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Call for Topics- 2021 Kenya Internet Governance Forum Kenya's premier Internet Policy event
by Barrack Otieno 02 Jun '21

02 Jun '21

Greetings Listers, The Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KIGF) is an annual meeting that brings together various stakeholder groups to dialogue on ICT and Internet policy. While the discussions give soft policy outcomes, Kenya Internet Governance Forum is a knowledge-sharing platform that informs and inspires policy actors in both the public and private sectors. The national forum also feeds into the regional and global IGFs through a chain of reporting and representation to the regional and global IGFs to ensure a bottom up Internet policy development process and a strong link between global internet policies and the national one. This year, we will have a hybrid (Virtual and Physical) meeting on the 24th to 26th August in Nairobi. On behalf of the local Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG), we'd be interested to hear your views on the issues and topics that you think ought to be discussed during this year's Kenya IGF. To enable us track them, kindly share them in this Google Form <https://bit.ly/3fUEB8x> which is in the format below: a) Proposed topic(s): b) Why the topic is important or relevant: c) Proposed speakers (if any): Kindly share your feedback by 4th June 2021. The MultiStakeholder Advisory Group will then compile your input and prepare the topics for the pre-IGF online discussion scheduled for early August and the final IGF Programme. The Multistakeholder Advisory Group will also get in touch with the proposed speakers. Herewith please find the Kenya IGF 2020 <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/mdocs-posts/kenya-igf-report-2020/> for your review. Thank you -- Barrack Otieno Trustee and Chairman of the Multistakeholder Advisory Group Kenya Internet Governance Forum Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTAnet) Skype:barrack.otieno +254721325277 https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrack-otieno-2101262b/ www.kictanet.or.ke

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Shared Spectrum Framework for Community Networks for Kenya online discussion
by Mwendwa Kivuva 31 May '21

31 May '21

Dear Listers, The tread on Licensing framework is on fire and doing very well. Thank you all for the contributions, reading, learning, relearning ... Please continue debating on that thread. We will start a new thread on the proposed "Shared Spectrum Framework". The Licensing and Shared Spectrum Framework for Community Networks for Kenya that was issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya, available for direct download here <https://ca.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Licensing-and-Shared-Spectrum-F…> . License Exempt Spectrum WiFi has emerged as a powerful technology for both access and backhaul around the world but regulation has not fully kept up with the backhaul developments. The draft framework recommends: - Review the Guidelines on the use of Radiofrequency Spectrum by Short Range Devices to amend EIRP limits for 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz Wi-Fi for Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint use. - Review options for lowering the barrier to use of other license-exempt bands for PtP and PtMP use, including 24 GHz and 60 GHz. - Expand the range of frequencies available for license-exempt use, especially in the 5 & 6 GHz range - To strengthen collaborations with service providers to foster standards and regulatory inclusion. Dynamic Spectrum Access - To expedite the commercial availability of geolocation database service and implement required mechanisms to make the TVWS spectrum available immediately to operators. - To establish an incubatory period for TVWS technologies. - To evaluate with regional regulators the feasibility of a common approach implementation of geolocation databases IMT Spectrum - Establish a regulatory sandbox for localised spectrum access for small operators in an unassigned LTE band. - Conduct a review of international approaches to the creation of more localised access to spectrum to inform the establishment of a more permanent mechanism for local spectrum access that is well adapted to the Kenyan context. Spectrum Fees - Review spectrum fee framework recognising the need for significantly reduced fees for underserved/rural areas. - Consider a spectrum fee reduction scheme for non-profit community networks. Questions: - What are your comments on the proposed recommendations? - What in your opinion are the most important considerations the proposed shared spectrum framework should address? - Are there gaps you have identified in the existing licensing framework in respect to spectrum assignment and utilization? - How would you recommend CA to address the identified gaps? ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwendwa-kivuva

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Licensing and Shared Spectrum Framework for Community Networks for Kenya online discussion
by Mwendwa Kivuva 29 May '21

29 May '21

Dear Listers, As we had indicated, today we will have a discussion on the Licensing and Shared Spectrum Framework for Community Networks for Kenya that was issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya, available for direct download here <https://ca.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Licensing-and-Shared-Spectrum-F…> . Today, we will discuss the licensing aspect of the community networks. and tomorrow about the shared spectrum framework. The Community Network Licensing framework proposes; 1. Community Network Service Provider (CNSP) License to be created within the Unified Licensing Framework. 2. The community network should be fully controlled by a non-profit entity and carried on for non-profitable purposes, encouraging members of the community to participate in the governance, design, and operationalisation. 3. Two letters of support from Community Leaders as part of the application process for CNSP to ensure community ownership 3. Geographical coverage of a CNSP will be a sub-county boundary 4. License period of 10years with License Application fee Ksh1000, Initial Operating License Fee Ksh 5000, and Annual Operating Fee Ksh5000. 6. Spectrum Fee: Fee waiver for non-protected access to lightly-licensed and license-exempt frequency bands by wireless access systems 7. CNSPs would be exempt from USF contributions, while the USF implementation framework may include a community ICT development and/or capacity building component. The authority shall further examine ways to ensure that community networks receive consideration under the future framework for the Universal Service Fund Questions: ========= - What are your comments on the proposed licensing framework? - What gaps have you identified in the proposed licensing framework? - How would you recommend addressing the identified gaps? - What recommendations do you have for CA to improve entry into the telecommunications market in Kenya? Looking forward to an engaging discussion. ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwendwa-kivuva

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Re: [kictanet] Licensing and Shared Spectrum Framework for Community Networks for Kenya online discussion
by Twahir Hussein Kassim 29 May '21

29 May '21

See my *responses *below On Fri, May 28, 2021 at 10:39 AM Mwendwa Kivuva <Kivuva(a)transworldafrica.com> wrote: > Thanks Twahir, see some of my follow-up inline. > > > On Thu, 27 May 2021 at 23:44, Twahir Hussein Kassim <twahir(a)hussein.me.ke> > wrote: > >> >>> 2. The community network should be fully controlled by a non-profit >>> entity and carried on for non-profitable purposes, encouraging members of >>> the community to participate in the governance, design, and >>> operationalisation. >>> >> *Forcing this to be solely for nonprofits is skewed on unfairness. >> Community Networks many a time have been looked upon ONLY as organisations >> that serve with no profits, however, I must say that this is what has been >> a cause for CNs not picking up as they fail to be sustainable. Additionally >> attaching it to community ownership especially in areas where the value of >> the net is yet to be appreciated might be a tall order.* >> >> *Suggestions:-* >> *a) should be open to both for profit and nonprofit. However, there >> should be attached the need to serve the community. Market forces will >> determine pricing.* >> > > Why would for-profit organizations not go for the normal Tier 3 ISP > license? > * Ideally, many who opt to setup CNs are small scale, going for the Tier 3 ISP license is definitely beyond their reach. Having said that, they do however add value to where traditional ISPs have shied away from; and this is the bottom line of this conversation - connecting the unconnected.* > Also, probably we need a better understanding of non-profit organizations. > It does not mean the CN will not charge for services, but rather, the > pricing will take into account community interests, public good, and any > income will be used to grow the initiative further. > > >> *b) There are many individuals who set out to serve communities. At onset >> forcing that registration is only for community run projects might lead >> some areas to remain in net-darkness. We are talking rural folks in most of >> these cases, many such setups are started by individuals and as kids >> benefit the adults start taking notice and interest comes on. Let this not >> be a blanket rule, let it be on a case basis.