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Re: [kictanet] Bob Collymore; Yet to arrive
by Betty Mwangi 09 Mar '11

09 Mar '11

Mark what problem are you experiencing exactly - the system is not down Please contact me directly on 0722 514780 Rgds Betty Sent from my iPad On Mar 7, 2011, at 10:24 AM, "Mark Okuttah" <mokuttah(a)ke.nationmedia.com> wrote: > M-PESA is down again . > > Okuttah > > From: kictanet-bounces+mokuttah=nation.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+mokuttah=nation.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Betty Mwangi > Sent: Monday, March 07, 2011 9:51 AM > To: Mark Okuttah > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Bob Collymore; Yet to arrive > > Gentlemen, > > Just to clarify the MPESA platform is the Vodafone money transfer platform you may have seen historically. There are many benefits from having the system centrally hosted but we do continue to review the pros and cons to ensure that the platform remains on the cutting edge of technology and also benefits from economies of scale through sharing resources with the other countries in which MPESA has been rolled out to. > > Best rgds > > Sent from my iPad > > On Mar 5, 2011, at 12:18 PM, "Odhiambo Washington" <odhiambo(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> >> >> On Sat, Mar 5, 2011 at 12:07, Michuki Mwangi <michuki(a)swiftkenya.com> wrote: >> >> Betty, >> >> On 3/5/11 7:38 AM, Betty Mwangi wrote: >> > Thanks Solomon >> > >> > Indeed there was an outage on M-PESA last evening whereby the >> > connectivity between the local servers and the database in Germany >> > temporarily failed. This was resolved last evening and apologies for the >> > inconvenience >> > >> >> <rant> >> >> From a technical stand-point the statement above can be easily >> interpreted as a technically flawed design IMHO. It almost states that >> the M-PESA services are "entirely" dependent on connectivity to Germany. >> >> I doubt if this is the case and you may want to clarify. If it is the >> case - i have to say its quite a challenge on your hands to provide an >> efficient service for a local service that depends on international >> connectivity. >> >> </rant> >> >> Michuki. >> >> >> I was going to rant about this too, but I decided not to, because something hit my mind: Since I have a Safaricom WiMax link which I use only for Int'l VoIP, them having to rely on DB servers in Germany is a good thing for me (perhaps) - that they will ensure my Int'l link never goes down:-))) >> >> The negative side to what Betty said is simply something about Kenya's IT infrastructure. That Safaricom does NOT have faith in having their servers hosted locally, since they don't trust having their servers in Kenya. Now, that is another minus for Safaricom! >> >> -- >> Best regards, >> Odhiambo WASHINGTON, >> Nairobi,KE >> +254733744121/+254722743223 >> _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ >> Damn!! >> > >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: bmwangi1(a)safaricom.co.ke >> Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bmwangi1%40safaricom.c… > Note: > All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricoms Email Terms & Conditions. Please click here to read the policy. > > 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 Nation Media Group. > > To get all breaking news alerts send the word BREAK to 6667 or visit http://mobile.nation.co.ke to read news on your mobile phone. ##################################################################################### NOTE: All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricom�s Email Terms & Conditions. Please click here to read the policy. #####################################################################################

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Informative Website
by Eric Kirimi 08 Mar '11

08 Mar '11

Hallo Listers, I found this informative webinars website and thought you would be interested http://www.brighttalk.com/ regards, Eric. K

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free virtualization training classes
by Paul Roy 08 Mar '11

08 Mar '11

Folks, For those who have been asking for free virtualization training please book and attend the following fee classes http://blogs.technet.com/b/systemcenter/archive/2011/03/07/microsoft-virtua… regards, Paul Roy. Technology Strategist, Microsoft Corp.

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Kenya Blogger Invites President Kagame to an event through Twitter and he came
by Twahir Mohamed 08 Mar '11

08 Mar '11

Dear Listers, Below is a link that has the story above.........shows how social media has increased and african leaders paying more attention to opinions on the blogsphere http://bit.ly/eFlXQ3 -- Twahir

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Usage Reports from Safaricom for Prepaid Customers
by Edwin Onchari 07 Mar '11

07 Mar '11

Listers, Is anyone aware, where on the Safaricom site I can access usage on my prepaid line. Lately, my faithful KSHS 100 weekly credit gets used up mighty fast. I would like to view the history on my account to ensure that I am not being ripped off somehow. Do any of the other Telkoms have this facility? Edwin

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ICANN board response to GAC on new gTLDs
by alice＠apc.org 07 Mar '11

07 Mar '11

Dear all Please find attached ICANN's board response to the GAC score card on new gTLDs. best alice

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The Death of Cybercafes?
by Edith Adera 07 Mar '11

07 Mar '11

Listers Just back from Ghana where I was impressed to see that cybercafes are still alive (e.g. BusyInternet)...as my experience in Kenya is that it's hard to find a functional cybercafe within easy reach with cutting edge services and programs (PDF etc)....most are closing down with Internet available on the mobile (with aggressive competition). So outside the office set-up and with minimal home connections...one has almost no options for innovation. Is it a good thing that cybers are dying in Kenya and broadband is yet to reach homes? what needs to be done differently to inform our efforts on digital villages etc? Edith ________________ Edith Ofwona Adera Senior Program Specialist ICT4D Program and Climate Change & Water Program International Development Research Centre | Centre de recherches pour le développement international Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa Tel: +254202713160 | Fax/Téléc: +254202711063 | Skype: edithadera eadera(a)idrc.or.ke<mailto:eadera@idrc.or.ke> | www.idrc.ca<http://www.idrc.ca/> | www.crdi.ca<http://www.crdi.ca/> [https://email.idrc.or.ke/owa/attachment.ashx?id=RgAAAAANayfd3%2b2VQYZo%2flc…]

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Bob Collymore; Yet to arrive
by robert yawe 07 Mar '11

07 Mar '11

Hi Listers, I had a chance to catch my namesake Robert Collymore's on the bench interview rerun with Jeff Koinange and it was quite enlightening especially from how he answered the questions. For some reason Jeff was too mellow seems like he had been given a script which was unfortunate, his interview of one Kaguta Museveni was more punchy. As I listened to the interview it became clear that Bob has still not arrived in Kenya, he is here physically but his heart must have been lost in transit, airlines keep doing it with peoples luggage, he needs a chance to arrive. I would suggest that first someone takes him across to Njuguna's preferably after Mututho, best would be if it was with a non-safaricom supplier or staff member as he needs an orientation in Kenyanism. After this he needs to visit Kiamaiko and also watch a soccer match at Dandora or Kibera stadiums then he will be better placed to comment on the Kenyan. He might even be allowed to get aware with using terms like Kubafu and peculiar to describe us. Unlike MJ, Bob has come to occupy the sit at the top of an existing ivory tower that Micheal built, from where the view can be very deceiving and his lieutenants are likely to insulate him from what is happening on the ground. If he genuinely wants to sort our the rote within Safaricom and move the organisation into the future then he must descend from the ivory tower and order his heart back via express courier otherwise his stay shall be short and uneventful. You cannot appreciate the bigger picture if you have no contact with the sectoral one, the pixels make the picture. Just my take from the answers he gave to the soft questions that where rolled towards him. Regards Bob akaribishwe kimtaa Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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Re: [kictanet] Bob Collymore; Yet to arrive
by Betty Mwangi 05 Mar '11

05 Mar '11

Thanks Emmanuel - kindly send me your contact details so we can investigate this further - we do appreciate your feedback and are keen to ensure resolution. Rgds Sent from my iPad On Mar 5, 2011, at 6:00 AM, "Emmanuel Khisa" <oloo.khisa(a)googlemail.com> wrote: > Not to beat down a man who is "already down", I submit that the problem with Mpesa airtime has been a problem for more than one month on and off and the problem is much bigger than last Sunday's update. It is crucial for Safaricom to be honest with itself, and seek to once and for all fix this problem. Its not just affecting them, its affecting multiple other industries... > > My take. > > On Fri, Mar 4, 2011 at 9:36 PM, Betty Mwangi <bmwangi1(a)safaricom.co.ke> wrote: > Thanks for this information Njeri - please can you send me the details of the outlets that failed to serve you so that we can take immediate action. Further we would like to assure you that M-KESHO is operational and if you experience any problems please do not hesitate to contact me. > > Regarding Mr Ouma's e mail below it is true that following the network upgrade last weekend there was a fault with M-PESA airtime top up for self and this has also been resolved. Please send me your contact details so that we can look into your specific issue if the problem is persisting. > > We apologize for the inconvenience. > > Best rgds > > Betty Mwangi - Thuo > > > Sent from my iPad > > On Mar 4, 2011, at 6:39 PM, "Njeri" <njeri.rionge(a)igniteconsulting.co.ke> wrote: > >> I wanted to load 40k last week and was only able to do so by going to three outlets, then sending it was another issue, not to mention some told me mkesho is now mkesho kutwa. :-) >> >> Sent from my iPhone. >> >> Njeri >> >> www.njeri-rionge.com >> >> On Mar 4, 2011, at 18:22, Michael Bullut <michael.bullut(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> The MPesa service is currently down... I tried depositing some funds an hour ago at two agents in Westlands and they told me the system is unavailable... >>> >>> On Fri, Mar 4, 2011 at 3:03 PM, Michael Ouma <benomnta(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >>> If this was facebook, I would said "like this" comment. >>> >>> I can't top up my credit via mpesa neither can I top up another number via the same mpesa since last week. >>> >>> Michael Ouma >>> Journalist >>> Kenya >>> Tel:+254-725-537823 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> "Do not go where the path may lead, but go instead where there is no path and leave a trail," - Ralph Waldo Emerson >>> >>> >>> From: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> >>> To: benomnta(a)yahoo.com >>> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >>> Sent: Fri, March 4, 2011 8:36:30 AM >>> Subject: [kictanet] Bob Collymore; Yet to arrive >>> >>> Hi Listers, >>> >>> I had a chance to catch my namesake Robert Collymore's on the bench interview rerun with Jeff Koinange and it was quite enlightening especially from how he answered the questions. >>> >>> For some reason Jeff was too mellow seems like he had been given a script which was unfortunate, his interview of one Kaguta Museveni was more punchy. >>> >>> As I listened to the interview it became clear that Bob has still not arrived in Kenya, he is here physically but his heart must have been lost in transit, airlines keep doing it with peoples luggage, he needs a chance to arrive. >>> >>> I would suggest that first someone takes him across to Njuguna's preferably after Mututho, best would be if it was with a non-safaricom supplier or staff member as he needs an orientation in Kenyanism. After this he needs to visit Kiamaiko and also watch a soccer match at Dandora or Kibera stadiums then he will be better placed to comment on the Kenyan. He might even be allowed to get aware with using terms like Kubafu and peculiar to describe us. >>> >>> Unlike MJ, Bob has come to occupy the sit at the top of an existing ivory tower that Micheal built, from where the view can be very deceiving and his lieutenants are likely to insulate him from what is happening on the ground. >>> >>> If he genuinely wants to sort our the rote within Safaricom and move the organisation into the future then he must descend from the ivory tower and order his heart back via express courier otherwise his stay shall be short and uneventful. You cannot appreciate the bigger picture if you have no contact with the sectoral one, the pixels make the picture. >>> >>> Just my take from the answers he gave to the soft questions that where rolled towards him. >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> Bob akaribishwe kimtaa >>> >>> >>> Robert Yawe >>> KAY System Technologies Ltd >>> Phoenix House, 6th Floor >>> P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 >>> Kenya >>> >>> Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: michael.bullut(a)gmail.com >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/michael.bullut%40gmail… >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Warm regards, >>> >>> Michael Bullut. >>> >>> --- >>> >>> Cell: +254 723 393 114. >>> Google Talk: michael.bullut >>> Twitter: @Kipsang >>> Blog: http://kipsang.wordpress.com/ >>> Email: michael.bullut(a)gmail.com >>> >>> --- >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: njeri.rionge(a)igniteconsulting.co.ke >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/njeri.rionge%40ignitec… >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: bmwangi1(a)safaricom.co.ke >> Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bmwangi1%40safaricom.c… > Note: > All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricom’s Email Terms & Conditions. Please click here to read the policy. > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: oloo.khisa(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/oloo.khisa%40gmail.com > > > > > -- > Oloo Khisa > P.O. Box 24324-00100 > Nairobi > 0721321086/0734321086 > http://ke.linkedin.com/in/olookhisa > ##################################################################################### NOTE: All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricom�s Email Terms & Conditions. Please click here to read the policy. #####################################################################################

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Apply now for ICANN's Leadership Positions: Introducing the Nominating Committee (NomCom)
by Alice Munyua 05 Mar '11

05 Mar '11

Dear all, (apologies for cross posting) Please see below an announcement below from ICANN's nominating committee. They are seeking to fill leadership positions with people with skills and interest in multi stakeholder policy development as well as internet governance in general. For example, the At Large Committee (ALAC) would be a very interesting entry point for people interested in a broad range of issues, ccNSO (Country Code Names Supporting Organization) works mainly on (country code top level domains) ccTLDs, while the gNSO focuses on policy development for generic names. Would be great if we could get more of us involved! best Alice ------------------- Apply now for ICANN's Leadership Positions: Introducing the Nominating Committee (NomCom) The NomCom is an independent committee that, over a three-year cycle, is responsible for the selection and appointment of half of the voting members of ICANN's Board of Directors as well as members of ICANN's policy making Supporting Organizations and Advisory Councils. The 2011 NomCom is currently seeking volunteers willing to join ICANN's leadership and help shape the future of the Internet. The application process for the following positions is now open: * At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) (3 seats, Africa; Asia/Australia/Pacific; and Latin America/Caribbean Islands regions) * Generic Names Supporting Organization Council (GNSO) (2 seats) * Country Code Names Support Organization Council (ccNSO) (1 seat) * Board of Directors (2 seats) Information about the qualifications and experience required for these positions is available on the NomCom website http://nomcom.icann.org/positions-2011.htm Self-nominations are welcome, or you can suggest a candidate -- if you know someone who could help lead development of policy for the Domain Name System, then the NomCom wants to hear from you! Visit the NomCom website http://nomcom.icann.org/ for details of how to apply http://nomcom.icann.org/apply or how to recommend an expert http://nomcom.icann.org/suggest/ for a position. NomCom Chair, Adam Peake <ajp(a)glocom.ac.jp> would be pleased to answer any questions a potential candidates may have. Closing date for applications 4 April 2011. END --

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Fwd: Jobs in Mobiles and Finance / Mobiles and Agriculture with GSMA in London
by Alice Munyua 04 Mar '11

