- KICTANet - KICTANet

Re: [kictanet] Election fiasco reveals Technological dinosaurs
by James Kagwe 08 Jan '08

08 Jan '08

Please let us know that the problem we are having in the country now is more in the mind than anywhere else. Technology could help but even with technology it is possible for people who have the same tribal convictions that their tribal chief has to be the president to conspire to inflate the polls and actually go ahead and mark the ballot papers in favor of their candidate. Tribalism is the main problem and this has to be fought by all means. Most of the problems were experienced in the strongholds of the main candidates and this confirms the greatest worry. ________________________________ From: kictanet-bounces+jkagwe=kippra.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+jkagwe=kippra.or.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Evelyn Rono Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 12:29 PM To: James Kagwe Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' Subject: Re: [kictanet] Election fiasco reveals Technological dinosaurs Hi Bobby, Several ICT companies and individuals approached the ECK with the intention of supporting and a managing the process with ICT. I quote " ECK in 2004 was provided with IT hardware & software and GIS electoral database created with each individual polling station positions' mapped using GIS technology that integrated with the electoral database through a unique ID for polling station. The constituency boundaries provided the domain universe within which each polling station could be located for administrative purposes. Training was also conducted for ECK". The same company tried to do the same 2007 This did not happen - Only ECK knows. Evelyn Rono From: kictanet-bounces+evelyn.rono=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+evelyn.rono=kdn.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of robert yawe Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 11:51 AM To: evelyn.rono(a)kdn.co.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] Election fiasco reveals Technological dinosaurs Happy new year to you all and I pray that you are all well. It is shocking that in this day and age we can actually have the kind of electoral fiasco that has been visited on us by the ECK and Co as well as the political parties. This draconian problem reared its head when the Orange house was broken into and the computers stolen. Hon.Nyongo's statement indicated that the objective was to steal the member register. If I needed to steal the register which from his comments was in electronic form what was the need of taking off with the computer. Has he ever heard of flash disks, external hard dis drives and CD/DVD writers. Technology allows me to steal his data without him every knowing. After this issue Kivuiti dismissed the SMS service that had been made available by Telkom to enable voters confirm their details. He even went to the extent of saying he does not know how to send an SMS. As the IT fraternity in the country can we really escape blame for this fiasco? The next time was when I saw Hon. Ruto standing at KICC and screaming himself hoarse over the forms 16 & 16A that had not been received. It seems he might be using a Nokia 1018 mobile phone (he actually uses a Nokia N series). Was it so difficult for the opposition to provide each of their agents with a camera equipped mobile phone that they would have used to to take pictures of the form and also record the returning officer announcing the results. This would then have been easily sent to party head quarters. There are 210 or so constituencies in the country and the mobile phones I am talking about cost about 10,000/- each do the math. I ask am I the only Kenyan who is aware of such technology or is this entire fiasco a stage managed process. Even the EU observer teams came equipped as if it was the 12th Century after which they proceeded to make unsupported statements about the result that further inflamed bloodshed. Maybe its a techie thing to keep in our glass houses and refuse to add value to a process and only send around message (this one included) after the fact. It is re-assuring when we remember the Florida fiasco but this not withstanding do we really have a moral standing to point fingers about the election results? What will be our contribution to stopping this from being repeated in future? Regards Remember Matiba and his video cameras during the good old days of mulolongo voting? Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/mailuk/taglines/isp/control/*http:/us.rd.yahoo.c om/evt=51949/*http:/uk.docs.yahoo.com/mail/winter07.html> - a smarter inbox. -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner <http://www.mailscanner.info/> , and is believed to be clean. -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner <http://www.mailscanner.info/> , and is believed to be clean.

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Re: [kictanet] What would it take to make a better Kenya?
by James Kagwe 08 Jan '08

08 Jan '08

5) A better Kenya is one where we don't become MP's because we have money but because we have what it takes to be leaders. -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+jkagwe=kippra.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+jkagwe=kippra.or.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of brian Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 11:04 AM To: James Kagwe Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] What would it take to make a better Kenya? Alice posed an interesting question, here is my 1 para.... 1) A better Kenya is one where leaders put country and electorate before personal interest. 2) A better Kenya is one where we think before we act. 3) A better Kenya is one where we see ourselves as Kenyans and not as tribes. Tanzania has 120 tribes and their sense of nationhood is exemplary. 4) A better Kenya is one where our love for peace supersedes our passion for power. 5) A better Kenya is one where we don 6) 7) .... let's see how long this list can become Brian _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: jkagwe(a)kippra.or.ke Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jkagwe%40kippra.or. ke

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Election fiasco reveals Technological dinosaurs
by robert yawe 08 Jan '08

08 Jan '08

Happy new year to you all and I pray that you are all well. It is shocking that in this day and age we can actually have the kind of electoral fiasco that has been visited on us by the ECK and Co as well as the political parties. This draconian problem reared its head when the Orange house was broken into and the computers stolen. Hon.Nyongo's statement indicated that the objective was to steal the member register. If I needed to steal the register which from his comments was in electronic form what was the need of taking off with the computer. Has he ever heard of flash disks, external hard dis drives and CD/DVD writers. Technology allows me to steal his data without him every knowing. After this issue Kivuiti dismissed the SMS service that had been made available by Telkom to enable voters confirm their details. He even went to the extent of saying he does not know how to send an SMS. As the IT fraternity in the country can we really escape blame for this fiasco? The next time was when I saw Hon. Ruto standing at KICC and screaming himself hoarse over the forms 16 & 16A that had not been received. It seems he might be using a Nokia 1018 mobile phone (he actually uses a Nokia N series). Was it so difficult for the opposition to provide each of their agents with a camera equipped mobile phone that they would have used to to take pictures of the form and also record the returning officer announcing the results. This would then have been easily sent to party head quarters. There are 210 or so constituencies in the country and the mobile phones I am talking about cost about 10,000/- each do the math. I ask am I the only Kenyan who is aware of such technology or is this entire fiasco a stage managed process. Even the EU observer teams came equipped as if it was the 12th Century after which they proceeded to make unsupported statements about the result that further inflamed bloodshed. Maybe its a techie thing to keep in our glass houses and refuse to add value to a process and only send around message (this one included) after the fact. It is re-assuring when we remember the Florida fiasco but this not withstanding do we really have a moral standing to point fingers about the election results? What will be our contribution to stopping this from being repeated in future? Regards Remember Matiba and his video cameras during the good old days of mulolongo voting? Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! Mail - a smarter inbox http://uk.mail.yahoo.com

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Fwd: Fortune500 Projection - Kenya
by Bill Kagai 07 Jan '08