* >> >> 3. Two letters of support from Community Leaders as part of the >>> application process for CNSP to ensure community ownership >>> >> *Unfortunately here we shall be killing a heifer before it grows into a >> cow to be milked. The sorry state of nepotism and corruption that exists >> within our borders will see a new avenue to make a quick buck. Let this be >> a peer review process, where CNs vouch for others; the CN space is a small >> community that can assist CA is vetting these.* >> > > Good feedback. Your suggestion is for CNs to recommend each other, instead > of using community leaders as referees. > * Yes sir :-) * > > >> 3. Geographical coverage of a CNSP will be a sub-county boundary >>> >> *This is welcomed though county wide coverage would be make more sense. >> The reality is TELCOs only focus on areas where it makes financial sense >> which has seen town centres being the focus, moving out of CBDs in most >> "rural" counties would reveal no coverage beyond a 5-10km in many cases. I >> would suggest countywide coverage.* >> > > I have seen several calls for county-wide coverage. Well noted. > > >> >> 4. License period of 10years with License Application fee Ksh1000, >>> Initial Operating License Fee Ksh 5000, and Annual Operating Fee Ksh5000. >>> >> *Application fees of 1000 is very welcomed, however this should cover the >> initial operating license too. The annual fee should be set to 1000 per >> location. What we need to realise is that the CNs are basically trying to >> cover what USF SHOULD have covered by now. Most of these CNs would >> basically be serving Wanjiku and barely sustainable if we are to take >> example of many CNs which are mostly donor supported.* >> >> > What do you mean by "annual fees should be set to 1000 per location?". In > this case location means one CN license? > *Yes 1 CN license per location of operation; e.g. if Dunia Moja Network operates in Kilifi and Tana River County then each county location should be treated as a different CN i.e. DMN - Kilifi, DNM - Tana River etc.* > > On license fee, you mean that annual operating license fee should be > Ksh1000? > *Yes * > > >> 6. Spectrum Fee: Fee waiver for non-protected access to lightly-licensed >>> and license-exempt frequency bands by wireless access systems >>> >> *The CNs should be allowed to operate Radio, TV and ISP services within >> their jurisdiction areas.* >> >> > CN has intricate license categories for broadcast media. How would those > licenses be woven into the CN license? CN also has a similar license for > community broadcasters by the way. > > " community broadcasting service as an entity which meets all the > following requirements: > a. is fully controlled by a non-profit entity and carried on for > non-profitable purposes; > b. serves a particular community; > c. encourages members of the community served by it or persons associated > with or promoting the interests of such community to participate in the > selection and provision of programmes to be broadcast in the course of such > broadcasting service; and > d. may be funded by donations, grants, sponsorships or membership fees, or > by any combination of the aforementioned > *The essence behind this suggestion is to empower CNs to be a 1 stop shop for all community communication needs. This will empower the communities PLUS also capture the LOCAL CONTENT problem that we are currently complaining about. Take a scenario of a school drama then can be broadcast to the community... local values taught, content created! * > > > >> 7. CNSPs would be exempt from USF contributions, while the USF >>> implementation framework may include a community ICT development and/or >>> capacity building component. The authority shall further examine ways to >>> ensure that community networks receive consideration under the future >>> framework for the Universal Service Fund >>> >> *Not only should CNs be exempted from USF Contributions; they should be >> funded by USF as essentially what CNs have setup to do is step in where USF >> is yet to reach. * >> > > This has been one of the recommendations of the licensing framework. > > " Community networks require comparatively modest sums of money to get > started and a small grants program initiated by the USF could kickstart new > community networks. The authority will explore establishing a subsidy for > start-up funds for community networks, under special projects, to help > catalyse initiative from communities to develop locally-owned connectivity > solutions " > >> >> >>> > ______________________ > Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya > https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwendwa-kivuva > [image: Mailtrack] <https://mailtrack.io?utm_source=gmail&utm_medium=signature&utm_campaign=sig…> Sender notified by Mailtrack <https://mailtrack.io?utm_source=gmail&utm_medium=signature&utm_campaign=sig…> 05/29/21, 08:26:34 AM