04 Mar '11

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Jobs in Mobiles and Finance / Mobiles and Agriculture with GSMA in London Date: Fri, 4 Mar 2011 15:52:17 +0000 From: Richard Heeks <richard.heeks(a)manchester.ac.uk> To: Richard Heeks <richard.heeks(a)manchester.ac.uk> Job 1: Mobile Money for the Unbanked Programme Coordinator Department Development Fund Location London Salary Competitive Assesment Interview/psychometric Reporting to Programme Director Deadline: 10th of March *Description* The MMU Coordinator role is primarily a role supporting the members of the MMU team, as well as the various activities and programmes that the MMU team runs. On top of this the chosen candidate will be expected to contribute ideas for impactful mobile money industry events and workshops with the rest of the MMU team and then will be responsible for transforming these ideas into successful working sessions. This person will be responsible for creating and issuing the agenda (with input from the MMU team), preparing materials in advance, arranging logistics, communicating with members and driving attendance to the each session and also work with the Knowledge Manager to ensure that appropriate content is effectively disseminated to the wider MM community post the event. The MMU Coordinator will also be responsible for gathering appropriate feedback and carrying out analysis on the data collected from our stakeholders to ensure that we are effectively meeting their needs, having the right impact and also suggesting ways to improve our Programme activities so that we continue to raise the bar. There are currently two main events each year, which the MMU Coordinator will be expected to attend (currently planned for Singapore, June 2011), and then approximately three regional events each year (across Asia, LatAm and Africa -- Coordinator attendance TBC). They will also be responsible for customer relationship management for the MMU Programme, ensuring a database of our contacts is maintained and managed. They will also be the first line of contact for queries from existing members or enquiries from potential members of the MMU Programme. The MMU Coordinator will support the Programme Manager to complete programme management tasks such as status reporting, financial planning, etc., including tollgate reporting to our sponsors at the Gates Foundation. They will also be responsible for supplier contracting and managing the invoice payments process with the Finance teams, to ensure all suppliers are contracted and managed appropriately. They will also be responsible for supporting the team during peak periods, either for administration support (e.g. booking meetings, travel, etc.) or more ad hoc tasks (to be agreed with the Coordinator and the Programme Manager). The MMU Coordinator will also be responsible for ensuring that MMU is appropriately represented in wider Mobile Money events, through ensuring good coordination with their opposite number from the wider MM theme. The MMU Coordinator will be an integral part of the MMU team and will be exposed not only to the operational side of the Programme but also on helping to shape our activities and strategy, e.g. they will be expected to contribute ideas for how we can continue to increase our impact on the mobile money industry. They will work closely with the Programme Manager to ensure that the strategy and operational plans are regularly reviewed and any modifications are effectively communicated to the wider Development Fund and beyond as appropriate. The MMU Coordinator will also be given their own MMU project to complete, which will require research (this may be a primary research such as an interview for the MMU Newsletter with a key player in the industry, or secondary research based on existing published materials). The scope of this will be agreed with the Programme Manager, based on the programme's needs as well as the Coordinator's own interests and aspirations. They will have significant exposure to the key players in the mobile money industry and will be expected to have a keen interest in learning about the role of mobile communications to bank the unbanked, and growing their own network in this space. The MMU Coordinator will report to the Programme Manager. *Context* GSMA -- Mobile Money for the Unbanked Programme (MMU) The MMU Programme is sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal of the Programme is to provide mobile money services to 20 million new unbanked people who are living on sub $2 per day by 2012. Furthermore, MMU will strive for mobile money to 1) be considered mainstream business for mobile operators, 2) be extensively available to those who have been previously unbanked, and 3) extend the reach and reduce the costs for formal financial services such as savings, insurance and credit. The Programme will achieve its aims by working closely with key industry bodies (regulatory bodies and financial institutions) as well as a number of mobile network operators (GSMA members) who have the opportunity to make the biggest impact within the mobile money space. MMU will also work to raise advocacy for mobile money more broadly within the industry, by ensuring that key industry developments, learnings and best practice are appropriately packaged and shared. MMU will convene the industry in a series of Working Groups and Sub-Groups, in order to better understand and resolve key issues facing mobile money. It will also provide grant funding to mobile money projects, in order to foster innovation and accelerate deployments, and the MMU team will work closely with these projects to ensure their success. The right candidate will join a young, dynamic, high performing team (currently 5 people strong, from financial services, telecommunications and strategy consulting backgrounds). There will be extensive travel opportunities, particularly within developing markets across Asia, Latin America and Africa. *Criteria* GSMA - The Person The role requires an individual who is a well organized team player, with a desire to learn about mobile money and play a role in supporting the development of this industry through our Programme. Specifically: - Drive and proactivity - demonstrates a "can do" attitude, and eager to identify and suggest ways of improving existing processes - Previous experience of working on a large Programme and knowledge of programme management practices - Very conscientious -- sets high personal standards and shows excellent attention to detail - Highly professional -- comfortable interacting with internal and external stakeholders, including C-level executives - Demonstrates a will to learn about the industry (by active participation in team meetings, with questions or insight about MMU industry) - Good knowledge of MS Office (Excel, Word and Powerpoint) - Basic analytical skills - Able to quickly grasp new concepts and ideas - Willingness to travel on an international basis - Excellent cultural awareness and a desire to work with teams around the world - language skills highly desirable Click here to complete an application form for this position https://infocentre.gsm.org/cgi-bin/jb_job_apply.cgi?jb_job_id=dev-lon-210&j… Fund <https://infocentre.gsm.org/cgi-bin/jb_job_apply.cgi?jb_job_id=dev-lon-210&j…> Job 2: mAgri Coordinator *Role Details* __ Role Title: mAgri Coordinator *Reporting to: mAgri Director* Company: GSMA Development Fund ** * Location: London* ** *About the GSMA Development Fund* ** The GSMA Development Fund exists to accelerate economic, social and environmental development through the use of mobile technology. We believe that providing tangible, accessible mobile services to people in developing countries is invaluable to society and can help improve people's lives. The Development Fund leverages the industry expertise of the GSMA and its members, as well as the development expertise of international agencies and non-profit organisations to accelerate mobile services in six areas: Mobile Agriculture, Mobile Money for the Unbanked, Green Power for Mobile, mWomen, Mobile Health and Mobile Learning.Together with our partners, we incubate and replicate new mobile services in communities where they can make a positive difference. We believe that "doing good, is good business" and that with more than 3 billion users, 'base of the pyramid' markets are the future for mobile growth and innovation. The mobile industry is therefore uniquely positioned to deliver economic and social value to these markets. In order to drive developments in this area the Development Fund's role is to catalyse innovation, drive market scaling and increase knowledge networking to achieve the following objectives: ·Increase the number of effective, scalable and replicable development initiatives using mobile technology in emerging markets. ·Implement these initiatives in a scalable and sustainable fashion, bringing socio-economic benefits to individuals and communities. ·Increase awareness among governments and the development community of how GSM voice and data networks act as an agent of development and can be used to bridge the digital divide. http://www.gsmworld.com/developmentfund/index.shtml ** *Programme Description * ** ** GSMA -- Mobile Agriculture (mAgri) The GSMA Development Fund's Mobile Agriculture (mAgri) initiative has been established to catalyse the deployment of mobile solutions to serve the agriculture sector. To date, focus has been to engage with mobile operators and their partners to accelerate the availability of agriculture information based services through mobile to farmers (mFarmer services). In partnerships with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, the mAgri programme has supported and piloted two projects in Africa and India. We are due to launch a second phase of mAgri programme -- mFarmer sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal of the mFarmer programme is to work with mobile network operators and partners to support the launch of quality agricultural VAS that will be accessed by over 2 million smallholder farmers. The programme aims to provide a sustainable way for farmers to obtain critical life-enhancing agricultural information that can help them improve their farm productivity and income. The mFarmer programme will achieve its aims by working closely with mobile network operators (GSMA members) and other public and private sector agriculture organisations who are implementing agricultural VAS. Through an open application process, the mFarmer programme will award challenge funds, technical assistance and an electronic content database to selected mFarmer projects, in order to foster innovation and accelerate deployments. The mAgri team will work closely on the ground with these projects to ensure their success. The mAgri team will also work to raise advocacy for mobile agriculture more broadly within the industry, by ensuring that key industry developments, learnings and best practices are appropriately packaged and shared; and convene the industry in order to better understand and resolve key issues facing mobile agriculture initiatives. The right candidate will join a newly forming, young, dynamic, high performing team. There will be travel opportunities, particularly within Sub-Saharan Africa. *Role Description* ** ** The role will encompass: ·*Programme management support*(40%) - the mAgri Coordinator will work with the mAgri team to create a robust programme management structure to support the new programme and will be actively involved in tasks such as status reporting and financial reporting. They will be responsible for supplier contracting and managing the invoice payments process with the Finance teams, to ensure all suppliers are contracted and managed appropriately. They will support the grant management co-ordination and work closely with the grant management partner and applicants. They will also be responsible for customer relationship management for the mAgri Programme, ensuring a database of our contacts is maintained and managed. They will be the first line of contact for queries from existing members or enquiries from potential members of the mAgri Programme. They will also be responsible for supporting the team during peak periods, either for administration support (e.g. booking meetings, travel, etc.) or more ad hoc tasks (to be agreed with the Coordinator and the Programme Director). ·*Marketing support (20%) *- The mAgri Coordinator will work closely with the mAgri team and marketing team to raise the profile of the mAgri programme. They will be responsible for co-ordinating marketing plans, establishing and maintaining the presence of the mAgri programme on-line, studying industry trends, and co-ordinating knowledge management with the wider team. The mAgri Coordinator will be an integral part of the mAgri team and will be exposed not only to the operational side of the Programme but also on helping to shape our activities and strategy, and they will be expected to contribute ideas for how we can continue to increase our impact on the mAgri industry. They will work closely with the Programme Director to ensure that the strategy and operational plans are regularly reviewed and any modifications are effectively communicated to the wider Development Fund and beyond as appropriate. ·*Events and workshop co-ordination*(20%) - The mAgri Coordinator will work with the mAgri team to create successful knowledge transfer sessions (for example, working groups, webinars, workshops). This person will be responsible for all logistical planning and execution including issuing the agenda (with input from the mAgri team), preparing materials in advance, arranging logistics, communicating with members and driving attendance to the each session and also work with the mAgri team to ensure that appropriate content is effectively disseminated to the wider mAgri community pre, during and post the event. The mAgri Coordinator will also be responsible for gathering appropriate feedback and carrying out analysis on the data collected from our stakeholders to ensure that we are effectively meeting their needs, having the right impact and also suggesting ways to improve our Programme activities so that we continue to raise the bar. The person will have significant exposure to the key players in the mobile agriculture industry and will be expected to have a keen interest in learning about the role of mobile communications to serve the agriculture sector, and growing their own network in this space. The mAgri co-ordinator will also spend 20% of their time supporting the GSMA Development Fund more widely and helping to co-ordinate GSMA Development Fund cross-programme activities, as directed by the Managing Director of the Development Fund. *GSMA Package* ** ** Salary band £28-£35k, subject to experience Bonus up to 10% of salary The GSMA is able to provide suitably motivated candidates with a first class working environment, access to all of the key decision makers in a one of the planets largest and most progressive industry's and the content to keep a curious mind engaged. Many of our alumni have now taken key roles in the development of the industry. How to apply Name: Clare Kibbey Contact form or email: jobs(a)gsm.org Application deadline: Fri, 25/03/2011 Job 3: mAgri Manager *Role Details* Role Title: mAgri Manager Reporting to: mAgri Director Company: GSMA Development Fund Location: Sub-Saharan Africa (location tbd) *About the GSMA Development Fund* The GSMA Development Fund exists to accelerate economic, social and environmental development through the use of mobile technology. We believe that providing tangible, accessible mobile services to people in developing countries is invaluable to society and can help improve people's lives. The Development Fund leverages the industry expertise of the GSMA and its members, as well as the development expertise of international agencies and non-profit organisations to accelerate mobile services in six areas: Mobile Agriculture, Mobile Money for the Unbanked, Green Power for Mobile, mWomen, Mobile Health and Mobile Learning. Together with our partners, we incubate and replicate new mobile services in communities where they can make a positive difference. We believe that "doing good, is good business" and that with more than 3 billion users, 'base of the pyramid' markets are the future for mobile growth and innovation. The mobile industry is therefore uniquely positioned to deliver economic and social value to these markets. In order to drive developments in this area the Development Fund's role is to catalyse innovation, drive market scaling and increase knowledge networking to achieve the following objectives: ? Increase the number of effective, scalable and replicable development initiatives using mobile technology in emerging markets. ? Implement these initiatives in a scalable and sustainable fashion, bringing socioeconomic benefits to individuals and communities. ? Increase awareness among governments and the development community of how GSM voice and data networks act as an agent of development and can be used to bridge the digital divide. http://www.gsmworld.com/developmentfund/index.shtml *GSMA -- Mobile Agriculture (mAgri)* The GSMA Development Fund's Mobile Agriculture (mAgri) initiative has been established to catalyse the deployment of mobile solutions to serve the agriculture sector. To date, focus has been to engage with mobile operators and their partners to accelerate the availability of agriculture information based services through mobile to farmers (mFarmer services). In partnerships with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, the mAgri programme has supported and piloted two projects in Africa and India. We are due to launch a second phase of mAgri programme -- mFarmer sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal of the mFarmer programme is to work with mobile network operators and partners to support the launch of quality agricultural VAS that will be accessed by over 2 million smallholder farmers. The programme aims to provide a sustainable way for farmers to obtain critical life-enhancing agricultural information that can help them improve their farm productivity and income. The mFarmer programme will achieve its aims by working closely with mobile network operators (GSMA members) and other public and private sector agriculture organisations who are implementing agricultural VAS. Through an open application process, the mFarmer programme will award challenge funds, technical assistance and an electronic content database to selected mFarmer projects, in order to foster innovation and accelerate deployments. The mAgri team will work closely on the ground with these projects to ensure their success. The mAgri team will also work to raise advocacy for mobile agriculture more broadly within the industry, by ensuring that key industry developments, learnings and best practices are appropriately packaged and shared; and convene the industry in order to better understand and resolve key issues facing mobile agriculture initiatives. Th right candidate will join a newly forming, young, dynamic, high performing team. *Programme Description* The GSMA Development Fund is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to work as a manager across multiple mFarmer projects in Sub-Saharan Africa and India. The role will encompass: ? Technical Assistance (70%) -- work directly with potential grantees to develop grant applications (which will include operational and business plans for the mFarmer projects) that can be presented to the Fund Panel. Support operators which have received funding from the mFarmer Fund and work onsite as a consultant/technical advisor to develop and implement their service strategy, robust business and operational plans, share lessons learned in other markets, and troubleshoot key challenges. Ensure the agricultural service is designed and implemented to provide a high-quality of service and impact to farmers; and can be scaleable and sustainable. Provide IT/systems assistance for the integration of an electronic content database. Develop and manage key stakeholders relationships critical for the programme's success, including mobile phone operators, value added service providers, agriculture institutes and donor agencies. Understand and develop new business models and partnerships. ? Best practice and knowledge sharing (15%) -- Help define the overall GSMA mAgri advocacy strategy. Extract key learnings and analytics from each mFarmer project deployment and raise advocacy for mobile agricultural services more broadly within the industry, by ensuring that key industry developments, learnings and best practices are appropriately packaged and shared. This could be in the form of writing case studies and online reports and conducting knowledge sharing sessions via working groups, webinars and workshops (in collaboration with the other mAgri team members). ? Programme and project monitoring (15%) -- Define project plans, milestones and success measures; prepare timely and comprehensive analysis of progress against metrics and milestones. Prepare progress and financial reports, as required. Manage third party monitoring and evaluation services. Liaise with a third party grant management organisation to contract grants and ensure contractual obligations are met. *Role Description* - Consultancy and business development experience - Outstanding general and project management skills - Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills - Proven track record of achievement under a range of challenging situations (ideally in multiple countries, especially developing countries) - Experienced or passionate in agriculture development and the role of mobile technology - Experience of the mobile telecoms sector and development sector is desirable - Experience of designing or implementing new IT systems is desirable - Excellent relationship management and cultural awareness skills, able to work equally well in a CEO boardroom or a local village - Driven, proactive and conscientious professional - Excellent analytical skills - Willingness to travel on an international basis How to apply Name: Clare Kibbey Contact form or email: jobs(a)gsm.org Application deadline: Fri, 25/03/2011

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2011 Anita Borg Change Agent Awards Nominations Open
by Dorcas Muthoni 04 Mar '11

04 Mar '11

2011 Anita Borg Change Agent Awards Nominations Open *Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology Honors Individuals **Advancing Women’s Participation in the Creation and Use of Technology Worldwide* *PALO ALTO, Calif. — February 22, 2011, —* The *Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology <http://www.anitaborg.org/>* announced today it has opened the *Call for Nominations<http://anitaborg.org/initiatives/awards/change-agent-awards/> * for the *Anita Borg Change Agent Awards<http://anitaborg.org/initiatives/awards/change-agent-awards/> *. The Change Agent Awards celebrate the accomplishments of technical women from, and who work in, developing countries. These awards are designed to recognize up-and-coming leaders that impact or advance women’s participation in technology. Three individual awards will be given to women in computing that demonstrate leadership within their communities, expand opportunities and influence the careers of girls and women in technology, and demonstrate impact on advancing women’s participation in technology. Each winner will receive up to $5,000 in travel reimbursement to attend the *Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing <http://www.gracehopper.org/>*. Past winners have come from Bahrain, Brazil, Egypt, Georgia, Haiti, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey. The Change Agent Awards are sponsored by Google. *The awards will be presented on November 11, 2011 at the Grace Hopper Celebration in Portland, Oregon. Nominations will be accepted until May 2, 2011 at **http://anitaborg.org/initiatives/awards/change-agent-awards**/.* *About the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology (ABI)* The Anita Borg Institute provides resources and programs to help industry, academia, and government recruit, retain, and develop women leaders in high-tech fields, resulting in higher levels of technological innovation. ABI programs serve high-tech women by creating a community and providing tools to help them develop their careers. ABI is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 charitable organization. ABI Partners include: Google, Microsoft, HP, CA, Cisco, First Republic Bank, IBM, Intel, Intuit, Lockheed Martin, National Science Foundation, National Security Agency, NetApp, SAP, Symantec, Thomson Reuters, Wilson Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati, Motorola Foundation, Yahoo, Amazon, Facebook, and Raytheon. For more information, visit * www.anitaborg.org*. *Media Contact:** **Jerri Barrett** **650-857-6095** **jerrib(a)anitaborg.org*

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Cybercafes dieing? Not soon
by james ratemo 04 Mar '11

04 Mar '11

I totally agree that cyber cafes may not die any soon in the peri urban centres and rural areas. Despite the mobile Internet guys still need additional services that can only be available in digital villages/cyber cafes. An example is the SoftKenya Digital Village in Kenya which I and my friends recently initiated...people want to do research, primt, scan, laminate docs, apply for KRA pin online and others simply come to be helped to join facebook and open email accounts....there is still enormous potential in this field. The catch phrase is value adding, variety and innovation. And the fibre optic cables should be extended further deep into towns On Thu, Mar 3, 2011 at 9:35 PM, <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> wrote: > Robert, > You are right. Cyber Cafes may die in Nairobi CBD area but in low income > neighbourhoods and rural centers they are still relevant. Go to Korogocho > and see what Altawon is doing. At Mukuru Kwa Njenga the Cyber Cafe there > provides more than what we traditionally knew cyber cafes for. If our > definition of Cyber Cafe is the same, then some digital villages in > Kangundo, Malindi, Kioge, Tsiekuru etc are basically Cyber Cafes. > > The value proposition for such centers is increasingly becoming viable > with such new concepts as impact outsourcing (those who may be interested > to see model impact outsourcing centers can check with me next month). A > bit of field visit would enhance our discussion in this list. > > > Regards > > > Ndemo. > > > > > > > > > > Hi, > > > > I disagree with your assertion that cybercafes are closing down if > > anything they > > are mushrooming and in more seats that before, in the building where our > > offices > > are we used to have a single cyber on the 2nd floor in the past 12 months > > 2 have > > opened on the ground floor replacing a bookshop and a pharmacy each with > > over 30 > > stations. > > > > The availability of mobile on the phone is actually a plus for the cyber > > business as it creates a more aware market who end up spending more time > > and > > money as they need to download staff, print, cd burn etc. > > > > Unless you have an iPad the experience of browsing on your phone is still > > not as > > good as on a large 17" screen. > > > > Finally, many of thus opening cybers today have a better understanding of > > the > > business than the me too crowd that used to run them before. Any cyber > > cafe > > that does not charge automatically for printing is doomed to close soon. > > > > As more knowledgeable investors come into the cyber cafe business expect > > to see > > more of them coming up and with the right tools for monitoring and > > generating > > revenue such as protocol based billing. I visited a cyber in Rongai > where > > billing was bandwidth based as they where using a Safaricom 3G > connection. > > > > Regards > > Robert Yawe > > KAY System Technologies Ltd > > Phoenix House, 6th Floor > > P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 > > Kenya > > > > > > Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > From: Edith Adera <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke> > > To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk > > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > > Sent: Wed, 2 March, 2011 19:12:16 > > Subject: [kictanet] The Death of Cybercafes? > > > > > > Listers > > > > Just back from Ghana where I was impressed to see that cybercafes are > > still > > alive (e.g. BusyInternet)...as my experience in Kenya is that it's hard > to > > find > > a functional cybercafe within easy reach with cutting edge services and > > programs (PDF etc)....most are closing down with Internet available on > the > > mobile (with aggressive competition). So outside the office set-up and > > with > > minimal home connections...one has almost no options for innovation. > > > > Is it a good thing that cybers are dying in Kenya and broadband is yet to > > reach homes? what needs to be done differently to inform our efforts on > > digital > > villages etc? > > > > Edith > > > > ________________ > > Edith Ofwona Adera > > Senior Program Specialist > > ICT4D Program and Climate Change & Water Program > > International Development Research Centre | Centre de recherches pour le > > développement international > > Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa > > Tel: +254202713160 | Fax/Téléc: +254202711063 | Skype: edithadera > > eadera(a)idrc.or.ke | www.idrc.ca| www.crdi.ca > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > > This message has been scanned for viruses and > > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > > believed to be clean. > > --------------------------------------------- > > "easy access to the world" > > > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > This message was sent to: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: jratemo(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jratemo%40gmail.com > -- James Ratemo ICT reporter, The Standard Newspaper, P.O Box 49990-00100, Nairobi Cell Phone: 0724960649 OR 0731960649 Other Emaili-jratemo(a)standardmedia.co.ke or jratemo(a)gmail.com Website:www.ictcradle.com. Twitter accounts: kenyacurrent and jratemo Skype account:ratemoj Who is rich? He that is content. Who is that? No one.

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Re: [kictanet] KCSE Performance
by Jotham Kilimo Mwale 03 Mar '11

03 Mar '11

Hi Akich, I found the list you are asking for from The Standard online home page. I have attached the document. Regards, Jotham --- On Thu, 3/4/10, Akich Kwach <kwach(a)archway-productions.com> wrote: From: Akich Kwach <kwach(a)archway-productions.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] KCSE Performance To: jokilimo(a)yahoo.com Cc: "alewela" <alewela(a)ict.go.ke>, "ke users" <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net>, "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Thursday, March 4, 2010, 1:01 AM _filtered #yiv689680575 { font-family:Wingdings;} _filtered #yiv689680575 { font-family:Cambria Math;} _filtered #yiv689680575 { font-family:Calibri;} _filtered #yiv689680575 {margin:70.85pt 70.85pt 70.85pt 70.85pt;} #yiv689680575 P.MsoNormal { MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;FONT-FAMILY:"serif";FONT-SIZE:12pt;} #yiv689680575 LI.MsoNormal { MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;FONT-FAMILY:"serif";FONT-SIZE:12pt;} #yiv689680575 DIV.MsoNormal { MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;FONT-FAMILY:"serif";FONT-SIZE:12pt;} #yiv689680575 A:link { COLOR:blue;TEXT-DECORATION:underline;} #yiv689680575 SPAN.MsoHyperlink { COLOR:blue;TEXT-DECORATION:underline;} #yiv689680575 A:visited { COLOR:purple;TEXT-DECORATION:underline;} #yiv689680575 SPAN.MsoHyperlinkFollowed { COLOR:purple;TEXT-DECORATION:underline;} #yiv689680575 SPAN.EmailStyle17 { FONT-FAMILY:"sans-serif";COLOR:#1f497d;} #yiv689680575 .MsoChpDefault { FONT-SIZE:10pt;} #yiv689680575 DIV.Section1 { } #yiv689680575 OL { MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in;} #yiv689680575 UL { MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in;} Many thanks Barnabas for sharing this valuable information. Would you be having the list of top 100 candidates national and provincial categories with names of schools in which the candidates sat for their KCSE exams? If you do, kindly share it. The way the list is published in the media only gives incomplete information. Would you imagine if they announced the names of the winners during the Olympic Games and then they only play the national anthem without mentioning the countries they represent, (in our case the Index numbers represent schools). In the case of Olympic games, one has to go through the catalogue and find out which country is represented by such a flag; similarly, in the case of KCSE relults, those few who knows index numbers for various schools. I am of the view citizens should never be denied information they deserve. All in all your Ministry (MoE) and the KNEC has made good progress by incorporating ICT tools while releasing results. This has greatly saved parents and candidates the costs of running to schools, (some of them miles away) for their results. May God bless this nation to keep moving in the right direction at competitive speed. Akich Kwach ----- Original Message ----- From: Barnabas K. Sang To: kwach(a)archway-productions.com Cc: alewela ; ke users ; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2010 9:26 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] KCSE Performance Thought would be of interest to you. Kind regards B. K. Sang _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: kwach(a)archway-productions.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kwach%40archway-produc… -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: jokilimo(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jokilimo%40yahoo.com

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ICT RELATED - Wikileaks.ch -- Viewing cable 07NAIROBI4246, KENYA - DOING BUSINESS THE CHINESE WAY
by S.Murigi Muraya 02 Mar '11