07 Jan '08

*Kenya's stability in the balance*The country's economy could lose hard-won ground if political tensions aren't resolved quickly. By Alex Halperin http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/index.html Nairobi, Kenya (Fortune) -- After doubts over the accuracy of presidential election results in Kenya sparked riots and disrupted transportation, analysts say the country's economy can recover - provided there is a swift political resolution to the crisis. Incumbent president Mwai Kibaki beat opposition candidate Raila Odinga in the Dec. 27 election. However, observers have criticized abnormalities in the vote-count process and both sides have launched accusations of rigging. Since Kibaki returned to the State House, hundreds have died as violent protests destroyed homes and livelihoods, while diplomats from Africa, Europe and the United States have pushed for a resolution. The business community hopes to see the country go back to work and resume its strong economic growth, five percent annually during Kibaki's five-year tenure. But the election and ensuing violence have tarnished Kenya's reputation as a stable haven nestled between flashpoints like Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan. "Kenya has been doing well for a nation that doesn't have much in the way of resources," says Mark Bellamy, a former U.S. Ambassador to the country and a senior resident fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. However, it will be "difficult for the country to rebound" if the ruling party rejects calls for a negotiated settlement, after widely cited problems with the vote counting. Razia Khan, head of Africa research for the London-based bank Standard Chartered, says she still sees a good future for the Kenyan economy, especially since it has become a crucial to growth in neighbors like Uganda and Tanzania. Kenya watchers, she says, have seized on hopeful signs like Attorney General Amos Wako calling for an investigation of the election results. Standard Chartered estimates Kenya's 2007 GDP growth at 6.7percent. Roadblocks to growth With slogans like "You know him," President Kibaki based his reelection bid around continuing the country's economic growth, although many Kenyans remain in the starkest poverty. Throughout the campaign, opposition candidate Raila Odinga, who named his son Fidel after the Cuban dictator, perpetually reassured the business community of his suitability. More than a week after the election, the biggest obstacle to getting the economy back on track remains transportation. Kenya's status as a regional power depends on the goods and fuel it sends to neighboring nations. Its port at Mombasa is the largest in East Africa. Over the last week, fuel shortages have hit provincial Kenyan cities and Uganda as roadblocks manned by armed gangs have made overland travel far more dangerous. A peaceful settlement in Nairobi won't necessarily bring an immediate end to the makeshift roadblocks and truck drivers will remain easy targets for harassment and beatings. Randy Fleitman, an economic official at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, says even big American firms like Coca-Cola and Del Monte are reporting problems transporting goods and workers. But low mobility is "the killer for the small firms, the Kenyan firms." Like many African countries, Kenya has shown impressive growth in recent years and, compared with its neighbors, it boasts strong infrastructure and foreign investment. It owes much of its growth to consumer spending and developing industries internally, an entrepreneurial advantage over countries like Angola and Zambia where finite resources like oil and copper are the economic drivers. Economies based on such commodities have downsides like environmentally taxing extraction methods and are susceptible to shifts in commodity prices. Kenya has become a leading exporter of cut flowers to Europe. Northwest of Nairobi in the Rift Valley, immense greenhouses and company housing line the road leading to the popular resort of Lake Naivasha. There are other reasons to remain optimistic. The country is well established as the region's manufacturing hub. A large and well-educated English-speaking population makes Kenya a potential market for call centers, should the IT infrastructure improve. Tourists crowd its magnificent beaches and wildlife reserves, and so far there have not been reports of rioters targeting tourists or damage to tourist facilities. However, a group representing large British tour operators has suspended outbound trips until at least Jan. 7. It's a symbolic blow to this vital sector. If Kenya is believed to be unsafe, visitors may instead visit neighboring Tanzania, which offers similar attractions. Kenya also has a large multinational presence. Shell (RDSA<http://money.cnn.com/quote/quote.html?symb=RDSA&source=story_quote_link>) has 131 gas stations here. And Barclays ( BCS<http://money.cnn.com/quote/quote.html?symb=BCS&source=story_quote_link>) is one of several international banks with a large retailing operation. Neither company would discuss how the riots have affected their operations. In 2006 a General Motors (GM<http://money.cnn.com/quote/quote.html?symb=GM&source=story_quote_link>, Fortune 500<http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2007/snapshots/563.html?s…>) venture built 1,755 Isuzu trucks and busses at a Nairobi plant. Still it's easy to exaggerate Kenya's wealth. A 2001 estimate put unemployment at 40 percent and per capita annual GDP is around $1,200. Nairobi has a modern and clean downtown, but it's only fifteen minutes by packed minibus to the filthy slum of Kibera, where perhaps 1 million people live. One of the largest shantytowns in Africa, many residents have limited or no access to electricity and clean water. As a center of opposition support, much of Kibera has gone up in flames since the election. Many rural areas of the country don't present as squalid a picture as the rivers of trash in Kibera but offer even less opportunity to find work. Keeping money in Kenya On Jan. 2, the first trading day after the election, the Nairobi Stock Exchange lost about 5 percent of its total market cap to close around $12.3 billion (less than Starbucks). But with plenty of traders sitting home, trading was light and analysts say the drop doesn't necessarily represent market sentiment. Trading was suspended Thursday amid fears for employee safety. In response to the crisis, Standard & Poor's downgraded Kenya's currency rating. At the end of 2007, investors here were anticipating two big deals. KenGen, the leading utility, planned to raise $1 billion to fund increasing electric capacity. The largest telecom, Safaricom, which is partly owned by British giant Vodafone (VOD<http://money.cnn.com/quote/quote.html?symb=VOD&source=story_quote_link>), expects to sell a stake in an IPO that could be the largest ever in East Africa. Whether these deals go through should be a good measure of investor confidence. Fleitman of the U.S. Embassy says Kenya's relative prosperity and status as a center for foreigners and finance stems from its wonderful climate and the perception of political stability. Kick out one of those assets and the country could be in for a slide. "They need to fix this thing quickly," he says. -- -- Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited Nairobi Stock Exchange [NSE] - Authorised Information Vendor Suite B2 Tetu Apartments StateHouse Avenue P. O. Box 20311-00200 Tel. 254 20 272 8332 Fax. Rendered Obsolete URL. www.mediacorpafrica.com --

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A Compelling Case A Compelling Case For A Government of National Unity (GNU)
by Alex Gakuru 06 Jan '08

06 Jan '08

Instead of sitting back and conducting paralysis analysis, an innovative group is now offering "A Compelling Case For A Government of National Unity (GNU)". Yes! I have confirmed the document authenticity from one of the undersigned who said to me "The initial healing stage requires the protagonists coming together and GNU looks like a very good vehicle" They are quite candid. If no action is taken urgently, the following would become the consequences: 1.The country will degenerate into unprecedented chaos. The consultant mentioned above who has worked with many third world countries that went through similar experiences, is of the view that Kenya is ripe for this type of disintegration. 2.Many of us, including the very leaders who are refusing to take up action, if not dead or if they will not have run away, will be lining up with other refugees for daily allowances. 3.We shall lose all the gains we have achieved to date and go down in history as another fallen African republic. I first saw the attached draft yesterday at the blog site: http://kumekucha.blogspot.com/2008/01/compelling-case-for-government-of.html You have their permission to circulate their draft proposal. An it is very encouraging that various citizens-led initiatives are underway. Utengamano and Vita Zishindwe! Amani Ishinde! Regards, Alex