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Mozilla working on kiswahili speech recognition
by Tony White 29 May '21

29 May '21

Hi All, An interesting development in speech recognition and text-to-speech for kiswahili: https://www.zdnet.com/article/mozilla-expands-effort-to-bring-kiswahili-to-… Cheers, -- Tony White

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Opportunity for a Senior Security Engineer
by Evans Ikua 26 May '21

26 May '21

We are looking for an experienced security engineer with about 5 - 10 (or more) years of industry experience to explore partnership opportunities. The ideal candidate would be a freelancer or one considering starting out in the coming days. Must have excellent sys admin skills and experience with leading security tools and technologies. If interested or know someone who would, kindly reach out to me on email or using the contacts below. -- *Kind Regards,Evans Ikua,* Cell: +254-722-955831 *----------------------------------------------------*

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Moderated discussion on Licensing and Shared Spectrum Framework for Community Networks for Kenya
by Mwendwa Kivuva 25 May '21

25 May '21

Dear Listers, KICTANet will hold a moderated discussion led on 27th and 28th May on the licensing and shared spectrum framework for community networks. Together with our partners, we formulated a Licensing and Shared Spectrum Framework for Community Networks for Kenya. The Communications Authority of Kenya has invited comments from all stakeholders, including members of the public, licensees utilizing spectrum resources, and government institutions on the proposed framework available on the Authority’s website direct download here. <https://ca.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Licensing-and-Shared-Spectrum-F…> Community Networks are a way to bridge the connectivity gap when people come together to build and maintain the necessary infrastructure for Internet connection. Internet by the people, for the people. This licensing framework by CA will create a mechanism to attract existing community networks that have been operating outside the regulatory tent into the overall regulatory framework The framework proposes to integrate a new licensing category for community networks within the Unified Licensing Framework. The license will be exclusively for community-based organizations or other forms of non-profit collectives, limited to a sub-county. The community will be issued a ten-year license with the application fee and the annual operating fee set at Ksh. 1000 and Ksh. 5000 respectively. This is quite affordable compared to the lowest fee in the Network Facilities Provider Tier3 commercial license which pays an initial license fee of KShs. 200,000 and an operating fee of KShs. 160,000. The framework allows community networks to access the Universal Service Funds to support bottom-up digital skills help the growth of local initiatives, and also provide capacity-building initiatives within communities; While CA will help the communities negotiate discounted backhaul capacity for community networks, the framework also requires fiber-optic network operators to publish their pricing to ensure access, transparency, and non-discrimination in wholesale backhaul markets. Finally, the licensing frameworks gives recommendation on how license exempt spectrum (frequencies allocated for communication over the airwaves) can be utilised more effectively; - To review the Guidelines on the use of Radiofrequency Spectrum by Short Range Devices to amend EIRP limits for 2.4 & 5 GHz Wi-Fi for Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint use. - To review options for lowering the barrier to use of other license-exempt bands for PtP and PtMP use, including 24 GHz and 60 GHz. - To expand the range of frequencies available for license-exempt use, especially in the 5-6 GHz bands. - To strengthen collaborations with service providers to foster standards and regulatory inclusion. - To expedite the commercial availability of geolocation database service and implement required mechanisms to make the TVWS spectrum available immediately to operators. - To establish an incubatory period for TVWS technologies. - To evaluate with regional regulators the feasibility of a common approach implementation of geolocation databases. - To develop a shared spectrum framework for underutilised IMT spectrum bands. - To review the spectrum fee framework, recognizing the need for significantly reduced fees for underserved areas This consultation process is meant to give stakeholders and the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed draft framework. The comments received will inform the adoption of the Licensing and Shared Spectrum Framework for Community Networks in Kenya. Any comments or memoranda should be sent to the email address: frequencyreturns(a)ca.go.ke or the official CA address before the close of day on 1st June 2021. KICTANet organized a webinar to introduce stakeholders and the public to the proposed draft framework. The webinar recording is available on YouTube here <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSVv7VRtMdU&t=2s>. ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwendwa-kivuva

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Fwd: A Career in Data Science: An IITPSA Western Cape Chapter Eventkic
by waudo siganga 21 May '21

21 May '21

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Seeking talented Research Managers for Consumer Protection and Interoperability Projects
by Grace Githaiga 20 May '21

20 May '21

Good morning Listers This might be of interest to some of you here. Rafe from Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a member of this forum. Rgds GG From: Rafe Mazer <rmazer(a)poverty-action.org> Sent: 19 May 2021 9:04 PM To: Rafe Mazer <rmazer(a)poverty-action.org> Subject: Please Share Widely: Seeking talented Research Managers for Consumer Protection and Interoperability Projects Nairobi Colleagues, I hope you are all well and safe. I am writing to share that IPA is hiring a Research Manager for our Consumer Protection and our Interoperable Payments projects. This is a great opportunity for a mid-career talent with a knack and passion for research and data analysis. There will be lots of opportunities for leadership on projects with regulators, providers, and academics, and we will be conducting a wide range of in-the-field research, so this role is perfect for a hands-on person eager to quickly grow their profile and experience. The consumer protection position would be supervised by me, and the interoperable payments by my colleague Rebecca Rouse. We have created a single posting for these two positions, so we can consider applicants for both as needed: https://www.poverty-action.org/job/research-manager-consumer-protection-res… The position can be located in the US or any of IPA’s country offices—including Kenya, which is also our largest office globally. Would you mind sharing this with your networks or any candidates you think may be of interest? I am happy to answer questions from prospective applicants if helpful as well. Thank you in advance for the help finding new talent for our fast-growing team, Rafe Rafe Mazer Director - Consumer Protection Research Initiative Innovations for Poverty Action rmazer(a)poverty-action.org<mailto:rmazer@poverty-action.org>

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Invitation to Webinar : Towards a Licensing and Shared Spectrum Framework for Community Networks
by Mwara Gichanga 14 May '21

14 May '21

Greetings Listers, The Communications Authority of Kenya in collaboration with the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTAnet), the Association of Progressive Communications (APC), and the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, and supported by the United Kingdom’s Digital Access Programme, would like to invite you to a virtual webinar on 'Towards a Licensing and Shared Spectrum Framework for Community Networks' The webinar will take place on Monday 17th May 2021 at 2:00 PM on Zoom. The webinar seeks to explore innovative approaches to licensing and dynamic spectrum access to enable the provision of affordable and sustainable internet access for remote, rural, and marginalized areas in Kenya. During the webinar, we will be presenting a draft Licensing and Shared Spectrum Framework for Community Networks, a framework developed in partnership with the Communications Authority of Kenya, Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet), the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland and supported by the United Kingdom’s Digital Access Programme. Please confirm your availability, at your earliest convenience, by registering your details using the Zoom link below: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_54LgP4mmT8Kfqj6gwTZG4g A meeting link will be shared after registration. We look forward to your participation. Warm regards, Mwara Gichanga KICTANet

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