02 Mar '11

Nothing new to most of us but interesting dossier all the same.. http://wikileaks.ch/cable/2007/10/07NAIROBI4246.html Viewing cable 07NAIROBI4246, KENYA - DOING BUSINESS THE CHINESE WAY Reference ID: 07NAIROBI4246 Created: 2007-10-30 08:08 Released: 2011-03-01 21:09 Classification: UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Origin: Embassy Nairobi UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NAIROBI 004246 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE PASS USTR - BILL JACKSON STATE FOR AF/E, AF/EPS AND EB/CIP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON ECPS EFIN KCOR CH KE SUBJECT: KENYA - DOING BUSINESS THE CHINESE WAY REF: NAIROBI 4202 NAIROBI 00004246 001.2 OF 002 Sensitive-but-unclassified. This cable is not for release outside USG channels. ¶1. (SBU) Summary: Chinese firms selling into Kenya's information and communications technologies (ICT) sector are throwing a lot of money around, according to industry contacts. Indeed, Chinese influence may be so great that it is distorting important investment decisions in the country. Putting aside corruption, Chinese ICT vendors are difficult to beat on price and quality, and therefore often win government procurement tenders. However, companies that buy Chinese equipment often find that they end up paying the piper later due to poor after-sales service. End summary. ¶2. (U) In the course of gathering information for reftel report on developments in Kenya's information and communications technology (ICT) sector, interesting anecdotes emerged about the way Chinese firms do business in Kenya. ---------------------------- China "Re-Colonizing Africa" ---------------------------- ¶3. (SBU) "The Chinese are re-colonizing Africa for natural resources," according to Michael Joseph, the Amcit CEO of Safaricom, Kenya's largest and most successful mobile phone company, speaking to U.S. Mission staff on October 18. Joseph diverged from his brief on Kenyan efforts to build FONN, a new terrestrial national fiber optic network (reftel), to say the project is an example of how "the Chinese are driving the ICT agenda in Kenya." FONN, he said, was poorly planned - consciously so, in his view, so that Chinese companies could get fatter contracts. As noted reftel, FONN will extend all the way to the borders of Kenya's neighbors, which means it will traverse vast tracts of virtually empty land in Kenya's northern and western reaches. Two Chinese firms and one French firm have been awarded contracts to construct the network. According to Joseph: "We don't need fiber to Garissa (in sparsely populated Northeast Province), we need it in Nyeri" (a bustling market town just north of Nairobi). --------------------------------------------- ---- Chinese Stuff: Good and Cheap, But Service Stinks --------------------------------------------- ---- ¶4. (SBU) Joseph went on to describe the use by Chinese ICT vendors of concessional credits from the Chinese government to lock up contracts - nothing new there. Echoing the views of many industry contacts, he said the quality of the ICT equipment provided by companies like Huawai and ZTE is pretty good, and their prices are low. But he used a monosyllabic expletive beginning with "S" to describe after-sales service. When there are equipment problems later, he said, the Chinese run for the door, and matters are made worse by the language barrier. Safaricom purchased equipment last year from Huawei, but the deal was too good to be true. Huawei effectively reneged and only delivered half the equipment promised in the contract. Joseph went to China personally, eventually got the Huawai CEO to admit that the company had lied, and then forced it to cancel the contract. ---------------------------------------- Chinese Buying Politicians and Influence ---------------------------------------- ¶5. (SBU) More insidious, said Joseph, is that "the Chinese" (by this we believe he meant Chinese firms, not the government) are "funding the political agenda" of Kenyan politicians and ministers. When he returned from China after cancelling the Huawei contract, he was summoned to the office of Mutahi Kagwe, the Minister of Information and Communication, and told the cancellation put all Chinese foreign assistance to Kenya at risk. He also received phone calls from different ministers with no responsibility for ICT who insisted that he reconsider the cancellation. One was the Minister of Immigration, who hinted that Joseph, a foreigner, might have work permit problems if he cancelled the contract. He held his ground. Joseph said that whenever he meets with a Chinese firm, "within 20 minutes" he receives calls from various Kenyan ministers or members of parliament lobbying on behalf of the company. ¶6. (SBU) Another likely manifestation of the undue influence and NAIROBI 00004246 002.2 OF 002 unfair play by the Chinese, said Joseph, was the recent Phase II expansion of the CDMA fixed wireless service being rolled out by Kenya's monopoly fixed line phone company, Telkom Kenya (see reftel). Because of Telkom Kenya's state-owned status, the project by law should have been put out for public tender. But instead, the Kenyan government quietly and unilaterally awarded the contract to Huawei, the Chinese company that did Phase I. Separately in August, the CEO of one of the country's largest internet service providers confirmed the details of the deal, which he said raised eyebrows throughout the industry. --------------------------------------------- ---- Telkom Kenya Looking for Non-Chinese Tech Partner --------------------------------------------- ---- ¶7. (SBU) Asked about China's influence in the ICT sector on October 18, the more restrained CEO of Telkom Kenya, Sammy Kirui, insisted that the Chinese "can't throw their weight around too much." He echoed Joseph's assessment that Chinese equipment is decent quality and low price. But like Joseph, he complained that "you pay down the line" in terms of poor after-sales service. As a state-owned entity, he said, Telkom has to follow government procurement procedures, and "the Chinese always do well on government tenders." After Telkom is privatized (reftel), however, it will have more flexibility to procure equipment on the basis of factors beyond price, such as network compatibility. The company already counts Huawei as a "strategic technical partner", but has issued an expression of interest for a second such partner. Huawei rival ZTE, also a Chinese company, is pressing hard, but Kirui insists that the company's second strategic tech partner must be non-Chinese. ------------------------------------------ Finding Ways Around the Chinese Juggernaut ------------------------------------------ ¶8. (SBU) More emphatic is the Permanent Secretary of Information and Communications, Dr. Bitange Ndemo. Ndemo, a talented former U.S.-resident business executive, has repeatedly lamented the inability of U.S. firms to win Kenyan government tenders. A strong proponent of U.S. technology, he is resorting to creative ways to circumvent a tender process which he sees as handcuffing the country by virtually guaranteeing that it is forced to buy low-cost Chinese equipment, without heed to other important factors, such as after-sales service and network compatibility. Ndemo recently signed a memorandum of agreement for a public-private partnership with a Saudi firm that for the most part sells and services U.S.-made equipment. The deal calls for the construction of at least one $30 million data center that will complement the roll-out of the national fiber network. By structuring the relationship in this way, Ndemo believes he can legally buy the equipment and technology most appropriate for Kenya, without having to pander only to the lowest price seller. ¶9. (SBU) More generally, Ndemo regularly expresses concern about the influence of China in the ICT sector. Without providing details, he has told Econ/C many times that he and other senior technocrats are under constant pressure from their own ministers and the country's senior political leadership to buy Chinese. ------- Comment ------- ¶10. (SBU) The views and anecdotes conveyed by people like Joseph and Ndemo put a bit flesh on the bones of the oft-repeated (but seldom proven) contention that Chinese companies play dirty. Most disturbing in this case is the idea that Chinese influence is so great that it's actually distorting critical investment decisions in Kenya's all-important ICT sector. For further investigation is the role of the Chinese government. We wonder if it simply turns a blind eye to the dirty work of Chinese firms, or if it actively contributes to the problem. Ranneberger ...

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Obama administration joins critics of U.S. nonprofit group that oversees Internet
by alice＠apc.org 01 Mar '11

01 Mar '11

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/28/AR201102280… Obama administration joins critics of U.S. nonprofit group that oversees Internet By Ian Shapira Washington Post Staff Writer Monday, February 28, 2011; 10:39 PM The California nonprofit organization that operates the Internet's levers has always been a target for such global heavies as Russia and China that prefer the United Nations to be in charge of the Web. But these days, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers is fending off attacks from a seemingly unlikely source: the Obama administration. Concerned about the growing movement to cede oversight to the U.N., the U.S. government, which helped create ICANN in 1998, has been reprimanding the nonprofit group to give foreign nations more say over the Web's operations. The battle has come at a sensitive time for ICANN, which this month is meeting with foreign governments as it pulls off the biggest expansion ever of Web suffixes - including .gay, .muslim and .nazi. Also this fall, the nonprofit organization is seeking to hold on to its federal contract to oversee the Web's master database of addresses - a sweeping power that governments fear could be used to shut down foreign domains that the United States finds unsavory. "There's a deeper question of how the world is reacting to a small company - even a nonprofit - completely in charge of a key part of the Internet. Is that acceptable? There's no 100 percent comfortable solution here," said Steve Crocker, ICANN's vice chairman, who lives in Bethesda and is the chief executive of Shinkuro, a technology company. With some Middle East countries shutting down the Internet within their borders to curb uprisings, the question of who runs the Web is increasingly figuring into global foreign policy debates. Some fear that governments such as those of Libya or Iran could more easily crush rebellions if they gained more control over the Internet's inner workings. ICANN quietly wields vast influence over the Web, a power unfamiliar to many Americans and elected officials. Based in an off-campus University of South California building, the company has more than 100 employees and is led by a chief executive and a board of directors comprised of private sector executives and technology experts. ICANN's core function: Decide which Web addresses get seen on the Internet. ad_icon In Washington, ICANN remains somewhat mysterious to elected officials, according to Nao Matsukata, a senior policy adviser to the Coalition Against Domain Name Abuse, a grass-roots organization in Washington. Matsukata's main problem, he said, is trying to explain what ICANN is to people on Capitol Hill. His group has met with more than 50 members of Congress. "Sometimes, when we're in meetings on the Hill, they're just nodding their heads," said Matsukata, a former trade official in the George W. Bush administration. "Very few people understand where all these decisions are coming from, and that this is something that impacts us every day of our lives. Someone is determining what is allowed, what is not allowed, and someone is profiting from these things." The tiny nonprofit group can be especially provocative for a trade press that covers its every move, and for a rival U.N. agency, the International Telecommunications Union. When the ITU, a 145-year-old agency of nearly 200 nations and territories, held its annual meeting in October in Mexico, a Syrian emissary representing Arab states raged against ICANN as if it were an enemy nation. "Do not surrender to the ICANN!" Nabil Kisrawi yelled during one of the conference's sessions, according to a story in the Register, an online publication on Internet governance. "There is even a representative of the ICANN in this room!" Kisrawi said. (Kisrawi recently died.) Other nations have been mobilizing against ICANN. China, which monitors dissident activity on the Web, has been leading a campaign among dozens of developing nations to lobby the U.N. for oversight over ICANN, according to former and current ICANN officials. And a coalition of former Soviet states led by a Russian minister has been pushing the U.N. to obtain veto power over ICANN. Some countries also worry that the new wave of Web suffixes might be too controversial and that others might require companies to spend vast sums to protect their online brands and trademarks. (Who gets .merck? The U.S. drug company? Or the German drug company with the same name?) Chris Disspain, chairman of an ICANN internal group and an executive who oversees Australian domain names, said the prospect of governments running the Web would be calamitous. "China, Syria, Iran and Saudi Arabia and number of others have said in meetings they believe ICANN shouldn't be in existence, or be replaced by some U.N. body," he said. "Frankly, that would be a disaster." Some countries fear that the United States has, at the very least, the appearance of too much power by owning the contract to run the master database of Web addresses. "One concern is that if the U.S. decides Syria is behaving badly, then they could make all Web sites using Syria's country code domain - .sy - point to freedom of expression sites, for example," said Avri Doria, an ICANN group chairman. "Countries say, 'How can we subject ourselves to that?'" Crocker, the ICANN board's vice chairman, said the chances of the United States tinkering with the master Web database are "nil." ICANN can only request changes in the master database; the U.S. government reviews those decisions, then the Dulles-based company VeriSign executes the change. The Commerce Department, however, worries that other countries might soon lobby en masse for the U.N. to take over instead. Commerce officials prefer a nimble private-sector organization to run the Web's addressing system, but the government doesn't believe ICANN is listening enough to the international community. Some ICANN officials worry that, if tensions continue with the Commerce Department, the nonprofit organization might lose its contract to run the Web's master database. That contract, which the Commerce Department last gave to ICANN in a no-bid process, comes up for renewal in the fall. Commerce officials have yet to decide whether they will ask for other organizations to compete for it. In mid-February at a technology conference in Colorado, Lawrence Strickling, an assistant secretary in the Commerce Department, put ICANN on notice, declaring it "must act" by June on a set of accountability guidelines made by him and international leaders who will continue to "monitor" it. Strickling warned about the "forces at play" lobbying for the U.N. to run the Web. ad_icon Strickling said he met privately in December with ICANN board members in Colombia, where he urged ICANN to be more transparent and open to recommendations from foreign nations. "It's not out of hostility . . . but I am trying to nudge ICANN to be its best," Strickling said in an interview. "It's important that this model have buy-in from other governments in order to support the global growth of the Internet." ICANN scored one minor victory in February. Its advisory body of foreign nations rejected the Obama administration's proposal that would have required ICANN to make it easier for nations to object to controversial new Web suffixes such as .gay or .xxx. The United States proposed that any country within ICANN's advisory council should be able to recommend eliminating any new domain name. If no other country objected to that nation's veto recommendation, then ICANN's board would have to follow suit. ICANN, however, wants those challenges to go before three experts guiding the International Chamber of Commerce. But ICANN's advisory body of foreign countries recently decided that any nation's objection will be considered as non-binding advice to ICANN's board. Commerce Department officials worry that if foreign governments feel they have no role in the process, they will start ignoring ICANN, blocking Web sites and splitting up the Internet so that only certain domains can be accessed, depending on the country. Critics of the Commerce Department say the agency is bending too much to other nations' preferences. "The U.S. government was pushing hard to give any country the power to object and have that right be decisive," said Milton Mueller, a Syracuse University professor who has chaired and participated in several groups that developed ICANN policies that would be overridden by the U.S. intervention. "We think they were playing a geopolitical game of placating governments."

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Database manager needed
by Sean Moroney 01 Mar '11

01 Mar '11

Dear Listers, A UK company wants to employ or contract an experienced database researcher/manager, Nairobi-based. Could be full or part-time. Please could anyone who is interested in the position please send me their CV. Asante, Sean Moroney Chairman AITEC Africa seanm(a)aitecafrica.com UK Tel: +44(0)1480-880774 UK Mobile: +44(0)7973-499224 Skype: <mailto:seanmoroneyseanm@aitecafrica.com> seanmoroney seanm(a)aitecafrica.com <http://www.aitecafrica.comfollow/> www.aitecafrica.com Follow us on twitter: <http://twitter.com/aitecafrica> http://twitter.com/aitecafrica UPCOMING AITEC AFRICA EVENTS: <http://www.aitecafrica.com/event/view/67> lAITEC Banking & Mobile Money COMESA, Nairobi, 2-3 March 2011 <http://www.aitecafrica.com/event/view/65> lAfrican Outsourcing Summit, Nairobi, 4-5 May 2011 <http://www.aitecafrica.com/event/view/68> lAITEC Banking & Mobile Money West Africa, Accra, 8-9 June 2011 <http://www.aitecafrica.com/event/view/71> lBroadcast & Film Africa, Nairobi, 6-7 July 2011 <http://www.aitecafrica.com/event/view/72> lAITEC East Africa ICT Summit, Nairobi, 26-27 October 2011 <http://www.aitecafrica.com/event/view/73> lAITEC Mozambique ICT Congress, Maputo, 12-13 October 2011 <http://www.aitecafrica.com/event/view/74> lAfriHealth, Nairobi, 16-17 November 2011

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Obama administration joins critics of U.S. nonprofit group that oversees Internet
by alice＠apc.org 01 Mar '11

01 Mar '11

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/28/AR201102280… Obama administration joins critics of U.S. nonprofit group that oversees Internet By Ian Shapira Washington Post Staff Writer Monday, February 28, 2011; 10:39 PM The California nonprofit organization that operates the Internet's levers has always been a target for such global heavies as Russia and China that prefer the United Nations to be in charge of the Web. But these days, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers is fending off attacks from a seemingly unlikely source: the Obama administration. Concerned about the growing movement to cede oversight to the U.N., the U.S. government, which helped create ICANN in 1998, has been reprimanding the nonprofit group to give foreign nations more say over the Web's operations. The battle has come at a sensitive time for ICANN, which this month is meeting with foreign governments as it pulls off the biggest expansion ever of Web suffixes - including .gay, .muslim and .nazi. Also this fall, the nonprofit organization is seeking to hold on to its federal contract to oversee the Web's master database of addresses - a sweeping power that governments fear could be used to shut down foreign domains that the United States finds unsavory. "There's a deeper question of how the world is reacting to a small company - even a nonprofit - completely in charge of a key part of the Internet. Is that acceptable? There's no 100 percent comfortable solution here," said Steve Crocker, ICANN's vice chairman, who lives in Bethesda and is the chief executive of Shinkuro, a technology company. With some Middle East countries shutting down the Internet within their borders to curb uprisings, the question of who runs the Web is increasingly figuring into global foreign policy debates. Some fear that governments such as those of Libya or Iran could more easily crush rebellions if they gained more control over the Internet's inner workings. ICANN quietly wields vast influence over the Web, a power unfamiliar to many Americans and elected officials. Based in an off-campus University of South California building, the company has more than 100 employees and is led by a chief executive and a board of directors comprised of private sector executives and technology experts. ICANN's core function: Decide which Web addresses get seen on the Internet. ad_icon In Washington, ICANN remains somewhat mysterious to elected officials, according to Nao Matsukata, a senior policy adviser to the Coalition Against Domain Name Abuse, a grass-roots organization in Washington. Matsukata's main problem, he said, is trying to explain what ICANN is to people on Capitol Hill. His group has met with more than 50 members of Congress. "Sometimes, when we're in meetings on the Hill, they're just nodding their heads," said Matsukata, a former trade official in the George W. Bush administration. "Very few people understand where all these decisions are coming from, and that this is something that impacts us every day of our lives. Someone is determining what is allowed, what is not allowed, and someone is profiting from these things." The tiny nonprofit group can be especially provocative for a trade press that covers its every move, and for a rival U.N. agency, the International Telecommunications Union. When the ITU, a 145-year-old agency of nearly 200 nations and territories, held its annual meeting in October in Mexico, a Syrian emissary representing Arab states raged against ICANN as if it were an enemy nation. "Do not surrender to the ICANN!" Nabil Kisrawi yelled during one of the conference's sessions, according to a story in the Register, an online publication on Internet governance. "There is even a representative of the ICANN in this room!" Kisrawi said. (Kisrawi recently died.) Other nations have been mobilizing against ICANN. China, which monitors dissident activity on the Web, has been leading a campaign among dozens of developing nations to lobby the U.N. for oversight over ICANN, according to former and current ICANN officials. And a coalition of former Soviet states led by a Russian minister has been pushing the U.N. to obtain veto power over ICANN. Some countries also worry that the new wave of Web suffixes might be too controversial and that others might require companies to spend vast sums to protect their online brands and trademarks. (Who gets .merck? The U.S. drug company? Or the German drug company with the same name?)

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Local versus International
by robert yawe 01 Mar '11

01 Mar '11

Where should we be placing our emphasis in relation to link reliability and access speed, on the local or international circuit? Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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CCK - courier (UPS) double charging?
by Francis Hook 01 Mar '11

01 Mar '11

If a courier, UPS, charges for import documentation costs in addition to shipping costs, at the source, should their local office also raise charges for an IDF? I find this a rather extortionate way of doing business and wondering if CCK has a role to play or if it can intervene? Or perhaps my understanding of the 'documentation' costs is wanting? Any advice appreciated. -- Francis Hook +254 733 504561

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Posta; a sleeping giant
by Matunda Nyanchama 01 Mar '11

01 Mar '11

Robert, A few years ago I emceed the launch of PostaPay in the Diaspora; we were all excited and remarked how we would reclaim "our lunch" being eaten by others like Western Union, MoneyGram, etc. Years later we would learn of mismanagement and accusations of embezzlement from gains from this business line! We were astounded; and Western Union, MoneyGram and co continue to eat our lunch! Postal corporations world over are remaking themselves in the face of falling volumes of paper-based items - letters, ads, company reports, bills, statements, etc. Electronic Bill Payment and Presentment (EBPP) offers huge opportunities; this PCK is aware of; I am hoping they can take it up, especially with the growth of ICT infrastructure and smartening of mobile devices! Add mobile money, combine with payment platforms such as M-pesa and you are home clean, and relevant for the times. Agency Banking is another not fully exploited area that PCK could capitalize on; I cannot imagine another corporation with a larger branch network than PCK. But as the Kiswahili saying goes "ukiona vyalea, vimeundwa", nothing comes without clear planning, strategy, leadership, execution. Jumapili njema. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matunda Nyanchama, PhD, CISSP; mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com Agano Consulting Inc.; www.aganoconsulting.com; Twitter: nmatunda; Skype: okiambe ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be prepared to face ICT Security failures & know how to respond when they happen! Call: +1-888-587-1150 or info(a)aganoconsulting.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk I have a workstation…" - Anonymous ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This e-mail, including attachments, may be privileged and may contain confidential or proprietary information intended only for the addressee(s). Any other distribution, copying, use, or disclosure is unauthorized and strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and permanently delete the message, including any attachments, without making a copy. Thank you. ________________________________ From: "kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke" <kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com Sent: Sun, February 27, 2011 4:00:00 AM Subject: kictanet Digest, Vol 45, Issue 165 Send kictanet mailing list submissions to kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://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. Posta; a sleeping giant (robert yawe) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2011 11:35:44 +0000 (GMT) From: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> To: Kictanet Mail list <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: [kictanet] Posta; a sleeping giant Message-ID: <622799.66783.qm(a)web27805.mail.ukl.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" Hi, Finally seems that I am not the only one who believes that Postal Corporation has many more years in it, the IBM Corps are coming in to provide free consultancy services. As we were busy relegating Postal to the annals of technology other have made the move to take the plunge to revive the sleeping giant. http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/InsidePage.php?id=2000029740&cid=456& There is more to posta than just snail mail. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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DAY 10: The Name "The Independent Communications Commission of Kenya"
by Catherine Adeya 28 Feb '11

28 Feb '11

Dear Listers, Today is the final day on the discussions on the Independent Communications Commission of Kenya Bill 2010. I think it would be worthwhile to revisit a concern Mr Wangusi raised on the first day.He was concerned that in the new Constitution -- specifically in Chapter 15, Clause 248 (1&2) which establishes Commissions in this country -- the ICCK name does not appear to be among those listed. So is this title in contravention of the Constitution and should we suggest another name like “Communications Regulatory Authority of Kenya” or something like that. We would appreciate your thoughts. Best Wishes, Nyaki

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Is there a govt. media policy?
by Wamuyu Gatheru 28 Feb '11

28 Feb '11

CNN is this week showing a documentary on the treatment of Kenya's mentally ill. Its being shown on the World's Untold Stories series and clips also being shown on various other CNN programmes. CNN journalist David Mackenzie and his crew are shown on 'Best of Backstory' locked in Ward 7 of Mathari Hospital by the hospital's administrator. They had govt permission to film but apparently things changed when they filmed a dead body lying next to one of the patients. David and his team call all sorts of high offices and in the end a call from the Prime Minister sets them free. Does govt have a media policy that public workers are educated on? This David saga is a really poor show for Kenya on top of the unfortunate public health story. Wamuyu -- Soko ID Co. Ltd Tel: +254 (0)721 468699 http://www.soko-id.co.ke/ Soko ID is an innovative company that supports public organisations and promotes the Kenyan heritage on the internet.