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Milestone Agreement Reached Between ICANN, and F Root Server Operator, Internet Systems Consortium]
by alice 06 Jan '08

06 Jan '08

http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-04jan08.htm "First-of-its-kind agreement recognizes mutual responsibilities, supports enhanced Internet stability" The management of root name servers have always been a dark spot of Internet governance. Nobody knows about it and nobody cares (there have been a few papers by Karl Auerbach and that's all). Incredible as it may seems, a function which is so essential for the DNS (and therefore for the vast majority of Internet uses) have always been done without any sort of formal agreement. Nobody knows why Verisign manages two name servers and Neustar zero, what could be done if a root name server operator provides a bad service, how root name servers could be added, retired or changed. In practice, the set of root name servers is now cast in stone. Some persons believe it is better that way and that the service is better done by the present volunteers than by a mono-governemental bureaucracy (ICANN) or a multi-governemental one (ITU). So, this move is important. As ICANN says, it is indeed the first formalization of the relationship between ICANN and a root name server operator. I see what ICANN obtains. I'm very unsure about the gains for ISC. Was it a necessary condition to obtain the announcement of ISC IPv6 addresses in the root-servers.net zone? (http://lists.oarci.net/pipermail/dns-operations/2007-December/002192.html) ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: governance(a)lists.cpsr.org To be removed from the list, send any message to: governance-unsubscribe(a)lists.cpsr.org For all list information and functions, see: http://lists.cpsr.org/lists/info/governance

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Political Parties Please Remove Posters
by Alex Gakuru 05 Jan '08

05 Jan '08

I humbly request all political parties to remove these no longer relevant campaign bill boards and posters. Not only are they now overtaken by events but their continued presence varyingly provoke angry feelings to different, disappointed citizens otherwise regaining their sense of security, peace, and tolerance like it was before the elections. Thank you. ICT Consumers Association of Kenya

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[Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Invitation for Statements of Interest and Suggestions for Candidates - ICANN NOMCOM reminder]
by alice 04 Jan '08

