- KICTANet - KICTANet

BPO Training
by Judy kimiti 06 Sep '06

06 Sep '06

Dear members, Hon. Mutahi Kagwe recently, and quite appropriately, challenged the private sector for lagging behind in the implementation of ICT policy aspirations. Echoing this concern, Dr. Bitange Ndemo, his PS lamented the apparent disconnect between policy expectations for Kenyans to seize the enormous opportunity presented and the reality on the ground. Challenged like everyone one else, this is the Internet Society's response, which fits very well within this project mission. I look forward to your support by participating, sponsoring a trainee or circulating this to your networks. That way, you will give another person(s) the knowledge where to find this "hard to find" training. Sincerely, Alex Gakuru Telephone 020 -2732311 -2732312 Mobile 0722- 739100 Email: gakuru(a)gmail.com 04 September 2006 Dear Applicant/Colleague, The Internet Society through "focusing on the individual internet user" in collaboration with Cascade Global are holding Business Process Outsourcing "how-to" half-day workshops targeting individuals, and businesses interested in BPO ventures. Date: 07/09/2006 and 08/09/2006 Time: 9:00 am 1:00 pm Venue: ISOC Training Centre, 4th Ngong Avenue, Gordon Melvin House, Nairobi +254 20 2732311 / 2732312 +254 722 739100 (Booking contacts: Judy or Alex) Cost: Kshs 10,000/= (per person) Internet Society: (http://www.isoc.org/) Founded in 1992, the Internet SOCiety (ISOC) is a non-profit, non-governmental, international, professional membership organisation with more than 100 organizations and over 20,000 individual members in over 180 countries. The Internet Society believes that the Internet is for everyone. From its inception the mission of the Internet Society has been to promote the open development, evolution, and use of the Internet for the benefit of all people throughout the world. People in all parts of the world can use the Internet to improve their quality of life because the standards, technologies, business practices, and government policies connected with the Internet sustain an open universally accessible platform for innovation, creativity, and economic opportunity. Complementing its vision of the future is the Internet Society's vision of its role in creating that future: As the hub of a global network of individuals and organisations, the Internet Society is an effective advocate for the core values of an open and accessible Internet. The mission of ISOC is to promote the open development, evolution, and use of the Internet for the benefit of people throughout the world - to ensure that "The Internet is for Everyone". Kenya project mission: "Focus on the individual-the individual internet user and the individual who has not yet been able to connect. Focus your attention on issues that will affect their lives and the way they use the Internet. And most of all, focus on giving them more choice and more control over this incredibly powerful, enabling technology." "The Internet is for Everyone" I look forward to your participation. Sincerely, Alex Gakuru Project Manager <esther.ngaine(a)citigroup.com> --------------------------------- All new Yahoo! Mail "The new Interface is stunning in its simplicity and ease of use." - PC Magazine

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FW: [swopnet] FW: e-Africa Commission vacancy
by Harry Harry 05 Sep '06

05 Sep '06

Dear Colleagues, Just got this advert through another list, it does not indicate the deadline. So for those interested you might want to check whether its still valid or its expired. Apologies for cross-posting. Harry -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.7/436 - Release Date: 9/1/2006

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Planning Meeting 7th September 2006
by Judy kimiti 04 Sep '06

04 Sep '06

Dear Members, Please note the next KICTANet Planning Meeitng will be on 7th September 2006. Attached please find the agenda and last meetings minutes I request that members please RSVP their attandance to me prior to meeting date for logistics purpose Should you require any further info please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. Thank you Judy Kimiti KICTANet Events and Logistics Cordinator --------------------------------- All new Yahoo! Mail "The new Interface is stunning in its simplicity and ease of use." - PC Magazine

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New IT Manager
by Bill Kagai 04 Sep '06

04 Sep '06

Dear all, Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd has appointed Mr. Ngahu Kanyingi as our new Technical Manager. Mr. Ngahu Kanyingi attended Alliance High School and did his Bachelor Degree in Computer Science at University of Nairobi. He did his internship and part-time consultancy at Circuits & Packets where he assisted in training in WebDevelopment and Office Automation for Africa Democracy Forum under a project funded by USAID. He also participated in the development of e-Learning Software at the University of Nairobi. Mr. Ngahu has Certification in Java Programming from Massachusets Institute of Technology (MIT) and IMIS Higher Diploma from Strathmore University. At Circuits & Packets, Mr. Ngahu will be responsible in developing training content, training specialised IT classes and act as lead developer in our software development projects. -- -- With Kind Regards, Bildad Kagai MD - Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd Content & Training Partner - JKUAT E-Government Academy Suite B2, Tetu Apartments, State House Avenue P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel. 254 20 2728332 Fax. 254 20 2726965 Cell. 254 724 226600 URL. www.circuitspackets.co.ke URL. www.JKUATEgovAcademy.ac.ke