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Uganda: Telecoms Regulator Puts Breaks On Tariff Cuts
by alice＠apc.org 27 Feb '11

27 Feb '11

Uganda: Telecoms Regulator Puts Breaks On Tariff Cuts Mobile phone users may no longer enjoy dramatic call tariff cuts as the sector regulator, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), issues new guidelines. The new Retail Tariff Guidelines for Voice Telephony Services that could become effective March 15 shall empower UCC to establish minimum rates below which players will not be allowed to offer services, even under promotions. The guidelines are intended to curb anti-competitive practices, encourage new investments (including new players), enhance tariff transparency and protect consumers. "A service provider shall not price a service in a manner that is intended to deliberately lessen the level of competition in the market," says the draft guidelines, signed by Godfrey Mutabazi, UCC's Executive Director. Under the guidelines, the regulator will also require players to notify it five days before offering any new call tariffs and to limit promotions to not more than ninety (90) days, and only once every 12 months. UCC circulated the draft guidelines last week to key industry players, asking them to respond before Feb. 18. A stakeholder meeting in the last week of February will discuss them. The guidelines come in the wake of aggressive promotional tariff cuts in the mobile phone market that have led to dramatic increase in telephone usage and subscription on one hand, and deterioration in service quality, due to network congestion and reduced capital investments. The guidelines may be bad news for mobile phone users but UCC's Communications and Consumer Affairs Manager, Fred Otunnu, says they were "triggered by concern about the consumers of the telecom services and the future of the industry". "The reduction in call rates has not been in tandem with the quality of service; this has been compromised," Otunnu said. Otunnu added that while reduced rates were good for consumers in the short-term, as they made services more affordable, current pricing trends in the retail voice market distort the spending habits of low income users who (unknowingly) end up spending disproportionate amounts of their income on communication, to the detriment of other essential needs. He added that UCC, as the regulator, had to ensure that service providers remained profitable, for investments to continue. The new guidelines target aggressive companies like Warid Telecom that have shaken up the sector with unprecedented tariff cuts and highly popular promotions like Pakalast, Kawa, Pepeya and Berako. Under Pakalast, subscribers load airtime worth Shs 1,500 and call for 24 hours Warid-to-Warid. When it was introduced, the product increased Warid network users from 700,000 to 1,000,000 per day and its subscribers grew to two million. It also dramatically raised the company's market presence, putting it at par with older players like MTN, UTL and Zain (now Airtel). To avoid losing customers, competitors adopted similar tactics, dropping the Ugandan market to its lowest call rates since the entry of mobile telephony. Warid has led tariff cuts in the market since September when it cut rates to Shs 5 per second, and then to Shs 3, forcing MTN, UTL and Airtel to adopt similar cuts. In its latest promotion - Kawa - the company has further dropped Warid-to-Warid call rates to Ushs 1 for 4 seconds, enabling subscribers to talk for 30 minutes at Shs 500. By last week, reactions of Telecom companies ranged from cautious to positive. Warid's Chief Executive Officer, Madur Taneja, said "all the issues raised in the guidelines are pertinent and will be most important in shaping the future of the telecom industry." MTN Chief Executive Officer, Themba Khumalo, told the media at the height of the price war last year that "price reduction will benefit the end-users, but it must be done without losing value and when the operators can afford it." "Regulators have to manage the situation before it goes out of control," Khumalo said. Khumalo told Reuters at the time that with five major companies, Uganda's telecom industry was small and overcrowded. However, Taneja disagrees. Taneja told The Independent that with a 32 percent penetration, the telecom industry needs more players. UCC's Otunnu is of Taneja's view, but he says price competition must be guided. Low access to telephones means the players are suffering low business volumes yet some of them have been investing massively. In 2009 for example, MTN borrowed US$100 million from local commercial banks, to be repaid based on the company's revenues from service sales, key of which is sale of airtime. Industry sources say that with the Shs 3 per second, 180 per minute tariff, the telecoms earnings boom has ended. With interconnection fees at Shs 131 (72 percent of the total call cost) and VAT accounting for 30%, companies say they have been making losses, especially on cross-network calls. MTN financial data shows its average revenue per user (ARPU) declines to US$6 for the quarter ended Dec 2010, compared with an average of US$8 and US$10 for 2008 and 2007 respectively. As revenue from voice - the industry's traditional cash cow - decelerated, competition has shifted to the data market with investments in 3G broadband networks and data. UCC estimates the industry's annual revenues will grow by 25 to 30 percent over the next five years, propelled by expansion of data services. UCC is not the first to come up with similar guidelines. Kenya gazetted the Fair Competition and Equality of Treatment Regulations 2009 and the Kenya Communications Tariffs Regulations 2009 to curb abuse of competition by market leaders. UCC has also been enforcing the Fair Competition Regulation as well as the Tariff and Accounting Regulation 2005, which are currently undergoing revision. source The Independent

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Posta; a sleeping giant
by robert yawe 26 Feb '11

26 Feb '11

Hi, Finally seems that I am not the only one who believes that Postal Corporation has many more years in it, the IBM Corps are coming in to provide free consultancy services. As we were busy relegating Postal to the annals of technology other have made the move to take the plunge to revive the sleeping giant. http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/InsidePage.php?id=2000029740&cid=456& There is more to posta than just snail mail. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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VSAT need information
by warigia bowman 25 Feb '11

25 Feb '11

Dear technical people, esp michuki, mctim, and Jean given that Egypt, and now Libya have cut off Internet access, would it be possible to invest in VSATs in order to get some limited internet access via sattelite? Obviously, this will not help egyptian sites, but may allow access to sites based in the US? Please advise. Rigia -- Dr. Warigia Bowman Visiting Assistant Professor American University in Cairo Global Affairs and Public Policy (office)(202)2615-4346 (cell) (201)05590948 warigia(a)aucegypt.edu

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Ongoing IGF Consultations in Geneva
by Joe Kiragu 25 Feb '11

25 Feb '11

Dear Listers, In addition to McTim's Comments on the extension on IGF mandate, I would like to inform you that Kenya is hosting the 6th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Nairobi latter this year. The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Communication, Dr. Bitange Ndemo constituted a National Organising Committee chaired by Ms. Alice Munyua last year. Members of this committee are drawn from the Ministry of Information and Communication, the Communication Commission of Kenya (Secretariat), Kenya Network Information Centre, Telecommunication Service Providers of Kenya, Kenya ICT Board, among others. Members of the National Organising committee led by the Chair to the National Organising Committee are currently attending an IGF consultations meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting is hosted by the United Nations IGF secretariat. Important to note is that the Chair of the Kenya IGF organizing committee , Ms. Alice Munyua has been appointed by the UN Secretary General to chair the ongoing IGF consultations in Geneva, Switzerland. We congratulate her for her appointment. More information available at the IGF website http://www.intgovforum.org Warm Regards, ...................... Joe Kiragu Ag. Chief Executive Officer Kenya Network Information Centre (KENIC) "Where the internet begins in Kenya" kiragu(a)kenic.or.ke > All, > > Our own Alice M is chairing todays meetings > > http://nubes.lscube.org/live?lid=27 > > -- > Cheers, > > McTim > "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A > route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel > > > > > On Fri, Dec 31, 2010 at 4:01 PM, waudo siganga <emailsignet(a)mailcan.com> > wrote: >> Dear Colleagues - for those following the IGF, information is that the >> UN >> General Assembly has renewed the mandate for another 5 years starting >> tomorrow. The 2011 activities will kick off with open consultations in >> Geneva Feb 23-24. You will also remember that Kenya has proposed to host >> the >> 6th IGF meeting at the end of September. >> >> Kind Regards, >> Waudo >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: dogwallah(a)gmail.com >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dogwallah%40gmail.com >> >> > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: kiragu(a)kenic.or.ke > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kiragu%40kenic.or.ke > > -- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by KeNIC MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > > Kenya Network Information Center (KENIC) > > -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by KeNIC MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. Kenya Network Information Center (KENIC)

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Day 7: SECTION 14: STAFF TO THE COMMISSION
by Catherine Adeya 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Dear Kictanet List Members, Muriuki, Walu, Matunda, GG, Barrack, Vitalis, Kerubo.....thank you for your contributions these last two days. I believe others are gearing up for this last week of discussions. Day 5 and 6 have had very similar summaries and as such I do not want to be repetitive. Therefore, I will keep this short. Today we begin the discussion on: SECTION 14: STAFF TO THE COMMISSION. 14(1)(a) The Commission shall appoint a Director-General. 14 (2) Shall appoint staff by ensuring equal opportunity employment practices and represents cross-section of population in Kenya Question: Your thoughts on this? Would you like to see more clarity on gender issues, people with disabilities etc. please clarify and elaborate. I look forward to reading your contributions. Best, Nyaki

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Day 9: SECTION 21: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS and SECTION 22: LEGALITY OF ACTS
by Catherine Adeya 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Dear Listers, Only two more days to go; so please feel free to respond to any issues from Day 1-9 under the correct headers. Yesterday, we discussed the dissolution of CCK; transfer of staff; and transfer of rights, liabilities and obligations. Kerubo said it should be clear that CCK will be dissolved only when the ICCK Act is passed. Therefore, she suggests a revision to the meaning of 'effective date' in part one to read: "effective date" means the date that this Act shall be passed, which date shall be determined by the Cabinet Secretary by Gazette notice. Stanely Murage on the other hand suggested that Section 20 should have terms like "assets, and probably treaties, etc " as some may not be covered under the usual rights. Today we discuss: SECTION 21: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS SECTION 22: LEGALITY OF ACTS - In essence any legal matters before CCK would be dealt with by ICCK. Question: Any issues with this? Best Wishes, Nyaki

2 3

IGF Mandate Renewed
by waudo siganga 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Dear Colleagues - for those following the IGF, information is that the UN General Assembly has renewed the mandate for another 5 years starting tomorrow. The 2011 activities will kick off with open consultations in Geneva Feb 23-24. You will also remember that Kenya has proposed to host the 6th IGF meeting at the end of September. Kind Regards, Waudo

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Project Management and ITIL Foundation Training
by Mr. Lawi 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Hello good people, Some time in January there was a thread about PM training and many people expressed interest in signing up for a certification course. I also promised to get back to the group on the said PM training schedule for the year. The company is called Prometrics Associates Kenya. Below is the forwarded introduction letter the company sent to me: RE: PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND ITIL FOUNDATION TRAINING We write to introduce our training and consulting firm Procept Associates with presence in Canada, Nigeria and now Kenya. Procept has formally entered the East African market this year looking to elevate the regions training and consulting experience. Procept is recognized as a market leader in its core capability areas within its geographies of operation. We have previously delivered courses in Kenya (under local partnership arrangements) to delegates from K-Rep Bank and Sofgen, and in Nigeria to delegates from Central Bank of Kenya. Procept is running a 3-day Project Management Essentials course from March 7-9, and ITIL Foundation V3 course, from March 14-16, 2011. The course brochures for these two courses as well as the Instructor Biography are attached. To promote this first public offering in Nairobi, Procept is offering one free space for every 3 fully paid candidates from your organization - this excludes exam fees. Kindly complete the attached Registration Form, and forward via email to Ms Jane Njeru at info(a)proceptkenya.com or call her on +254 722 958 637 for further enquiries. Yours truly, Sola Oduko Website www.procept.com Premier Training and Strategic Consulting in PM, BA, IT Service Management and Business Continuity Management Encl: Course Brochures, Registration Forms and Biography of Instructor.

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Safaricom – A Modest Proposal (Was Re: Price Control in the Telecom Market in Kenya?)
by McTim 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

All, Steve Song is, as usual, on point in this article: http://manypossibilities.net/2011/02/safaricom-a-modest-proposal/ Whiteafrican has just blogged about it as well. http://whiteafrican.com/2011/02/21/phone-and-internet-mesh-for-african-vill… I have been on the Village Telco dev list for a while, if anyone is interested, ping me offlist. -- Cheers, McTim "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel

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Mobile money transfers on con hit list
by Grace Githaiga 23 Feb '11

23 Feb '11

Listers, I do not intend to divert you from the ICCK debate, but this is a commercial break. Please see this just just incase you missed it. The article points out that ther are no specific laws in Kenya to deal with such crime. Quite worrying. Mobile money transfers on con hit list. http://www.nation.co.ke/Features/money/Mobile+money+transfers+on+con+hit+li… And now, back the the ICCK debate. Rgds Grace ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you have the strength to survive, you have the power to succeed. Life is all about choices we make depending upon the situation we are in. Go forth and rule the World!

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Re: [kictanet] Day 4: Consitutions and Appointment of Commissioners to the Commission
by stanley_murage＠yahoo.com 23 Feb '11

23 Feb '11

I strongly support the inclusion of Information Technology as one of the key experience fields /professions from which Commissioners may be selected. S.K.Murage Sent from my HTC ----- Reply message ----- From: "Walubengo J" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Date: Wed, Feb 23, 2011 11:06 Subject: [kictanet] Day 4: Consitutions and Appointment of Commissioners to the Commission To: <stanley_murage(a)yahoo.com> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> On appointments of Commissioners, it says on Pg5, that they should: (ii) possess suitable qualifications, expertise and experience in the fields of, amongst others, broadcasting telecommunications , law, , media, and economics, or any other related expertise or qualifications. I know we cannot fit in ALL the relevant professions but methinks leaving out IT (Information Technology) would be quit a loud gap considering this commission is supposed a converged commission that put together Media, IT and Telecoms. walu. --- On Thu, 2/17/11, Catherine Adeya <elizaslider(a)yahoo.com> wrote: From: Catherine Adeya <elizaslider(a)yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 4: Consitutions and Appointment of Commissioners to the Commission To: "Walubengo J" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 1:44 PM Thanks Walu, I will try and respond to what I can and hope others with more expertise can chip in. Are you suggesting that WHO gets appointed is not as critical as the representative structure of the Commissioners? I do not want to deliberate more on that without taking sides as I also have an opinion and may understand where you are coming from. Yes this new Draft Bill does outline the representative structure of the persons to be appointed to the Commission in Section 5(3) b. ii Persons who....."possess suitable qualifications, expertise and experience in the fields of, amongst others, broadcasting, telecommunications, law, media and economics, or any other related expertise or qualifications" (I have ignored some of the obvious editorial errors which are mostly punctuation and an Editor can sweep through this). We will discuss terms of Office tomorrow but suffice it to say that the Chairperson will hold Office for 5 years and a Commissioner for 2 terms. Lets revisit this kesho. [AN ASIDE: Walu, you are my friend...and I know you like reading....si you read this Bill please...it is in the Ministry website http://www.information.go.ke/index2.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid… and it will answer a number of your queries. It is not very long:-)))]. Best Regards, Nyaki From: Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> To: Catherine Adeya <elizaslider(a)yahoo.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 11:08:57 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 4: Consitutions and Appointment of Commissioners to the Commission Nyaki,

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Re: [kictanet] Day 8: SECTION 18: DISSOLUTION OF CCK; SECTION 19: TRANSFER OF STAFF
by stanley_murage＠yahoo.com 23 Feb '11

23 Feb '11

Would be good to include under Section 20 terms like "assets, and probably treaties, etc ", as some may not be covered under rights, ie ITU and similar organizations which recognize countries. Stanley Murage ----- Reply message ----- From: "Catherine Adeya" <elizaslider(a)yahoo.com> Date: Wed, Feb 23, 2011 14:26 Subject: [kictanet] Day 8: SECTION 18: DISSOLUTION OF CCK; SECTION 19: TRANSFER OF STAFF To: <stanley_murage(a)yahoo.com> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Thanks Kerubo..... ________________________________ From: k..k. ombati <kaykerubo(a)gmail.com> To: Catherine Adeya <elizaslider(a)yahoo.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Wed, February 23, 2011 11:34:16 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 8: SECTION 18: DISSOLUTION OF CCK; SECTION 19: TRANSFER OF STAFF hey listers, i think they should revise the meaning of 'effective date' in part one to read something like: "effective date" means the date that this Act shall come into force,which date shall be determined by the Cabinet Secretary by notice in the Gazette' so that it is clear that CCK becomes dissolved once the ICCK Act comes into force On Wed, Feb 23, 2011 at 4:49 AM, Catherine Adeya <elizaslider(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Dear Kictanet Members, > > >Day 7 was a relatively quiet day with only one substantive contribution from >Mike Theuri on Section 14(2) where he suggested that there could be a number of >approaches but should comply with existing law or also adopt an internal policy >or both, he recommended that is should read: > >The Commission shall establish and adhere to an equal employment opportunity >policy and/or shall comply with equal employment opportunity laws that prohibit >among other practices, discrimination in the consideration of employment on the >basis of colour, race, national or geographic origin, physical or mental >handicap, gender, sex, ethnicity, religion, marital status, age for the purposes >of employment. The Commission shall make reasonable accommodations for qualified >staff members or employment candidates who may have a physical or mental >handicap that would be a hindrance to job performance in the absence of >these accommodations to allow them to carry out their respective employment >duties. > >The other contributions were more of ‘asides’. Today we move to Day 8 on: > >SECTION 18: DISSOLUTION OF CCK >SECTION 19: TRANSFER OF STAFF >SECTION 20: TRANSFER OF RIGHTS, LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS > > >SECTION 18: >18 (1) The CCK hereby dissolved with effect from the effective date. >18(2)(a) CCK Board to stay in Office until before first meeting of the >Commission. > > >Question: Is this straightforward or are there any comments? > > >SECTION 19: >- All staff will be transferred to the Commission but their remuneration will >not be significantly different if I understand it correctly. > > >SECTION 20: TRANSFER OF LIABILITIES ETC. >- Essentially everything that CCK owns will be transferred to ICCK…makes sense >huh? > > We only have two more days for this discussion...kindly send in any opinions >you may have. > > >Best Wishes, > > >Nyaki > > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >http://lists.kictanet.or..ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >This message was sent to: kaykerubo(a)gmail.com >Unsubscribe or change your options at >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kaykerubo%40gmail.com > >

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Wezesha Laptop Campaign abused
by Harry Karanja 23 Feb '11

23 Feb '11

The Wezesha Laptop Campaign was a noble initiative to give students the chance to acquire laptops at subsidized rates. It is therefore saddening when I heard from several students that the vouchers worth KES. 10,000 are being re-sold at between KES. 2,500 and KES. 3,000. This is down to two factors: 1. the failure by well meaning students to acquire the vouchers within the registration period 2. the infiltration of the initiative by businessmen who use student proxies to buy the laptops at the subsidized rates and later resell them at a profit It is therefore very likely that a number of the 15,000 plus laptops will find their way back into the market and not benefit the intended recipients. How can the next initiative be structured to meet these challenges? Regards, Harry Karanja n Director n SoftLaw Limited n Genius Executive Centre n 15th Floor View Park Towers n Utalii Lane n Nairobi CBD n Tel: +254 20 342 225

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Day 8: SECTION 18: DISSOLUTION OF CCK; SECTION 19: TRANSFER OF STAFF
by Catherine Adeya 23 Feb '11

23 Feb '11

Dear Kictanet Members, Day 7 was a relatively quiet day with only one substantive contribution from Mike Theuri on Section 14(2) where he suggested that there could be a number of approaches but should comply with existing law or also adopt an internal policy or both, he recommended that is should read: The Commission shall establish and adhere to an equal employment opportunity policy and/or shall comply with equal employment opportunity laws that prohibit among other practices, discrimination in the consideration of employment on the basis of colour, race, national or geographic origin, physical or mental handicap, gender, sex, ethnicity, religion, marital status, age for the purposes of employment. The Commission shall make reasonable accommodations for qualified staff members or employment candidates who may have a physical or mental handicap that would be a hindrance to job performance in the absence of these accommodations to allow them to carry out their respective employment duties. The other contributions were more of ‘asides’. Today we move to Day 8 on: SECTION 18: DISSOLUTION OF CCK SECTION 19: TRANSFER OF STAFF SECTION 20: TRANSFER OF RIGHTS, LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS SECTION 18: 18 (1) The CCK hereby dissolved with effect from the effective date. 18(2)(a) CCK Board to stay in Office until before first meeting of the Commission. Question: Is this straightforward or are there any comments? SECTION 19: - All staff will be transferred to the Commission but their remuneration will not be significantly different if I understand it correctly. SECTION 20: TRANSFER OF LIABILITIES ETC. - Essentially everything that CCK owns will be transferred to ICCK…makes sense huh? We only have two more days for this discussion...kindly send in any opinions you may have. Best Wishes, Nyaki

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Day 4: Consitutions and Appointment of Commissioners to the Commission
by Catherine Adeya 23 Feb '11

23 Feb '11

Listers, As we continue our debate on the draft 'Independent Communications Commission of Kenya Billl 2010' we recall how yesterday, we opened the discussion on the functions of the Commission where the key issue is that the ICCK will have to perform duties imposed on it by the former Commission. We did not have many contributions and I should not give my viewpoint too much but in this case indulge me. I believe the word ‘imposed’ must go. The other contribution was by Waudo mainly concerned with whether the ICCK will continue in its policy formulation function or whether it will be clear that it is meant to implement policy. He argued that since ICCK will take over whatever CCK has been doing then how does one deal with the aspect of being “independent of control by government” when in essence CCK votes at the ITU based on instructions from the Government of Kenya. If you want to continue anything on the Day 3 discussions kindly do so under the relevant header…contributions are still welcome. Today is Day 4 and we move to: SECTION 5: CONSTITUTION AND APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS TO THE COMMISSION SECTION 6: DISQUALIFICATION SECTION 5: The Commission consists of 7 Commissioners appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission (PSC). Process: 1. Minister consults with PSC within 7 days of commencement of the Act ad declares vacancies and request for applications. 2. Application to be forwarded to PSC within 14 days of notice (by a qualified person or person/organization/group proposing qualified person) 3. PSC interviews and shortlists 2 people qualified for Chairperson and 9 people for members 4. Within 7 days President appoints Chairperson and members. Question: Is this process fluid enough? Key issue I would also like you to consider: pg. 5, Section 5 (No. 3) about the type of person to be appointed, in a nutshell: - Committed to fairness, freedom of expression, etc. - Represents a large cross-section of the population I am particularly interested in No. 3 (ii) [which requires serious editing anyway, I have done a little of it below though still wordy]: (ii) Possess suitable qualifications, expertise and experience in the fields of, amongst others, broadcasting, telecommunications, law, media and economics; and any other related expertise. Question: What are your thoughts on the kind of Commissioners needed? Do you think there should be a little more here about the calibre of a Chairperson? Where do gender issues come in? Or rather gender balance as this is still a problem in many of these appointments in Kenya. SECTION 6: Disqualification: There is a whole list of reasons on pg. 6, Section 6 on people who cannot be appointed to the commission. It includes: - is not a Citizen of the Republic (I think this should be simply Kenya) - is a public servant or holder of any other remunerated position under the State - is an employee or employee of any party, movement..etc. - has been convicted of any criminal charges… Question: Read through and see if they are satisfactory? One that is not clear and in my view needs serious editing is: 6. (1) f. A person may not be appointed as a Commissioner if he or she or his or her business partner or associate holds an office in or with, or is employed by, any person or body, whether corporate or unincorporated, which has an interest contemplated in paragraph (f): HELP! I am supposed to be a moderator, but who understands this or can make it simpler but clearer. It definitely needs to change. Best Regards, Nyaki

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Is Safaricom disintegrating
by robert yawe 23 Feb '11