04 Jan '08

Invitation for Statements of Interest and Suggestions for Candidates Posted 14 December 2007 This document is a comprehensive description of all of the information needed for the process of volunteering to serve in the governing bodies of ICANN in forthcoming terms. It contains information for potential candidates, for people wishing to suggest candidates, and for the submission of statements of interest, and provides links to other information on the ICANN website regarding the Nominating Committee (Nom Com) process. The call for candidates is now posted. Statements of Interest should be received before 15 April 2008 (23:59 UTC), and the selection of final appointees will be announced in mid September 2008. Completed Statements of Interest should be sent to nomcom2008(a)icann.org <mailto:nomcom2008@icann.org>. If you would like to volunteer and be considered as a candidate, click here <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#F> to read more about the process and to nominate yourself. If you want to suggest someone for one of the positions click here <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#H>. Send all comments/questions to: nomcom2008(a)icann.org <mailto:nomcom2008@icann.org>. For more information about the Nom Com, see http://nomcom.icann.org/. Nom Com encourages redistribution of this Invitation for Statements of Interest and Suggestions for Candidates provided it is transmitted in its entirety, without any changes. Nom Com encourages translation of this Invitation and grants permission to distribute a translation provided that (1) any distributed translation includes the full text of the Invitation in English in its entirety and without any changes and (2) a copy of the translation and the identity and contact information for the translator are sent to Nom Com at nomcom2008(a)icann.org <mailto:nomcom2008@icann.org>. . Contents *A. ICANN, the organization <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#A> * *B. Important Opportunities to Contribute to this Global public private partnership <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#B> * *C. Characteristics and High Qualifications Sought via the Nom Com Process <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#C> * *D. Criteria, Core Values and Timing for Positions to be Filled by Nom Com <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#D> * *E. Position Roles, Eligibility Factors, and Time Commitments <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#E> * *F. Choosing to be a Candidate <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#F> * *G. Nom Com Process and Background <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#G> * *H. How to suggest a candidate for consideration <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#H> * *I. Statement of Interest ICANN Nominating Committee 2008 <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#I> * *A. ICANN, the organization * The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a California public benefit, non-profit corporation that serves as a major technical coordination body for the Internet. Created in 1998 by a joint initiative of the Internet's business, technical, academic, and user communities, ICANN has been gradually assuming the responsibility for a set of technical functions previously performed by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and other groups. ICANN's mission is "to coordinate, at the overall level, the global Internet's systems of unique identifiers, and in particular to ensure the stable and secure operation of the Internet's unique identifier systems. In particular, ICANN: 1. Coordinates the allocation and assignment of the three sets of unique identifiers for the Internet, which are: 1. Domain names (forming a system referred to as "DNS"); 2. Internet protocol ("IP") addresses and autonomous system ("AS") numbers; and 3. Protocol port and parameter numbers. 2. Coordinates the operation and evolution of the DNS root name server system. 3. Coordinates policy development reasonably and appropriately related to these technical functions." http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#I ICANN is dedicated to preserving the operational stability of the Internet; to promoting competition; to achieving broad representation of global Internet communities; and to developing policy appropriate to its mission through bottom-up consensus-based processes. ICANN accomplishes its work through various entities such as the Board of Directors; the three supporting organisations GNSO, ccNSO and ASO; and the At Large Advisory Committee. *B. Important Opportunities to Contribute to this Global Enterprise * The ICANN Nominating Committee (Nom Com) invites the participation of the Internet community in its ongoing process for selection of well qualified, accomplished individuals to serve in four sets of leadership positions within ICANN. The following seats are to be filled in the 2008 Nom Com process: * Board of Directors (2 seats) * Generic Names Supporting Organization Council (GNSO) (1 seat) * At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) (2 seats, Europe and North American regions) * Country Code Names Support Organization Council (ccNSO) (1 seat) Those selected by Nom Com will work with accomplished colleagues from around the globe to address Internet's technical coordination problems and related policy development challenges within diverse functional, cultural, and geographic dimensions. They will make an important public service contribution and gain useful experience and perspective. Placing the broad public interest ahead of any particular interests, they will help ensure the stability and security of the Internet ICANN holds public meetings three times a year in locations around the world. These meetings constitute an essential part of ICANN's global consensus-development and outreach efforts; all Nom Com appointees are expected to travel and participate in ICANN meetings. However, these meetings are only part of the responsibilities of the appointees. Much of the work of the ICANN Board, GNSO Council, ALAC, and ccNSO Council is done via e-mail and teleconference meetings of the respective groups. Those who hold these positions serve without compensation but can receive travel expense reimbursement where authorized and where resources have been allocated within the ICANN budget. The whole Internet community benefits from the voluntary commitment and efforts of the many individuals who serve in the organization. ICANN respects and appreciates this generous contribution of time, energy and effort. The appointees of the Nom Com will join the numerous other hard working volunteers who help to further ICANN's policy activities. We invite both (1) suggestions of persons who should be considered for these positions and (2) Statements of Interest from persons wishing to be considered for them. The Nom Com looks upon all Statements of Interest equally. For full consideration suggestions should be submitted promptly and Statements of Interest should be received no later than 15 April 2008 (23:59 UTC) . *C. Qualifications Sought in the Nom Com Process * Nom Com seeks women and men who have demonstrated the maturity, experience, knowledge, and skills to handle the tasks and make the judgments involved in fulfilling these important leadership roles. Nom Com seeks persons of the highest integrity and capability with experience and talents for problem solving, policy development, and decision-making involving diverse perspectives regarding how best to accomplish the mission and responsibilities of ICANN. Those selected in the Nom Com process will also be expected to place the public interest of the global Internet ahead of any particular interests. In Nom Com's selections, such qualifications are more significant than is deep involvement in technical aspects of the Internet. The Nom Com Selected Nominees are expected to be knowledgeable, or committed to becoming knowledgeable, about the environment in which ICANN operates and the technical functions for which it is responsible, but strong technical knowledge of the Internet is not the determining factor in the Nom Com selections. ICANN also has complementary selection processes, based in the Supporting Organizations and Advisory Committees, which are designed to ensure that the needed technical expertise and knowledge of constituencies is present in the ICANN leadership bodies. Together, Nom Com and these complementary selection processes yield, in the aggregate, the full range of skills and experience needed for the organization. Nom Com will apply the criteria and terms of eligibility defined in the ICANN Bylaws to develop a pool of qualified candidates (See Section D). In selecting from this candidate pool, Nom Com will also take into account additional considerations related to the specific roles to be filled and will support implementation of ICANN's Core Values, including its commitment to seek and support broad functional, geographic, and cultural diversity of the Internet at all levels of policy development and decision-making. Nom Com recognizes that the term cultural diversity is multifaceted, including gender, ethnic, religious, and other forms of diversity. Nom Com encourages wide participation in this process, and is grateful for the valuable input it will receive from those who nominate themselves or others for the positions available. *D. Criteria, Core Values, and Timing for Positions to be Filled by Nom Com * Criteria Nom Com will use the Criteria for Selection of ICANN Directors contained in the ICANN Bylaws for all four sets of positions it will fill. These Criteria are: 1. Accomplished persons of integrity, objectivity, and intelligence, with reputations for sound judgment and open minds, and a demonstrated capacity for thoughtful group decision-making; 2. Persons with an understanding of ICANN's mission and the potential impact of ICANN decisions on the global Internet community, and committed to the success of ICANN; 3. Persons who will produce the broadest cultural and geographic diversity on the Board consistent with meeting the other criteria set forth in this Section; 4. Persons who, in the aggregate, have personal familiarity with the operation of gTLD registries and registrars; with ccTLD registries; with IP address registries; with Internet technical standards and protocols; with policy-development procedures, legal traditions, and the public interest; and with the broad range of business, individual, academic, and non-commercial users of the Internet; 5. Persons who are willing to serve as volunteers, without compensation other than the reimbursement of certain expenses; and 6. Persons who are able to work and communicate in written and spoken English. Nom Com welcomes and encourages participation from all members of the global Internet community. Although Candidates should be able to both work and communicate well in English, there is no requirement that English be the candidate's first language. Core Values In making its selections, Nom Com will look for persons who can help implement ICANN's Core Values, stated in its Bylaws: "In performing its mission, the following core values should guide the decisions and actions of ICANN: 1. Preserving and enhancing the operational stability, reliability, security, and global interoperability of the Internet. 