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Fwd: Re: TELECENTRE MOVEMENT IN KENYA (For information/learning resource centres)
by chelimo kenneth 04 Sep '06

04 Sep '06

Note: forwarded message attached. --------------------------------- How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messengers low PC-to-Phone call rates.

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JOB ADVERT: SOUL BEAT AFRICA DIRECTOR NEEDED
by alice＠apc.org 03 Sep '06

03 Sep '06

JOB ADVERT Soul Beat Africa http://www.comminit.com/africa/ Director SOUL BEAT AFRICA DIRECTOR NEEDED Soul Beat Africa is an exciting organisation using information and communication technologies to create opportunities for those involved in development communication in Africa to share what they are doing, thinking and experiencing and to discuss and review each others work to improve the impact of communication on African development. Soul Beat Africa is managed by the Communication Initiative - a Canadian based company - and Soul City; Institute for Health and Development Communication, a South African NGO. Soul Beat Africa is looking for a director to lead and manage the organisation as it becomes a self-standing South African NGO. The successful candidate will be responsible for the growth and development of Soul Beat Africa's network of users, on-line content and interactive processes as well as the strategic direction of Soul Beat in Africa. The successful applicant must have a relevant university degree with 4 - 8 years experience at a senior level in development communication. Experience in online publishing will be considered an asset. He or she must have a strong knowledge of development issues in Africa, have proven leadership skills and be very proficient in English. He / she must be a Southern African citizen. Should you be interested in the above position please send applications and CV preferably by e-mail to: to Nellie Phiri Nellie(a)soulcity.org.za or by regular mail c/o Nellie Phiri, Soul City P.O Box 1290 Houghton 2041, Fax Number 011 643 6253 Closing date 17 September. If you have not been contacted by end September, please accept that your application was not successful. No late applicants will be accepted.

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Call for Papers
by Eric Aligula 01 Sep '06

01 Sep '06

FYI and further action. Kind regards, Eric Aligula Magolo Senior Policy Analyst Infrastructure and Economic Services Division Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis P.O. Box 56445, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254-20-2719933/4 Fax: +254-20-2719951 E-mail: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke URL: ww.kippra.org Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 24-25 The e-mail may contain confidential information belonging to KIPPRA and is intended solely for the addressees. The opinions therein, explicit or implied, are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of KIPPRA as an Institute. The unauthorized disclosure, use, dissemination or copying (either whole or partial) of this e-mail, or any information it contains, is prohibited. E-mails are susceptible to alteration and their integrity cannot be guaranteed. KIPPRA shall not be liable if the e-mail is modified or falsified. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, please delete it immediately from your system and notify the sender of the wrong delivery and the e-mail deletion". _____ From: Judy kimiti [mailto:jkimiti01@yahoo.co.uk] Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 12:16 PM To: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke Subject: [Kictanet] Planning Meeting 7th September 2006 Dear Members, Please note the next KICTANet Planning Meeitng will be on 7th September 2006. Attached please find the agenda and last meetings minutes I request that members please RSVP their attandance to me prior to meeting date for logistics purpose Should you require any further info please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. Thank you Judy Kimiti KICTANet Events and Logistics Cordinator _____ All <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/mail/uk/taglines/default/nowyoucan/pc_mag/*http:/us. rd.yahoo.com/evt=40565/*http:/uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html> new Yahoo! Mail "The new Interface is stunning in its simplicity and ease of use." - PC Magazine

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CSIRT Kenya
by alice＠apc.org 31 Aug '06

