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Standards to indicate permissions for internet scraping for AI training
by Benson Muite 15 May '25

15 May '25

There is an IETF process underway to standardize a machine readable way to indicate permissions associated with how online content can be used for AI training. The aim is to find an ai.txt specification analogous to the robot.txt specification put on many websites. For more information see: https://datatracker.ietf.org/group/aicontrolws/materials/ Feedback is sought. Benson

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Happening now: Join us at the 2025 East Africa Internet Governance Forum (EAIGF).
by Neema Mujesia 15 May '25

15 May '25

[image: image.png] Join us at the 2025 East Africa Internet Governance Forum (EAIGF). Hosted by KICTANet in partnership with the East Africa Community (EAC) and East Africa NRIs, this year’s EAIGF is themed “Advancing East Africa’s Digital Governance Together.” This theme highlights the power of collective action in shaping effective digital policies, standards, and practices. Together, we can unlock the full potential of the digital age for East Africa while addressing its challenges. When: Today (Day 0) Where: Virtual Register Now: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85274696168 Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to East Africa’s digital future! Join policymakers, innovators, and stakeholders in driving multi-stakeholder cooperation. #EAIGF2025 #DigitalGovernance #EastAfrica #InternetGovernance #AfricaTechPolicySummit With Best Regards, *Neema Mujesia,* Communications Officer@*KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> @NeemaMasitsa <https://x.com/NeemaMasitsa?t=j6CNaieXaw74Mleb0-7YcA&s=09>| LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/neema-masitsa-254350222/> ___________________________. KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | X <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/kictanet/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/kictanet/> | Youtube <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbcLVjnPtTGBEeYLGUb2Yow/videos> | TikTok <https://www.tiktok.com/@kictanet> | WhatsApp <https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaQsX4w6mYPIctLsGh1K> KICTANet: *Transformed communities through the power of ICTs *

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Reminder: Kenya IGF Happening Today – Register Now!
by David Indeje 14 May '25

14 May '25

Dear Listers, This is a quick reminder that the Kenya Internet Governance Forum (Kenya IGF) is happening today! Join stakeholders from government, private sector, civil society, academia, media, and the public for an open, inclusive dialogue on Internet governance under the theme: *“Tech for Human Development: Policy, Innovation and Inclusive Governance.”* This forum supports Kenya’s values of inclusive governance and Africa’s digital transformation goals. *Register now* For Physical Attendance <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kenya-igf-2025-tickets-1307850970459?aff=oddtd…> For Virtual Participation <https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LaCcfdnfRsyL7bJmcXHwiA> Best Regards *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

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RSVP by 12th May to confirm attendance of Africa Tech Policy Summit Youth Day
by Neema Mujesia 13 May '25

13 May '25

Dear listers, KICTANet is excited to invite you to Youth Day, taking place on Tuesday, 13th May 2025, as part of the Africa Tech Policy Week. The day is dedicated to amplifying youth voices in digital policy and internet governance conversations in Kenya. 🗓 Date: Tuesday, 13th May 2025 📍 Location: Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi 🕗 Time: Full-day (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) 🔹 Morning Session (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Data Privacy vs Public Interest The morning session will feature a high-level townhall on Data Privacy & Public Interest, focusing on the ethical tensions between digital activism, state accountability, and personal data protection. Panelists from the ODPC, the Office of the Ombudsman, Meta, and youth movements will reflect on lessons from the 2024 Finance Bill protests and engage with young people on what responsible, rights-based digital engagement should look like. 🔹 Afternoon Session (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Youth Internet Governance Forum (Youth IGF) This interactive roundtable will bring together young Kenyans from diverse backgrounds to reflect on their role in shaping internet governance conversations and policies. We’ll explore themes including: ✅ Meaningful youth engagement in IGF processes ✅ AI and emerging technologies ✅ Universal access and digital development ✅ Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ✅ Skilling, reskilling, and the future of work These sessions are designed to spark critical thinking, encourage collaboration, and provide a platform for networking and peer-to-peer dialogue. We have attached the full Concept Note and Program Line-Up for your reference: 📄 Link to Concept Note: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1icHUt36LMgH-uB0otZS5GumJ3vxop1QMhVnDZT4… 📎 Registration link for virtual attendance: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x80efoHvRruxNFPm-ehvJA 📅 Please RSVP for physical attendance by 12th May 2025, and don’t hesitate to share this invitation with fellow young changemakers and digital enthusiasts. RSVP Link: https://forms.gle/FUGuAhZGb5T59kNMA Let’s reimagine Kenya’s digital future—together. With Best Regards, *Neema Mujesia,* Communications Officer@*KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> @NeemaMasitsa <https://x.com/NeemaMasitsa?t=j6CNaieXaw74Mleb0-7YcA&s=09>| LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/neema-masitsa-254350222/> ___________________________. KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | X <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/kictanet/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/kictanet/> | Youtube <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbcLVjnPtTGBEeYLGUb2Yow/videos> | TikTok <https://www.tiktok.com/@kictanet> | WhatsApp <https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaQsX4w6mYPIctLsGh1K> KICTANet: *Transformed communities through the power of ICTs *