2. Respecting the creativity, innovation, and flow of information made possible by the Internet by limiting ICANN's activities to those matters within ICANN's mission requiring or significantly benefiting from global coordination. 3. To the extent feasible and appropriate, delegating coordination functions to or recognizing the policy role of other responsible entities that reflect the interests of affected parties. 4. Seeking and supporting broad, informed participation reflecting the functional, geographic, and cultural diversity of the Internet at all levels of policy development and decision-making. 5. Where feasible and appropriate, depending on market mechanisms to promote and sustain a competitive environment. 6. Introducing and promoting competition in the registration of domain names where practicable and beneficial in the public interest. 7. Employing open and transparent policy development mechanisms that (i) promote well-informed decisions based on expert advice, and (ii) ensure that those entities most affected can assist in the policy development process. 8. Making decisions by applying documented policies neutrally and objectively, with integrity and fairness. 9. Acting with a speed that is responsive to the needs of the Internet while, as part of the decision-making process, obtaining informed input from those entities most affected. 10. Remaining accountable to the Internet community through mechanisms that enhance ICANN's effectiveness. 11. While remaining rooted in the private sector, recognizing that governments and public authorities are responsible for public policy and duly taking into account governments' or public authorities' recommendations. These core values are deliberately expressed in very general terms, so that they may provide useful and relevant guidance in the broadest possible range of circumstances. Because they are not narrowly prescriptive, the specific way in which they apply, individually and collectively, to each new situation will necessarily depend on many factors that cannot be fully anticipated or enumerated; and because they are statements of principle rather than practice, situations will inevitably arise in which perfect fidelity to all eleven core values simultaneously is not possible. Any ICANN body making a recommendation or decision shall exercise its judgment to determine which core values are most relevant and how they apply to the specific circumstances of the case at hand, and to determine, if necessary, an appropriate and defensible balance among competing values." Timing By 29 June 2008, the NomCom expects to make its final selections for individuals to serve the Terms that are associated with the following positions: * ICANN Board of Directors (2 seats, 3 year terms) * Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) Council Member (1 seat, 2 year term) * At Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) Members (2 seats, 2 year terms) * Country Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO) Council Member (1 seat, 3 year term) As provided in the ICANN Bylaws, the starting date for terms for these positions is the end of ICANN's 2008 Annual General Meeting to be held in the Africa region (location to be confirmed), from 2-7 November 2008. The ending date is the conclusion of a specific later ICANN Annual Meeting, depending on the length of term applicable. *E. Position Roles, Eligibility Factors, and Time Commitments * Position: Board of Directors (http://www.icann.org/general/board.html <http://www.icann.org/general/board.html>) Number of Seats: 2 Start of Term: Conclusion of Annual Meeting 2008 End of Term: Conclusion of Annual Meeting 2011 ICANN's Directors, as a group, are responsible for exercising the powers of ICANN, controlling its property, and conducting or directing its business and affairs, except as otherwise provided in the ICANN Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws. Directors serve as individuals who have the duty to act in what they reasonably believe are the best interests of ICANN and not as representatives of the entity that selected them, their employers, or any other organizations or constituencies. Directors are expected to support the ICANN mission and the implementation of ICANN's Core Values. The Nominating Committee will use the Selection Criteria for Directors, set forth in the Bylaws, for these positions. ICANN Directors shall receive no compensation for their services as Directors. The Board may, however, authorize the reimbursement of actual and necessary reasonable expenses incurred by Directors performing their duties as Directors. [Bylaws Article VI, Section 22, see http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#VI-22] Board Eligibility Factors 1. No person who serves on the Nominating Committee in any capacity is eligible for selection by any means to any position on the Board or any other ICANN body having one or more membership positions that the Nominating Committee is responsible for filling, until the conclusion of an ICANN annual meeting that coincides with, or is after, the conclusion of that person's service on the Nominating Committee. [Bylaws, Article VII, Section 8, see http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#VII-8 <http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#VII-8>] 2. Nominating Committee shall seek to ensure that the ICANN Board is composed of members who in the aggregate display diversity in geography, culture, skills, experience, and perspective, by applying the criteria set forth above in this document. [Bylaws, Article VI, Section 2(2), see http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#VI-2.2 <http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#VI-2.2>] 3. At no time shall the Nominating Committee select a Director to fill any vacancy or expired term whose selection would cause the total number of Directors (not including the President) who are citizens of countries in any one Geographic Region to exceed five; and the Nominating Committee shall ensure through its selections that at all times the Board includes at least one Director who is a citizen of a country in each ICANN Geographic Region. [Bylaws, Article VI, Section 2(2), see http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#VI-2.2] 4. No official of a national government or a multinational entity established by treaty or other agreement between national governments may serve as a Director. [Bylaws, Article VI, Section 4(1), see http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#VI-4.1] 5. No person who serves in any capacity (including as a liaison) on any Supporting Organization Council shall simultaneously serve as a Director or liaison to the Board. [Bylaws, Article VI, Section 4(2), see http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#VI-4.2 ] 6. Term limits: No ICANN Directors appointed by the Nom Com whose terms expire at the ICANN General Meeting of 2008 have exceeded the three term limit as defined in the Bylaws. The current composition of the Board of Directors is available here http://www.icann.org/general/board.html Time Commitment and Working Practice The basic responsibilities of an ICANN Director require a minimum commitment of time which when averaged out over the year is roughly equivalent to 20-24 hours each week. This includes participation in three ICANN meetings/year, two Board retreats/year and work on Board Committees. The time spent in these basic responsibilities is typically clustered around Board meetings and monthly teleconferences, but there is a constant flow of information requiring attention on a near daily basis. Directors are expected to attend three ICANN meetings per year and depending on the location and including travel time and preparation this could be a commitment of up to ten (10) days per meeting. In addition the board occasionally holds shorter face-to-face meetings such as retreats. Directors spend additional time in connection with their work on Board Committees, a commitment that varies in relation to the number of Committees on which they serve, the scope of the Committee's responsibilities, and their role as Chair or Member of the Committee. *Position: GNSO Council* Number of Seats: 1 Start of Term: Conclusion of Annual Meeting 2008 End of Term: Conclusion of Annual Meeting 2010 The Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) is a policy-development body responsible for developing and recommending to the ICANN Board substantive policies relating to generic top-level domains. The GNSO consists of various Constituencies representing defined groups of stakeholders and a GNSO Council, responsible for managing the policy development and administrative processes of the GNSO. The GNSO Constituencies choose the majority of the Council members; Nominating Committee chooses three Council members with staggered terms. The GNSO also includes a liaison from the ALAC and the Governmental Advisory Committee. Liaison activities from the ASO and ccNSO are under development. GNSO Council Members receive no compensation for their services as GNSO Council Members. ICANN provides administrative and operational support necessary for the GNSO to carry out its responsibilities through the GNSO Secretariat. ICANN also provides staff support for policy development. As stated in the ICANN Bylaws, such support shall not include an obligation for ICANN to fund travel expenses incurred by GNSO participants for travel to any meeting of the GNSO or for any other purpose. However, ICANN has customarily furnished travel expenses for Nominating Committee appointed Council members to ICANN meetings. This custom is planned to continue, but is subject to the Bylaw statement. [Bylaws Article X, Section 4, see http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#X-4] Nominating Committee will use the Criteria for Selection of ICANN