23 Feb '11

Hi listers,ea Its not a good idea to type multiple emails at the same time, I sent out the right email with the wrong heading. Here is the correct posting for the subject header I have had an interesting 2 or so weeks dealing with the post Micheal Joseph Safaricom. During his reign MJ took an interest in what was being said about the company, at least on this list which I strongly believe is representative of the tech savvy population. Why do I use a strong word like disintegrate well because before Safaricom went on its acquisition spree I had a single contact number to report all my issues with Safaricom but today I have over 5 numbers that I need to call to get a semblance of assistance, of the 5 or so numbers only one is toll free the others are chargeable calls. Sometime back I raised this issue, that is yet to be resolved, in relation to my WiMax connection which is a service offered by Safaricom Business whose customer support number is 0722-002222. In addition the number is only operational between 8:30am and 5:30 pm, but this might be an indication of when I have expected to have problems with the service. Reminds me of my first boss who once told me that I was dis-organised by falling sick in the middle of the week. I can remember a time when calling 999 got you access to all emergency services does the demise of this single contact actually have something to do with Safaricom not being able to provide a single number for customer care? The situation gets worse every day, I requested Safaricom to deliver my WiMax post paid invoice together with that for our post paid voice lines, I was shocked to be informed that this is not possible as the two services, read organisations are separate and therefore my request could not be honoured. Here I quote the response from Safaricom Business "The billing for the Wimax account is done separately from the other post paid accounts hence, the two cannot be merged" More recently my WiMax antennae was pointed to a new base station but after working for 2 days it needed to be re-pointed to the original base station because the person who made the change did not complete the internal paper work. Yesterday I had another interesting experience when my 3G devices where unable to access my servers hosted right here in the country yet I could reach international sites. I reported the issue to Safaricom Business support line at about 8:30 am after which the circus begun, I received calls from no less than 5 different people all requiring me to repeat my problem, I would have expected it was captured during my initial call? After 6 hours of trying to convince me that the problem was localised to me, I had tested the connection using 3 different 3G devices, they finally confirmed that they where having an issue on their network. At one point one of the engineers, Safaricom does not employ technicians, asks the URL I am saying I cannot reach then tells me that from where she it it accessible. I would have expected that Safaricom would have a test bench to simulate some of this issues. They need to be able to also categorise clients based on a predetermined skill level. It is so painful going through the switch off modem. ping DNS steps that I have recently relegated the 1st level of support calling to my 13 year old son. My experiences with Safaricom since I took up addition services from them namely fixed wireless (WiMax) and domain hosting the number of telephone numbers for Safaricom support have gone from 2 (voice & mpesa) to 15. This is just 3 short of the ones I have for Telkom/Orange which range from the numbers of the line plant staff (those who carry ladders or sit in the road side cabinets), the 3 support numbers (100, 121 & 122). A few numbers each for the Network Operations Center, Kenstream, ADSL, broadband, Jambonet and EvDo just to be able to effectively support my clients who are on the various services. To put an icing on the cake I at one time had to have the Managing Directors on speed dial from Cheserem to Kirui, the Orange fellows are not as accessible which might explain the organisations lackluster performance. Safaricom is becoming what KP&TC and Telkom were as a monopoly big, blotted and unresponsive, it is my sincere hope that we shall not get to the bottom of that precipice as if we do it will mean that the time has come for some of us to go and breed egg laying chickens, which might actually be to the benefit of the industry. If there is still someone out there from Safaricom listening this is the wrong time for the organisation to be disintegrating if you expect to provide a complete suite of products and services. As solution providers we had started filling like we had a partner who would work with us to deliver leading edge solutions well we shall continue to hope and pray that that day will come, soon. Regards PS. If private sector has a problem with offering a single point of contact can we really expect it of the government? Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

2 2

Composition of CSTD Working Group on the IGF
by waudo siganga 23 Feb '11

23 Feb '11

Dear Colleagues, For those following the IGF process, UNCTAD has announced the composition of the Working Group on improvements to the IGF [1]http://www.unctad.org/Templates/Page.asp?intItemID=5813&lang=1 Dr. Jimson Olufuye from WITSA will be representing the Africa business community in the Group. On another note the IGF secretariat is reminding all to send in proposals regarding the program for Nairobi. Please do something, unless we want to have a big meeting in Nairobi with no program. We need comments on the format and content of the program. Contributions can be sent to the IGF mailbox at [2]igf(a)unog.ch, the deadline for submission is 7 February 2011. Kind Regards, Waudo References 1. http://www.unctad.org/Templates/Page.asp?intItemID=5813&lang=1 2. file://localhost/mail/?MLS=MR-**f4103020u70770*;MSS=;SMB-CF=4103020;SMR-PT=;SMR-UM=f4103020u70770;UDm=119;Ust=22b35bb4!b53341a5;MSignal=MC-FN*U-1*igf%40unog.ch

2 1

Re: [kictanet] Is Safaricom disintegrating
by robert yawe 23 Feb '11

23 Feb '11

Hi listers,ea Its not a good idea to type multiple emails at the same time, I sent out the right email with the wrong heading. Here is the correct posting for the subject header I have had an interesting 2 or so weeks dealing with the post Micheal Joseph Safaricom. During his reign MJ took an interest in what was being said about the company, at least on this list which I strongly believe is representative of the tech savvy population. Why do I use a strong word like disintegrate well because before Safaricom went on its acquisition spree I had a single contact number to report all my issues with Safaricom but today I have over 5 numbers that I need to call to get a semblance of assistance, of the 5 or so numbers only one is toll free the others are chargeable calls. Sometime back I raised this issue, that is yet to be resolved, in relation to my WiMax connection which is a service offered by Safaricom Business whose customer support number is 0722-002222. In addition the number is only operational between 8:30am and 5:30 pm, but this might be an indication of when I have expected to have problems with the service. Reminds me of my first boss who once told me that I was dis-organised by falling sick in the middle of the week. I can remember a time when calling 999 got you access to all emergency services does the demise of this single contact actually have something to do with Safaricom not being able to provide a single number for customer care? The situation gets worse every day, I requested Safaricom to deliver my WiMax post paid invoice together with that for our post paid voice lines, I was shocked to be informed that this is not possible as the two services, read organisations are separate and therefore my request could not be honoured. Here I quote the response from Safaricom Business "The billing for the Wimax account is done separately from the other post paid accounts hence, the two cannot be merged" More recently my WiMax antennae was pointed to a new base station but after working for 2 days it needed to be re-pointed to the original base station because the person who made the change did not complete the internal paper work. Yesterday I had another interesting experience when my 3G devices where unable to access my servers hosted right here in the country yet I could reach international sites. I reported the issue to Safaricom Business support line at about 8:30 am after which the circus begun, I received calls from no less than 5 different people all requiring me to repeat my problem, I would have expected it was captured during my initial call? After 6 hours of trying to convince me that the problem was localised to me, I had tested the connection using 3 different 3G devices, they finally confirmed that they where having an issue on their network. At one point one of the engineers, Safaricom does not employ technicians, asks the URL I am saying I cannot reach then tells me that from where she it it accessible. I would have expected that Safaricom would have a test bench to simulate some of this issues. They need to be able to also categorise clients based on a predetermined skill level. It is so painful going through the switch off modem. ping DNS steps that I have recently relegated the 1st level of support calling to my 13 year old son. My experiences with Safaricom since I took up addition services from them namely fixed wireless (WiMax) and domain hosting the number of telephone numbers for Safaricom support have gone from 2 (voice & mpesa) to 15. This is just 3 short of the ones I have for Telkom/Orange which range from the numbers of the line plant staff (those who carry ladders or sit in the road side cabinets), the 3 support numbers (100, 121 & 122). A few numbers each for the Network Operations Center, Kenstream, ADSL, broadband, Jambonet and EvDo just to be able to effectively support my clients who are on the various services. To put an icing on the cake I at one time had to have the Managing Directors on speed dial from Cheserem to Kirui, the Orange fellows are not as accessible which might explain the organisations lackluster performance. Safaricom is becoming what KP&TC and Telkom were as a monopoly big, blotted and unresponsive, it is my sincere hope that we shall not get to the bottom of that precipice as if we do it will mean that the time has come for some of us to go and breed egg laying chickens, which might actually be to the benefit of the industry. If there is still someone out there from Safaricom listening this is the wrong time for the organisation to be disintegrating if you expect to provide a complete suite of products and services. As solution providers we had started filling like we had a partner who would work with us to deliver leading edge solutions well we shall continue to hope and pray that that day will come, soon. Regards PS. If private sector has a problem with offering a single point of contact can we really expect it of the government? Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

3 2

Re: [kictanet] Poverty & Education: e-discussion
by Mwololo Tim 23 Feb '11

23 Feb '11

For anyone who might be interested. Rgds. tm On Tue, Feb 22, 2011 at 2:00 AM, Kathleen Diga <kathleen.diga(a)gmail.com>wrote: > Dear friends, > > > I'm helping with this event and could really really use all your support > through FB messages/tweets/blogs. As a fan of technology and > youth/scholar issues, I hope you all can be involved in an United Nations > event in which School of Development Studies (University of KwaZulu-Natal) > is involved and would be pleased to have your participation. UKZN has been > nominated by United Nations Academic Impact for the next two years as one of > ten global hubs to help take forward the governing principle on 'Addressing > Poverty' and Youth. > > > Due to your strong networks and hopefully your interests in Poverty and > Education in the South, we at the School encourage you to contribute to the > e-Discussions (via Facebook!) on Poverty and Education for the week of 2-8 > Mar 2011. We would also be grateful if you could forward this invitation to > other interested networks that you might know, or to others that you think > would have an interest in this topic. > > > > FACEBOOK URL: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/ImpactUN > > > > Basically it is a discussion about issues such as: should there be free > access to tertiary education, what kinds of education incentives ought to be > available by gov't including vocational training, what are strategies to > reverse brain drain (young nationals emigrating abroad) and how can we > ensure local talents are employed. > > > Thanks again for your interest and your help! Let us know what you think > of the UNAI discussion. > > Best regards, > > Kathleen > > > ----------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by * > MailScanner* <http://www.mailscanner.info/>, and is believed t o be clean. > > +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ > UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI IS ISO CERTIFIED > > The University of Nairobi is committed to providing quality services to all > its clients. The University will monitor and review its quality performance > from time to time through an effective implementation of the Quality > Management System based on ISO 9001:2008 standard. > > University of Nairobi Website: http://www.uonbi.ac.ke/ > +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ >

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Is Safaricom disintegrating
by robert yawe 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

Please lets put this issue to rest we are getting diverted Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 ________________________________ From: Andrea Bohnstedt <andrea.bohnstedt(a)ratio-magazine.com> To: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Tue, 22 February, 2011 11:21:52 Subject: Re: [kictanet] Calling Rates - Airtel to de-list Celtel Robert, I think it was you who (erroneously ) started talking about Zimbabwe. Then, stock market performance doesn't have anything to do with the percentage of retail/small shareholders as such. Have you had a look at what percentage of shares on the LUSE is held by institutional investors vs retail investors, and done the same for the other stock markets that you list? Like Facebook says: It's complicated. On 22 February 2011 09:14, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: Hi, > > >The best performing "stock exchange in Africa" was Zambia as its index rose more >than 12 per cent while the second best monitored by African Alliance was >Botswana (BSE DCI) at 8.3 per cent up and Nigeria (Nig ALSI) rose 7.5 per cent. > > >Year to date, the NSE (Nairobi Stock Exchange" 20-share index was down 16.5 >per cent. At the end of January this year, the index had fallen 0.7 per cent >before this accelerated as the year entered its second month. > > >http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corporate+News/NSE+loses+as+investors+lo… > > >Sorry to ask McTim, what sources did you base your conclusion that the Zambians >cannot afford to buy shares in any company? > > >Regards > Robert Yawe >KAY System Technologies Ltd >Phoenix House, 6th Floor >P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 >Kenya > > >Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 > > > > > ________________________________ From: McTim <dogwallah(a)gmail.com> >To: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> >Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >Sent: Fri, 18 February, 2011 18:05:12 > >Subject: Re: [kictanet] Calling Rates - Airtel to de-list Celtel > > >On Fri, Feb 18, 2011 at 5:56 PM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: >> They currently have shares in the company and Airtel wants to buy them off, >> thats why. > >I seriously doubt there are many folk in Zim (or Zambia) that can >afford to buy stock in any company, given the economic reality in Zim. > Corrupt politicians and the kleptocracy, certainly can afford >shares. > >> PS. Do you have an issue with us indigenous mortals? > >Only when they steal from their brothers and sisters with impunity. > >-- >Cheers, > >McTim >"A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A >route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel > > >_______________________________________________ >kictanet mailing list >kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >This message was sent to: andrea.bohnstedt(a)ratio-magazine.com >Unsubscribe or change your options at >http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/andrea.bohnstedt%40rat… > > > -- Andrea Bohnstedt Publisher +254 720 960 322 www.ratio-magazine.com Find/post East Africa careers Find/post conferences, workshops, trainings, other business events

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Fw: Sponsorship of very needy brilliant pupils
by J.R. Kirongothi 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

Hi all, I received the message below from the director of bran-denschools and thought I can share. Capt(rtd) Jessie R. Kirongothi Deputy Director--MIS KASNEB. KASNEB Towers, Hospital Road, Upper Hill P.O Box 41362 - 00100, Nairobi - Kenya Tel: 254 (020) 2712640 / 2712828 Fax: 254 (020) 2712915 ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Janet Mbaka <janet.mbaka(a)bran-denschools.org> To: kirongothijr(a)yahoo.co.uk; Christina Emenyi <cemenyi(a)yahoo.com>; Edmund Muchemi <muchemieg(a)yahoo.com>; Edu UON <edugygy(a)yahoo.com>; esther.passaris(a)yahoo.com Sent: Sun, January 30, 2011 9:49:56 AM Subject: Sponsorship of very needy brilliant pupils My dear friend, I run a good performing mixed primary school in Naivasha - BRAN-DEN JUNIOR SCHOOL website www.bran-denschools.org. My school is open to self sponsored and donor sponsored brilliant pupils from financially disadvantaged homes. The school is currently sponsoring the education of 5 very needy brilliant pupils from Naivasha 3 of whom will be sitting for their KCPE this year. The profiles of these pupils are attached to this email for your perusal and further action with Gods help. We have 10 applications in our data bank for sponsorship of very needy brilliant pupils from class 5 to class 8.Our school which operates on non-profit basis because of our focus of providing affordableand quality education to all irrespective of the pupils family background is strained in terms of financial resources to sponsor more than the current 5 children who are also a major strain for us. We cater for their feeding, clothig, accomodation, education and books, funds hich mainly come from me as the school director and founder. We humbly request for your intervention and assistance in linking these children with potential donors/sponsors for the education of these children who will be the future leaders of tommorow and who will later make a difference in the lives of others different spheres of life. The feeding, accomodation and education of one child per annum costs Aprox Ksh 60,000.00 ($750), which is also the same estimate for educating a child in a good secondary school in kenya. Lets work together to TRANSFORM more lives and MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the world. All children are born ORIGINALS and my focus is to provide opportunities to the disadvantaged to BE THE ORIGINIALS they are and NOT COPIES through equal education opportunities. Please visit our school website www.bran-denschools.org and see what our history is and what our road map, mission and focus is. Feel free to get in touch with me at any time through the contacts below. Warm regards ----- Janet Mbaka Director Bran-Den Junior School and Computer College P.O.Box 2136 - 20117 Naivasha Tel: 254(717)-655382, 254(738)-138538, 254(020)-2404100 Website: www.bran-denschools.org "The Great thing in this world is not so much where we are but in what direction we are moving" ----- Janet Mbaka Director Bran-Den Junior School and Computer College P.O.Box 2136 - 20117 Naivasha Tel: 254(717)-655382, 254(738)-138538, 254(020)-2404100 Website: www.bran-denschools.org "The Great thing in this world is not so much where we are but in what direction we are moving"

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Fw: PDF Document EOI Re-advertisement_22.02.2011.pdf
by Evelyn Rono 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

FYI. Plse circulate to anyone you know who may have interest. Evelyn This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. E-mail transmission cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain viruses. The sender therefore does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message, which arise as a result of e-mail transmission. If verification is required please request a hard-copy version.

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How secure is our information in government offices?
by Paul Roy 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

Hello, Been watching keenly with grave concern our public institutions falling victims of numerous security attacks. The defacement of government websites has just but opened the eyes of the general public as to how insecure our data and information within these offices are. Unfortunately going beyond defacement of public websites, there are untold stories of viruses, malware, rootkits, Trojans, data breaches, illegal and unauthorized access to information, intrusion, DoS attacks and any more going on. Indeed a simple analysis has proven most government computers and laptops do not have simple line of defense i.e. passwords. In cases where they are passwords, they are shared and are very simple to crack. Further, lack of Information Security policy hampers development of proper security roadmap and strategy. In areas where counter measures have been put in place, the staff lack skills to maintain these systems, and in the long run are incapable of dealing with new emerging threats thus renders the counter measure ineffective. I believe this is due to lack of guidance from government institutions tasked with providing either services or framework policy. Both KICTB and Directorate of e-Government should work together to come up with a quick solution to this persistent issue. As we look at this, it would be good to keep in mind that technology alone cannot solve all incidents related to security. We need to evaluate both people skills and processes in place. In regards to people skills, it would be advisable to engage experienced consultants in the field of Information Security to work together with government to properly skill them. In conclusion I believe this country has some of the best skills currently in the private sector, we need to take a lead role in contributing our knowledge and skills towards improving security in our public sector institutions and Government in general. Paul Roy Owino, CISSP, CISA, CISM, CEH, MCITP. Technology Strategist, Microsoft Corp.

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Shoe Me Bata
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

Listers, Bata have become ICT Savvy!!!!! Kweli dunia inaenda mbele, who would have thought Bata, of all people. From: Bata Kenya [mailto:bata.marketing@bata.com] Sent: Sunday, February 20, 2011 10:07 PM To: info(a)cardiacimplants.com Subject: Shoe Me Bata Shoe me Bata <http://updates-batakenya.com/send/link.php?M=53101&N=18&L=10&F=H> LADIES <http://updates-batakenya.com/send/link.php?M=53101&N=18&L=3&F=H> MENS <http://updates-batakenya.com/send/link.php?M=53101&N=18&L=11&F=H> KIDS <http://updates-batakenya.com/send/link.php?M=53101&N=18&L=7&F=H> SCHOOL <http://updates-batakenya.com/send/link.php?M=53101&N=18&L=6&F=H> Find your nearest store Shoe me whatâs the new instore <http://updates-batakenya.com/send/link.php?M=53101&N=18&L=10&F=H> Find your store Shoe me the latest trend <http://updates-batakenya.com/send/link.php?M=53101&N=18&L=19&F=H> navy baby doll the summeris coming! - Buy online Shoe me something special <http://updates-batakenya.com/send/link.php?M=53101&N=18&L=15&F=H> marie claire - Buy online Dear Customer, We value and fully respect your privacy. We send you this e-newsletter so that you can take advantage of our offers and latest trends in footwear. For more details write to bata.marketing(a)bata.com Find <http://updates-batakenya.com/send/link.php?M=53101&N=18&L=2&F=H> us on Facebook | Follow <http://updates-batakenya.com/send/link.php?M=53101&N=18&L=1&F=H> us on Twitter | Read <http://updates-batakenya.com/send/link.php?M=53101&N=18&L=5&F=H> our blog Â© 2011 Bata <http://updates-batakenya.com/send/link.php?M=53101&N=18&L=4&F=H> www.batakenya.com <http://updates-batakenya.com/send/link.php?M=53101&N=18&L=2&F=H> Unsubscribe <http://updates-batakenya.com/send/unsubscribe.php?M=53101&C=f89088bf66fdf45…> me from this contact list. <http://updates-batakenya.com/send/open.php?M=53101&L=2&N=18&F=H> ---------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world" ---------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world"

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Calling Rates - Airtel to de-list Celtel
by robert yawe 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

Airtel are in the process of having Celtel Zimbabwe de-listed from the Zimbabwe stock exchange, this might not seem like much but in reality it is a reflection of Airtels profit sharing strategy. The effect of this action is that the common Zimbabweans will not benefit from the profits of the company even though they will have been generated locally. Instead the government of Mugabe will receive large volumes of money through corporate tax. Lets appreciate the fact that Safaricom at least allows us to share in their profits through dividend as shareholders. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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GOK Contact Centre
by robert yawe 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

Hi, It was encouraging to see that the Ministry of Information have followed the Prime Minister's offices direction and implemented an ISDN number. This is a direction in the right direction and we are forward to a maintained momentum. None the less I would to clarify to the ministry, based on their advertisement in the press, that Telkom Kenya's main exchanges went digital over 10 years ago and that the POTS numbers that the Ministry had were already digital. ISDN has also been in existing for an equally long period the deference is that unlike POTS ISDN can offer multiple voice channels 2 for BRI and 30 for PRI all over either 1 or 2 pairs of copper. There is a common misconception that ISDN is synonymous with VoIP telephony, this is far from the truth, from the CISCO IP phone heads in the advert would indicate that the ministry has the same misconception. Being the ministry responsible for information and technology this is very concerning. What is required in the government is a change in attitude in how they deal with their clients, you and me, which to me is not a technology issue. The issue was the single phone line that was connected to the PBX and never picked or even if it was we never got assisted, adding 29 more concurrent calls to the same receptionist will not improve service delivery, if anything, it will most likely reduce. In addition the provision of direct internal dialing (DID) within the ministry will increase personalization of interactions with the ministry staff so it is my hope that the implementation of the ISDN service is a conclusion to a defined problem and solution. We know hope that the same pilot number will be used across the various ministries as prelude towards a consolidated contact center. I definitely will not be holding my breath on this issue as the prime minister's office number is different from that of the Ministry of Information which indicates that the silos are not moving even though we have a coordination minister aka prime minister. Its a step forward and it would be wrong for me not to give credit where it is due. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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GOK Contact Centre
by robert yawe 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

Hi, It was encouraging to see that the Ministry of Information have followed the Prime Minister's offices direction and implemented an ISDN number. This is a direction in the right direction and we are forward to a maintained momentum. None the less I would to clarify to the ministry, based on their advertisement in the press, that Telkom Kenya's main exchanges went digital over 10 years ago and that the POTS numbers that the Ministry had were already digital. ISDN has also been in existing for an equally long period the deference is that unlike POTS ISDN can offer multiple voice channels 2 for BRI and 30 for PRI all over either 1 or 2 pairs of copper. There is a common misconception that ISDN is synonymous with IP telephony, this is far from the truth, from the CISCO IP phone heads in the advert would indicate that the ministry has the same misconception. Being the ministry responsible for information and technology this is very concerning. What is required in the government is a change in attitude in how they deal with their clients, you and me, which to me is not a technology issue. The issue was the single phone line that was connected to the PBX and never picked or even if it was we never got assisted, adding 29 more concurrent calls to the same receptionist will not improve service delivery, if anything, it will most likely reduce. In addition the provision of direct internal dialing (DID) within the ministry will increase personalization of interactions with the Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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Fwd:ISOC Community Grants Programme now open!
by Michuki Mwangi 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: [Chapter-delegates] ISOC Community Grants Programme now open! Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2011 06:59:57 -0500 From: Connie Kendig <kendig(a)isoc.org> To: ISOC Chapter Delegates <chapter-delegates(a)elists.isoc.org> Dear Delegates: ISOC is now accepting applications for its Community Grants Programme. The application cycle will be open until 18 March 2011. Decisions will be announced in mid-May. To learn more about the programme, and to apply, please visit our website at [English] https://www.isoc.org/isoc/chapters/projects/ [French] https://www.isoc.org/fr/isoc/chapters/projects/ [Spanish] https://www.isoc.org/es/isoc/chapters/projects/ Any questions may be sent to projects [at] isoc.org. Best, Connie J Kendig Sponsored Programs & Grants Manager Internet Society www.InternetSociety.org Tel: +1 703 439-2136 What will the Internet look like in 10 years? Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OInTXcZ4HZM For more information: www.internetsociety.org/scenarios _______________________________________________ Chapter-delegates mailing list Chapter-delegates(a)elists.isoc.org https://elists.isoc.org/mailman/listinfo/chapter-delegates

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7 ways to avoid getting hacked by Anonymous
by S.Murigi Muraya 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

7 ways to avoid getting hacked by Anonymous http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/021711-anonymous-hack-lessons.html?t5… Very good stuff for all of us including serikali spooks to note.. An expert at subverting the Windows XP Kernel had his Linux & web systems hacked ... http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r25499190-Idiots-in-the-security-consulting…

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Day 5-6: Terms of Office, Removal from Office, Remuneration and Conflict of Interest
by Catherine Adeya 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

Dear Listers, Thank you for all of you who contributed to Day 4 discussions on SECTION 5: CONSTITUTION AND APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS TO COMMISSION and SECTION 6: DISQUALIFICATION. In summary, Muriuki recommended that the commissioners represent the supply side of the equation and there is a need for the demand side of the equation which includes civil society, professional societies etc. He also cautioned that while aspiring for suitable qualifications, expertise and experience, it is possible to get commissioners who have no interest in this sector. He suggested a framework which includes a full disclosure as a condition of appointment and resignation of active participation in the sector. On the other hand, Walu argued that WHO gets appointed is not as critical as the representative structure of the commissioners, which needs to be redefined. This is in line with Matunda’s concern that there is a need to consider something about need for diverse backgrounds of commissioners with emphasis on technical business leadership, regulatory policy, etc. Kay Kerubo does not like the idea of Appointees being endorsed by Parliament as it could lead to political interference. She suggested that the Chairperson should not have a longer term than other Commissioners, that term should be 3 years in her view. Jane Thuo supported this view adding that if the Chair has a longer term he/she will carry baggage to the next Board. She emphasized the need for a gender balance rather than the old 30%. Matunda suggested that Commissioners appointments should be staggered in such as way that there are "overlaps" to ensure continuity; for instance we can have a condition that not more than 50% of Commissioner terms can end at the same time. Finally, Matunda said that the Cabinet secretary (not the President) should make appointments on recommendation of PSC. This would be in line with decentralization of power that has been at the core of the recently promulgated constitution. DAY 5-6: The discussion today will flow over to Monday 21 Feb. evening. Feel free to write over the weekend as well. It is drawn from p. 7-8 of the Draft Bill: SECTION 7: TERMS OF OFFICE SECTION 8: REMOVAL FROM OFFICE SECTION 10: REMUNERATION SECTION 12: CONFLICT OF INTEREST [Kindly show which Section you are discussing, it will help with feedback and input to the main Report] SECTION 7: This includes standard issues like length of term for the Chair which is 5 years and 4 years for the Commissioners. 7(4) and (5): The point here is that a Commissioner can remain in Office at the expiry of his/her term until a successor appointed but this should not exceed 45 days. The same Commissioner can be re-appointed for one more term. (6) The point in this sub-section is that a Commissioner serves in full-time capacity and not allowed to have any other employment Question: What do you think particularly of Section 7 (6) above? Your response to this has implications for 8 (1) g on removal from the office you break this clause. SECTION 8: There are 9 reasons for removal from Office and most are standard but I would like you to discuss the following: 8. (1) (e). Incompetence; Question: Do you think this should be qualified further as it can be subject to abuse when so general? Or is it self-explanatory? What about 8. (1)(h): A commissioner may be removed from office on account of failure to disclose an interest in terms of section 12(2)(a) or voting or attendance at, or participation in, proceedings of the Commission while having an interest contemplated in section 12 (1); Question: Does this make perfect sense? Do you think SECTION 12 on CONFLICT OF INTEREST should come earlier eg. after No. 7 TERMS OF OFFICE and before NO. 8 REMOVAL FROM OFFICE? or should it be before No. 8.? or is it in the right place? SECTION 10: REMUNERATION: Basically this has been left to the Minister with concurrence of the Minister of Finance. Question: Your thoughts on this? SECTION 12: While I am in this section, can I comment that the Table of Contents MUST synchronize with the main titles in the main body. For example the TOC reads ‘Conflicting Interests’ and the main body is ‘Conflict of Interest’….those can debatably be two different issues. So we will discuss ‘CONFLICT OF INTEREST’: This includes the standard issues but section needs some editing; however there are two issues that may be open in discussion: 12(1)(a) A Commissioner may not vote at, attend or in any the manner participate in, any meeting or hearing of the Commission, nor be present at the place were the meeting is held if -- (b) in relation to an application relating to a licence, he or she or his or her family member is a director, member or business partner or associate of or has an interest in the business of the applicant or of any person who made representation in relation to the application; or……etc Question: Imagine that this was a determining question in an Exam, asking you to simplify this by first explaining what it means? Would you get the pass mark? Please try. Sincerely, Nyaki

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IBM Service Corps team in Nairobi
by Paul Kukubo 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

Listers FYI International IBM Team Arrives in Kenya to Support Achievement of Vision 2030 IBM Corporate Service Corps to facilitate efficient delivery of financial services in Nyeri Nairobi 21th, February 2011: An international team of consultants from the IBM's Corporate Service Corps programme has arrived in Nairobi for a one-month project in Nyeri. They will work alongside the Kenya ICT Board, the Kenya e-Government initiative, the Ministry of Information and Communication and the Postal Corporation of Kenya on a number of initiatives to help meet key ICT objectives in the Vision 2030 plan. "IBM is committed to fostering the utilization of information technology by government agencies and educational institutions to spur rapid economic development," said Anthony Mwai, Country General Manager for IBM East Africa. "In return, IBM staff and communities can reap the mutual benefits of global while developing its next generation of leaders." Arriving in Kenya this week, the team of 12 IBM employees from 9 different countries will work on the ground in Nyeri for one month. They will work with a number of local organisations including: The Postal Corporation of Kenya (PCK) The IBM team will help PCK to review the changing economic landscape in Kenya and develop a plan to deliver financial services to the poor across Kenya. Department of E-Government The IBM team will work to increase the efficiency of public processes and encourage citizen participation in governmnt. Kenya ICT Board The IBM team will work the Kenya ICT board to help address the IT skills gap in the country and support the development of the business process outsourcing sector in the country. The current engagement in Kenya comes on the heels of a number of previous Corporate Service Corps visits to Africa - a focus continent for the program. Since July 2008, IBM's Corporate Service Corps has deployed 327 IBMers on 29 teams to South Africa, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, and Egypt. Through these projects IBM has worked with local organisations and businesses across Africa to support community-driven economic development. The Corporate Service Corps (CSC) is a global IBM initiative designed to provide small businesses, educational institutions and non-profit organizations in growth markets with sophisticated business consulting and skills development to help improve local conditions and foster job creation. IBM deploys teams of top employees from around the world representing IT, research, marketing, finance and business development to growth markets for a period of one month. The employees work pro bono with local organizations and businesses on projects that intersect business, technology and society. As a global programme, over the past three years the IBM Corporate Service Corps has deployed close to 1000 IBM employees on 100 teams to 20 countries around the world. Projects vary from assisting networks of entrepreneurs and small businesses trying to grow and reach export markets to the adoption of new and smart technological ideas by private and public sectors. Paul Kukubo CEO Kenya ICT Board ICT-logo-02

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Fw: Recruitment of a Chief Executive Officer of the CTO
by Shem Ochuodho 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

Might interest some people. Please circulate widely. Apologies in advance for any cross-posts. Regards, Shem PS: Any queries ONLY to the address/es given in the bundle. Shem J. Ochuodho, MSc (Eng), PhD, LLD (Hon) Senior Advisor Ministry of Telecom & Postal Services Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS), Juba Commonwealth Telecom Organization (CTO/GoSS) 2010 African Internaut Award Recipient Kenya Community Abroad (KCA) 2007 Excellence Award Winner AfricaOnline 2005 Industry Pioneer Award Recipient Father of Internet in Kenya (CSK 2000) Cell: +249-955-021-040/+256-477-232025/+254-734-137371 Skype: shem.ochuodho ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Lasantha De Alwis <L.DeAlwis(a)cto.int> Sent: Sun, 20 February, 2011 11:22:51 Subject: Recruitment of a Chief Executive Officer of the CTO Dear Council members Please find attached the information pack pertaining to the recruitment of a Chief Executive Officer of the CTO. We will appreciate it highly if you could publicise this vacancy in your country (perhaps by posting the notice on the organisational website) and disseminating it using any other channels at your disposal. Thanking you in advance Regards Lasantha De Alwis Corporate Secretary & Senior Manager | Programmes Address: 64-66 Glenthorne Road Hammersmith, London W6 0LR Switchboard: Fax: Direct Line: +44 20 8600 3800 +44 20 8600 3819 +44 20 8600 3814 Email: Website: l.dealwis(a)cto.int http://www.cto.int Join your ICT Colleagues at CTO knowledge-sharing events. Follow us on: Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. Let's think sustainability. The information in this email communication (inclusive of attachments) is confidential and privileged to the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) and the intended recipient(s). If you are not the intended recipient(s), please note that any use, disclosure, distribution or copying of this information or any part thereof is strictly prohibited and that the author accepts no liability for the consequences of any action taken on the basis of the information provided. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately by return email and then delete all instances of this email from your system. The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) will not accept responsibility for any consequences associated with the use of this email (including, but not limited to, damages sustained as a result of any viruses and/or any action or lack of action taken in reliance on it).

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Media Round Tables - Invitation
by George Nyabuga 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

Dear friends, The School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Nairobi, the Media Focus on Africa Foundation, the Media Institute, and the Kenya Editors Guild are pleased to invite you to participate in a Media Round Table to be held on 22 February 2011, between 12 and 2pm, at the Alliance Francaise to discuss media coverage of politics in Kenya. This is based on the idea that the media is obsessed with politics, political personalities and other political actors at the expense of other issues. The panellists will be Njeri Kabeberi, Ann Njogu, Barrack Muluka, and Tom Odhiambo. The event will be open to members of the public to enhance public understanding of the role of the media in the Kenyan society. Former newspaper editor, regular media commentator and consultant Kwamchetsi Makokha will moderate the discussions. This is part of a series of monthly round table meetings held the last Tuesday of every month. The remit of the Monthly Media Round Tables is to deeply examine, in conversations with various organisations and people like academics/scholars, media practitioners/journalists, civil society organisations, policy makers, media stakeholders, politicians, and ordinary Kenyans, the role of media. It is hoped that such conversations will promote an understanding of the station and role of the media in Kenya. We look forward to your participation. Dr George Nyabuga Associate Director School of Journalism & Mass Communication University of Nairobi Education Building Harry Thuku Road PO Box 30197 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254(0)20 318262 Fax: +254(0)20 2229168 Mobile: +254 (0)72151 6573 Email: gnyabuga(a)uonbi.ac.ke, gnyabuga(a)yahoo.co.uk www.uonbi.ac.ke ----------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI IS ISO CERTIFIED The University of Nairobi is committed to providing quality services to all its clients. The University will monitor and review its quality performance from time to time through an effective implementation of the Quality Management System based on ISO 9001:2008 standard. University of Nairobi Website: http://www.uonbi.ac.ke/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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Re: [kictanet] 9
by susan muthui 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

..Get sexual attraction right now! http://www.nmbcmedia.net/2011.php?ID=3395

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On Access to ICCK Minutes - Universal Access Fund
by Matunda Nyanchama 20 Feb '11

20 Feb '11

- Can this be covered under "access to information" 'principle' in the recently passed constitution; my recollection, and correct me if I am wrong, is that parliament will enact a law on access to information and requirement for transparency for all government entities/agencies/commissions/etc etc. I presume this would cover ICCK - On telecom infrastructure financing, the Canadian model may be worth a study; every telco (actually customer as telcos pass this cost) has to contribute to this fund which is then used as an incentive (e.g. rebate, tax relief, etc.) for those telcos that invest in new infrastructure and/or operate in areas where telcom profitability is low. (NB: their debate on the matter was back in 1996 following deregulation.) Baadaye. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matunda Nyanchama, PhD, CISSP; mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com Agano Consulting Inc.; www.aganoconsulting.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be prepared to face ICT Security failures & know how to respond when they happen! Call: +1-888-587-1150 or info(a)aganoconsulting.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk I have a workstation…" - Anonymous ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This e-mail, including attachments, may be privileged and may contain confidential or proprietary information intended only for the addressee(s). Any other distribution, copying, use, or disclosure is unauthorized and strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and permanently delete the message, including any attachments, without making a copy. Thank you.

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Fireside Chat by Larry Wall, creator of the Perl Programming Language
by Phares Kariuki 19 Feb '11

19 Feb '11

Hi, Larry Wall, creator of the Perl Programming Language will be giving a fireside chat at the iHub on the 24th of February 2011, at the iHub. Chat starts at 5.30 pm, ends at 8 pm. Registration link here.... http://larrywall.eventbrite.com/ Thanks, -- With Regards, Phares Kariuki | T: +254 734 810 802 | E: pkariuki(a)gmail.com | Twitter: kaboro | Skype: kariukiphares | B: http://www.kaboro.com/ |

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Egypt & Tunisia - tipping points
by robert yawe 19 Feb '11

19 Feb '11

As we call for twitter and facebook organised demonstrations to force governments out of office lets realise that this populations had reached a tipping point, as they say "the straw that broke the camels back". We therefore need to be careful about assuming that just having the tools that were available to the civilians in Egpt and Tunisia are sufficient for a mass uprising. Using the same analogy in the ICT sector just having high speed internet and accent neutral english speakers shall not cause a revolution in the outsourcing arena. The failures at attempting to replicate Silicon Valley are more than the successes so lets find our own vehicle to leverage ICT. Regards PS. Apology's for the error with my post on airtel and Zimbabwe it was Zambia Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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Forthcoming Discussions on the Independent Communications Commission of Kenya Bill 2010 14-25 Feb.
by Catherine Adeya 19 Feb '11

19 Feb '11

Dear Listers, After a healthy and heated debate on the Media Council Bill 2010, next week (on Valentine's day to be exact) we will move on to the following discussion: Topic: The Independent Communications Commission of Kenya Bill 2010 Venue: Here on the KICTANET list Participants: You Duration: Mon.14 th Feb - Fri. 25 Feb. 2010 I have decided to send out this notice early enough so you have time to download the Bill and read it. The Bill has four main Chapters: CHAPTER I : INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS: Definitions etc. CHAPTER II: INDEPENDENT COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION OF KENYA: Establishment of the Independent Communications Commission of Kenya. CHAPTER III: COMMITTEES CHAPTER IV: TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS: Transfer of Staff FIRST SCHEDULE: LAWS AMENDED OR REPEALED : MEMORANDUM OF OBJECTS AND REASONS However, we will focus our discussions mainly on Chapter II, III and IV for obvious reasons. You can access 'The Independent Communications Commission of Kenya (ICCK) Bill' at the Ministry of Information and Communications website:http://www.information.go.ke/ To be more exact you can find it at: http://www.information.go.ke/index2.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid… The ten day discussions will focus on critical and gnawing issues. We will summarize the discussions as we go along. Date Focus Mon 14 Feb. 2011 Object of the Act which is to establish an independent Commission... Tue 15 Feb. SECTION 3: THE 'ESTABLISHMENT OF INDEPENDENT COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION OF KENYA' Wed 16 Feb SECTION 4: FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION Thur 17 Feb. SECTION 5: CONSTITUTION AND APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS TO COMMISSION SECTION 6: DISQUALIFICATION Friday 18 Feb. Day 5 and 6: >From p. 7-8 SECTION 7: TERMS OF OFFICE SECTION 8: REMOVAL FROM OFFICE SECTION 10: REMUNERATION SECTION 12: CONFLICT OF INTEREST Mon 21 Feb. SAME AS FRI. 18 FEB. 2011. Tue 22 Feb. SECTION 14: STAFF TO THE COMMISSION. Wed 23 Feb. SECTION 18: DISSOLUTION OF CCK SECTION 19: TRANSFER OF STAFF SECTION 20: TRANSFER OF RIGHTS, LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS Thur 24 Feb SECTION 21: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS SECTION 22: LEGALITY OF ACTS Fri 25 Feb. Recap any pending issues that have not been dealt with in detail. See you all next week...I look forward to healthy discussions. Best Regards, Nyaki (or Dr. Catherine Adeya...as Alice had introduced me) _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: elizaslider(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/elizaslider%40yahoo.com

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Libya (mostly) offline
by McTim 19 Feb '11

19 Feb '11

http://www.renesys.com/blog/2011/02/libyan-disconnect-1.shtml Looks like they are doing the same thing the Egyptians did. -- Cheers, McTim "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel

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Price Control in the Telecom Market in Kenya?
by Edith Adera 19 Feb '11

19 Feb '11

Listers, The news I heard today made me wanna shadder! A player with market power asking for price controls in the telecom market? Are we progressing or retrogressing? Telecom Economics dictates otherwise and this must NOT happen in a free and competitive market! Our recent discussions on broadband access just goes to confirm that we are not there yet. We have not yet reached the most remote and isolated corners of this country....control MUST not be an option! The Kenyan consumer continues to be constrained by availability, accessibility and affordability to fully realize the socio-economic benefits of telecoms. As a voice for the common consumer.....among a million other voices......price control is NOT an option! Edith ________________ Edith Ofwona Adera Senior Program Specialist ICT4D Program and Climate Change & Water Program International Development Research Centre | Centre de recherches pour le développement international Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa Tel: +254202713160 | Fax/Téléc: +254202711063 | Skype: edithadera eadera(a)idrc.or.ke<mailto:eadera@idrc.or.ke> | www.idrc.ca<http://www.idrc.ca/> | www.crdi.ca<http://www.crdi.ca/> [https://email.idrc.or.ke/owa/attachment.ashx?id=RgAAAAANayfd3%2b2VQYZo%2flc…]

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Chinese Hackers Target Canadian Govt Sites
by Matunda Nyanchama 18 Feb '11

18 Feb '11

This news of hackers targeting governments may of interest to folks on this list. 1. Cyber Attacks Target Govt Departments 2. Foreign Hackers Break into Govt Computers Enjoy!---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matunda Nyanchama, PhD, CISSP; mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com Agano Consulting Inc.; www.aganoconsulting.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be prepared to face ICT Security failures & know how to respond when they happen! Call: +1-888-587-1150 or info(a)aganoconsulting.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk I have a workstation…" - Anonymous ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This e-mail, including attachments, may be privileged and may contain confidential or proprietary information intended only for the addressee(s). Any other distribution, copying, use, or disclosure is unauthorized and strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and permanently delete the message, including any attachments, without making a copy. Thank you.