31 Aug '06

Dear All, As you may be aware, each day multiple system and application security vulnerabilities are discovered. In some instances, these vulnerabilities are as a result of exploits identified by Security Response Teams and others after incidents have occurred. The most critical aspects of security is the dissemination of information relating to security threats and vulnerabilities. Efficient and effective dissemination of this information limits and controls the propagation of damages associated with the vulnerabilities. Hereto, KENIC with the support of the local Internet community has undertaken a project to establish a local Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT). Its initial objective will be to relay Computer and Network related security threats and vulnerabilities to the local Internet community. A weekly compilation of recorded activities from external sources will be sent to members of the Kenyan CSIRT mailing list. To subscribe to the mailing lists please visit www.csirt.or.ke and join the security-bulletin for the weekly summary. For notifications on incidents, subscribe to the security-alerts. As CSIRT develops its technical capacity, advanced research and support will be provided in future relating to computer and network security. The community can now benefit by monitoring only one list for all security information. Further, Service providers will have a formated email that they can forward to their subscribers. This being the initial stages, we look forward to input and suggestions from the community on ways of improving the CSIRT operations. Best regards, -- Michuki Mwangi KENIC

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ECDPM / GAMOS invite you to join an online discussion about examining evidence from communication and information activities that support development outcomes from 28 August 2006
by alice＠apc.org 30 Aug '06

30 Aug '06

KICTAnet members welcome to join this discussion on examining evidence from communication and information activities that support development outcomes. best alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bridget McBean" <bmb(a)ecdpm.org> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Cc: "Nigel Scott" <nigel(a)gamos.org> Sent: Friday, August 25, 2006 2:10 PM Subject: ECDPM / GAMOS invite you to join an online discussion about examining evidence from communication and information activities that support development outcomes from 28 August 2006 > Dear Ms Munyua > > You recently answered a survey for my colleague Dr Scott, for which we are > grateful. We found your answers very helpful. We are about to have a > discussion on the same subject and wondered if you would like to join in > an online discussion. The online discussions begin on Monday 28 August > 2006 and will run for three weeks. The ECDPM and GAMOS will moderate and > managed the discussion as part of a DFID funded initiative. > > Process so far > This invitation is a follow up to an email sent out at the beginning of > August to raise awareness of the international initiative. > > The organisations and individuals who submitted their interest have ready > been registered as participants to the online discussion group. Over sixty > individuals in numerous organisations have already received an email > welcoming them to the D-group website and providing them with access to > the website, the resources and, from Monday, the discussion. They can > enjoy reading some background papers and making some of their own > contributions to the online resources. > > For those interested to participate, please send a request to join the > D-group to join-communication-evidence(a)dgroups.org > > Overall objective > The policy makers invited to the forum for discussion will contribute to > greater understanding of the evidence base related to communication and > information activities that support development outcome. This will occur > by the exchange of information promoted by the initial questions and by > the report on the discussion. As this is the first discussion of this > nature, a community of interested policy makers may materialise out of the > interactions. As the discussion is part of a DFID funded project that is > developing the evidence base, the feedback report from the discussion will > contribute to clarity regarding the needs of policy makers. The > discussions are part of an iterative process designed into the 18 month > project > > Format of the discussion > From the project this far, three questions have been identified and will > be presented as the basis for first discussion. The first process will run > over three weeks. Each week, the discussion will be guided by a question. > Each session will be moderated and a summary posted at the end of the > discussion. The summarized discussion will become part of the project > documentation. > > Question one – week one > Within the range of sectoral policies (affecting developing countries), > what level of importance is generally attributed to integrating the use of > information and communications into policies in order to deliver outcomes > more effectively? > > Question two - week two > Given the results last week, what type of evidence would be most helpful > in raising the profile of Information and Communication? > > Question three – week three > Given the results last week, how can we get the right information in front > of the right people at the right time? > > Members > The members of the group are policy makers in government, non government > organisations, donors and academia. So far, the reregistered members are > from a spread of countries from Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Ethiopia > Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Guyana, Peru, the UK and Belgium. Organisations > represented include Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNECA, > Development Bank of Southern Africa, Ministry of Finance, EU Delegation, > Oxfam, Regional and Local government office, Ministry of Health, local > governance reform programme, Ministry of Education and an array of > interesting NGOs. > > To build the community of interest, it is important that the members > identity themselves When you post a comment, please let everyone know who > you are by sending a short (around 30 words) introduction including your > name, position, affiliation and country with your first posting to the > discussion. > > It would be useful to categorise yourself as from one of these five > sectors (health, education, livelihood/agriculture, governance and > economy/growth and as from one of these four groupings (donor agencies, > government, civil society, ICD) > > The attachment outlines key information about the content and format of > the discussion. > > > > We look forward to a vibrant and interesting discussion. > > Yours sincerely > > Bridget McBean > Head: Communication and Information > > European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) > Onze Lieve Vrouweplein 21 > NL 6211 HE Maastricht > The Netherlands > Tel: + 31 43 350 2913 (direct) > Tel: + 31 43 350 2900 (general) > Fax: + 31 43 350 2902 > > Email: bmb(a)ecdpm.org > Website: www.ecdpm.org >

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Rights fulfillment goes beyond enterprise voluntarism
by alice＠apc.org 28 Aug '06

28 Aug '06

Apologies for cross posting ----------------------------------------------- Rights fulfillment goes beyond enterprise voluntarism By Omusundi Maina T he continued abuse of human rights by companies and castigation of lobbies that seek redress as a bane to enterprise is an indicator that our country is at the gallows. That companies must behave in an appropriate fashion is not new and cannot be wished away. What is new is the shift from targeting governments solely, to making human rights claims in relation to the private sector. There is a growing recognition that companies, too, have human rights responsibilities within their “sphere of influence”. But who should hold companies accountable for human rights abuses? A serious discussion of corporate responsibility inevitably includes the role of government. But we all remember that human rights protection in Kenya has been a continuous victim of political posturing. Further, as the global economy becomes more integrated, the power of states is declining calling for a new watchdog or leaving the whole gamut of adhering to the Global Compact. The Global Compact is a 2000 United Nations sponsored appeal which called for companies to commit themselves to respect nine core principles in relation to human rights, labour and the environment. It is an open secret that our government, for instance, has been unable or unwilling to take steps required to ensure that companies respect human rights even after self regulation has failed. For instance, the Del Monte case where dogs were let wild to maul children after stripping them naked and burning their clothes both the state and the company have a legal responsibility though in varying degrees. But this has variance been occasioned by the shrouded continnum of legal duties that fall on states to regulate corporate conduct and duties that might fall directly on companies. Since companies operate through their human agents, the fines imposed on them are insufficient and it is time to hold the human agents more responsible. Back to the question of who will police errant companies. It is debatable whether trade unions are the key to unlock the rampant human rights abuses occassioned by companies since rights go beyond workers’ rights. Trade unions have a limited mandate. Civil society organizations, like human rights NGOs, though taken by human rights violators as busybodies, have the mandate to deal with rights issues from a broader spectrum. In case they are errant there are specific channels to deal with them too. But that notwithstanding, company responsibility for human rights abuses remain an issue where the company itself initiated the abuse, and in situations where it colludes or is implicated in abuses committed by others, for example security firms. A company might be responsible because it has directly committed the abuse, in which case it would be considered the principal actor or perpetrator. This was the case with flower firms and the Export Processing Zones as well as captured in the research Manufacturers of Poverty released early in the year. In the Del Monte case, the company has a duty not to act negligently or carelessly towards people to whom it owes a “duty of care”. The company needed to take reasonable steps to avoid harmful acts or omissions. Some duties of care particularly those relating to safety are so important that they cannot be delegated to another. For Tiomin in Kwale, the company initially colluded with government to offer negligible compensation to Kwale peasants. The government further reneged on its duty of ensuring that before mining, the environment impact assessment is duly conducted. Its silence on the distorted value of land and the impact of titanium mining were not going to be known to the world were it not for civil society activities. It is common knowledge that the value of land has shot up by a significant proportion from the initial figures offered four years ago. The Del Monte and Tiomin cases illustrate different levels of corporate complicity. While that of Del Monte can be said to be indirect or silent that of Tiomin is loud and direct. It is therefore inevitable that NGOs will see their roles in the broader human rights spectrum to the chagrin of many unscrupulous entrepreneurs. Thus, it is time businesses and those who speak on their behalf understood that time for ineffective voluntary initiatives of compliance is past. Today, companies will be guided by bigger legal provisions that they must adhere. This is the only way to beat the growing sense that voluntary codes alone are ineffective and that their proliferation is leading to contradictory efforts. Campaigns, consumer boycotts and voluntary codes of conduct all have a role to play. It is time however, to give serious attention to the role of clearly defined state law in ensuring that companies are uniformly accountable in relation to human rights. This will absolve lobbies blames that they selectively target certain groups. Companies too have a responsibility not just to its share holders for profits but also to the non-shareholders vide consumers, the workers and the wider society in which it carries its activities and thus signing our ever-disregarded memorandum of Understanding with one player is not enough indicator that they respect human rights in entirety. Mr Maina is the Deputy Director of with Legal Resources Foundation

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