Directors (see above) in choosing Selected Nominees for the GNSO Council. GNSO Council members are expected to support the ICANN mission and the implementation of ICANN's Core Values. *Role of the Nom Com Appointee* As discussed above the majority of the councillors are appointed by the constituencies and represent those constituencies in the council. Nom Com appointees, on the other hand, are not the representatives of any specific group, though they may choose to represent the interests of groups that are not currently represented in council. Most importantly Nom Com appointees should be people chosen, often from outside the GNSO constituencies and sometime from outside ICANN, who bring a fresh perspective into the council and who accept the responsibility to do their best to support ICANN in its mission and core values. Appointees should be people who can help the GNSO council to perform its duties; sometimes this may involve filling gaps in the skill set, at other times it may involve addressing a diversity or other demographic balance or may involve bringing a necessary perspective into the council that is not already present. Generally an appointee needs to fulfil several of these needs at the same time. The Nominating Committee will also take into account the following eligibility factors and additional considerations. *GNSO Council Eligibility Factors* No person who serves on the Nominating Committee in any capacity is eligible for selection by any means to any position on the Board or any other ICANN body having one or more membership positions that the Nominating Committee is responsible for filling, until the conclusion of an ICANN annual meeting that coincides with, or is after, the conclusion of that person's service on the Nominating Committee. [Bylaws, Article VII, Section 8, see http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#VII-8 <http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#VII-8>] No more than one officer, director, or employee of any particular corporation or other organization (including its subsidiaries and affiliates) shall serve on the GNSO Council at any given time. [Bylaws, Article X, Section 3(5), see http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#X-3.5] Additional Considerations For the GNSO Council position, specific experience related to the scope of the GNSO's work with the Domain Name System would be advantageous. The current composition of the GNSO Council is available here http://gnso.icann.org/council/members.shtml The Bylaws do not state a limit on the number of terms GNSO Council members may serve, although it is possible that term limits may be considered in future. *Time Commitment* The basic responsibilities of a GNSO Council member involve a minimum of 20 hours per month on Council related activities, with those chairing or participating in committees or task forces spending up to 60 hours a month or more. Depending on work load, for example during the weeks before the 3 face to face meeting, this can sometimes escalate to as much as 20 hours per week or more. The commitment for the 3 face to face meetings generally run about 7 days with council members having sometimes extensive responsibilities on most days. For those involved in Task forces or Working Groups, there may occasionally be additional face to face interim meetings Task force members and councilors are not compensated for either time or teleconference costs though ICANN makes toll free numbers available whenever practical. *Additional GNSO criteria:* There are various criteria that should be considered when judging GNSO candidates. The first set of criteria are general and should be present in anyone appointed to the GNSO Council, while the second set of criteria reflect a diversity of skills that may be necessary. Depending on the composition of the sitting council, these skill based criteria will vary from year to year. Criteria that are considered especially important for the 2008 appointment are marked with (2008). *Baseline Criteria for anyone selected as a nomcom appointee:* * Demonstrated experience working effectively in collaborative environments involving diverse interests. * Ability to chair, or otherwise assist, a multi-stakeholder group in reaching consensus * Basic knowledge of DNS systems and industry structure - registries, registrars. The goal is not to find technical DNS experts, but a minimal understanding of the DNS is needed to effectively function on the Council. For example appointees should understand something along the lines of "do you know what happens in the DNS when you send an email, or access a webpage". This requires an understanding of the general process of name resolution without requiring a precise technical description. *Variable Criteria that are useful to the GNSO* Part of the role of Nom Com appointees is to fill in gaps in the skill set of the Council. Some, but not all, of the skills that are highly useful in the process of GNSO Council work are listed below. The gap skills will vary year by year. Criteria that are especially important for the 2008 selection are marked with (2008) * Knowledge of o International Law (2008) o Competition law o Anti-trust law o Public interest o Consumer rights o Human rights o Economics especially market analysis (2008) * Intergovernmental expertise (2008) * Understanding of the special needs of financial services businesses * IDN expertise (2008) * DNS security expertise (2008) * Setting up of dispute and objection processes * Enforcement procedures and processes * Application software development - e.g multi-lingual support * Online collaborative work and consensus building technologies - wiki's etc * Statistics and survey analysis * Project management and document control processes Additionally consideration may be given to Nom Com appointees who can help with the geographical or gender balance on the council as needed, as long as other necessary attributes and skills are also present. *Position: ccNSO Council* Number of Seats: 1 Start of Term: Conclusion of Annual Meeting 2008 End of Term: Conclusion of Annual Meeting 2011 The Country Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO) is a policy-development body which is responsible for developing and recommending to the Board global policies relating to country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs), nurturing consensus across the ccNSO's community, including the name-related activities of ccTLDs; and coordinating with other ICANN Supporting Organizations, committees, and constituencies under ICANN. In addition to the above core responsibilities, the ccNSO may also engage in other activities authorized by its members, including: seeking to develop voluntary best practices for ccTLD managers, assisting in skills building within the global community of ccTLD managers, and enhancing operational and technical cooperation among ccTLD managers. The ccNSO consists of ccTLD managers that have agreed in writing to be members of the ccNSO, and a ccNSO Council responsible for managing the policy-development process of the ccNSO. Some ccNSO Council members are chosen by the ccNSO members within each of ICANN's Geographic Regions; Nominating Committee chooses three members with staggered terms. ccNSO Council members receive no compensation for their services as ccNSO Council Members. Upon request of the ccNSO Council, ICANN shall provide administrative and operational support necessary for the ccNSO to carry out its responsibilities. As stated in the ICANN Bylaws, such support shall not include an obligation for ICANN to fund travel expenses incurred by ccNSO participants for travel to any meeting of the ccNSO or for any other purpose. However, ICANN has customarily furnished travel expenses for Nominating Committee appointed Council members to ICANN meetings. This custom is planned to continue, but is subject to the Bylaw statement. [Bylaws Article IX, Section 7, see http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#IX-7] Nominating Committee will use the Criteria for Selection of ICANN Directors in choosing Selected Nominees for the ccNSO Council. CCNSO Council members are expected to support the ICANN mission and the implementation of the ICANN Core Values. Nominating Committee will also take into account the following eligibility factors and additional considerations. *ccNSO Eligibility Factors* 1. No person who serves on the Nominating Committee in any capacity is eligible for selection by any means to any position on the Board or any other ICANN body having one or more membership positions that the Nominating Committee is responsible for filling, until the conclusion of an ICANN annual meeting that coincides with, or is after, the conclusion of that person's service on the Nominating Committee. [Bylaws, Article VII, Section 8, see http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#VII-8 <http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#VII-8>] *Additional Considerations* For the ccNSO Council positions, while no specific considerations are reflected in the Bylaws, experience or knowledge of ccTLDs and issues of importance to the global Internet, would be advantageous. Additionally, familiarity with the global environment in which ICANN operates and perspectives not otherwise reflected in the ccTLD community would be advantageous. Experience in international organizations and in developing new organizations is likewise valuable for these positions. *Time Commitment* An average ccNSO Council member would spend at least 12 hours per month on Council related activities, with those chairing committees or task forces spending at least 30 hours a month. (The commitment involves a minimum of 6 hours per month based on an average of 1.5 two-hour teleconferences (or physical meetings) per month plus about two hours of preparation for each meeting for reading task force reports and potentially discussing with the community. Participation in committees of the council and/or task forces could easily double that minimum time commitment.) The Nom Com had some discussion about what "basic of knowledge of DNS" meant and it was something along the lines of "do you know what happens in the DNS when you send an email, or access a webpage". This is not a precise technical description, but an understanding of concepts of resolution. *Position: At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC)* Number of Seats: 2 1 (Europe) 1 (North America) Start of Term: Conclusion of Annual Meeting 2008 End of Term: Conclusion of Annual Meeting 2010 (for a definition of ICANN's geographic regions see http://www.icann.org/montreal/geo-regions-topic.htm) The