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You are Invited: Africa Tech Policy Summit Youth Day - Tuesday 13th May 2025
by Valarie Waswa 12 May '25

12 May '25

Dear Listers, We are excited to invite you to Africa Tech Policy Summit *Youth Day*, taking place on *Tuesday, 13th May 2025*, as part of the *Africa Tech Policy Week*. The day is dedicated to amplifying youth voices in digital policy and internet governance conversations in Kenya. 🗓 *Date:* Tuesday, 13th May 2025 📍 *Location:* Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi <https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rq2NDSj9v2rhFuqK7> 🕗 *Time:* Full-day (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) *🔹 Morning Session (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM):* *Data Privacy vs Public Interest* The morning session will feature a high-level townhall on Data Privacy & Public Interest, focusing on the ethical tensions between digital activism, state accountability, and personal data protection. Panelists from the ODPC, the Office of the Ombudsman, Meta, and youth movements will reflect on lessons from the 2024 Finance Bill protests and engage with young people on what responsible, rights-based digital engagement should look like. *🔹 Afternoon Session (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM):* *Youth Internet Governance Forum (Youth IGF)* This interactive roundtable will bring together young Kenyans from diverse backgrounds to reflect on their role in shaping internet governance conversations and policies. We’ll explore themes including: - Meaningful youth engagement in IGF processes - AI and emerging technologies - Universal access and digital development - Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) - Skilling, reskilling, and the future of work These sessions are designed to *spark critical thinking*, *encourage collaboration*, and provide a platform for *networking and peer-to-peer dialogue*. We’ve attached the full *Concept Note* and *Program Line-Up* for your reference: 📄 *Link <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1icHUt36LMgH-uB0otZS5GumJ3vxop1QMhVnDZT4…>* to Concept Note 📎 *Registration* link for *virtual* attendance: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x80efoHvRruxNFPm-ehvJA *RSVP LINK: *https://forms.gle/kYHnuHWfGxgqwvcY7 📅 Please *RSVP* for *physical attendance* by *12th May 2025*, and don’t hesitate to share this invitation with fellow young changemakers and digital enthusiasts. Let’s reimagine Kenya’s digital future—together. *With anticipation,* *Ms. Valarie Waswa* *Legal Fellow @ **KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> valarie_waswa <https://x.com/valarie_waswa> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/valarie-waswa-557298129/> ___________________________ KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/kictanet/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/kictanet/> | Youtube <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbcLVjnPtTGBEeYLGUb2Yow/videos> | TikTok <https://www.tiktok.com/@kictanet> KICTANet: *Transformed communities through the power of ICTs*

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Ford Foundation appoints Margaret Mliwa as Regional Director for East Africa
by Mwendwa Kivuva 12 May '25

12 May '25

The Ford Foundation today announced the appointment of Margaret Mliwa as the next regional director of its East Africa office. Based in Nairobi, the Ford Foundation’s East Africa office is a nonpolitical organization committed to advancing social justice, equity, and the public good across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda and to support open civic space, civil society, and public dialogue with the governments across the region. “We are thrilled to recognize and celebrate Margaret Mliwa’s leadership as the regional director for the Ford Foundation’s East Africa office,” said *Martín Abregu, vice president for international programs at the Ford Foundation*. “Margaret’s range of skills—from adept storytelling, mentorship, and relationship-building across the sector—will only strengthen our work in East Africa.” Congratulations Mrs Margaret Mliwa. Read more here https://www.fordfoundation.org/news-and-stories/news-and-press/news/ford-fo… Best Regards ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwendwa-kivuva

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#AfricaTechPolicySummitt: KICTANet Events – Register & Get Involved
by David Indeje 12 May '25