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In egypt-internet governance
by warigia bowman 18 Feb '11

18 Feb '11

In el rehab, cairo at american university gov shut down all texting and Internet as well as al jazeera arabic from Thursday until this afternoon. Food for thought what is the technical situation? How did government of egypt do this? Is gateway controlled by gov, or did gov pull licenses? need answers Rigia -- Dr. Warigia Bowman Visiting Assistant Professor American University in Cairo

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Re: [kictanet] Kenya: New Media Laws Must Meet International Standards
by Victor Bwire 18 Feb '11

18 Feb '11

[ARTICLE 19] STATEMENT 17 February 2011 Kenya: New Media Laws Must Meet International Standards Today marks the launch of two ARTICLE 19 legal analyses on two important laws relating to media freedom in Kenya – the 2010 Media Bill and the 2010 Independent Communications Commission Bill. In the analyses, ARTICLE 19 calls on Kenyan legislators to incorporate the recommendations relating to both laws into the final text and ensure that both laws comply with international standards in their respective areas. ARTICLE 19, who has a regional East Africa office in Nairobi, has regularly commented on a number of Kenyan draft and adopted legislation relating to freedom of expression and freedom of media, including the 2010 Constitution, various laws regulating hate speech in 2010 or the 2010 Kenya Communications (Broadcasting) Regulations. Media Bill The first draft law, the Media Bill, seeks to amend the existing 2007 Law that stirred some controversy at the time of its promulgation, as it resulted in the voluntary Media Council of Kenya becoming a statutory body with a broad media mandate. The amendments contained in the Media Bill seek to align the Media Council’s functioning with the 2010 Constitution of Kenya and in particular with its provisions on freedom of expression and freedom of the media. Although limited in scope, the proposed changes are not insignificant as they will substantially overhaul the appointment’s process for members of the Council. In the analysis, ARTICLE 19 considers the Media Bill in its entirety, including both the amendments and those provisions which would remain unchanged under the proposal. On the one hand, we express significant reservations about the concept of statutory regulation of media ethics and standards. On the other hand, the analysis finds the Media Bill will provide substantial safeguards of the Council’s independence, as well as other positive features including a Code of Ethics which is largely compatible with international standards. A number of provisions do raise concern about the compatibility of the Bill with international law and constitutional protections of freedom of expression. Independent Communications Commission Bill The second analysis relates to the Independent Communications Commission of Kenya Bill 2010, which aims to establish a fully independent broadcast regulatory body to replace the existing Communications Commission of Kenya (ICCK) in all of its functions. This reform is necessitated by new provisions introduced into the new Constitution in 2010. ARTICLE 19 welcomes and supports the initiative to establish a genuinely independent communications regulator. One of the key implications of the right to freedom of expression as guaranteed in international law is that broadcast regulation should be overseen by bodies which are independent, in the sense that they are protected against political or commercial interference. The new provisions in the Constitution signal Kenya’s commitment to bring itself in line with international law in this area. ARTICLE 19 analyses considers whether the ICCK Bill indeed gives proper effect to the constitutional and international requirement of independence. Overall, our assessment is positive, although some provisions such as (GIVE EXAMPLES) give rise to concern. In both analyses, ARTICLE 19 provides specific recommendations on how our concerns should be addressed. We urge the Kenyan legislators to consider these recommendations when producing the final text of the Bills and make sure that both Bills meet international standards in respective areas. FOR MORE INFORMATION: • For more information please contact: Barbora Bukovska, Senior Director for Law and Programmes at Barbora(a)article19.org or +44 20 7324 2516; or Henry Maina, Director of ARTICLE 19 Kenya, at henry(a)article19.org or +254 20 386 2230/2. • To view the ARTICLE 19 analysis of the Kenyan Media Bill, 2010, go to: www.article19.org/pdfs/analysis/kenya-media-bill.pdf • To view the ARTICLE 19 analysis of the Independent Communications Commission of Kenya Bill, 2010, go to: www.article19.org/pdfs/analysis/kenya-communications-commission.pdf [mini logo] ARTICLE 19 ARTICLE 19 is an independent human rights organisation that works globally to protect and promote the right to freedom of expression. It takes its name from Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees free speech. For more information on ARTICLE 19 please visit www.article19.org or follow article19org on Twitter<http://www.article19.org/alists/lt.php?id=cEkFVlhSD1pSTQ8FBU4EBQJW>. Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3GA, United Kingdom Tel: +44 20 7324 2500 - Fax: +44 20 7490 0566 - info(a)article19.org<mailto:info@article19.org> - www.article19.org<http://www.article19.org/alists/lt.php?id=cEkFVlhSD1pTTQ8FBU4EBQJW> *If you would like to edit your preferences (name, organisation, region, etc) or edit which mailing lists you currently subscribe to, please visit this link<http://www.article19.org/alists/lt.php?id=cEkFVlhSD1pQTQ8FBU4EBQJW> *If you would like to unsubscribe from the ARTICLE 19 mailing lists, please visit this link<http://www.article19.org/alists/lt.php?id=cEkFVlhSD1pRTQ8FBU4EBQJW> ________________________________

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FW: Price Control in the Telecom Market in Kenya?
by Edith Adera 18 Feb '11

18 Feb '11

Some statistics! [cid:232ABEC3-0D4A-470B-8906-0E1C4373025B] EBITDA is Earning before interest tax depreciation and amortization and is an accounting measure that allows comparison across companies since it neutralizes tax and cost of capital effects as well as depreciation rules.

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Internet kill switch
by Badru Ntege 18 Feb '11

18 Feb '11

http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/48941/obama-kill-switch-what-if-theres-a-wa… As the US castigates Egypt and other nations trying to control the Internet it is interesting that they are actually drafting a policy to legalize exactly what Egypt did to the Internet. The proposed bill under the name of national security could have the same effect. If the US goes ahead and implements or even considers what will prevent other nations to do so. Looks like 2011 is going to be a very critical year for the Internet what with depletion of IPv4 and the spinoffs from Egypt BN

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Re: [kictanet] Consitutions and Appointment of Commissioners to the Commission
by charles nduati 18 Feb '11

18 Feb '11

hi listers, I also believe the bill should define the appointment of the CEO and his or her qualifications just like the constitution did for inspector general of police service. I am sure we all know the effectiveness of the ICCK depend more on the CEO and the staff than the commissioners. Also the bill does not state the full time roles of the commissioners and how to avoid overlapping and crushing with that of the staff charles nduati On Thu, 17 Feb 2011 15:38 EET Matunda Nyanchama wrote: >Commissioners appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Public >Service Commission (PSC). > >Cabinet secretary (not the president) should make appointments on recommendation >of PSC. This would be in line with decentralization of power that has been at >the core of the recently promulgated constitution. > >We need to consider something about need for diverse backgrounds of >commissioners; I don't know how to articulate that but there needs to be >emphasis on technical business leadership, regulatory policy, etc. > >On appointment term of service, is there a way to incorporate "overlaps" to >ensure continuity; this may mean staggering appointments; for instance we can >have a condition that not more than 50% of commissioner terms can end at the >same time. > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > >Matunda Nyanchama, PhD, CISSP; mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com >Agano Consulting Inc.; www.aganoconsulting.com >---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > >Be prepared to face ICT Security failures & know how to respond when they >happen! > >Call: +1-888-587-1150 or info(a)aganoconsulting.com > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > >"A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On >my desk I have a workstation…" - Anonymous >----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > >This e-mail, including attachments, may be privileged and may contain >confidential or proprietary information intended only for the addressee(s). Any >other distribution, copying, use, or disclosure is unauthorized and strictly >prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender >immediately by reply e-mail and permanently delete the message, including any >attachments, without making a copy. Thank you.

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Consitutions and Appointment of Commissioners to the Commission
by Matunda Nyanchama 17 Feb '11

17 Feb '11

Commissioners appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission (PSC). Cabinet secretary (not the president) should make appointments on recommendation of PSC. This would be in line with decentralization of power that has been at the core of the recently promulgated constitution. We need to consider something about need for diverse backgrounds of commissioners; I don't know how to articulate that but there needs to be emphasis on technical business leadership, regulatory policy, etc. On appointment term of service, is there a way to incorporate "overlaps" to ensure continuity; this may mean staggering appointments; for instance we can have a condition that not more than 50% of commissioner terms can end at the same time. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matunda Nyanchama, PhD, CISSP; mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com Agano Consulting Inc.; www.aganoconsulting.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be prepared to face ICT Security failures & know how to respond when they happen! Call: +1-888-587-1150 or info(a)aganoconsulting.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk I have a workstation…" - Anonymous ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This e-mail, including attachments, may be privileged and may contain confidential or proprietary information intended only for the addressee(s). Any other distribution, copying, use, or disclosure is unauthorized and strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and permanently delete the message, including any attachments, without making a copy. Thank you.

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Task Force on Devolved Government - Itinerary
by Eric Aligula 17 Feb '11

17 Feb '11

Colleagues Good afternoon! Please find attached the Consultation's itinerary for the Task Force on Devolved Government for your attention and further action. Kindly share as widely as possible and plan to make your submission on how you expect devolved governments to function, including your potential role in the same. A list of consultation issues is also included. Kind regards Eric Aligula Magolo, PhD Programmes Coordinator & Ag. Head, Infrastructure and Economic Services Division Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) P.O. Box 56445, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254-20-2719933/4 Fax: +254-20-2719951 E-mail: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke <mailto:jairah@kippra.or.ke> URL: www.kippra.org <http://www.kippra.org/> Proudly Kenyan "In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility..........I welcome it." John F. Kennedy "To allow other people's assessment of you to determine your own self-assessment is a very big mistake" Columbia University President Lee Bollinger "Far better to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory, nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt "Ex Africa semper aliquid novi"

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FW: Price Control in the Telecom Market in Kenya?
by Edith Adera 17 Feb '11

17 Feb '11

As requested, attached is an article from a Researcher (drawing on some of the research findings from IDRC funded work on policy and regulations) analyzing a similar "media spinning" strategy on claim of loss of revenue in the South African market. There's a brief mention of the Kenyan market and the recent price wars. As soon as I get hold of a 2nd article that was done, I will circulate it. It provides an analysis on "the impact of the reduction in the termination rates on pricing, and also specifically the dramatic reduction of retail prices by Bharti". The Researcher argues that "the retail price reduction will eventually force down Safaricom prices"...which is already witnessed. They further argue that "this is a good thing.... Safaricom is not going out of business soon.... though it will be useful to see the impact on EDBITAs this quarter" Soon, another piece of resaerch work on "pricing index" will be out in April and presented at an upcoming event in Nairobi (http://www.researchictafrica.net/training_1.php) The accompanying analysis in the "pricing index report" will have a substantial focus on the Kenyan market and the effects of the ongoing price wars in the market.....until then lets keep the debate alive. Edith ________________ Edith Ofwona Adera Senior Program Specialist ICT4D Program and Climate Change & Water Program International Development Research Centre | Centre de recherches pour le développement international Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa Tel: +254202713160 | Fax/Téléc: +254202711063 | Skype: edithadera eadera(a)idrc.or.ke<mailto:eadera@idrc.or.ke> | www.idrc.ca<http://www.idrc.ca/> | www.crdi.ca<http://www.crdi.ca/> ________________________________

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Google translation that will irk our womenfolk - oversight/error/glitch?
by Francis Hook 17 Feb '11

17 Feb '11

This has been brought to my attention ... 1 - Go to -> http://translate.google.com/ 2 - Choose language from -> English 3 - Choose language to -> Swahili 4 - Type word to translate -> Stupidity

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Re: [kictanet] Challenges facing MPESA Agents
by Safaricom Support 16 Feb '11

16 Feb '11

Dear Benjamin, The IVR for prepaid helpline 100 and the postpaid helpline 200 are still available, Its only the mpesa helpline 234 which doesn’t have. Regards Munene Muchoki From: Benjamin Makai [mailto:benmakai@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 2:00 PM To: Safaricom Support Subject: Re: [kictanet] Challenges facing MPESA Agents Naomi The IVR bit, does it apply to pre paid only ? Just tried on a post paid line and it is still going via IVR Benjamin Makai Tel: 254-722-540641 P.O. Box 8608, 00300, Nairobi, Kenya --- On Wed, 2/16/11, Safaricom Support <Support(a)Safaricom.co.ke> wrote: From: Safaricom Support <Support(a)Safaricom.co.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Challenges facing MPESA Agents To: benmakai(a)yahoo.com Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2011, 7:50 AM Good morning Preston, Access to our MPESA helpline has been simplified. Many people were having difficulty navigating the IVR and we have removed IVR on MPESA . Calls to 234 will now go through directly to our agents. To reduce wrong money transfers, we introduced new Safaricom SIM card which allows one to access SIM contacts when performing M-PESA transactions. To use the new card, one needs save the phone numbers that are frequently used for M-PESA transactions on the SIM card. The new Safaricom SIM card is available in Safaricom retail centres, dealer outlets and M-PESA agent outlets countrywide at a cost of Kshs50 for a SIM replacement and Kshs100 for a new Safaricom line Regards, Naomi Maiwa From: kictanet-bounces+support=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+support=safaricom.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Preston Odera Sent: Monday, February 14, 2011 7:33 PM To: Safaricom Support Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] Challanges facing Mpesa Agents Can Safaricom shed some light on this:- When money is sent erroneously to a wrong number it has been very very difficult to reach the customer care on time to report the incident resulting in loss of funds. It would be interesting to get some statistics by month on how much agents/customers are losing by not reaching the hotline in time. Information from agents indicates that it is near impossible to reach the hotline in time to safe the situation. The line is unavailable and could take from 30 to 60 minutes. Always the agents and their assistants have to suffer the loss. by this time money will have been withdrawn by the recipient. Preston ________________________________ Don't pick lemons. See all the new 2007 cars <http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html;_ylc=X3oDMTE0OGRsc3F2BF9TAzk3MTA3MDc2B…> at Yahoo! Autos. <http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html;_ylc=X3oDMTE0OGRsc3F2BF9TAzk3MTA3MDc2B…> Note: All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricom’s Email Terms & Conditions. Please click here <http://www.safaricom.co.ke/index.php?id=954> to read the policy. ________________________________ -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: benmakai(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/benmakai%40yahoo.com ##################################################################################### NOTE: All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricom�s Email Terms & Conditions. Please click here to read the policy. #####################################################################################

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Re: [kictanet] Executive Training 2011 - Connectivity & Convergence: Alternative Regulatory Strategies for Telecommunications
by Mwololo Tim 16 Feb '11

16 Feb '11

Dear all, Research ICT Africa (of which I am part), in conjunction with Lirne.asia and the University of Cape Town, is organizing the above course. We are offering a bursary for one delegate for an organisation that sends a delegate. If you are interested, please get in touch with Alexndra Allem of Research ICT Africa in Cape Town. I am sorry to disturb the interesting discussions currently going on in this list. Best wishes tim waema * > * > > ** > > > > > > *Connectivity and Convergence 2011: * > *Alternative Regulatory Strategies for Telecommunications* > > > *P**rogramme Summary* > > Successfully offered through the UCT GSB in association with Research ICT > Africa and LIRNE.net, this programme is designed to enhance the strategic > thinking of a select group of senior decision-makers in telecom and related > sectors in developing countries and emerging economies. The aim of the > programme is to address the many challenges posed by the current stage of > telecom and ICT reform to governments, regulatory agencies, operators and > other stakeholders. The certainties of yesterday are no more: traditional > approaches to the licensing of networks and services is being challenged by > converging technologies services and innovative business models; individual > assignments of frequencies are being questioned in the light of new > standards such as Wi-Fi and WiMax; the distinctions between wired and > wireless are being blurred; classic price regulation is becoming less > central to the missions of regulatory agencies; new pro-poor business > strategies are challenging conventional universal service models; and all > industry players are being challenged to address content issues at various > levels. > > > *Delegate profiles* > > Decision-makers in telecommunications and related sectors in Africa > including government; regulatory agencies; operators; unions, ICT > journalists, consumer groups and NGOs active in the sector > > > *Programme Benefits** * > > > - Delegates will learn how to respond more effectively to the growing > demands on the regulatory process and agencies, with the same resources > - Policy makers will gain the knowledge of developments within the > sector from current and relevant research to think in alternative ways about > creating an enabling environment for development and growth > - Regulators will be provided with alternative approaches to > regulation, particularly in developing countries with resource constraints, > to facilitate more effective regulation. > - Operators will gain a deeper understanding of the regulatory process > so that they can navigate its complexities > - With telecom assuming a more prominent position in economies and > societies, civil society and media can learn how to equip themselves to > participate in its governance > - Knowledge on how to deal with these new challenges is vital > - The opportunity to reflect on these issues in the company of peers > and away from the daily demands of the office environment is essential. > - As part of the University of Cape Town’s Infrastructure Management > Programme, the course will be offered by LIRNE.net, a global collaboration > of applied research and training entities in the South in collaboration with > prestigious institutions and emminent professional in the North, > specialising in ICT policy and regulation, led by Research ICT Africa > > > > > *Dates**: **4 – 8 April 2011 (**Applications close 1 March )* > * * > *Venue: Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa > * > * * > *Tuit**ion **fees**: **R 16 800* > > > > > ** > > * > *** > > ** > > <aallem(a)researchictafrica.net> > > <http://d.ss47.shsend.com/sendlink.asp?HitID=1297861557380&StID=7850&SID=14&…> > > > > > Contact: Alexandra Allem > aallem(a)researchictafrica.net > Tel: +27 21 447 6332 > www.researchictafrica.net > <#12e2e95b11c41a42_> > <http://d.ss47.shsend.com/sendlink.asp?HitID=1297861557380&StID=7850&SID=14&…> > *powered by* [image: > http://d.ss47.shsend.com//home/r.asp?SID=1568&G=2] > <http://d.ss47.shsend.com//home/r.asp?SID=1568&G=2> unsubscribe<http://d.ss47.shsend.com/RWCode/subscribe.asp?SiteID=7850&SID=14&Email=timw…> > forward<http://d.ss47.shsend.com/forward.asp?SiteID=7850&SID=14&EmailID=12062092&Hi…> update > profile<http://d.ss47.shsend.com/RWCode/subscribe.asp?SiteID=7850&SID=14&Email=timw…> > This mailing system may only be used for sending permission based email. > > If you did not give permission to receive emails from this sender, please > notify us<http://d.ss47.shsend.com/reportabuse.aspx?stid=7850&hitid=1297861557380&sec…>. > > > This email was sent to timwololo(a)gmail.com by aallem(a)researchictafrica.net| Print > / PDF version<http://d.ss47.shsend.com/ExportNewsletterToPdf.aspx?SD=7850&SID=14&ND=22876…>| Read our Privacy > Policy<http://d.ss47.shsend.com/privacy.asp?stid=7850&hitid=1297861557380&sec=2287…>. > > Research ICT Africa - 101B, Old Castle Brewery, 6 Beach Road, Woodstock, > CT, 7925, South Africa >

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Telecoms news
by Andrea Bohnstedt 16 Feb '11

16 Feb '11

Maybe interesting in the context of the mobile tariffs debate: Renaissance Capital currently consider the outlook for telecoms stocks in sub-Saharan Africa 'unexciting'. http://www.ratio-magazine.com/201102153841/General-Articles/Renaissance-Cap… And Balancing Act have published a new report on the use of renewable energies by mobile network operators, pointing towards rising fuel prices (and therefore higher operating costs, especially for remote locations): http://www.ratio-magazine.com/201102153843/Corporate-Press-Releases/Press-R… Regards, Andrea -- Andrea Bohnstedt <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/andreabohnstedt> Publisher +254 720 960 322 www.ratio-magazine.com Find/post East Africa careers<http://www.ratio-magazine.com/careers/index.php> Find/post conferences, workshops, trainings, other business events<http://www.ratio-magazine.com/businessevents/index.php>

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FW: Day 2: The Establishment of IndependentCommuincations Commission of Kenya
by Wangusi, Francis 16 Feb '11

16 Feb '11

From: Wangusi, Francis Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 4:41 PM To: Catherine Adeya Subject: RE: [kictanet] Day 2: The Establishment of IndependentCommuincations Commission of Kenya Hi Dakatari, I have been out of touch from the net for a while and day one of the discussions passed without my knowledge. However, allow me to draw your attention to the title "Independent Communications Commission of Kenya". My point of reference is chapter 15 clause 248 (1&2) which establishes Commissions in this country. This proposed name does not appear to be among those listed. I have been pondering on whether or not this title can be in contravention to the Constitution and if another name like "Communications Regulatory Authority of Kenya" or something like that can be contemplated. I also wish to comment that independence of this body cannot be vested in the name but the powers conferred to by the law establishing it and that is why I discount the use of the word "Independent". Sorry for taking you back to the discussions of day one but I think this is worthy a consideration. wangusi From: kictanet-bounces+wangusi=cck.go.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+wangusi=cck.go.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Catherine Adeya Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 2:17 PM To: Wangusi, Francis Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 2: The Establishment of IndependentCommuincations Commission of Kenya Thanks Charles, On Day 4, 5 and 6 the discussion will come up about the appointment of the Commissioners and others. It would be nice to get your input in more detail then so that it can be consolidated in the feedback to the Ministry. Thank you for your contributions anyways. However, you comment on the need to change the word MINISTER to CABINET SECRETARY in line with the new constitution is well taken at this stage. Nyaki ________________________________ From: charles nduati <charlesnduati2002(a)yahoo.co.uk> To: elizaslider(a)yahoo.com Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Sent: Tue, February 15, 2011 12:33:22 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 2: The Establishment of Independent Commuincations Commission of Kenya hi listers, I have just read this short draft bill and it appears to me all its doing is change the terms of commissioners appointment and its like there are now going to be full time and not clear to me how independent they will be from what they are now. at the same time, it looks like the new Director general will be appointmented only by commissioners and doesn't say if it will be competitive and his/her security of tenure finaly the draft bill refers to a minister and I suppose it should now refer to a cabinet secretary as per new constitution those are my 3 cents charles nduati On Tue, 15 Feb 2011 04:23 EET Catherine Adeya wrote: > >Listers, >We are on Day 2 of our discussions. Thank you for your thoughts on Day 1. It is >evident that there are mixed reactions on the Object of the Bill. We will ensure >those responsible keep this in mind and find a suitable middle ground, if any. >Some feel that the Object is unnecessary and misleading. Others believe it is >okay but what will be critical is the implementation. > >So today flows from the issues on day one as Part II of the Bill begins with: > SECTION 3: THE 'ESTABLISHMENT OF INDEPENDENT COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION OF >KENYA' (Commission or ICCK hereafter, my addition): > > >Key issues from this section are: > 4) The Commission is independent, subject only to the Constitution and the >law, and must be impartial and must perform its functions without fear, favour >or prejudice. > > Question: Does this communicate to you? > 5) The Commission must function without any political or commercial >interference > > Question: Again does this communicate effectively? Should the issue of politics >be separated from the commercial one?Or can we do away with 5 as the issue >should be well covered in 4? > > >I hope for a more vibrant discussion today as this bill is very critical. > >Enjoy, >Nyaki > > > > >_______________________________________________________________________ _____________ >No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go >with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started. >http://mobile.yahoo.com/mail