role of the At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) is to finalize the establishment of a mechanism for individual user participation in ICANN, through the accreditation of user organizations as At-Large Structures (ALS) and the creation of Regional At Large Organizations (RALOs). The ALAC also performs a role to consider and provide advice on the activities of ICANN, insofar as they relate to the interests of individual Internet users. Individual users may be consumers, non-for-profit or profit or business users but the key term is that they are 'individuals'. ALAC Committee members, like the members of ICANN's other Advisory Committees, receive no compensation for their services as a member of a committee. The Board may, however, authorize the reimbursement of the actual and necessary expenses incurred by Advisory Committee members performing their duties as Advisory Committee members. [Bylaws Article XI, Section 6, see http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#XI-6] Nominating Committee will use the Criteria for Selection of ICANN Directors (see above) in choosing Selected Nominees for ALAC. ALAC members are expected to support the ICANN mission and the implementation of the ICANN Core Values. Nominating Committee will also take into account the following eligibility factors and additional considerations. *ALAC Eligibility Factors* 1. No person who serves on the Nominating Committee in any capacity is eligible for selection by any means to any position on the Board or any other ICANN body having one or more membership positions that the Nominating Committee is responsible for filling, until the conclusion of an ICANN annual meeting that coincides with, or is after, the conclusion of that person's service on the Nominating Committee. [Bylaws, Article VII, Section 8, see http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#VII-8 <http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#VII-8>] 2. The five members of the ALAC selected by the Nominating Committee shall include one citizen of a country within each of the five Geographic Regions (Europe; Asia/Australia/Pacific; Latin America/Caribbean Islands; Africa; and North America) established according to Bylaws Article VI, Section 5, see http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#VI-5. Only Citizens of the European and North American regions as defined in ICANN's definition of geographic regions http://www.icann.org/montreal/geo-regions-topic.htm <http://www.icann.org/montreal/geo-regions-topic.htm> are eligible for ALAC vacancies in 2008. *Additional Considerations* For the ALAC positions, experience and skills that bear on gathering, understanding, and communicating the interests of individual users would be advantageous. Perspectives not otherwise reflected in the existing ALAC membership would be advantageous. Nominating Committee's selections for ALAC are intended to diversify the skill and experience sets of the ALAC, including in such areas as group decision-making. Current composition of the ALAC is available at http://www.icann.org/committees/alac/ The Bylaws do not state a limit on the number of terms ALAC members may serve. *Time Commitment* The basic responsibilities of a member of the ALAC is approximately 18 hours each month. This includes participating in online (e-mail) discussions, commenting on/contributing to documents/proposed actions (drafted in English), participating in monthly ALAC telephone conferences (in English), and meeting with/making presentations to, local and regional organizations. ALAC members serving as liaisons to other Supporting Organizations and to the Board can expect to spend more than this basic 18 hours per month. ICANN has traditionally reimbursed expenses incurred by ALAC members for attending ICANN meetings. The Nom Com had some discussion about what "basic of knowledge of DNS" meant and it was something along the lines of "do you know what happens in the DNS when you send an email, or access a webpage". This is not a precise technical description, but an understanding of concepts of resolution. *F. Choosing to be a Candidate * Choosing Among the Positions You may apply for any of the available positions set out in the Statement of Interest for which you are eligible and in which you would be willing to serve. You may apply for up to four positions; however, you are encouraged to read and consider carefully the background materials on each position prior to filling out the Statement of Interest form below. Liability/Indemnification ICANN Directors, GNSO Council members, ALAC members and ccNSO Council members enjoy several types of protection from liability for their activities in service to ICANN. These may be summarized as follows: (a) Indemnification by ICANN. Under its bylaws, ICANN indemnifies members of ICANN bodies against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements, and other amounts that actually and reasonably arise in a proceeding because those persons are acting or have acted as agents of ICANN. There are various conditions to this indemnity, including that the indemnified person's acts were in good faith and done in a manner reasonably believed to be in ICANN's best interests and not criminal. [Bylaws Article XIV] (b) Insurance. ICANN carries insurance covering liabilities (including defense expenses) that ICANN and its Directors, volunteers, and committee members may incur by reason of acts or omissions solely in their capacities as Directors, volunteers, and committee members acting on behalf of ICANN. The insurance policy includes deductibles, exclusions, and conditions that are ordinary in a liability policy covering directors, officers, and volunteers of a non-profit corporation. (c) Statutory Immunity. United States federal law and California law contain provisions shielding volunteers to non-profit organizations (such as ICANN) from liabilities for their volunteer work, with some conditions. The U.S. Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 protects volunteers (i.e. those serving without compensation) to non-profit organizations from liability for harm caused by their acts and omissions while acting within the scope of their responsibilities in the organization and not in a willful, criminal, grossly negligent, reckless, etc. manner. [42 United States Code Â§Â§14501-14505] California law provides similar liability protections to volunteer directors. [California Corporations Code Â§5239] Although there are various conditions and limits on each type of protection, in the aggregate these protections provide significant protection to ICANN volunteers acting in good faith and in the scope of their responsibilities to ICANN. *G. Nom Com Process and Background * Process Central to the Nominating Committee's process are the Statements of Interest received from individuals who agree to be considered for service in any of the positions. A person who has submitted a complete Statement of Interest is considered a Candidate for selection by the Nom Com. Nom Com will begin its review of Candidate information contained in the completed Statement of Interest shortly after it is received and confirmed to have all the required information. If the Statement of Interest is missing required information the individual will not be considered a Candidate for selection by the Nom Com. The Nom Com will evaluate Candidates in a fair and consistent manner, considering the Statement of Interest, references, interviews as needed, consultations, and third-party information sources. While doing so, it will adhere to its Code of Ethics, which includes procedures regarding Confidentiality and Conflicts of Interest. To ensure open and frank communication with the Nom Com, we have paid particular attention in our procedures to safeguarding confidentiality. Specifically, under our procedures all Nom Com members will safeguard all internal Nom Com communications concerning candidates and treat them as strictly private, confidential, and for the use of the immediate committee members and Nom Com staff only, without exception. Nom Com members will not disclose outside of the committee the identities of Candidates under consideration by the Nom Com, nor any discussions about them, unless both the Candidate and the Nom Com as a whole have given explicit authorization to disclose the information. Nor will Nom Com disclose the identity of those who suggested candidates or whether a specific candidate has been suggested. For more information about the procedures Nom Com members follow regarding security and confidentiality of information, please refer to the Code of Ethics agreed by all members and the Nom Com's Procedures. Note that because Nom Com will need to check references and consult selected third-party sources on a confidential basis before making its final selections, those wishing to be considered as Candidates are required to confirm this understanding of the confidentiality arrangements when they submit a Statement of Interest. When Nom Com has completed its selections, it will publish the identities of the Selected Nominees. Statistical information, such as the size and nature of the candidate pool, will be published at the close of the process. No other personally identifiable information will be publicized or retained after the selection process has been completed. It should be noted that this Nominating Committee process differs from an election, although the goal is the same: to elicit the Internet community's participation in a thoughtful process leading to the selection of very well-qualified individuals to fulfill the specific roles of their positions. Nom Com's selections are final; no further approval or ratification will take place. While considerable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this Invitation, the Nom Com reserves the right to make additions and corrections. If any changes are made, they will be posted on the Nom Com webpage (http://nomcom.icann.org <http://nomcom.icann.org/>). The full Invitation is listed here. The webpage, including announcements and answers to frequently asked questions, will be updated as the committee's work progresses. Background Nom Com operates independently from the ICANN Board, the Supporting Organizations and Advisory Committees. The functional and geographic diversity and independence of Nom Com members enables and encourages it to select persons who are not beholden to any particular interests and are capable of representing the broader view of the Internet community. Nom Com members act only on behalf of the interests of the global Internet