12 May '25

Dear Listers, KICTANet has a vibrant calendar of events in May, covering digital rights, policy, technology, and inclusion. *Africa Tech Policy Summit 2025* *A. Strategic Use of Technology for Advocacy Workshop* *Date:* May 8, 2025 *Time:* 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m *Venue:* Nairobi *Platform: Physical (Invite only)* *More Info <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/strategic-use-of-technology-for-advocacy-safe-im…>* *B. Global Geopolitics and the Future of Digital Rights Funding*. African digital rights organisations are at a crossroads. Declining support for politically sensitive work, donor pivots to domestic priorities, and emerging funders’ lack of focus on digital rights—compounded by recent USAID funding suspensions—threaten years of advocacy. Increasing regulatory restrictions and funding limitations further challenge the sector’s sustainability. *Date:* May12, 2025 *Time:* 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m *Venue:* Nairobi *Platform:* Zoom <https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PbdrutQUSMyUnZLtFea36Q> *More Info: * Global Geopolitics and the Future of Digital Rights Funding <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/global-geopolitics-and-the-future-of-digital-rig…> *C. 6th Children’s Internet Governance Forum* *Date:* May 8, 2025 *Time:* 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m *Venue:* Tharaka Nithi *Platform: Physical (invite)* *More Info: <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/6th-kenya-igf-childrens-forum-2025/>* D. East Africa Youth IGF The sessions will provide a platform for youth-led discussions on balancing data privacy with accountability in civic engagement. By fostering dialogue around these pressing issues, we aim to empower young people to advocate responsibly while contributing to the region's evolving tech policy landscape. The outcomes will feed into broader discussions at Africa Tech Policy Week and inform future policy directions at national and regional levels. *Date: *13 May 2025 *Time: * 8:00 AM to 05:00 PM *Venue: *Sarova Stanley *Register for Virtual Attendance (Zoom Webinar <https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x80efoHvRruxNFPm-ehvJA>)* *Register for Physical Attendance. <https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/africa-tech-policy-summit-youth-day-2025-tic…>* E. Advocacy Engagement on the Advancement of Digital Rights Through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Process This engagement follows KICTANet’s recent advocacy at the 49th Pre-session of the UPR in Geneva and aims to bridge international digital rights commitments with local action. *Date: May 13, 2025* *Time: 8:00-13:00* *Venue: Nairobi, Kenya* *Attendance: INVITE ONLY* *More info <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Xc6EMc3BDRiTx-Vx7MONaWlzsPfWS0NW3_Lgx38…>* *F. Kenya Internet Governance Forum 2025 (Hybrid)* The Kenya IGF theme is *‘Tech for human development: Policy, Innovation and Inclusive Governance’. *This theme is aligned with the spirit of the Kenyan constitution which puts inclusive governance, equality, representation and public participation at the centre of Kenyan values. It also aligns with Africa’s efforts on digital transformation through inter-African digital trade and an African cohesion to foster tech and human development. *Date: May 14, 2025* *Time: 8:00-20:00* *Venue: The Edge Conference Centre, South C, Nairobi, Kenya* *Register for Physical attendance <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kenya-igf-2025-tickets-1307850970459?aff=oddtd…>.* *Register for Virtual participation: Zoom Webinar. <https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LaCcfdnfRsyL7bJmcXHwiA>* G. East Africa Internet Governance Forum The 2025 EAIGF <https://eaigf.africa/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/East-Africa-2025-concept-no…>will be hosted by KICTANet in partnership with the East Africa Community - EAC and other East Africa NRIs under the theme, “Advancing East Africa’s Digital Governance Together.” The theme reflects the recognition that effective digital governance requires collective effort and shared vision. It underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder cooperation in shaping policies, standards, and practices that will enable East Africa to fully harness the benefits of the digital age while mitigating associated risks. *Date: May 15-16, 2025* *Time: 8:00-20:00* *Venue: The Edge Conference Centre, South C, Nairobi, Kenya* *Register for Physical attendance <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/east-africa-igf-2025-tickets-1307862274269?aff…>.* *Register for Virtual participation: Zoom Webinar. <https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MvnCSh-CTtS-qmVivwQl4Q>* Many events offer online participation visit the KICTANet events page <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/what-we-do/events/> to learn more and register. Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and make an impact in Kenya’s and the region's digital transformation. -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

