing in the Teams Project To: news(a)stock-detective.co.ke Posted by Admin on www.stock-detective.co.ke Investing in the Teams Project On 6th November, 2006, the Government of Kenya through the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) advertised an 'Expression of Interest' (EOI) for a 'Lead Financial Arranger' for the 'East Africa Marine System' (TEAMS) project. The EOI further read that ICT sector growth is limited by inadequate international connectivity and over-reliance on expensive satellite connectivity. After exploring other international connectivity alternatives with no tangible results realized to date, the situation compelled the Government to consider facilitating the construction of a submarine cable system with a landing port in Mombasa to be established through a special purpose vehicle (SPV). The 'Lead Financial Arranger' is thus required to facilitate an elaborate financing mechanism for this project. On 18th November 2006, the Government announced that Telkom Kenya had signed a Sh5.7 billion pact with Etisalat of Dubai paving the way for the construction of an undersea cable linking Mombasa to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. The construction and supply contract will be awarded early next year and the project, dubbed The East African Marine System (Teams), will be ready by November, according to a joint statement issued by both parties from Dubai. Kenya will have a 40 per cent holding in the project, Etisalat 20 and the remaining will go to investors in the East African region. There is no doubt that this will be a good investment with good returns for those who invest in the Teams project. The project will also open up opportunities such as business process outsourcing and electronic commerce for other sectors such as tourism. A significant chunk of the financing is expected to be realized through the stock market making it a first where capital to finance a project is generated from the investing public. As part of our 'Intelligent Investor Series' we invite you to submit your comments by clicking on the comment button on the home page of www.stock-detective.co.ke . We would like to know your opinion on the project and the fundamentals that might compel you to put in funds in this kind of a venture. The Stock-Detective will then develop a comprehensive report that will be shared on this website. www.stock-detective.co.ke _______________________________________________ News mailing list News(a)stock-detective.co.ke http://www.stock-detective.co.ke:8080/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/news -- -- With Kind Regards, Bildad Kagai MD - Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd Content & Training Partner - JKUAT E-Government Academy Suite B2, Tetu Apartments, State House Avenue P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel. 254 20 2728332 Fax. 254 20 2726965 Cell. 254 724 226600 URL. www.circuitspackets.co.ke URL. www.JKUATEgovAcademy.ac.ke

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Re: [Kictanet] [Fibre-for-africa] Whats i have being talking of as a public private partnership in ownership of the critical infrastructur
by Eric Osiakwan 29 Nov '06

29 Nov '06

Thanks for the feed-in, Bill. You raise a very genuine and important concern, which is how would the populace react to an IT stock which they are not familiar with given the track record of similar stocks? Was African Lakes on NSE as well or only on LSE? Eric here On 28 Nov 2006, at 15:38, Bill Kagai wrote: > > Trading in one stock exchange does not complicate matters because > institutional/foreign investors can still buy shares through the > NSE. One good thing is that the NSE is the dominat exchange in EA > with 51 listed companies and 3 or so cross listed in Dar and Kampala. > > Kampala has only 8 quoted companies and about a similar number in > Dar which will soon be trading under one exchange in a couple opf > years. > > The other interesting challenge will be how the stock is embraced > considering that the only IT stock ever listed (African Lakes) > collapsed after a while, whilst the anticipated Wananchi IPO has > not taken off yet. Basically, we are yet to see how the market will > react to IT related stocks. See the following links on the pilot > stock-detective.co.ke website we have been developing. > > http://www.stock-detective.co.ke > > and also on a discussion posted regarding Telkom upcoming listing.. > > http://www.stock-detective.co.ke/public-discussion-forum/public- > discussion-forum/post200609202612783179 > > > -- > -- > With Kind Regards, > Bildad Kagai > MD - Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd > Content & Training Partner - JKUAT E-Government Academy > Suite B2, Tetu Apartments, State House Avenue > P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 > Nairobi, Kenya > Tel. 254 20 2728332 > Fax. 254 20 2726965 > Cell. 254 724 226600 > URL. www.circuitspackets.co.ke > URL. www.JKUATEgovAcademy.ac.ke > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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DOT Capacity Building Training in Nairobi
by Joseph Maruti 28 Nov '06

28 Nov '06

DOT is running a youth and ICT capacity building program. See attached flyer. Those that have young friends/relatives that fit this profile and are available for the January intake should have them apply. Regards Maruti -- Joseph Maruti Country Director Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) Kenya <http://www.kenya.globalnetcorps.org> www.kenya.globalnetcorps.org <http://www.dotrust.org> www.dotrust.org p: +254 20 6751385 m: +254 725 153971 e: <mailto:[email protected]> jmaruti(a)globalnetcorps.org Cause, Measure, Share

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CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR ICT PROJECTS FOR FUNDING BY THE DIGITAL SOLIDARITY FUND
by alice＠apc.org 28 Nov '06

28 Nov '06

Dear All, This was advertised on the papers, but for those who did not see it, here goes! best regards alice -------------------------------------- CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR ICT PROJECTS FOR FUNDING BY THE DIGITAL SOLIDARITY FUND The Global Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF) is a financing foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland. The objective of the fund is to transform the digital divide into digital opportunities to promote peace, sustainable development, democracy, transparency and good governance. The Government of Kenya, through the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), is one of DSF’s founding members. .DSF PROJECTS: As a financing foundation, DSF does not establish large infrastructure, but subsidizes community-based projects, within the framework of a given national policy with a view to creating new activities, new jobs and, in the long term, new markets. The DSF works in partnership with institutions and programmes, thus capitalizing on their networks and know how in responding to local development needs pertaining to the ICT sector. Based on clearly defined criteria, the DSF supports three main areas of activity: i. Education, professional training and health ii. ICT support services to local administration iii. Creation of new activities, new employment, new revenue and new markets The DSF, through the CCK, is inviting interested organizations to submit ICT related project proposals, for funding consideration. To be eligible for DSF funding, the projects must: i. aim at developing good use of ICTs within local communities excluded from information and communication networks; ii. be a community development project making use of information technology, amounting to less than 500,000 euros, over one or several years, in the framework of Kenya’s national policy and addressing the insolvent demand; iii. be adapted to the real needs of the population and conditions in the field, respectful to local know-how and readily replicable in other communities. iv. be based on public sector/private sector/civil society partnerships, ensure traceability of its financial backing and benefit from at least one other source of financing. v. Target in priority women’s associations or groups with groups with specific needs (youth, people with disabilities, etc) ; vi. involve south-south cooperation; vii. Not entail the acquisition or creation of large and expensive infrastructures; viii. Operate and be supervised by recognized organizations in the field of development management; ix. Already have been subject to a feasibility study evaluating the project’s risks and opportunities; x. Develop local content to meet the needs of local populations; xi. Make use, when possible, of micro-credit strategies in order to promote local entrepreneurial spirit; Interested organizations with projects that meet the specified requirements are invited to download the DSF application forms from the CCK website www.cck.go.ke or collect the forms from the Competition, Tariffs and Market Analysis (CTMA) Division of the Commission on weekdays during official working hours. . Duly completed forms should be submitted together with the relevant documents in a plain sealed envelope, clearly marked – ‘ICT Project Proposal for DSF Funding’ – through the address below or placed in the Tender Box situated on the ground floor of the CCK Headquarter building so as to reach on or before 30th November 2006. The Commission will subsequently forward the proposals to the Digital Solidarity Fund for consideration. DSF will contact the selected firms directly. The Director-General Communications Commission of Kenya P.O. Box 14448 Nairobi 00800 Tel: +254 20 4242000 Fax: +254 20 4451866 Email: info(a)cck.go.ke For more details about DSF please visit their website: www.digital-solidarity.org A. Wanjira Munyua National Coordinator, Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA) Association for Progressive Communications (APC) alice(a)apc.org http://www.apc.org http://www.catia.ws

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Re: [Kictanet] [Fibre-for-africa] Whats i have being talking of as a public private partnership in ownership of the critical infrastructur
by Bill Kagai 28 Nov '06

28 Nov '06

Trading in one stock exchange does not complicate matters because institutional/foreign investors can still buy shares through the NSE. One good thing is that the NSE is the dominant exchange in EA with 51 listed companies and 3 or so cross listed in Dar and Kampala. Kampala has only 8 quoted companies and about a similar number in Dar which will soon be trading under one exchange in a couple of years. The other interesting challenge will be how the stock is embraced considering that the only IT stock ever listed (African Lakes) collapsed after a while, whilst the anticipated Wananchi IPO has not taken off yet. Basically, we are yet to see how the market will react to IT related stocks. See the following links on the pilot stock-detective.co.ke website we have been developing. http://www.stock-detective.co.ke and also on a discussion posted regarding Telkom upcoming listing.. http://www.stock-detective.co.ke/public-discussion-forum/public-discussion-… -- -- With Kind Regards, Bildad Kagai MD - Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd Content & Training Partner - JKUAT E-Government Academy Suite B2, Tetu Apartments, State House Avenue P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel. 254 20 2728332 Fax. 254 20 2726965 Cell. 254 724 226600 URL. www.circuitspackets.co.ke URL. www.JKUATEgovAcademy.ac.ke <http://www.jkuategovacademy.ac.ke/>

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Fw: [Fibre-for-africa] Whats i have being talking of as a publicprivate partnership in ownership of the critical infrastructur
by alice＠apc.org 27 Nov '06

27 Nov '06

Hi all, Interesting discussions on the APC EASSY list see below. For those not subscribed to this list and would like to participate in the ongoing discussions please let me know best regards alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Anriette Esterhuysen" <anriette(a)apc.org> To: "APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants" <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> Sent: Monday, November 27, 2006 10:19 PM Subject: Re: [Fibre-for-africa] Whats i have being talking of as a publicprivate partnership in ownership of the critical infrastructur Dear Eric A group of us APC people actually discussed your idea quite intensively a while ago. The one difference between what is happening here, and what you propose, is that the Kenyan initiative will involve only one stock exchange.... so, if the IPO continues, it will be listed in Kenya... as far as I know. Your proposal would have involved the 'entity' listing on multiple stock exchanges.... that would have been much more complicated. Seeing these new financial models emerge is very interesting. And it does feel a bit like a race... whose cable will light up first? Who will sell the cheapest bandwidth? Any bets? Anriette > Folks, > > Below is exactly what i have being chanting as a way forward in the > ownership of the infrastructure; The Kenya Government will have a 40 > per cent holding in the project, Etisalat 20% and the remaining 40% > will go to investors in the East African region. The Government has > said it will organise an IPO on the Kenyan Stock Exchange. Several > Kenyan companies have expressed interest and one said that the > Government had told them it would "guarantee their loan". The > details of the finance package have not yet been settled but it is > unclear where the Kenyan Government will raise its 40% from. Will the > World Bank simply shift a portion of its EASSy funding to the new > project as many think likely? > > NB; From this week's Balancing Act, full story below for your > pleasure. > > Thank God the Kenya are experimenting with this approach where > government owns part, private sector owns part, educational > institutions should also own part, CSO owns part through IPO on the > stock market. > > The Kenya government can actually raise the 40% from government bonds > and am not an expert on the stock market discipline of shares or > bonds but this is where the financial experts need to come out with > innovative solutions that can help raise much of this money locally > and it is possible. > > In the attached paper which is an output of the great work Rahul > Tongia did with some colleagues and little input from me, it is clear > that we could actually wire Africa up with fiber to the most > population densed centres for a billion dollars whcih means if every > African put a dollar on the table we could wire Africa up with fiber > and 50 percent of that dark fiber already exist - what does that mean > to you as an African? > > > You Kenyans are showing the way and even it it does not work you > would be know for showing us how this model is not workable and then > we can try another. We Africans must try new ways of doing these > things and make our own mistakes and find our own solutions to our > problems but learn to avoid the mistakes of the Americans, Europeans > and Asians. Thank God for this BOLD move, it is commendable. > > > TOP STORY: KENYA BEGINS THE COUNTDOWN TO CHEAP INTERNATIONAL FIBRE > _____________________________________________________________________ > > It´s like waiting for a matatu. You wait for ages and none come > along. But just when you´re about to give up hope, three come along > at the same time, all trying to come to a screaming halt in front of > you. Kenya now has three (or more) potential international fibre > projects that could be complete within 12 months. Each one is loudly > proclaiming that it will deliver cheap international bandwidth. > Russell Southwood took the temperature in the market last week about > what the impact of this bandwidth will be upon the market. > > The Kenya Government has signed an MOU to build a fibre link to > Fujairah > in the UAE currently costed at Ksh5.7 billion. The construction and > supply contract will be awarded early next year and the project, > dubbed The East African Marine System (Teams), will be ready by > November, according to a joint statement issued by both parties from > Dubai. Many in the sector believe that it will be more like 19 months > or more before completion. > > The Kenya Government will have a 40 per cent holding in the project, > Etisalat 20% and the remaining 40% will go to investors in the East > African region. The Government has said it will organise an IPO on the > Kenyan Stock Exchange. Several Kenyan companies have expressed > interest and one said that the Government had told them it would > "guarantee their loan". The details of the finance package have > not yet been settled but it is unclear where the Kenyan Government > will raise its 40% from. Will the World Bank simply shift a portion of > its EASSy funding to the new project as many think likely? > > The Government´s commitment to a 12 month schedule is a bold move > but one that must lay them open to a certain amount of scepticism. The > tender for expressions of interest was only issued 2 weeks ago and > Government timetabling is notoriously slow compared to the private > sector. Apparently the Private Secretary has been telling interested > parties that the Government wants prices comparable to those to be > found in India in 12 months time. This benchmark has been set in order > that Kenya will be able to compete in the international outsourcing > market. > > Apparently a number of interested parties said that they would put up > all the money to build it if they could have a monopoly and he sent > them away disappointed. But more worryingly one interested party told > us that it could only get involved if it also allowed Telkom Kenya to > be a shareholder. > > The next international fibre project is KDN´s and it has now signed > its contract with Flag Telecom. Its link from Mombasa will terminate > in an undersea junction in international waters off of the Yemen. It > says the link will be fully operational in the first quarter of 2008, > just 15 months away. The company believes that it will come to market > with capacity at $500 per mbps pm but that the price of bandwidth will > go up to those wanting to invest as time passes. In other words, for > those who commit early prices will be lowest and for those who come in > late, prices will go higher. It also stresses that its landing station > at Mombasa will allow other carriers to co-locate there charging only > electricity and services at cost. > > So this leaves the third project EASSy looking as if it will be the > third runner. NEPAD appears to have made little more progress on > persuading more African Governments to sign its political protocol. > And whilst the members of the EASSy consortium (that still includes > KDN and Telkom Kenya) are still moving things forward, there remains a > disconnect between the political and commercial ends of the project. > If both of the above projects go ahead, there is clearly much less > need to build the Mombasa-Djibouti section of the route and it has to > be said that both of the above projects have better international > connection points. > > As if three were not enough, Ethiopia´s ETC has now had its > international fibre connection working effectively for two months via > Port Sudan and Saudi Arabia. But because it is landlocked and it had > endless fruitless arguments with Djibouti Telecom over control of a > possible fibre link, it wants to find a second international fibre > connection. Therefore it is in serious conversations with both of > Kenya´s fibre network operators about connecting to the Mombasa > links when they are ready. If this goes ahead, both it and Kenya will > then have two international fibre links. > > Because the process of getting the international fibre to Kenya has > been both confusing and "on-off", everyone in the market > (including customers) have understandably not really grasped the > impact of its arrival on their businesses. Until now ISPs and > satellite resellers have largely been in the businesses of living on > the margin they make between buying and selling bandwidth. > > These margins have been kept high as they have concentrated on selling > to comparatively few customers. Ironically it has been a high-price, > low volume business where their primary commodity - bandwidth - > has always been in short supply, not least because some of them > increased their margin by contending it as much as possible. This has > meant that bandwidth quality is often variable at best for those not > paying "top dollar" for a premium service. > > If you argue that international fibre prices should be low price, high > volume, then the national business model changes: what´s sauce for > the goose is sauce for the gander. Bandwidth becomes cheap and > plentiful at a sub $1000 threshold. The margins that can then be > charged make it difficult for those who are not operating at volume to > stay in business. > > However it does now open up opportunities for new services, content > and applications that can be sold to customers who should now be > paying European prices for real broadband connections (1-2 meg > upwards) rather than the paltry 64 kbps they are currently receiving. > There are at least 500,000 households in Kenya that are at an income > level that make them potential targets for broadband. It would take > only half of those households to sign up for there to be the > beginnings of a very different market. > > The real sign that the market has not "got it" is that some key > ISPs are not passing on the information about these soon-to-be cheap > prices but are seeking to protect their high margins by telling > customers higher prices. A heads-up, guys. The sector is a village and > news will get round quickly and we´ll encourage the circulation of > this price information. The market´s about to change, get ready to > change with it. > > At the national level, there is now a third source of fibre capacity. > Jamii Telecommunications has signed an agreement with the Kenya Light > and Power Company (KPLC) to sell an STM1´s worth of its fibre > capacity in Nairobi and Mombasa, with KPLC saying that it will triple > its capacity shortly. Two other companies - CTN and Cable Vision - > have been granted a licence to sell KPLC´s capacity and it is > telling (in terms of the argument above) that both are in the video > download and pay-TV business. Not so far afield, Tanzanian power > utility TANESCO is currently building out fibre capacity and has > invited bids to sell this capacity. Again KDN is poised to make a > fibre connection to Tanzania. > > However a recent ping on the Kampala-Nairobi route shows that neither > KDN nor Telkom Kenya has got its fibre route operational. KDN is > promising it will be operational by the end of first quarter 2007 and > that prices will be 20% cheaper. > > Elsewhere in the market, the new VoIP operators are finding it > difficult > to get interconnection agreements and to get proper service from > interconnect service providers. Telkom Kenya is charging absurdly high > prices but has at least reached interconnect agreements. Nevertheless > the new fixed wireless operators - Flashcom and Popote - are > having difficulties: customers are unable to receive or make calls to > certain countries. Apparently anyone who calls a customer number of > these fixed wireless operators from Germany gets a number > unobtainable. > > Access Kenya´s Yello VoIP service has been aimed at corporates and > has attracted 250 customers who generate 120,000 minutes a month. But > it has had difficulty getting interconnection agreements with the > mobile operators. It made a complaint to regulator CCK in April and > became so frustrated that it said it would run an advertisement > publicising the position. Safaricom came back to the table but Celtel > refuses to enter discussions, saying that it will do so in its own > time. > > Kenyan ISPs are under heavy pressure from all the new operators. > Flashcom and Popote are taking more money from data than voice at the > moment as customers are primarily signing up for cheaper Internet > access. Also the introduction of EDGE services by Safaricom is eating > into their high-end customers: one ISP´s CEO admitted privately that > he was losing hundreds of customers a month to these new competitors. > The challenge for everyone in the market will be whether they can take > the soon-to-arrive cheaper international bandwidth and use it to > transform the market. > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Executive Secretary > AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) > Tel: + 233.21.258800 > Fax: + 233.21.258811 > Cell: + 233.244.386792 > Handle: eosiakwan > Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North > Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ > Slang: "Tomorrow Now" > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------ Anriette Esterhuysen, Executive Director Association for Progressive Communications anriette(a)apc.org http://www.apc.org PO Box 29755, Melville, South Africa. 2109 Tel. 27 11 726 1692 Fax 27 11 726 1692 _______________________________________________ Fibre-for-africa mailing list Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa

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Call for Participation: AITEC's Wireless Broadband Africa conference 29Nov-1Dec 2006 Hilton Hotel
by alice＠apc.org 27 Nov '06

27 Nov '06

Dear KICTAnet members KICTAnet member, AITEC Kenya has made available some spaces for KICTAnet's participation at the wireless broadband conference taking place at the Hilton Hotel in Nairobi from 29th November to 1st December 2006. The theme of the conference is "Technologies and strategies to evolve optimised networks" and brings together world leading experts on wireless technologies to share their knowledge and expertise with ICT professionals. . The conference aims at updating knowledge on wireless systems, planning and deployment. Please visit AITEC's website for more information and the programme. www.aitecafrica.com KICTAnet is therefore inviting participation from broad civil society, media, and private sector particularly SME's Please send an offlist message to Evelyne Majale by tomorrow, Tuesday 28th 2006. evelyneofwona(a)yahoo.com Tel: +254 020 4453671/2 best regards alice

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ITU IG Resolution
by alice＠apc.org 24 Nov '06

24 Nov '06

For those who follow the ITU processes. Find attached the Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-06) Antalya, 6-24 November 2006 resolution Analysis of the text needed! best alice

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Free delegate spaces for Kictanet members at AITEC Conferences
by Sean Moroney 23 Nov '06

23 Nov '06

Hi Alice, Following our meeting today, I'm pleased to confirm our agreement to provide up to 20 free delegate spaces at all AITEC conferences in Kenya for KICTAnet members from NGOs, development projects, other non-profit organisations and academia. Members who wish to apply for these places should do so through the KICTAnet secretariat and then you send us a list of the nominated delegates 48 hours before the start of the conference. This should be sent to Grace Gathoni in our Kenya office. Unfortunately we can't include our workshops and training courses in this agreement as these are usually done in partnership with third parties. But wherever possible we will accommodate special requests. I hope this meets the needs of all those in the Kenyan ICT community who want to attend our conferences but can't afford the delegate fees - starting with our Wireless Broadband Conference next week. The updated programme for this conference is attached. I hope all KICTAnet members who are interested in this vital aspect of infrastructure development will be able to attend, whether paying or non-paying. Best regards, Sean Sean Moroney AITEC Africa <mailto:[email protected]> seanm(a)aitecafrica.com UK Tel: +44-(0)1480-880774 UK Fax: +44-(0)1480-880765 UK Mobile: +44(0)7973-499224 SA Mobile: +27(0)72-610-7153 Kenya Mobile: +254(0)721-845674 Skype: seanmoroney <http://www.aitecafrica.com/> www.aitecafrica.com

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CALL FOR RESEARCHERS: "SAT-3/WASC Cable Research Project: Country Case Studies
by alice＠apc.org 22 Nov '06

22 Nov '06

Apologies for cross-posting. Please forward to suitable candidates in your contact list. CALL FOR RESEARCHERS: "SAT-3/WASC Cable Research Project: Country Case Studies" The Association for Progressive Communications is currently looking to engage four ICT policy researchers to conduct detailed country studies of the SAT-3/WASC submarine cable in the following countries: Angola, Cameroon, Ghana, and Senegal. The specific context of the research will be on the areas that Open Access (as a concept) seeks to impact - namely access and cost. Research will be conducted on the impact SAT-3/WASC has had on the competitiveness of international and Internet services in each country. Interested researchers should in the first instance submit a copy of their CV and a sample of written work (of no more than 2000 words) to abi(a)apc.org Please include "SAT-3/WASC Cable Research Project" AND the name of the country you are applying to research on, in the Subject field of your email. Applications should be received no later than Monday 27 November 2006 (17:00 GMT). A. Wanjira Munyua National Coordinator, Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA) Association for Progressive Communications (APC) alice(a)apc.org http://www.apc.org http://www.catia.ws

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Ethiopia on International Optical Fibre!!!!!
by Brian Longwe 21 Nov '06

21 Nov '06

Hi all, You may not believe this but I am sitting in Addis right now and seeing latency of 120ms on a ping to BBC in the UK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Apparently the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) did a deal with Sudan to get access by extending the national fibre optic between two towns close to the border. Interestingly enough this came about after another project to link Ethiopia via Eritrea stalled due to cross-border negotiations. At an estimated project cost of approx US$690,000 the country now has fairly good internet connectivity. The project was initiated in February this year and completed by August with 34 Mbps from Verizon. An invitation for bids to provide 155Mbps (STM-1) was also launched at the same time. This is a v. good example of how terrestrial networks can provide a quick alternative means of providing international connectivity. Regards, Brian

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KENYA BEGINS THE COUNTDOWN TO CHEAP INTERNATIONAL FIBRE
by alice＠apc.org 20 Nov '06

20 Nov '06

TOP STORY: KENYA BEGINS THE COUNTDOWN TO CHEAP INTERNATIONAL FIBRE from Balancing Act _____________________________________________________________________ It’s like waiting for a matatu. You wait for ages and none come along. But just when you’re about to give up hope, three come along at the same time, all trying to come to a screaming halt in front of you. Kenya now has three (or more) potential international fibre projects that could be complete within 12 months. Each one is loudly proclaiming that it will deliver cheap international bandwidth. Russell Southwood took the temperature in the market last week about what the impact of this bandwidth will be upon the market. The Kenya Government has signed an MOU to build a fibre link to Fujairah in the UAE currently costed at Ksh5.7 billion. The construction and supply contract will be awarded early next year and the project, dubbed The East African Marine System (Teams), will be ready by November, according to a joint statement issued by both parties from Dubai. Many in the sector believe that it will be more like 19 months or more before completion. The Kenya Government will have a 40 per cent holding in the project, Etisalat 20% and the remaining 40% will go to investors in the East African region. The Government has said it will organise an IPO on the Kenyan Stock Exchange. Several Kenyan companies have expressed interest and one said that the Government had told them it would “guarantee their loan”. The details of the finance package have not yet been settled but it is unclear where the Kenyan Government will raise its 40% from. Will the World Bank simply shift a portion of its EASSy funding to the new project as many think likely? The Government’s commitment to a 12 month schedule is a bold move but one that must lay them open to a certain amount of scepticism. The tender for expressions of interest was only issued 2 weeks ago and Government timetabling is notoriously slow compared to the private sector. Apparently the Private Secretary has been telling interested parties that the Government wants prices comparable to those to be found in India in 12 months time. This benchmark has been set in order that Kenya will be able to compete in the international outsourcing market. Apparently a number of interested parties said that they would put up all the money to build it if they could have a monopoly and he sent them away disappointed. But more worryingly one interested party told us that it could only get involved if it also allowed Telkom Kenya to be a shareholder. The next international fibre project is KDN’s and it has now signed its contract with Flag Telecom. Its link from Mombasa will terminate in an undersea junction in international waters off of the Yemen. It says the link will be fully operational in the first quarter of 2008, just 15 months away. The company believes that it will come to market with capacity at $500 per mbps pm but that the price of bandwidth will go up to those wanting to invest as time passes. In other words, for those who commit early prices will be lowest and for those who come in late, prices will go higher. It also stresses that its landing station at Mombasa will allow other carriers to co-locate there charging only electricity and services at cost. So this leaves the third project EASSy looking as if it will be the third runner. NEPAD appears to have made little more progress on persuading more African Governments to sign its political protocol. And whilst the members of the EASSy consortium (that still includes KDN and Telkom Kenya) are still moving things forward, there remains a disconnect between the political and commercial ends of the project. If both of the above projects go ahead, there is clearly much less need to build the Mombasa-Djibouti section of the route and it has to be said that both of the above projects have better international connection points. As if three were not enough, Ethiopia’s ETC has now had its international fibre connection working effectively for two months via Port Sudan and Saudi Arabia. But because it is landlocked and it had endless fruitless arguments with Djibouti Telecom over control of a possible fibre link, it wants to find a second international fibre connection. Therefore it is in serious conversations with both of Kenya’s fibre network operators about connecting to the Mombasa links when they are ready. If this goes ahead, both it and Kenya will then have two international fibre links. Because the process of getting the international fibre to Kenya has been both confusing and “on-off”, everyone in the market (including customers) have understandably not really grasped the impact of its arrival on their businesses. Until now ISPs and satellite resellers have largely been in the businesses of living on the margin they make between buying and selling bandwidth. These margins have been kept high as they have concentrated on selling to comparatively few customers. Ironically it has been a high-price, low volume business where their primary commodity – bandwidth – has always been in short supply, not least because some of them increased their margin by contending it as much as possible. This has meant that bandwidth quality is often variable at best for those not paying “top dollar” for a premium service. If you argue that international fibre prices should be low price, high volume, then the national business model changes: what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. Bandwidth becomes cheap and plentiful at a sub $1000 threshold. The margins that can then be charged make it difficult for those who are not operating at volume to stay in business. However it does now open up opportunities for new services, content and applications that can be sold to customers who should now be paying European prices for real broadband connections (1-2 meg upwards) rather than the paltry 64 kbps they are currently receiving. There are at least 500,000 households in Kenya that are at an income level that make them potential targets for broadband. It would take only half of those households to sign up for there to be the beginnings of a very different market. The real sign that the market has not “got it” is that some key ISPs are not passing on the information about these soon-to-be cheap prices but are seeking to protect their high margins by telling customers higher prices. A heads-up, guys. The sector is a village and news will get round quickly and we’ll encourage the circulation of this price information. The market’s about to change, get ready to change with it. At the national level, there is now a third source of fibre capacity. Jamii Telecommunications has signed an agreement with the Kenya Light and Power Company (KPLC) to sell an STM1’s worth of its fibre capacity in Nairobi and Mombasa, with KPLC saying that it will triple its capacity shortly. Two other companies – CTN and Cable Vision – have been granted a licence to sell KPLC’s capacity and it is telling (in terms of the argument above) that both are in the video download and pay-TV business. Not so far afield, Tanzanian power utility TANESCO is currently building out fibre capacity and has invited bids to sell this capacity. Again KDN is poised to make a fibre connection to Tanzania. However a recent ping on the Kampala-Nairobi route shows that neither KDN nor Telkom Kenya has got its fibre route operational. KDN is promising it will be operational by the end of first quarter 2007 and that prices will be 20% cheaper. Elsewhere in the market, the new VoIP operators are finding it difficult to get interconnection agreements and to get proper service from interconnect service providers. Telkom Kenya is charging absurdly high prices but has at least reached interconnect agreements. Nevertheless the new fixed wireless operators – Flashcom and Popote – are having difficulties: customers are unable to receive or make calls to certain countries. Apparently anyone who calls a customer number of these fixed wireless operators from Germany gets a number unobtainable. Access Kenya’s Yello VoIP service has been aimed at corporates and has attracted 250 customers who generate 120,000 minutes a month. But it has had difficulty getting interconnection agreements with the mobile operators. It made a complaint to regulator CCK in April and became so frustrated that it said it would run an advertisement publicising the position. Safaricom came back to the table but Celtel refuses to enter discussions, saying that it will do so in its own time. Kenyan ISPs are under heavy pressure from all the new operators. Flashcom and Popote are taking more money from data than voice at the moment as customers are primarily signing up for cheaper Internet access. Also the introduction of EDGE services by Safaricom is eating into their high-end customers: one ISP’s CEO admitted privately that he was losing hundreds of customers a month to these new competitors. The challenge for everyone in the market will be whether they can take the soon-to-arrive cheaper international bandwidth and use it to transform the market. ____________________________________________________________________

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ITU appoints first African Secretary General ....
by alice＠apc.org 15 Nov '06

15 Nov '06

Dear all http://allafrica.com/stories/200611130952.html An African, Mali's Hamadoun Toure, Friday became the new Secretary-General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) after polling 95 votes over Germany's Mr. Mathias Kurth, who got 60 votes for the exalted position. Member states of the ITU elected Mr Touré of Mali as Secretary-General for a four-year term. The election took place in Antalya, Turkey during the 17th ITU Plenipotentiary Conference. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Francis and all I also congratulate Mr Touré for his election as Secretary general of ITU, and I'm happy for my African friends for them to have one of theirs at the head of this oldest UN Agency. However I'd be less enthusiastic as Francis for at least three reasons : - Mr Touré was the Director of the Development Bureau of ITU (ITU-D) during eight years, and during his mandate most of the insiders and observers admit that telecom development in Africa has got more "asymmetric" than ever. Whereas the mobile "market" grew substantially, especially in large metropolitan areas, managing even new generation wireless (so called 3G wireless) services to be deployed in these privileged areas, the villages and largest country areas of the continent still are waiting for their hypothetical connection to the ICT/telecom network. What’s more, some African countries have even declined in terms of telecom services to their population ( Central African Republic, DR Congo, etc) during these years. At last, the pan-African network Panaftel, established in the eighties for interconnecting African countries, steadily declined as did most of the fixed terrestrial networks in a large number of African countries. - Instead of network development, the priority of ITU-D during Mr Touré’s mandate was telecom sector “reform”, i.e. deregulation following –and in some cases even exceeding- the Worldbank credo and demand. So far this “sector reform” didn’t prove its efficiency. Moreover, it left some African countries in a more critical situation and demonstrated large collapses (Guinea, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, …). Who will ever try to appraise the huge amount of money lost in this process ? - As far as recent African network development is concerned, ITU is remarkably absent from both the design devising and the decision making processes. This is largely demonstrated in the SAT-3/WASC sub-marine cable, the EASSy project, Infinity project, EADTS, etc, but also in major countries’ ICT/telecoms Master Plans design (Cameroon, DR Congo, …). Here is the true place for ITU-D for proving its commitment and its competence for actual African telecoms development. Should I add that during the entire WSIS process, ITU wasn’t very “SC friendly” and failed to keep the leadership in large debates on how to bridge actually the digital divide and how to finance this profound injustice. Therefore; let’s keep cool and let the new SG take the most urgent and still awaited decisions such as real and concrete actions on bridging the “digital divide” ; more than twenty years after the Maitland’s Report it is highest time to awake in the (ITU) “ tower” ! And second, let the new SG take the appropriate decisions as soon as possible on an actual CS inclusive ITU, especially in the view of implementing the WSIS Action plan objectives and its follow-up on a real muliti-stakeholder basis. For both these issues, I simply recall the three proposals CSDPTT submitted to the ITU Council in January (in the view of the Plenipotentiary Conference), without any reaction nor response of ITU-D since then despite it was in the very centre of these proposals. Best Jean-Louis Fullsack CSDPTT - France > Message du 13/11/06 20:08 > De : "Dr. Francis MUGUET" > A : plenary(a)wsis-cs.org > Copie à : > Objet : [WSIS CS-Plenary] Mali's Hamadoun Toure, new Secretary-General of > the ITU > > [Please note that by using 'REPLY', your response goes to the entire list. > Kindly use individual addresses for responses intended for specific > people] > > Click http://wsis.funredes.org/plenary/ to access automatic translation of > this message! > _______________________________________ > > Dear friends > > ( un msg en français suit ) > > Since this excellent piece of news has not been seemingly posted > on the plenary list. > Congratulatiions to first African Secretary-General of the ITU, > who, coincidence or fate, belongs to the same country > as Adama Samassékou to whom WSIS Civil Society owes so much. > > --------------------- > http://allafrica.com/stories/200611130952.html > > An African, Mali's Hamadoun Toure, Friday became the new > Secretary-General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) > after polling 95 votes over Germany's Mr. Mathias Kurth, who got 60 > votes for the exalted position. > > Member states of the ITU elected Mr Touré of Mali as Secretary-General > for a four-year term. The election took place in Antalya, Turkey during > the 17th ITU Plenipotentiary Conference. Mr Touré won the position with > 95 votes with 155 countries present and voting, and thus the required > majority for election was 78 votes. > > The majority emerged in the third round of voting, with Mr Mathias Kurth > of Germany receiving 60 votes. > > The election showed the deft diplomacy of Toure who had come to the ITU > conference last year in Abuja with one message from the Malian > government: "To support the country to run for the highest position at > the ITU." Every country-delegate present pledged to support Mali, and by > implication, Toure. But that development effectively killed the spirit > of every person who would have been eyeing that position and vouchsafed > it for Toure. Last weekend, he triumphed. > > Addressing the Conference after the results of the vote, Mr Touré told > the 1500 delegates from around the world that he would work with > transparency, objectivity and vigour to realize the two main objectives > that were central to his campaign: to eliminate the digital divide and > to ensure that cyberspace would become more secure. He said, "The > Millennium Development Goals that were endorsed by all the world's > leaders as well as the WSIS resolutions are the ingredients we need to > get down to work." > > Mr Hamadoun Touré holds a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from > the Technical Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications of > Leningrad and Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) from the University of > Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics of Moscow. After six > years at the Office des Postes et Télécommunications du Mali (OPT) Mali, > he joined Intelsat as Group Director & Regional Director in 1985 until > he became Director-General, Africa, of ICO Global Communications in > 1996. Elected Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau in > 1998, he was elected for a second term in 2002. > > In the election, Houlin Zhao of China was elected Deputy > Secretary-General in the first round with 93 votes. Carlos SÃ¡nchez of > Spain obtained 34 votes while T. Ayhan Beydoan of Turkey received 28. > John Ray Kwabena Tandoh of Ghana had announced the withdrawal of his > candidature prior to the start of the election. > > Thanking the members and, in particular, the People's Republic of China, > for placing their confidence in him, Houlin Zhao remarked that the post > of Deputy Secretary-General holds a strategic importance in the Union. > He said that he would do his best to assist the Secretary-General elect > and the three Directors as well as the membership to make ITU a more > dynamic organization that would contribute to the emerging global > Information Society. As outgoing Director of TSB, he said he was > confident that "ITU-T will meet the future challenges of ICT > standardization this century." > > Graduated from Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China > in 1975, Mr Zhao received a Master degree of Science in telematics, > University of Essex (United Kingdom) in 1985. From 1975 to 1986, he held > various engineering positions at Ministry of Posts and > Telecommunications, China. In 1986, he joined ITU as a staff member of > the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB) until his election as > Director of the TSB in 1998. He was re-elected in his position at the > 2002 Marrakesh Plenipotentiary Conference. > > Outgoing Secretary-General Yoshio Utsumi leaves behind him a more > efficient and effective organization, offering a wider portfolio of more > relevant services that led to a 19 per cent increase in private sector > membership and a recommitment of the private sector to the work of ITU. > His tenure was characterized by efficiency measures that led to savings > equivalent to CHF 75 million out of a total budget of CHF 335 million on > average per biennium as well as the introduction of operational > planning, results-based budgeting and time-tracking across the > organization, resulting in a substantial overhaul of the organization. > Along with cost recovery, these measures created new sources of revenue > that led to a reduction in the contributions to be paid by members, > despite growing demands and cost increases. > > From a strategic perspective, Mr Utsumi successfully refocused ITU as a > policy-oriented organization by introducing new issues to ensure its > continuing relevance, with the successful organization of the World > Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) which provides a common > understanding and vision as well as a clear roadmap to building the > Information Society by 2015. He also strengthened the role of ITU in the > coordination of policy issues among Member States. Through this process, > ITU has asserted its leading role in the broader domain of the > Information Society. > > > > -- > > ------------------------------------------------------ > Francis F. MUGUET Ph.D > > MDPI Foundation Open Access Journals > Associate Publisher > http://www.mdpi.org http://www.mdpi.net > muguet(a)mdpi.org muguet(a)mdpi.net > > ENSTA Paris, France > KNIS lab. Director > "Knowledge Networks & Information Society" (KNIS) > muguet(a)ensta.fr http://www.ensta.fr/~muguet > > World Summit On the Information Society (WSIS) > Civil Society Working Groups > Scientific Information : http://www.wsis-si.org chair > Patents & Copyrights : http://www.wsis-pct.org co-chair > Financing Mechanismns : http://www.wsis-finance.org web > > UNMSP project : http://www.unmsp.org > WTIS initiative: http://www.wtis.org > ------------------------------------------------------ > _______________________________________________ > Plenary mailing list > Plenary(a)wsis-cs.org > http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/plenary >

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Re: [Kictanet] [Fibre-for-africa] Re: [AfrISPA.Discuss] Ethiopia on Internatio nal Optical Fibre!!!!!
by Brian Longwe 13 Nov '06

13 Nov '06

On Nov 13, 2006, at 4:30 PM, Mark J Elkins wrote: > Brian Longwe wrote: >> Hi all, >> >> You may not believe this but I am sitting in Addis right now and >> seeing latency of 120ms on a ping to BBC in the UK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! > How about a Traceroute? Traceroute from Germany to Ethiopia Traceroute www.inka.de -> 213.55.93.57 traceroute to 213.55.93.57 (213.55.93.57), 30 hops max, 40 byte packets 1 fe2-gw-user.z2.cix.ka-ip.net (193.197.184.18) 0.723 ms 0.388 ms 0.36 ms 2 Karlsruhe2.belwue.de (129.143.166.161) 0.553 ms 0.475 ms 0.466 ms 3 Karlsruhe1.belwue.de (129.143.166.137) 0.614 ms 0.501 ms 0.502 ms 4 Stuttgart1.belwue.de (129.143.1.7) 1.833 ms 1.728 ms 1.724 ms 5 Frankfurt1.belwue.de (129.143.1.26) 5.881 ms 5.875 ms 5.82 ms 6 ffm-k88-i1-geth1-2.telia.net (213.248.79.41) 5.878 ms 5.89 ms 5.863 ms 7 POS3-1.BR2.FFT1.ALTER.NET (146.188.67.85) 5.963 ms 6.063 ms 5.939 ms 8 so-0-2-0.TR2.FFT1.ALTER.NET (146.188.6.113) 6.392 ms 6.149 ms 6.212 ms 9 so-6-0-0.TR2.LND2.ALTER.NET (146.188.8.157) 20.908 ms 20.836 ms 21.076 ms 10 so-6-0-0.XR1.LND2.ALTER.NET (146.188.7.225) 20.865 ms 20.734 ms 21.156 ms 11 POS3-0.CR1.LND5.alter.net (158.43.233.241) 21.011 ms 20.837 ms 20.716 ms 12 fe0-0-0.gw13.lnd5.gbb.uk.uu.net (158.43.157.13) 21.048 ms 20.887 ms 21.107 ms 13 w0p45516.uk.customer.alter.net (158.43.48.250) 123.479 ms 123.987 ms 120.112 ms 14 213.55.90.204 (213.55.90.204) 120.539 ms 120.423 ms 120.434 ms 15 213.55.89.7 (213.55.89.7) 120.35 ms 121.031 ms 120.996 ms 16 213.55.90.162 (213.55.90.162) 135.938 ms 129.45 ms 143.033 ms

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Final Reminder - JKUAT IT SECURITY CERTIFICATE
by Bill Kagai 13 Nov '06

13 Nov '06

JKUAT CERTIFICATE IN IT SECURITY ETHICAL HACKING: SECURITY VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT, DETECTION AND PREVENTION – 20th November – 1st December 2006 [Full-Time - 8.30am to 5.00pm] VENUE JKUAT e-Government Academy- Juja Campus http://www.jkuategovacademy.ac.ke/itsecurity COURSE CONTENT This is a unique, authoritative, high-value, hands-on practical course which will provide participants with essential understanding of the tools, methodologies and vulnerabilities that hackers/intruders could employ to exploit the IT systems of their organisations. Most organisations now realise that in order to defend themselves against the threat of attack by hackers, crackers, and indeed any individual intent on causing disruption to their IT systems, IT staff must have an informed and current understanding of the present-day methodologies, tools, and vulnerabilities which allow these exploits to happen. This Ethical Hacking course is designed to educate IT professionals in order to allow them to defend systems against hacking attacks. During this course, participants will learn about the hacker mindset and become familiar with the tools and methodologies that are used to attack systems. Using state-of-the-art classroom setups, delegates work with LINUX/UNIX and Windows systems, and associated server software. A wide range of hacking tools and security auditing tools are used during the course. COURSE OBJECTIVES This course fulfils two vital objectives for anyone working in IT systems administration, IT security or IT support roles: 1.The course builds a strong awareness of the wide range of risks and threats now faced even by organisations which believe they have strong security solutions in place. 2.The course provides delegates with a solid understanding of the control measures that need to be put in place in order to limit an organisation's vulnerabilities and risk of attack. By the end of this course, the participant will have learnt about: -The tools, techniques and methodologies employed by hackers in a dedicated lab environment. -How hackers can collect and assimilate information about an organisation's infrastructure whilst avoiding detection. -How information may be used to assess your IT systems' weaknesses and subsequently launch an attack against target systems. -The techniques that are typically used to gain access into a system. -The types of tools that are used to elevate access on a system. -The techniques used by hackers to conceal their tracks and the methods via which access to a target system may be maintained. -The limitations of security firewall systems and the tools used to bypass them. -How hackers bypass Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). -Measures that you can employ to secure and protect information against hacker attacks. COURSE SPECIAL FEATURES -Targeted Tracks: You will benefit from the expertise of industry front-runners, learn from real-world case studies and leave with everything you need to know to safeguard your wireless networks and devices -Tangible Take-Aways will be given to you including useful documents, guidelines and checklists that you can use as a springboard to your own initiatives. -Optimum networking opportunities are available through breaks, receptions, and luncheons. You will have the opportunity to talk shop with information security professionals and you will return to the office with new ideas and fresh contacts. -Transport (From KICC in Nairobi to the Academy in Juja and Back, Lunch and Teas -Obtain materials in 2 easy ways: -At the Training you will receive bound volumes of the conference materials -After the Training: download the materials you want from the web with a special access code and burn on your CDs WHO SHOULD ATTEND Information Security Officers, Directors and Managers; Information Technology Auditors, Managers and Staff Network Security Managers and Administrators; Local Area Network Administrators Technical Support Staff; System Administrators; Others charged with mobile and wireless security responsibilities COST – Kshs 35,000 inclusive of Transport, Lunch and Teas TRANSPORT - JKUAT e-Government Academy will avail transport from KICC at 7.20am and from the JKUAT e-Government Academy at 5.20pm. HOW TO REGISTER - Please register by 15th November 2006. Application forms can be obtained from the contacts provided below or from the JKUAT e-Government Website www.jkuategovacademy.ac.ke Ngahu Kanyingi Technical Manager Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd P. O. Box 20311-00200, Nairobi Tel: 20-2728332 Fax: 20-2726965 Email. info(a)circuitspackets.co.ke Joel Kimilu Training Manager JKUAT e-Government Academy Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology P. O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi Tel: 067-52420 /0736 524200/ 0724 256 696 Email. jkuates(a)jkuates.jkuat.ac.ke

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Read This! Does High Tech Require High Fiber? (TIME Europe magazine)
by Brian Longwe 12 Nov '06

12 Nov '06

http://www.time.com/time/europe/magazine/article/ 0,13005,901061023-1546311,00.html

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Fw: [DigAfrica] Stop infighting over EASSY
by alice＠apc.org 11 Nov '06

11 Nov '06

Hi all Is this a case of a good private sector initiative gone bad because of government interference or is it the other way round? best alice http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/14/531243 Stop infighting over EASSY Thursday, 9th November, 2006 THE arrival of an underwater optic fibre cable in East Africa has been delayed by infighting between governments and telecom companies. Yet the East African Submarine System's proposed 9,900 km of underwater cable between Port Sudan and Mtunzini in South Africa could do more to transform East African economies than any other single infrastructure project of equivalent cost. Today all East Africa's connections to the Internet and international broadband go by satellite. The rest of the world is connected by optical fibre cables that run between continents. These are faster and cheaper than satellite connections. Once EASSY arrives in East Africa, the cost of Internet and telephone connections will drop by an estimated 65 per cent which will make East African companies more efficient and more profitable. EASSY was supposed to arrive in 2007 but now it is delayed because no- one can agree who is in charge. Originally the big telecom companies across southern and eastern Africa were building it but in 2005 NEPAD and the World Bank decided that EASSY should be run on an `open access' basis to allow service operators access to the cable at cost. This is a beautiful idea in theory but who is going to pay? Big telecom companies like MTN and UTL are now obviously reluctant to pump in money if they are not going to get a commercial return. East African operators are now considering an alternative underwater cable connection to Fujairah in the Emirates yet this would retard the cause of African commercial integration. It is time for the infighting to stop. The telecom companies have got the financial muscle to make EASSY happen immediately. If governments are worried about open access, let them insist that the telecom companies provide it with a modest profit margin of, say, 10 per cent. But let's delay no longer. EASSY is something that East and Southern Africa needed yesterday. http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/14/531243

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Wireless Broadband Africa - Discount Rate for KictanetMembers
by A. Wanjira Munyua 11 Nov '06

11 Nov '06

Dear Sean and all Thank you for the 25% offer to KICTAnet members. However, I would like to request some free slots for KICTAnet members (at least 6 ) interested in attending especially those coming from the public sector and civil society. Any member wishing to use this mailing list to announce commercial events should have given KICTAnet slots/chance to have a role that does not require any payments. Given that network is not for profit. This is not targeted at AITEC but we do need to set a policy/ precedence to ensure that members can advertise for events that benefit KICTAnet and its members as a network. Thank you and best regards alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sean Moroney" <seanm(a)aitecafrica.com> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 7:36 PM Subject: [Kictanet] Wireless Broadband Africa - Discount Rate for KictanetMembers > Dear Colleagues, > > > > AITEC is pleased to offer Kictanet members a 25% discount on the delegate > fee for the Wireless Broadband Conference we are holding at Hilton Hotel > over 29- Nov - 1 Dec. In addition, the first 50 delegates that register for > the main conference qualify to attend practical implementation workshops on > wireless technologies and CDMA free of charge. > > > > See our web site for the full programme - www.aitecafrica.com > <http://www.aitecafrica.com/> > > > > Please phone AITEC Kenya on 020-675-0802/020-2011233 to register. > > > > I look forward to seeing you at the conference. > > > > Regards, > > > > > > > > > > Sean Moroney > > AITEC Africa > > <mailto:[email protected]> seanm(a)aitecafrica.com > > UK Tel: +44-(0)1480-880774 > > UK Fax: +44-(0)1480-880765 > > UK Mobile: +44(0)7973-499224 > > SA Mobile: +27(0)72-610-7153 > > Kenya Mobile: +254(0)721-845674 > > Skype: seanmoroney > > <http://www.aitecafrica.com/> www.aitecafrica.com > > > > > > > > > > > > For the detailed programme and to register as a delegate, log on to > www.aitecafrica.com > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/ki -- A. Wanjira Munyua National Coordinator, Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA) Association for Progressive Communications (APC) alice(a)apc.org http://www.apc.org http://www.catia.ws Cell: +254 733 731074

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Re: [Kictanet] Re: India's Weaknesses
by Eric Osiakwan 11 Nov '06

11 Nov '06

Please permit me to send through Prof. Wilson's response since he is not on the list but he gives some insighful directions to the discussion. Point of correction, i meant "Quad" not "Squad". ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Ernest Wilson" <ewilson(a)cidcm.umd.edu> Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2006 15:59:15 -0400 >Eric- > >Excellent idea! > >There is an initiative with the World Bank Institute, led by their VP Frannie Leautier (a Tanzanian), and the Mandela Foundation to launch a series of Sci & Tech institutes in Africa. They've been fund raising etc etc. Might be worth refering to that. > >But it isnt clear that the WBI initiative has really seized the necessity of co-locating good firms and good universities and good govt support together. I think the first project for a 'ctr of excellence' is in Arusha. The indian IIT's are also involved in that project. > >Close cooperation across govt-pri-research-ngo is certainly much of the reasons for success, as you know, in Silicon Valley, plus Cambridge, Beijing, Sao Paulo, and of course Bangalore. (SEE new study by Harry Broadman "The New Silk Road: Chinese and Indian Initiatives in Africa", available on line thru the World Bank, where HB works.) > >Now it's Africa's turn to accelerate cross sector partnerships, and start co-locating and >developing these "Quad" relationships. > >cheers > > >Ernie > >Dr. Ernest J. Wilson III >Center for International Development and Conflict Management >University of Maryland >0145 Tydings Hall >College Park, MD 20742 >Tel: (301) 314-7711 >Fax: (301) 314-9256 >Email: ewilson(a)cidcm.umd.edu >http://www.cidcm.umd.edu >>>> "Eric Osiakwan" <eric(a)afrispa.org> 10/25/06 1:10 PM >>> > >Waudo said "Perhaps something could be done now before we find ourselves in India's >position" > >We all know that one of the demons that has held back Africa's rise is the DE-LINK between >industry and academia (research) and also with governments. Prof. Ernest Wilson's (of >Maryland University) squad model makes the argument that you need a constant interaction >between these constituencies for growth and innovation to take place. He argues that Silicon >Valley is a clear example. > >My proposition therefore as a way to answer the question above is to leverage the BPO >opportunity. Most African governments are at least on board the BPO wagon so my idea is, >lets establish the BPOs in the University environment given the current public policy >favouring. The BPO companys can take advantage of cheap but good student labour whiles >they build the real estate for their operations using university land on a "build operate and >handover basis". > >The Universities then get real estate which they use for their long term expansion of physical >infrastructure. The BPO companies get their work done cheaply and when they migrate in the >long term, much value would have being gained. The University students get work >experience for the long term job market entry and also interim cash to support their >University education. This also gives the non-computer related students some basic skills >and exposure and for the CS, EE etc students, they build their internal capacity not only to >take calls and do word processing but more technical stuff. They would soon be writing >software for those BPO companies. Mostly importantly this becomes the nucleus of the >government/academia/private sector LINKINING which would grow into other areas. > >Hence the value proposition of the BPO banwagon is, it gives us a foot into the door but we >must move up the value chain very quickly or we would end up doing the low end jobs which >would make us less competitive in the Knowledge economy. > >When I proposed this to my Ghana Cyber Group friend (Yaw Owusu, leading the way with a >private TechPark in Ghana) whom i have cced on this mail, he said, then the Tech Parks (BPOs >+ more) should be in the University/Research Environment and his example of been able to >acquire land from the Ghana CSIR which is close to the University of Ghana would be a good >prototype. > >This is the story am going to be telling at the the first University Leaders Forum in Cape >Town to which governments, academic leadership, private sector and Civil Society has being >convened. > >Eric here > > >---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- >From: waudo(a)signet.co.ke >Reply-To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> >Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2006 09:53:47 -0400 (Eastern Daylight Time) > >>Thanks to PS Ndemo for bringing this out. As for Wafula's question, the >>work force survey undertaken by the CSK earlier this year revealed that >>there is very little linkage between what the ICT training institutions >>(including Universities) are producing and the requirements of the >>industry either now or in the foreseeable future. Certainly there appear >>to be no mechanisms to facilitate such linkage. Perhaps something could be >>done now before we find ourselves in India's position. >> >> >>Kind Regards >>Waudo Siganga >> >>On Wed, October 25, 2006 9:22 am, TONY WAFULA wrote: >>> Good lesson , though wonder whether as a country we are ready to address >>> manpower shortage in this area. Just the other day Safaricom's Micheal >>> Joseph was lamenting about the same...are we checking what our >>> Universities are offering in relation to our projected needs? >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> Wafula >>> >>> bitange(a)jambo.co.ke wrote: >>> Hi Edith, >>> You must have been blogging. >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> >>> Ndemo. >>> >>> >>>> Certainly, a great lesson to learn from. >>>> >>>> Thanks for sharing the article! >>>> >>>> At / * 12:56 PM 10/24/2006, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke wrote / a *crit: >>>>>Dear All, >>>>>I think there are good lessons to learn from the article below. >>>>> >>>>>Regards >>>>> >>>>>Ndemo. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>October 17, 2006 >>>>>Skills Gap Hurts Technology Boom in India >>>>>By SOMINI SENGUPTA >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>TIRUCHENGODE, India >>>>> >>>>> As its technology companies soar to the outsourcing skies, India is >>>>>bumping up against an improbable challenge. In a country once regarded >>>>> as >>>>>a bottomless well of low-cost, ready-to-work, English-speaking >>>>> engineers, >>>>>a shortage looms. >>>>> >>>>>India still produces plenty of engineers, nearly 400,000 a year at last >>>>>count. But their competence has become the issue. >>>>> >>>>>A study commissioned by a trade group, the National Association of >>>>>Software and Service Companies, or Nasscom, found only one in four >>>>>engineering graduates to be employable. The rest were deficient in the >>>>>required technical skills, fluency in English or ability to work in a >>>>> team >>>>>or deliver basic oral presentations. >>>>> >>>>>The skills gap reflects the narrow availability of high-quality college >>>>>education in India and the galloping pace of the country's >>>>> service-driven >>>>>economy, which is growing faster than nearly all but China's. The >>>>> software >>>>>and service companies provide technology services to foreign companies, >>>>>many of them based in the United States. Software exports alone expanded >>>>>by 33 percent in the last year. >>>>> >>>>>The university systems of few countries would be able to keep up with >>>>> such >>>>>demand, and India is certainly having trouble. The best and most >>>>> selective >>>>>universities generate too few graduates, and new private colleges are >>>>>producing graduates of uneven quality. >>>>> >>>>>Many fear that the labor pinch may signal bottlenecks in other parts of >>>>>the economy. It is already being felt in the information technology >>>>>sector. >>>>> >>>>>With the number of technology jobs expected to nearly double to 1.7 >>>>>million in the next four years, companies are scrambling to find fresh >>>>>engineering talent and to upgrade the schools that produce it. >>>>> >>>>>Some companies are training faculty members themselves, offering courses >>>>>tailored to industry needs and improving college labs and libraries. >>>>> They >>>>>are rushing to get first choice of would-be engineers long before they >>>>>have completed their course work. And they are fanning out to small, >>>>>remote colleges that almost no one had heard of before. The country's >>>>> most >>>>>successful technology concerns can no longer afford to hire only >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>_______________________________________________ >>>>>kictanet mailing list >>>>>kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >>>>>http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>>> >>>>>Please unsubscribe or change your options at >>>>>http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/eadera%40idrc.or.ke >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> kictanet mailing list >>>> kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >>>> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>> >>>> Please unsubscribe or change your options at >>>> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >>> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> Please unsubscribe or change your options at >>> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/twaf78%40yahoo.com >>> >>> >>> >>> WITH COMPLIMENTS OF ANTHONY WAFULA >>> >>> --------------------------------- >>> All-new Yahoo! Mail - Fire up a more powerful email and get things done >>> faster._______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >>> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> Please unsubscribe or change your options at >>> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/waudo%40signet.co.ke >> >> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>kictanet mailing list >>kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >>http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >>Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/ >kictanet/eric%40afrispa.org >> > >-- >Eric M.K Osiakwan >Executive Secretary >AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) >Tel: + 233.21.258800 >Fax: + 233.21.258811 >Cell: + 233.244.386792 >Handle: eosiakwan >Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North >Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North >Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ >Slang: "Tomorrow Now" >-- > > > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" --

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AfNOG 2007 Workshop on Network Technology - Application for Admission
by Dorcas Muthoni 10 Nov '06

10 Nov '06

AfNOG 2007 Workshop on Network Technology - Application for Admission Please see <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2007/workshop/> for information about the AfNOG 2007 Workshop on Network Technology. If you have questions regarding this announcement and application, they may be addressed to: <workshopinfo(a)afnog.org <http://mail.openworld.co.ke/src/compose.php?send_to=workshopinfo%40afnog.org>> Where to Apply - You can you can fill in an application on line, at <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2007/workshop/online-application.html> - You can download a copy of the application form from <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2007/workshop/application-form.txt>, or request a copy via email to <applications(a)afnog.org <http://mail.openworld.co.ke/src/compose.php?send_to=applications%40afnog.org>>. Then fill it in off-line, and email it to <workshop-apply(a)afnog.org <http://mail.openworld.co.ke/src/compose.php?send_to=workshop-apply%40afnog.…>>. The "Subject" line of the message should contain your surname or family name in the following format: Subject: AfNOG Workshop Application: <your-family-name> When to Apply Application forms must be submitted no later than 30 November 2006. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance to the program and the amount of financial aid available (if any) on or about 8th January 2007. Information to be included on your application Please ensure that all of the contact information you submit is and accurate, or we will not be able to contact you. Please give detailed answers to the questions about your work and your experience. If your are applying for financial assistance from AfNOG, please do not forget to answer the questions about other funding sources available to you. A. Personal data FAMILY NAME (LAST NAME, SURNAME) ONLY: Full Name: Employer/Organization: Position/Title: Business Address: Business Telephone: Alternate Telephone: E-mail address: Fax: Date of birth: Nationality: Name as it appears on passport or other travel document: Passport number: Country issuing passport: Date passport was issued: Date of passport expiration: Knowledge of English: Please rate your knowledge in these categories: Listening/comprehension: minimal / fair / good / excellent Reading: minimal / fair / good / excellent Speaking: minimal / fair / good / excellent Writing: minimal / fair / good / excellent Please indicate with an asterisk (*) the most reliable addresses and telephone/fax numbers above which can be used to reach you. B. Course of Instruction Instructional track applied for (Please select only one track; the tracks will run concurrently): [ ] Track E0 - UNIX SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION [ ] Track E1 - SCALABLE INTERNET SERVICES [ ] Track E2 - SCALABLE NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE [ ] Track F2 - INFRASTRUCTURE RESEAUX (French Track - equivanent to E2) Please indicate your specific interests within the area you have chosen: C. Technical Skills 1. Are you a UNIX user? How much have you used it? 2. Have you been a UNIX system administrator? Describe your experience (length of time, versions, etc.). 3 Have you used/administered TCP/IP networks? Describe. 4. Have you set up and/or administered any of the following? Please give details. - bind or any other nameservers - sendmail/smail/exim/postfix - majordomo/mailman or other list manager - apache/IIS web systems 5. Have you configured or otherwise managed any of the following? Details, please. - routers - switches - network monitoring - noc D. Description of Role in National Networking Activities Bearing in mind that this information will be used to determine whether to admit you to the workshop, please provide in the format of your choice the following information about yourself. Please be sure that it is sufficiently clear, well organized and adequate for this purpose. 1. A description of your current employer, your position, your duties and responsibilities, and how they relate to current and future data networking activities in your country. 2. A brief description of your computing and networking environment (operating systems, networking software, modems, etc.), including the connectivity of your organization to the Internet and your country's connectivity to the international Internet. 3a. Scope of your institution (check all categories that apply): [ ] Commercial Network Provider [ ] Academic Network Provider [ ] NGO Network Provider [ ] Other (Specify)______________ 3b. Approximate number of full time staff at your institution:________ 4. How your training and current work prepare and qualify you for the track you wish to attend. 5. How you expect to use the knowledge you gain at the workshop after you return to your country. 6. If you have previously attended AfNOG/INET Workshops for Developing Countries, a. Year and track you attended: b. A precise description of how you have used the training you have received in the past: c. The significant advances in networking which have occurred in your country specifically because of your knowledge and effort: E. Financial Information ------------------------- Your application must contain the following complete information if you wish to be considered for financial support to attend the workshop. The Workshop fee is US$1,600. This includes accommodation and meals. Applicants are usually expected to provide their own funding (from whatever sources). However AfNOG or its sponsors may make a limited financial assistance available to deserving candidates. Even if you request financial assistance you might not receive any, and your acceptance into the Workshop will be conditional on your ability to provide all or most of the funding yourself. Although you may be well qualified and in great need of financial assistance, the maximum funds AfNOG or its sponsors may provide is US$1,000 in financial assistance for BOTH WORKSHOP FEES AND AIRFARE. Payment for the workshop may be made by funds transfer, bank / certified cheque or in cash. Further details will be provided in the admission letter to successful candidates. NOTE : YOUR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE WORKSHOP MAY BEPEND ON YOUR ABILITY TO PROVIDE SOME OR ALL THE WORKSHOP FEES. 1. Are you are requesting financial aid from the AfNOG Workshop for attending the workshop and meetings? [ ] Yes [ ] No 2. If you are requesting financial aid to cover the workshop fee, please provide a complete list of funding sources in the following form. The list should contain all sources of funds that are available to you for payment of the workshop fee. The amounts should total U.S.$1,600. 1. Your Institution -- U.S.$ __________ 2. Your Government -- U.S.$ __________ 3. From international organizations -- U.S.$ __________ 4. Your personal contribution -- U.S.$ __________ 5. Amount you ask from AfNOG -- U.S.$ __________ (less than $1,000) _________________________________ TOTAL Income = U.S.$1,600.00 (PLEASE SELECT ONLY ONE - WORKSHOP FEES OR AIRFARE) 3. Will you need financial assistance for airfare? If so, how much will you or your institution be contributing? [ ] No, assistance for airfare not needed. [ ] Yes, assistance needed. (less than $1,000) Amount of your contribution: U.S.$_________ 4. If you are requesting financial support for airfare, please provide a good estimate of round trip, lowest economy excursion airfare between your place of residence and Abuja, Nigeria, in April 2007. 1. Airfare: 2. Airline: 3. Type of fare: 4. City of departure: 5. Source of your estimate: Signature (your name as you would sign it): __________________________ Date:___________________ -- DRAFT - Issued by the AfNOG 2007 Programme Committee 17 August 2006

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"Fiber Optics: What is the way forward for KENYA"
by Judy kimiti 09 Nov '06

09 Nov '06

Dear Member, The debate on the construction of an undersea fiber-optic cable to connect Kenya to the rest of the world has been on going for a while now. The speedy construction and importance of this cable cannot be over-emphasized. Several initiatives are on the table from different stakeholders. We wish to invite you for a 30 minutes presentation on Fiber Optics: What is the way forward for Kenya by Mr Kai Wulff Managing Director, KDN. The presentation will take place on 9th November 2006, 3:00pm, Jacaranda Hotel at the next KICTANet Planning meeting. The presentation is meant to give members first hand information on the development of fiber in the country and provide a platform for members to give input to the ongoing debate. We look forward having you join us at for this presentation and also request that you please RSVP your atttendance to the undersigned for logistics purpose. Thank You Your Faithfully, Judy Kimiti KICTANet Tel: 4453671 / 2 Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

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Wireless Broadband Africa - Discount Rate for Kictanet Members
by Sean Moroney 08 Nov '06

08 Nov '06

Dear Colleagues, AITEC is pleased to offer Kictanet members a 25% discount on the delegate fee for the Wireless Broadband Conference we are holding at Hilton Hotel over 29- Nov - 1 Dec. In addition, the first 50 delegates that register for the main conference qualify to attend practical implementation workshops on wireless technologies and CDMA free of charge. See our web site for the full programme - www.aitecafrica.com <http://www.aitecafrica.com/> Please phone AITEC Kenya on 020-675-0802/020-2011233 to register. I look forward to seeing you at the conference. Regards, Sean Moroney AITEC Africa <mailto:[email protected]> seanm(a)aitecafrica.com UK Tel: +44-(0)1480-880774 UK Fax: +44-(0)1480-880765 UK Mobile: +44(0)7973-499224 SA Mobile: +27(0)72-610-7153 Kenya Mobile: +254(0)721-845674 Skype: seanmoroney <http://www.aitecafrica.com/> www.aitecafrica.com For the detailed programme and to register as a delegate, log on to www.aitecafrica.com

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Invitation to the Engineering Students' Exhibition
by kevit 08 Nov '06

08 Nov '06

Dear Members, Please find below the details on an important invitation for the regional Engineering Students Exhibition 13.11.2006, Sarit Centre (Nairobi) Engineering Students Exhibition 2006 Showing Kenya's innovative powers Nairobi, 6th November 2006 - The 9th edition of the annual ICT and Engineering Students Exhibition 2006 of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) will be held on 13th November 2006 in Nairobi. This exhibition brings together academia, industries and government to realize the vital opportunity of creating linkages and collaboration. There are 120 entries from nine countries in the region. The event is supported by the Ministry of Information and Communications, Kenya Private Sector Alliance and the Kenya ICT Federation. The objective of the Engineering Students Exhibition is to encourage students to develop their engineering skills and to give them deeper insight in technology coupled with market demand. The preparation and presentation of projects challenges them to use their theoretical knowledge and demonstrate their engineering ability. Students also network with local and international participants, and interact with senior representatives of the private sector. An Innovation System for Kenya The Engineering Students Exhibition proofs there is a need and opportunity for Kenya to organise an Innovation System in which academia, private sector and public sector collaborate. The Government can play a facilitating role through an independent Science Technology and Innovation (SCTI) council, tasked to create an Innovation System that takes full advantage of Kenya's comparative advantages. Local industry cannot fund research and development on its own. However, Kenya's vibrant private sector will be able to take full advantage of such an Innovation System. The Innovation System will also help universities and higher education to emerge from isolation and integrate their curriculum with industry requirements. Due to the introverted nature of many institutions, research has limited relevance towards the socio-economic needs of the country and our creative talents remain under-utilised. The IEEE through its East African Section encourages all to explore the impressive creative engineering power we have in our students population. Sarit Centre Expo hall doors open at 10.00am, followed by hourly speeches and with a prize giving ceremony at 6.30pm. Free admission. Information: Kevit Desai Chairperson IEEE East Africa Governor - KEPSA Director of Engineering - Centurion Systems Ltd. Nairobi, Kenya Office tel: +254 20 4440102/3 Cell: +254 0722 517067 Email: <mailto:[email protected]> kevit(a)centurionsystemsltd.com

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Fw: Final Reminder: Invitation to BusinessXchange Forum - Tuesday 31st October 2006.
by alice＠apc.org 06 Nov '06

06 Nov '06

FYI those interested in attending the KENGEN talk...... ----- Original Message ----- From: <events(a)c4idea.com> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Monday, October 30, 2006 10:37 AM Subject: Final Reminder: Invitation to BusinessXchange Forum - Tuesday 31st October 2006. > Dear Alice Munyua, > > NB: If you have confirmed your participation please forward it to your > friends. > > This month we are privileged to have Mr. Eddy Njoroge, Managing Director > of KENGEN, Kenya's largest power generating company, to speak about going > public and the challenges encountered in the Kenyan market. > > > Date: Tuesday 31st October 2006 > > Topic: The KenGen IPO and How It Transformed Kenya! > > Speaker: Mr. Eddy Njoroge, MD, KenGen > > Time: 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm > > Venue: Grand Regency Hotel, Nairobi > > Cost: KShs. 1,000/- per person > > > c4IDEA.com is a resource network that helps individuals and organizations > exchange innovative and proactive ideas to develop world-class Kenyan > leaders in different professions and disciplines. > > Please email or call the undersigned on 444 9277 or 444 7655 to make a > reservation for this forum. Visit our website www.c4idea.com for more > information. > > Joan Wachira > Program Officer > _________________________________ > c4IDEA.com - Idea Factory Ltd, > The Office Park, Riverside Drive. > PO Box 12, Sarit Centre 00606, > Nairobi, Kenya. > Tel: 254-020-4449277. > Tel: 254-020-4447655. > Fax: 254-020-4449210. > www.c4IDEA.com > > > >

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Fw: Kictanet Planning Meeting - 9th November Jacaranda Hotel
by Judy kimiti 06 Nov '06

06 Nov '06

Dear Member, The next planning meeting is on 9th November 3:00pm at The Jacaranda Hotel. There will be a Fibre Presentation from Mr. Kai Wulff Managing Director KDN. Please RSVP your attendance to the undersigned for logistics purposes. Thank you. Yours Faithfully, Judy Kimiti KICTANet ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Judy kimiti <jkimiti01(a)yahoo.co.uk> To: kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke Sent: Friday, 27 October, 2006 11:20:11 AM Subject: Kictanet Planning Meeting - 9th November Jacaranda Hotel Dear Member, Please Find attached the agenda for the next KICTANet Planning Meeting which will be held on 9th November 2006, 3:00pm, Jacaranda Hotel As alot of members who had expressed interest in the Fibre Presentation by KDN where not able to attend, Mr Kai Wulff , has accepted to join us and give us the presenation at the above mentioned meeting. Please note because of time constraint, we shall have the presentation at exactly 3:30pm and will run for 30min. Those who are interested in joining this presentation are urged to be at the meeting on time. For logistics purposes, please RSVP your attendance to the undersigned. Yours Faithfully Judy Kimiti KICTANet Tel: 4453671 / 2 Cell: 0722 - 716020 Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

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OPEN ACCESS SAT3
by Eric Osiakwan 06 Nov '06

06 Nov '06

OPEN ACCESS SAT3 By Eric M.K Osiakwan Visiting Fellow and Scholar DV Program, Stanford University http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Since publishing the Open Access EASSy paper @ http:// blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ (you must read it to understand this paper), I have being challenged on the viability of Open Access to SAT3 and questioned on the need to institute the same standrards for both cables though we all know that SAT3 is already established and EASSy is yet to be. In this thesis I make an attempt at upholding the same Open Access structure and principles of EASSy to SAT3 – this is possible because both cables lie in the same realm but the context of their execusion are different. This is ONLY possible because of the window of opportunity presented by the end of exclusivity by the historic operators on SAT3 in April 2007 so I also suggest a process approach. For the records, SAT3 was established with an exclusivity period to recoup investment by the historic operators and this is due in April 2007 at which the SAT3 country governments can either entrench the exclusivity of the historic operators or consider other mechanisms such as what an proposing. SAT3 stands both as a pillar of hope and despair for the African continent; hope because it was the first cable and there is an opportunity for it to significantly change bandwidth prices based on it’s non-performance, despair because we may decide to keep things the way they are currently and continue with the incumbency and high bandwidth prices. The reasons for the non-renewal of the exclusivity range from, the historic operators haven recouped their investment in the cable at high cost since the inception of the cable and yet made fiber bandwdith more expensive than satellite capacity. Secondly we know that the loan granted by the WorldBank to the historic operators for their contribution to the SAT3 cable was guaranteed by their respective governments hence the onus lies with the government after supporting the private interest of the historic operators to now consider the public interest of providing cheap and affordable bandwidth for socio-economic development. If the SAT3 goverrnments and regulators collectively or individually decide to end the exclusivity in April 2007 then the question to me is, what steps should they take towards Open Accessing SAT3? I don’t hold monopoly on the steps and process because national and or regional relationships coupled with on the ground details must be taken into consideration but I would proceed to outline what I see as the larger framework of what is possible in terms of structure, principles and processes – same as for the EASSy cable. Hopefully other cables or subsequent ones would adopt or follow the same strucure, principles and process to have the desired impact. For the records again, I applaud the work done by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA @ www.osiwa.org) and other institutions for not only holding two (2) workshops to discuss the SAT3 issues but bringing a community of engagement, culture of awareness of the issues at stake and channelling internal capacity within the various constituencies ie governments, regulators, private sector, educational institutions and Civil Society to understand whatever decisions they make regarding the cable. My effort in this paper is to compliment such efforts with an adoption that considers some elements and layout a general framework based on the several discussions and engagements. Declaring SAT3 an “essential facility” would mean that it holds much in the public interest so must be treated with the public good as primary and other consideration as secondary. Private consideration would be first on the secondary ladder because that is important for the running of the public entity. Am not for once suggesting a move from an extreme private position to an extreme public consideration, but rather my suggestion is to use minimal public holding as a temporal measure to move from an exteme private interest to a balance between the private and public consideration. Open Access is about balance and consideration of the various interests. The governments holding the essential facility in trust after declaring it so is only a temporary measure which must be seeded quickly to a multi-stakeholder institution which would work in the interest of the various constituency and ensure that there is a clear reflection of equity. Regulatory and public policy must recognise the establishment of the essenttial facility which in this case would be “infrastructure provider” – providing infrastructure for the other service providers wthin the value chain. In some cases the regulatory and public policy environment must create the structural change from a vertical to a horizontal layering communication system and that enables the change process. Whatever the case may be, the first fundamental step is the re-alignment of the communication paradigm where there is a distinction between infrastructure and services. This means a move from the vertical to the horizontal communication system. The essential facility in this case, the SAT3 country segment would constitute the infrastructure provider which DOES NOT provide services on the value chain. Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and Senegal has hinted that they are going to adopt this approach post April 2007. In the case of Ghana, the government has also contracted the Chinese to finalise the nationwide fiber network which was owned by the Volta River Authority called Voltacom. Voltacom would be merged with the SAT3 country segment to form an “infrastructure provider” which would provider international and national bandwidth infrastructure. Owership of the infrastructure provider is the next consideration, enjoining a multi-stakeholder ownership model ensures that there is balance of power, money and interest. It is in the interest of the government to ensure that this happens so that they are not labeled as “corrupting” the entity. The mechanism is for the government through an initial private and or public offering to invite the private sector, educational institutions, civil society, investors, PTTs and the consumer to own a part of this entity through a transparent and neutral process. Enlisting the infrastructure provider on the stock exchange would ensure that it is subject to the dictates of that environment ensuring access and commonality on ownership. SAT3 at this point would have adhered to Open Access in terms of the structural change below; Within the structural framework, the cable would have differentiated “Infrastructure” from “Services” where Infrastructure is seen more in the “Ownership” realm whiles Service is seen in “Access to capacity”. The most distinguishing feature of the Open Access approach is that, ownership of the infrastructure DOES NOT GUARANTEE any access (discriminatory or not) to capacity on the value chain for the provision of service to the market. The respective country capacity would be on the money here. A set of principles would hold for the ownership of the cable and those principles would be different from those for access to capacity. Infrastructure ownership principles for the SAT3 cable would include; The ownership of the cable must be in a public private partnership involving Government, PTTs, ISPs, Educational Institutions, Civil Society and Consumers. A fair distribution of these constituencies from the member countries in an equal sub-regional distribution leading up to the Board of Directors of the enterprise in case a regional approach is adopted like EASSy. The same set of rules must be established to identifying the various shareholders from the various countries in the different constituencies, again this applies to regional. For the purposes of this exercise a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) or a legal entity with an African wide structure and majority Africa ownership should be considered The essential facility must have a public interest combined with a private sector approach in it’s business model in order to ensure cheap and affordable bandwidth to the end-user. Value Chain access to capacity for service delivery principles are; The essential facility must sell capacity to all entities who meet the legal and regulatory requirements in each country directly and non-discriminatorily. Service Providers shall be offered Transport Infrastructure Layer access to different capacities depending on their requirements. End Users shall be free to choose any local Service Provider connected to the National and or Regional Network. The essential facility shall not compete with Service Providers (its customers) by offering services at the Service Layers directly to End Users. All countries must create a regulatory structure that recognizes the essential facility. The essential facility shall be formed, owned and operated in such a way as to facilitate competition and to foster innovation at the Services Layer, and where practical and commercially viable at all levels, with a view to maximizing usage of the network and benefits to the End Users. Once these are in place the market structure would align such that the infrastructure cost which is almost always duplicated several times by service providers is consolidated. That reduces the barrier to uptake on the service side and makes the service providers focus on services and competition in the market place for innovation and customer service delivery at cheaper or affordable cost. Ultimately the customer benefits and the uptake of ICTs as a sector and cross sectorial enabler would be enhanced. This sets out the framework for Open Access as it relates to the SAT3 cable but I must admit that this is not the ONLY approach in terms of process but structurally and principles wise, the above is not far from wrong. The devil as they say is always in the details, though. NB: These principles and structure are drawn from the Open Access study conducted by Anders Comstedt, Eric Osiakwan and Russell Southwood for InfoDEV @ the WorldBank – http://www.infodev.org/en/ Project.80.html Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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Phoney finance - Mobile telephony and banking
by alice＠apc.org 05 Nov '06

05 Nov '06

Our Safaricom we understand is about to roll out money transfer system using mobile phones. Will phone now turn into banking instruments setting pace for mobile commerce? For people in rural where Bank branches have high operational costs due to lack of infrastructure (Electricity is in short supply, as are safe, passable roads), are clearly not the solution. Yet this is where most potential micro finance patrons still live. If we are looking at ways to fill a need and to by pass infrastructure problems for bank branches, then the opportunities are abundant for mobile phone holders who are able to transact banking through their mobiles. Not to say that infrastructure is not important but that micro finance clients no longer have to wait. However, there are many challenges (policy and regulatory related) in forging these types of partnerships (mobiles and banking) and proving that mobile banking can work even in the most remote areas and protect vulnerable users...... alice ----- Original Message ----- From: <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Sunday, November 05, 2006 1:47 PM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Fw: Final Reminder: Invitation to BusinessXchange Forum - Tuesday 31st October 2006. Dear All, Do you see opportunities in the Economist article below: Ndemo. Phoney finance - Mobile telephony and banking 875 words 28 October 2006 The Economist ECN 381 English (c) The Economist Newspaper Limited, London 2006. All rights reserved Banking the unbanked, by mobile phone Most South Africans do not have bank accounts. But most do have mobile phones LIFE is now easier for Andile Mbatha, who owns a hair salon in Soweto. Gone are his days of trekking to his bank, which could take two hours by minibus, to send money to relatives. Nor does he keep piles of cash in his salon any more. Last year, he opened a bank account with Wizzit, an innovative provider of financial services. He now sends money to his sister in Cape Town whenever he wants, from wherever he wants, using a simple menu on his mobile phone. Half his customers no longer pay cash for their haircuts. They use their phones to move money from their accounts to his, in a few seconds. "This has taken out a lot of stress," says Mr Mbatha. About half a million South Africans now use their mobile phones as a bank. Besides sending money to relatives and paying for goods, they can check balances, buy mobile airtime and settle utility bills. Traditional banks offer mobile banking as an added service to existing customers, most of whom are quite well off. But Wizzit, and to some extent First National Bank (FNB) and MTN Banking (a joint venture between Standard Bank and a mobile-phone network), are chasing another market: the 16m South Africans, over half of the adult population, with no bank account. Significantly, 30% of these people do have mobile phones. Wizzit hired and trained over 2,000 unemployed people, known as Wizzkids, to drum up business. It worked: eight out of ten Wizzit customers previously had no bank account and had never used an ATM. Mobile banking is just one example of a wider phenomenon in South Africa. With its odd mix of advanced capitalism and developing-world economics, the country is successfully luring people who hitherto dealt only in cash or barter to the world of formal finance. A simplified kind of account called Mzansi was launched in 2004 to reach the unbanked, and portable banks and ATMs have been rolled out in townships and in the countryside. To this fast-changing scene, mobile-phone banking looks to be a promising addition. Millions of South Africans send money to their relatives in other parts of the country. And most of these sums, which add up to about 12 billion rand ($1.5 billion) each year, still move informally. South Africa is not the first place to use mobile-phone banking: countries such as Japan, South Korea and the Philippines have had it for a while. But the potential is probably bigger in the developing world, and in countries in which migrants remit money to their families in relatively poor homelands. In Greece, a European Union member that is now awash with migrant labour, Albanians or Bulgarians often send money home by putting crumpled banknotes in the hands of a trusted compatriot, who takes a cut. If they could do it all by pressing buttons, they would. In most of Africa, meanwhile, only a fraction of people have bank accounts-but there is huge demand for cheap and convenient ways to send money and buy prepaid services such as airtime. Many Africans, having skipped landlines and jumped to mobiles, already use prepaid airtime as a way of transferring money. They could now leap from a world of cash to cellular banking. In Kenya, a pilot scheme called M-Pesa is being used to disburse and pay micro-loans by phone. Meanwhile Celpay, which FNB bought last year from Celtel, a mobile-phone company, is offering platforms for banks and phone companies in Zambia and Congo. In countries like Somalia, with chaotic conditions at home and a huge diaspora, cash transfers by phone would be a boon. For banks, persuading people not to use branches for simple transactions such as balance enquiries or transfers should reduce operating costs. So far, they charge the same for mobile as for traditional banking, though Wizzit says its services are at least a third cheaper than those of a traditional bank. But drawing the unbanked into the joys of cell-finance isn't always easy. Many think banking too expensive and complicated, and helping new customers become financially literate takes time. The technology remains clunky in some cases, with downloads requiring dozens of text messages. Several rival platforms are still in the fight, but so far those that emphasise simplicity and ease-of-use over state-of-the-art technology and security have made the greatest strides. A lot also hangs on putting in place the right laws and regulations. They need to be tight enough to protect vulnerable users and discourage money laundering, but open enough to allow innovative mobile banking to grow. If the transfer of money by mobile phone-between countries as well as within them-takes off, it could have implications far beyond the salons of Soweto. In 2005, according to the United Nations, global migrants remitted $232 billion, of which up to 20% was lost on the way, mostly in bank charges or fraud. If cellular transfers could slash that figure, mobile banking would prove to be a good call. -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alice%40apc.org _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Please unsubscribe or change your options at A. Wanjira Munyua National Coordinator, Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA) Association for Progressive Communications (APC) alice(a)apc.org http://www.apc.org http://www.catia.ws

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Re: [Kictanet] v2030 and ICT
by Eric Osiakwan 03 Nov '06

03 Nov '06

Edith, permit me to emphasis your point "keep our eyes on the ball" and be active in that process - this is what i meant by write ICT in the 2030 document as much as possible and send it to them as KICTANET. This must be done so much and through many ways that they accept what input you guys have. When we did this in Ghana, i made the ICT community aware that if we dont get ICT into that vision, then we have failed as a constituency and we cant blame the government for not listening to us so that it is more our responsibility to ensure it is there than the government to accept it in there. I hope am not TOO OPTIMISTIC.......:-) ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Edith Adera <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke> Reply-To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Date: Fri, 03 Nov 2006 09:02:24 +0300 >Thanks for sharing this Bill. > >There's need to ensure this gets attention at the Strategy development >stage as well (as a cross-cutting theme and as a sector in itself...so lets >"keep our eyes on the ball" and be active in that process. > >cheers! > > >At / À 01:08 PM 11/2/2006, Bill Kagai wrote / a écrit: >>SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY HON. MWAI KIBAKI, C.G.H., M.P., PRESIDENT AND >>COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA ON THE >>OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE VISION 2030, KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE >>CENTRE, NAIROBI, 30TH OCTOBER, 2006 >> >>http://www.statehousekenya.go.ke/speeches/kibaki/oct06/2006301001.htm >> >>The ICT sector is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, >>with highest potential for Kenya's prospects in tapping global >>markets. This follows the total liberalisation of this sector in >>Kenya. We will soon have a second national operator, which will bring >>greater dynamism to the telecommunications sector. More importantly, >>we are investing in fibre optic connectivity nationally and >>internationally to leverage our global competitiveness in this sector, >>which offers our educated youth extensive opportunities for >>employment. Therefore, the strategies that you are developing for the >>next five years should leverage this competitive advantage, especially >>with regard to business process outsourcing, which is the world's >>fastest growing global market. The economic performance of any country >>is closely tied to the application of science and technology. This is >>why Kenya is investing considerably in higher education, research >>institutions, and universities. >> >>However, there still remain serious limitations in application of >>technology between research, industry, and agriculture. This is a >>serious weakness in our development strategy, which requires urgent >>attention. We have recently created the Ministry of Science and >>Technology, which is developing a national policy for science, >>technology, and innovation. It is important that the Vision Strategy >>that is being developed, is geared towards enhancing Kenya's >>scientific and technological capacity, inculcating a scientific >>culture, and integrating science and technology into our production >>and service sectors. >> >>_______________________________________________ >>kictanet mailing list >>kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >>http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >>Please unsubscribe or change your options at >>http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/eadera%40idrc.or.ke > > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/ kictanet/eric%40afrispa.org > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" --

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Re: [Kictanet] v2030 and ICT
by Edith Adera 03 Nov '06

03 Nov '06

Thanks for sharing this Bill. There's need to ensure this gets attention at the Strategy development stage as well (as a cross-cutting theme and as a sector in itself...so lets "keep our eyes on the ball" and be active in that process. cheers! At / À 01:08 PM 11/2/2006, Bill Kagai wrote / a écrit: >SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY HON. MWAI KIBAKI, C.G.H., M.P., PRESIDENT AND >COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA ON THE >OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE VISION 2030, KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE >CENTRE, NAIROBI, 30TH OCTOBER, 2006 > >http://www.statehousekenya.go.ke/speeches/kibaki/oct06/2006301001.htm > >The ICT sector is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, >with highest potential for Kenya's prospects in tapping global >markets. This follows the total liberalisation of this sector in >Kenya. We will soon have a second national operator, which will bring >greater dynamism to the telecommunications sector. More importantly, >we are investing in fibre optic connectivity nationally and >internationally to leverage our global competitiveness in this sector, >which offers our educated youth extensive opportunities for >employment. Therefore, the strategies that you are developing for the >next five years should leverage this competitive advantage, especially >with regard to business process outsourcing, which is the world's >fastest growing global market. The economic performance of any country >is closely tied to the application of science and technology. This is >why Kenya is investing considerably in higher education, research >institutions, and universities. > >However, there still remain serious limitations in application of >technology between research, industry, and agriculture. This is a >serious weakness in our development strategy, which requires urgent >attention. We have recently created the Ministry of Science and >Technology, which is developing a national policy for science, >technology, and innovation. It is important that the Vision Strategy >that is being developed, is geared towards enhancing Kenya's >scientific and technological capacity, inculcating a scientific >culture, and integrating science and technology into our production >and service sectors. > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >Please unsubscribe or change your options at >http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/eadera%40idrc.or.ke

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v2030 and ICT
by Bill Kagai 02 Nov '06

02 Nov '06

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY HON. MWAI KIBAKI, C.G.H., M.P., PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA ON THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE VISION 2030, KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, NAIROBI, 30TH OCTOBER, 2006 http://www.statehousekenya.go.ke/speeches/kibaki/oct06/2006301001.htm The ICT sector is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, with highest potential for Kenya's prospects in tapping global markets. This follows the total liberalisation of this sector in Kenya. We will soon have a second national operator, which will bring greater dynamism to the telecommunications sector. More importantly, we are investing in fibre optic connectivity nationally and internationally to leverage our global competitiveness in this sector, which offers our educated youth extensive opportunities for employment. Therefore, the strategies that you are developing for the next five years should leverage this competitive advantage, especially with regard to business process outsourcing, which is the world's fastest growing global market. The economic performance of any country is closely tied to the application of science and technology. This is why Kenya is investing considerably in higher education, research institutions, and universities. However, there still remain serious limitations in application of technology between research, industry, and agriculture. This is a serious weakness in our development strategy, which requires urgent attention. We have recently created the Ministry of Science and Technology, which is developing a national policy for science, technology, and innovation. It is important that the Vision Strategy that is being developed, is geared towards enhancing Kenya's scientific and technological capacity, inculcating a scientific culture, and integrating science and technology into our production and service sectors.

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Fwd: Re: Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for growth
by John Walubengo 02 Nov '06

02 Nov '06

Wash, I think your KICTANet list is having serious hiccups. Attached is what i sent on Tuesday morning. Today is Thrs and am yet to see it pop-out.. Maybe Alice can forward the comments - now that I see she seems to be the lucky one with her 'posts' going through. walu. --- John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Date: Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:27:47 -0800 (PST) > From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki > launches vision for growth > To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> > > How tragic indeed. Huge oversight if ICT has no central > role in this Vision 2030....further more it seems to > focuse on Industrialisation (halloo! that used to be the > target for economies in the 1950s). > > Now people talk about a Knowledge economy. Indeed > Industrialisation per-se no longer provides a competitive > advantage. The advantage lies in leveraging Information > Technologies to create value beyond Industrialisation. > > Vision 2030 might be targeting the future - but using the > 'side' mirror i.e driving into the future but relying too > much in the previous, economical fundamentals. We need > to > refocus it into the right direction. I don't know how > and > if there is room and a role for KICTANet here. > > walu. > > > --- Nation Media <news(a)nationmedia.com> wrote: > > > --------------------------------- > > eadera(a)idrc.or.ke has sent you this article from > Nationmedia.com with this message: > Colleagues,It is TRAGIC! that vision 2030 has not given > prominence to the role of ICTs as an enabler - it's not > highlighted in the article, maybe in the document > itself?. > Who's working on the strategy to deliver this vision? and > what role can we play as KICTANET to change this? This is > a > challenge I throw to all of us! We must do something! The > countries mentioned in this article have been > fundamentally > transformed by ICTs. your views on practical steps we can > take to ensure ICTs are well integrated in the strategy? > EdithKibaki launches vision for growth Published: > 10/31/2006By: MUGO NJERU > --------------------------------- > > President Kibaki yesterday launched an ambitious economic > programme aimed at transforming Kenya into an economic > powerhouse with a sustainable growth rate of 10 per cent > by > 2030. > The President told leaders to keep politics out of the > project dubbed Kenya Vision 2030. > > President Kibaki greets Nation CEO Wilfred Kiboro and > other > members of the National Economic and Social Council > yesterday before officially launching Vision 2030 at KICC > in Nairobi. The vision is expected to transform Kenya > into > a prosperous nation. Photo/William Oeri. > > He said: "Vision 2030 goes beyond any single government, > party, political persuasion or religion. It is a call to > all Kenyans to make it possible for us to wipe out from > our > land absolute poverty, famine, mass unemployment and > preventable deaths from malaria and water-borne > diseases." > > Although President Kibaki said he was optimistic that the > development goal would be achieved, it will depend on how > the country manages its affairs in the next five years. > High quality of life > "Under Vision 2030, we see ourselves becoming a > middle-income, prosperous country, providing a high > quality > of life for all our people," the President said at the > launch of the initiative at the Kenyatta International > Conference Centre in Nairobi. > To realise the goal, he said Kenyans must build on the > competitive advantages in key sectors of the economy to > expand the country's share of the global market. > Besides the 10 per cent growth over 25 years, another > pillar of the programme will be building a just and > cohesive society with equitable social development and a > clean and secure environment. > The initiative also aims at building a democratic > political > system that nurtures issue-based politics, the rule of > law > and protects the rights and freedoms of every individual > and society. > Several leaders at the meeting described the vision as > noble and said it should be supported by all Kenyans. ODM > Kenya secretary-general Anyang Nyong'o said the vision > was > good but its success would depend on the goodwill of > successive governments. "The Government and the > opposition > are united on this vision," he said. > Finance minister Amos Kimunya said its success depended > on > people working together as one nation. > He and other speakers said it was possible to propel the > country to the levels of economies like Malaysia, > Singapore, Indonesia, Chile and South Korea, most of > which > which were in the same economic footing with Kenya in the > 1970s. > Trade and Industry minister Mukhisa Kituyi said the > vision > is achievable if it is not held hostage by any government > and if it receives support from the media and the private > sector. > President Kibaki said for the country to realise the > success of the vision, it was important to put in place a > clear strategy detailing what needed to be achieved for > each of the pillars of the programme for the next five > years. > He said that over the years, coffee production has been > declining from over 120,000 tons a year to less than > 50,000 > this year, which had a devastating effect on farmers' > incomes and employment opportunities. > "We need to make sure that under Vision 2030, the > strategies that will be developed will not repeat the > mistakes of the past and avoid imposing a costly burden > on > the people of this country," he said. > On manufacturing, the President said the sector had > barely > grown in the last 20 years. "The textile industry which > was > very vibrant in 1970s and 1980s has virtually been wiped > out while the EPZ-based enterprises are experiencing > serious competition in the global market," he said. > Leather and other livestock-related industries have also > not made significant breakthroughs in the global market > although these are sectors in which Kenya could have > competitive advantage and growth if the right strategies > and policies were applied. > "I challenge the experts who are developing the > strategies > to pay special attention to these sectors for the next > five > years, because they have the greatest potential for > delivering widely shared economic and social benefits for > the Kenyan people," President Kibaki said. > On tourism, he noted that although the number of tourists > visiting Kenya had increased over the last few years, > income from the sector was far below that of small > European > countries, the Caribbean and North Africa. > With proper planning and investment, the country should > be > able to attract and accommodate five million tourists by > 2012, the President said. > He said the economic performance of any country was > closely > tied to the application of science and technology and > that > was why the country was investing considerably in higher > education and research institutions. > The vision strategy, he said, should be geared towards > enhancing Kenya's scientific and technological capacity, > promoting a scientific culture and integrating science > and > technology into the production and service sectors. > There was also need to expand, upgrade and sustain health > facilities while ensuring that they remain accessible and > affordable to all Kenyans. > President Kibaki said rapid urban population growth had > resulted in serious unemployment, growing slums and an > increase of hawkers. It was also causing a severe strain > on > the provision of services such as maintenance of law and > order, water supply, sewerage and sanitation, education > and > health facilities. > The President said: "Effective planning of and ability to > enforce compliance for the proper administration of our > cities and major towns requires to be accorded high > priority in the strategies that will be developed to meet > the challenges of urbanisation." > He directed that measures to wipe out slums and replace > them with well-planned, low-cost houses in all major > towns > be implemented without delay. > > > > --------------------------------- > to view this article on the web click here > --------------------------------- > > Are you receiving daily news headlines from the Daily > Nation? Sign up today and receive headlines andweekly > articles from your favorite magazine delivered to your > email inbox. > To sign up: Registered users click here New members > click here. > > Interested in advertising in our emails? Contact > internetsales(a)nation.co.ke or read about our advertising > opportunities > herehttp://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/advertise.asp > > > > --------------------------------- > > You have received this email because someone thought you > might be interested in our article. Please be assured > that > we have not saved your email address for any purpose. To > read our Privacy Policyclick here > > > > > Nation Media Group all rights reserved 2004 > Website: www.nationmedia.com > For querries or info: comments(a)nation.co.ke > > > > --------------------------------- > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > Please unsubscribe or change your options at > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > We have the perfect Group for you. Check out the handy > changes to Yahoo! Groups > (http://groups.yahoo.com) > > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for growth
by Nation Media 02 Nov '06

02 Nov '06

5 6

Re: [Kictanet] Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for
by Eric Osiakwan 02 Nov '06

02 Nov '06

KICTANET whiles following my earlier posting should also request a sitting with the President if possible to make a case for why ICT should be the central element of the countries vision. We have gone through this in Ghana and this was the process. Now ICTs are an integral part of the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS) which is many cases should not be but we pushed for it to happen. We are now pushing for the national plan to have ICTs as the engine, though this is being TOUGH. Eric here ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Reply-To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Date: Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:27:47 -0800 (PST) >How tragic indeed. Huge oversight if ICT has no central >role in this Vision 2030....further more it seems to >focuse on Industrialisation (halloo! that used to be the >target for economies in the 1950s). > >Now people talk about a Knowledge economy. Indeed >Industrialisation per-se no longer provides a competitive >advantage. The advantage lies in leveraging Information >Technologies to create value beyond Industrialisation. > >Vision 2030 might be targeting the future - but using the >'side' mirror i.e driving into the future but relying too >much in the previous, economical fundamentals. We need to >refocus it into the right direction. I don't know how and >if there is room and a role for KICTANet here. > >walu. > > >--- Nation Media <news(a)nationmedia.com> wrote: > > >--------------------------------- > >eadera(a)idrc.or.ke has sent you this article from >Nationmedia.com with this message: >Colleagues,It is TRAGIC! that vision 2030 has not given >prominence to the role of ICTs as an enabler - it's not >highlighted in the article, maybe in the document itself?. >Who's working on the strategy to deliver this vision? and >what role can we play as KICTANET to change this? This is a >challenge I throw to all of us! We must do something! The >countries mentioned in this article have been fundamentally >transformed by ICTs. your views on practical steps we can >take to ensure ICTs are well integrated in the strategy? >EdithKibaki launches vision for growth Published: >10/31/2006By: MUGO NJERU >--------------------------------- > >President Kibaki yesterday launched an ambitious economic >programme aimed at transforming Kenya into an economic >powerhouse with a sustainable growth rate of 10 per cent by >2030. >The President told leaders to keep politics out of the >project dubbed Kenya Vision 2030. > >President Kibaki greets Nation CEO Wilfred Kiboro and other >members of the National Economic and Social Council >yesterday before officially launching Vision 2030 at KICC >in Nairobi. The vision is expected to transform Kenya into >a prosperous nation. Photo/William Oeri. > >He said: "Vision 2030 goes beyond any single government, >party, political persuasion or religion. It is a call to >all Kenyans to make it possible for us to wipe out from our >land absolute poverty, famine, mass unemployment and >preventable deaths from malaria and water-borne diseases." > >Although President Kibaki said he was optimistic that the >development goal would be achieved, it will depend on how >the country manages its affairs in the next five years. >High quality of life >"Under Vision 2030, we see ourselves becoming a >middle-income, prosperous country, providing a high quality >of life for all our people," the President said at the >launch of the initiative at the Kenyatta International >Conference Centre in Nairobi. >To realise the goal, he said Kenyans must build on the >competitive advantages in key sectors of the economy to >expand the country's share of the global market. >Besides the 10 per cent growth over 25 years, another >pillar of the programme will be building a just and >cohesive society with equitable social development and a >clean and secure environment. >The initiative also aims at building a democratic political >system that nurtures issue-based politics, the rule of law >and protects the rights and freedoms of every individual >and society. >Several leaders at the meeting described the vision as >noble and said it should be supported by all Kenyans. ODM >Kenya secretary-general Anyang Nyong'o said the vision was >good but its success would depend on the goodwill of >successive governments. "The Government and the opposition >are united on this vision," he said. >Finance minister Amos Kimunya said its success depended on >people working together as one nation. >He and other speakers said it was possible to propel the >country to the levels of economies like Malaysia, >Singapore, Indonesia, Chile and South Korea, most of which >which were in the same economic footing with Kenya in the >1970s. >Trade and Industry minister Mukhisa Kituyi said the vision >is achievable if it is not held hostage by any government >and if it receives support from the media and the private >sector. >President Kibaki said for the country to realise the >success of the vision, it was important to put in place a >clear strategy detailing what needed to be achieved for >each of the pillars of the programme for the next five >years. >He said that over the years, coffee production has been >declining from over 120,000 tons a year to less than 50,000 >this year, which had a devastating effect on farmers' >incomes and employment opportunities. >"We need to make sure that under Vision 2030, the >strategies that will be developed will not repeat the >mistakes of the past and avoid imposing a costly burden on >the people of this country," he said. >On manufacturing, the President said the sector had barely >grown in the last 20 years. "The textile industry which was >very vibrant in 1970s and 1980s has virtually been wiped >out while the EPZ-based enterprises are experiencing >serious competition in the global market," he said. >Leather and other livestock-related industries have also >not made significant breakthroughs in the global market >although these are sectors in which Kenya could have >competitive advantage and growth if the right strategies >and policies were applied. >"I challenge the experts who are developing the strategies >to pay special attention to these sectors for the next five >years, because they have the greatest potential for >delivering widely shared economic and social benefits for >the Kenyan people," President Kibaki said. >On tourism, he noted that although the number of tourists >visiting Kenya had increased over the last few years, >income from the sector was far below that of small European >countries, the Caribbean and North Africa. >With proper planning and investment, the country should be >able to attract and accommodate five million tourists by >2012, the President said. >He said the economic performance of any country was closely >tied to the application of science and technology and that >was why the country was investing considerably in higher >education and research institutions. >The vision strategy, he said, should be geared towards >enhancing Kenya's scientific and technological capacity, >promoting a scientific culture and integrating science and >technology into the production and service sectors. >There was also need to expand, upgrade and sustain health >facilities while ensuring that they remain accessible and >affordable to all Kenyans. >President Kibaki said rapid urban population growth had >resulted in serious unemployment, growing slums and an >increase of hawkers. It was also causing a severe strain on >the provision of services such as maintenance of law and >order, water supply, sewerage and sanitation, education and >health facilities. >The President said: "Effective planning of and ability to >enforce compliance for the proper administration of our >cities and major towns requires to be accorded high >priority in the strategies that will be developed to meet >the challenges of urbanisation." >He directed that measures to wipe out slums and replace >them with well-planned, low-cost houses in all major towns >be implemented without delay. > > > >--------------------------------- >to view this article on the web click here >--------------------------------- > >Are you receiving daily news headlines from the Daily >Nation? Sign up today and receive headlines andweekly >articles from your favorite magazine delivered to your >email inbox. >To sign up: Registered users click here New members >click here. > >Interested in advertising in our emails? Contact >internetsales(a)nation.co.ke or read about our advertising >opportunities >herehttp://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/advertise.asp > > > >--------------------------------- > > You have received this email because someone thought you >might be interested in our article. Please be assured that >we have not saved your email address for any purpose. To >read our Privacy Policyclick here > > > > >Nation Media Group all rights reserved 2004 >Website: www.nationmedia.com >For querries or info: comments(a)nation.co.ke > > > >--------------------------------- >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> Please unsubscribe or change your options at >http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com > > > > >____________________________________________________________________________________ >We have the perfect Group for you. Check out the handy changes to Yahoo! Groups >(http://groups.yahoo.com) > > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/ kictanet/eric%40afrispa.org > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" --

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[fwd] Re: Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for growth
by Odhiambo WASHINGTON 02 Nov '06

02 Nov '06

----- Forwarded message from alice(a)apc.org ----- It is such a pity that the fastest moving sector has not been given the attention and prominence it deserves, what with Safaricom's and other's contribution to the economy! Anyway we have been accused of moaning! The draft vision was created by NESC, and from what I see the ICT "sector" cuts across the 3 main pillars Economic, social and political they have presented.They have outlined the project's approach which will take three phases, I see an immediate entry point for ICTs during phase one where they will "identify priority sectors with possibilities of quick wins" The plan also mentions creation of ministerial committee headed by P.S from various ministries and involving stakeholders to identify sector specific visions/constraints, etc This is good for all stakeholders and we should take the opportunity to work with our ministry and P.S. Perhaps KICTAnet could work with the IC master plan team to ensure that links between the IC plan and the 2030 vision are created in all phases. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Nation Media" <news(a)nationmedia.com> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 9:22 PM Subject: [Kictanet] Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for growth > > eadera(a)idrc.or.ke has sent you this article from >Nationmedia.com with this message: > Colleagues, It is TRAGIC! that vision 2030 has not >given prominence to the role of ICTs as an enabler - it's not highlighted >in the article, maybe in the document itself?. Who's working on the >strategy to deliver this vision? and what role can we play as KICTANET to >change this? This is a challenge I throw to all of us! We must do >something! The countries mentioned in this article have been fundamentally >transformed by ICTs. your views on practical steps we can take to ensure >ICTs are well integrated in the strategy? Edith > Kibaki launches vision for growth > Published: 10/31/2006 > By: MUGO NJERU > >-------------------------------------------------------- > > President Kibaki yesterday launched an >ambitious economic programme aimed at transforming Kenya into an economic >powerhouse with a sustainable growth rate of 10 per cent by 2030. > > The President told leaders to keep politics >out of the project dubbed Kenya Vision 2030. > > > President Kibaki greets Nation CEO Wilfred >Kiboro and other members of the National Economic and Social Council >yesterday before officially launching Vision 2030 at KICC in Nairobi. The >vision is expected to transform Kenya into a prosperous nation. >Photo/William Oeri. > > > He said: "Vision 2030 goes beyond any single >government, party, political persuasion or religion. It is a call to all >Kenyans to make it possible for us to wipe out from our land absolute >poverty, famine, mass unemployment and preventable deaths from malaria and >water-borne diseases." > > Although President Kibaki said he was >optimistic that the development goal would be achieved, it will depend on >how the country manages its affairs in the next five years. > > High quality of life > > "Under Vision 2030, we see ourselves becoming >a middle-income, prosperous country, providing a high quality of life for >all our people," the President said at the launch of the initiative at the >Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi. > > To realise the goal, he said Kenyans must >build on the competitive advantages in key sectors of the economy to >expand the country's share of the global market. > > Besides the 10 per cent growth over 25 years, >another pillar of the programme will be building a just and cohesive >society with equitable social development and a clean and secure >environment. > > The initiative also aims at building a >democratic political system that nurtures issue-based politics, the rule >of law and protects the rights and freedoms of every individual and >society. > > Several leaders at the meeting described the >vision as noble and said it should be supported by all Kenyans. ODM Kenya >secretary-general Anyang Nyong'o said the vision was good but its success >would depend on the goodwill of successive governments. "The Government >and the opposition are united on this vision," he said. > > Finance minister Amos Kimunya said its >success depended on people working together as one nation. > > He and other speakers said it was possible to >propel the country to the levels of economies like Malaysia, Singapore, >Indonesia, Chile and South Korea, most of which which were in the same >economic footing with Kenya in the 1970s. > > Trade and Industry minister Mukhisa Kituyi >said the vision is achievable if it is not held hostage by any government >and if it receives support from the media and the private sector. > > President Kibaki said for the country to >realise the success of the vision, it was important to put in place a >clear strategy detailing what needed to be achieved for each of the >pillars of the programme for the next five years. > > He said that over the years, coffee >production has been declining from over 120,000 tons a year to less than >50,000 this year, which had a devastating effect on farmers' incomes and >employment opportunities. > > "We need to make sure that under Vision 2030, >the strategies that will be developed will not repeat the mistakes of the >past and avoid imposing a costly burden on the people of this country," he >said. > > On manufacturing, the President said the >sector had barely grown in the last 20 years. "The textile industry which >was very vibrant in 1970s and 1980s has virtually been wiped out while the >EPZ-based enterprises are experiencing serious competition in the global >market," he said. > > Leather and other livestock-related >industries have also not made significant breakthroughs in the global >market although these are sectors in which Kenya could have competitive >advantage and growth if the right strategies and policies were applied. > > "I challenge the experts who are developing >the strategies to pay special attention to these sectors for the next five >years, because they have the greatest potential for delivering widely >shared economic and social benefits for the Kenyan people," President >Kibaki said. > > On tourism, he noted that although the number >of tourists visiting Kenya had increased over the last few years, income >from the sector was far below that of small European countries, the >Caribbean and North Africa. > > With proper planning and investment, the >country should be able to attract and accommodate five million tourists by >2012, the President said. > > He said the economic performance of any >country was closely tied to the application of science and technology and >that was why the country was investing considerably in higher education >and research institutions. > > The vision strategy, he said, should be >geared towards enhancing Kenya's scientific and technological capacity, >promoting a scientific culture and integrating science and technology into >the production and service sectors. > > There was also need to expand, upgrade and >sustain health facilities while ensuring that they remain accessible and >affordable to all Kenyans. > > President Kibaki said rapid urban population >growth had resulted in serious unemployment, growing slums and an increase >of hawkers. It was also causing a severe strain on the provision of >services such as maintenance of law and order, water supply, sewerage and >sanitation, education and health facilities. > > The President said: "Effective planning of >and ability to enforce compliance for the proper administration of our >cities and major towns requires to be accorded high priority in the >strategies that will be developed to meet the challenges of urbanisation." > > He directed that measures to wipe out slums >and replace them with well-planned, low-cost houses in all major towns be >implemented without delay. > > > > > >-------------------------------------------------------- > > > to view this article on the web click here > >-------------------------------------------------------- > > Are you receiving daily news headlines from the >Daily Nation? Sign up today and receive headlines andweekly articles from >your favorite magazine delivered to your email inbox. > > To sign up: Registered users click here New >members click here. > > Interested in advertising in our emails? Contact >internetsales(a)nation.co.ke or read about our advertising opportunities >herehttp://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/advertise.asp > > > > >-------------------------------------------------------- > > You have received this email because someone >thought you might be interested in our article. Please be assured that we >have not saved your email address for any purpose. To read our Privacy >Policyclick here > > > > Nation Media Group all rights reserved 2004 > Website: www.nationmedia.com > For querries or info: comments(a)nation.co.ke > > > > > > >-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- End forwarded message ----- -Wash -- +======================================================================+ |\ _,,,---,,_ | Odhiambo Washington <wash(a)wananchi.com> Zzz /,`.-'`' -. ;-;;,_ | Wananchi Online Ltd. www.wananchi.com |,4- ) )-,_. ,\ ( `'-'| Tel: +254 20 313985-9 +254 20 313922 '---''(_/--' `-'\_) | GSM: +254 722 743223 +254 733 744121 +======================================================================+ Anarchy may not be the best form of government, but it's better than no government at all.

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[fwd] VISION 2030..our collective role
by Odhiambo WASHINGTON 02 Nov '06

02 Nov '06

Hello Everyone, Please note - FWDed msg. ----- Original Message ----- [snip] ********************************************************************* Dear Colleagues, I wish to respond to the very apt challenge thrown to us by Edith. From where i sit at the e-Government Directorate, it is of great interest to us to explore ways in which we can leverage ICTs and e-Government to deliver on the broad goals of the 2030 vision. As indicated by the Head of state, the 2030 vision is NOT a Government project but trancends all players across the political divides, sectors and socio-economic classes including electoral calendars. That's why the challenge by Edith is very timely. What can we as Kenyans and core stakeholders bring to the table to ensure that existing opportunities are leveraged effectively? My colleague Andrew Limo is in the technical team that was working on the vision and i believe he will also comment on this. I would like to throw the challenge back to KICTANET to bring to bear your very impressive arsenal of intellectual and lobbying might to open this debate far and wide. Lets all remember that the vision is a broad statement of intent and the way it all turns out will depend on how we interpret this statement and break it down to manageable pieces. We should not get discouraged but instead bring to light ways in which ICTs CAN hasten the attainment of the vision. Edith mentioned that the countries mentioned as success cases in national visioning leveraged ICTs..can we get more concrete information publicized and brought to the attention of decision makers? what specific learning examples can we immediately tap into to start demonstrating success? I believe together we can pull this off..for the good of all of us Kenyans Kind regards Gakiria Andrew Senior Policy Analyst & Information security Administrator e-Government Directorate Office of the President Harambee House 10th Floor Tel: +254 20 341582 Cell: +254 721 323118 Nairobi, KENYA ----- End forwarded message ----- cheers - wash +----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------+ Odhiambo Washington . WANANCHI ONLINE LTD (Nairobi, KE) | wash () WANANCHI ! com . 1ere Etage, Loita Hse, Loita St., | GSM: (+254) 722 743 223 . # 10286, 00100 NAIROBI | GSM: (+254) 733 744 121 . (+254) 020 313 985 - 9 | +---------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ "Oh My God! They killed init! You Bastards!" --from a /. post

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Re: [Kictanet] Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for growth
by Eric Osiakwan 02 Nov '06

02 Nov '06

Take what they have written and nicely insert as much ICT as possible both as an enabler of other sectors and a sector by itself then submit to them based on consensus from KICTANET as contribution from the multi-stakeholder community. Eric here ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: <alice(a)apc.org> Reply-To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Date: Wed, 1 Nov 2006 09:48:21 +0300 >It is such a pity that the fastest moving sector has not been given the >attention and prominence it deserves, what with Safaricom's and other's >contribution to the economy! Anyway we have been accused of moaning! > >The draft vision was created by NESC, and from what I see the ICT "sector" >cuts across the 3 main pillars Economic, social and political they have >presented.They have outlined the project's approach which will take three >phases, I see an immediate entry point for ICTs during phase one where they >will "identify priority sectors with possibilities of quick wins" > >Perhaps KICTAnet could work with the IC master plan team to ensure that >links between the IC plan and the 2030 vision are created in all phases. >Important to identify priority sectors with possibilities of quick wins. > >Important to identify priority sectors with possibilities of quick wins. > > >best >alice > > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Nation Media" <news(a)nationmedia.com> >To: <alice(a)apc.org> >Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 9:22 PM >Subject: [Kictanet] Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for growth > > >> >> eadera(a)idrc.or.ke has sent you this article from >> Nationmedia.com with this message: >> Colleagues, It is TRAGIC! that vision 2030 has not >> given prominence to the role of ICTs as an enabler - it's not highlighted >> in the article, maybe in the document itself?. Who's working on the >> strategy to deliver this vision? and what role can we play as KICTANET to >> change this? This is a challenge I throw to all of us! We must do >> something! The countries mentioned in this article have been fundamentally >> transformed by ICTs. your views on practical steps we can take to ensure >> ICTs are well integrated in the strategy? Edith >> Kibaki launches vision for growth >> Published: 10/31/2006 >> By: MUGO NJERU >> >> -------------------------------------------------------- >> >> President Kibaki yesterday launched an >> ambitious economic programme aimed at transforming Kenya into an economic >> powerhouse with a sustainable growth rate of 10 per cent by 2030. >> >> The President told leaders to keep politics >> out of the project dubbed Kenya Vision 2030. >> >> >> President Kibaki greets Nation CEO Wilfred >> Kiboro and other members of the National Economic and Social Council >> yesterday before officially launching Vision 2030 at KICC in Nairobi. The >> vision is expected to transform Kenya into a prosperous nation. >> Photo/William Oeri. >> >> >> He said: "Vision 2030 goes beyond any single >> government, party, political persuasion or religion. It is a call to all >> Kenyans to make it possible for us to wipe out from our land absolute >> poverty, famine, mass unemployment and preventable deaths from malaria and >> water-borne diseases." >> >> Although President Kibaki said he was >> optimistic that the development goal would be achieved, it will depend on >> how the country manages its affairs in the next five years. >> >> High quality of life >> >> "Under Vision 2030, we see ourselves becoming >> a middle-income, prosperous country, providing a high quality of life for >> all our people," the President said at the launch of the initiative at the >> Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi. >> >> To realise the goal, he said Kenyans must >> build on the competitive advantages in key sectors of the economy to >> expand the country's share of the global market. >> >> Besides the 10 per cent growth over 25 years, >> another pillar of the programme will be building a just and cohesive >> society with equitable social development and a clean and secure >> environment. >> >> The initiative also aims at building a >> democratic political system that nurtures issue-based politics, the rule >> of law and protects the rights and freedoms of every individual and >> society. >> >> Several leaders at the meeting described the >> vision as noble and said it should be supported by all Kenyans. ODM Kenya >> secretary-general Anyang Nyong'o said the vision was good but its success >> would depend on the goodwill of successive governments. "The Government >> and the opposition are united on this vision," he said. >> >> Finance minister Amos Kimunya said its >> success depended on people working together as one nation. >> >> He and other speakers said it was possible to >> propel the country to the levels of economies like Malaysia, Singapore, >> Indonesia, Chile and South Korea, most of which which were in the same >> economic footing with Kenya in the 1970s. >> >> Trade and Industry minister Mukhisa Kituyi >> said the vision is achievable if it is not held hostage by any government >> and if it receives support from the media and the private sector. >> >> President Kibaki said for the country to >> realise the success of the vision, it was important to put in place a >> clear strategy detailing what needed to be achieved for each of the >> pillars of the programme for the next five years. >> >> He said that over the years, coffee >> production has been declining from over 120,000 tons a year to less than >> 50,000 this year, which had a devastating effect on farmers' incomes and >> employment opportunities. >> >> "We need to make sure that under Vision 2030, >> the strategies that will be developed will not repeat the mistakes of the >> past and avoid imposing a costly burden on the people of this country," he >> said. >> >> On manufacturing, the President said the >> sector had barely grown in the last 20 years. "The textile industry which >> was very vibrant in 1970s and 1980s has virtually been wiped out while the >> EPZ-based enterprises are experiencing serious competition in the global >> market," he said. >> >> Leather and other livestock-related >> industries have also not made significant breakthroughs in the global >> market although these are sectors in which Kenya could have competitive >> advantage and growth if the right strategies and policies were applied. >> >> "I challenge the experts who are developing >> the strategies to pay special attention to these sectors for the next five >> years, because they have the greatest potential for delivering widely >> shared economic and social benefits for the Kenyan people," President >> Kibaki said. >> >> On tourism, he noted that although the number >> of tourists visiting Kenya had increased over the last few years, income >> from the sector was far below that of small European countries, the >> Caribbean and North Africa. >> >> With proper planning and investment, the >> country should be able to attract and accommodate five million tourists by >> 2012, the President said. >> >> He said the economic performance of any >> country was closely tied to the application of science and technology and >> that was why the country was investing considerably in higher education >> and research institutions. >> >> The vision strategy, he said, should be >> geared towards enhancing Kenya's scientific and technological capacity, >> promoting a scientific culture and integrating science and technology into >> the production and service sectors. >> >> There was also need to expand, upgrade and >> sustain health facilities while ensuring that they remain accessible and >> affordable to all Kenyans. >> >> President Kibaki said rapid urban population >> growth had resulted in serious unemployment, growing slums and an increase >> of hawkers. It was also causing a severe strain on the provision of >> services such as maintenance of law and order, water supply, sewerage and >> sanitation, education and health facilities. >> >> The President said: "Effective planning of >> and ability to enforce compliance for the proper administration of our >> cities and major towns requires to be accorded high priority in the >> strategies that will be developed to meet the challenges of urbanisation." >> >> He directed that measures to wipe out slums >> and replace them with well-planned, low-cost houses in all major towns be >> implemented without delay. >> >> >> >> >> >> -------------------------------------------------------- >> >> >> to view this article on the web click here >> >> -------------------------------------------------------- >> >> Are you receiving daily news headlines from the >> Daily Nation? Sign up today and receive headlines andweekly articles from >> your favorite magazine delivered to your email inbox. >> >> To sign up: Registered users click here New >> members click here. >> >> Interested in advertising in our emails? Contact >> internetsales(a)nation.co.ke or read about our advertising opportunities >> herehttp://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/advertise.asp >> >> >> >> >> -------------------------------------------------------- >> >> You have received this email because someone >> thought you might be interested in our article. Please be assured that we >> have not saved your email address for any purpose. To read our Privacy >> Policyclick here >> >> >> >> Nation Media Group all rights reserved 2004 >> Website: www.nationmedia.com >> For querries or info: comments(a)nation.co.ke >> >> >> >> >> >> >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- >> > > >----------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- > > >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> Please unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alice%40apc.org > > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/ kictanet/eric%40afrispa.org > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" --

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Test 4 - List VRFY
by Odhiambo WASHINGTON 01 Nov '06

01 Nov '06

Test 4 for the list!! Please keep on ignoring me, pls ;) cheers - wash +----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------+ Odhiambo Washington . WANANCHI ONLINE LTD (Nairobi, KE) | wash () WANANCHI ! com . 1ere Etage, Loita Hse, Loita St., | GSM: (+254) 722 743 223 . # 10286, 00100 NAIROBI | GSM: (+254) 733 744 121 . (+254) 020 313 985 - 9 | +---------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ "Oh My God! They killed init! You Bastards!" --from a /. post

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LIST VERIFICATIOBN TEST 3
by Odhiambo WASHINGTON 01 Nov '06

01 Nov '06

VRFY Test 3. cheers - wash +----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------+ Odhiambo Washington . WANANCHI ONLINE LTD (Nairobi, KE) | wash () WANANCHI ! com . 1ere Etage, Loita Hse, Loita St., | GSM: (+254) 722 743 223 . # 10286, 00100 NAIROBI | GSM: (+254) 733 744 121 . (+254) 020 313 985 - 9 | +---------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ "Oh My God! They killed init! You Bastards!" --from a /. post

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FLOSS, peer production, new models, innovation... a voice at the IGF
by alice＠apc.org 01 Nov '06

01 Nov '06

Piracy creates jobs, but [Free Software and] Open Source and Open Standards create opportunity, create entrepreneurs. And I think that's the challenge for the IGF as well, how to look at it is a public interest forum, the Internet is a public space, and how can we facilitate maximum sharing, maximum creativity, peer production, new models, innovation. --Anriette Esterhuysen, at the Internet Governance Forum, Athens, November 1, 2006 http://www.intgovforum.org/IGF-Panel2-311006am.txt

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List Verification Test 2
by Odhiambo WASHINGTON 01 Nov '06

01 Nov '06

List Verification test!!! cheers - wash +----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------+ Odhiambo Washington . WANANCHI ONLINE LTD (Nairobi, KE) | wash () WANANCHI ! com . 1ere Etage, Loita Hse, Loita St., | GSM: (+254) 722 743 223 . # 10286, 00100 NAIROBI | GSM: (+254) 733 744 121 . (+254) 020 313 985 - 9 | +---------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ "Oh My God! They killed init! You Bastards!" --from a /. post

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Fwd: Re: [Kictanet] Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for growth
by evelyne ofwona 01 Nov '06

01 Nov '06

alice(a)apc.org wrote: From: <alice(a)apc.org> To: <evelyneofwona(a)yahoo.com> CC: "Odhiambo_Washington" <wash(a)wananchi.com>, "Judy kimiti" <jkimiti01(a)yahoo.co.uk> Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for growth Date: Wed, 1 Nov 2006 11:16:51 +0300 Peaese forward this to the list for me. As I had mentioned none of my posts are going through.......:( ------------------------------------------------- It is such a pity that the fastest moving sector has not been given the attention and prominence it deserves, what with Safaricom's and other's contribution to the economy! Anyway we have been accused of moaning! The draft vision was created by NESC, and from what I see the ICT "sector" cuts across the 3 main pillars Economic, social and political they have presented.They have outlined the project's approach which will take three phases, I see an immediate entry point for ICTs during phase one where they will "identify priority sectors with possibilities of quick wins" The plan also mentions creation of ministerial committee headed by P.S from various ministries and involving stakeholders to identify sector specific visions/constraints, etc This is good for all stakeholders and we should take the opportunity to work with our ministry and P.S. Perhaps KICTAnet could work with the IC master plan team to ensure that links between the IC plan and the 2030 vision are created in all phases. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Nation Media" To: Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 9:22 PM Subject: [Kictanet] Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for growth > > eadera(a)idrc.or.ke has sent you this article from > Nationmedia.com with this message: > Colleagues, It is TRAGIC! that vision 2030 has not > given prominence to the role of ICTs as an enabler - it's not highlighted > in the article, maybe in the document itself?. Who's working on the > strategy to deliver this vision? and what role can we play as KICTANET to > change this? This is a challenge I throw to all of us! We must do > something! The countries mentioned in this article have been fundamentally > transformed by ICTs. your views on practical steps we can take to ensure > ICTs are well integrated in the strategy? Edith > Kibaki launches vision for growth > Published: 10/31/2006 > By: MUGO NJERU > > -------------------------------------------------------- > > President Kibaki yesterday launched an > ambitious economic programme aimed at transforming Kenya into an economic > powerhouse with a sustainable growth rate of 10 per cent by 2030. > > The President told leaders to keep politics > out of the project dubbed Kenya Vision 2030. > > > President Kibaki greets Nation CEO Wilfred > Kiboro and other members of the National Economic and Social Council > yesterday before officially launching Vision 2030 at KICC in Nairobi. The > vision is expected to transform Kenya into a prosperous nation. > Photo/William Oeri. > > > He said: "Vision 2030 goes beyond any single > government, party, political persuasion or religion. It is a call to all > Kenyans to make it possible for us to wipe out from our land absolute > poverty, famine, mass unemployment and preventable deaths from malaria and > water-borne diseases." > > Although President Kibaki said he was > optimistic that the development goal would be achieved, it will depend on > how the country manages its affairs in the next five years. > > High quality of life > > "Under Vision 2030, we see ourselves becoming > a middle-income, prosperous country, providing a high quality of life for > all our people," the President said at the launch of the initiative at the > Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi. > > To realise the goal, he said Kenyans must > build on the competitive advantages in key sectors of the economy to > expand the country's share of the global market. > > Besides the 10 per cent growth over 25 years, > another pillar of the programme will be building a just and cohesive > society with equitable social development and a clean and secure > environment. > > The initiative also aims at building a > democratic political system that nurtures issue-based politics, the rule > of law and protects the rights and freedoms of every individual and > society. > > Several leaders at the meeting described the > vision as noble and said it should be supported by all Kenyans. ODM Kenya > secretary-general Anyang Nyong'o said the vision was good but its success > would depend on the goodwill of successive governments. "The Government > and the opposition are united on this vision," he said. > > Finance minister Amos Kimunya said its > success depended on people working together as one nation. > > He and other speakers said it was possible to > propel the country to the levels of economies like Malaysia, Singapore, > Indonesia, Chile and South Korea, most of which which were in the same > economic footing with Kenya in the 1970s. > > Trade and Industry minister Mukhisa Kituyi > said the vision is achievable if it is not held hostage by any government > and if it receives support from the media and the private sector. > > President Kibaki said for the country to > realise the success of the vision, it was important to put in place a > clear strategy detailing what needed to be achieved for each of the > pillars of the programme for the next five years. > > He said that over the years, coffee > production has been declining from over 120,000 tons a year to less than > 50,000 this year, which had a devastating effect on farmers' incomes and > employment opportunities. > > "We need to make sure that under Vision 2030, > the strategies that will be developed will not repeat the mistakes of the > past and avoid imposing a costly burden on the people of this country," he > said. > > On manufacturing, the President said the > sector had barely grown in the last 20 years. "The textile industry which > was very vibrant in 1970s and 1980s has virtually been wiped out while the > EPZ-based enterprises are experiencing serious competition in the global > market," he said. > > Leather and other livestock-related > industries have also not made significant breakthroughs in the global > market although these are sectors in which Kenya could have competitive > advantage and growth if the right strategies and policies were applied. > > "I challenge the experts who are developing > the strategies to pay special attention to these sectors for the next five > years, because they have the greatest potential for delivering widely > shared economic and social benefits for the Kenyan people," President > Kibaki said. > > On tourism, he noted that although the number > of tourists visiting Kenya had increased over the last few years, income > from the sector was far below that of small European countries, the > Caribbean and North Africa. > > With proper planning and investment, the > country should be able to attract and accommodate five million tourists by > 2012, the President said. > > He said the economic performance of any > country was closely tied to the application of science and technology and > that was why the country was investing considerably in higher education > and research institutions. > > The vision strategy, he said, should be > geared towards enhancing Kenya's scientific and technological capacity, > promoting a scientific culture and integrating science and technology into > the production and service sectors. > > There was also need to expand, upgrade and > sustain health facilities while ensuring that they remain accessible and > affordable to all Kenyans. > > President Kibaki said rapid urban population > growth had resulted in serious unemployment, growing slums and an increase > of hawkers. It was also causing a severe strain on the provision of > services such as maintenance of law and order, water supply, sewerage and > sanitation, education and health facilities. > > The President said: "Effective planning of > and ability to enforce compliance for the proper administration of our > cities and major towns requires to be accorded high priority in the > strategies that will be developed to meet the challenges of urbanisation." > > He directed that measures to wipe out slums > and replace them with well-planned, low-cost houses in all major towns be > implemented without delay. > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------- > > > to view this article on the web click here > > -------------------------------------------------------- > > Are you receiving daily news headlines from the > Daily Nation? Sign up today and receive headlines andweekly articles from > your favorite magazine delivered to your email inbox. > > To sign up: Registered users click here New > members click here. > > Interested in advertising in our emails? Contact > internetsales(a)nation.co.ke or read about our advertising opportunities > herehttp://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/advertise.asp > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------- > > You have received this email because someone > thought you might be interested in our article. Please be assured that we > have not saved your email address for any purpose. To read our Privacy > Policyclick here > > > > Nation Media Group all rights reserved 2004 > Website: www.nationmedia.com > For querries or info: comments(a)nation.co.ke > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Please unsubscribe or change your options at > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alice%40apc.org --------------------------------- We have the perfect Group for you. Check out the handy changes to Yahoo! Groups.

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List Verification
by Odhiambo WASHINGTON 01 Nov '06

01 Nov '06

List VRFY. Please ignore.... List VRFY. Please ignore. Just testing if the list is working properly ./Lists Admin cheers - wash +----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------+ Odhiambo Washington . WANANCHI ONLINE LTD (Nairobi, KE) | wash () WANANCHI ! com . 1ere Etage, Loita Hse, Loita St., | GSM: (+254) 722 743 223 . # 10286, 00100 NAIROBI | GSM: (+254) 733 744 121 . (+254) 020 313 985 - 9 | +---------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ "Oh My God! They killed init! You Bastards!" --from a /. post

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Fw: VISION 2030..our collective role
by alice＠apc.org 01 Nov '06

01 Nov '06

----- Original Message ----- From: <andrew.gakiria(a)kenya.go.ke> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Cc: <andrew.limo(a)kenya.go.ke> Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2006 10:27 AM Subject: VISION 2030..our collective role > Dear Alice, > > Kindly forward this for me to the Kictanet list > > Thanks > > Gakiria > > ****************************************************************************************** > > Dear Colleagues, > > I wish to respond to the very apt challenge thrown to us by Edith. From > where i sit at the e-Government Directorate, it is of great interest to us > to explore ways in which we can leverage ICTs and e-Government to deliver > on the broad goals of the 2030 vision. As indicated by the Head of state, > the 2030 vision is NOT a Government project but trancends all players > across the political divides, sectors and socio-economic classes including > electoral calendars. > > Thats why the challenge by Edith is very timely. What can we as Kenyans > and core stakeholders bring to the table to ensure that existing > opportunities are leveraged effectively? My colleague Andrew Limo is in > the technical team that was working on the vision and i believe he will > also comment on this. > > I would like to throw the challenge back to KICTANET to bring to bear your > very impressive arsenal of intellectual and lobbying might to open this > debate far and wide. Lets all remember that the vision is a broad > statement of intent and the way it all turns out will depend on how we > intepret this statement and break it down to manageable pieces. We should > not get discouraged but instead bring to light ways in which ICTs CAN > hasten the attainment of the vision. Edith mentioned that the countries > mentioned as success cases in national visioning leveraged ICTs..can we > get more concrete information publicized and brought to the attention of > decision makers? what specific learning examples can we immediately tap > into to start demonstrating success? > > I believe together we can pull this off..for the good of all of us Kenyans > > Kind regards > > Gakiria Andrew > Senior Policy Analyst & Information security Administrator > e-Government Directorate > Office of the President > Harambee House 10th Floor > Tel: +254 20 341582 > Cell: +254 721 323118 > Nairobi, KENYA

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Fwd: Nationmedia.com News: Kigali: Where MPs debate and vote in a simple click
by Edith Adera 31 Oct '06

31 Oct '06

Collegues? When is this likely to hit the Kenyan August House? Edith > >Threats of computer viruses are the biggest nightmare for the Rwandan >Senate and Parliament, which have fully embraced state-of-the-art technology. > >This is a sharp contrast to the Kenya National Assembly where normal >business is regularly interrupted owing to lack of quorum. > >The Senate and the Lower House are fully computerised and rank among the >most modern on the continent, only second to South Africa. > >Unlike in Kenya, where one has to pass a language test (English and >Kiswahili), in Rwanda, a senator must be a university graduate and >computer literate, in addition to being trilingual (Rwandese, English and >French). > >The debating chambers of the Senate and Parliament are virtually >paperless. This new initiative headed by President Paul Kagame has >resulted in a drastic reduction of costs on stationary, while boosting >efficiency and transparency. > >The debating chambers and the precinct of the two buildings, which are in >two different houses about five kilometres apart, are ICT-complaint. There >are internet services for all senators and deputies (members of >parliament) 24 hours a day. > >Because of the new technology, all senators and MPs must be computer >literate and carry lap-top computers, supplied by the government, to the >debating chamber and/or to the committee meetings. > >Even staff at the Senate and the Lower House are required to use the >information super-highway to communicate with each other and with senators >and MPs. > >Citizens can get virtually all information they want on their senators and >MPs by a touch of a button. They can also know what is on the day's order >paper, the Bills being discussed, which committees are meeting; and what >is being discussed. > >This is unlike the Kenyan Parliament where the new technology has not been >embraced fully, what with the august House yet to launch its website! >Committee meetings are also held in camera, as per the standing orders. > >During a visit to the Senate early last week, seven staffers of the Kenya >National Assembly were mesmerised by the ultra-modern building and ICT >system that has been integrated. > >The sub-committee was chaired by Mr Harry Owino, a senior systems analyst. >It was on a fact-finding mission to the Great Lakes country to study how >it has embraced ICT in the Legislature, and how the same could be >replicated in Kenya. > >The tour was part of the team's mandate to come up with targets and >results to improve service delivery in the Kenya National Assembly, within >100 days. It was part of the rapid results initiative launched by the >Government, through the Head of the Civil Service and Secretary to the >Cabinet, Mr Francis Muthaura, two months ago > >Resembles UN facilities > >The debating chamber of the Rwanda Senate resembles the faculties of the >United Nations Environment Programme in Nairobi, where each member has his >or her seat, plus a name tag on it and a microphone. > >In Kenya, members of the front bench and the back bench seat on benches >facing each other, with the Speaker (Mr Francis ole Kaparo) in the middle. > >Plans to modernise the building, start live coverage and launch a website >have been pending for the past five years. > >The Rwandese Senate has an electronic board which shows how many members >are present and how they have voted, either for, against or abstained. >Lack of quorum has so far not been a problem, according to the Senate >President, Dr Vincent Biruta. > >He said members were committed and had a high sense of integrity and >patriotism. "In addition to the website, we are also reaching out to the >public through a magazine focusing on issues before us, and how they >relate to all." > >But Dr Biruta regretted that unlike the Kenyan media, which was aggressive >and gave the Legislature lots of coverage in the print and broadcast >media, the opposite was the case in Rwanda. Where they have been invited >to attend sessions, they have shied away. > >"We even send them a summary of the day's proceedings and only a few FM >and TV stations use them," the Senate President said. > >The Senate was established three years ago under the new Constitution, >following the genocide a decade ago. It receives Bills from the Lower >House that have been passed, studies them and either endorses or rejects >them. If they are passed, they are sent to the Head of State for assent >into law. > >The proceedings are covered live by video and are and tape recorded. All >debates in the Senate and Lower House are in the national language, >Rwandese. They are recorded in the Hansard (verbatim reports) in that >language. > >But Motions which are passed are translated into English and French for >public consumption. > >When the Kenyan team visited the Lower House on Wednesday afternoon, it >was introduced to the members during debate and given an opportunity to >follow the talks through a translator. > >By then, two ministers were on the floor responding to public concerns >raised by their MPs, on poor infrastructure, water shortages and power >blackouts. > >Had 20 minutes to respond > >The two ministers, Mr Kamanzi Stanislos and Mr Musoni Protais, were at >pains to explain to members why the grievances had not been addressed. >Each had 20 minutes to respond to all the concerns gathered by a >parliamentary committee during a recent field visit. No supplementary >question was allowed, as is the case in the Kenyan Parliament. > >The debating chamber resembled a UN conference. It was orderly and issues >orientated. If that was in Kenya, an MP would ask a personal question and >the Speaker would allow him or her to ask a supplementary question. Other >MPs were also free to raise points of order and hijack the member's question. > >We heard the voice of the speaker of the Lower House only at the beginning >and at the end of the minister's presentation. He was dressed in a black >suit and matching tie, and had no wig, unlike the Kenyan speaker. > >The members could dress formally in suits or casually, in Mandela shirts. > >All the Senators have seats reserved for them, with their own microphones >placed on a table. As they enjoy leather seats, they can also connect >their lap-tops to the system and access the day's order paper, Bills >pending and those that have been passed. > >By the touch of a button, the Senators can vote for or against a motion or >Bill placed before them. The idea is to have a "paperless" debating chamber. > >Success of the ICT programme in the Senate and the Lower House has been >due to political goodwill by the Head of State and donors, as well as >contributions by UNDP, USAID, Microsoft and CISCO, among other organisations. > > > >to view this article on the web ><http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id>click >here > >Are you receiving daily news headlines from the Daily Nation? ><http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/register_form.asp>Sign up today >and receive headlines andweekly articles from your favorite magazine >delivered to your email inbox. >To sign up: ><http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/updateprofile.asp>Registered users >click >here <http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/registration_form.asp>New >members click here. > >Interested in advertising in our emails? Contact ><mailto:[email protected]>internetsales(a)nation.co.ke or read >about our advertising opportunities >here<http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/advertise.asp>http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/advertise.asp > > > > >You have received this email because someone thought you might be >interested in our article. Please be assured that we have not saved your >email address for any purpose. To read our Privacy >Policy<http://www.nationmedia.com/syndicated/privacy.asp>click here > > > >Nation Media Group all rights reserved 2004 >Website: <http://www.nationmedia.com/>www.nationmedia.com >For querries or info: <mailto:[email protected]>comments(a)nation.co.ke > > >----------

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Fwd: WG: URGENT: WSA Experts Call - Your support needed for Africa
by charles nduati 31 Oct '06

31 Oct '06

Hi All, Attached kindly find a request from WSA awards who organise worldwide web contest and are in their 5th year. Kindly see if you can help them by being the nominator in your country. Many thanks, Charles nduati Note: forwarded message attached. CHARLES N. NDUATI BUSINESS MANAGER JKUAT ENTERPRISES LTD JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY JUJA MAIN CAMPUS, THIKA P. O. BOX 79324-00200 NAIROBI, KENYA TEL: 254-067-52420 OR 254-067-52711 FAX: 254-067-52438 MOBILE:254-722728815 EMIAL:[email protected] www.jkuat.ac.ke Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

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Fw: Call for Proposals
by alice＠apc.org 30 Oct '06

30 Oct '06

Dear all Anyone interested in conducting research, M&E in Health/MDGs should apply for funding. See message below best regards alice ----- Original Message ----- > From: "CFP" <cfp(a)gdnet.org> > To: <alice(a)apc.org> > Sent: Tuesday, October 24, 2006 1:10 PM > Subject: Call for Proposals > > > Dear Alice Munyua, > > > > As a valuable member of the GDN research community I am pleased to write > to you on our latest call-for-proposals for our Fifth Global Research > Project: > > > > Promoting Innovative Programs from the Developing World: > > Towards Realizing the Health MDGs in Africa and Asia. > > > > > > This is a 3 year USD 5.9 million project which involves conducting > extensive international standard impact evaluations and > cost-effectiveness analyses of both about-to-be-launched and ongoing > health and health-related programs from the developing and transition > world. > > > > As a project participant you will receive funds (ranging from US $75,000 > to US $250,000) for conducting an international standard impact > evaluation research project and will benefit from high-quality mentoring > and interaction with international experts, networking with researchers > from around the world, and development of program evaluation skills and > expertise in best-practice impact evaluation techniques. > > > > I urge you to participate in this project and submit a proposal to be an > independent evaluator of programs. > > > > The last date for submissions is November 17, 2006. The detailed call > for proposals and guidelines for submission are available on: > http://www.gdnet.org/middle.php?oid=1095 > > > > Thank you for your continued interest and support. I look forward to > your participation in this project and request you to disseminate this > information to your colleagues. > > > > With my very best wishes, > > > > > > Lyn Squire > President > Global Development Network > > Address for registered mail and courier: > > 2nd Floor, West Wing, ISID Complex > > Plot No. 4, Vasant Kunj Institutional Area > > > New Delhi - 110 070 > INDIA > > Web: www.gdnet.org <BLOCKED::http://www.gdnet.org/> > > >

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Internet Governance Forum
by alice＠apc.org 30 Oct '06

30 Oct '06

A reminder for those who want to follow events at the Internet Governance Forum being held from 30 October to 2 November in Athens, Greece that you can read APC blogs at: http://blog.apc.org/en/events- list.shtml?conds[][short_id........]=5042107 And follow Feminist Talk at: http://www.genderit.org/en/index.shtml The official IGF website is http://www.intgovforum.org/index.htm

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ICANN seeks input on transparency and accountability
by alice＠apc.org 28 Oct '06

28 Oct '06

(Apologies for cross posting) ICANN has announced a new public comment forum and list of questions related to principles of transparency and accountability: http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-16oct06.htm "Responses are sought by October 31, 2006. Based on the responses received and other research, a first draft of the principles will be published for community comment in November, 2006. It is hoped that the Management Operating Principles will be adopted by the Board as part of the Strategic Plan at the Sao Paulo meeting." Among the specific questions ICANN is asking is, "What standards of transparency are appropriate in ICANN operations and activity?" The obvious answer is that the appropriate standard of transparency is set by ICANN's Bylaws: "the maximum extent feasible". It's impossible to tell from the announcment if someone at ICANN wants to change that standard. It's odd that this is intended for inclusion in ICANN's Strategic Plan. The only non-spam comments submitted to ICANN's previous public forum on the draft Strategic Plan were mine, related to exactly this issue. But until now, ICANN has entirely ignored them: http://forum.icann.org/lists/stratplan-draft-comments/msg00000.html http://forum.icann.org/lists/stratplan-draft-comments/ Comments can be sent to <principles-comments(a)icann.org>, and can be viewed at <http://forum.icann.org/lists/principles-comments/>.

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CONVERGENCE: The importance of convergence in the ICT policy environment
by alice＠apc.org 27 Oct '06

27 Oct '06

In the occasion of the Internet Governance Forum, the Association for Progressive Communications is launching three new papers on key ICT policy and internet rights issues. --------------------------------------------------------------------- CONVERGENCE: The importance of convergence in the ICT policy environment By Kate Wild This paper looks at the meaning and importance of convergence and considers some of the challenges to implementing it, along with strategies for overcoming them. It also provides a global perspective on regulating convergence and broadband from ITU and then it looks at experiences in North America and Europe as well as regional and country approaches in Africa. http://rights.apc.org/documents/convergence_EN.pdf (English) http://rights.apc.org/documents/convergence_FR.pdf (French) --------------------------------------------------------------------- OPEN ACESS: Lowering the costs of international bandwidth in Africa By Mike Jensen This paper was commissioned by the APC as part of the Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa initiative and to contribute to APC's efforts to promote open access to ICT infrastructure in Africa. According to the author, a variety of factors are responsible for the lack of acess to bandwith in Africa, but the biggest cause is the high cost of international connections to the global telecommunication backbones. http://rights.apc.org/documents/open_access_EN.pdf (English) http://rights.apc.org/documents/open_access_FR.pdf (French) --------------------------------------------------------------------- WSIS: Whose information society? Developing country and civil society voices in the World Summit on the Information Society By David Souter This paper summarises a study of developing country and civil society participation and influence in WSIS that was commissioned by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC). As well as analysing participation, the study looked at the impact of WSIS on international ICT decision-making in general and makes recommendations to all main actors about how future decision-making might become more inclusive of developing countries, nongovernmental actors and their concerns. http://rights.apc.org/documents/wsis_EN.pdf (English) -------- FRANÇAIS -------- Les nouveaux thèmes émergents d'APC en anglais en français A l’occasion du Forum sur la gouvernance de l’internet (FGI), l’Association pour le progrès des communications lance trois nouveaux articles sur les thèmes fondamentaux des politiques de TIC et des droits d’internet. --------------------------------------------------------------------- CONVERGENCE : L’importance de la convergence dans le contexte des politiques des TIC Kate Wild La première partie de ce document porte sur le sens et l’importance de la convergence et sur certains des problèmes associés à sa mise en oeuvre, ainsi que sur les stratégies qui permettent de les surmonter. La deuxième partie présente un survol de la régulation de la convergence et de la bande passante par l’Union Internationale des Télécommunications (UIT) et s’intéresse aux expériences en Amérique du Nord et en Europe ainsi qu’à certaines approches régionales et de pays d’Afrique. http://rights.apc.org/documents/convergence_EN.pdf (Anglais) http://rights.apc.org/documents/convergence_FR.pdf (Français) --------------------------------------------------------------------- ACCÈS OUVERT : Abaisser les coûts de la bande passante internationale en Afrique Mike Jensen Cette analyse a été commandée par APC dans le cadre de Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa et pour contribuer aux efforts d´APC pour promouvoir l´accès ouvert à l´infrastructure de TIC en Afrique. Selon l’auteur, la situation actuelle de la bande passante en Afrique est attribuable à un certain nombre de facteurs, mais elle est due essentiellement au coût élevé des connexions internationales vers les dorsales de télécommunication internationales. http://rights.apc.org/documents/open_access_EN.pdf (Anglais) http://rights.apc.org/documents/open_access_FR.pdf (Français) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Uniquement en anglais: WSIS: Whose information society? Developing country and civil society voices in the World Summit on the Information Society By David Souter This paper summarises a study of developing country and civil society participation and influence in WSIS that was commissioned by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC). As well as analysing participation, the study looked at the impact of WSIS on international ICT decision-making in general and makes recommendations to all main actors about how future decision-making might become more inclusive of developing countries, nongovernmental actors and their concerns. http://rights.apc.org/documents/wsis_EN.pdf (English) A. Wanjira Munyua National Coordinator, Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA) Association for Progressive Communications (APC) alice(a)apc.org http://www.apc.org http://www.catia.ws

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RE: [Kictanet] Kenya on the rising
by David Musoke 27 Oct '06

27 Oct '06

Eric is that magazine on-line????? Kezio-Musoke David -----Original Message----- From: John Walubengo [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 4:17 PM To: David Musoke Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Kenya on the rising On behalf of the 'silent' Kenyans... Allow me to accept your (Eric's) compliments. I haven't read the magazine but it is nice to hear that it potrays a bright (i did not say orange;-)) future. i think Kenyans can 'do it'. They are doing it in the US/SA/Europe and many other places. With the right focus and effort, things will eventually begin to happen locally as well. walu. --- Eric Osiakwan <eric(a)afrispa.org> wrote: > Dear Kenyan Colleagues, > > You must be proud of yourselves, i just got a copy of the > lat edition > of the Computer and Communication Africa (CCA) for 2006 > and the lead > story is "Kenya's drive to become ICT powerhouse" and > much more on > Kenya. > > While i have being familiar with the momentum there i was > amazed when > i read the stories about the pace of engagement. In some > ways this > confirms my believe that Africa has pockets of excellence > but what we > need is SPEED to SCALE and definately you guys are on a > FASTRACK. We > are with you and i want to personally congratulate the > level of > engagement from the various constituencies and not > belittling the > others by singling out the exemplary leadership of the > PS, Dr. Ndemo > and Hon. Minister, Mutahi Kagwe. > > Thanks to AITEC for throwing the spotlight @ http:// > new.aitecafrica.com/ and not to promote AITEC but i think > we should > all get copies of the hardprint....:-) > > Go Kenya. > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Executive Secretary > AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) > Tel: + 233.21.258800 > Fax: + 233.21.258811 > Cell: + 233.244.386792 > Handle: eosiakwan > Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North > Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ > Slang: "Tomorrow Now" > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmusoke%40newvision.co.ug

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Kictanet Planning Meeting - 9th November Jacaranda Hotel
by Judy kimiti 27 Oct '06

27 Oct '06

Dear Member, Please Find attached the agenda for the next KICTANet Planning Meeting which will be held on 9th November 2006, 3:00pm, Jacaranda Hotel As alot of members who had expressed interest in the Fibre Presentation by KDN where not able to attend, Mr Kai Wulff, has accepted to join us and give us the presenation at the above mentioned meeting. Please note because of time constraint, we shall have the presentation at exactly 3:30pm and will run for 30min. Those who are interested in joining this presentation are urged to be at the meeting on time. For logistics purposes, please RSVP your attendance to the undersigned. Yours Faithfully Judy Kimiti KICTANet Tel: 4453671 / 2 Cell: 0722 - 716020 Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

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Fw: [Kictanet] Re: India's Weaknesses
by alice＠apc.org 26 Oct '06

26 Oct '06

----- Original Message ----- From: "Vincent Waiswa Bagiire" <vincent(a)cipesa.org> To: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 11:37 AM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Re: India's Weaknesses > Dear All, > > I am a newcomer on this list thanks to Alice and I look forward to being > engaged in the discussions. > > Regards, > Vincent > > Bill Kagai wrote: >> On 10/25/06, waudo(a)signet.co.ke <waudo(a)signet.co.ke> wrote: >>> there is very little linkage between what the ICT training institutions >>> (including Universities) are producing and the requirements of the >>> industry either now or in the foreseeable future. >> >> Check out www.jkuategovacademy.ac.ke to see how PPPs are trying to >> address this linkage. >> >> The JKUAT Academy is the only one that has developed its curriculum >> based on actual Govt environment and in line with the E-Govt Strategy >> paper. >> >> PS. Sorry, I could not resist the marketing opportunity offered by >> this discussion. >> >> -- >> With Kind Regards, >> Bildad Kagai >> MD - Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd >> Content & Training Partner - JKUAT E-Government Academy >> Suite B2, Tetu Apartments, State House Avenue >> P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 >> Nairobi, Kenya >> Tel. 254 20 2728332 >> Fax. 254 20 2726965 >> Cell. 254 724 226600 >> URL. www.circuitspackets.co.ke >> URL. www.JKUATEgovAcademy.ac.ke >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> Please unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/vincent%40cipesa.org > > > -- > Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, > Director, CIPESA > Plot 30, Bukoto Street, P.O. Box 26970 Kampala > Tel: 256-41-533057 > Fax: 256-41-533054 > Cell: 256-77-702256 or 256-71-702256 > Email: vincent(a)cipesa.org > www.cipesa.org > > > >

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Planning Meeting Minutes
by Judy kimiti 26 Oct '06

26 Oct '06

Dear Member, Please find attached the 12th October Kictanet Planning Meeting Minutes Thank you Judy Kimiti KICTANet --------------------------------- Try the all-new Yahoo! Mail . "The New Version is radically easier to use" The Wall Street Journal

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Re: [Kictanet] Re: India's Weaknesses
by Eric Osiakwan 25 Oct '06

25 Oct '06

Waudo said "Perhaps something could be done now before we find ourselves in India's position" We all know that one of the demons that has held back Africa's rise is the DE-LINK between industry and academia (research) and also with governments. Prof. Ernest Wilson's (of Maryland University) squad model makes the argument that you need a constant interaction between these constituencies for growth and innovation to take place. He argues that Silicon Valley is a clear example. My proposition therefore as a way to answer the question above is to leverage the BPO opportunity. Most African governments are at least on board the BPO wagon so my idea is, lets establish the BPOs in the University environment given the current public policy favouring. The BPO companys can take advantage of cheap but good student labour whiles they build the real estate for their operations using university land on a "build operate and handover basis". The Universities then get real estate which they use for their long term expansion of physical infrastructure. The BPO companies get their work done cheaply and when they migrate in the long term, much value would have being gained. The University students get work experience for the long term job market entry and also interim cash to support their University education. This also gives the non-computer related students some basic skills and exposure and for the CS, EE etc students, they build their internal capacity not only to take calls and do word processing but more technical stuff. They would soon be writing software for those BPO companies. Mostly importantly this becomes the nucleus of the government/academia/private sector LINKINING which would grow into other areas. Hence the value proposition of the BPO banwagon is, it gives us a foot into the door but we must move up the value chain very quickly or we would end up doing the low end jobs which would make us less competitive in the Knowledge economy. When I proposed this to my Ghana Cyber Group friend (Yaw Owusu, leading the way with a private TechPark in Ghana) whom i have cced on this mail, he said, then the Tech Parks (BPOs + more) should be in the University/Research Environment and his example of been able to acquire land from the Ghana CSIR which is close to the University of Ghana would be a good prototype. This is the story am going to be telling at the the first University Leaders Forum in Cape Town to which governments, academic leadership, private sector and Civil Society has being convened. Eric here ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: waudo(a)signet.co.ke Reply-To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2006 09:53:47 -0400 (Eastern Daylight Time) >Thanks to PS Ndemo for bringing this out. As for Wafula's question, the >work force survey undertaken by the CSK earlier this year revealed that >there is very little linkage between what the ICT training institutions >(including Universities) are producing and the requirements of the >industry either now or in the foreseeable future. Certainly there appear >to be no mechanisms to facilitate such linkage. Perhaps something could be >done now before we find ourselves in India's position. > > >Kind Regards >Waudo Siganga > >On Wed, October 25, 2006 9:22 am, TONY WAFULA wrote: >> Good lesson , though wonder whether as a country we are ready to address >> manpower shortage in this area. Just the other day Safaricom's Micheal >> Joseph was lamenting about the same...are we checking what our >> Universities are offering in relation to our projected needs? >> >> Regards >> >> Wafula >> >> bitange(a)jambo.co.ke wrote: >> Hi Edith, >> You must have been blogging. >> >> Regards >> >> >> Ndemo. >> >> >>> Certainly, a great lesson to learn from. >>> >>> Thanks for sharing the article! >>> >>> At / À 12:56 PM 10/24/2006, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke wrote / a écrit: >>>>Dear All, >>>>I think there are good lessons to learn from the article below. >>>> >>>>Regards >>>> >>>>Ndemo. >>>> >>>> >>>>October 17, 2006 >>>>Skills Gap Hurts Technology Boom in India >>>>By SOMINI SENGUPTA >>>> >>>> >>>>TIRUCHENGODE, India >>>> >>>> As its technology companies soar to the outsourcing skies, India is >>>>bumping up against an improbable challenge. In a country once regarded >>>> as >>>>a bottomless well of low-cost, ready-to-work, English-speaking >>>> engineers, >>>>a shortage looms. >>>> >>>>India still produces plenty of engineers, nearly 400,000 a year at last >>>>count. But their competence has become the issue. >>>> >>>>A study commissioned by a trade group, the National Association of >>>>Software and Service Companies, or Nasscom, found only one in four >>>>engineering graduates to be employable. The rest were deficient in the >>>>required technical skills, fluency in English or ability to work in a >>>> team >>>>or deliver basic oral presentations. >>>> >>>>The skills gap reflects the narrow availability of high-quality college >>>>education in India and the galloping pace of the country's >>>> service-driven >>>>economy, which is growing faster than nearly all but China's. The >>>> software >>>>and service companies provide technology services to foreign companies, >>>>many of them based in the United States. Software exports alone expanded >>>>by 33 percent in the last year. >>>> >>>>The university systems of few countries would be able to keep up with >>>> such >>>>demand, and India is certainly having trouble. The best and most >>>> selective >>>>universities generate too few graduates, and new private colleges are >>>>producing graduates of uneven quality. >>>> >>>>Many fear that the labor pinch may signal bottlenecks in other parts of >>>>the economy. It is already being felt in the information technology >>>>sector. >>>> >>>>With the number of technology jobs expected to nearly double to 1.7 >>>>million in the next four years, companies are scrambling to find fresh >>>>engineering talent and to upgrade the schools that produce it. >>>> >>>>Some companies are training faculty members themselves, offering courses >>>>tailored to industry needs and improving college labs and libraries. >>>> They >>>>are rushing to get first choice of would-be engineers long before they >>>>have completed their course work. And they are fanning out to small, >>>>remote colleges that almost no one had heard of before. The country's >>>> most >>>>successful technology concerns can no longer afford to hire only >>>> >>>> >>>>_______________________________________________ >>>>kictanet mailing list >>>>kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >>>>http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>> >>>>Please unsubscribe or change your options at >>>>http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/eadera%40idrc.or.ke >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >>> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> Please unsubscribe or change your options at >>> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke >>> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> Please unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/twaf78%40yahoo.com >> >> >> >> WITH COMPLIMENTS OF ANTHONY WAFULA >> >> --------------------------------- >> All-new Yahoo! Mail - Fire up a more powerful email and get things done >> faster._______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> Please unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/waudo%40signet.co.ke > > > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/ kictanet/eric%40afrispa.org > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" --

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African choices...critical voices...crossing borders...African stories... harnessing local knowledge in Africa
by alice＠apc.org 25 Oct '06

25 Oct '06

This issue of The Soul Beat looks at the role of communication in harnessing local knowledge in Africa. The edition covers a range of project descriptions, strategic thinking documents and materials related to local knowledge specifically in the fields of agriculture, sustainable development and health. >From the SOUL BEAT AFRICA partnership - Soul City and The Communication Initiative ...African choices...critical voices...crossing borders...African stories... *** Subscribe to The Soul Beat - http://www.comminit.com/africa/soul-beat-subscribe.html or e-mail Seipati Fountain sfountain(a)comminit.com *** EXPERIENCES http://www.comminit.com/africa/experiences.html 1. LinKS Project This project is a regional programme working in Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Swaziland, that aims to enhance rural people's food security and promote sustainable management of agrobiodiversity. The project is called LinKS, because it explores the linkages between the crucial issues of local knowledge systems, gender roles and relationships, food provision, and the conservation and management of agrobiodiversity. LinKS aims to strengthen the capacity of institutions in the agricultural sector to apply approaches that recognise men and women farmers' knowledge in their programmes and policies. It does this through training, research and communication and advocacy. LinKS is administered by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. http://www.comminit.com/africa/experiences/Pds82006/experiences-3950.html Contact Dr. Sachin Das linkstz(a)africaonline.co.tz OR Estevão Filimão Estevao.Filimao(a)fao.org OR Dr. Patricia Musi faolinks(a)agric.uniswa.sz 2. Traditional Knowledge and Community Healthcare - Nigeria Organised by the Fantsuam Foundation, this programme involves drawing and building on the health knowledge possessed by local people, especially women. Specifically, the project works with women in rural Nigerian communities in order to understand various traditional healthcare practices and introduce best practices and safer techniques for selected treatments. The purpose of the project is to produce a written catalogue of traditional medical wisdom, the content of which is largely generated by local people. http://www.comminit.com/africa/experiences/pds32003/experiences-2447.html Contact John Dada johndada(a)fantsuam.com 3. Sahel Oral History Project - Africa This project by the UK-based SOS Sahel is an oral history project that took place in eight African countries in an effort to record the culture, history, and environment of the Sahel through the recollections, experiences, and perceptions of its people. The aim was not only to record indigenous knowledge but also to develop a practical methodology which could then be incorporated into development planning, project implementation, and evaluation. By talking with - mostly ageing - farmers, pastoralists, refugees, and others, researchers hoped to gain a better understanding of traditional land-use practice, land tenure, farming and pastoral systems, the causes of desertification, and other aspects of Sahelian life. http://www.comminit.com/africa/experiences/pds092003/experiences-2134.html Contact Siobhan Warrington Siobhan.warrington(a)panos.org.uk AND otp(a)panos.org.uk OR Risha Chande risha.chande(a)panos.org.uk 4. Desertification 2002 - Southern Africa Organised by the Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN), this regional network works to halt the spread of southern African deserts and enhance rural livelihoods. The purpose of the project is to provide a forum for the exchange of knowledge between scientists, development practitioners, and dryland community members; to generate an understanding of the value of linking local knowledge with scientific research; to interpret and disseminate information; and to offer working examples of community action. It does this by linking communities, field practitioners, governments, and scientists through a website, conferences, workshops, training, and community exchanges. http://www.comminit.com/africa/experiences/pds32003/experiences-2291.html Contact info(a)drfn.org.na 5. Community Documentation of Indigenous Knowledge - Kenya Implemented by the Kyanika Adult Women Group (KAWG), this two-year project aimed to conserve the diversity of Kitete - a bottle gourd that is found in virtually every aspect of the Kamba people's traditional and cultural life - and its associated indigenous knowledge. The project involved the collection and sharing of knowledge about the Kitete through resource centres. Here, recorded materials, documents, and a collection of Kitete samples and seeds are available for use by members of the local community and others. Other activities include storytelling by elders - sharing myths, songs, dances, riddles, poems, and drama as well as listening to taped materials, looking at photographs, watching videos and reading written reports. http://www.comminit.com/africa/experiences/pds32003/experiences-2282.html Contact Yasuyuki Morimoto y.morimoto(a)cgiar.org 6. Indigenous Knowledge Program - Sub-saharan Africa The World Bank's Indigenous Knowledge (IK) programme aims to facilitate dialogue between local communities, NGOs, governments, donors, civil society, and the private sector. This dialogue is intended to help bring indigenous/traditional knowledge into the activities of development partners and to optimise the benefits of development assistance, especially for the poor. The programme works primarily through a website that provides resources on IK such as a database on indigenous/ traditional knowledge and practices with over 200 case studies, a report on IK for development and videos, which document success stories in applying indigenous practices. The programme also supports over 15 resource centres across Africa that focus on the identification and dissemination of indigenous/traditional knowledge and practices. http://www.comminit.com/africa/experiences/pds32003/experiences-2331.html Contact Nicolas Gorjestani ngorjestani(a)worldbank.org OR Reinhard Woytek rwoytek(a)worldbank.org 7. Aang Serian - Tanzania Aang Serian, which means "House of Peace" in the Kiarusha language, is a non-profit cultural organisation that aims to promote and protect indigenous knowledge. It focuses on education in an effort to raise the self-esteem of young people, to empower them to work together for a peaceful future, and to promote environmentally and socially sustainable development. The organisation has established a community college with a curriculum covering indigenous knowledge. They also undertake research in collaboration with other NGOs and have formed an international network of organisations that work to improve education for indigenous peoples while simultaneously preserving and promoting indigenous knowledge. http://www.comminit.com/africa/experiences/pds32003/experiences-2233.html Contact aang_serian(a)hotmail.com OR Gemma Enolengila enolengila(a)yahoo.co.uk OR Yunus Rafiq mrafiq(a)indiana.edu OR Bob Webzell bob(a)webzell.co.uk STRATEGIC THINKING http://www.comminit.com/africa/strategicthinking.html 8. Grandmothers Promote Maternal and Child Health: The Role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems' Managers by Judi Aubel This article looks at the importance of community elders as knowledge providers in the context of child health. The results of experiences in Asia and Africa illustrate how change can be brought about from within indigenous knowledge systems when key actors in those systems, i.e. the indigenous knowledge managers, are involved in deciding if and how to combine global knowledge with traditional knowledge. http://www.comminit.com/africa/strategicthinking/st2006/thinking-1846.html 9. The Utilization of Indigenous Knowledge in Range Management and Forage Plants for Improving Livestock Productivity and Food Security in the Maasai and Bargaig Communities of Kibaha by Nelson Kilongozi, Zabron Kengera and Samwel Leshongo By examining how the Maasai and Barbaig communities have traditionally cared for their livestock and environment, the report suggests ways to sustain indigenous knowledge and incorporate this with conventional, 'scientific' techniques of livestock care and land management. The authors recommend that policymakers and development workers should continue to recognise, identify, validate and document indigenous pastoral techniques and integrate them into conventional management approaches for pastoral land and should encourage knowledge sharing among the pastoral communities to allow them to expand their existing knowledge. http://www.comminit.com/africa/strategicthinking/st2006/thinking-1902.html 10. Gender, Local Knowledge, and Lessons Learnt in Documenting and Conserving Agrobiodiversity Research Paper No. 2006/69 by Yianna Lambrou and Regina Laub This paper explores the linkages between gender, local knowledge systems, and agrobiodiversity for food security by using the case study of LinKS, a regional FAO project in Mozambique, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania over a period of eight years. The project aimed to raise awareness on how rural men and women use and manage agrobiodiversity, and to promote the importance of local knowledge for food security and sustainable agrobiodiversity at local, institutional, and policy levels. They did this by working with a diverse range of stakeholders to strengthen their ability to recognise and value farmers' knowledge and to use gender-sensitive and participatory approaches in their work. http://www.comminit.com/africa/strategicthinking/st2006/thinking-1828.html 11. Indigenous Management of Wetlands: Experiences in Ethiopia by Alan Dixon Using the case study of a wetlands project in Ethopia, this study discusses how the stability of wetlands has been undermined by development initiatives that ignore indigenous knowledge. The study states that while neither indigenous nor scientific knowledge alone can solve the problems of development, they can be complementary sources of wisdom in wetland management. The research recommends that maintaining an effective network for sharing local knowledge and experimenting with new techniques should be a key principle of sustainable wetland management. In addition non-governmental organisations and donors should introduce reviews of varying local knowledge, to support these networks. For example, they could organise meetings between members of the wetland farming community to assess the strengths and weaknesses of different management techniques. http://www.comminit.com/africa/strategicthinking/st2005/thinking-1390.html 12. ICTs in Namibia's Communal Area Conservancies by Carol Murphy and Sandra Slater-Jones This article describes the use of participatory GIS (Geographic Information Systems) in Namibia's Communal Area Conservancies. The approach used by the Conservancy Programme, according to the authors, is innovative in not only capturing local knowledge of an area through participation of local residents, but in improving the spatial accuracy of maps through a geo-referencing procedure. The procedure involves village mapping workshops and careful recording to capture indigenous knowledge with regard to local area names, the spatial location of resources such as grazing, cropping and useful plant species, as well as wildlife sightings and movements. http://www.comminit.com/africa/strategicthinking/st2005/thinking-1400.html MATERIALS http://www.comminit.com/africa/materials.html 13. Toolkit I: Capitalising on Local Knowledge - Methodological Overview & Case Studies by Noel Oettle and Bettina Koelle This Toolkit is designed to give decision-makers in government and donor agencies an overview of the concept of community-to-community knowledge exchanges, as well as practical approaches to their use in developmental processes and programmes. The volume contains case studies from Africa that aim to illustrate the successes achieved with the approach as well as the challenges faced during implementation. http://www.comminit.com/africa/materials/ma2006/materials-3054.html 14. Toolkit 2: Capitalising on Local Knowledge - Guidelines for Implementation by Noel Oettle and Bettina Koelle This Toolkit is designed to provide practical guidance in designing and implementing community-to-community exchange visits. It is intended for practitioners and service providers who wish to implement knowledge exchange processes. It is also aimed at students and development professionals who would like to better understand how the methodology is implemented. http://www.comminit.com/africa/materials/ma2006/materials-3055.html 15. Unleashing the Power of Knowledge for Meeting MDGs and Sustainable Development in Africa Fundamental Issues for Governance by Jacques L Hamel The paper critically reflects on the notion of knowledge, African knowledge, African knowledge economies (AKEs), African knowledge societies (AKSs) and African knowledge policies for sustainable development. Its purpose is to contribute to sustainable development thinking in the African region and open a new front in the development discourse. http://www.comminit.com/africa/materials/ma2005/materials-2534.html LINKS http://www.comminit.com/africa/links.html 16. Tanzania Indigenous Knowledge Database This is a database that has been established to enhance sharing and dissemination of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) information, experiences and practices in Tanzania. http://www.comminit.com/africa/links/linksngos/links-1645.html 17. Creating & Exchange of Local Agriculture Content (CELAC) This Ugandan organisation aims to develop agricultural content from rural farmers for dissemination through digital technologies, radio, and print. http://www.comminit.com/africa/links/linksngos/links-1709.html *** To view archived editions of The Soul Beat Newsletter see http://www.comminit.com/africa/soul-beat-archives.html Subscribe to The Soul Beat Extra - your e-journal focussed in each alternate month on Community Radio or Edutainment. If you would like to receive the Soul Beat Extra on Community Radio or Edutainment please contact Seipati Fountain sfountain(a)comminit.com We would love to hear from you: Please send us your comments by going to http://www.comminit.com/africa/comments.html or email Anja Venth aventh(a)comminit.com For more comments on the Soul Beat Africa website see http://www.comminit.com/africa/comments_aboutus.html *** . *** A. Wanjira Munyua National Coordinator, Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA) Association for Progressive Communications (APC) alice(a)apc.org http://www.apc.org http://www.catia.ws

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Fw: [Catia_team] Engaging policy makers and regulators in Africa - theCATIA experience
by alice＠apc.org 25 Oct '06

25 Oct '06

FYI ----- Original Message ----- From: "Claire Sibthorpe" <csibthorpe(a)usa.net> To: "Lists: Catia_team" <Catia_team(a)catia.ws> Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 1:27 PM Subject: [Catia_team] Engaging policy makers and regulators in Africa - theCATIA experience > > Engaging policy-makers and regulators in Africa > - the CATIA experience > > October, 2006 > > Media release > > For the past three years the Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa programme > (CATIA) has worked towards strengthening the context for the vibrant > adoption and use of ICTs in Africa. The programme has been set up with > nine > components, each with its particular advocacy aim, in countries as diverse > as Ethiopia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Senegal. > > CATIA has shown that one of the most effective ways to have an impact on > the ICT policy landscape in Africa is by collaborating in > multi-stakeholder > processes, where experiences, perspectives and resources can be shared, > and > a common agenda shaped. > > Equally important, however, is how advocates engage policy-makers and > regulators. These experiences have been documented in an article entitled > 'checks and balances', which can be downloaded off the CATIA website > (www.catia.ws) > > Some of the key findings of the article are: > > * The distinction between policy-makers and regulators is not clearly > felt in some countries in Africa. Reasons include a lack of 'checks and > balances' or political instability, amongst them. Even in liberalised > environments, such as Kenya or South Africa, the independence of a > regulator > can be challenged by the state; > * Policy-makers and regulators are key to any ICT policy advocacy > process. However, having a policy influence may mean targeting influential > officials in government who may not be policy-makers or regulators > themselves; > * The direct involvement of policy-makers and regulators in activities > is an important way of ensuring the sustainability of advocacy > initiatives. > Advocates need to provide policy and regulatory officials with a sense of > buy-in and confidence in their work. Advocates need to demonstrate that > they > are serious; > * Developing informal relationships are often more effective than > formal engagements; > * Advocates need to nurture a culture of 'honest brokerage' so that > their work can be trusted in a policy development environment where there > are many competing interests. > > > > > _________________________________________________ > Claire Sibthorpe > Public Sector Consulting > Atos Consulting > 4 Triton Square, Regent's Place, London NW1 3HG, UK > Tel: +44 (0) 77 33312667 > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > Catia_team mailing list > Catia_team(a)catia.ws > http://catia.eyecon.co.za/mailman/listinfo/catia_team >

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Fw: [Catia_team] Multi-stakeholder engagement in Africa - the CATIAexperience
by alice＠apc.org 25 Oct '06

25 Oct '06

Hi all FYI ----- Original Message ----- From: "Claire Sibthorpe" <csibthorpe(a)usa.net> To: "Lists: Catia_team" <Catia_team(a)catia.ws> Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 1:27 PM Subject: [Catia_team] Multi-stakeholder engagement in Africa - the CATIAexperience > > Multi-stakeholder engagement in Africa > - the CATIA experience > > October, 2006 > > Media release > > For the past three years the Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa programme > (CATIA) has worked towards strengthening the context for the vibrant > adoption and use of ICTs in Africa. The programme has been set up with > nine > components, each with its particular advocacy aim, in countries as diverse > as Ethiopia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Senegal. > > CATIA has shown that one of the most effective ways to have an impact on > the ICT policy landscape in Africa is by collaborating in > multi-stakeholder > processes, where experiences, perspectives and resources can be shared, > and > a common agenda shaped. > > The programme's experiences have been documented in an article entitled > Breaking new ground towards each other, which can be downloaded off the > CATIA website (www.catia.ws) > > Some of the key findings of the article are: > > * While the multi-stakeholder approach to ICT policy development was > unusual a few years ago, many new success stories in policy engagement in > Africa are the result of collaborating across the sectors; > * Participants consider the multi-stakeholder approach an important > nation-building process that unlocks a country's expertise and resources; > * Multi-stakeholder networks increase the credibility of an advocacy > drive; > * They also tend to make policy processes more transparent, > particularly if the media is one of the stakeholders; > * Multi-stakeholder networks are dynamic, and their make-up depends on > the context. While collaborations between civil society, private sector > and > the media have proved successful, other stakeholders in policy development > processes have included academics, the government, global agencies such as > the United Nations, and policy-makers and regulators; > * The interests of the different stakeholders needs to be managed and > a common agenda forged that all stakeholders are comfortable with. > Processes > need to be put in place to ensure that all perspectives are appreciated; > * Sometimes advocacy objectives need to be aligned with government > strategies to make the advocacy goals more palatable for politicians; > * While stakeholder buy-in into an advocacy initiative is important, > this should not come at any cost. Values and principles, such as > accountability and transparency, need to be preserved and sometimes > defended. > > > _________________________________________________ > Claire Sibthorpe > Public Sector Consulting > Atos Consulting > 4 Triton Square, Regent's Place, London NW1 3HG, UK > Tel: +44 (0) 77 33312667 > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > Catia_team mailing list > Catia_team(a)catia.ws > http://catia.eyecon.co.za/mailman/listinfo/catia_team >

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Re: [Kictanet] Does Africa need an IGF or Internet Development Forum?
by Eric Osiakwan 25 Oct '06

25 Oct '06

Loud Applause, Vincent ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: <alice(a)apc.org> Reply-To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 21:30:23 +0300 >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Vincent Waiswa Bagiire" <vincent(a)cipesa.org> >To: "Africa ICT Policy Forum" <africtic(a)dgroups.org> > > >> Does Africa need an IGF or Internet Development Forum? >> >> The Internet Government Forum (IGF) convenes in Athens at the end of >> October (next week) to chart a way forward for making the running of the >> Internet more inclusive, and more democratic. Several key issues of >> concern for various governments and members of the Internet community >> worldwide were amply articulated in the run-up to the World Summits on the >> Information Society (WSIS) a process that has continued ahead of the >> IGF. Simply put, these issues revolve around enabling control of the >> Internet and its technical arms to be decentralised from ICANN and its >> few chosen agents, increasing security of the Internet, having >> international oversight over the Internet, among others. >> >> Africa stands to be a great beneficiary of the Internet, in areas ranging >> from communication to education, health to trade, and governance to >> knowledge creation. The case of how Africa embraced the mobile phone when >> conditions were created for more players to come in, and when technology >> allowed connecting thousands of people at lower costs, could be a learning >> example. Africa has got the highest growth rate of mobile phone >> connections in the world, and the mobile phone has become the centre of >> the continents connectivity successes. But Africa has also been >> registering high bandwidth consumption rates. According to the African >> Internet Service Providers Association, bandwidth demand in Africa rose by >> 19% in 2001, 28% in 2002, and 37% in 2003. This high growth rate comes >> against the background of very high bandwidth prices in Africa - which are >> several times higher than in Europe, America, and even Asia and the >> acute shortage of Internet infrastructure in most of Africa. >> As far as Internet usage is concerned, Africa is doing pretty badly. The >> ITU World Telecom/ ICT Development Report 2006 says while in a number of >> countries more than 50% of the population is using the Internet, an >> average of 2.6 percent of Africans are online. This compares miserably >> with the Americas (28.2%), Europe (31.1%), and Asia (8.1%). In the >> broadband sector, Africas show is even gloomier, as it has just 0.1% of >> the worlds connections. Comparatively, in the mobile phone sector the >> continent boasts 4% of global totals. The continent is not doing any >> superbly in terms of ownership of personal computers, the main medium on >> which the Internet is run. According to the Information Economy Report >> 2005 of the UN Conference on Trade and Investment, while the Republic of >> Korea in 2003 had 26.7 m PCs, the whole of Africa had 11.5 m PCs. Clearly, >> too few Africans are using the Internet at the moment, and this needs to >> be addressed for the continent to harvest benefits from the Internet. >> The question to ask then is, why are so few Africans using the Internet? >> And the answer to this question should provide the pointer to what needs >> to be done for more Africans to be brought into cyberspace. Are issues >> related to Internet Governance the main hindrance to Africans usage of >> the Internet? The answer is a plain no. Africans are not using the >> Internet because the technology deployed tends to be expensive, often the >> licensing procedures for Internet Service provision are expensive and >> cumbersome, ISPs charge exorbitantly for their services, monopoly >> providers do not give little attention to improving affordability, the >> content on the Internet is often irrelevant or not in a language many >> Africans understand, governments are rarely acting proactively and smartly >> to enable the poor and remote parts of their countries to have >> connectivity. Now those are the issues that need to be at the top of the >> agenda for those promoting Internet usage in Africa. Those are issues that >> should be addressed by an envisaged Internet Development Forum (ADF). >> >> As it is, African countries have been working towards developing a common >> position on the issues they will be addressing at the IGF in Athens. Among >> these are the need for security of the Internet, freedom of expression, >> multilingualism and local content on the Internet, Internet >> infrastructure, and Intellectual Property Rights. Reining in SPAM or >> unsolicited mail mainly used for commercial promotion, social or political >> activism, the need for cyber laws, and need for international management >> of the internet are the other issues African delegates will be >> passionately addressing themselves to. They say management of the Internet >> should be multilateral, transparent and democratic, with the full >> involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and >> international organisations. It should ensure an equitable distribution of >> resources, facilitate access for all and ensure a stable and secure >> functioning of the Internet. >> >> Who controls the Internet has not hindered vast number of Asians and >> Europeans from using the Internet. And it has not been the key hinderance >> to Africa use of the Internet. So Africa must lay its emphasis elsewhere: >> the emphasis should be on improving connectivity (and this connectivity >> should be low-cost, including wireless and VSAT), giving more Africans to >> know-how of using the internet, and generating content that is relevant to >> Africans, and easy for them to access and use. >> >> At Athens, African delegates are likely to strongly express their concern >> about Internet naming and addressing. In this light, they are likely to >> talk about the need for a dotAfrica as the continental Top-Level Domain >> name. The African Networks Operators Group (AfNOG) is spearheading the >> building of a dotAfrica, purportedly to attend to African interests. AfNOG >> argues that it is important to have a dotAfrica to help Africa get its >> recognition as an entity with a high stake in Internet Governance. This >> proposed dotAfrica would target 100,000 organisations under the >> name.Africa or nom.Africa (for Francophone Africa). Many proponents of >> dotAfrica tend to justify its need by arguing that since regions like Asia >> and the European Union have adopted the idea of having dotAsia and dotEU, >> it would also be good for Africa to adopt dotAfrica. They also point out >> that dotAfrica would help Africa to market itself in the area of >> innovation. But some critics feel the clamour for dotAfrica appears to >> merely be a matter of emulating what the Asians and Europeans are doing, >> or engendering African pride, and will not translate into cheaper >> connectivity and accessibility of the Internet on the continent. >> >> The Athens IGF, which is providing the basis for Africans to define their >> priorities as far as the Internet is concerned, was a blueprint for global >> Internet governance. As such its concerns are not targeted at Africa; >> instead they tend to reflect the interests and concerns of the vast >> majority of users mainly outside of America the Internet as a democratic >> and inclusive forum whose management is not monopolised by the Americans >> and those they handpick. It can hence be argued that the core spirit of >> the IGF is therefore not necessarily about making more people use this >> medium, because this is not exactly at the top of the list of priorities >> for concerned parties in Europe and much of Asia, who in any case have had >> a louder and more enlightened voice in Internet governance discourse. >> Back in Tunis in November 2005 at the World Summit on the Information >> Society, the Tunis Agenda adopted by heads of state called for development >> in the broader Internet governance arrangements to include international >> interconnection costs, capacity building and technology/know-how transfer. >> It called for realisation of multilingualism on the Internet, development >> of software that is easy to localise and enables users to choose >> appropriate solutions from different software models including >> open-source, free and proprietary software. Those are some of the great >> pronouncements made at Tunis, which could help develop Internet usage in >> Africa, but which few Africans are articulating. >> Africa has its humongous work to do in the area of content, since content >> drives access to new technologies and vice versa. But the development of >> content cannot be achieved without empowering people and organisations in >> Africa, and enabling them to develop and disseminate their content, and to >> use globally available information resources for their day-to-day >> challenges. The majority of the African population lives in rural areas >> and depends on local content. Specific attention should therefore be paid >> to the advancement of indigenous content including its sharing and >> localisation. >> >> And low-cost technologies like Wi-Fi and VSAT must be adopted to play a >> leading role in Africas Internet development. A good example of how to go >> about this is provided by Knysna municipality in South Africa, which is >> touted as the first completely Wi-Fi covered town in Africa. The >> municipality awarded a tender to build a wireless local-loop access and >> transit infrastructure to cover its entire jurisdiction. Outdoor hotspots >> are installed throughout the region, including in informal settlements, >> and the municipality uses the network to provide free basic Internet and >> voice services to the community. And while UniNet, which built the >> network, provides sustainable low-cost commercial internet, VOIP and data >> services to the community, other service providers in the region can >> utilise the network for delivery of services to their clients >> effectively creating the first open access network in South Africa. To the >> users, there are high quality low-cost fixed line telephony and internet, >> access to low cost VOIP and data services, free local calls (on-net), free >> basic internet services in libraries and on all hotspots. If such >> innovative policies and actions as informed the Knysna connectivity >> project are replicated across municipalities and nations in Africa, the >> continent could potentially witness an Internet boom in a couple of years. >> >> In a nutshell, Africa needs to be concerned about developing Internet >> usage first, rather than dwelling on who governs the Internet and how. >> Africa needs low cost equipment, affordable services and applications, a >> better quality and greater numbers of ICT graduates, accessibility of the >> Internet on mobile phones, cheaper bandwidth including through fibre >> optics, eradication of monopolies and duopolies in Internet service >> provision. Africa also needs government subsidies to extend Internet >> access to all communities; it needs free and open source software that can >> support e-governance, education and health; and it needs to attract >> investment in ICT activities like business process outsourcing. The way >> the Internet is governed now allows for all these; the way most African >> governments are positioned now and planning on putting their issues >> forward at Athens, doesnt quite allow it. >> >> Best regards, >> Vincent >> >> -- >> Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, >> Director, CIPESA >> Plot 30, Bukoto Street, P.O. Box 26970 Kampala >> Tel: 256-41-533057 >> Fax: 256-41-533054 >> Cell: 256-77-702256 or 256-71-702256 >> Email: vincent(a)cipesa.org >> www.cipesa.org >> >> >> >> >> Dgroups is a joint initiative of Bellanet, DFID, Hivos, ICA, ICCO, IICD, >> OneWorld, UNAIDS and World Bank >> --- You are currently subscribed to africtic as: alice(a)apc.org >> To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-africtic-617601R(a)dgroups.org > > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/ kictanet/eric%40afrispa.org > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" --

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Does Africa need an IGF or Internet Development Forum?
by alice＠apc.org 24 Oct '06

24 Oct '06

----- Original Message ----- From: "Vincent Waiswa Bagiire" <vincent(a)cipesa.org> To: "Africa ICT Policy Forum" <africtic(a)dgroups.org> > Does Africa need an IGF or Internet Development Forum? > > The Internet Government Forum (IGF) convenes in Athens at the end of > October (next week) to chart a way forward for making the running of the > Internet more inclusive, and more democratic. Several key issues of > concern for various governments and members of the Internet community > worldwide were amply articulated in the run-up to the World Summits on the > Information Society (WSIS) – a process that has continued ahead of the > IGF. Simply put, these issues revolve around enabling control of the > ‘Internet’ and its technical arms to be decentralised from ICANN and its > few chosen agents, increasing security of the Internet, having > international oversight over the Internet, among others. > > Africa stands to be a great beneficiary of the Internet, in areas ranging > from communication to education, health to trade, and governance to > knowledge creation. The case of how Africa embraced the mobile phone when > conditions were created for more players to come in, and when technology > allowed connecting thousands of people at lower costs, could be a learning > example. Africa has got the highest growth rate of mobile phone > connections in the world, and the mobile phone has become the centre of > the continent’s connectivity successes. But Africa has also been > registering high bandwidth consumption rates. According to the African > Internet Service Providers Association, bandwidth demand in Africa rose by > 19% in 2001, 28% in 2002, and 37% in 2003. This high growth rate comes > against the background of very high bandwidth prices in Africa - which are > several times higher than in Europe, America, and even Asia – and the > acute shortage of Internet infrastructure in most of Africa. > As far as Internet usage is concerned, Africa is doing pretty badly. The > ITU World Telecom/ ICT Development Report 2006 says while in a number of > countries more than 50% of the population is using the Internet, an > average of 2.6 percent of Africans are online. This compares miserably > with the Americas (28.2%), Europe (31.1%), and Asia (8.1%). In the > broadband sector, Africa’s show is even gloomier, as it has just 0.1% of > the world’s connections. Comparatively, in the mobile phone sector the > continent boasts 4% of global totals. The continent is not doing any > superbly in terms of ownership of personal computers, the main medium on > which the Internet is run. According to the Information Economy Report > 2005 of the UN Conference on Trade and Investment, while the Republic of > Korea in 2003 had 26.7 m PCs, the whole of Africa had 11.5 m PCs. Clearly, > too few Africans are using the Internet at the moment, and this needs to > be addressed for the continent to harvest benefits from the Internet. > The question to ask then is, why are so few Africans using the Internet? > And the answer to this question should provide the pointer to what needs > to be done for more Africans to be brought into cyberspace. Are issues > related to Internet Governance the main hindrance to African’s usage of > the Internet? The answer is a plain no. Africans are not using the > Internet because the technology deployed tends to be expensive, often the > licensing procedures for Internet Service provision are expensive and > cumbersome, ISPs charge exorbitantly for their services, monopoly > providers do not give little attention to improving affordability, the > content on the Internet is often irrelevant or not in a language many > Africans understand, governments are rarely acting proactively and smartly > to enable the poor and remote parts of their countries to have > connectivity. Now those are the issues that need to be at the top of the > agenda for those promoting Internet usage in Africa. Those are issues that > should be addressed by an envisaged ‘Internet Development Forum’ (ADF). > > As it is, African countries have been working towards developing a common > position on the issues they will be addressing at the IGF in Athens. Among > these are the need for security of the Internet, freedom of expression, > multilingualism and local content on the Internet, Internet > infrastructure, and Intellectual Property Rights. Reining in SPAM or > unsolicited mail mainly used for commercial promotion, social or political > activism, the need for cyber laws, and need for “international” management > of the internet are the other issues African delegates will be > passionately addressing themselves to. They say management of the Internet > should be “multilateral, transparent and democratic, with the full > involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and > international organisations. It should ensure an equitable distribution of > resources, facilitate access for all and ensure a stable and secure > functioning of the Internet.” > > Who controls the Internet has not hindered vast number of Asians and > Europeans from using the Internet. And it has not been the key hinderance > to Africa’ use of the Internet. So Africa must lay its emphasis elsewhere: > the emphasis should be on improving connectivity (and this connectivity > should be low-cost, including wireless and VSAT), giving more Africans to > know-how of using the internet, and generating content that is relevant to > Africans, and easy for them to access and use. > > At Athens, African delegates are likely to strongly express their concern > about Internet naming and addressing. In this light, they are likely to > talk about the need for a dotAfrica as the continental Top-Level Domain > name. The African Networks Operators Group (AfNOG) is spearheading the > building of a dotAfrica, purportedly to attend to African interests. AfNOG > argues that it is important to have a dotAfrica to help Africa get its > recognition as an entity with a high stake in Internet Governance. This > proposed dotAfrica would target 100,000 organisations under the > name.Africa or nom.Africa (for Francophone Africa). Many proponents of > dotAfrica tend to justify its need by arguing that since regions like Asia > and the European Union have adopted the idea of having dotAsia and dotEU, > it would also be good for Africa to adopt dotAfrica. They also point out > that dotAfrica would help Africa to market itself in the area of > innovation. But some critics feel the clamour for dotAfrica appears to > merely be a matter of emulating what the Asians and Europeans are doing, > or engendering ‘African pride’, and will not translate into cheaper > connectivity and accessibility of the Internet on the continent. > > The Athens IGF, which is providing the basis for Africans to define their > priorities as far as the Internet is concerned, was a blueprint for global > Internet governance. As such its concerns are not targeted at Africa; > instead they tend to reflect the interests and concerns of the vast > majority of users mainly outside of America – the Internet as a democratic > and inclusive forum whose management is not monopolised by the Americans > and those they handpick. It can hence be argued that the core spirit of > the IGF is therefore not necessarily about making more people use this > medium, because this is not exactly at the top of the list of priorities > for concerned parties in Europe and much of Asia, who in any case have had > a louder and more enlightened voice in Internet governance discourse. > Back in Tunis in November 2005 at the World Summit on the Information > Society, the Tunis Agenda adopted by heads of state called for development > in the broader Internet governance arrangements to include international > interconnection costs, capacity building and technology/know-how transfer. > It called for realisation of multilingualism on the Internet, development > of software that is easy to localise and enables users to choose > appropriate solutions from different software models including > open-source, free and proprietary software. Those are some of the great > pronouncements made at Tunis, which could help develop Internet usage in > Africa, but which few Africans are articulating. > Africa has its humongous work to do in the area of content, since content > drives access to new technologies and vice versa. But the development of > content cannot be achieved without empowering people and organisations in > Africa, and enabling them to develop and disseminate their content, and to > use globally available information resources for their day-to-day > challenges. The majority of the African population lives in rural areas > and depends on local content. Specific attention should therefore be paid > to the advancement of indigenous content including its sharing and > localisation. > > And low-cost technologies like Wi-Fi and VSAT must be adopted to play a > leading role in Africa’s Internet development. A good example of how to go > about this is provided by Knysna municipality in South Africa, which is > touted as “the first completely Wi-Fi covered town in Africa”. The > municipality awarded a tender to build a wireless local-loop access and > transit infrastructure to cover its entire jurisdiction. Outdoor hotspots > are installed throughout the region, including in informal settlements, > and the municipality uses the network to provide free basic Internet and > voice services to the community. And while UniNet, which built the > network, provides sustainable low-cost commercial internet, VOIP and data > services to the community, other service providers in the region can > utilise the network for delivery of services to their clients – > effectively creating the first open access network in South Africa. To the > users, there are high quality low-cost fixed line telephony and internet, > access to low cost VOIP and data services, free local calls (on-net), free > basic internet services in libraries and on all hotspots. If such > innovative policies and actions as informed the Knysna connectivity > project are replicated across municipalities and nations in Africa, the > continent could potentially witness an Internet boom in a couple of years. > > In a nutshell, Africa needs to be concerned about developing Internet > usage first, rather than dwelling on who governs the Internet and how. > Africa needs low cost equipment, affordable services and applications, a > better quality and greater numbers of ICT graduates, accessibility of the > Internet on mobile phones, cheaper bandwidth including through fibre > optics, eradication of monopolies and duopolies in Internet service > provision. Africa also needs government subsidies to extend Internet > access to all communities; it needs free and open source software that can > support e-governance, education and health; and it needs to attract > investment in ICT activities like business process outsourcing. The way > the Internet is governed now allows for all these; the way most African > governments are positioned now and planning on putting their issues > forward at Athens, doesn’t quite allow it. > > Best regards, > Vincent > > -- > Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, > Director, CIPESA > Plot 30, Bukoto Street, P.O. Box 26970 Kampala > Tel: 256-41-533057 > Fax: 256-41-533054 > Cell: 256-77-702256 or 256-71-702256 > Email: vincent(a)cipesa.org > www.cipesa.org > > > > > Dgroups is a joint initiative of Bellanet, DFID, Hivos, ICA, ICCO, IICD, > OneWorld, UNAIDS and World Bank > --- You are currently subscribed to africtic as: alice(a)apc.org > To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-africtic-617601R(a)dgroups.org

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Online ICT Bill Discussions Report
by John Walubengo 17 Oct '06

17 Oct '06

just in case you are interested in what transpired during the above eWorkshop... walu. nb: apologies for cross-posting. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Re: [Spam!] Re: [Kictanet] Fwd: RE: ECM162473 - My Order
by Eric Osiakwan 17 Oct '06

17 Oct '06

I support the idea from Dr. Nedmo and this is one of the positive actions that KICTANET should take which should have all the representation like TESPOK, Academia and all the constituencies to go see the AG. Eric here >bitange(a)jambo.co.ke wrote: > >Dear Walubengo, >The Ministry finalized the ICT Bill and sent it to the AG. I have made >several calls to AG offices trying to push it forward to Parliament. >Perharps we need an industry delegation to the AG seeking his intervention >to push it to Parliament. I too need it urgently as there are some laws >that would help move our sector forward. > > >Regards > > >Ndemo. > > > >> Tried to buy a book through the Internet (using my VISA >> INT'Nl credit card) only to be told several days later that >> apparently this reputable Online bookshop does NOT do >> eCommerce with KENYA. (ref email below) >> >> No reasons given but I can bet it has something to do with >> lack of e-Legislations...just wondering how far we (Kenya) >> is from discussing and eventually passing their ICT Bill >> (which contains eCommerce clauses)... >> >> Is the PS (Min of Info&Comm) in a position to kindly favour >> us with a roadmap/timeline? >> >> walu. >> >> >> --- "Edwards, Pat" >wrote: >> >>> From: "Edwards, Pat" > >>> To: "'jwalu(a)yahoo.com'" >>> Subject: RE: ECM162473 - My Order >>> Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2006 12:47:15 +0100 >>> >>> >>> Hello >>> >>> I am sorry but we only supply to your country if we have >>> received >>> pre-payment via money order, if you wish to make these >>> arrangements please >>> let me know >>> >>> Kind regards >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: MyAccount(a)PearsonEducationBooks.com >>> [mailto:[email protected]] >>> Sent: 09 October 2006 07:05 >>> To: PearsonEdEMA, ECOMM CS >>> Subject: ECM162473 - My Order >>> >>> >>> Customer Email Address: jwalu(a)yahoo.com >>> >>> Plse let me know how far my book is from reaching >>> Nairobi. Do you have an >>> online tracking system similar to the one used by courier >>> services (FedEX, >>> DHL, etc) which shows the stages/destinations the book >>> has travelled so >>> far? >>> >>> Also, I need to know if I could have the password to the >>> internet >>> resources so that I can start looking at the online >>> material as I await >>> the book. >>> >>> walu. >>> >>> >>> >> **************************************************************************** >>> This email may contain confidential material. >>> If you were not an intended recipient, >>> please notify the sender and delete all copies. >>> We may monitor email to and from our network. >>> >>> >> **************************************************************************** >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> __________________________________________________ >> Do You Yahoo!? >> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around >> http://mail.yahoo.com >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> Please unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke >> > > > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >Please unsubscribe or change your options at http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/ kictanet/andrew.limo%40yahoo.com > > > >--------------------------------- >How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messengers low PC-to-Phone call rates. > > > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://afrispa.skybuilders.com/users/Eric/blog.html Slang: "Tomorrow Now" --

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Fwd: eLA 2007
by John Walubengo 17 Oct '06

17 Oct '06

in case you didn't get this one... walu. --- LM <mleonardo(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Date: Tue, 3 Oct 2006 05:47:18 -0700 (PDT) > From: LM <mleonardo(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: eLA 2007 > To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > > Walu, > Kindly circulate in KIPList. This promises to be very > big indeed. > > L > > > > eLA 2007 - The Conference > Meeting the networking needs of the Pan-African > eLearning and distance education sector, the annual > eLearning Africa conference is the key networking venue > for practitioners and professionals from Africa and all > over the world. > > Main Facts: > eLA is the largest gathering of eLearning and distance > education professionals in Africa , enabling participants > to develop multinational and cross-industry contacts and > partnerships, as well as to enhance their knowledge, > expertise, and abilities. The 2006 event attracted 832 > participants from 80 countries representing all > continents, with 70% coming from Africa, making it Africa > s largest eLearning conference. Last years gathering > featured the work of more than 230 speakers from 46 > countries, addressing all forms of technology-enhanced > learning and including a rich mix of themes, topics and a > variety of session formats. Delegates are high-level > decision makers and practitioners from education, > business, and government - the three key areas driving > eLearning adoption and innovation. > The conference is held in English and French. It > includes plenary sessions with world-class experts, > smaller presentation and special focus sessions, > practical demonstrations and debates on specific topics, > as well as various informal networking opportunities > where practitioners share their experiences, ideas, new > information and perspectives. An exhibition and > demonstration area accompany the programme, where leading > international eLearning manufacturers, suppliers and > service providers present their latest products and > services. Participants evaluated the exhibition as a > critical meeting point for professional interaction > within the conference. A full-day program of workshops > conducted by leading eLearning practitioners precedes the > event. These small, intensive sessions offer attendees a > unique opportunity to fine-tune their skills and acquire > new ones. A number of special events take place alongside > the conference, such as product launches, special > interest group > get-togethers, sponsored workshops, best practice > showcases, and meetings. > > New features at eLA 2007: eLA 2007 will also have a > number of exciting features that extend the scope and > outreach of the conference, adding value for both > presenters and attendees: > > A high-level policy maker and industry leader summit > entitled Accelerating the Building of Infrastructures > and Capacities for African Educational Systems > The African TVET Summit Access and Inclusion for TVET > in Africa through New ICT-based Solutions > A convention of major donors and development agencies > focusing on ICT-Enhanced Education and Training in > Development Cooperation > Two break-out workshops, one in Kisumu at Lake Victoria > and one in Mombassa on the Indian Ocean > http://www.elearning-africa.com/ > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Want to be your own boss? Learn how on Yahoo! Small > Business. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Fw: [Kictanet] Fwd: RE: ECM162473 - My Order
by alice＠apc.org 17 Oct '06

17 Oct '06

----- Original Message ----- From: "Joseph Mucheru" <mucheru(a)wananchi.com > Do we have a copy of what was forwarded to the AG? It is important to know > what we are pushing :-) > > -- > Joseph Mucheru > Chief Executive > mucheru(a)wananchi.com > > >> From: <alice(a)apc.org> >> Organization: Association for Progressive Communications (APC) >> Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2006 00:35:22 +0300 >> To: Joseph Mucheru <mucheru(a)wananchi.com>, "Brian Longwe (E-mail)" >> <brian(a)pure-id.com>, vkyalo <vkyalo(a)kenet.or.ke>, >> "<mureithi@Summitstrategies. >> Co. Ke>" , John Walubengo <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke>, Bill Kagai >> <billkagai(a)gmail.com>, Marcel Werner <mwerner(a)archway-productions.com>, >> Kevit >> Desai <kevit(a)centurionsystemsltd.com> >> Cc: Judy kimiti <jkimiti01(a)yahoo.co.uk>, <evelyneofwona(a)yahoo.com> >> Subject: Fw: [Kictanet] Fwd: RE: ECM162473 - My Order >> >> Hi all >> >> We should act on the suggestions by the PS re: industry delegation to >> the Ag, can we organise this? >> best >> alice >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> >> To: <alice(a)apc.org> >> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2006 5:22 PM >> Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Fwd: RE: ECM162473 - My Order >> >> >>> >>> Dear Walubengo, >>> The Ministry finalized the ICT Bill and sent it to the AG. I have made >>> several calls to AG offices trying to push it forward to Parliament. >>> Perharps we need an industry delegation to the AG seeking his >>> intervention >>> to push it to Parliament. I too need it urgently as there are some laws >>> that would help move our sector forward. >>> >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> >>> Ndemo. >>> >>> >>> >>>> Tried to buy a book through the Internet (using my VISA >>>> INT'Nl credit card) only to be told several days later that >>>> apparently this reputable Online bookshop does NOT do >>>> eCommerce with KENYA. (ref email below) >>>> >>>> No reasons given but I can bet it has something to do with >>>> lack of e-Legislations...just wondering how far we (Kenya) >>>> is from discussing and eventually passing their ICT Bill >>>> (which contains eCommerce clauses)... >>>> >>>> Is the PS (Min of Info&Comm) in a position to kindly favour >>>> us with a roadmap/timeline? >>>> >>>> walu. >>>> >>>> >>>> --- "Edwards, Pat" <Pat.Edwards(a)pearson.com> wrote: >>>> >>>>> From: "Edwards, Pat" <Pat.Edwards(a)pearson.com> >>>>> To: "'jwalu(a)yahoo.com'" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> >>>>> Subject: RE: ECM162473 - My Order >>>>> Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2006 12:47:15 +0100 >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Hello >>>>> >>>>> I am sorry but we only supply to your country if we have >>>>> received >>>>> pre-payment via money order, if you wish to make these >>>>> arrangements please >>>>> let me know >>>>> >>>>> Kind regards >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: MyAccount(a)PearsonEducationBooks.com >>>>> [mailto:[email protected]] >>>>> Sent: 09 October 2006 07:05 >>>>> To: PearsonEdEMA, ECOMM CS >>>>> Subject: ECM162473 - My Order >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Customer Email Address: jwalu(a)yahoo.com >>>>> >>>>> Plse let me know how far my book is from reaching >>>>> Nairobi. Do you have an >>>>> online tracking system similar to the one used by courier >>>>> services (FedEX, >>>>> DHL, etc) which shows the stages/destinations the book >>>>> has travelled so >>>>> far? >>>>> >>>>> Also, I need to know if I could have the password to the >>>>> internet >>>>> resources so that I can start looking at the online >>>>> material as I await >>>>> the book. >>>>> >>>>> walu. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>> **************************************************************************** >>>>> This email may contain confidential material. >>>>> If you were not an intended recipient, >>>>> please notify the sender and delete all copies. >>>>> We may monitor email to and from our network. >>>>> >>>>> >>>> **************************************************************************** >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> __________________________________________________ >>>> Do You Yahoo!? >>>> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around >>>> http://mail.yahoo.com >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> kictanet mailing list >>>> kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >>>> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>> >>>> Please unsubscribe or change your options at >>>> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke >>> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> Please unsubscribe or change your options at >>> http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alice%40apc.org >> >

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"Take Back The Tech!" - an online campaign for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.
by alice＠apc.org 16 Oct '06

16 Oct '06

TAKE BACK THE TECH! Hello everyone, We need your help! APC WNSP is initiating "Take Back The Tech!" - an online campaign for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. We've been sounding this off for awhile, but now we are ready to make it happen. And your input is absolutely critical for this campaign to take off. The campaign is in great need of content and ideas. Whatever you have experienced, thought about or know will inject the life and matter of the campaign, so please do read on :) *What is the campaign about?* ============================= It is simply a call for every person who uses online communications (ICTs), e.g. for chatting, emailing, blogging, doing websites or developing tools, to use ICTs for activism against VAW (violence against women) for 16 days. Primarily, we are asking women and grrls to "Take Back The Tech!" But you don't have to be female to disagree with violence faced by women and be part of the campaign to transform gender relations. Unequal power relations lie at the heart of VAW, and this is apparent from the streets to online spaces. So we're now saying technology should be used for equality, not to perpetuate violence. The question is, how? This is where you come in with what you know and come up with answers. *What can you do?* ================== Right now, we are building the site for this campaign to happen. A working space has been created to list out the different things that are needed, and you will definitely be able to put stuff you know into it. Some examples are: . Writing "How To" guides, like how to clear your cache, how to make sure your email communications are secure etc. . Submit online tools and applications that you came across that might be handy on this issue . Share your story, or something you know happened. E.g. someone who had been cyber-stalked and what she did, the number of unwanted porn spam you get everyday, or a brilliant and creative initiative that works to end VAW online, etc. . Translate resources and article into your local language. . Create icons, images and graphics . Suggest ideas on what can be done for the 16 Days. e.g. change your IM status message for 16 days, or email signature, or googlebombing. . Think of people or organisations that you know who would like to take up this campaign on their website etc . Offline things that could happen (uhm. stencil revolution ;)) . Anything else you think is missing! *What Next?* ============ Just go to the working space and register as a user. Then check out the different sections and what is needed for that. Put in what you know, your ideas and your thoughts! 1. Go to: http://www.takebackthetech.net/wiki/tiki-index.php 2. Click on "register" (right hand bar, under "Login" 3. Fill in your information, then click on "register". 4. Check your email, and click on the link. 5. You are now registered and can submit content on any of the sections! 6. Tell someone you know that might be keen to take this on, and have knowledge, ideas and information that they would like to share. All the stuff here will be part of the building block for the campaign site, which together, we'll get to as many ICTs users as we know to "Take Back The Tech!" for 16 Days :) *More information*: ============== You can know more about the campaign from the site above. Or if you have more specific questions, just write an email to jac(a)apcwomen.org. Looking forward to meeting you at the working space, and having you as part of the campaign!

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Fwd: RE: ECM162473 - My Order
by John Walubengo 16 Oct '06

16 Oct '06

Tried to buy a book through the Internet (using my VISA INT'Nl credit card) only to be told several days later that apparently this reputable Online bookshop does NOT do eCommerce with KENYA. (ref email below) No reasons given but I can bet it has something to do with lack of e-Legislations...just wondering how far we (Kenya) is from discussing and eventually passing their ICT Bill (which contains eCommerce clauses)... Is the PS (Min of Info&Comm) in a position to kindly favour us with a roadmap/timeline? walu. --- "Edwards, Pat" <Pat.Edwards(a)pearson.com> wrote: > From: "Edwards, Pat" <Pat.Edwards(a)pearson.com> > To: "'jwalu(a)yahoo.com'" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: RE: ECM162473 - My Order > Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2006 12:47:15 +0100 > > > Hello > > I am sorry but we only supply to your country if we have > received > pre-payment via money order, if you wish to make these > arrangements please > let me know > > Kind regards > -----Original Message----- > From: MyAccount(a)PearsonEducationBooks.com > [mailto:[email protected]] > Sent: 09 October 2006 07:05 > To: PearsonEdEMA, ECOMM CS > Subject: ECM162473 - My Order > > > Customer Email Address: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > > Plse let me know how far my book is from reaching > Nairobi. Do you have an > online tracking system similar to the one used by courier > services (FedEX, > DHL, etc) which shows the stages/destinations the book > has travelled so > far? > > Also, I need to know if I could have the password to the > internet > resources so that I can start looking at the online > material as I await > the book. > > walu. > > > **************************************************************************** > This email may contain confidential material. > If you were not an intended recipient, > please notify the sender and delete all copies. > We may monitor email to and from our network. > > **************************************************************************** > > > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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JKUAT CERTIFICATE IN IT SECURITY
by Bill Kagai 16 Oct '06

16 Oct '06

JKUAT CERTIFICATE IN IT SECURITY ETHICAL HACKING: SECURITY VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT, DETECTION AND PREVENTION – 20th November – 1st December 2006 VENUE - JKUAT e-GOVERNMENT ACADEMY, JUJA CAMPUS COURSE CONTENT This is a unique, authoritative, high-value, hands-on practical course which will provide participants with essential understanding of the tools, methodologies and vulnerabilities that hackers/intruders could employ to exploit the IT systems of their organisations. Most organisations now realise that in order to defend themselves against the threat of attack by hackers, crackers, and indeed any individual intent on causing disruption to their IT systems, IT staff must have an informed and current understanding of the present-day methodologies, tools, and vulnerabilities which allow these exploits to happen. This Ethical Hacking course is designed to educate IT professionals in order to allow them to defend systems against hacking attacks. During this course, participants will learn about the hacker mindset and become familiar with the tools and methodologies that are used to attack systems. Using state-of-the-art classroom setups, delegates work with LINUX/UNIX and Windows systems, and associated server software. A wide range of hacking tools and security auditing tools are used during the course. COURSE OBJECTIVES This course fulfils two vital objectives for anyone working in IT systems administration, IT security or IT support roles: 1.The course builds a strong awareness of the wide range of risks and threats now faced even by organisations which believe they have strong security solutions in place. 2.The course provides delegates with a solid understanding of the control measures that need to be put in place in order to limit an organisation's vulnerabilities and risk of attack. By the end of this course, the participant will have learnt about: -The tools, techniques and methodologies employed by hackers in a dedicated lab environment. -How hackers can collect and assimilate information about an organisation's infrastructure whilst avoiding detection. -How information may be used to assess your IT systems' weaknesses and subsequently launch an attack against target systems. -The techniques that are typically used to gain access into a system. -The types of tools that are used to elevate access on a system. -The techniques used by hackers to conceal their tracks and the methods via which access to a target system may be maintained. -The limitations of security firewall systems and the tools used to bypass them. -How hackers bypass Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). -Measures that you can employ to secure and protect information against hacker attacks. COURSE SPECIAL FEATURES -Targeted Tracks: You will benefit from the expertise of industry front-runners, learn from real-world case studies and leave with everything you need to know to safeguard your wireless networks and devices -Tangible Take-Aways will be given to you including useful documents, guidelines and checklists that you can use as a springboard to your own initiatives. -Optimum networking opportunities are available through breaks, receptions, and luncheons. You will have the opportunity to talk shop with information security professionals and you will return to the office with new ideas and fresh contacts. -Transport, Lunch and Teas -Obtain materials in 2 easy ways: -At the Training you will receive bound volumes of the conference materials -After the Training: download the materials you want from the web with a special access code and burn on your CDs WHO SHOULD ATTEND Information Security Officers, Directors and Managers; Information Technology Auditors, Managers and Staff Network Security Managers and Administrators; Local Area Network Administrators Technical Support Staff; System Administrators; Others charged with mobile and wireless security responsibilities COST – Kshs 35,000 inclusive of Transport, Lunch and Teas HOW TO REGISTER - Please register by 15th November 2006. Application forms can be obtained from the contacts provided below or from the JKUAT e-Government Website www.jkuategovacademy.ac.ke Ngahu Kanyingi Technical Manager Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd P. O. Box 20311-00200, Nairobi Tel: 20-2728332 Fax: 20-2726965 Email. info(a)circuitspackets.co.ke Joel Kimilu Training Manager JKUAT e-Government Academy Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology P. O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi Tel: 067-52420 /0736 524200/ 0724 256 696 Email. info(a)jkuates.jkuat.ac.ke

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Fw: [APC Forum] Call for Papers - Journal of IT in Social Change
by alice＠apc.org 14 Oct '06

14 Oct '06

Hallo everyone For your information. Anriette > ------- Forwarded message follows ------- > Send reply to: <gilbert.mcgnon.m102541(a)gilbert.dl.soceco.org> > Date sent: Fri, 13 Oct 2006 18:15:46 -0700 > To: anriette(a)apc.org > From: "Michael Gilbert - Nonprofit Online News" > <gilbert.mcgnon.m102541(a)gilbert.dl.soceco.org> > Subject: Call for Papers - Journal of IT in Social Change > Keywords: > > Nonprofit Online News <http://news.gilbert.org/> > Nonprofit Online Classifieds <http://classifieds.nonprofitnews.org/> > ------------------------------------------------------------- > > Call for Papers Announcement > > Organizations in the nonprofit and voluntary sector have recognized > that information technologies are a vital part of their effective > mission achievement. While a large and growing body of practical > knowledge already exists, practitioners, managers, and policy makers > still lack systematic scholarly research about how information > technologies are changing the nonprofit sector and the organizations > within it. > > NTEN and Nonprofit Online News are seeking research papers for a panel > and a publication. The panel will be held at the upcoming Nonprofit > Technology Conference, in Washington DC April 4-6, 2007 and will be > entitled "The State of the Art in Nonprofit Technology." The > publication will be the first issue of The Journal of Information > Technology in Social Change. > > We are seeking rigorously designed research that explores all facets > of ICT implementation, use, and innovation in nonprofit and grassroots > organizations and sectors.... > > For the full announcement, and details on where to send submissions: > > http://news.gilbert.org/clickThru/redir/6182/171743/rms > > > --------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Nonprofit Online News is a service of The Gilbert Center. The > opinions and observations are those of Michael Gilbert and the > authors. Copyright 1997 - 2006. All rights reserved. > > Please delete the following links when forwarding this to others in > order to preserve the integrity of your subscription. > > You are currently subscribed at: anriette(a)apc.org > > To Unsubscribe, go to: > > http://gilbert.forms.soceco.org/171743/5/7e1caae30cfc/102541 > > To Manage your Profile and Subscription Preferences, go to: > > http://gilbert.forms.soceco.org/171743/18/8537c9839f02/102541 > > To Send us Comments, Questions, and News Tips, go to: > > http://gilbert.forms.soceco.org/171743/19/51fcbc7f66f0/102541 > > > > -- > Michael C. Gilbert > The Gilbert Center > Nonprofit Online News > http://news.gilbert.org/ > > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.4/475 - Release Date: > 10/13/2006 > > ------- End of forwarded message ------- > > ------------------------------------------------------ > Anriette Esterhuysen, Executive Director > Association for Progressive Communications > anriette(a)apc.org > http://www.apc.org > PO Box 29755, Melville, South Africa. 2109 > Tel. 27 11 726 1692 > Fax 27 11 726 1692 > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > ======================================= > APC Forum is a meeting place for the APC community - people and > institutions who are or have been involved in collaboration with > APC, and share the APC vision - a world in which all people have easy, > equal and affordable access to the creative potential of information and > communication technologies (ICTs) to improve their lives and create more > democratic and egalitarian societies. > > _______________________________________________ > apc.forum mailing list > apc.forum(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/apc.forum >

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attention Judy - confirmation of attendance
by Herbert Nyukuri 11 Oct '06

11 Oct '06

Dear Judy Thanks for the invitation. I wish to confirm my attendance for the monthly meeting. Herbert Wamalwa Training Manager - Shalom IT Center Nairobi kictanet-request(a)kictanet.or.ke wrote: Send kictanet mailing list submissions to kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to kictanet-request(a)kictanet.or.ke You can reach the person managing the list at kictanet-owner(a)kictanet.or.ke When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of kictanet digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Re: Presentaion By Mr Kai Wulff - Kictanet Monthly Meeting (Harrison) 2. RE: Presentaion By Mr Kai Wulff - Kictanet Monthly Meeting (kevit_desai) 3. Re: Presentaion By Mr Kai Wulff - Kictanet Monthly Meeting (Kanja Waruru) 4. Fw: Invitation to BusinessXchange Forum - Tuesday 31st October 2006. (alice(a)apc.org) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2006 12:20:46 +0300 From: Harrison Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Presentaion By Mr Kai Wulff - Kictanet Monthly Meeting To: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" Message-ID: <2e2e90250610090220t4920dba3o5cf08fab4988aaef(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Dear Judy, Thank you for the good work that you are doing so far. I would like to confirm my attendance for this conference. With Regards, Harrison Muiru SMART APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL LTD On 07/10/06, Judy kimiti wrote: > > Dear Member, > > Mr. Kai Wulff MD KDN will be giving a presentation on* Fiber: What is the > way forward for Kenya* at the Next KICTANet Monthly Meeting on Thursday > 12th at 3:30pm The Jacaranda Hotel. > > These are the topics that Mr. Kai Wulff will be addressing: > > - Kenya's current scenarios on connectivity > - Challenges of deploying the fiber optic cable in Kenya / East > Africa > - Why Kenya should go at it alone and not the EASSy way: A > Private Sector perspective > - KDN's roll-out plan > > > Thank you and hope you will be joining us on this day. Please RSVP your > attendance > undersigned for logistics purposes. > > > Yours truly, > > *Judy Kimiti* > *KICTANet* > *Tel: 4453672 / 2* > > > > > > ------------------------------ > Copy addresses and emails from any email account to Yahoo! Mail - quick, > easy and free. Do it now... > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Please unsubscribe or change your options at > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mugomuiru%40gmail.com > >

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Fw: Invitation to BusinessXchange Forum - Tuesday 31st October 2006.
by alice＠apc.org 09 Oct '06

09 Oct '06

Dear members FYI ----- Original Message ----- From: <events(a)c4idea.com> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Monday, October 09, 2006 4:49 PM Subject: Invitation to BusinessXchange Forum - Tuesday 31st October 2006. > Dear Alice Munyua, > > This month we are privileged to have Mr. Eddy Njoroge, Managing Director > of KENGEN, Kenya's largest power generating company, to speak about going > public and the challenges encountered in the Kenyan market. > > > Date: Tuesday 31st October 2006 > > Topic: The KenGen IPO and How It Transformed Kenya! > > Speaker: Mr. Eddy Njoroge, MD, KenGen > > Time: 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm > > Venue: Grand Regency Hotel, Nairobi > > Cost: KShs. 1,000/- per person > > > c4IDEA.com is a resource network that helps individuals and organizations > exchange innovative and proactive ideas to develop world-class Kenyan > leaders in different professions and disciplines. > > Please email or call the undersigned on 444 9277 or 444 7655 to make a > reservation for this forum. Visit our website www.c4idea.com for more > information. > > Joan Wachira > Program Officer > _________________________________ > c4IDEA.com - Idea Factory Ltd, > The Office Park, Riverside Drive. > PO Box 12, Sarit Centre 00606, > Nairobi, Kenya. > Tel: 254-020-4449277. > Tel: 254-020-4447655. > Fax: 254-020-4449210. > www.c4IDEA.com > > >

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Presentaion By Mr Kai Wulff - Kictanet Monthly Meeting
by Judy kimiti 09 Oct '06

09 Oct '06

Dear Member, Mr. Kai Wulff MD KDN will be giving a presentation on Fiber: What is the way forward for Kenya at the Next KICTANet Monthly Meeting on Thursday 12th at 3:30pm The Jacaranda Hotel. These are the topics that Mr. Kai Wulff will be addressing: - Kenyas current scenarios on connectivity - Challenges of deploying the fiber optic cable in Kenya / East Africa - Why Kenya should go at it alone and not the EASSy way: A Private Sector perspective - KDNs roll-out plan Thank you and hope you will be joining us on this day. Please RSVP your attendance undersigned for logistics purposes. Yours truly, Judy Kimiti KICTANet Tel: 4453672 / 2 --------------------------------- Copy addresses and emails from any email account to Yahoo! Mail - quick, easy and free. Do it now...

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Deploying Fibre Optic Cable in Kenya and East Africa, What are the Challenges.
by alice＠apc.org 07 Oct '06

07 Oct '06

Apologies for cross posting ----------------------------------------------------------- Dear Colleagues, The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTAnet) invites you to a meeting on Thursday 12 Oct 2006 at 3.30 p.m 12th at the Jacaranda Hotel- Wariara Conference Centre. This meeting will focus on: 1.. Kenya's current scenario on connectivity 2.. Challenges of deploying the fibre optic cable in Kenya / East Africa 3.. Why Kenya should go at it alone and not the Eassy way: A Private Sector perspective 4.. KDN’s rollout plan 5.. Update on KICTANet activities a.. Registration b.. Public Forums “Power Up with ICTs 2006” You are all welcome Yours truly, Judy Kimiti Events and Logistics Coordinator KICTAnet Tel: 4453671 / 2

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Fwd: LUNCHEON IN HONOUR OF SAM PITRODA
by Judy kimiti 06 Oct '06

06 Oct '06

Dear Member, Please note the attached Luncheon Invite from the Ministry Of Information, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Dr Bitange Ndemo. The Lunch at the Norfolk Hotel 6th October, is in honor of Dr. Sam Pitroda, a renowned Indian ICT Expert who will be visiting Kenya between 4th-9th October 2006. The PS's office has invited KICTANet Members for this luncheon at no cost to us. Kindly confirm your attendance to the undersigned before Thursday 5th as attendants names are required at the PS's office. Thank You Yours Truly Judy Kimiti KICTANet Tel: 4453671 / 2 Note: forwarded message attached. --------------------------------- Copy addresses and emails from any email account to Yahoo! Mail - quick, easy and free. Do it now...

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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TRUST FUND COMMITTEE
by evelyne ofwona 05 Oct '06

05 Oct '06

Good morning all, Attached, please find minutes of the above and the Trust Deed Document. Evelyne --------------------------------- Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

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Autoreply: [Kictanet] MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TRUST FUND COMMITTEE
by VNgugi＠idrc.or.ke 05 Oct '06

05 Oct '06

Hi, I shall be away from the office from 4th Oct to 11th Oct. I shall attend to your messages when I return. Thanks Vivianne

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