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Challanges facing Mpesa Agents
by Preston Odera 16 Feb '11

16 Feb '11

Can Safaricom shed some light on this:- When money is sent erroneously to a wrong number it has been very very difficult to reach the customer care on time to report the incident resulting in loss of funds. It would be interesting to get some statistics by month on how much agents/customers are losing by not reaching the hotline in time. Information from agents indicates that it is near impossible to reach the hotline in time to safe the situation. The line is unavailable and could take from 30 to 60 minutes. Always the agents and their assistants have to suffer the loss. by this time money will have been withdrawn by the recipient. Preston ____________________________________________________________________________________ Finding fabulous fares is fun. Let Yahoo! FareChase search your favorite travel sites to find flight and hotel bargains. http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097

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Internet to the Home
by Edith Adera 15 Feb '11

15 Feb '11

Listers, Just wanted to share an observation that despite the hype that fibre had arrived on the Kenyan coast, it seems to be taking long for Broadband to arrive in residential homes! I see cable installation everywhere, but I have not come across a provider aggressively advertising to Kenyans for broadband to the homes. Am I living in my own world? Anyone has an idea of a reliable provider with clean bandwidth to homes (not the "bamba" type connections) Edith

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Re: [kictanet] Day 2: The Establishment of Independent Commuincations Commission of Kenya
by charles nduati 15 Feb '11

15 Feb '11

hi listers, I have just read this short draft bill and it appears to me all its doing is change the terms of commissioners appointment and its like there are now going to be full time and not clear to me how independent they will be from what they are now. at the same time, it looks like the new Director general will be appointmented only by commissioners and doesn't say if it will be competitive and his/her security of tenure finaly the draft bill refers to a minister and I suppose it should now refer to a cabinet secretary as per new constitution those are my 3 cents charles nduati On Tue, 15 Feb 2011 04:23 EET Catherine Adeya wrote: > >Listers, >We are on Day 2 of our discussions. Thank you for your thoughts on Day 1. It is >evident that there are mixed reactions on the Object of the Bill. We will ensure >those responsible keep this in mind and find a suitable middle ground, if any. >Some feel that the Object is unnecessary and misleading. Others believe it is >okay but what will be critical is the implementation. > >So today flows from the issues on day one as Part II of the Bill begins with: > SECTION 3: THE 'ESTABLISHMENT OF INDEPENDENT COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION OF >KENYA' (Commission or ICCK hereafter, my addition): > > >Key issues from this section are: > 4) The Commission is independent, subject only to the Constitution and the >law, and must be impartial and must perform its functions without fear, favour >or prejudice. > > Question: Does this communicate to you? > 5) The Commission must function without any political or commercial >interference > > Question: Again does this communicate effectively? Should the issue of politics >be separated from the commercial one?Or can we do away with 5 as the issue >should be well covered in 4? > > >I hope for a more vibrant discussion today as this bill is very critical. > >Enjoy, >Nyaki > > > > >____________________________________________________________________________________ >No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go >with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started. >http://mobile.yahoo.com/mail

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KIXP issues
by robert yawe 15 Feb '11

15 Feb '11

Hi, We are experiencing major issues with traffic needing to pass through KIXP who do I complain to? Being a locally based content provider with an off-shore email address problems at KIXP greatly affect our business. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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Fwd: Re: Day 1: Debate on the Independent Communications Commission of Kenya Bill 2010
by Wamuyu Gatheru 14 Feb '11

14 Feb '11

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Is the Egypt Crisis an Opening for Kenya’s Nascent Outsourcing Industry?
by Andrea Bohnstedt 14 Feb '11

14 Feb '11

Hey all, Someone raised this question recently and I thought I'd ask Bobby Varanasi, the outsourcing expert, and his thoughts are here: http://www.ratio-magazine.com/201102113838/Kenya/Is-the-Egypt-Crisis-an-Ope… Have a great week! Andrea -- Andrea Bohnstedt <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/andreabohnstedt> Publisher +254 720 960 322 www.ratio-magazine.com Find/post East Africa careers<http://www.ratio-magazine.com/careers/index.php> Find/post conferences, workshops, trainings, other business events<http://www.ratio-magazine.com/businessevents/index.php>

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Re: [kictanet] Internet to the Home
by Gerhard May 14 Feb '11

14 Feb '11

That is a company somehow affiliated to KDN who installed the fibre in Runda and runs now the fibre network. Annoying is to pay KShs 29.000 to get the fibre into yr house and then the service doesnt work regards, Gerhard May On Mon, Feb 14, 2011 at 5:15 PM, Emmanuel Khisa <oloo.khisa(a)googlemail.com>wrote: > Hi Gerhard, > > That really cracked me up...Who is Teledesic again? I think the only lesson > we listers can learn from your experience is to work with slightly better > known names, not always a good way to evaluate service but hey I may be > wrong.. > > All the best with your search, try Access, Safaricom( I knowwww) or Zuku. > > Rgds, > > Emmanuel > > On Mon, Feb 14, 2011 at 3:16 PM, Gerhard May <gerhard.may(a)gmail.com>wrote: > >> i have fibre to my home in Runda fr Icon Teledesic. The service >> availability is less then 20% in the last 8 weeks and speed got very slow. >> Predominantly less than 100kb/s. Need to look for an alternative solution. >> >> Gerhard May >> >> >> On Feb 14, 2011, at 9:01, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: >> >> Safaricom WiMax works beautifully for my home link, now considering taking >> them up in the office to replace the unreliable Orange DeadBox. >> >> Regards >> >> Robert Yawe >> KAY System Technologies Ltd >> Phoenix House, 6th Floor >> P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 >> Kenya >> >> Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> *From:* Edith Adera <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke> >> *To:* <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk>robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk >> *Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >> *Sent:* Fri, 11 February, 2011 15:21:05 >> *Subject:* [kictanet] Internet to the Home >> >> Listers, >> >> >> >> Just wanted to share an observation that despite the hype that fibre had >> arrived on the Kenyan coast, it seems to be taking long for Broadband to >> arrive in residential homes! I see cable installation everywhere, but I have >> not come across a provider aggressively advertising to Kenyans for broadband >> to the homes. Am I living in my own world? >> >> >> >> Anyone has an idea of a reliable provider with clean bandwidth to homes >> (not the “bamba” type connections) >> >> >> >> Edith >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: <gerhard.may(a)gmail.com>gerhard.may(a)gmail.com >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> <http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/gerhard.may%40gmail.com> >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/gerhard.may%40gmail.com >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: oloo.khisa(a)gmail.com >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/oloo.khisa%40gmail.com >> >> > > > -- > *Oloo Khisa > P.O. Box 24324-00100 > Nairobi > 0721321086/0734321086 > http://ke.linkedin.com/in/olookhisa* > > -- Gerhard May

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Kenya Marketing Summit 14th-18th March 2011, Bellagio Italy.
by Paul Kukubo 14 Feb '11

14 Feb '11

Listers The Kenya ICT Board, the lead agency of the Government in promoting the country as an ICT hub, in partnership with Accenture and with support from Rockefeller Foundation, has planned a summit at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center in Italy, between 14th and 18th March 2011. www.doitinkenya.com The confirmed attendees include representatives from Gartner, Mckinsey Consulting, Avasant Group, Everest Group, The World Bank. By bringing together some major IT and BPO outsourcing decision makers from Europe Asia and the US, together with Venture Capitalists the Kenya ICT Board hopes to entrench already growing interest in Kenya as an ICT Investment destination within Africa. More details later. Paul Kukubo Chief Executive Officer, Kenya ICT Board PO Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya 12th Floor, Teleposta Towers Koinange Street Tel +254 20 2089061, +254 20 2211960 Fax: +254 20 2211962 website: www.ict.go.ke local content project: www.tandaa.co.ke, www.facebook.com/tandaakenya twitter:@tandaaKENYA BPO Project: www. doitinkenya.co.ke Digital Villages Project: www.pasha.co.ke personal contacts _______________ Cell: + 254 717 180001 skype: kukubopaul googletalk: pkukubo personal blog: www.paulkukubo.co.ke personal twitter: @pkukubo ____________________ Vision: Kenya becomes a top ten global ICT hub Mission: To champion and actively enable Kenya to adopt and exploit ICT, through promotion of partnerships, investments and infrastructure growth for socio economic enrichment

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Media Policy
by Ephraim Muchemi 12 Feb '11

12 Feb '11

Hi all, Would anyone be having access to the Media Policy that was used to develop the proposed Media Bill 2010? Kindly forward it. Kind Regards, Ephraim Muchemi

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Fwd: [i-network] Setting up of a Tier 3 Data Center for the Judiciary of Rwanda
by Barrack Otieno 12 Feb '11

12 Feb '11

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Emmanuel Mugarura <cmugarura(a)gmail.com> Date: Fri, Feb 11, 2011 at 5:34 PM Subject: [i-network] Setting up of a Tier 3 Data Center for the Judiciary of Rwanda To: I-Network Uganda <i-network(a)dgroups.org> The Supreme Court of Rwanda has published a RFP for the Setting up of a Tier 3 Data Center (including the Supply, Installation, Configuration, Testing and Commissioning of Physical and IT Infrastructure), specifically, *** * **1. Carrying out a complete detailed assessment of the data center location 2. Submission of a detailed system specifications report 3. Providing a detailed design of the proposed new data center 4. Setting up a data center with respect to Tier III level standards 5. Migration of all current equipment from current server room to the new setup 6. Supply, installation, configuration, testing and commission of new specified equipment 7. Provide the necessary documentation for the new setup 8. Provide the necessary training for the new setup The tender was advertised in the New Times Newspaper of 11th February and will be in the Imvaho Newspaper of Monday 14th 2011. Competent firms are encouraged to procure the Tender document and bid Visit the I-Network website - www.i-network.or.ug Follow I-Network on Twitter: http://twitter.com/inetwork The I-Network Dgroup is a platform for ICT Knowledge Sharing ------------------------------ Visit web site <http://d2.dgroups.org/iicd/i-network/> Click here <leave.i-network(a)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 Afriregister Ltd (Kenya) www.afrire <http://www.afriregister.com>gister.bi, www.afriregister.com<http://www.afriergister.com> <http://www.afriregister.com>ICANN accredited registrar +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno

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Computer Donation
by godera＠skyweb.co.ke 11 Feb '11

11 Feb '11

Dear Listers, There has been a great initiative by a young man called Daniel Ogola to give young girls who have dropped out of secondary school due to childbirth a chance to go back to school. Last year, Daniel managed to get like-minded people to build and equip a classroom to start one class of 40 inform one students ALL comprising of young girls who had given birth in primary school and had dropped out of school. The school has been approved by the Ministry of Education and is called Lifunga Secondary School. The girls have now moved on to form two after Daniel managed to develop another classroom for them to move forward. Now, a new in-take of another 40 such girls will be joining form one this month while the rest of the 40 have proceeded to Form 2. The young girls have gotten back their confidence and are really working hard to turn around their lives. You can only imagine how much this has impacted the 80 girls! Listers, I am asking anyone out there who has a computer and a printer to donate to this school so they can be typing out their termly examination papers in-house so as to save some money from working from a bureau. I am sure there is at least one person out there who can donate a computer and a printer for this worthwhile cause. If so, do confirm so online or contact me directly via my email and we can discuss further. Thanks. Gilda ------------------------------------------------- This mail sent through IMP: http://horde.org/imp/

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Nsemia Inc. Publishers
by Matunda Nyanchama 11 Feb '11

11 Feb '11

This may be of interest to you as a reader, writer or even as a curious observer. It may not have a lot to do with ICT but it sure relates to information: its articulation, capture and transmission. Nsemia Inc. Publishers. The most recent brochure is attached. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matunda Nyanchama, PhD, CISSP; mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com Agano Consulting Inc.; www.aganoconsulting.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be prepared to face ICT Security failures & know how to respond when they happen! Call: +1-888-587-1150 or info(a)aganoconsulting.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk I have a workstation…" - Anonymous ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This e-mail, including attachments, may be privileged and may contain confidential or proprietary information intended only for the addressee(s). Any other distribution, copying, use, or disclosure is unauthorized and strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and permanently delete the message, including any attachments, without making a copy. Thank you.

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Invitation to connect on LinkedIn
by Barrack Otieno via LinkedIn 10 Feb '11

10 Feb '11

LinkedIn ------------Barrack Otieno requested to add you as a connection on LinkedIn: ------------------------------------------ Benjamin, I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn. - Barrack Accept invitation from Barrack Otieno http://www.linkedin.com/e/u7xxdc-gjzyjb01-38/4_n5t6X_WQjXh2Z5g_n5tTYK1bLMph… View invitation from Barrack Otieno http://www.linkedin.com/e/u7xxdc-gjzyjb01-38/4_n5t6X_WQjXh2Z5g_n5tTYK1bLMph… ------------------------------------------ DID YOU KNOW your LinkedIn profile helps you control your public image when people search for you? Setting your profile as public means your LinkedIn profile will come up when people enter your name in leading search engines. Take control of your image! http://www.linkedin.com/e/u7xxdc-gjzyjb01-38/ewp/inv-22/ -- (c) 2011, LinkedIn Corporation

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Re: [kictanet] Bringing Sanity Back to our Roads
by Matunda Nyanchama 10 Feb '11

10 Feb '11

Edwin, Very good points. I would say we need a working planned infrastructure with sufficient capacity to handle traffic needs, the discipline of drivers and law enforcement, useful information (much of which you outline) and more. I also think we can ease congestion using technology: have more telecommuting where people work close to where they live instead of enduring the jams, indiscipline on the roads, etc. It would be good for our stress levels and hearts. (Here is what I said to a delegation from Metropolitan Nairobi that came looking for ideas; they have never followed up on their promises. I guess they are waiting for some donor to fund the initiative.) BTW: much of what you have indicated is subject to a discussion held by some colleagues with people at OP; I am told that the leading interest is CCTV and border surveillance; see where the priorities are. One last comment: for good happen, one needs leadership that has clear goals and drives persistently to achieve those goals. The improvement of traffic condition under Michuki was deliberate and persistent. Regards ---------------- Message: 2 Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2011 22:34:03 +0300 From: "Edwin Onchari" <eonchari(a)lynxbits.com> To: <andrea.bohnstedt(a)ratio-magazine.com> Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Bringing Sanity Back to our Roads Message-ID: <001401cbc6fe$01ffdf50$05ff9df0$@com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Matunda/all, The European & American system works very well. For this to work, I suggest the following to take place at the new County levels: 1. Digitize all driving records in the county, and register drivers based on their county of residence and to link the driver record to traffic offenses (point system for drunk driving, speeding, and any other traffic violations) 2. The digitized licenses should hold such information as a requirement to wear glasses when driving, etc 3. Provide a platform, and requisite training for traffic police to log and tag traffic offenses (real-time) to a central county database which the insurance companies can reference before renewing the drivers insurance policy. 4. Register vehicles (tags-number plates) based on the county of residence of the vehicle owner against the owners drivers license, renewable yearly (even through in an emissions test program-we'll all breathe easier and rid of jalopies) 5. Like Andrea has stated, dedicate lanes for trucks, high occupancy vehicles, etc 6. Implement a functional highway patrol department , that warn motorists of broken down vehicles, tow them away at a fee, rescue stranded motorists at a fee, etc (more revenue for the county) 7. With all the above in place, employ technology like red-light cameras that automatically takes a photo of the vehicle tags whenever you jump a light, and attach this to the vehicle records, and by default the primary registered driver of the vehicle, and the next time they try to renew, they be forced to pay the fines from their many offenses. 8. Tag the DL to a national ID/PP so that the sneaky drivers do not change licenses/names after causing carnage in another county However, for the above to work, the county then must provide the requisite infrastructure (proper highway lighting, driver information centers, annual driver license evaluation and renewal centers without extensive queues) My 2 cents Edwin Best Regards, Edwin M Onchari 0720755951 eonchari(a)lynxbits.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matunda Nyanchama, PhD, CISSP; mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com Agano Consulting Inc.; www.aganoconsulting.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be prepared to face ICT Security failures & know how to respond when they happen! Call: +1-888-587-1150 or info(a)aganoconsulting.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk I have a workstation…" - Anonymous ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This e-mail, including attachments, may be privileged and may contain confidential or proprietary information intended only for the addressee(s). Any other distribution, copying, use, or disclosure is unauthorized and strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and permanently delete the message, including any attachments, without making a copy. Thank you.

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Do we have a new policy in this forum?
by Edwin Onchari 10 Feb '11

10 Feb '11

Dear Listers, I recently posted an enquiry/observation on KICTB on its seeming reluctance to inform the public on EOIs advertised. Somehow, this posting did get to my email, but not to other members who have a lot of interest in this subject. Below is the message I had posted: At the risk of no longer being invited to participate in events organized by the agency, it has been quite interesting to note that despite many queries on updates on EOIs issued by the KICTB, there seems to be very few updates on the progress of such. A case in point is the "EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICES ON INTERNATIONAL IT INVESTMENT AND OUTSOURCING COUNTRY POSITIONING"- a subject that is critical to my organization and many in this forum. Myself and others have been asking whatever happened to this as there is very little communication around it. Was this EOI cancelled, awarded? It is interesting to note that despite the fact that KICTB is the ICT champion Kenya (with budgets), little information is available even on their website! I guess we'll keep wondering. So, was this message stripped and not delivered to members? Maybe the moderator can help out on this. Ed

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Looking for software developers to work in Uganda
by Badru Ntege 10 Feb '11

10 Feb '11

Hi all Need some good sw developers. If interested please make contact offline. I hope I'm not breaking the rules here. Regards Badru BN http://www.nftconsult.com/vacancies?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=0&sobi2Id=…

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Certified Ethical Hacker(CEH) V 7 Course Launch by Ec-Council
by Preston Odera 10 Feb '11

10 Feb '11

Nairobi Kenya has been chosen for the launch of the course Certified Ethical Hacker(CEH) Version 7 scheduled for the release from 14th to 18th March 2011 which will be carried out in 25 countries worldwide. There will be a five day course followed by a launch party on the final day. This will be replicated in 25 countries. Benefits to Participants: 1. Be amongst the first in the world to experience the all-new CEH v7 2. Receive exclusive CEH v7 commemorative metal certificate of attendance for those who register by 2nd March 2011 from Ec-Council. 3. Second Exam attempt if not thru the first attempt. 4. VVIP access to Hacker Halted and TakeDownCon Conference worth USD 1,999 and USD 999 each 5. Opportunity to be showcased as Roll of Honor for these specially scheduled classes 6) Attend a launch party on the evening of 18th March 2011. This course will be highly useful for information security, forensic auditors and investigators. Registrations are currently on. Those interested please get in touch for more registration details. For more details check:- http://www.eccouncil.org/about_us/about_ec-council.aspx Regards Preston Cell +254 (0)722 771 478

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Revised Postal & Courier License
by robert yawe 10 Feb '11

10 Feb '11

CCK invites comments on the revised postal/ courier license Posted: 26 Jan, 2011 The Commission has today initiated a public consultation on the modified postal/courier licence. The modification of the licence is inspired by feedback received from the postal/courier industry on the need to effect certain changes in the postal/courier licence to take into account new and emerging issues within the sector. The Commission maintains various avenues of consultation and feedback from the communications industry with a view to facilitating continual improvement of both the regulatory and operating environment. The changes are also meant to align postal/courier licences with the Kenya Information and Communications (Postal and Courier Services) Regulations, 2010. The proposed postal/courier licence is intended to replace the existing one and is available at http://www.cck.go.ke/current_consultations/ The deadline for submitting representations/comments is 28th February 2011 Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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70% growth in Postals mail volume
by robert yawe 10 Feb '11

10 Feb '11

Hi, It was positive to see that Postal Corporation has increased the volume of local mail has increased by over 70%. This changes the game plan for when I become PMG as the expectations are now higher and the subtle improvements I had proposed for the first year in office seem to have been taken up by the current PMG. Regards Its not over till the fat lady sings Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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Back to Malili
by robert yawe 09 Feb '11

09 Feb '11

I came across a picture in a magazine about a Digital City in Jakarta and is looks uncannily familiar. Make your own deduction. Regards Jakarta Jaka Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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ICT incubator - Expressions of interest
by robert yawe 09 Feb '11

09 Feb '11

Hi, Anyone aware of whether this issue has progressed beyond the placing of the advert and if so who have been short-listed to move to the next level? Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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A first for Rwanda
by Steve Muchai 09 Feb '11

09 Feb '11

Just after being named EA's best investment destination in May 2010, Rwanda has a first in Africa: http://www.africanbusinessreview.co.za/tags/rwanda/multimedia-services-prem… BR, S -- This message represents the official view of the voices in my head.

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Scramble for New Domain Names Begins
by Alice Munyua 08 Feb '11

08 Feb '11

http://slatest.slate.com/id/2284157/ Scramble for New Domain Names Begins For years, most internet addresses have relied on a standard set of Web addresses ending in .com, .net, and .edu. Now, an impending mass expansion of domain names is set to add subject-specific (and potentially controversial) suffixes into the mix. The //Washington Post/ <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/06/AR201102060…>/ reports that .god, .gay, and .islam are just some of the infinite number of names to be introduced in a move that may make the Internet more intuitive, or just more irritating. Naturally this will throw up the usual set of controversies: Who, for example, gets to control .abortion, .muhammad, and .nazi? The new suffixes will be dolled out by an obscure nonprofit based in California that OKed the expansion in 2008 but still hasn't figured out exactly how it will work. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers will come to a decision this spring and then begin considering proposals from companies and government. ICANN has encouraged applicants to "Join the Internet land rush!" on its Web site, although the new suffixes will come at a price. *It costs $185,000 just to apply, plus an annual $25,000 fee to operate the new domain name. *Critics say the "landrush" is simply a moneymaking scheme for the group and corporations that own the domains. The chairman of ICANN says the high fees are necessary because the nonprofit anticipates a lot of suffix-related lawsuits. --

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