community and within the scope of the ICANN Mission and the responsibilities assigned to Nom Com by the ICANN Bylaws. Nom Com seeks widespread participation, through submission of suggestions for candidates and Statements of Interest, to find the talent and experience needed for these roles, to inform Nom Com's decisions, and to generate the confidence and respect of the community for those whom Nom Com selects. Further information about Nom Com's origin, role, responsibilities, procedures, composition, and biographical information about its members have been placed on the Nom Com webpage. *H. How to suggest and encourage someone to become a candidate * To enhance the Candidate pool from which Nom Com will choose Selected Nominees, we encourage you to suggest the name(s) of individuals whom we should invite to complete the Statement of Interest. Please note, however, that volunteering for positions is strongly encouraged: a suggestion is not compulsory in the Nom Com process. To submit the name of someone you would like to suggest as a candidate, please send an e-mail to nomcom2008(a)icann.org <mailto:nomcom2008@icann.org> that includes the following information: (a) Name of person you wish to suggest as a candidate (b) Position/s person is suggested for _____GNSO _____ccNSO _____ALAC _____Board (c) E-mail address of person you wish to suggest (d) Your name (e) Your e-mail address Would you like the person you suggested to know that you suggested their name to Nom Com? Y/N (f) Optional: please describe the qualities you think the person you are suggesting would bring to ICANN. Nom Com will acknowledge your suggestion and will provide the person(s) you have suggested with the Statement of Interest Form and Instructions. We ask you to inform those whom you suggest as candidates that you have submitted their names to Nom Com. Early submission of suggestions will be appreciated. Names of people you wish to suggest as candidates should be received by Nom Com no later than 1 April 2008. Nom Com reserves the right to consider suggestions received after 1 April 2008, but makes no commitment to do so. Nom Com will contact by e-mail all those for whom it receives such suggestions to request their submission of a Statement of Interest (see below), but Nom Com will only consider and select individuals who have submitted a completed Statement of Interest. Statements of Interest must be received by the Nom Com no later 15 April 2008 (23:59 UTC) for full consideration. Nom Com can only consider electronic submissions via e-mail. Completed Statements of Interest should be sent in plain text to nomcom2008(a)icann.org <mailto:nomcom2008@icann.org>. A suggestion is not required in the Nom Com process, self-nominations are encouraged. Note also that endorsements by organizations or groups and lists of signatories are not appropriate for this Nominating Committee process, and they will not influence the Nom Com's selections. The Nom Com's procedures for Confidential Treatment of Statements of Interest call for confidential treatment of the identities of Candidates and the Nom Com's discussions about the Candidates. The Nom Com does not disclose externally whether individual candidates have been suggested or who suggested them, and advises that you maintain the confidentiality of your suggestion since the person you named to us may not wish his/her candidacy to be disclosed. You are encouraged to review the instructions and form for submission of Statements of Interest, and to note the more detailed explanation of confidentiality in the Nom Com process. Send suggestions by e-mail to: nomcom2008(a)icann.org <mailto:nomcom2008@icann.org> *I. Statement of Interest ICANN Nominating Committee 2008 * _Introduction_ Any individual who wishes to be considered for selection by the Nominating Committee (Nom Com) will need to complete an ICANN Nom Com Statement of Interest (SOI) (see below), in full, and return it to the Nom Com. Nom Com will only consider electronic submissions via e-mail. To be considered by the Nom Com, the SOI must be received no later than 15 April 2008 (23:59 UTC). Send your completed SOI to nomcom2008(a)icann.org <mailto:nomcom2008@icann.org>. It is in your best interest to submit your SOI soon so that Nom Com can follow up with the people you ask to provide references for you, or with you if we have questions. The Nom Com's procedures call for confidential treatment of the identities of Candidates and the Nom Com's discussions about the Candidates. In performing its function, however, the Nom Com will consult Candidates' references and may seek further information about Candidates as well as conduct third-party reference checks on a confidential basis. In addition, due diligence of Selected Nominees will be undertaken by a professional company experienced in such work. Once selections are final, the Nom Com will make only the identities of the Selected Nominees public. The SOI asks you for various authorisations and consent. The Nom Com relies heavily on the information you provide in the SOI, and the information given by the people you ask to be your references. The primary sources of information about you and your qualifications for appointment are your SOI and the names of references that you provide. We might contact you again for more information or clarification and you are welcome to send questions to the committee at any time. The committee might contact you in late May or early June to arrange a telephone interview during the last weekend in June 2008. Be thoughtful about the information you provide to help the Nom Com learn as much about you as possible. Choose your references carefully so they provide a broad view of your experiences and abilities. You must ask the people you select as references before submitting their names to the Nom Com; they should know they have been asked to provide a reference and its purpose. Spam, mail filters and other problems are making it increasingly difficult for the Nom Com to contact your references; *you must ensure that your references expect to be contacted by us*. Please read the "Leadership Positions <http://nomcom.icann.org/positions-2008.html>", " ICANN Conflicts of Interest Policy <http://www.icann.org/committees/coi/coi-policy-04mar99.htm>" and "Nominating Committee Procedures <http://nomcom.icann.org/procedures-2008.html>" documents carefully before completing this SOI. These documents can all be retrieved using links in the Nom Com's webpage: http://nomcom.icann.org/ We also strongly recommend that you read and understand ICANN's mission and core values as defined by the organization's bylaws: http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#I To help you answer the questions we have provided a Notes sheet at the end of this document. Please refer to the Notes whenever the form tells you to. Please delete the notes section before submitting your SOI. If you were a candidate in 2007 or earlier, you must resubmit a new SOI to become a candidate in 2008. _Timeline_ The Nom Com will begin accepting SOIs on 15 December 2007. All SOIs should be returned by 15 April 2008 (23:59 UTC). Selected nominees will be announced at least 45 days before ICANN's 2008 Annual General Meeting to be held in the Africa region (location to be confirmed), on 2-7 November 2008. Candidates who are not appointed will also be advised of the decision in approximately this same time frame. The time between 15 April 2008 and the announcement of Selected Nominees will be used to collect references, evaluate information about all candidates, and conduct any due diligence (see question E.1 below.) If your circumstances change during this period please write to the Nom Com at the following email address explaining these changes nomcom2008(a)icann.org <mailto:nomcom2008@icann.org>. Terms for all positions begin at the end of the 2008 ICANN Annual General Meeting on 7 November 2008. Selected Nominees will be invited to attend this meeting. For full consideration of your SOI please: * Complete in full the SOI below, answering all questions (question C.4. is optional) using English, and without electronically attaching any other documents; * Provide your responses to the SOI categories in order, immediately following the heading for that category; * Provide the meaning of any acronyms used to reference an organization or activity, and state the purpose of the organization or activity; * Limit your responses to approximately 3,500 words (in total) and focus your responses carefully in terms of the nature of the position(s) for which you wish to be considered to give the Nom Com a clear picture of your candidacy; At its option, the Nom Com may or may not review material that you reference by URL links in your response. Please make your response sufficient to stand alone if necessary, without reliance on linked resources. To receive full consideration statements should be received before 15 April 2008 (23:59 UTC). The selected nominees will be announced before 2 October 2007. You must answer all questions below, except question C.4 which is optional. *Pleased delete* the descriptive material above from the substance of the SOI below before submitting your SOI electronically. Thank you. -------------------------------cut here---------------------------------- *ICANN Nominating Committee Statement of Interest Form, 2008 * Please complete this form and return in Rich Text Format (RTF), Microsoft Word document (.doc) or plain text (ASCII). URLs may be helpful, but understand that we may not be able to view linked material. Please send the completed form by email to nomcom2008(a)icann.org <mailto:nomcom2008@icann.org> by 15 April 2008 (23:59 UTC). Nominating Committee Statement of Interest Form, 2008 <http://nomcom.icann.org/soi-2008.doc> [.DOC, 52K] Nominating Committee Statement of Interest Form, 2008 <http://nomcom.icann.org/soi-2008.rtf> [.RTF, 58K] Nominating Committee Statement of Interest Form, 2008 <http://nomcom.icann.org/soi-2008.txt> [.TXT, 14K] *SECTION A. Identifying and Contact Information* Please refer to Note 1 <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#note1> *(A.1)* Your name: first name, FAMILY NAME (in capital letters). *(A.2) *Position(s) for which you would like to be considered. If you would like to be considered for more than one position, please state so, categorizing each position with numbers, in your order of priority (i.e. 1 is your highest priority. Please refer to Note 2 <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#note2> ICANN Board ___ GNSO Council ___ ccNSO Council ___ Interim ALAC ___ *(A.3) *Male/Female? *(A.4) *Your e-mail address. *(A.5)* