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KICTANet resources available for you!
by Grace Githaiga 27 Aug '19

27 Aug '19

Hello Listers This is to bring to your attention that there are several resources available on the KICTANet website. They are categorized into reports, policy briefs, submissions that KICTANet has made to several policy making bodies, and several IGF reports. They can be found here: https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?page_id=40115 Listers are also welcome to blog on our platform '_the KICTANet Post'_ on any ICT policy and regulatory topical issues. For more information, please get in touch with Liz Orembo (lizorembo(a)kictanet.or.ke) or Mwendwa Kivuva (lordmwesh(a)gmail.com) Please see the _KICTANet post_ here: https://www.kictanet.or.ke/?page_id=28812 Best regards Grace Githaiga -- Grace Githaiga Co-Convenor, Kenya ICT Action Network

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Fwd: [Internet Policy] Internet-enabled space crime
by Barrack Otieno 26 Aug '19

26 Aug '19

Learned Listers, Interesting quagmire, interested in local perspectives. Regards ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Richard Bennett via InternetPolicy <internetpolicy(a)elists.isoc.org> Date: Sun, Aug 25, 2019 at 5:48 AM Subject: [Internet Policy] Internet-enabled space crime To: ISOC Policy <internetpolicy(a)elists.isoc.org> An astronaut unlawfully accessed her wife’s bank accounts from the International Space Station. The couple are going through a bitter divorce, custody battle, etc. This is apparently the first crime to be committed in space, so the jurisdiction issues are somewhat interesting as they are with all Internet-enabled crimes. Presumably US law applies since the bank is located in the US, but I don’t really know. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/23/us/nasa-astronaut-anne-mcclain.html "Ms. McClain acknowledged that she had accessed the bank account from space, insisting through a lawyer that she was merely shepherding the couple’s still-intertwined finances. Ms. Worden felt differently. She filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and her family lodged one with NASA’s Office of Inspector General, accusing Ms. McClain of identity theft and improper access to Ms. Worden’s private financial records. "Investigators from the inspector general’s office have since contacted Ms. Worden and Ms. McClain, trying to get to the bottom of what may be the first allegation of criminal wrongdoing in space. "“I was pretty appalled that she would go that far. I knew it was not O.K.,” Ms. Worden said.” Opinions? RB — Richard Bennett High Tech Forum Founder Ethernet & Wi-Fi standards co-creator Internet Policy Consultant _______________________________________________ To manage your Internet Society subscriptions or unsubscribe, log into the Member Portal at https://admin.internetsociety.org/622619/User/Login and go to the Interests tab within your profile. - View the Internet Society Code of Conduct: https://www.internetsociety.org/become-a-member/code-of-conduct/ -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Fwd: [NRIs List] Inviting Parliamentarians to the IGF
by Barrack Otieno 26 Aug '19

26 Aug '19

Listers, This might be of interest to our Honourable Members of Parliament, Senate, National Assembly and County Assembly. For colleagues working in County Governments share this with your MCA's and Mps. Regards Please note the registration deadlines. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: <sandra(a)eurodig.org> Date: Sat, Aug 24, 2019 at 1:07 AM Subject: [NRIs List] Inviting Parliamentarians to the IGF To: <igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org> Cc: <IGF2019(a)medienstadt-leipzig.org> Dear NRI colleagues, the Host of this year’s IGF, the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy, is paying particular attention to invite parliamentarians from across the world. In this respect I would like to encourage you to forward the “Save the date Message” enclosed to parliamentarians in your country or region. Parliamentarians from countries on the DAC-List are eligible to apply for travel support with the IGF Secretariat until *31. August 2019.* Details about the application, visa and registration process you can also find enclosed. If you prefer the “Save the date Message” in other languages (like French, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian) kindly contact IGF2019(a)medienstadt-leipzig.org. Best Sandra _______________________________________________ Igfregionals mailing list Igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org To unsubscribe or manage your options please go to http://intgovforum.org/mailman/listinfo/igfregionals_intgovforum.org -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Block-Chain & AI Task Force Report - August LawTech Meetup
by Linda Bonyo 18 Aug '19

18 Aug '19

Lawyers Hub and the Block Chain Association of Kenya will meet this Friday evening to discuss the recently released Report by the Block Chain & AI Task-force. Tickets are absolutely free and available here on eventbrite link ( https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lawtech-nairobi-august-meet-up-on-kenya-block-… ) We hope to see you there for this month’s edition of Nairobi LawTech Meetup as we discuss Policy/ Regulations that impact emerging technologies. Kindly contact info(a)lawyershub.ke for any clarification or queries. Sincerely, Linda Bonyo Lawyers Hub. -- ______________________________________________ *Linda Bonyo* (Ms.) | CEO, *Lawyers Hub * Tech for Justice ACK Garden House| Block D, 6th Floor |Upper Hill, Nairobi| Kenya Email: bonyo(a)*lawyershub.ke* <bonyo(a)lawyershub.ke> | Skype*:* lawyershubke Tel: +254(0)207840228 Mobile : +254784840228 www.lawyershub.org | www.lawyershub.ke | *_**__________________________________________________________* *DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended recipient. Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Lawyers Hub.*

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Looking for opportunities to work as a transcriber
by meshack emakunat 18 Aug '19

18 Aug '19

Hello, Listers, Apology for the relevance of this post on the forum. A friend is in need of a work from home jobs such as transcriber or any relevant. This is to sustain the ever demand for her project funding. She is currently doing her masters at Egerton and I have no other way to help rather than reach out to members the group. Name: Grace WanyoikeTelephone: 0780851625Email: wanyoikewairimu(a)gmail.com I hope someone is in need of data analysis, transcription or writer services.

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KRA to tax income from apps downloaded in Kenya
by King Of Zamunda 16 Aug '19

16 Aug '19

Hello Listers, I just came across this on the dailies https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/news/KRA-to-tax-income-from-apps-downlo… What are your thoughts? [image: Mailtrack] <https://mailtrack.io?utm_source=gmail&utm_medium=signature&utm_campaign=sig…> Sender notified by Mailtrack <https://mailtrack.io?utm_source=gmail&utm_medium=signature&utm_campaign=sig…> 08/15/19, 04:25:22 PM

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Public participation on the national CCTV policy: deadline 14 August
by Alice Munyua 16 Aug '19

16 Aug '19

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Fwd: [Open Position] Senior Program Officer, DFS Regulatory & Consumer Protection Technologies
by Rafe Mazer 15 Aug '19

15 Aug '19

Colleagues, See below interesting position with Gates for those with FinTech, ICT and regulatory backgrounds. All the best Rafe > From: Himanshu Nagpal > Subject: [Open Position] Senior Program Officer, DFS Regulatory & Consumer Protection Technologies > > Dear FSP team and partners, > > As you know, we have been ramping up our efforts in the area of DFS risk mitigation; with an emphasis on leveraging technology. > > To further accelerate this body of work we have just opened a new role on my team for a Senior Program Officer, DFS Regulatory & Consumer Protection Technologies. > > The focus of this newly created role is to leverage technology to enable financial regulators in managing the risks posed by emerging financial services models without impeding the innovation required to drive financial inclusion. Our aim is to ensure that the progress being made in financial inclusion remains robust and increases the likelihood for technology to drive inclusive growth and poverty alleviation while protecting consumers and their confidence in the system > > Key areas of focus will include: > Consumer protection including fraud, over indebtedness, grievance redressal, disclosure, informed consent, literacy, product suitability among other topics. > Regulatory tools and data systems for effective market supervision of consumer protection and market conduct. > Anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism. > Technology capacity building for financial regulators in low-middle income countries (LMICs) > > In terms of skills and experience we are hoping to find someone who has experience in both regulatory/policy and technology domains; preferably at a one or more of the following types of institutions: a) leading financial regulatory authority, b) reg-tech/risk management solutions provider, or c) global financial services institution driving their regulatory and compliance agenda. > > I request you to please share this job opening amongst your networks to help us build a strong pipeline of candidates. > > Thanks a lot in advance for your help, > > Best Regards > Himanshu > Himanshu Nagpal > Deputy Director > Financial Services for the Poor > www.gatesfoundation.org

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Fwd: CRYPTO-GRAM, August 15, 2019
by Nelson Kwaje 15 Aug '19

15 Aug '19

Hello members, this info might be helpful to some. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Bruce Schneier <schneier(a)schneier.com> Date: Thu, Aug 15, 2019 at 8:51 AM Subject: CRYPTO-GRAM, August 15, 2019 To: <nelson(a)web4all.co.ke> Crypto-Gram August 15, 2019 by Bruce Schneier Fellow and Lecturer, Harvard Kennedy School schneier(a)schneier.com https://www.schneier.com A free monthly newsletter providing summaries, analyses, insights, and commentaries on security: computer and otherwise. For back issues, or to subscribe, visit Crypto-Gram's web page <https://www.schneier.com/crypto-gram.html>. Read this issue on the web <https://www.schneier.com/crypto-gram/archives/2019/0815.html> These same essays and news items appear in the Schneier on Security <https://www.schneier.com/> blog, along with a lively and intelligent comment section. An RSS feed is available. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* In this issue: 1. Palantir's Surveillance Service for Law Enforcement <#m_9172732402594497067_cg1> 2. Zoom Vulnerability <#m_9172732402594497067_cg2> 3. Identity Theft on the Job Market <#m_9172732402594497067_cg3> 4. John Paul Stevens Was a Cryptographer <#m_9172732402594497067_cg4> 5. A Harlequin Romance Novel about Hackers <#m_9172732402594497067_cg5> 6. Hackers Expose Russian FSB Cyberattack Projects <#m_9172732402594497067_cg6> 7. Science Fiction Writers Helping Imagine Future Threats <#m_9172732402594497067_cg7> 8. Attorney General William Barr on Encryption Policy <#m_9172732402594497067_cg8> 9. Software Developers and Security <#m_9172732402594497067_cg9> 10. Insider Logic Bombs <#m_9172732402594497067_cg10> 11. Wanted: Cybersecurity Imagery <#m_9172732402594497067_cg11> 12. ACLU on the GCHQ Backdoor Proposal <#m_9172732402594497067_cg12> 13. Another Attack Against Driverless Cars <#m_9172732402594497067_cg13> 14. Facebook Plans on Backdooring WhatsApp <#m_9172732402594497067_cg14> 15. How Privacy Laws Hurt Defendants <#m_9172732402594497067_cg15> 16. Disabling Security Cameras with Lasers <#m_9172732402594497067_cg16> 17. More on Backdooring (or Not) WhatsApp <#m_9172732402594497067_cg17> 18. Regulating International Trade in Commercial Spyware <#m_9172732402594497067_cg18> 19. Phone Pharming for Ad Fraud <#m_9172732402594497067_cg19> 20. Brazilian Cell Phone Hack <#m_9172732402594497067_cg20> 21. AT&T Employees Took Bribes to Unlock Smartphones <#m_9172732402594497067_cg21> 22. Supply-Chain Attack against the Electron Development Platform <#m_9172732402594497067_cg22> 23. Evaluating the NSA's Telephony Metadata Program <#m_9172732402594497067_cg23> 24. Exploiting GDPR to Get Private Information <#m_9172732402594497067_cg24> 25. Side-Channel Attack against Electronic Locks <#m_9172732402594497067_cg25> ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Palantir's Surveillance Service for Law Enforcement *[2019.07.15]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/07/palantirs_surve.html> Motherboard got its hands on <https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/9kx4z8/revealed-this-is-palantirs-top-se…> Palantir's Gotham user's manual, which is used by the police to get information on people: The Palantir user guide shows that police can start with almost no information about a person of interest and instantly know extremely intimate details about their lives. The capabilities are staggering, according to the guide: - If police have a name that's associated with a license plate, they can use automatic license plate reader data to find out where they've been, and when they've been there. This can give a complete account of where someone has driven over any time period. - With a name, police can also find a person's email address, phone numbers, current and previous addresses, bank accounts, social security number(s), business relationships, family relationships, and license information like height, weight, and eye color, as long as it's in the agency's database. - The software can map out a person's family members and business associates of a suspect, and theoretically, find the above information about them, too. All of this information is aggregated and synthesized in a way that gives law enforcement nearly omniscient knowledge over any suspect they decide to surveil. Read the whole article -- it has a lot of details. This seems like a commercial version of the NSA's XKEYSCORE. Boing Boing post <https://boingboing.net/2019/07/12/leaked-palantir-gotham.html>. Meanwhile <https://www.engadget.com/2019/07/12/fbi-social-media-monitoring-tool-rfp/>: The FBI wants to gather more information from social media. Today, it issued a call for contracts for a new social media monitoring tool <https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=fe943e551236e0e62ee084…>. According to a request-for-proposals (RFP), it's looking for an "early alerting tool" that would help it monitor terrorist groups, domestic threats, criminal activity and the like. The tool would provide the FBI with access to the full social media profiles of persons-of-interest. That could include information like user IDs, emails, IP addresses and telephone numbers. The tool would also allow the FBI to track people based on location, enable persistent keyword monitoring and provide access to personal social media history. According to the RFP, "The mission-critical exploitation of social media will enable the Bureau to detect, disrupt, and investigate an ever growing diverse range of threats to U.S. National interests." ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Zoom Vulnerability *[2019.07.16]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/07/zoom_vulnerabil.html> The Zoom conferencing app has <https://tidbits.com/2019/07/09/zoom-and-ringcentral-exploits-allows-remote-…> a <https://medium.com/bugbountywriteup/zoom-zero-day-4-million-webcams-maybe-a…> vulnerability <https://boingboing.net/2019/07/09/wontfix.html> that allows someone to remotely take over the computer's camera. It's a bad vulnerability, made worse <https://medium.com/bugbountywriteup/zoom-zero-day-4-million-webcams-maybe-a…> by the fact that it remains even if you uninstall the Zoom app: This vulnerability allows any website to forcibly join a user to a Zoom call, with their video camera activated, without the user's permission. On top of this, this vulnerability would have allowed any webpage to DOS (Denial of Service) a Mac by repeatedly joining a user to an invalid call. Additionally, if you've ever installed the Zoom client and then uninstalled it, you still have a localhost web server on your machine that will happily re-install the Zoom client for you, without requiring any user interaction on your behalf besides visiting a webpage. This re-install 'feature' continues to work to this day. Zoom didn't take the vulnerability seriously: This vulnerability was originally responsibly disclosed on March 26, 2019. This initial report included a proposed description of a 'quick fix' Zoom could have implemented by simply changing their server logic. It took Zoom 10 days to confirm the vulnerability. The first actual meeting about how the vulnerability would be patched occurred on June 11th, 2019, only 18 days before the end of the 90-day public disclosure deadline. During this meeting, the details of the vulnerability were confirmed and Zoom's planned solution was discussed. However, I was very easily able to spot and describe bypasses in their planned fix. At this point, Zoom was left with 18 days to resolve the vulnerability. On June 24th after 90 days of waiting, the last day before the public disclosure deadline, I discovered that Zoom had only implemented the 'quick fix' solution originally suggested. This is why we disclose vulnerabilities. Now, finally, Zoom is taking this seriously and fixing it for real. EDITED TO ADD (8/8): Apple silently released <https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/10/20689644/apple-zoom-web-server-automatic…> a macOS update that removes the Zoom webserver if the app is not present. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Identity Theft on the Job Market *[2019.07.18]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/07/identity_theft_.html> Identity theft is getting more subtle: "My job application was withdrawn by someone pretending to be me <https://www.bbc.com/news/business-48995846>": When Mr Fearn applied for a job at the company he didn't hear back. He said the recruitment team said they'd get back to him by Friday, but they never did. At first, he assumed he was unsuccessful, but after emailing his contact there, it turned out someone had created a Gmail account in his name and asked the company to withdraw his application. Mr Fearn said the talent assistant told him they were confused because he had apparently emailed them to withdraw his application on Wednesday. "They forwarded the email, which was sent from an account using my name." He said he felt "really shocked and violated" to find out that someone had created an email account in his name just to tarnish his chances of getting a role. This is about as low-tech as it gets. It's trivially simple for me to open a new Gmail account using a random first and last name. But because people innately trust email, it works. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* John Paul Stevens Was a Cryptographer *[2019.07.19]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/07/john_paul_steve.html> I didn't know that Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens "was also a cryptographer for the Navy <https://epic.org/2019/07/justice-john-paul-stevens-1920.html> during World War II." He was a proponent of individual <https://www.law360.com/health/articles/1179418/3-times-justice-stevens-boos…> privacy <https://epic.org/privacy/justice_stevens.html>. EDITED TO ADD (8/12): More <https://stationhypo.com/2019/07/17/remembering-the-honorable-john-paul-stev…> on his cryptography career. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* A Harlequin Romance Novel about Hackers *[2019.07.19]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/07/a_harlequin_rom.html> Really <https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/07/talk-cyber-to-me-ars-reads-a-harlequ…> . ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Hackers Expose Russian FSB Cyberattack Projects *[2019.07.22]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/07/hackers_expose_.html> More nation-state activity in cyberspace, this time from Russia <https://www.zdnet.com/article/hackers-breach-fsb-contractor-expose-tor-dean…> : Per the different reports in Russian media, the files indicate that SyTech had worked since 2009 on a multitude of projects since 2009 for FSB unit 71330 and for fellow contractor Quantum. Projects include: - *Nautilus* -- a project for collecting data about social media users (such as Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn). - *Nautilus-S* -- a project for deanonymizing Tor traffic with the help of rogue Tor servers. - *Reward* -- a project to covertly penetrate P2P networks, like the one used for torrents. - *Mentor* -- a project to monitor and search email communications on the servers of Russian companies. - *Hope* -- a project to investigate the topology of the Russian internet and how it connects to other countries' network. - *Tax-3* -- a project for the creation of a closed intranet to store the information of highly-sensitive state figures, judges, and local administration officials, separate from the rest of the state's IT networks. BBC Russia, who received the full trove of documents, claims there were other older projects for researching other network protocols such as Jabber (instant messaging), ED2K (eDonkey), and OpenFT (enterprise file transfer). Other files posted on the Digital Revolution Twitter account claimed that the FSB was also tracking students and pensioners. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Science Fiction Writers Helping Imagine Future Threats *[2019.07.23]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/07/science_fiction_1.html> The French army is going to put together <https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-49044892> a team of science fiction writers to help imagine future threats. Leaving aside the question of whether science fiction writers are better or worse at envisioning nonfictional futures, this isn't new. The US Department of Homeland Security did the same thing over a decade ago, and I wrote about it <https://www.schneier.com/essays/archives/2009/06/how_science_fiction.html> back then: A couple of years ago, the Department of Homeland Security hired a bunch of science fiction writers to come in for a day and think of ways terrorists could attack America. If our inability to prevent 9/11 marked a failure of imagination, as some said at the time, then who better than science fiction writers to inject a little imagination into counterterrorism planning? I discounted the exercise <http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2007/05/homeland_securi/> at the time, calling it "embarrassing." I never thought that 9/11 was a failure of imagination. I thought, and still think, that 9/11 was primarily a confluence of three things: the dual failure of centralized coordination and local control within the FBI, and some lucky breaks on the part of the attackers. More imagination leads to more movie-plot threats <https://www.schneier.com/essay-087.html> -- which contributes to overall fear and overestimation of the risks. And that doesn't help keep us safe at all. Science fiction writers are creative, and creativity helps in any future scenario brainstorming. But please, keep the people who actually know science and technology in charge. Last month, at the 2009 Homeland Security Science & Technology Stakeholders Conference in Washington D.C., science fiction writers <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/21/AR200905210…> helped the attendees think differently about security. This seems like a far better use of their talents than imagining some of the zillions of ways terrorists can attack America. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Attorney General William Barr on Encryption Policy *[2019.07.24]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/07/attorney_genera_1.html> Yesterday, Attorney General William Barr gave a major speech on encryption policy -- what is commonly known as "going dark." Speaking at Fordham University in New York, he <https://techcrunch.com/2019/07/23/william-barr-consumers-security-risks-bac…> admitted <https://twitter.com/charlie_savage/status/1153692366966013952> that adding backdoors decreases security but that it is worth it. Some hold this view dogmatically, claiming that it is technologically impossible to provide lawful access without weakening security against unlawful access. But, in the world of cybersecurity, we do not deal in absolute guarantees but in relative risks. All systems fall short of optimality and have some residual risk of vulnerability a point which the tech community acknowledges when they propose that law enforcement can satisfy its requirements by exploiting vulnerabilities in their products. The real question is whether the residual risk of vulnerability resulting from incorporating a lawful access mechanism is materially greater than those already in the unmodified product. The Department does not believe this can be demonstrated. Moreover, even if there was, in theory, a slight risk differential, its significance should not be judged solely by the extent to which it falls short of theoretical optimality. Particularly with respect to encryption marketed to consumers, the significance of the risk should be assessed based on its practical effect on consumer cybersecurity, as well as its relation to the net risks that offering the product poses for society. After all, we are not talking about protecting the Nation's nuclear launch codes. Nor are we necessarily talking about the customized encryption used by large business enterprises to protect their operations. We are talking about consumer products and services such as messaging, smart phones, e-mail, and voice and data applications. If one already has an effective level of security say, by way of illustration, one that protects against 99 percent of foreseeable threats is it reasonable to incur massive further costs to move slightly closer to optimality and attain a 99.5 percent level of protection? A company would not make that expenditure; nor should society. Here, some argue that, to achieve at best a slight incremental improvement in security, it is worth imposing a massive cost on society in the form of degraded safety. This is untenable. If the choice is between a world where we can achieve a 99 percent assurance against cyber threats to consumers, while still providing law enforcement 80 percent of the access it might seek; or a world, on the other hand, where we have boosted our cybersecurity to 99.5 percent but at a cost reducing law enforcements [sic] access to zero percent the choice for society is clear. I think this is a major change in government position. Previously, the FBI, the Justice Department and so on had claimed that backdoors for law enforcement could be added without any loss of security. They maintained that technologists just need to figure out how—an approach we have derisively named "nerd harder <https://boingboing.net/2018/01/12/imaginary-numbers.html>." With this change, we can finally have a sensible policy conversation. Yes, adding a backdoor increases our collective security because it allows law enforcement to eavesdrop on the bad guys. But adding that backdoor also decreases our collective security because the bad guys can eavesdrop on everyone. This is exactly the policy debate we should be havingnot the fake one about whether or not we can have both security and surveillance. Barr makes the point that this is about "consumer cybersecurity," and not "nuclear launch codes." This is true, but ignores the huge amount of national security-related communications between those two poles. The same consumer communications and computing devices are used by our lawmakers, CEOs, legislators, law enforcement officers, nuclear power plant operators, election officials and so on. There's no longer a difference between consumer tech and government tech -- it's all the same tech. Barr also says: Further, the burden is not as onerous as some make it out to be. I served for many years as the general counsel of a large telecommunications concern. During my tenure, we dealt with these issues and lived through the passage and implementation of CALEA the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act. CALEA imposes a statutory duty on telecommunications carriers to maintain the capability to provide lawful access to communications over their facilities. Companies bear the cost of compliance but have some flexibility in how they achieve it, and the system has by and large worked. I therefore reserve a heavy dose of skepticism for those who claim that maintaining a mechanism for lawful access would impose an unreasonable burden on tech firms especially the big ones. It is absurd to think that we would preserve lawful access by mandating that physical telecommunications facilities be accessible to law enforcement for the purpose of obtaining content, while allowing tech providers to block law enforcement from obtaining that very content. That telecommunications company was GTEwhich became Verizon <https://biglawbusiness.com/william-barr-would-bring-telecom-chops-to-justic…>. Barr conveniently ignores that CALEA-enabled phone switches were used to spy <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2007/07/story_of_the_gr_1.html> on <https://spectrum.ieee.org/telecom/security/the-athens-affair> government officials in Greece in 2003—which seems to have been an NSA operation—and on a variety of people in Italy <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SISMI-Telecom_scandal> in 2006. Moreover, in 2012 every CALEA-enabled switch sold to the Defense Department had security vulnerabilities <https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2028152>. (I wrote about all this, and more, in 2013 <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2013/06/the_problems_wi_3.html>.) The final thing I noticed about the speech is that is it not about iPhones and data at rest. It is about communications—data in transit. The "going dark" debate has bounced back and forth between those two aspects for decades. It seems to be bouncing once again. I hope that Barr's latest speech signals that we can finally move on from the fake security vs. privacy debate, and to the real security vs. security <https://opensource.com/article/18/6/listening-susan-landau> debate. I know where I stand on that: As computers continue to permeate every aspect of our lives, society, and critical infrastructure, it is much more important to ensure that they are secure from everybody -- even at the cost of law-enforcement access -- than it is to allow access at the cost of security. Barr is wrong, it kind of is like these systems are protecting nuclear launch codes. This essay previously appeared <https://www.lawfareblog.com/attorney-general-william-barr-encryption-policy> on Lawfare.com. EDITED TO ADD: More <https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2019/07/tech-firms-can-and-must-put-bac…> news <https://www.wsj.com/articles/barr-revives-debate-over-warrant-proof-encrypt…> articles <https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/23/us/politics/william-barr-encryption-secu…> . EDITED TO ADD (7/28): Gen. Hayden comments <https://twitter.com/GenMhayden/status/1153722298861535232>. EDITED TO ADD (7/30): Good response <https://blog.erratasec.com/2019/07/why-we-fight-for-crypto.html> by Robert Graham. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Software Developers and Security *[2019.07.25]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/07/software_develo.html> According to a survey <https://www.zdnet.com/article/no-love-lost-between-security-specialists-and…>: "68% of the security professionals surveyed believe it's a programmer's job to write secure code, but they also think less than half of developers can spot security holes." And that's a problem. Nearly half of security pros surveyed, 49%, said they struggle to get developers to make remediation of vulnerabilities a priority. Worse still, 68% of security professionals feel fewer than half of developers can spot security vulnerabilities later in the life cycle. Roughly half of security professionals said they most often found bugs after code is merged in a test environment. At the same time, nearly 70% of developers said that while they are expected to write secure code <https://learn.gitlab.com/c/2019-global-develope>, they get little guidance or help. One disgruntled programmer said, "It's a mess, no standardization, most of my work has never had a security scan." Another problem is it seems many companies don't take security seriously enough. Nearly 44% of those surveyed reported that they're not judged on their security vulnerabilities. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Insider Logic Bombs *[2019.07.26]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/07/insider_logic_b.html> Add to the "not very smart criminals" file <https://www.zdnet.com/article/siemens-contractor-pleads-guilty-to-planting-…> : According to court documents, Tinley provided software services for Siemens' Monroeville, PA offices for nearly ten years. Among the work he was asked to perform was the creation of spreadsheets that the company was using to manage equipment orders. The spreadsheets included custom scripts that would update the content of the file based on current orders stored in other, remote documents, allowing the company to automate inventory and order management. But while Tinley's files worked for years, they started malfunctioning around 2014. According to court documents <https://www.scribd.com/document/419389583/5948342-0-19339>, Tinley planted so-called "logic bombs" that would trigger after a certain date, and crash the files. Every time the scripts would crash, Siemens would call Tinley, who'd fix the files for a fee. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Wanted: Cybersecurity Imagery *[2019.07.29]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/07/wanted_cybersec.html> Eli Sugarman of the Hewlettt Foundation laments <https://www.lawfareblog.com/sorry-state-cybersecurity-imagery> about the sorry state of cybersecurity imagery: The state of cybersecurity imagery is, in a word, abysmal. A simple Google Image search for the term proves the point: It's all white men in hoodies hovering menacingly over keyboards, green "Matrix"-style 1s and 0s, glowing locks and server racks, or some random combination of those elements—sometimes the hoodie-clad men even wear burglar masks. Each of these images fails to convey anything about either the importance or the complexity of the topic—or the huge stakes for governments, industry and ordinary people alike inherent in topics like encryption, surveillance and cyber conflict. I agree that this is a problem. It's not something I noticed until recently. I work in words. I think in words. I don't use PowerPoint (or anything similar) when I give presentations. I don't need visuals. But recently, I started teaching at the Harvard Kennedy School, and I constantly use visuals in my class. I made those same image searches, and I came up with similarly unacceptable results. But unlike me, Hewlett is doing something <https://hewlett.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Reimagining-Visuals-for-Cybe…> about it. You can help: participate in the Cybersecurity Visuals Challenge <https://www.openideo.com/challenge-briefs/cybersecurity-visuals>. EDITED TO ADD (8/5): News article <https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/4/20751880/cybersecurity-stock-images-conte…>. Slashdot thread <https://idle.slashdot.org/story/19/08/04/1711201/7000-contest-seeks-better-…> . ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* ACLU on the GCHQ Backdoor Proposal *[2019.07.30]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/07/aclu_on_the_gch.html> Back in January, two senior GCHQ officials proposed <https://www.lawfareblog.com/principles-more-informed-exceptional-access-deb…> a specific backdoor for communications systems. It <https://www.lawfareblog.com/exceptional-access-devil-details-0> was <https://blog.cryptographyengineering.com/2018/12/17/on-ghost-users-and-mess…> universally <https://www.benthamsgaze.org/2018/12/06/new-threat-models-in-the-face-of-br…> derided <https://www.lawfareblog.com/detecting-ghosts-reverse-engineering-who-ya-gon…> as unworkable -- by me <https://www.lawfareblog.com/evaluating-gchq-exceptional-access-proposal>, as well. Now Jon Callas of the ACLU explains why <https://www.davisvanguard.org/2019/07/the-ghost-user-ploy-to-break-encrypti…> . ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Another Attack Against Driverless Cars *[2019.07.31]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/07/another_attack_.html> In this piece of research, attackers successfully attack <https://arxiv.org/pdf/1906.09765.pdf> a driverless car system -- Renault Captur's "Level 0" autopilot (Level 0 systems advise human drivers but do not directly operate cars) -- by following them with drones that project images of fake road signs in 100ms bursts. The time is too short for human perception, but long enough to fool the autopilot's sensors. Boing Boing post <https://boingboing.net/2019/07/06/flickering-car-ghosts.html>. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Facebook Plans on Backdooring WhatsApp *[2019.08.01]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/08/facebook_plans_.html> This article <https://www.forbes.com/sites/kalevleetaru/2019/07/26/the-encryption-debate-…> points out that Facebook's planned content moderation scheme will result in an encryption backdoor into WhatsApp: In Facebook's vision, the actual end-to-end encryption client itself such as WhatsApp will include embedded content moderation and blacklist filtering algorithms. These algorithms will be continually updated from a central cloud service, but will run locally on the user's device, scanning each cleartext message before it is sent and each encrypted message after it is decrypted. The company even noted <https://www.forbes.com/sites/kalevleetaru/2019/05/28/facebook-is-already-wo…> that when it detects violations it will need to quietly stream a copy of the formerly encrypted content back to its central servers to analyze further, even if the user objects, acting as true wiretapping service. Facebook's model entirely bypasses the encryption debate by globalizing the current practice of compromising devices by building those encryption bypasses directly into the communications clients themselves and deploying what amounts to machine-based wiretaps to billions of users at once. Once this is in place, it's easy for the government to demand that Facebook add another filter -- one that searches for communications that they care about -- and alert them when it gets triggered. Of course alternatives like Signal will exist for those who don't want to be subject to Facebook's content moderation, but what happens when this filtering technology is built into operating systems? The problem is that if Facebook's model succeeds, it will only be a matter of time before device manufacturers and mobile operating system developers embed similar tools directly into devices themselves, making them impossible to escape. Embedding content scanning tools directly into phones would make it possible to scan all apps, including ones like Signal, effectively ending the era of encrypted communications. I don't think this will happen -- why does AT&T care about content moderation -- but it is something to watch? EDITED TO ADD (8/2): This story is wrong. Read my correction <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/08/more_on_backdoo.html>. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* How Privacy Laws Hurt Defendants *[2019.08.02]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/08/how_privacy_law.html> Rebecca Wexler has an interesting op-ed <https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2019-07-30/consumer-data-privacy-laws…> about an inadvertent harm that privacy laws can cause: while law enforcement can often access third-party data to aid in prosecution, the accused don't have the same level of access to aid in their defense: The proposed privacy laws would make this situation worse. Lawmakers may not have set out to make the criminal process even more unfair, but the unjust result is not surprising. When lawmakers propose privacy bills to protect sensitive information, law enforcement agencies lobby for exceptions <https://repository.law.umich.edu/mlr/vol111/iss4/1/> so they can continue to access the information. Few lobby for the accused to have similar <https://scholarship.law.cornell.edu/clr/vol99/iss5/1/> rights. Just as the privacy interests of poor, minority and heavily policed communities are often ignored <https://www.sup.org/books/title/?id=25115> in the lawmaking process, so too are the interests of criminal defendants, many from those same communities. In criminal cases, both the prosecution and the accused have a right to subpoena evidence so that juries can hear both sides of the case. The new privacy bills need to ensure that law enforcement and defense investigators operate under the same rules when they subpoena digital data. If lawmakers believe otherwise, they should have to explain and justify that view. For more detail, see her paper <https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3428607>. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Disabling Security Cameras with Lasers *[2019.08.02]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/08/disabling_secur.html> There's a really interesting video <https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-08-01/watch-hong-kong-protesters-using-…> of <https://boingboing.net/2019/07/31/just-dont-have-a-face-2.html> protesters in Hong Kong using some sort of laser to disable security cameras. I know nothing more about the technologies involved. EDITED TO ADD (8/14): LIDAR from self-driving cars has damaged <https://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/3069427/sony-a7r-ii-camera-destro…> security cameras before. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* More on Backdooring (or Not) WhatsApp *[2019.08.02]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/08/more_on_backdoo.html> Yesterday, I blogged about <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/08/facebook_plans_.html> a Facebook plan to backdoor WhatsApp by adding client-side scanning and filtering. It seems that I was wrong, and there are no such plans. The only source for that post was a Forbes essay <https://www.forbes.com/sites/kalevleetaru/2019/07/26/the-encryption-debate-…> by Kalev Leetaru, which links to a previous Forbes essay <https://www.forbes.com/sites/kalevleetaru/2019/05/28/facebook-is-already-wo…> by him, which links to a video presentation <https://developers.facebook.com/videos/2019/applying-ai-to-keep-the-platfor…> from a Facebook developers conference. Leetaru extrapolated a lot out of very little. I watched the video (the relevant section is at the 23:00 mark), and it doesn't talk about client-side scanning of messages. It doesn't talk about messaging apps at all. It discusses using AI techniques to find bad content on Facebook, and the difficulties that arise from dynamic content: So far, we have been keeping this fight [against bad actors and harmful content] on familiar grounds. And that is, we have been training our AI models on the server and making inferences on the server when all the data are flooding into our data centers. While this works for most scenarios, it is not the ideal setup for some unique integrity challenges. URL masking is one such problem which is very hard to do. We have the traditional way of server-side inference. What is URL masking? Let us imagine that a user sees a link on the app and decides to click on it. When they click on it, Facebook actually logs the URL to crawl it at a later date. But...the publisher can dynamically change the content of the webpage to make it look more legitimate [to Facebook]. But then our users click on the same link, they see something completely different -- oftentimes it is disturbing; oftentimes it violates our policy standards. Of course, this creates a bad experience for our community that we would like to avoid. This and similar integrity problems are best solved with AI on the device. That might be true, but it also would hand whatever secret-AI sauce Facebook has to every one of its users to reverse engineer -- which means it's probably not going to happen. And it is a dumb idea, for reasons Steve Bellovin has pointed out <https://www.cs.columbia.edu/~smb/blog/2019-08/2019-08-01.html>. Facebook's first published response was a comment <https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=20587643> on the Hacker News website from a user named "wcathcart," which Cardozo assures me is Will Cathcart, the vice president of WhatsApp. (I have no reason to doubt his identity, but surely there is a more official news channel that Facebook could have chosen to use if they wanted to.) Cathcart wrote: We haven't added a backdoor to WhatsApp. The Forbes contributor referred to a technical talk about client side AI in general to conclude that we might do client side scanning of content on WhatsApp for anti-abuse purposes. To be crystal clear, we have not done this, have zero plans to do so, and if we ever did it would be quite obvious and detectable that we had done it. We understand the serious concerns this type of approach would raise which is why we are opposed to it. Facebook's second published response was a comment <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/08/facebook_plans_.html#c6796703> on my original blog post, which has been confirmed to me by the WhatsApp people as authentic. It's more of the same. So, this was a false alarm. And, to be fair, Alec Muffet called foul <https://medium.com/@alecmuffett/on-the-latest-facebook-messenger-conspiracy…> on the first Forbes piece: So, here's my pre-emptive finger wag: Civil Society's pack mentality can make us our own worst enemies. If we go around repeating one man's Germanic conspiracy theory, we may doom ourselves to precisely what we fear. Instead, we should—we must—take steps to constructively demand what we actually want: End to End Encryption which is worthy of the name. Blame accepted. But in general, this is the sort of thing we need to watch for. End-to-end encryption only secures data in transit. The data has to be in the clear on the device where it is created, and it has to be in the clear on the device where it is consumed. Those are the obvious places for an eavesdropper to get a copy. This has been a long process. Facebook desperately wanted to convince me to correct the record, while at the same time not wanting to write something on their own letterhead (just a couple of comments, so far). I spoke at length with Privacy Policy Manager Nate Cardozo, whom Facebook hired last December <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/02/facebooks_new_p.html> from EFF. (Back then, I remember thinking of him -- and the two other new privacy hires -- as basically human warrant canaries. If they ever leave Facebook under non-obvious circumstances, we know that things are bad.) He basically leveraged his historical reputation to assure me that WhatsApp, and Facebook in general, would never do something like this. I am trusting him, while also reminding everyone that Facebook has broken so many privacy promises <https://phys.org/news/2018-03-facebook-history-privacy.html> that they really can't be trusted. Final note: If they want to be trusted, Adam Shostack and I gave them a road map <https://onezero.medium.com/a-new-privacy-constitution-for-facebook-a7106998…> . Hacker News thread <https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=20585794>. EDITED TO ADD (8/4): Slashdot covered <https://tech.slashdot.org/story/19/08/03/0031206/did-whatsapp-backdoor-rumo…> my retraction. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Regulating International Trade in Commercial Spyware *[2019.08.05]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/08/regulating_inte.html> Siena Anstis, Ronald J. Deibert, and John Scott-Railton of Citizen Lab published <https://www.lawfareblog.com/proposed-response-commercial-surveillance-emerg…> an editorial calling for regulating the international trade in commercial surveillance systems until we can figure out how to curb human rights abuses. Any regime of rigorous human rights safeguards that would make a meaningful change to this marketplace would require many elements, for instance, compliance with the U.N. Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights <https://www.ohchr.org/documents/publications/GuidingprinciplesBusinesshr_eN…>. Corporate tokenism in this space is unacceptable; companies will have to affirmatively choose human rights concerns over growing profits and hiding behind the veneer of national security. Considering the lies <https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jul/06/hacking-team-hacked-firm…> that have emerged from within the surveillance industry, self-reported compliance is insufficient; compliance will have to be independently audited and verified and accept robust measures of outside scrutiny. The purchase of surveillance technology by law enforcement in any state must be transparent and subject to public debate. Further, its use must comply with frameworks setting out the lawful scope of interference with fundamental rights under international human rights law and applicable national laws, such as the "Necessary and Proportionate <https://necessaryandproportionate.org/principles>" principles on the application of human rights to surveillance. Spyware companies like NSO Group have relied on rubber stamp approvals by government agencies whose permission is required to export their technologies abroad. To prevent abuse, export control systems must instead prioritize a reform agenda that focuses on minimizing the negative human rights impacts of surveillance technology and that ensures -- with clear and immediate consequences for those who fail -- that companies operate in an accountable and transparent environment. Finally, and critically, states must fulfill their duty to protect individuals against third-party interference with their fundamental rights. With the growth of digital authoritarianism and the alarming consequences that it may hold for the protection of civil liberties around the world, rights-respecting countries need to establish legal regimes that hold companies and states accountable for the deployment of surveillance technology within their borders. Law enforcement and other organizations that seek to protect refugees or other vulnerable persons coming from abroad will also need to take digital threats seriously. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Phone Pharming for Ad Fraud *[2019.08.06]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/08/phone_farming_f.html> Interesting article <https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/d3naek/how-to-make-a-phone-farm> on people using banks of smartphones to commit ad fraud for profit. No one knows how prevalent ad fraud is on the Internet. I believe it is surprisingly high -- here's an article <https://www.emarketer.com/content/five-charts-the-state-of-ad-fraud> that places losses between $6.5 and $19 billion annually -- and something companies like Google and Facebook would prefer remain unresearched. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Brazilian Cell Phone Hack *[2019.08.07]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/08/brazilian_cell_.html> I know there's a lot of politics associated with this story, but concentrate on the cybersecurity aspect for a moment. The cell phones of a thousand Brazilians, including senior government officials, were hacked <https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-07-24/brazil-hackers-target-1-…> -- seemingly by actors much less sophisticated than rival governments. Brazil's federal police arrested four people for allegedly hacking 1,000 cellphones belonging to various government officials, including that of President Jair Bolsonaro. Police detective João Vianey Xavier Filho said the group hacked into the messaging apps of around 1,000 different cellphone numbers, but provided little additional information at a news conference in Brasilia on Wednesday. Cellphones used by Bolsonaro were among those attacked by the group, the justice ministry said in a statement on Thursday, adding that the president was informed of the security breach. [...] In the court order <https://politica.estadao.com.br/blogs/fausto-macedo/wp-content/uploads/site…> determining the arrest of the four suspects, Judge Vallisney de Souza Oliveira wrote that the hackers had accessed Moro's Telegram messaging app, along with those of two judges and two federal police officers. When I say that smartphone security equals national security, this is the kind of thing I am talking about. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* AT&T Employees Took Bribes to Unlock Smartphones *[2019.08.08]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/08/att_employees_t.html> This wasn't a small operation <https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2019/08/att-employees-took-bribes-to-un…> : A Pakistani man bribed AT&T call-center employees to install malware and unauthorized hardware as part of a scheme to fraudulently unlock cell phones, according to the US Department of Justice. Muhammad Fahd, 34, was extradited from Hong Kong to the US on Friday and is being detained pending trial. An indictment alleges that "Fahd recruited and paid AT&T insiders to use their computer credentials and access to disable AT&T's proprietary locking software that prevented ineligible phones from being removed from AT&T's network," a DOJ announcement <https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/leader-conspiracy-illegally-unlock-cel…> yesterday said. "The scheme resulted in millions of phones being removed from AT&T service and/or payment plans, costing the company millions of dollars. Fahd allegedly paid the insiders hundreds of thousands of dollars—paying one co-conspirator $428,500 over the five-year scheme." In all, AT&T insiders received more than $1 million in bribes from Fahd and his co-conspirators, who fraudulently unlocked more than 2 million cell phones, the government alleged. Three former AT&T customer service reps from a call center in Bothell, Washington, already pleaded guilty and agreed to pay the money back to AT&T. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Supply-Chain Attack against the Electron Development Platform *[2019.08.08]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/08/supply-chain_at.html> Electron is a cross-platform development system for many popular communications apps, including Skype, Slack, and WhatsApp. Security vulnerabilities <https://www.contextis.com/en/blog/basic-electron-framework-exploitation> in the update system allows someone to silently inject malicious code into applications. From a news article <https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2019/08/skype-slack-other-el…> : At the BSides LV security conference on Tuesday, Pavel Tsakalidis demonstrated a tool he created called BEEMKA <https://www.contextis.com/en/blog/basic-electron-framework-exploitation>, a Python-based tool that allows someone to unpack Electron ASAR archive files <https://github.com/electron/asar> and inject new code into Electron's JavaScript libraries and built-in Chrome browser extensions. The vulnerability is not part of the applications themselves but of the underlying Electron framework—and that vulnerability allows malicious activities to be hidden within processes that appear to be benign. Tsakalidis said that he had contacted Electron about the vulnerability but that he had gotten no response—and the vulnerability remains. While making these changes required administrator access on Linux and MacOS, it only requires local access on Windows. Those modifications can create new event-based "features" that can access the file system, activate a Web cam, and exfiltrate information from systems using the functionality of trusted applications—including user credentials and sensitive data. In his demonstration, Tsakalidis showed a backdoored version of Microsoft Visual Studio Code that sent the contents of every code tab opened to a remote website. Basically, the Electron ASAR files aren't signed or encrypted, so modifying them is easy. Note that this attack requires local access to the computer, which means that an attacker that could do this could do much more damaging things as well. But once an app has been modified, it can be distributed to other users. It's not a big deal attack, but it's a vulnerability that should be closed. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Evaluating the NSA's Telephony Metadata Program *[2019.08.12]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/08/evaluating_the_1.html> Interesting analysis: "Examining the Anomalies, Explaining the Value: Should the USA FREEDOM Act's Metadata Program be Extended? <https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3434358>" by Susan Landau and Asaf Lubin. *Abstract:* The telephony metadata program which was authorized under Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act, remains one of the most controversial programs launched by the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. Under the program major U.S. carriers were ordered to provide NSA with daily Call Detail Records (CDRs) for all communications to, from, or within the United States. The Snowden disclosures and the public controversy that followed led Congress in 2015 to end bulk collection and amend the CDR authorities with the adoption of the USA FREEDOM Act (UFA). For a time, the new program seemed to be functioning well. Nonetheless, three issues emerged around the program. The first concern was over high numbers: in both 2016 and 2017, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court issued 40 orders for collection, but the NSA collected hundreds of millions of CDRs, and the agency provided little clarification for the high numbers. The second emerged in June 2018 when the NSA announced the purging of three years' worth of CDR records for "technical irregularities." Finally, in March 2019 it was reported that the NSA had decided to completely abandon the program and not seek its renewal as it is due to sunset in late 2019. This paper sheds significant light on all three of these concerns. First, we carefully analyze the numbers, showing how forty orders might lead to the collection of several million CDRs, thus offering a model to assist in understanding Intelligence Community transparency reporting across its surveillance programs. Second, we show how the architecture of modern telephone communications might cause collection errors that fit the reported reasons for the 2018 purge. Finally, we show how changes in the terrorist threat environment as well as in the technology and communication methods they employ—in particular the deployment of asynchronous encrypted IP-based communications—has made the telephony metadata program far less beneficial over time. We further provide policy recommendations for Congress to increase effective intelligence oversight. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Exploiting GDPR to Get Private Information *[2019.08.13]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/08/exploiting_gdpr.html> A researcher abused the GDPR <https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-49252501> to get information on his fiancee: It is one of the first tests of its kind to exploit the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) <https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32016R0679&f…>, which came into force in May 2018. The law shortened the time organisations had to respond to data requests, added new types of information they have to provide, and increased the potential penalty for non-compliance. "Generally if it was an extremely large company -- especially tech ones -- they tended to do really well," he told the BBC. "Small companies tended to ignore me. "But the kind of mid-sized businesses that knew about GDPR, but maybe didn't have much of a specialised process [to handle requests], failed." He declined to identify the organisations that had mishandled the requests, but said they had included: - a UK hotel chain that shared a complete record of his partner's overnight stays - two UK rail companies that provided records of all the journeys she had taken with them over several years - a US-based educational company that handed over her high school grades, mother's maiden name and the results of a criminal background check survey. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Side-Channel Attack against Electronic Locks *[2019.08.14]* <https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2019/08/side-channel_at_2.html> Several high-security electronic locks are vulnerable to side-channel attacks <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-locks-cyber-exclusive/exclusive-high-sec…> involving power monitoring. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Since 1998, CRYPTO-GRAM has been a free monthly newsletter providing summaries, analyses, insights, and commentaries on security technology. To subscribe, or to read back issues, see Crypto-Gram's web page <https://www.schneier.com/crypto-gram.html>. You can also read these articles on my blog, Schneier on Security <https://www.schneier.com>. Please feel free to forward CRYPTO-GRAM, in whole or in part, to colleagues and friends who will find it valuable. Permission is also granted to reprint CRYPTO-GRAM, as long as it is reprinted in its entirety. Bruce Schneier is an internationally renowned security technologist, called a security guru by the Economist. He is the author of over one dozen books -- including his latest, Click Here to Kill Everybody <https://www.schneier.com/books/click_here/> -- as well as hundreds of articles, essays, and academic papers. His newsletter and blog are read by over 250,000 people. Schneier is a fellow at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University; a Lecturer in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School; a board member of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, AccessNow, and the Tor Project; and an advisory board member of EPIC and VerifiedVoting.org. Copyright © 2019 by Bruce Schneier. ** *** ***** ******* *********** ************* Mailing list hosting graciously provided by MailChimp <https://mailchimp.com/>. Sent without web bugs or link tracking. This e-mail was sent to: nelson(a)web4all.co.ke *You are receiving this e-mail because you subscribed to the Crypto-Gram newsletter.* unsubscribe from this list <https://schneier.us18.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=f99e2b5ca82502f48675978…> update subscription preferences <https://schneier.us18.list-manage.com/profile?u=f99e2b5ca82502f48675978be&i…> Bruce Schneier · Harvard Kennedy School · 1 Brattle Square · Cambridge, MA 02138 · USA

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Kenya:- Kenya Finance Bill 2019:- Taxation of digital economy
by Ephraim Percy Kenyanito 08 Aug '19

08 Aug '19

*Kenya:-* Kenya Finance Bill 2019:- Taxation of digital economy In order to tap into the fast growing digital economy, the Bill proposes to tax income accruing through a digital marketplace by introducing a new charging section. Although this is a welcome move to increase the tax base, it is still not clear how international digital platforms with no physical presence in Kenya will be taxed. In this regard, it is expected that special rules may soon be formulated detailing the operational mechanics of how taxation of the digital economy will be undertaken. (It can be found here:- http://www.parliament.go.ke/sites/default/files/2019-07/Finance%20Bill%2C%2…) Below are the relevant portions of the proposed laws: * Section 3: Section 3 of the Income Tax Act is proposed to be amended by inserting the words highlighted: o (1). Subject to, and in accordance with this act, a tax to be known as income tax shall be charged each year of income upon all the income of a person, whetherresident or non-resident, which accrued in or was derived from Kenya o (2). Subject to this Act, income upon which tax is chargeable under this Act is income in respect of + A. Gains or profits from: # Any business, for whatever period of time carried on; # Any employment or services rendered; # Any right granted to any other person for use or occupation of property; + B. Dividends or interest + C. a pension, charge or annuity; ii. Any withdrawals from, or payments out of, a registered pension fund or a registered provident fund or a registered individual retirement fund; and (iii) any withdrawals from a registered home ownership savings plan + D.income chargeable to tax includes income accruing through a digital marketplace + e. ‘Digital marketplace’ means a platform that enables the direct interaction between buyers and sellers of goods and services through electronic means + E. AN amount deemed to be the income of any person under this Act or by rules made under this Act; + F. Gains accruing in the circumstances prescribed in, and computed in accordance with, the Eight Schedule + G. Subject to section 15(5A), the net gain derived on the disposal of an interest in a person, if the interest derives twenty per cent or more of its value, directly or indirectly, from immovable property in Kenya; and + H. A natural resource income * Section 5 of the Value Added Tax Act, 2013 is proposed to be amended by inserting the words highlighted o 1. A tax, to be known as the value added tax, shall be charged in accordance with the provisions of this Act on - + (a). A taxable supply made by a registered person in Kenya + b. The importation of taxable goods; and + c. The supply of taxable services o 2. The rate of tax shall be: + A. in the case of zero-rated supply, 0% or + In the case of goods listed in section B of the first schedule 8% + In any other case, 16% of the taxable value of the taxable supply, the value of imported taxable goods or the value of a supply of imported taxable services. o ...7. The provisions of subsection (1) shall be applicable to supplies made through a digital marketplace o 8. For the purposes of this section, a ‘digital marketplace’ means a platform that enables the direct interaction between buyers and sellers of goods and services through electronic means -- Best Regards, Ephraim Percy Kenyanito Digital Program Officer *ARTICLE 19 EASTERN AFRICA * *DEFENDING FREEDOM **OF EXPRESSION AND INFORMATION* W _https://www.article19.org/regional-office/eastern-africa/ _Tw @article19eafric Fa _facebook.com/article19org <http://facebook.com/article19org> _PGP Fingerprint: B0FA394AF73DEB7AA1FDC7360CFED26DE6BA8DC1

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Fwd: [NRIs List] youth IGF Africa meeting 2019
by Barrack Otieno 07 Aug '19

07 Aug '19

Might be of interest to those who attended Kenya IGF. Regards ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Mahamat Silim <silimof(a)gmail.com> Date: Wed, 7 Aug 2019, 3:23 pm Subject: [NRIs List] youth IGF Africa meeting 2019 To: <igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org> Dear all, It is great news that the coming African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF-VIII) meeting will be held from 10-12 September 2019 in N’Djamena, Chad. The youth IGF Africa coordination has the great pleasure to invite all of you for the preparation of its coming event that will be held on 9th of September 2019 in N’Djamena. Therefore, the youth IGF Chad has been appointed as a focal point of this event. For the success of the initiative, please join the WhatsApp <https://chat.whatsapp.com/JrojZ0uHKzf105nekIp0hS> and google group <https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/youthigf-africa>. Best Regards, The Coordination -- - *President of United Nations Association of Chad (UNA-Chad) * - *2017-2018 Chadian Youth Delegate to the UN* - *Youth IGF Africa Coordinator* - *Co-Founder and Secretary-General of Chadian Medical Organization (OMT) * - *Member of ISOC- Chad* _______________________________________________ Igfregionals mailing list Igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org To unsubscribe or manage your options please go to http://intgovforum.org/mailman/listinfo/igfregionals_intgovforum.org

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Digital-Nation Africa new and emerging technologies learning platform
by John Matogo 06 Aug '19

06 Aug '19

Dear colleagues , Have a look at this updated learning platform of Digital-Nation Africa. Available at: www.digitalnationafrica.com This release has new features: 1) Newly revamped Job Advisor tool available directly from the menu bar throughout the site with new advanced search capability and much improved UI/UX. 2) New Courses page available from the menu bar that includes list of all Digital-Nation Africa courses broken down by learning paths and journeys with easy navigation and search capability. 3) New look and feel UI/UX 4) updated chatbot virtual assistant along with the live support agent capability 5) a much improved and new "My Dashboard" with 3 tabs Skills, Tools and Jobs for users to see all their courses progress and badges earned, along with a Tools tab with access to a free Cloud account, Demos and Product trials. Also added is a Job bookmarking feature where a user can bookmark their favorite jobs from Job Advisor tool and view their bookmarked jobs on their Dashboard Jobs tab. 6) many new inspiration ideas in the Innovator Get Inspired page over 74 ideas 7) a brand new underlying architecture and design based on the latest microservices technology, multi-tenancy support, dynamic updates, easier content development platform, DevOps, performance improvements and much more. Check it out at www.digitalnationafrica.com It is available free of charge. BR. JM

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Huduma Bill 2019
by Grace Githaiga 06 Aug '19

06 Aug '19

ListerS Has anyone come across any document that outlines what a good digital id law should look like? Here is Kenya's Huduma Bill 2019. http://www.hudumanamba.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/12-07-2019-The-Hudu… There will an open public forum for public participation tomorrow (Wednesday) organized by the Ministry of Interior starting 9.00 am to 1.00 pm at the Kenya School of Government, Lower Kabete Campus, off Lower Kabete Road. Best regards Grace Githaiga -- Grace Githaiga Co-Convenor, Kenya ICT Action Network

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KIGF Livestream
by Liz Orembo 01 Aug '19

01 Aug '19

Good morning Listers, You can follow the KIGF remotely from this link. https://livestream.com/internetsociety/kenyaigf2019 Enjoy!

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IGF Week Day 1 Discussion - Data Governance
by Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu 31 Jul '19

31 Jul '19

Good morning listers, As we gear for this year's Kenya Internet Governance Forum the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) would like to welcome you to a series of discussions derived from this year's theme, One Kenya. One Net. One Vision. This years' first sub theme is Data Governance. Over the years players in the internet governance space have gained an appreciation of the need to be more vigilant in regards to the use of data are aware of their rights as both data providers and consumers. We would appreciate your thoughts on the following:- 1. What is your view on the fundamental challenge of ensuring the benefits of the data revolution to contribute to inclusive economic development while protecting the rights of people? 2. The global nature of the Internet and the transfer of digital information across borders brings an international dimension to discussions around data. The generation, collection, storage, transfer and processing of data (including personally identifiable data) have enabled new social, cultural, and economic opportunities than ever previously imagined. At the same time, the massive collection, transfer and processing of data (in particular through the application of algorithms/AI/machine learning) by public as well as private entities pose challenges around privacy, freedom of expression and the exercise of other human rights. Today in Kenya there are two pieces of legislation on Data Protection in both houses of parliament. What are your thoughts on our interactions with data in light of the above mentioned dynamics? 3. Data and human rights are today intertwined, would you consider as the best approaches to ensure the development of human-centric data governance frameworks at national, regional and international levels. How can we support and operationalize the exercise of human rights and the empowerment of individuals in their digital identity in current uses and the development of data-drivent technologies? 4. Kindly give consideration on how conditions needed to facilitate data-driven innovation can be created, to ensure competition, and to foster trust in the development of services and new technologies, including through the use of inclusive data and the fulfillment of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We look forward to hearing from you. Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu Advocate Legal and Regulatory Specialist- Oxygene MCL Tel: +254 718 181644

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Identity-as-a-Service
by Ali Hussein 31 Jul '19

31 Jul '19

Listers As we come close to the end of the KIGF Week this is an interesting whitepaper on Identity-as-a-Service. Coming after the conversation on IPRS it's a must-read. What’s next for cybersecurity? CB Insights examined 15 of the biggest cybersecurity trends, covering everything from zero-knowledge proofs to Identity-as-a-Service. Using the NExTT framework, we looked at the industry adoption and market strength of these trends, categorizing them as necessary, experimental, threatening, or transitory (NExTT). The framework educates businesses about emerging trends and guides their decisions in accordance with their comfort with risk. Identity-as-a-Service <https://www.cbinsights.com/research/report/cybersecurity-trends-2019/?utm_s…> Regards *Ali Hussein* *Principal* *AHK & Associates* Tel: +254 713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim> Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with.

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IGF Week Day 2 Discussion - Digital Inclusion
by Victor Kapiyo 31 Jul '19

31 Jul '19

Good morning listers, As we approach this year's Kenya Internet Governance Forum on 1 August 2019, we would like to continue today's discussion in line with the theme One Kenya. One Net. One Vision. Today's sub-theme is Digital Inclusion. Digital Inclusion is about both identifying those with less or no access to the Internet (e.g. underserved communities, marginalized groups, the minorities, people with disabilities or people lacking digital literacy) and it is about activities related to the achievement of an inclusive information society. We would appreciate your thoughts on the following: - How can we tackle access and affordability issues, and what improvements need to be made? - How can we better utilize primary and secondary schools and tertiary institutions to promote and to deliver on digital literacy programmes? - How do we ensure that Internet governance processes are truly inclusive? - What needs to be done to enhance the capacity of different actors? - How do we ensure that these skills and employment opportunities are equitable to all on an equal footing? We look forward to hearing from you. Regards *Victor Kapiyo* Partner | *Lawmark Partners LLP* *Suite No. 8, Centro House, Westlands, Nairobi | **Web: www.lawmark.co.ke <http://www.lawmark.co.ke> * ==================================================== *“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude” Zig Ziglar*

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Libra & Africa Masterclass & Report Release.
by mauxdatabase 30 Jul '19

30 Jul '19

Hello Listers, BitHub Africa, will be hosting a Masterclass on, *Libra & Africa;* this coming Friday, 2nd August, at the Four Points, Hurlingham, Nairobi. We will also be releasing a Report on the same. Details are here <https://mailchi.mp/bithub/masterclass>. Kind regards, John Karanja

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Fwd: [NRIs List] Gender and Access BPF webinar on gender and the digital economy
by Barrack Otieno 29 Jul '19

29 Jul '19

Listers, Might be of interest. Best Regards ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Anriette Esterhuysen <anriette(a)gmail.com> Date: Mon, Jul 29, 2019 at 12:15 PM Subject: [NRIs List] Gender and Access BPF webinar on gender and the digital economy To: Nadira Alaraj <nadira.araj(a)gmail.com>, igfregionals < igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org> Dear all You are invited to join this call below. Details follow. Anriette -------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: ?spam Re: [Bp_gender] 4th BPF Call (theme) - July 29 at 13 UTC Date: Mon, 29 Jul 2019 10:20:59 +0200 From: Anriette Esterhuysen <anriette(a)gmail.com> <anriette(a)gmail.com> Reply-To: anriette(a)gmail.com To: Agustina Callegari <Callegari(a)isoc.org> <Callegari(a)isoc.org>, bp gender <bp_gender(a)intgovforum.org> <bp_gender(a)intgovforum.org> Dear all The call details (Zoom room) for today's thematic call - where Centre for Internet and Society and Equals will present work they are doing on gender and the digital economy is below. Looking forward to you all joining the call at 13h00 UTC. Please invite others in your networks. Best Anriette Esterhuysen Gender and Access BPF support ========================================== Best Practice Forums is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Best Practice Forums - Gender and Access - Webinar on women and the digital economy Time: Jul 29, 2019 13h00 UTC Join Zoom Meeting https://intgovforum.zoom.us/j/260693928 One tap mobile +16699006833,,260693928# US (San Jose) +19292056099,,260693928# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +44 131 460 1196 United Kingdom +44 203 051 2874 United Kingdom +44 203 481 5237 United Kingdom +44 203 966 3809 United Kingdom +90 216 900 1866 Turkey +90 216 900 2606 Turkey +41 22 518 89 78 Switzerland +41 31 528 09 88 Switzerland +41 43 210 70 42 Switzerland +46 8 4468 2488 Sweden +46 850 539 728 Sweden +34 84 368 5025 Spain +34 917 873 431 Spain +82 2 6022 2322 South Korea +82 2 6105 4111 South Korea +27 87 550 7717 South Africa +27 87 551 7702 South Africa +386 1600 3102 Slovenia +386 1888 8788 Slovenia +421 233 056 888 Slovakia +421 233 418 515 Slovakia +65 3158 7288 Singapore +65 3165 1065 Singapore +7 495 283 9788 Russia +7 812 426 8988 Russia +40 31 630 1088 Romania +40 37 170 0418 Romania +1 787 945 1488 Puerto Rico +1 787 966 7727 Puerto Rico +351 308 804 188 Portugal +351 308 810 988 Portugal +48 22 307 3488 Poland +48 22 398 7356 Poland +51 1 707 5788 Peru +51 1 730 6777 Peru +507 833 9588 Panama +47 2396 0588 Norway +47 7349 4877 Norway +64 4 886 0026 New Zealand +64 9 801 1188 New Zealand +31 20 241 0288 Netherlands +31 20 794 0854 Netherlands +52 229 910 0061 Mexico +52 554 161 4288 Mexico +356 2776 1777 Malta +356 2778 1288 Malta +60 3 3099 2229 Malaysia +60 3 9212 1727 Malaysia +352 2786 1188 Luxembourg +352 2786 4277 Luxembourg +370 3799 9260 Lithuania +370 5214 1488 Lithuania +371 6303 1808 Latvia +371 6303 1888 Latvia +81 3 4578 1488 Japan +81 524 564 439 Japan +39 020 066 7245 Italy +39 069 480 6488 Italy +972 3 978 6688 Israel +972 55 330 1762 Israel +353 1 513 3247 Ireland +353 1 653 3895 Ireland +353 6 163 9031 Ireland +36 1 408 8456 Hungary +36 1 701 0488 Hungary +852 5808 6088 Hong Kong, China +30 211 198 4488 Greece +30 231 118 0599 Greece +49 30 3080 6188 Germany +49 30 5679 5800 Germany +49 69 7104 9922 Germany +995 3224 73988 Georgia +995 7067 77954 Georgia +33 1 7037 9729 France +33 7 5678 4048 France +358 3 4109 2129 Finland +358 9 4245 1488 Finland +372 660 1699 Estonia +372 880 1188 Estonia +503 2113 9088 El Salvador +503 2136 6444 El Salvador +1 829 947 9220 Dominican Republic +1 829 956 2188 Dominican Republic +45 32 71 31 57 Denmark +45 89 88 37 88 Denmark +420 2 2888 2388 Czech Republic +420 5 3889 0161 Czech Republic +357 2 200 0888 Cyprus +357 2 505 4777 Cyprus +385 1300 0988 Croatia +385 1777 6333 Croatia +57 1 508 7702 Colombia +57 2 620 7388 Colombia +56 23 210 9066 Chile +56 41 256 0288 Chile +1 647 558 0588 Canada +359 2 492 5688 Bulgaria +359 3 257 1633 Bulgaria +55 11 4680 6788 Brazil +55 21 3958 7888 Brazil +32 2 290 9360 Belgium +32 2 588 4188 Belgium +973 1619 7601 Bahrain +973 1619 8488 Bahrain +43 670 309 0165 Austria +43 72 011 5988 Austria +61 2 8015 6011 Australia +61 8 7150 1149 Australia +54 112 040 0447 Argentina +54 341 512 2188 Argentina +54 343 414 5986 Argentina Meeting ID: 260 693 928 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aTXcOFYNY _______________________________________________ Bp_gender mailing list Bp_gender(a)intgovforum.org To unsubscribe or manage your options please go to http://intgovforum.org/mailman/listinfo/bp_gender_intgovforum.org _______________________________________________ Igfregionals mailing list Igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org To unsubscribe or manage your options please go to http://intgovforum.org/mailman/listinfo/igfregionals_intgovforum.org -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Fibre optic cable networks to now be registered with CA in new regulations
by Wamathai (HapaKenya) 26 Jul '19

26 Jul '19

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has introduced new regulations that will see fibre optic networks registered with them. The authority announced these new regulations via an advertisement in the paper. https://hapakenya.com/2019/07/25/fibre-optic-cable-networks-to-now-be-regis… ----- James Wamathai | CEO, hapakenya.com m: 0777-555101 e: w(a)hapakenya.com | Twitter: @Wamathai <http://twitter.com/wamathai> Follow Hapa Kenya: *Twitter*: @HapaKenya <http://twitter.com/hapaKenya>, *FB*: fb.com/HapaKenya

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TechWeek Nairobi 2019: Call for Papers
by Odhiambo Washington 25 Jul '19

25 Jul '19

Greetings, TechWeek aims at providing a platform for experienced engineers in the respective fields of Networking, Data storage, Security and or Internet Services (DNS, Email, Web, etc) to share their knowledge, challenges and ideas with their peers and also with upcoming engineers who may wish to pursue similar career paths. TechWeek 2019 scheduled for the 3rd and 4th of October 2019 at the Panafric Hotel. *Instructions on how to submit are available via this URL: https://techweek.co.ke/papers/ <https://techweek.co.ke/papers/>* Presentations are sought on the following topics: - Networking: - IPv6 Routing, transition, deployment and management, Software Defined Networking / Network Function Virtualisation, Integration - Internet backbone operations and deployments: Access and Transport Technologies, including Cable/DSL, LTE/4 or 5G, wireless, metro ethernet, fibre, segment routing - Community Networks - design, deployment, management - Internet Services: - Email: AntiSpam, Bulk Email Provisioning, Bulk Email Management - DNS: DNSSEC/ DoT/ DoH deployments - Automation and deployment technologies (Ansible, Vagrant, etc) - Web: Bulk provisioning and Management - Storage Technologies: - Deployments of Storage Platforms and File Systems (eg AWS, ZFS, Ceph, etc) - Content & Internet Service Delivery solutions (Multicast, Voice, Video, "telepresence", Gaming), OpenStack and Cloud Computing - Internet Security: - Internet and Network Security deployments - Mobile device/mobile commerce security solutions - Technical implementations to improve Internet Safety - Emerging Tech: - Presentations on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics - Research on Internet Operations, Services and Internet Measurements - IoT deployments and use cases (smart meters, smart homes. sensors, etc) *The Timelines for the Conference are as follows:* - Call for Papers Opens: 23rd July 2019 - Final Deadline for Submissions 23rd August, 2019 - Draft Program Published 15th September, 2019 - Final Program Published 23rd September, 2019 - Final Slides Received 25th September, 2019 Any questions or concerns should be addressed to the Programme Committee by e-mail at: pc(a)techweek.co.ke We look forward to receiving the proposed presentations.. TechWeek Secretariat -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254 7 3200 0004/+254 7 2274 3223 "Oh, the cruft.", grep ^[^#] :-)

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KIGF 2019: Registration Open and KIGF Week Schedule
by Liz Orembo 24 Jul '19

24 Jul '19

Dear listers, Registration for the Kenya Internet Governance Forum 2019 is now open. Kindly register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kenya-igf-2019-tickets-66318106241 As earlier announced, the KIGF will be held on *1st August at the Sarova Panafric Hotel *from 8:am to 5:00 pm. Please register as soon as you can as we have limited seats available. This year's theme will be *“**One Kenya. One Net. One Vision.**” *More information can be found on the KIGF website here: https://kigf.or.ke/front-page-features/kenya-igf/kenya-igf-programme-2019/ We will provide live streaming details in due course. Also, find the events schedule for the KIGF week attached. Ahsanteni. -- Best regards. Liz. PGP ID: 0x1F3488BF

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This Friday : A Public Discussion on the Huduma Bill and International Best Practices on Digital Identity
by Linda Bonyo 24 Jul '19

24 Jul '19

Dear Listers, Mozilla and Lawyers Hub Kenya hereby extends a formal invite to a discussion on the Huduma Bill and international best regulatory practices on Digital Identity Mozilla is the not-for-profit behind the lightning fast Firefox browser. We put people over profit to give everyone more power online. The Lawyers Hub convenes a community of lawyers, techies, and professionals working in legal technology and innovation that ultimately impacts tech policy. Together, Mozilla and the Lawyers Hub invites you to a sober, candid and impartial discussion on the recently published Huduma Bill 2019 by the Kenyan Government. The event is open to Lawyers, Techies, policy makers and all responsible citizenry. Please download the bill and have a prior reading to ensure stimulating and enriched discussions. Queries can be directed to info(a)lawyershub.ke and 0207840228. Registration is strictly via the Eventbrite link below: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/huduma-bill-a-public-discussion-on-digital-ide… Find attached the event poster _______________________________________________________ *Linda Bonyo* (Ms.) | CEO, * | Lawyers Hub* Immigration & Tech Law Practitioners. Notary Public| Commissioner of Oaths| Advocate High Court of Kenya Email: *bonyo(a)immigrationlawyer.co.ke <bonyo(a)immigrationlawyer.co.ke>* | bonyo(a)lawyershub.ke *Skype:* immigrationlawyer.ke Tel: +254(0)202211313 +254733221313 +254725372113 www.immigrationlawyer.co.ke | www.lawyershub.org | Nairobi, Kenya. *_**_____________________________________________________________________* *DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended recipient. Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Bonyo Mwongela & Company Advocates.* -- _______________________________________________________ *Linda Bonyo* (Ms.) | Partner, *Bonyo Mwongela & Company Advocates | Lawyers Hub* Immigration & Tech Law Practitioners. Notary Public| Commissioner of Oaths| Advocate High Court of Kenya Email: *bonyo(a)immigrationlawyer.co.ke <bonyo(a)immigrationlawyer.co.ke>* | bonyo(a)lawyershub.ke *Skype:* immigrationlawyer.ke Tel: +254(0)202211313 +254733221313 +254725372113 www.immigrationlawyer.co.ke | www.lawyershub.org | Nairobi, Kenya. *_**_____________________________________________________________________* *DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended recipient. Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Bonyo Mwongela & Company Advocates.*

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The Algorithmic Colonization of Africa
by Alice Munyua 22 Jul '19

22 Jul '19

> The Algorithmic Colonization of Africa > > Startups are importing and imposing AI systems founded on individualistic and capitalist drives > > Abeba Birhane July 18, 2019 > > > Image: From SIM Card Project by Isaac Kariuki. Courtesy the artist. > > The second annual CyFyAfrica 2019 — the Conference on Technology, Innovation, and Society — took place in Tangier, Morocco, in June. It was a vibrant, diverse and dynamic gathering attended by various policymakers, UN delegates, ministers, governments, diplomats, media, tech company representatives, and academics from over 65 nations, mostly African and Asian countries. The conference’s central aim, stated unapologetically, was to bring forth the continent’s voices in the global discourse. The president of Observer Research Foundation (one of the co-hosts of the conference) in their opening message emphasized that the voices of Africa’s youth need to be put front and center as the continent increasingly comes to rely on technology to address its social, educational, health, economic, and financial issues. The conference was intended in part to provide a platform for those young people, and they were afforded that opportunity, along with many Western scholars from various universities and tech developers from industrial and commercial sectors. > > Tech advocates typically offer rationales for attempting to digitize every aspect of life, at any cost > > The African equivalent of Silicon Valley’s tech startups can be found in any corner of the continent — “Sheba Valley” in Addis Ababa, “Yabacon Valley” in Lagos, and “Silicon Savannah” in Nairobi, to name a few — and are pursuing “cutting-edge innovations” in such sectors as banking, finance, heath care, and education. The continent does stand to benefit from these various technological and artificial-intelligence developments: Ethiopian farmers, for example, can use crowdsourced data to forecast and yield better crops. And data can help improve services within education and the health care sector, as this World Heath Organization bulletin details. Data can help bridge the huge inequalities that plague every social, political, and economical sphere. By revealing pervasive gender disparities in key positions, for instance, data can help bring the disparities to the fore and, further, support social and structural reforms. > > Having said that, however, this is not what I want to discuss here. There are already countless die-hard technology worshipers both within and outside the continent who are only too happy to blindly adopt anything “AI,” “smart,” or “data-driven” without a second thought of the possible unintended consequences. Wherever the topic of technological innovation arises, what we typically find is tech advocates offering rationales for attempting to digitize every aspect of life, often at any cost. If the views put forward by many of the participants at CyFyAfrica 2019 are anything to go by, we already have plenty of such tech evangelists in (and outside) Africa, blindly accepting ethically suspect and dangerous practices and applications under the banner of “innovative,” “disruptive,” and “game changing” with little, if any, criticism or skepticism. Look no further than the speaker lineups and the topics of discussion of some of the biggest AI or machine learning conferences taking place throughout the continent: Ethical considerations, data privacy, or AI’s unintended consequences hardly ever feature in these events. The upcoming Deep Learning Indaba conference in Nairobi is a typical example. > > Given that we have enough tech worshipers holding the technological future of the continent in their hands, it is important to point out the cautions that need to be taken and the lessons that need to be learned from other parts of the world. Africa need not go through its own disastrous cautionary tales to discover the dark side of digitization and technologization of every aspect of life. > > Data and AI seem to provide quick solutions to complex social problems. And this is exactly where problems arise. Around the world, AI technologies are gradually being integrated into decision-making processes in such areas as insurance, mobile banking, health care and education services. And from all around the African continent, various startups are emerging — e.g. Printivo in Nigeria, Mydawa in Kenya — with the aim of developing the next “cutting edge” app, tool, or system. They collect as much data as possible to analyze, infer and deduce the various behaviors and habits of “users.” > > But in the race to build the latest hiring app or state-of-the-art mobile banking system, startups and companies lose sight of the people behind each data point. “Data” is treated as something that is up for grabs, something that uncontestedly belongs to tech companies and governments, completely erasing individuals. This makes it easy to “manipulate behavior” or “nudge” people, often toward profitable outcomes for the companies and not the individuals. As “nudging” mechanisms become the norm for “correcting” individual’s behavior, whether its eating habits or exercising routines, the private-sector engineers developing automated systems are bestowed with the power to decide what “correct” is. In the process, individuals that do not fit stereotypical images of what, for example, a “fit body” or “good eating habits” are end up being punished and pushed further to the margin. The rights of the individual, the long-term social impacts of these systems, and their consequences, intended or unintended, on the most vulnerable are pushed aside — if they ever enter the discussion at all. > > AI, like big data, is a buzzword that gets thrown around carelessly; what it refers to is notoriously contested across various disciplines, and the term is impossible to define conclusively. It can refer to anything from highly overhyped deceitful robots to Facebook’s machine-learning algorithms that dictate what you see on your News Feed to your “smart” fridge. Both researchers in the field and reporters in the media contribute to overhyping and exaggerating AI’s capacities, often attributing it with god-like power. But as leading AI scholars such as Melanie Mitchell have emphasized, we are far from “superintelligence.” Similarly, Jeff Bigham notes that in many widely discussed “autonomous” systems — be it robots or speech-recognition algorithms — much of the work is done by humans, often for little pay. > > Exaggeration of the capabilities of AI systems diverts attention from the real dangers they pose, which are much more invisible, nuanced, and gradual than anything like “killer robots.” AI tools are often presented as objective and value-free. In fact, some automated systems used for hiring and policing are put forward with the explicit claim that these tools eliminate human bias. Automated systems, after all, apply the same rules to everybody. But this is one of the single-most erroneous and harmful misconceptions about automated systems. As the Harvard mathematician Cathy O’Neil explains in Weapons of Math Destruction, “algorithms are opinions embedded in code.” Under the guise of “AI” and “data-driven,” systems are presented as politically neutral, but because of the inherently political nature of the way data is construed, collected, and used to produce certain outcomes (that align with those controlling and analyzing data), these systems alter the social fabric, reinforce societal stereotypes, and further disadvantage those already at the bottom of the social hierarchy. > > “Data” is treated as something that is up for grabs > > AI is a tool that we create, control, and are responsible for, and like any other tool, it embeds and reflects our inconsistencies, limitations, biases, and political and emotional desires. How we see the world and how we choose to represent it is reflected in the algorithmic models of the world that we build. Therefore who builds the systems and selects the sorts and sources of data used will deeply affect the influence they may have. The results that AI systems produce reflect socially and culturally held stereotypes, not objective truths. > > The use of technology within the social sphere often, intentionally or accidentally, focuses on punitive practices, whether it is to predict who will commit the next crime or who would fail to pay their mortgage. Constructive and rehabilitative questions such as why people commit crimes in the first place or what can be done to rehabilitate and support those that have come out of prison are almost never asked. Technological developments built and applied with the aim of bringing “security” and “order” often aim to punish and not rehabilitate. Furthermore, such technologies necessarily bring cruel, discriminatory, and inhumane practices to some. The cruel treatment of the Uighurs in China and the unfair disadvantaging of the poor are examples in this regard. Similarly, as cities like Johannesburg and Kampala introduce the use of facial recognition technology, the unfair discrimination and over-policing of minority groups is inevitable. > > Whether explicitly acknowledged or not, the central aim of commercial companies developing AI is not to rectify bias generally but to infer the weaknesses and deficiencies of individual “users,” as if people existed only as objects to be manipulated. These firms take it for granted that such “data” automatically belongs to them if they are able to grab it. The discourse around “data mining” and a “data-rich continent” — common language within Africa’s tech scene — shows the extent to which the individual behind each data point remains inconsequential from their perspective. > > This discourse of “mining” people for data is reminiscent of the colonizer attitude that declares humans as raw material free for the taking. As we hand decision-making regarding social issues over to automated systems developed by profit-driven corporations, not only are we allowing our social concerns to be dictated by corporate incentives (profit), but we are also handing over complex moral questions to the corporate world. > > Behavior-based “personalization” — in other words, the extraction, simplification, and instrumentalization of human experience for capitalist ends, which Shoshana Zuboff details in The Age of Surveillance Capitalism — may seem banal compared with the science fiction threats sometimes associated with AI. However, it is the basis by which people are stripped of their autonomy and are treated as mere raw data for processing. The inferences that algorithmic models of behavior make do not reflect a neutral state of the world or offer any in-depth causal explanations but instead reinscribe strongly held social and historical injustices. > > Technology in general is never either neutral or objective; it is a mirror that reflects societal bias, unfairness, and injustice. For example, during the conference, a UN delegate addressed work that is being developed to combat online counterterrorism but disappointingly focused explicitly on Islamic groups, portraying an unrealistic and harmful image of online terrorism: over the past nine years, there have been 350 white extremist terrorism attacks in Europe, Australia, and North America; one third of all such attacks in this time period in the U.S. are due to white extremism. This illustrates the worrying point that stereotypically held views drive what is perceived as a problem and the types of technology we develop in response. We then hold what we find through the looking glass of technology as evidence of our biased intuitions and further reinforce stereotypes. > > Some key global players in technology — for example, Microsoft and Google’s DeepMind from the industry sector; and Harvard and MIT from the academic sphere — have begun to develop ethics boards and ethics curricula in acknowledgment of the possible catastrophic consequences of AI on society. Various approaches and directions have been advanced by various stakeholders to pursue fair and ethical AI, and this multiplicity of perspectives is not a weakness but a strength: It is necessary for yielding a range of remedies to address the various ethical, social, and economical issues AI generates in different contexts and cultures. But too often, attempts to draft the latest “ethics framework” or the “best guideline to ethical AI” center the status quo as the standard and imply that the solution put forward is the only necessary one. Insisting on a single one-size-fits-all ethical framework for AI, as one of the conference’s academic speakers advised, is not only unattainable but would also worsen the problems it is meant to address in those contexts it wasn’t equipped to anticipate. > > “Mining” people for data is reminiscent of the colonizer attitude that declares humans as raw material > > Society’s most vulnerable are disproportionally affected by the digitization of various services. Yet many of the ethical principles applied to AI are firmly utilitarian. What they care about is “the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people,” which by definition means that solutions that center minorities are never sought. Even when unfairness and discrimination in algorithmic decision-making processes are brought to the fore — for instance, upon discovering that women have been systematically excluded from entering the tech industry, minorities forced into inhumane treatment, and systematic biases have been embedded in predictive policing systems, to mention a few — the “solutions” sought hardly center those on the margin that are disproportionally affected: Mitigating proposals devised by corporate and academic ethics boards are often developed without the consultation and involvement of the people that are affected. But their voice needs to be prioritized at every step of the way, including in the designing, developing, and implementing of any technology, as well as in policymaking. This requires actually consulting and involving vulnerable groups of society, which might (at least as far as the West’s Silicon Valley is concerned) seem beneath the “all-knowing” engineers who seek to unilaterally provide a “technical fix” for any complex social problem. > > As Africa grapples with catching up with the latest technological developments, it must also protect the continent’s most vulnerable people from the consequential harm that technology can cause. Protecting and respecting the rights, freedoms and privacy of the very youth that the leaders of the CyFyAfrica conference want to put at the front and center should be prioritized. This can only happen with guidelines and safeguards for individual rights and freedom in place in a manner that accounts for local values, contexts and ways of life, as well as through the inclusion of critical voices as an important part of the tech narrative. In fairness, CyFyAfrica did allow for some critical voices in some of the panels. However, the minor critical voices were buried under the overwhelming tech enthusiasts. > > Following the conference, speakers were given the opportunity to share their views and research for publication in a semi-academic journal run by the Observer Research Foundation. Like other speakers at the conference, I was encouraged to submit my observations and reflections. However, when I submitted a version of this essay, it was deemed too critical by the editorial board and therefore unsuitable for publication. Ironically, the platform that claims to give voice to the youth of Africa only does so when that voice aligns with the narratives and motives of the powerful tech companies, policy makers, and governments. > > The question of technologization and digitalization of the continent is a question of what kind of society we want to live in. African youth solving their own problems means deciding what we want to amplify and show the rest of the world. It also means not importing the latest state-of-the-art machine learning systems or any other AI tools without questioning what the underlying purpose is, who benefits, and who might be disadvantaged by the implementation of such tools. > > Moreover, African youth leading the AI space means creating programs and databases that serve various local communities and not blindly importing Western AI systems founded upon individualistic and capitalist drives. It also means scrutinizing the systems we ourselves develop and setting ethical standards that serve specific purposes instead of accepting Western perspectives as the standard. In a continent where much of the narrative is hindered by negative images such as migration, drought, and poverty, using AI to solve our problems ourselves means using AI in a way we want, to understand who we are and how we want to be understood and perceived: a continent where community values triumph and nobody is left behind. > > Abeba Birhane is a PhD candidate in Cognitive Science at University College Dublin. Her interdisciplinary research, which intersects between embodied cognition, digital technology studies, and critical data science, explores the dynamic and reciprocal relationships between individuals, society and digital technologies. She is a contributor to Aeon Magazine and blogs regularly about cognition, AI, ethics and data science. > > © 2019 > > Real Life is a magazine about living with technology. The emphasis is more on living. We publish one essay, advice column, reported feature, or uncategorizable piece of writing a day, four or five days a week. > > To find out more about us, click here. To find out more about our contributors, or to contribute yourself, click here. To ask us a question about anything else, email info(a)reallifemag.com > > Real Life is made possible by funding from Snapchat, and we operate with editorial independence and without ads. > > Terms of Use > Privacy Policy > > > > > https://reallifemag.com/the-algorithmic-colonization-of-africa/

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Save the Date: TechWeek 2019
by Odhiambo Washington 22 Jul '19

22 Jul '19

Hi all, TechWeek 2019 will take place in Nairobi on the 3rd and 4th of October 2019. TechWeek aims at providing a platform for experienced engineers in the respective fields of Networking, Data storage, Security and or Internet Services (DNS, Email, Web, etc) to share their knowledge, challenges and ideas with their peers and also with upcoming engineers who may wish to pursue similar career paths. TechWeek 2019 follows on the success of TechWeek 2018 whose report can be found here: https://techweek.co.ke/reports/ Information on the venue, registration and how to submit a presentation will be shared in the coming days. Sent on behalf of TechWeek Secretariat -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254 7 3200 0004/+254 7 2274 3223 "Oh, the cruft.", grep ^[^#] :-)

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Re: [kictanet] Africa DNS Forum 2019 is live!
by Barrack Otieno 22 Jul '19

22 Jul '19

Dear Colleagues, The Africa Domain Name System Forum starts this morning in Gaborone Botswana, you can participate in the Forum remotely. The details are contained below. Welcome and e-see you. Best Regards ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Livestream <notifications(a)e.livestream.com> Date: Mon, Jul 22, 2019 at 9:56 AM Subject: Africa DNS Forum 2019 is live! To: <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> [image: Vimeo . Livestream] <http://email.e.livestream.com/c/eJxVjcEOwiAQBb8GbpItpcAeOLRq_2MLVIlFDEW_33o…> Barrack Otieno, Internet Society <http://email.e.livestream.com/c/eJxVkMtugzAQRb_G7EDjt71gAU35jciYIbGCcWScqv3…> is broadcasting live video on Africa DNS Forum 2019 <http://email.e.livestream.com/c/eJxVkM1uhDAMhJ8m3EBxEhJ84ADd8hork5jdaPlZQbZ…>. Log in <http://email.e.livestream.com/c/eJxVkM1uhDAMhJ8m3EBxEhJ84ADd8hork5jdaPlZQbZ…> to join the conversation! [image: Africa DNS Forum 2019] LIVE <http://email.e.livestream.com/c/eJxVkM1uhDAMhJ8m3EBxEhJ84ADd8hork5jdaPlZQbZ…> Africa DNS Forum 2019 <http://email.e.livestream.com/c/eJxVkM1uhDAMhJ8m3EBxEhJ84ADd8hork5jdaPlZQbZ…> *Monday, July 22nd, 2019* at *10:00 AM EAT* on internetsociety <http://email.e.livestream.com/c/eJxVkMtugzAQRb_G7EDjt71gAU35jciYIbGCcWScqv3…> The 7th edition of the Africa Domain Name System Forum (AFDNS) will be held in Gaborone, Botswana from 22nd to 24th July 2019 with the theme 'Building Trust in the African DNS Industry for a Thriving Digital Economy'. The objective of the three-day event is to help the Africa Domain Name Industry grow at a competitive rate; and ensure that the continent is on par with the rest of the world. Discussions will cover the state of the domain name industry in Africa, opportunities and challenges ... Watch Event <http://email.e.livestream.com/c/eJxVkM1uhDAMhJ8m3EBxEhJ84ADd8hork5jdaPlZQbZ…> You are receiving this notification because you follow Internet Society <http://email.e.livestream.com/c/eJxVkMtugzAQRb_G7EDjt71gAU35jciYIbGCcWScqv3…>. To stop receiving notifications like these you can unfollow this account <http://email.e.livestream.com/c/eJxVkM1ugzAQhJ_G3EDrvzV74ECa5jUiY-zEKsYRmLa…> . <http://email.e.livestream.com/c/eJxVkMtugzAQRb_G7EDjt71gAU35jciYIbGCcWScqv3…> Internet Society <http://email.e.livestream.com/c/eJxVkMtugzAQRb_G7EDjt71gAU35jciYIbGCcWScqv3…> The Internet Society is an independent international nonprofit organisation founded in 1992 to provide leadership in Internet related standards, education, and policy around the world. View Profile <http://email.e.livestream.com/c/eJxVkMtugzAQRb_G7EDjt71gAU35jciYIbGCcWScqv3…> Visit your account settings <http://email.e.livestream.com/c/eJxVjssOwiAURL8GdhIKtwUWLFofv2GugEosxbRXE_9…> to control which notifications you receive from Livestream or unsubscribe here <http://email.e.livestream.com/c/eJxVjsuOwyAMRb8GdoOMwyNesEj6-I0KCDNFTZoKyHz…> . Livestream, LLC. 555 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011 This message was sent to otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Great new resource for internet engineers
by Brian Munyao Longwe 20 Jul '19

20 Jul '19

Vital resource for network engineers. Some old friends at NSRC.org have produced a great series of videos about BGP. See the "BGP For All series" at https://learn.nsrc.org/bgp.. Critical knowledge for scaling up networks.

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Service Delivery data OPEN to the public?
by S.M. Muraya 20 Jul '19

20 Jul '19

Dear Listers, For performance tracking purposes, which procurement (service delivery) data do national & county Go.Ke departments, authorities, agencies publish ONLINE (make available for public scrutiny)? Which progressive MP will sponsor a BILL (amend some law) to require the funding of transparency (access to information) EQUALS that of sitting allowances (per diems)? The link below has about 5 topics which should be SERIOUSLY discussed but one paragraph reveals how Chinese firms are encouraged to secure their localities (economies). https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-xinjiang-mit-tech-insight/risky-pa… Government procurement databases contain 31 other documents naming iFlytek Intelligent Information Technology or a previous name for the same company as a supplier of voiceprint-related products or services to 25 police departments in China and the Ministry of Public Security between 2014 and 2018. Most documents were from police departments in Anhui, the province in eastern China where iFlytek is based.

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Huduma Namba Bill
by Alice Munyua 19 Jul '19

19 Jul '19

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Legal or legislative needs for Precision Agriculture.
by meshack emakunat 18 Jul '19

18 Jul '19

Hello Listers, I would like to know if there is any legal (legislative) requirement for one to run the following in several farms in Kenya today. - A fleet of drones operating in several farms in rural Kenya. - A crop monitoring system broadcast infrastructure for early warning and food security guide. I am not sure and have done a small research on the same I have not found any requirement recently yet some years back one required some sort of license or permit to operate a drone within the airspace either from KAA or something, or CCK then. Someone, please help in clarifying the above issues. A list of the requirement will be helpful.

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Call for public comments and participation: Huduma
by Alice Munyua 18 Jul '19

18 Jul '19

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5G in Africa Report
by Adam Lane 18 Jul '19

18 Jul '19

For those interested, GSMA published a report about 5G in Africa https://www.gsmaintelligence.com/research/2019/07/5g-in-sub-saharan-africa-… Adam

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Fwd: PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION BILL
by Rafe Mazer 17 Jul '19

17 Jul '19

Anyone have insights on how the Senate Bill will interact with the National Assembly version? Rafe Mazer Consumer Protection and Behavioral Research Consultant Nairobi, Kenya +254 723950645 @rkmazer

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12-07-2019-the-huduma-bill-2019-2.pdf
by Alice Munyua 16 Jul '19

16 Jul '19

There is a call for comments/participation meeting on 25 July

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Re: [kictanet] Press Statement on Appointment of CEO, KeNIC with effect from July 15, 2019
by Barrack Otieno 16 Jul '19

16 Jul '19

Listers, For your information http://kenic.or.ke/index.php/en/kenic-news/kenic-news Best Regards -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Online Business School for Africa
by Bitange Ndemo 14 Jul '19

14 Jul '19

*Triciabiz Launches Online Business School for Entrepreneurs in Africa* Business coach and trainer, TriciaBiz has launched an online business school, Business Lab Africa with the aim of helping entrepreneurs in Africa succeed in business. The school, which offers a new approach to learning, is subscription-based and is geared towards providing quality content at a price MSMEs can afford. According to its management, not only is BLA easily accessible via mobile or web, it also offers knowledge that is practical, qualitative and locally relevant. Courses on the BLA curriculum, are taught by business experts from around the world covering a wide range of business subject areas including Marketing, Sales, Global Expansion, Business Structure and Processes, Business Models and more. Speaking on the operations of the platform, Lead Trainer of the school, Tricia Ikponmwonba said that BLA’s faculty consists of trainers with deep business knowledge having consulted and trained for several Fortune 100 companies and taught a combined pool of over 1 million entrepreneurs through their online and in-class courses/workshops. She revealed that the school has trained over twenty thousand people in Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, United States, United Kingdom and the UAE. “At BLA, we are poised towards our simple goal; helping entrepreneurs succeed in business. To achieve this, we have adapted a blended learning model where we make use of several methods that simplifies the entire process. “One of our methods is instructor learning which is achieved via recorded videos addressing specific sub-topics under the subject area for the month, Live classes with experts to answer burning questions you might have and “worksheets/templates for guidance,” she said. The school also uses peer-to-peer learning in its online community where fellow learners can teach each other ideas that have worked for them and build on the belief that to teach is to learn twice and most importantly the use of case studies. Ikponmwonba said that BLA boasts of differentiating factors from other learning platforms which includes using content that is curated specifically for the African market, the use of recorded videos and live classes for access to the experts and for further learning through Q and A. “We also have a support system consisting of community coaches who are on ground to respond to any questions learners have which can be communicated in the comment section of each lesson,” s/he said. By 2022, BLA hopes to have empowered 100,000 entrepreneurs with the much-needed tools to succeed. Entrepreneurs who were present at the launch include: Funke Bucknor, CEO Zapphaire Events; Jimi Tewe, CEO The Jimi Tewe Company and Gbubemi Fregene, Head Chef at Chef Fregz. For more information contact *Celestine Achi* 34 Lawson Street, off Moloney, Lagos Island Mobile: 2348037197175 Email: celestine(a)cihangroup.net www.cihangroup.net www.kairosweb.tv

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Re: [kictanet] kictanet Digest, Vol 137, Issue 76
by Felicia Solomon 11 Jul '19

11 Jul '19

Meshack The Ministry had formulated regulations but they were rejected by Parliament. As such, we reverted back to the old process which involved approval from KCAA and I think a security agency I can't remember which one. Felicia On Thu, Jul 11, 2019 at 1:41 PM <kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > Send kictanet mailing list submissions to > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > You can reach the person managing the list at > kictanet-owner(a)lists.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: Legal or legislative needs for Precision Agriculture. > (Barrack Otieno) > 2. Re: Legal or legislative needs for Precision Agriculture. > (waitherero njoroge) > 3. Re: Data Protection Bill Progress (Rafe Mazer) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2019 13:19:39 +0300 > From: Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> > To: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Legal or legislative needs for Precision > Agriculture. > Message-ID: > <CAKX6dsGbKHHNJ+84r4oGr3GDGgOVYC6vipXRZNsgKfmmR= > gHcQ(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" > > Dear Meshack, > > The issue of drones is a gray area. Some of the Media Houses are > already using them. It would be interesting to know whether they seek > permission to fly the drones as they cover news and who issues the > permission. > > Best Regards > > On 7/11/19, meshack emakunat via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > wrote: > > Hello Listers, > > I would like to know if there is any legal (legislative) requirement for > one > > to run the following in several farms in Kenya today. > > > > - A fleet of drones operating in several farms in rural Kenya. > > - A crop monitoring system broadcast infrastructure for early warning > and > > food security guide. > > > > I am not sure and have done a small research on the same I have not found > > any requirement recently yet some years back one required some sort of > > license or permit to operate a drone within the airspace either from KAA > or > > something, or CCK then. Someone, please help in clarifying the above > > issues.?A list of the requirement will be helpful. > > > > > > > -- > Barrack O. Otieno > +254721325277 > +254733206359 > Skype: barrack.otieno > PGP ID: 0x2611D86A > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2019 13:29:51 +0300 > From: waitherero njoroge <waithe.njoroge(a)gmail.com> > To: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Legal or legislative needs for Precision > Agriculture. > Message-ID: > <CAD6UnB15aZ0XMPwmgfc6OySjXNdhzWWiGGzOH77X9ODGq= > qEmQ(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Interesting question. Drones are being used even in weddings. Next they > will be used by thieves to survey their target areas. They should be > regulated and if they are, by whom? > > On Thu, 11 Jul 2019, 13:20 Barrack Otieno via kictanet, < > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > > > Dear Meshack, > > > > The issue of drones is a gray area. Some of the Media Houses are > > already using them. It would be interesting to know whether they seek > > permission to fly the drones as they cover news and who issues the > > permission. > > > > Best Regards > > > > On 7/11/19, meshack emakunat via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > > > wrote: > > > Hello Listers, > > > I would like to know if there is any legal (legislative) requirement > for > > one > > > to run the following in several farms in Kenya today. > > > > > > - A fleet of drones operating in several farms in rural Kenya. > > > - A crop monitoring system broadcast infrastructure for early > warning > > and > > > food security guide. > > > > > > I am not sure and have done a small research on the same I have not > found > > > any requirement recently yet some years back one required some sort of > > > license or permit to operate a drone within the airspace either from > KAA > > or > > > something, or CCK then. Someone, please help in clarifying the above > > > issues. A list of the requirement will be helpful. > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > Barrack O. Otieno > > +254721325277 > > +254733206359 > > Skype: barrack.otieno > > PGP ID: 0x2611D86A > > > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet > > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ > > > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > > > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/waithe.njoroge%40gmai… > > > > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform > > for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and > > regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT > > sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and > development. > > > > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors > > online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and > bandwidth, > > share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do > > not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. > > >

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Facebook "Community Standards£.
by Mutemi wa Kiama 09 Jul '19

09 Jul '19

According to Facebook these posts go against "Community Standards"! Why, because they're critical of GoK and it's leadership, advocate for African wokeness, or the kids are in ethnic attire? Whose Community Standards and on what basis? Facebook has taken most of them down today. Could someone please make me understand! Or has Cambridge Analytica taken over Facebook? This is censorship in my book! Warm regards, Edwin Kiama Thoughts become things... choose the good ones! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Social Innovator, Social Justice Entrepreneur, Catalyst, Human Rights Defender, Social Accountability Champion, Rhize Coach #DevolutionIsRevolution Champion The Wanjiku Agenda Kenya Foundation (WAKenya) Ordinary, Fearless Kenyans. Sauti Ya Wanjiku Social Movement www.sautiyawanjiku.com https://www.facebook.com/wanjikurevolutionkenya https://twitter.com/WanjikuRevolt https://plus.google.com/u/1/+WanjikuMapinduzi/posts http://www.scribd.com/wmkenya "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~Margaret Mead

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.KE SGR + CNBC - Why The US Has No High-Speed Rail
by S.M. Muraya 08 Jul '19

08 Jul '19

Interesting documentary here.. Why The US Has No High-Speed Rail - https://youtu.be/Qaf6baEu0_w Even with digital transformations, the USA is still creating (service industry jobs) which require movement of people + cargo, not just movement of money (online banking services). MAYBE, the KE SGR will break even in 30 years (serving over 90 Mln Kenyans) if Kenyan SMEs are empowered to create more jobs all over Kenya. http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/opinion/2010/04/28/demographic-transition-… worldpopulationreview.com/countries/kenya-population/

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GSMA The role of privacy frameworks in building trust for digital identity services | Mobile for Development
by Alice Munyua 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Very interesting research focusing on perceptions of and attitudes towards privacy, data sharing and trust in four African countries. Key finding: “Mobile users attitudes to trust, privacy and identity linked services are often independent from the presence or absence of a comprehensive data protection/privacy law” https://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/blog/50297/

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In Court, Facebook Blames Users for Destroying Right to Privacy
by Alice Munyua 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Still trying to understand perceptions of privacy/data protection. Here is a really interesting coverage of recent Facebook courtroom debates. Face book says they have worked very hard to build privacy into all their products, but once you share information with your friends “you have lost control over the information and it’s subsequent disclosures” Here is the article: https://theintercept.com/2019/06/14/facebook-privacy-policy-court/ Thanks Patrick, Ali, Barrack, Grace, Esther, Poncelet and others for your comments on the Mozilla privacy by default initiative. Very best regards Alice

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Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Remote participation for ICANN DAY @ AIS 2019, Kampala
by Barrack Otieno 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Listers, Might be of interest. Regards ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Yaovi Atohoun <yaovi.atohoun(a)icann.org> Date: Sun, Jun 16, 2019 at 9:23 AM Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] Remote participation for ICANN DAY @ AIS 2019, Kampala To: AfrICANN Community List <africann(a)afrinic.net> Hello everyone / Bonjour à tous, FR : Vous pouvez participer à distance à ICANN DAY AIS 2019 ce 16 juin 2019 de 09 :00 à 17 :30 via ZOOM à *https://icann.zoom.us/j/330901182 <https://icann.zoom.us/j/330901182> . *L’audio est en Anglais mais vous pouvez taper vos questions en Français dans le « CHAT ROOM de ZOOM » . Vous pouvez aussi envoyer au besoin un mail à queries.nairobiec(a)icann.org . Notez que le fuseau horaire à Kampala est UTC+3 EN: You can join remotely via ZOOM at https://icann.zoom.us/j/330901182 on June 16, 2019 from 09:00 to 17:30. You can type questions or comments in the CHAT ROOM. Please send any other request to queries.nairobiec(a)icann.org . Please note time the time zone in Uganda is UTC+3 Thanks/Merci -- *Yaovi Atohoun* *Stakeholder Engagement and Operations Manager- Africa*; *ICANN* *Tel. +229 66015649/65209067* *www.icann.org <http://www.icann.org>* *Upcoming events:* *@AIS2019: ** Workshop on June 15 <https://features.icann.org/event/icann-speaking-events/icann-workshop-afric…>; ICANN DAY on June 16 <https://features.icann.org/event/icann-speaking-events/icann-day-ais-2019>* *ICANN65 , 24-27 June 2019 in Marrakech <https://meetings.icann.org/en/marrakech65>* _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo/africann -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Membership Number / Password.
by Muthoni Njogu 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Dear Waudo, My name is Muthoni, Proprietor of Njogu & Associates Advocates. Am very interested in Legal Tech and hence my interest in KICTANet . From your email, I see that there is a Membership Password, I recently subscribed to the emails but not aware that there is a Membership Number or Password. Kindly advice on this. Kind regards I Muthoni Njogu | I +254721281569| I P.O.Box 40493-00100 I I Nairobi, Kenya I *"**"Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible; but man's inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary" - Reinhold Neibhur*

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KICTANetiquette - The Rules of Engagement on this forum.
by Odhiambo Washington 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

As a reminder to fellow listers, The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi stakeholder network of members from civil society groups, academia, private and public sectors, development partners and media. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the governments mission to enable Kenyans to gain maximum benefit from the opportunity offered by ICTs The rules on engagement, aka KICTANetiquette, as defined at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet for those who haven't had a chance to read them, or those who might have forgotten, are simple: *1: Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life* *2: Respect people's times and bandwidth,* *3: Share knowledge* *4: Don't flame or abuse or personalize* *5: Respect privacy* *6: Do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.* Let's observe these 6 cardinal rules. We do not want to unsubscribe you from this interesting list, you know! :-) Thank you very much ladies and gentlemen. [From the List Admins] -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254 7 3200 0004/+254 7 2274 3223 "Oh, the cruft.", grep ^[^#] :-)

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Fwd: [Internet Policy] A summary of the report of the UN High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation
by Barrack Otieno 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Listers, Might be of interest. Regards ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Richard Hill <rhill(a)hill-a.ch> Date: Tue, Jun 11, 2019 at 5:45 PM Subject: [Internet Policy] A summary of the report of the UN High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation To: Internetpolicy@Elists. Isoc. Org <internetpolicy(a)elists.isoc.org> Here is a very short summary of the cited report: http://nissaba.net/tldr/hlpdc-report/ Best, Richard _______________________________________________ To manage your Internet Society subscriptions or unsubscribe, log into the Member Portal at https://admin.internetsociety.org/622619/User/Login and go to the Interests tab within your profile. -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Fwd: [At-Large] Fwd: Pre-ICANN65 Policy Report
by Barrack Otieno 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Listers, This is for your information and attention. Best Regards ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Maureen Hilyard <maureen.hilyard(a)gmail.com> Date: Wed, Jun 12, 2019 at 5:59 PM Subject: [At-Large] Fwd: Pre-ICANN65 Policy Report To: At-Large Worldwide <at-large(a)atlarge-lists.icann.org> Report is found here: https://meetings.icann.org/en/marrakech65/pre-icann65-policy-report-11jun19… David A. Olive | Senior Vice President Policy Development Support *ICANN *| Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers 801 17th Street NW, Suite 400 | Washington, DC 20006 _______________________________________________ At-Large mailing list At-Large(a)atlarge-lists.icann.org https://atlarge-lists.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/at-large At-Large Official Site: http://atlarge.icann.org _______________________________________________ By submitting your personal data, you consent to the processing of your personal data for purposes of subscribing to this mailing list accordance with the ICANN Privacy Policy (https://www.icann.org/privacy/policy) and the website Terms of Service (https://www.icann.org/privacy/tos) You can visit the Mailman link above to change your membership status or configuration, including unsubscribing, setting digest-style delivery or disabling delivery altogether (e.g., for a vacation), and so on. -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Fwd: [afren] Chief Technology Officer | One Acre Fund
by Barrack Otieno 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Listers, Might be of interest. Regards ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Lucy Lynch <llynch(a)civil-tongue.net> Date: Wed, 12 Jun 2019 13:03:23 -0700 Subject: [afren] Chief Technology Officer | One Acre Fund To: afren(a)afnog.org All - Of possible interest here: https://oneacrefund.org/work-with-us/job-openings/g/?gh_jid=1631732 _______________________________________________ afren mailing list afren(a)afnog.org https://www.afnog.org/mailman/listinfo/afren -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Fwd: [afnog] For two hours, a large chunk of European mobile traffic was rerouted through China
by Barrack Otieno 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Listers, Might be of interest. Regards ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: *Amreesh Phokeer* <amreesh.phokeer(a)gmail.com> Date: Monday, June 10, 2019 Subject: [afnog] For two hours, a large chunk of European mobile traffic was rerouted through China To: African Network Operators <afnog(a)afnog.org> Some good MANRS required here: <https://www.zdnet.com/article/for-two-hours-a-large- chunk-of-european-mobile-traffic-was-rerouted-through-china/> -- Amreesh Phokeer -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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When it comes to privacy by default, settings matter!
by Alice Munyua 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

> https://blog.mozilla.org/blog/2019/06/04/when-it-comes-to-privacy-default-s… > > What if I told you that on nearly every single website you visit, data about you was transmitted to dozens or even hundreds of companies, all so that the website could earn an additional $0.00008 per ad! This is a key finding from a new study on behaviorally targeted advertisements from Carnegie Mellon University and it should be a wake-up call to all of us. The status quo of pervasive data collection in service of ad targeting is untenable. That is why we’re announcing some key changes to Firefox. > > Today marks an important milestone in the history of Firefox and the web. As of today, for new users who download and install Firefox for the first time, Enhanced Tracking Protection will automatically be set on by default, protecting our users from the pervasive tracking and collection of personal data by ad networks and tech companies. > > It seems that each week a new tech company decides to decree that privacy is a human right. They tout how their products provide people with “choices” to change the settings if they wish to opt into a greater level of privacy protection to exemplify how they are putting privacy first. That begs the question — do people really want more complex settings to understand and fiddle with or do they simply want products that respect their privacy and align with their expectations to begin with? > > Privacy shouldn’t be relegated to optional settings > > When thinking about consumer privacy online, I’m reminded of the behavioral economics studies which led to 401K plans (US retirement savings plans) moving from voluntary enrollment to auto-enrollment. Not too long ago most defined contribution retirement savings plans in the US required employees to sign-up and volunteer to start participating. Participation rates were very low. Why was that? Was it because people didn’t care about saving for retirement? Not at all! There were simply too many barriers to aligning with people’s expectations and desires and the benefits of saving for retirement aren’t felt immediately. > > We are in a similar position with respect to software privacy settings. Pervasive tracking is too opaque and potential privacy harms are never felt immediately. The general argument from tech companies is that consumers can always decide to dive into their browser settings and modify the defaults. The reality is that most people will never do that. Yet, we know that people are broadly opposed to the status quo of pervasive cross-site tracking and data collection, particularly when they learn the details on how tracking actually works. > > We also know that traditional privacy features such as Chrome’s Incognito mode are failing to live up to consumer expectations. The feature might keep your spouse from knowing what you’re thinking about getting them for your anniversary by erasing your history, but it does not prevent third-party tracking. Our research shows that Firefox users are seeking out privacy protection, particularly through the use of Firefox’s Private Browsing mode. In fact, nearly 25% of web page loads in Firefox take place in a Private Browsing window. The good news for these users is that Firefox’s Private Browsing mode has long put users first by blocking tracking. The bad news is that this generally isn’t true for many popular browsers, which allow tracking even in private browsing/incognito mode. A recent study found that users don’t understand this and think their data is being protected, when it is actually not. > > As was the case with retirement savings plans, what this shows us is that the burden needs to shift from the consumers to the companies whereby the complexity of privacy settings shouldn’t be placed on users to figure out. The product defaults should simply align with consumer expectations. That is the approach we are taking in Firefox. > > Enhanced Tracking Protection by Default > > As stated above, new Firefox users will have strong privacy protection from the moment they install. We also expect to deliver the same functionality to existing users over the coming months. Because we are modifying the fundamental way in which cookies and browser storage operate, we’ve been very rigorous in our testing and roll-out plans to ensure our users are not experiencing unforeseen usability issues. If you’re already using Firefox and can’t wait, you can turn this feature on by clicking on the menu icon marked by three horizontal lines at the top right of your browser, then Content Blocking. Go to your privacy preferences and click on the Custom option on the right side. Mark the Cookies checkbox and make sure that “Third-party trackers” is selected. To learn more about our privacy and security settings and get more detail on what each section — Standard, Strict, and Custom — includes, visit here. > > > For existing users, go to your privacy preferences and click on the Custom option, ark the Cookies checkbox > > If you are new to Firefox, we’d love for you to give it a try. Download the latest version here. > > When it comes to privacy, default settings matter! We hope that the actions we are taking can ultimately compel change in the industry. Afterall, consumers deserve better.

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Public interest projects, Access to Information
by S.M. Muraya 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Dear Listers, What being done to enable access to information on Public interest (debt) projects? What needs to be constitutionally amended to require parliamentary approval for these public projects? https://twitter.com/ntvkenya/status/1137947611925639169?s=19 In the almost 3 minute clip, Senator Mwaura did not mention, to succeed, compensation fraud required the participation of county authorities.

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Transit Visa through France
by Robert Muthuri 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Hello, Just a quick alert to those going to RightsCon in Tunis next week, it seems there is a new requirement for transit visa through France for Kenyans. You may need to alter arrangements if this was your itinerary. Best, Robert.

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Invitation to the launch of Takwimu, a new African data platform
by Eric Mugendi 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Code for Africa <http://codeforafrica.org>would like to invite you to the launch of Takwimu <https://takwimu.africa/>, a new African data platform, on Tuesday, June 11 at iHub, Senteu Plaza. Takwimu provides users with accurate, up-to-date information about development-focused political decision-making in a select number of countries across Africa including Kenya - combined with a growing body of data on key health, agriculture, education, and financial inclusion metrics. The aim is to provide African development champions and storytellers with the best analysis and data available, supporting their work to educate, influence and advocate for change in their communities. Takwimu is an initiative by Africa Practice <http://www.africapractice.com/>, Code for Africa <https://codeforafrica.org/>, and iHub <https://ihub.co.ke/>, with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. [image: image.png] The keynote address will be delivered by Prof. Bitange Ndemo followed by a panel discussion on “the role of data and analysis in shaping policy and development planning in Kenya” moderated by Linet Kwamboka the CEO of Data Science Limited. Also on the panel will be Douglas Waudo- Regional Communications, Advocacy & Media Specialist for East & Southern Africa, PATH; Abraham Rugo- Country Director IBP; Dr. Alex Awiti, Vice Provost Aga Khan University (GSMC) and Juliana Rotich- Technology entrepreneur, Novato Africa. Your presence will be highly appreciated and will go a long way to further the conversation on access to relevant data and its use in development planning. Date: Tuesday 11th June 2019 Time: 4-7 pm Location: iHub, 6th Floor, Senteu Plaza Please RSVP here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfcyc77LbaPOXo3TBFQeZuGK5lEWY2C_bw…> by Friday 7th June 2019 For more information, contact: naima(a)codeforafrica.org Sincerely, Eric Mugendi about.me/mugendi [image: Eric Mugendi on about.me] <http://about.me/mugendi>

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Huawei soldiers on
by Ronald Ojino 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Interesting events continue to unfold in the 5G space. https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/07/business/huawei-russia-china-splinternet… Regards, Ronald Ojino -- Faith is a living and unshakable confidence. A belief in God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake.

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The history and evolution of the motorcycle taxi industry in Africa, and the unseen consequences of its intersection with the internet
by Mbugua Njihia 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

*The Subtext* in partnership with Mettā Nairobi is pleased to announce the first edition of the Subtext Sessions event series, where we will discuss the history and evolution of the motorcycle taxi industry in Africa, and the unseen consequences of its intersection with the internet.The conversation will be led by Osarumen Osamuyi <http://twitter.com/skweird>, an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Africa's Talking Labs, Google Launchpad Africa Accelerator mentor, and the author of *The Subtext*, with participation from the audience, as well as a series of domain experts. Prerequisite Material No materials necessary for the audience to read before coming, but a notepad and an interest in transportation and the business of innovation will help. If interested, they could read the Subtext article about two-wheeled mobility for more context: <https://www.thesubtext.io/marchettis-motorcycles> https://www.thesubtext.io/marchettis-motorcycles *The Subtext* is a web publication about the business of innovation in Africa. It examines the impact of the mobile internet, levers of adoption, and mental models showing how [not what] to think about the industry. Join the conversation about history, competitive strategy, and the causes of success and failure in African technology at <https://thesubtext.io/> https://thesubtext.io Sign Up here - https://www.eventbrite.hk/e/subtextsessions-nairobi-two-wheeled-mobility-ti… ᐧ ᐧ

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Fwd: [i-network] Africa Internet Summit 2019 Kampala
by Barrack Otieno 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Listers, This is for your information. Best Regards ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "badru.ntege(a)nftconsult.com" <badru.ntege(a)nftconsult.com> Date: Fri, 07 Jun 2019 05:36:59 GMT Subject: [i-network] Africa Internet Summit 2019 Kampala To: I-Network Uganda <i-network(a)dgroups.org> Good morning all Africa's biggest annual internet summit and gathering kicks off next week with the Africa Network Operating Group's training sessions which will happen from Sunday 9th to Friday 14th. This will then be followed by 3 days of tutorials where i encourage those of you who will not be attending the network and systems training to try and attend. Tuesday 18th to Friday 21st will then be the week of discussions and presentations on internet Policy. I urge all those interested in the current and future of the internet to find time and participate especially in the final week. We have a number of Global internet bodies also holding conferences like ICANN and ISOC among the many. This event was last in Uganda in 2003 and moves to a different African country every year. The Event is hosted by NFT Consult. at Sheraton Kampala Hotel.'' https://www.internetsummit.africa [signature_1765883880] [signature_1529211969] __________ MAILING LIST RULES - http://www.i-network.or.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=189… WEEKLY DISCUSSION ROUNDUPS - http://www.i-network.or.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=19… QUARTERLY eNEWSLETTERS - http://www.i-network.or.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&id=34&… WEBSITE - www.i-network.or.ug TWITTER - http://twitter.com/inetwork FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/inetwork.ug The I-Network Dgroup is a platform for ICT Knowledge Sharing --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit [web site]( http://dgroups.org/iicd/i-network/ ) Click [here]( mailto:leave.i-network@dgroups.org ) to unsubscribe The email is intended only for the recipients. The owners of the Dgroups cannot be held responsible for the contents of the email message. -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Fwd: [NRIs List] FW: announcement - HLP Report launch
by Barrack Otieno 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Listers, Might be of interest to those following Internet Governance Developments. Best Regards ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Anja Gengo <anja.gengo(a)un.org> Date: Thu, 6 Jun 2019 07:58:47 +0000 Subject: [NRIs List] FW: announcement - HLP Report launch To: "igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org" <igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org> Dear Colleagues, Please see below the announcement from the High Level Panel on Digital Cooperation. Best regards, Anja The High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation will launch its report on Monday 10 June 2019 To mark the occasion, join a live conversation on digital cooperation with: UN Secretary-General António Guterres Melinda Gates Jack Ma Moderated by international broadcast journalist, Femi Oke The live event will begin at 10:45am EST and will be streaming on: UN Web TV:http://webtv.un.org<https://twitter.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bda30c293b7634877890700…> YouTube:http://youtube.com/unitednations<https://twitter.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bda30c293b7634877890700…> Facebook:http://facebook.com/UNWebTV<https://twitter.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bda30c293b7634877890700…> Twitter:http://twitter.com/UNWebTV<https://twitter.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bda30c293b7634877890700…> This global online event is an opportunity to discuss how the public sector, private sector and civil society can work together to realize the potential of digital technologies for advancing human well-being, while mitigating the risks. Communities, organizations and individuals working on issues ranging from digital inclusion, digital rights & security, governance and more are encouraged to tune in and join the online conversation during the webcast. To send in your questions for the UN Secretary-General, Jack Ma and Melinda Gates, post on social media with the hashtag#digitalcooperation, or email contributions(a)digitalcooperation.org<mailto:contributions@digitalcooperation.org> with the subject line "Webcast Question." About the High-level Panel<https://twitter.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bda30c293b7634877890700…> Tweet<https://twitter.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bda30c293b7634877890700…> Forward<http://us18.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=7bda30c293b7634877890700a&id=66…> Share<https://twitter.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bda30c293b7634877890700…> Our mailing address is: 220 E 42nd St - 20th floor, New York, NY 10017 You are receiving this message because you have either subscribed to the mailing list directly, or have engaged in an event or consultation. You canupdate your preferences<https://twitter.us18.list-manage.com/profile?u=7bda30c293b7634877890700a&id…> orunsubscribe from this list<https://twitter.us18.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=7bda30c293b7634877890700…>. -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Fwd: [afnog] Now Open! Submission of Expression of Interest to Host AfPIF-2020
by Barrack Otieno 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Listers, Might be of interest Regards ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Betel Hailu <hailu(a)isoc.org> Date: Thu, 6 Jun 2019 08:37:57 +0000 Subject: [afnog] Now Open! Submission of Expression of Interest to Host AfPIF-2020 To: "afnog(a)afnog.org" <afnog(a)afnog.org> Hello everyone- The African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) Program Committee in collaboration with the Africa IXP Association (Af-IX) and the Internet Society are looking to partner with institutions or organizations that are keen to host AfPIF-2020. Interested parties can submit their expression of interest to: sec(a)afpif.org For all information and documentations on the application process please go to: https://www.afpif.org/hosting/ The deadline for submissions is 12 July, 2019. Thank you, Betel Hailu AfPIF Comms -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Fwd: Connect Africa : **Internet Society - 2019 IGF Youth Ambassadors Program - Applications Open**
by Barrack Otieno 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Listers, This might be of interest. Regards ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Corinne Ogu via Internet Society <Mail(a)connectedcommunity.org> Date: Tue, 4 Jun 2019 18:33:58 +0000 Subject: Connect Africa : **Internet Society - 2019 IGF Youth Ambassadors Program - Applications Open** To: otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com == Please, reply above this line == The Internet Society is now accepting applications for the 2019 IGF Youth Ambassadors Program! We encourage you to apply or share this... **Internet Society - 2019 IGF Youth Ambassadors Program - Applications Open** <https://connect.internetsociety.org/communities/community-home/digestviewer…> <https://connect.internetsociety.org/network/members/profile?UserKey=4b6acb8…> Jun 4, 2019 8:18 AM Alejandra Prieto <https://connect.internetsociety.org/network/members/profile?UserKey=4b6acb8…> The Internet Society is now accepting applications for the 2019 IGF Youth Ambassadors Program! We encourage you to apply <https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowship/igf-youth-ambassadors-program/ > or share this announcement with your communities who are also passionate about empowering the Next Generation of Internet Leaders. Information and links to apply can be found here: www.internetsociety.org/fellowship/... <https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowship/igf-youth-ambassadors-program/> Please, note that the call for applications will close on 25 June 2019. Also, if you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Internet Society IGF Youth Ambassadors Program, please contact me. Thank you very much in advance! ------------------------------ Alejandra Prieto prieto(a)isoc.org Program Manager, Internet Leadership Note: replies will be sent to the full discussion group. ------------------------------ Reply to Sender : https://connect.internetsociety.org/eGroups/PostReply/?GroupId=733&SenderKe… Reply to Discussion : https://connect.internetsociety.org/eGroups/PostReply/?GroupId=733&MID=3924… You are subscribed to "Connect Africa" as otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com. To change your subscriptions, go to http://connect.internetsociety.org/preferences?section=Subscriptions&MDATE=…. To unsubscribe from this community discussion, go to http://connect.internetsociety.org/HigherLogic/eGroups/Unsubscribe.aspx?Use…. -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Re: [kictanet] Digital solutions for Social Good
by Patrick A. M. Maina 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Eric, Not sure if you had noticed but your original message made it appear like *you* were the investor. This is more clear. How you fit in as an intermediary is still not clear however. So how exactly do you tailor these pitches to improve the applicant chances (what's your specific value proposition)? Can you give some examples? Are you offering a free service or do you charge? What is your fee? What are your T&Cs so that those who go thru you know exactly what the relationship between you, them and the accelerator entails? I'm still puzzled as to why the UK visa has been dangled because according to the website, it is not even assured. The BGV website clearly says that you qualify if "You have the right to work in the UK (Unfortunately, you cannot take part in our programme on a tourist visa)" Do you have a confirmation letter from the UK consulate that indicates that it is now not "near impossible" for participants of this initiative to get a visa (provided they are not on a bad-guys watchlist of course)? Also not clear from the website... who pays for Visa, return Airfare & accommodation? The accelerator is charging GBP £20,000 as "training" fees??? They also get a 6% stake. So the "lucky startup" gets no cash (1-1=0) but gives up equity??? Or they get the cash, which is spent where (in kenya or UK?) and come back with £20K debt + still give up 6% equity? This deal is full of red flags IMO. How can they purport to train a Kenyan company to succeed in Kenya yet they don't have any experience or a presence in Kenya? Or do they? Don't they have better odds of offering better value and success if they first come to Kenya, learn about the local business landscape and set up a local chapter here? It doesn't make sense. Even more puzzling, they are asking for already proven business models? How do they advise a company to scale in a market that they barely know (if at all)? What's really going on there? Can you expound on how that works? If the investors saw promising startups at the Nairobi Innovation Week, have they engaged and onboarded them? Doesn't make sense to start from zero when they have already made progress. I know there are those who will ignore these red flags and trust blidly in hope. Good luck to them. I wish them success and I sincerely wish that my instincts are completely wrong about this. Thanks and good evening. Patrick. Patrick A. M. Maina[Cross-domain Innovator | Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations] On Thursday, June 6, 2019, 9:51:48 AM GMT+3, Erick Mwangi <erick.mwangi(a)gmail.com> wrote: Listers / Patrick A bit of background. The organisation in question is BGV (Bethnal Green Ventures). The premise was from investors asking to look beyond EEA. I advised the partners on E Africa and even attended the Nairobi Innovation week. They were impressed and we identified a number of start ups we could work with, to get Visas was near impossible. From then we have worked tirelessly to lobby UK government and now this is now a reality. Secondly from the initial fillers, our comms are different hence why I was asking interested parties to come through me and we can curate stories better for the partners. However feel free to engage directly. The website is comprehensive and answers the bulk of your questions. But I will not go as far as saying the want to steal IP from us - that's a stretch of imagination. Eric E Njoroge MwangiTechnology| FINTECH | Big Data Cell +44 7539372742Skype: Erick.mwangi On Tue, Jun 4, 2019 at 4:35 PM Patrick A. M. Maina <pmaina2000(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Hi Erick, Which organization is doing this? Is there a website that people can visit for more details? How does the UK visa come into play? Is there a bootcamp in UK or something like that? Where are the details + past bootcamps? How many startups are you looking to invest in? What is the range of investment amount? What kind of deal (debt, equity or convertible notes?) Do you have a portfolio of startups that founders can contact to get independent info about the program? Can you share your list of succesful investments, exits and big wins, including the duration under your portfolio? What are the T&Cs and do they contain robust features (like non-disclosure, non-circumvent & non-compete provisions) to protect our hopeful enterpreneurs / youth from the risk of losing trade secrets and intellectual property that would be critical to their competitiveness and long-term survival? I'm asking the above on behalf of inexperienced founders because there have been numerous cases in the past (in other platforms/fora) where "investors" call for pitches but in reality they are exploiting our policy vacuum to mine for ideas from our hopeful - but sometimes gullible - founders, which they ultimately pass on / sell to other startups (or to "partner" corporations) to avoid R&D costs. GENERAL REMARKS (FROM A POLICY-GAP PERSPECTIVE) Dear Listers, While a "bounty" approach is often pitched to corporations / investors as a smart "cost saving" measure, it is, in reality, an economically destructive, ruthless, and inhumane form of intellectual property transfer because it relies on trickery and false hope to achieve unpublished agendas. It demoralizes our youth and stifles innovation by unfairly misallocating opportunity/reward to the undeserving, whose only advantage is their connection to capital gatekeepers. Bounty programs pervert the idea of enterpreneurship, turning it into an unregulated GAMBLING affair, where for every one "jackpot winner" there are thousands of "losers" who discover that they handed over their IP to future competitors for FREE, and who are not protected from unfair future sale/exploitation of their mined IP. Such programs have led to the rise to serial pitchers, a type of gambler who plays for the bounty, instead of real enterpreneurs who truly want to solve real problems. This has resulted in the rise of "shiny object" enterpreneurship that focuses on impressing ponzi-style investors rather creating value to society. More so when they predate on poor countries, where REAL opportunities are scarce and desperately needed. It is unfortunate that ICT regulators have not yet recognized the real cost of such losses in terms of wealth transfer and destruction of jobs / opportunities. How do you create jobs without sources of sustainable advantage? In a recent media interview, I heard CISCO's CEO say something very powerful when discussing Huawei. He said that if the US didn't care about IP, it would be a "third world country", because third world countries only focus on raw materials instead of innovations. Intellectual property is highly valued in developed economies. Paradoxically, poor countries tend to adopt policies that sustain poverty. These general comments are not meant to cast shade on Erick's initiatives as I have no information to draw any objective conclusions, so I hope my motives will not be misunderstood. I have been consistent on highlighting IP mining risks in the past on this and other forums. Without clear policies and rules, there is no telling what/who is really genuine, and our enterpreneurs remain vulnerabe to predation from within and from without. Our "wild wild west", "every man for himself" business landscape makes it difficult even for the genuine investors to get high quality, diverse pitches because of low trust levels (everyone loses). It's sad to see our Universities and innovative MSMEs struggling to get funding yet they are sitting on billions of shillings in intellectual capital. Hoping the Competition Authority and the Trade, Labor, Education & ICT ministries can team up with stakeholders (not just corporate reps who have a conflict of interest because they fear innovation, but also academia, independent innovators, enterpreneurs and MSME reps) to solve this at policy level. If you need ideas or help in architecting this, feel free to onboard me. Economic prosperity doesn't just happen on its own, or with ad-hoc "spray and pray" policies. It has to deliberately planned for, designed and implemented. Good evening, Patrick. Patrick A. M. Maina[Cross-domain Innovator | Independent Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations] On Tuesday, June 4, 2019, 2:15:08 PM GMT+3, Erick Mwangi via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: Listers, I am looking for start-ups who fit the below criteria. Investment focus We invest broadly in tech for good, but we are particularly interested in startups that address the following challenges: - Affordable, accessible health and social care - Effective education and employability - Climate change, resource efficiency and conservation of the environment - Civic participation, maintenance and advancement of democracy - Empowering vulnerable young people, improving health and wellbeing and giving them the tools to thrive - Pro-worker innovation for the low-wage economy, solutions that increase bargaining power, boost pay and curb work insecurity Investment criteria At the accelerator stage we select teams based on: The team - A talented team (more than 1 person) of diverse founders with a strong commitment to a shared vision and mission - A strong understanding of the problem and the market they will be operating in - Technical experience within the team The idea - An innovative idea with some evidence of its merits and how it would solve the problem - A clear hypothesis of how to produce, sell and distribute the solution The potential for impact - A strong ambition to scale and positively impact millions of lives. We will provide early stage seed funding as well as apply on your behalf a "start-up visa" to come to the UK for 3-6months. If thats you, please reach me directly with your pitch deck. Best Wishes, E Njoroge MwangiTechnology| FINTECH | Big Data Cell +44 7539372742Skype: Erick.mwangi On Sun, Jun 2, 2019 at 1:40 PM Lydia gachungi via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: Listers, Anyone with an idea of an individual / private sector in Eastern Africa using digital solutions to create impact in the culture industry/ Artistic Freedom (film, music, events, broadcasting, webcasting, anything in that sector)? Please inbox me Lydia Gachungi UNESCO Liaison Office to AU and UNECA _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/erick.mwangi%40gmail.… The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/pmaina2000%40yahoo.com The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.

3 5

How Qualcomm shook down the cell phone industry for almost 20 years
by Ali Hussein 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Listers A look at how modern-day monopolies operate and how Systemic Failure in how regulators regulate can cause a player to use heavy-handed tactics to gain and maintain Market Dominance. Is it time to relook at how State Players navigate the increasingly complicated Technology Landscape to ensure Market Driven Monopolies don't abuse their powers? The examples are many but of note are:- 1. Microsoft in the '90s 2. Google and Facebook in the 2010s 3. And now Qualcomm whose bad behaviour is now coming to light in a scathing indictment by Judge Lucy Koh in an Anti-Trust ruling in the US. This latest misbehaviour by #BigTech calls the whole 'Free Market' ethos of the Capitalist System to question. How will the world deal with such Systemic Failure and State Capture by huge multinationals? The Qualcomm Story <https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2019/05/how-qualcomm-shook-down-the-cel…> is even more shocking in its scope because it held to ransom some of the biggest players in the Global Telcom sector - From Lenovo, to Apple to Blackberry to Samsung. It is amazing how it took so long to unravel and even now as we speak the game is not over yet. Read on:- In 2005, Apple contacted Qualcomm as a potential supplier for modem chips in the first iPhone. Qualcomm's response was unusual: a letter demanding that Apple sign a patent licensing agreement before Qualcomm would even consider supplying chips. How Qualcomm shook down the cell phone industry for almost 20 years! <https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2019/05/how-qualcomm-shook-down-the-cel…> *Ali Hussein* *Principal* *AHK & Associates* Tel: +254 713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim> 13th Floor , Delta Towers, Oracle Wing, Chiromo Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya. Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with.

3 3

Data Scientists Kaggle Meet Up In Nairobi
by Timothy- Coach- Oriedo 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Thank you Listers for following our Journey in bridging the Data Science Talent gap in the country. We are pleased to welcome you to our very first meet up of our Predictive Analytics Lab partnership with Kaggle, the leading Global community of Data Scientists. This evening we are privileged to hold our inaugural to be hosting Saikumar Allaka, Senior Analytics Manager Equity Bank and a master Kaggler. The event is free and shall also be live streamed please register on this link https://events.predictiveanalytics.co.ke/ Because we believe the best way to learn is learning through practice and through meeting people. Creating a connected and well-knit Data Science community will enable participants to motivate each other to learn more, and inspire to do great things. What is more, the aim of creating this community is for its participants to have fun together and make new friends with common passion - Data Science. To sum up, we create this community for 3 things. NETWORKING, EDUCATION and ENTERTAINMENT See online and Poster for more details and stay tuned for future events. Timothy Oriedo Founding Data Scientist Predictive Analytics Lab

2 1

Kenya Industry & Entrepreneurship Project Beneficiaries
by Kentice Tikolo 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Listers, The Ministry of Industry, Trade & Cooperatives (MoITC), in partnership with the World Bank Group, launched the Kenya Industry and Entrepreneurship Project (KIEP), on 4th June 2019. The USD 50 million project aims to increase innovation and productivity in select private sector firms in Kenya over the next six years (2019-2024). KIEP highlights the importance of technology and innovation to the development of industries and recognizes the centrality of firm-level support to Kenya’s industrialization. KIEP will be implemented through the following components: Component 1: Strengthening the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem Component 2: SME linkages and upgrading The target beneficiaries are: - Accelerators/Incubators - Technology Bootcamp Providers - Startups - SMEs - Students - Corporates The project aims to have a countrywide presence. Kindly share (inbox) ideas on how best to create interest and demand among the beneficiaries, that will encourage them to apply. I have attached a fact sheet for more information, which can also be found on www.kiep.go.ke. Best regards, Kentice Tikolo, MScPR, FPRSK *Strategic PR & Communication Consultant* *Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Regina Brett*

2 1

Digital solutions for the Culture industry/ Art
by Lydia gachungi 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Listers, Anyone with an idea of an individual / private sector in Eastern Africa using digital solutions to create impact in the culture industry/ Artistic Freedom (film, music, events, broadcasting, webcasting, anything in that sector)? Please inbox me Lydia Gachungi UNESCO Liaison Office to AU and UNECA

7 15

Five Things to Know
by Alice Munyua 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

> > > > > 5 Things to Know in Less Than Five Minutes > > 1. Block "Fingerprinting" & Increase Privacy with Firefox > Fingerprinting is a type of online tracking that's different from cookies or ordinary trackers. Companies use it to make a unique profile of your computer, software, add–ons, and even preferences. Settings like the screen you use, the fonts installed on your computer, and even your choice of a web browser can all be used to create a fingerprint. The latest Firefox has a new feature to help you block fingerprinting coming from many ad trackers. Learn how » > > > 2. Mozilla Brings Ethics to Computer Science Curriculum > Mozilla joined with others to award funding to 17 initiatives that integrate ethics into undergraduate computer science courses. "Today's computer scientists write code with the potential to affect billions of people's privacy, security, equality, and well–being," says Mozilla Fellow, Kathy Pham. Check out the winning initiatives, and learn more about this important work » > > > 3. "Deepfakes" are Here. Now What? > Mozilla's 2019 Internet Health Report digs into "deepfakes." Deepfakes are photos, videos or audio clips manipulated using artificial intelligence to depict a person saying something that they have never said, or doing something they have never done. See the report to learn more about what deepfakes are, how they've been used, and what strategies might work to deal with them. > > > 4. The Latest Firefox Release is Faster than Ever > Firefox has gotten up to 80% faster than a year ago (and still going) by making improvements at an average of 1% faster every week all while protecting your privacy online. Learn more about how we made such huge gains » > > > 5. We're Making Virtual Reality Available to Everyone > Even though virtual reality (VR) has been in the mainstream for several years now, it's still not very accessible. It often takes trained engineers to create, release and distribute VR content. That could soon change, however, thanks to a new project built on top of the WebVR platform that Mozilla has pioneered. Read more » > > > Bonus Content! > Get more power and privacy. Sign up for your free Firefox account » > > Access your passwords across devices for free with Firefox Lockwise » > > Firefox Send just launched — a free way to share files safely and privately. > > Sign up for Firefox Monitor. Recieve alerts if your data is involved in data breaches — and it's free! > > > Thanks for reading! > You're receiving this email because we think you're neat, AND you subscribed to hear from us. > If our emails aren't sparking joy, we'll understand if you unsubscribe. > > You can also update your email preferences at any time. > > > > Donate to Mozilla | Download Firefox > > > 331 E. Evelyn Avenue Mountain View CA 94041 > Legal • Privacy

4 5

Information Controls Cocktail
by Robert Muthuri 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Dear Listers, First, apologies, I've just been alerted my email from earlier in the week may not have been delivered here. CIPIT is holding a cocktail tomorrow afternoon - program attached - to reflect on the question: what have we learnt from 3 years of information controls research? We will share the key learnings and recommendations from the related project and hope to have a lively discussion with you ranging from online censorship and digital rights to Cambridge Analytica and elections security. As always, we very much look forward to welcoming you to Strathmore. Kindly register so we can cater for you in the best way possible: https://bit.ly/2YSHlJ8 [image: InformationControl-01.png] Best, Robert.

2 1

Raising money for your startup
by Eric Osiakwan 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Sent from my iPhone

2 1

Babusi Nyoni TownHall Meetings Tour , 5 days, 6 Towns Across Kenya
by alfred＠kenya.ai 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Dear Listers, Ai Kenya in partnership with Majadiliano is proud to bring you a series of town hall meetings across 6 different locations: Kisumu, Kakamega, Siaya, Miwani, Nairobi and Mombasa. Our first guest is a brilliant self-taught Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovator & speaker from the Netherlands. He has never been to University. He is a high school graduate who schooled and grew up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Babusi Nyoni, a 31 year old Zimbabwean and a self-taught emerging technology pundit will be sharing how he began his journey leaving Zimbabwe as an economic refugee, entering South Africa, where he lived for 5 years before moving to the Netherlands. In 2016 he created what Forbes magazine described as "the world's first Artificial intelligent football commentator" for the UEFA Champions League final. In the same year, he created a prototype for the prediction of human displacement in Africa using artificial intelligence & thereafter worked with UNHCR to actualize a pilot project in the same field. He founded the Ulwazi Accelerator in 2018 to equip young Zimbabweans with the skills needed to contribute to the global digital economy. In 2019 he created an app for the early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease & presented his findings at Oxford University on the Skoll Foundation stage. Babusi has a strong passion for fresh new ideas that will change the lives of those around him and is a firm believer that AI is shaping the technological zeitgeist worldwide. Join us for an informative session as Babusi shares on his innovation journey and the work he has done in the artificial intelligence space. Event Venues are as follows: Kisumu, 3rd June - University of Nairobi Auditorium Kakamega, 3rd June - Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) , MCU hall Siaya, 4th June - Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology Miwani, 5th June - Nyakoko High school Nairobi, 6th June - Daystar University Mombasa 7th June - Swahili Pot Hub To be a part of the event(s), ensure you REGISTER FOR YOUR TICKET(s) on http://bit.ly/majadiliano Full event details and schedules can be obtained on the same link Kind regards, Alfred Ongere Team lead, Founder www.kenya.ai <http://bit.ly/AIKPODYTB> Watch Ai Kenya Podcast | <http://bit.ly/2vRuV7Y> World Ai Show Nairobi 2019 Keynote

2 1

Grant Funding: £50,000 - £500,000 / Mobile Innovation Fund
by Philip Adar 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Dear listers, I found this interesting and felt to share. GSMA is promoting innovation in use of mobile technology to address humanitarian challenges, with a focus on developing countries – particularly in Sub Saharan Africa. Grant Funding: £50,000 - £500,000 More details in the link: Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation Fund <https://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/mobile-for-humanitarian-innovatio…> Kindly, please feel free to share within your networks Kind regards, -- Philip Adar

2 1

Re: [kictanet] Vacancy announcements for Article 19 Eastern Africa
by Ephraim Percy Kenyanito 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

*Dear All,* *Please find below links to job openings at the Article 19 Eastern Africa. Kindly circulate widely through your networks. You can copy the link to your browser in order to access the vacancy notice.* *SPO - Civic Space:*https://article.peoplehr.net/Pages/JobBoard/Opening.aspx?v=ba671488-… *SPO - Media and Protection:*https://article.peoplehr.net/Pages/JobBoard/Opening.aspx?v=ca54… *Best regards,* *Ephraim *

2 1

Huawei interview on China-Africa Podcast
by Adam Lane 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

For anyone with 50 minutes to spare and interested to listen to this podcast interview I did... Eric and Cobus do go for the fairly tough questions. https://chinaafricaproject.com/podcast-china-africa-huawei-adam-lane/ [AUDIO] Like it or Not, Huawei is the Indispensable Tech Company in Africa [EDITOR'S NOTE: This episode was recorded before the United States government announced that it would blacklist Huawei and blocked the company from using Google's Android operating system and other apps.] It is hard to overstate Huawei's singular importance in the development of Africa's information technology sector. Over the past ten years the company, often armed with state-backed loans from China, has built significant portions of Africa's IT infrastructure, everything from networking to broadband connectivity to new cloud data centers in places like Egypt and South Africa. 70% of all 4G networks across the continent were reportedly built by Huawei. But while Huawei's presence in Africa is pervasive it's also controversial. Allegations that Huawei was involved in Chinese spying efforts against the African Union prompt similar questions like those being raised by the United States who challenge the company's independence from both the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese government. "The U.S. is going to have to be strategic about how they approach this challenge. You can't just blunder in and say, 'It's us or them.' China does provide things that the continent needs." - Joshua Meservey, Heritage Foundation senior analyst<https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/03/19/for-africa-chinese-built-internet-is-b…> Although African stakeholders contend that security and privacy concerns surrounding Huawei are important, most do not believe they are paramount issues. Instead, access to affordable, high-quality telecommunications infrastructure is much more important. But now that the United States is closing in on the company, blocking Huawei from using the Android operating system, African telecom operators are likely starting to worry about what happens if Washington similarly blacklists Huawei's use of components that are used in all that networking gear now running their phone and data networks. If Huawei is forced out of those markets, it could be cataclysmic for African telcos who would find it difficult, if not impossible, to switch to American, Korean or European vendors. The bottom line is that African telecommunications operators now rely on Huawei gear, making the Chinese company truly indispensable in the operation of their networks. Huawei, like almost every Chinese company, is notoriously averse to interacting with the media and rarely grants extended, on the record interviews with no pre-conditions. So, it was a bit of a surprise when Adam Lane, senior public affairs director for Huawei Kenya, offered to appear on the podcast. He joins Eric & Cobus for a wide-ranging discussion on all aspects of the company's operations in Africa and what the mood is like inside the firm. Show Notes: * IT Web Africa: Safaricom describes Huawei issue as 'worrying'<http://www.itwebafrica.com/kenya/245917-safaricom-describes-huawei-issue-as…> by Vincent Matinde * Daily Nation: What Huawei restriction means for Kenya and Africa<https://www.nation.co.ke/news/What-Huawei-restriction-means-for-Kenya-/1056…> by Aggrey Mutambo * Business Insider South Africa: If you own a Huawei phone in South Africa, here is everything you need to know about the Google crisis<https://www.businessinsider.co.za/huawei-news-in-south-africa-what-is-happe…> by Phillip de Wet * Foreign Policy: For Africa, Chinese-Built Internet Is Better Than No Internet<https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/03/19/for-africa-chinese-built-internet-is-b…> at All by Amy Mackinnon About Adam Lane:<https://www.africahealthbusiness.com/speakers/adam-lane/> At Huawei since 2014, and based in Nairobi since 2016, Adam is currently responsible for working with governments, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, the media and other stakeholders with a focus on the Kenya and East Africa region. Adam helps these groups understand how to use ICT for Development in their strategies, policies and programs; as well as developing partnerships and cross-sector collaboration with various actors in the ICT ecosystem including social enterprises. Adam has a strong focus on digital health in the region and is also actively engaging with those in the Internet of Things space. Previously, Adam was based in Huawei's HQ as a Director for Corporate Sustainable Development responsible for Huawei's global flagship project to bridge the digital divide as well as thought leadership on the digital divide. In 2015 after an extensive research effort around the world, Adam published Huawei's white paper on Digital Enablement summarizing the challenges and solutions to bridging the digital divide (www.huawei.com/minisite/digital-enablement) He then set-up a new digital divide project related to e-health in Kenya building on the findings from this white paper working with a Kenyan social enterprise and helping them scale up their e-health project.

5 13

(no subject)
by DANIEL MECHA 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Ttyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyytr

2 1

Facebook plans to launch 'GlobalCoin' currency in 2020 - BBC News
by Timothy- Coach- Oriedo 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-48383460

2 1

Google has revoked Huawei's Android license
by Kelvin Kariuki 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Dear Listers, I hope this email finds you well, this is the current trending topic, I'd like to here your views on this topic from a Policy Perspective. Are we overrelying on Global Techs? What are the possible repercussions if they pull out on us? Should Global Techs be declared Dominant to balance the market and reduce the risks of a failure? Feel free to add more questions. Looking forward to your views on this. -- Best Regards, Kelvin Kariuki Assistant Lecturer Multimedia University of Kenya Faculty of Computing and Information Technology Twitter Handle: @teacherkaris Alt email: kkariuki(a)mmu.ac.ke Mobile: +2547 29 385 557 The Lord is my Shepherd

11 33

[Leadership & Corporate Governance] Succession Planning - Lessons from Jack Ma
by Patrick A. M. Maina 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Dear Listers, In a letter to Alibaba’s customers and shareholders (see link #1), Jack Ma announced his successor and mapped his own exit as CEO. A few excerpts: "This transition demonstrates that Alibaba has stepped up to the next level of corporate governance from a company that relies on individuals, to one built on systems of organizational excellence and a culture of talent development. A sustainable Alibaba would have to be built on sound governance, culture-centric philosophy, and consistency in developing talent. No company can rely solely on its founders. Of all people, I should know that. Because of physical limits on one's ability and energy, no one can shoulder the responsibilities of chairman and CEO forever. We asked ourselves this question 10 years ago - how could Alibaba achieve sustainable growth after Jack Ma leaves the company? We believed the only way to solve the problem of corporate leadership succession was to develop a system of governance based on a unique culture and mechanisms for developing consistent talent and successors. For the last 10 years, we kept working on these ingredients.” DISCUSSION: Visionary leaders develop other leaders because they see the company's vision and mission as bigger than themselves (see link #3). Jack Ma's star is even brighter because he allowed his juniors to shine. Do you agree that the presence (or absence) of succession planing can be an indicator of leadership caliber? How does private sector Africa fare when it comes to succession planning and local talent development? Good day. Links: 1. Jack Ma's Succession letter to customers and shareholders https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/Alibaba-s-Jack-Ma-reveals-succes… 2. Alibaba profits jump under Jack Ma's successor https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/15/alibaba-2019-annual-earnings/ 3. Deloitte: How to overcome the succession planning paradox https://www2.deloitte.com/insights/us/en/topics/leadership/effective-leader… Brgds,Patrick. Patrick A. M. Maina[Cross-domain Innovator | Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations]

2 1

Facebook: Another three billion fake profiles culled
by Victor Kapiyo 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Facebook has published its latest "enforcement report" <https://transparency.facebook.com/community-standards-enforcement>, which details how many posts and accounts it took action on between October 2018 and March 2019. During that six-month period, Facebook removed more than three billion fake accounts - more than ever before. More than seven million "hate speech" posts were removed, also a record high. For the first time, Facebook also reported how many deleted posts were appealed, and how many were put back online after review. Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-48380504 *Victor Kapiyo* Partner | *Lawmark Partners LLP* *Suite No. 8, Centro House, Westlands, Nairobi | **Web: www.lawmark.co.ke <http://www.lawmark.co.ke> * ==================================================== *“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude” Zig Ziglar*

2 1

Software development companies
by John Gitau 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Good day Is there a list of local software development companies with at least 5 years experience with some regional experience somewhere I can just go pick 10 and send to companies that ask for this information - some sort of directory where I can direct inquiries to? Meantime if you are such a company please direct message me your contact details. With thanks JGitau

2 1

FW: Apply for the Africa Digital Rights Fund (ADRF)
by Grace Githaiga 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Listers This might be of interest to some of you. Rgds. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grace Githaiga Twitter: @ggithaiga Skype: gracegithaiga Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegithaiga ...the most important office in a democracy is the citizen. So, you see, that’s what our democracy demands. It needs you!----Barrack Obama. ________________________________ ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: CIPESA <media(a)cipesa.org<mailto:media@cipesa.org>> Date: Wed, May 22, 2019 at 11:03 AM Subject: Apply for the Africa Digital Rights Fund (ADRF) To: <compsoftnet(a)gmail.com<mailto:compsoftnet@gmail.com>> Apply for a grant to support an initiative that advances digital rights in Africa View this email in your browser<https://mailchi.mp/6aff78f010ab/apply-for-the-africa-digital-rights-fund-ad…> [https://gallery.mailchimp.com/d80a8e0082e29ffa0986bfd77/images/210d06fc-63f…] Call For Applications: Africa Digital Rights Fund With a quarter of Africa’s population using the internet and with 76 mobile phone connection for every 100 individuals, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has become pivotal to improving livelihoods and promoting human rights on the continent. However, with rising digital rights violations such as arrests and intimidation of internet users, network shutdowns<https://cipesa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d80a8e0082e29ffa0986bfd77&…>, and a proliferation of laws and regulations that hamper internet access and affordability<https://cipesa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d80a8e0082e29ffa0986bfd77&…>, the potential of digital technologies to catalyse free expression and civic participation or to drive innovation is under threat in Africa. Yet many organisations working to defend and promote digital rights face limitations of reach, skills, resources, and consistency in engagement in this area. To address this, the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)<https://cipesa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d80a8e0082e29ffa0986bfd77&…> has established the Africa Digital Rights Fund (ADRF) to offer flexible and rapid response grants to select initiatives in Africa to implement activities that advance digital rights, including advocacy, litigation, research, policy analysis, digital literacy and digital security skills building. Assessments have found that whereas digital rights advocacy in the region has a large pool of interest, ”it is very shallow, spread very thinly and difficult to sustain”. The policy and practice developments in the region, coupled with the challenges faced by civil society organisations, necessitate partnerships that bring together various competences for advancing digital rights. The ADRF has been developed to strengthen local capacity in evidence-based research, collaborative advocacy and impactful policy engagements responsive to regulatory and practice developments that affect internet freedom in the region. The ADRF grant amounts will range between US$ 1,000 and US$ 10,000 based on the need and scope of the proposed intervention. The grant period will not exceed six months with an average of 15 grants to be awarded per year. The Fund will benefit small organisations, including those that do not qualify for support from most funders for lack of registration and institutional capacity to develop applications and manage big projects. It will also benefit organisations and initiatives that need rapid response support to respond swiftly to emerging issues that can not wait for many funders’ lengthy application procedures. Applications are now open for the period July-December 2019. The deadline for submissions is Friday May 31, 2019. Read more about the Fund and the eligibility criteria here<https://cipesa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d80a8e0082e29ffa0986bfd77&…>. The application form can be accessed here.<https://cipesa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d80a8e0082e29ffa0986bfd77&…> [https://cdn-images.mailchimp.com/icons/social-block-v2/color-twitter-48.png]<https://cipesa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d80a8e0082e29ffa0986bfd77&…> [https://cdn-images.mailchimp.com/icons/social-block-v2/color-facebook-48.png]<https://cipesa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d80a8e0082e29ffa0986bfd77&…> [https://cdn-images.mailchimp.com/icons/social-block-v2/color-link-48.png]<http://www.cipesa.org> [https://cdn-images.mailchimp.com/icons/social-block-v2/color-forwardtofrien…]<mailto:media@cipesa.org> [https://cdn-images.mailchimp.com/icons/social-block-v2/color-linkedin-48.png]<https://cipesa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d80a8e0082e29ffa0986bfd77&…> Want to change how you receive these emails? 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2 1

After Access report launch
by Margaret Nyambura Ndung'u 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Listers, the attached after access report by Research ICT Africa was launched today at the Stockholm Internet forum. "A comparative analysis of demand-side view of mobile Internet from 10 African countries². As noted at the broadband meeting last Friday, available demand side data on Internet and mobile use in Kenya and many other countries is insufficient. The report attempts to bridge that gap. Interesting statistics with Internet penetration in Kenya at 26% in line with ITU statistics. Differences are noted in other countries highest being in Rwanda with an 11% difference (See table 3). Rgrds, Nyambura

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Re: [kictanet] [AI-IoT-BD] Survey announcement BPF IoT-BigData-AI
by Alex Comninos 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Dear Listers, The IGF Best Practice Forum on Internet of Things, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence launched a survey to get insight in the community’s views on the use of IoT-Big Data-AI applications to address societal challenges. The survey can be answered online or via email. (instructions below) Input received before 30 June 2019 will be used for the first draft of the BPF output document. ******************************************************************* Survey BPF IoT, Big Data, AI reply by 30 June 2019 Reply online: https://forms.gle/7nYdrFhXa4o8Lbqt5 <https://forms.gle/7nYdrFhXa4o8Lbqt5> <https://forms.gle/7nYdrFhXa4o8Lbqt5 <https://forms.gle/7nYdrFhXa4o8Lbqt5>> Reply via email: Download the questionnaire here http://bit.ly/2JVwnOP <http://bit.ly/2JVwnOP> <http://bit.ly/2JVwnOP <http://bit.ly/2JVwnOP>> , and submit to bpf-IoT-BD-AI(a)intgovforum.org <mailto:bpf-IoT-BD-AI@intgovforum.org> <mailto:bpf-IoT-BD-AI@intgovforum.org <mailto:bpf-IoT-BD-AI@intgovforum.org>> . ******************************************************************* Please share the survey invitation with colleagues and your networks. Thank you for your cooperation !!! More on the IGF 2019 BPF IoT-Big Data-AI on the IGF website at https://www.intgovforum.org/multilingual/content/bpf-internet-of-things-iot… <https://www.intgovforum.org/multilingual/content/bpf-internet-of-things-iot…> <https://www.intgovforum.org/multilingual/content/bpf-internet-of-things-iot… <https://www.intgovforum.org/multilingual/content/bpf-internet-of-things-iot…>> . _______________________________________________ Aiiotbd mailing list Aiiotbd(a)intgovforum.org <mailto:Aiiotbd@intgovforum.org> To subscribe, unsubscribe or manage your options please go to http://intgovforum.org/mailman/listinfo/aiiotbd_intgovforum.org <http://intgovforum.org/mailman/listinfo/aiiotbd_intgovforum.org>

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Fwd: [Internet Policy] Finland is winning the war on fake news
by Barrack Otieno 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Listers, Might be of interest to some. Regards ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Richard Bennett <richard(a)bennett.com> Date: Sun, 19 May 2019 14:48:29 -0600 Subject: [Internet Policy] Finland is winning the war on fake news To: ISOC Internet Policy <internetpolicy(a)elists.isoc.org> Sharing this good article from CNN on Finland’s approach to fake news: https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2019/05/europe/finland-fake-news-intl/ <https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2019/05/europe/finland-fake-news-intl/> TL;DR: Finland has long been a target of Russian disinformation campaigns; it combines media literacy training with reliable media and regulation. Its defenses are so strong that Russia has turned to softer targets. RB — Richard Bennett High Tech Forum <http://hightechforum.org/> Founder Ethernet & Wi-Fi standards co-creator Internet Policy Consultant -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Preliminary Analysis - After Access report launch
by Jimmy Gitonga 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Patrick! I have nothing to add. You are my hero on this issue. Thank you for the excellent “initial thoughts”. Best Regards, Jimmy Gitonga Web Software Design and Development LinkedIn: Jimmy Gitonga | Twitter: @Afrowave ______________________________________ Web: afroshok.com <http://afroshok.com/> > On 18 May 2019, at 9:41 PM, kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke wrote: > > Message: 2 > Date: Sat, 18 May 2019 18:38:43 +0000 (UTC) > From: "Patrick A. M. Maina" <pmaina2000(a)yahoo.com <mailto:pmaina2000@yahoo.com>> > To: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <mailto:kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke>>, > Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com <mailto:otieno.barrack@gmail.com>> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] [preliminary analysis] After Access report > launch > Message-ID: <43006288.2640308.1558204723308(a)mail.yahoo.com <mailto:43006288.2640308.1558204723308@mail.yahoo.com>> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Hi Barrack, > I'm still studying it but can share my initial thoughts... I had a quick look at GSMA's mobile economy report 2019 (link #5 below) and it pegs Kenya's internet penetration number at ~24% up from 16% based on lagging indicators (2014-2017). It also says 3G coverage was 85% as at 2017 with 4G reaching more than a third of the population (~16.7 Million people assuming ~50M total). > > The GSMA report is alluding to a high supply - low demand situation (high network coverage and low internet uptake) which is congruent with Research ICT Africa's findings. > > The data (and economic theory - see link #1 below) is telling us not to focus on supply side but to develop the demand side - because supply is abundant - but there is something that is impeding demand. > > This means looking at whether internet pricing (a factor of value perception) or internet quality (or both) are impeding penetration. It's hard to argue that QoS is a significant factor with 85% 3G coverage - because 3G internet is pretty good (even for compressed video 240-480p which is adequate for budget phones). > > The more credible explanation for low demand is affordability - and this has been alluded in several studies - including Research ICT Africa's study. Majority of Kenyans are poor - yet mobile service pricing is inequitably skewed in favor of the urban middle-class or higher who comprise < 12% of our 26.8Million (~57%) labor force, say ~3.2 million people filing tax returns as a rough indicator (see link #3 for Kenya's demographic profile). > > So ~88% of the work-capable population gets to pay a significantly higher premium per MB, as well as for voice and SMS. > > The poorer you are the heavier you are penalized. A 6MB for 3/- offer bundle with 24hr validity works out to 2MB per shilling. But if you can afford to pay 50/- for an hour you get ~40MB per shilling. The poor person pays 20 times more for the same commodity than the wealthier person. This is penalizing poverty - and quite ruthless, considering the essential nature of the services. > > Economic theory says that when supply is high and the pricing is uncompetitive in a market characterized by low disposable incomes, it can be expected that the demand would be low (unless some coercive factors exist e.g. for utilities like Kenya Power). The data supports this. > > The data is also challenging the procurement driven narrative that internet coverage is driven by technical gaps (coverage and capacity), rather than underlying economic issues (lack of quality jobs and stifled opportunities). So what should be examined instead is the relationship between disposable income, bundle pricing and internet uptake. > > Although one service provider in Kenya is making super profits, and has been growing in double digits, the broader economy does not reflect their vibrancy (the disparity is so wide, it is like the company exists in another dimension or on another planet) - which is a compelling indicator of serious market dysfunction e.g. unfair competition, excessive market power by one player, economically risky dominance and/or predatory practices (see link #4). > > When market dysfunction persists for long it can be an indication of regulatory capture or excessively high economic dependency, such that regulator is afraid to interfere - which severely degrades economic resilience via single point of failure scenario, and allows the problem to baloon to catastrophic levels over time (see link #2). > > More telling is the fact that we don't have a "number two" in terms of profits. So the demand/supply data is supporting the oft posited assertion that there is an unfair competitive landscape and monopolistic practices in the Telecomms sector (e.g. customer lock-in via network effects thus high switching costs / stifled innovations when the leader wants to get involved in everything - from taxi services to selling vegetables online etc).?? > What the data is telling us is that initiatives like the National Broadband Strategy should focus more on addressing demand side factors (e.g. deploying USF towards local content production, seed funding for startups and so on). Increasing supply at this time will be inefficient and wasteful (only a few will benefit at the expense of majority). > > Good evening. > > Links / References: > 1. Market gap analysishttp://www.consumerpsychologist.com/dist_Gap_Analysis.html <analysishttp://www.consumerpsychologist.com/dist_Gap_Analysis.html> > 2. Regulatory Capture: A reviewhttps://www.jstor.org/stable/23606888?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents <reviewhttps://www.jstor.org/stable/23606888?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents> > 3. Kenya Demographic Profile 2018 > https://www.indexmundi.com/kenya/demographics_profile.html <https://www.indexmundi.com/kenya/demographics_profile.html> > 4. Market Failure > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_failure <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_failure> > 5. GSMA Mobile economy 2019 > https://www.gsma.com/r/mobileeconomy/ <https://www.gsma.com/r/mobileeconomy/> > Brgds,Patrick. > [Cross-domain Innovator | Independent Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations] >

2 1

[cyber risk management opportunity for Africa] Huawei willing to sign "no-spy" "no backdoor" agreements with governments: Chairman
by Patrick A. M. Maina 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Good morning Listers, It is my hope that Kenya government and other African countries will move swiftly to take advantage of Huawei's "no spy" "no backdoor" agreement offer (and then push for similar agreements from other manufactures like CISCO, Intel as well as OS and DB providers like Microsoft, IBM, and Google - among others) because once international pressure is off, it will be very difficult (if not impossible) to get such deals on win-win terms. This is a rare and time-bound window of opportunity for African countries because we seldom have real international negotiation leverage and we do need affordable technologies (and supplier diversity) so hopefully it will not be wasted! Huawei can benefit by using Africa as a PR model to assure Europe and other regions where its technologies are popular. This can also turn the PR tables and put the spotlight on other global manufactures who are also known to offer undocumented backdoor access to their technologies. In the long run, this could lead to higher levels of trust within global markets - a win for everyone. Kenya can also leverage such agreements as a basis for B2G partnerships in cyber-defense to help Kenya develop indigenous technical capabilities for improved Cyber Resilience. Not just relying on imported (opaque - and probably trojan ridden) tools - as is currently the case - but being able to write our own low-level quality assurance tools for example. Data has no value if you can't protect it (from risks like theft / corruption / destruction / hijack etc). ------ Excerpt: “We are willing to sign no-spy agreements with governments, including the UK government, to commit ourselves to making our equipment meet the no-spy, no-backdoors standard,” Huawei chairman Liang Hua told reporters in London via an interpreter. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-huawei-security-britain-chairman/huawei-… Have a great day, Brgds,Patrick. Patrick A. M. Maina[Cross-domain Innovator | Independent Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations]

2 1

Finally we have a Digital Economy Blueprint! But now the real work of IMPLEMENTATION begins.
by Patrick A. M. Maina 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Dear listers, What are your thoughts on the Digital Economy Blueprint? My first impressions are that the document is comprehensive and inclusive. It does a good job of balancing a complex landscape of diverse interests - while maintaining focus on Kenya's prosperity as an overarching goal. Stakeholders now have common reference point for shared understanding on how public and private sector initiatives fit into the bigger picture; and the 5 Pillars approach, if well implemented, should lead to an optimal balance of initiatives and outcomes. Kudos to NCS, MoICT and all (public/private sector) stakeholders who were involved for doing a great job! But even as we celebrate, let us remind each other that "the map is not the territory". Kenya is renowned for world-class documents, blueprints, strategies and policies which are launched with pomp and color, only to be carefully shelved after the excitement is over (and then everyone goes back to the chaos that we are used to). A document is only a map; it is not the goal. Real success comes with implementation; hence the focus now should be on getting things done in the real world and striving for real measurable results. Here are some ideas for implementation: 1. Set up a website for the Digital Economy Blueprint to bring the document to life. 2. Develop a Visual Traceability Map (hopefully interactive - but can be static to begin with) showing: a. How the blueprint maps to Big 4 and Vision 2030 b. How all recent, ongoing and planned initiatives (including tenders) link back to the five pillars - to help improve visibility on whether resources allocation is optimally and sensibly balanced across all pillars - in order to avoid the trap of sub-optimization. 3. Enhance the map by adding the ability to switch the view according to different perspectives (e.g. budget / expenditure / new revenues / number of startups / jobs / investments / acquisitions / PPP projects / project status overviews / vendor distribution / counties etc) to give fairly precise indicators of where we are and where we are going as a country. 4. Develop a ROI Linkage Map that associates expenditure initiatives with benefit generating initiatives (including forward looking - ahead of demand, but time-bound projections - which would then be compared to actuals over time). The questions to answer include: are we optimally allocating capital and are investments yielding the promised benefits? This way we can learn about what works and what doesn't - and build confidence and competence across the board. 5. Blueprint implementation should look beyond tenders and spending: Our government needs new diversified sources of revenues - and pillars 2 and 4 are about developing new revenue streams for the country by establishing Kenya as a leading exporter of digital products and services in Africa and beyond. Hopefully these crucial pillars will get strong attention and financial targets will be set for implementation teams, against which performance should be measured. If done well, it should help reduce our country's reliance on debt for budget support. Implementation is the only way to bring a great plan / vision to life. Have a great day! Link: http://www.ict.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Kenya-Digital-Economy-2019.… Brgds,Patrick. Patrick A. M. Maina[Cross-domain Innovator | Independent Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations]

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Fwd: [afnog] Application for AfPIF-2019 fellowship is now open/ L'inscription au programme de bourses AfPIF-2019 est ouverte
by Barrack Otieno 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

This might be of interest to some. Regards ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Betel Hailu <hailu(a)isoc.org> Date: Tue, 14 May 2019 06:05:48 +0000 Subject: [afnog] Application for AfPIF-2019 fellowship is now open/ L'inscription au programme de bourses AfPIF-2019 est ouverte To: "afnog(a)afnog.org" <afnog(a)afnog.org> VERSION FRANCAISE CI-DESSOUS ============================== Hello everyone- Application for AfPIF-2019 fellowship is now open! Looking for fellowship to attend AfPIF-2019? There is limited fellowship opportunity - see if you qualify. #WomeninTech who have an interest in peering and interconnection are also encouraged to apply. Applications will close on May 29 2019 ============================== Bonjour à toutes et à tous- L’inscription au programme de bourses AfPIF-2019 est ouverte ! Vous cherchez des bourses pour participer à AfPIF-2019 ? Les places sont limitées, cependant vérifiez si votre profil correspond aux critères. #LesFemmesTech qui sont intéressées autour des concepts de peering et de transit sont également invitées à soumettre leurs candidatures. Dernier délai pour déposer les candidatures: le 29 Mai, 2019 Betel Hailu For AfPIF Comms -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

3 3

Government AI Readiness Index Launch - May 15th 1400 UTC
by Alex Comninos 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Dear All, I Invite you to the launch of the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index (a webinar) tomorrow May15th 1400 UTC If you would like to attend please register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai4d-knowledge-webinar-introducing-the-2019-go… Description Technologies have had an undeniable impact on improving living standards, connecting us together, and increasing productivity. With the right policies and institutional arrangements, governments can ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence are shared broadly. This one-hour webinar will introduce and ignite a dialogue on this year’s Government AI Readiness Index and its implications on various regions. The dialogue will draw on the knowledge of leading regional experts who penned this report. The Panelists • Hannah Miller, Report Lead Author from Oxford Insights, UK • Isaac Rutenberg, Director of the Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law, Kenya • Fabrizio Scrollini, Executive Director of the Latin American Open Data Initiative, Uruguay • Alex Comninos, AI4D Policy & Regulation Focal Point, Research ICT Africa, South Africa This webinar will be moderated by Robert Muthuri, AI4D Policy & Regulation Focal Point, Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology, Kenya When • Wednesday, May 15, 2019, from 16h-17h PM Nairobi Time | 14h-15h PM London -GMT | 9h-10h AM ET - Ottawa Time • This webinar will be hosted on Webex We look forward to your participation in this webinar. For more information visit our website: https://ai4d.ai/project/ai-index/ The 2019 Government AI Readiness Index was produced by Oxford Insights with support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Kind regards, Alex Comninos Alex Comninos Researcher | Research ICT Africa acomninos(a)researchictafrica.net | twitter: @alexcomninos @RIAnetwork 409 Old Castle Brewery, 6 Beach Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa +27 21 447 6332 | researchictafrica.net | facebook.com/researchICTafrica.net

4 7

Annual ICT conference
by Fiona Makaka 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Good morning Listers, Do we have a representative participating in this conference? Regards, Fiona Makaka Associate - Telecommunications, Media and Technology T: +254 (709) 830 100 | E: fmakaka(a)tripleoklaw.com A: 5th Floor, Block C, ACK Garden House, 1st Ngong’ Avenue, off Bishops Road, Nairobi, Kenya | View MapDownload contact details | View Disclaimer

5 7

[team up & bid] CA's Tender for Consultancy Ser- vices For The Study On Over-The- Top (OTTS) Technologies/Services In Kenya
by Patrick A. M. Maina 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Dear listers, This might be of interest to some listers. The above tender by CA is reserved for local 100% owned consultancies. Deadline is 22nd May (~8 days). Do you own or know an eligible consultancy that could be interested in bidding? Or you can team up with others to meet the requirements? If you need an extra hand (I qualify for "other consultant") I can be of service. Just inbox me. OTT is an area that I have researched on quite deeply and accumulated a lot of insights (as well as broad hands-on experience). Good day,Patrick. Patrick A. M. Maina[Cross-domain Innovator | Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations]

2 3

KRA targets online businesses in tax evasion crackdown
by Victor Kapiyo 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has set sights on businesses using the Internet to market and sell products in a renewed bid to reduce revenue leakage through tax evasion. The taxman says some of the businesses, which have invested in online channels to provide services and drive sales were neither paying taxes nor filing annual returns. https://mobile.nation.co.ke/business/KRA-targets-online-businesses-in-tax-e…

2 1

Re: [kictanet] [the CNBC report supports SGR idea] .KE SGR + CNBC - Why The US Has No High-Speed Rail
by Patrick A. M. Maina 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

For those who haven't watched it (see link #4 below), the video posted by Mr. Muraya supports the idea of a rail system like SGR and discusses how past US administrations' mistake of pandering to corporate interests (like car manufacturers, road contractors and petroleum barons) led to sub-optimal infrastructural decisions which will be very costly to undo, if at all possible, and which inadvertently created a niche for other countries, like China, to establish technological leadership in Rail innovations, that is now being used for geopolitical advantage against US interests. This is an excellent case study of how short-term oriented corporate lobbyists push for policies that sabotage governments and public interest in the long term. It also makes an interesting point: that high quality public infrastructure decisions are best driven by public interest and long term strategic planning (i.e. master-plan design instead of a haphazard "lets please the deepest pockets" approach). The politics around our SGR makes it a tricky and sensitive topic. It is very difficult to have a sober debate on such topics because positions are so deeply entrenched and heavily reliant on deep personal convictions (rather than rational thought or evidence), as well as undisclosed political motivations, that it sometimes looks like a religious debate. A key sign of entrenched positions is when sweeping statements are articulated as absolute and irrefutable "truths", applicable to ALL scenarios, no matter what, often with no supporting evidence or data, but even when confirming evidence or data exists, there is little if any interest in looking for, or entertaining, contradictory evidence or data. You can't establish an "absolute truth" by inductive reasoning (see links #1 & #2 below). No wonder at the end of every debate on such hot topics, each side becomes more entrenched in their previous beliefs and absolutely no learning takes place, because in reality, it is not the issue itself being debated or defended, but the normative (right/wrong/good/bad) connotations around the issue - which significantly raises the personal stakes among participants leading to a natural defensive reaction. There are scientific explanations for this i.e. cognitive dissonance and confirmation bias - so irrational positions are not just about "tribe" or political affiliations but how our brains are fundamentally wired to operate when we are in real/perceived groups. (see link #3 below) Even as I write this, I can't help but feel like a fly walking into the spider's den... Still, let me muster some courage and try tiptoe around the political minefield, so as to offer an intellectual perspective to those who may be receptive to a rational discussion on the topic of investment appraisal for public infrastructure. To begin, two interesting phrases have been made by fellow listers, which I think are not as congruent as they may appear. The phrase "ahead of demand" makes more sense to me than "not really supposed to break even". The former considers or recognizes the question of demand. The latter dispenses with it completely. I believe that SGR is an "ahead of demand" project that makes a lot of sense - just like Thika Superhighway and the various city bypass roads. The government is just not articulating its position well because it seemingly does not have a technocratic communication team (or Think Tank) that can engage ,non-politically, with opposing intellectuals to offer robust rebuttals to (real/purported) intellectual arguments, whilst educating the public on complexities and nuances around public interest projects. This failure to offer a robust articulation of net gains has a negative impact on trust - which creates room for toxic politics (propaganda). SGR is a component of a continent-wide master-plan. If you consider developments like AfCFTA and continent-wide infrastructure projects, the SGR starts to make a lot of sense. Most arguments against it try to limit the scope of benefit to tangible aspects (direct revenue) strictly within the local context - but holistic business cases will also consider the intangible benefits (e.g. opening up the economy for MSMEs) as well as broader contexts (e.g. AfCFTA, strategic geopolitical gains etc). So the business case for SGR (and it's payback period) largely depends the methodology and inputs used to calculate it - and this is why it is so vulnerable to politics. Sadly, Wanjiku doesn't know this - and Government has, so far, been doing a poor job of articulating it (as well as losing out of the benefits of teaching citizens how to think critically and independently - such as, lowering susceptibility of general population to geopolitical subversion. But these weaknesses can be addressed at any time by the relevant decision makers, if they wish to do so. Is it pedantic to examine the difference between "ahead of demand" vs "not really supposed to break even"? Well, if you believe resources are unlimited, that any debt is better than smart debt, and that there are no competing alternatives where allocation of capital would yield better returns, then, yes, you will assert pedantry. But if you take the view that resources are indeed scarce, that we are a poor country that relies on debt to provide even basic services like healthcare and/or education for our children, that we need to accumulate smart debt - not any debt, and you recognize the need to strike a balance between immediate needs (economic pain relief) and long term gains, you will see value in considering the demand-side and a culture that strives to focus on projects that have a clear and high value proposition for the country (the SGR being one of them, IMO). Perhaps Isiolo Airport would be an example of Ali's "not really supposed to break even" project, if recent media reports are anything to go by (see link #5). I don't have data to make any definitive conclusions on it as yet so I reserve my opinion. In order to establish a robust counter-narrative to that posed by economists and intellectuals (so that Wanjiku doesn't fall for intellectual dishonesty) the government should consider setting up "think tank" agencies or workgroups, in collaboration with entrepreneurs, TVETs and Universities, to offer intellectually robust thought leadership on national discourse; taking in the good ideas and offering robust counter-narratives to politically motivated intellectual arguments. We need a culture of low-stakes debate, where we people can talk to each other about things/perspectives that we disagree on, with the goal of educating ourselves as curious individuals, and as a collective that desires to make the right choices for our, and our children's long term benefit. Good evening. Links / References: 1. The Problem of Induction https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_of_induction 2. Deeper discussion on Inductive reasoning https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductive_reasoning 3. Confirmation Bias And the Power of Disconfirming Evidence https://fs.blog/2017/05/confirmation-bias/ 4. CNBC Report - Why The US Has No High-Speed Rail https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qaf6baEu0_w 5. https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/corporate/shipping/Isiolo-Airport-mostl… Brgds,Patrick. Patrick A. M. On Friday, May 10, 2019, 8:54:24 PM GMT+3, Eng. Dr. Zaipuna O. Yonah via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: I concur! I consider Infrastructure projects as investments AHEAD of demand, not where there is demand. RegardsZaipuna On Fri, 10 May 2019, 19:16 Ali Hussein via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke wrote: Interesting take. Just one thing. Infrastructure projects are not really supposed to break even. This is not a Profit and Loss situation. The ramifications of great infrastructure supersede the profit motive. Regards AliHussein Principal AHK & Associates Tel: +254 713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim 13th Floor , Delta Towers, Oracle Wing, Chiromo Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya. Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with. On Fri, May 10, 2019 at 11:20 AM S.M. Muraya via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: Interesting documentary here..Why The US Has No High-Speed Rail - https://youtu.be/Qaf6baEu0_w Even with digital transformations, the USA is still creating (service industry jobs) which require movement of people + cargo, not just movement of money (online banking services). MAYBE, the KE SGR will break even in 30 years (serving over 90 Mln Kenyans) if Kenyan SMEs are empowered to create more jobs all over Kenya. http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/opinion/2010/04/28/demographic-transition-… worldpopulationreview.com/countries/kenya-population/ _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/info%40alyhussein.com The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/engyonah%40gmail.com The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/pmaina2000%40yahoo.com The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.

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State of Broadband in Kenya - breakfast meeting
by Mwendwa Kivuva 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

KICTAnet conducted an online debate on the state of play and impact of broadband in Kenya, broadly looking at the socio-economic impact on consumers, businesses and various sectors like agriculture, education, healthcare, finance and government; looking at real life examples of impact of broadband, challenges we face in increasing impact of broadband and recommendations on interventions needed to address the challenges identified. The results of the discussion will be shared in a face to face breakfast meeting to be held on Friday 10th May 2019 at Sarova Panafric hotel, Nairobi from 7.30am Below is the eventbrite link for registration to participate in the event. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/state-of-broadband-in-kenya-breakfast-meeting-… ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva

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Re: [kictanet] State of Broadband in Kenya - breakfast meeting
by nzambi kakusu 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Thanks, I will be there. On Thu, 9 May 2019 11:05 am Mwendwa Kivuva, <lordmwesh(a)gmail.com> wrote: > You can just come. You are welcomed > > On Thu, May 9, 2019, 07:21 nzambi kakusu via kictanet < > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > >> Good morning, I had been asked to confirm to Mwara about the attendance. >> Can I still register? >> >> >> On Wed, 8 May 2019 4:11 pm Mwendwa Kivuva via kictanet, < >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: >> >>> We still have some slots remaining for the breakfast meeting on Friday. >>> Apply here on Eventbrite >>> >>> >>> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/state-of-broadband-in-kenya-breakfast-meeting-… >>> >>> >>> Warm Regards >>> ______________________ >>> Mwendwa Kivuva, >>> >>> >>> On Tue, 7 May 2019 at 01:28, Mwendwa Kivuva <Kivuva(a)transworldafrica.com> >>> wrote: >>> >>>> KICTAnet conducted an online debate on the state of play and impact of >>>> broadband in Kenya, broadly looking at the socio-economic impact on >>>> consumers, businesses and various sectors like agriculture, education, >>>> healthcare, finance and government; looking at real life examples of impact >>>> of broadband, challenges we face in increasing impact of broadband and >>>> recommendations on interventions needed to address the challenges >>>> identified. >>>> >>>> >>>> The results of the discussion will be shared in a face to face >>>> breakfast meeting to be held on Friday 10th May 2019 at Sarova >>>> Panafric hotel, Nairobi from 7.30am >>>> >>>> >>>> Below is the eventbrite link for registration to participate in the >>>> event. >>>> >>>> >>>> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/state-of-broadband-in-kenya-breakfast-meeting-… >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> ______________________ >>>> Mwendwa Kivuva >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet >>> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ >>> >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kakusuj7%40gmail.com >>> >>> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform >>> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and >>> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT >>> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. >>> >>> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors >>> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, >>> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do >>> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet >> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ >> >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kivuva%40transworldaf… >> >> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform >> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and >> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT >> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. >> >> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors >> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, >> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do >> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. >> >

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Webinar Invitation: Evolving ICANN’s Multistakeholder Model
by Bob Ochieng 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Dear listers, Let me share details of the above webinar here: https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2019-05-07-en <https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2019-05-07-en> You are all invited if you can find time. Thank you. Bob.

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Fwd: [afnog] NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2019 JONATHAN B. POSTEL SERVICE AWARD NOW OPEN
by Barrack Otieno 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Listers, This is for your information and action. Best Regards ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Betel Hailu <hailu(a)isoc.org> Date: Wed, May 8, 2019 at 10:13 AM Subject: [afnog] NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2019 JONATHAN B. POSTEL SERVICE AWARD NOW OPEN To: afnog(a)afnog.org <afnog(a)afnog.org> Hi everyone- Each year, the Internet Society awards the Jonathan B. Postel Service Award to an individual or an organization that has made outstanding contributions in service to the data communications community. The award committee places particular emphasis on candidates who have supported and enabled others in addition to their own specific actions. Nominations may be submitted by self-nomination or by a third party. The deadline for nominations is *15 May 2019*. For more information, see: https://www.internetsociety.org/postel Thank you, *Betel Hailu *| *Communications Coordinator – Africa Regional Bureau *|* Internet Society* skype: betty.hailu | *www.InternetSociety.org <http://www.InternetSociety.org> *| *Follow Us * [image: iption: Macintosh HD:Users:betelhailu:Desktop:facebook.png] <https://www.facebook.com/ISOCAfrica>[image: iption: Macintosh HD:Users:betelhailu:Desktop:twitter.png] <https://twitter.com/ISOC_Africa> _______________________________________________ afnog mailing list https://www.afnog.org/mailman/listinfo/afnog -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Crowd Sourced Citizen Report Cards + strategic inefficiency is what creates a large number jobs
by Jimmy Gitonga 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

This is what I think about the two issues. We need Citizen Report Cards. We need to find a way to do this by crowd sourcing not just the information, but the funding as well. At some point, Kenyans who are wealthy enough to offer patronage to citizen worthy causes and projects. This is the same for the seed funding required to develop local, indigenous ideas that have a potential to benefit all of us. The first obstacle we must get rid of is the “get rich quick” mentality in the “startup" fad. Sadly, we are mostly suspicious of one another in this country so few are willing to give money to a visibly worthy cause because the said startup entrepreneurs will probably line their pockets and not succeed in fulfilling the “social contract”. But if we went past these small issues, we can build web portals that visualise a lot of public data such as the KNBS census and household data. I did some work with Mzalendo Trust where a report was done on the Women representatives in the 11th Parliament. It was released as an infographic that really was a score card - http://info.mzalendo.com/media_root/file_archive/WP-Contributions_11th_Parl… <http://info.mzalendo.com/media_root/file_archive/WP-Contributions_11th_Parl…>. We did some research on what the baseline issues should be in the counties these women represent. We found the Kenya Socio-economic Atlas invaluable - https://www.kenya-atlas.org/ <https://www.kenya-atlas.org/>. We were able to see that Kenya should really be divided around its climatic predispositions and state funding should flow with these conditions in mind. I asked myself, why can’t the Kenya Atlas be made interactive and up-to-date? As it is, it is a fantastic source of data for socio-economic policy development. After talking to the program manager at CETRAD and remembering some conversations with a commissioner at the Commission on Revenue Allocation, I think that this is a worthwhile thing to pursue. This then informs and frames the issue of strategic inefficiency. Just by looking at the Kenya Atlas, one could quickly understand why sugar cane growing in Kenya will never be sustainable compared to the COMESA region. The inefficiencies in the sugar sector do keep a lot of farmers busy but these jobs are not sustainable. We have a lot of the information and most of the tools that we can use to make Kenya strategically efficient in this region for our benefit. If sugar from Sudan and maize from Malawi are cheaper to buy than to grow and the fact that we have a larger source of educated human resource and are leading in financial services means we have things we can trade in with our neighbours, to our benefit. The cheap and unnecessary political animosity we seem to encourage with our COMESA exemptions would be dissipated. These types of information can be disseminated as Citizen Report Cards with the added benefit of civic education that would result from discussions around the reports. After the Women Representatives report card, Parliamentarians began using the Mzalendo score cards in their re-election material. Best Regards, Jimmy Gitonga Web Software Design and Development LinkedIn: Jimmy Gitonga | Twitter: @Afrowave ______________________________________ Web: afroshok.com <http://afroshok.com/> > Indeed, Crowd Sourced Citizen Report Cards could lead to increased public sector accountability. Currently this gap is being filled by Twitter, in a crude way, but the potential is clear.? > > How do you see the PPP arrangement with MSMEs looking like conceptually? Hopefully not to be financially sustained by Government, keeping in mind the reality of cartels / MNC lobbyists / tenderpreneurs who will quickly hijack it, establish themselves as gatekeepers and turn it into a rent seeking charade? > I am of the view that the data should be provided for free to anyone (e.g. via secure government APIs) and MSMEs should find their own ways of "monetizing" it by creating innovative value-add propositions e.g. unique methods of analysis to yield forensic or predictive insights, independent content publishing or journalism. > > Crowd funding via voluntary donations could also come into play to provide additional financial sustenance and maximize public ownership/goodwill around the initiative. > > The open model will keep cartels away because there is real work and real value creation involved with no "assured income" and no gatekeepers to collect rent. Incidentally, these difficulties will attract real entrepreneurs, so it's a great way of screening. > > I think the idea (or different flavors of it) is worth piloting e.g. at a progressive County or Ministry (perhaps in partnership with a local University or TVET institution). Let's see what happens, now that the idea is in the public domain. Great potential for creating new jobs and for inspiring an R&D culture that focuses on solving real-world problems. > > Have a great evening! > > Brgds,Patrick. > > Patrick A. M. Maina[Cross-domain Innovator | Public Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations] > > On Fri, May 3, 2019 at 5:13 PM Patrick A. M. Maina <pmaina2000(a)yahoo.com <mailto:pmaina2000@yahoo.com>> wrote: > > Noted Muraya & thanks for clarifying. > True. Public projects should have public oversight unless there are clear compelling reasons, in public interest, to the contrary. > So, if I understand you correctly, the role of MSMEs would be to: > 1. Create public information web portals and keep them updated regularly. > 2. Collect accurate updates on government projects (e.g. go to project sites take photos and conduct contractor interviews every month; also collect data from relevant agencies) and update the data to the portal. > 3. Conduct analyses on data and publish fairly objective scorecard/dashboard reports for all eligible government projects.? > Is that similar to what you had in mind?? > What would the SME business model look like to avoid a rent-seeking type arrangement that in itself would be subject to corruption (which would turn the whole idea into a big mess)? > Though I support the idea of initial seed capital from gov, I think the SMEs would have to sustain themselves independently afterwards for it to make sense e.g. through ads or some indirect synergies where the portal adds value to their core business. > New Media businesses (independent publishers) for example might use this to boost their traffic/engagement (and advertising revenues). > Govenment could spice it up by creating a whistleblower bounty program where people who help identify corruption are paid x% of funds recovered (a graduated scale can be used, with hard capping). There would of course be need for smart rules to ensure the bounty program itself is not turned by cartels into a racket to fleece the gov. > I think you're on to something... > Brgds,Patrick.

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Fixing Africa's zig zag investment ecosystem
by Eric M K Osiakwan 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

https://www.africa.com/fixing-africas-zig-zag-investment-ecosystem/ <https://www.africa.com/fixing-africas-zig-zag-investment-ecosystem/> Eric here

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draft_declaration_of_principles_on_freedom_of_expression_in_africa_eng.pdf
by Lydia gachungi 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

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Public Consultation on the Draft Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa
by Lydia gachungi 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Public Consultation on the Draft Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa The Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa (the Special Rapporteur), one of the special mechanisms of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Commission), is undertaking an initiative to revise the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa (the Declaration), which was adopted during the 32nd Ordinary Session in October 2002. This initiative is being undertaken in pursuance of Resolutions 362, 350 and 222 of the African Commission, which mandated the Special Rapporteur, in conjunction with State Parties, civil society and other stakeholders, to revise and/or expand the Declaration to cover freedom of expression and access to information issues that may have been only part-included or not included at all in the Declaration, including by taking account of developments in the internet age. The draft Declaration on Principles of Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa (Draft Declaration) has been developed under the leadership of the Special Rapporteur. As part of the consultative process, the Special Rapporteur invites all state and non-state stakeholders to forward their inputs on the draft Declaration, by close of business on 01 July 2019. The Draft Declaration can be found using the link above, to the English, French and Portuguese versions. Contributions should be sent to the Secretariat of the African Commission on the following email address: au-banjul(a)africa-union.org. Done in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, 30 April 2019 http://www.achpr.org/news/2019/04/d375/

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Go big or Go Home: Money Matters
by Mbugua Njihia 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Sometimes, deep pockets are needed to power through long-term opportunities; providing runway and capital for physical infrastructure and ‘plumbing’ before technology can stitch it all together - http://www.mbuguanjihia.com/business/gobigorgohome.html *Regards,* Mbugua Njihia ᐧ

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Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Alert: Phishing Scam Email From "sales@icann.org"
by Barrack Otieno 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Yaovi Atohoun <yaovi.atohoun(a)icann.org> Date: Sun, 5 May 2019 21:13:33 +0000 Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] Alert: Phishing Scam Email From "sales(a)icann.org" To: AfrICANN Community List <africann(a)afrinic.net> Hello everyone / Bonjour à tous EN: Please read more at https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2-2019-05-02-en FR : Alerte hameçonnage : escroquerie par message électronique depuis « sales(a)icann.org ». Plus d’information à https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2-2019-05-02-fr Thanks / Merci -- Yaovi Atohoun Stakeholder Engagement and Operations Manager- Africa; ICANN Tel. +229 66015649/65209067 www.icann.org -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Twitter Kenya, Twitter Policy/Support
by Mutemi wa Kiama 07 Jul '19

07 Jul '19

Dear all, Are there individuals who work for Twitter Public Policy or Twitter Support on this list? Warm regards, Edwin Kiama Thoughts become things... choose the good ones! *-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------* *Social Justice & Social Accountability Entrepreneur, Facilitator, Movements' Coach, Human Rights Defender, * *#DevolutionIsRevolution Champion* *The Wanjiku Agenda Kenya Foundation (WAKenya)*Ordinary, fearless Kenyans. Sauti Ya Wanjiku Social Movement www.sautiyawanjiku.com https://www.facebook.com/wanjikurevolutionkenya https://twitter.com/WanjikuRevolt https://plus.google.com/u/1/+WanjikuMapinduzi/posts http://www.scribd.com/wmkenya "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." *~Margaret Mead*

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