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#AfricaTechPolicySummit🌐 Session Alert: Geopolitics & the Future of Digital Rights Funding in Africa
by David Indeje 12 May '25

12 May '25

Dear Listers, Digital rights, including privacy, free expression, and equitable access, are increasingly shaped by global geopolitical shifts. As nations navigate competing interests and security concerns, funding for digital rights initiatives in Africa faces new volatility. From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM EAT, join us for a timely session https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PbdrutQUSMyUnZLtFea36Q -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

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Join the Africa Tech Policy Summit This Week
by David Indeje 12 May '25

12 May '25

[image: Africa Tech Policy Summit 2025 Schedule]ear Listers, KICTANet's inaugural Africa Tech Policy Summit 2025 officially begins this week. The summit aims to harmonise tech policies across Africa to drive technological development. The Africa Tech Policy Summit <https://techpolicysummit.africa/> builds on the legacy of the Kenya IGF Week, featuring workshops and policy dialogues. Key sub-events include the Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KeIGF), themed *“Tech for Human Development: Policy, Innovation, and Inclusive Governance,”* and the East Africa IGF, themed “*Advancing East Africa’s Digital Governance Together,”* focused on regional Internet governance and policy best practices. Ahead of the Africa Tech Policy Summit (AfTPS), we held amazing pre-events shaping Africa’s digital landscape: - DAP Workshop highlighted Kenya’s AI and digital economy strategies. <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenyas-digital-transformation-spotlighted-at-dap…> - We also explored how Kenyan activists leverage technology for safe and impactful online advocacy, <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/how-kenyan-activists-use-technology-for-safe-imp…> highlighting the vibrant and resilient digital advocacy landscape in Kenya. Digital storytelling amplifies marginalized voices. Collaborative networks, such as the Weaving Resilience project, enhance institutional resilience and digital safety. - Children IGF <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/6th-kenya-igf-childrens-forum-2025/> in Tharaka Nithi engaged youth in digital policy. - Internews, KICTANet, and UNESCO Workshop <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/sm4p-phase-ii-and-kensafespace-workshop-on-safeg…> trained 50 digital rights stakeholders from FeCoMo and KenSafeSpaces CSO networks in a three-day capacity-building program, addressing freedom of expression, human rights, and digital safety amid Kenya’s evolving digital landscape. Today, we shall have: 1. Policy Consultation Roundtable on Regulating Kenya’s Gig Economy. Themed "Balancing Innovation, Regulation and Industry Growth: Economic and Technological Imperatives for a Sustainable and Inclusive Gig Economy in Kenya." 2. Global Geopolitics and the Future of Digital Rights Funding 3. Date: May 12, 2025 I Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM I Venue: Virtual (Zoom) <https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PbdrutQUSMyUnZLtFea36Q> Join us this week at AfTPS <https://techpolicysummit.africa/> to shape tech policy innovation! Register now: -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

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Re: Invitation to an Advocacy Engagement on the Advancement of Digital Rights Through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Process on 13th May 2025 at Sarova Stanley
by Cherie Oyier 11 May '25

11 May '25

Dear Listers, Greetings from KICTANet <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/about-kictanet/>! As we count down to the Africa Tech Policy Summit, we are pleased to announce a side event. KICTANet, in partnership with Small Media Foundation, <https://smallmedia.org.uk/> are hosting an advocacy engagement focused on building capacity of civil society organizations on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Process <https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/upr/basic-facts>. The engagement is scheduled for Tuesday, 13th, May 2025 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Sarova Stanley <https://maps.app.goo.gl/yqZLNsvG5rr3oL8C8>, in Nairobi. This engagement follows KICTANet’s recent advocacy at the 49th Pre-session of the UPR in Geneva and aims to bridge international digital rights commitments with local action. We are pleased to invite you to attend the session and gain insights on the UPR process and to contribute to discussions on localising international advocacy efforts. Please access the concept note <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Xc6EMc3BDRiTx-Vx7MONaWlzsPfWS0NW3_Lgx38…> and programme <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rb9TjxO9bq50eLNsL_UXIjJq-axUulK8GPphywI…> for your reference. Please note that we have limited slots that will be issued on a first come first served basis therefore please RSVP by sending an email to coyier(a)kictanet.or.ke by close of business 7th May 2025 to secure your place. Thank you for considering this invitation. We look forward to your participation. Best, Cherie Oyier Programs Officer- Women’s Digital Rights KICTANet <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/>

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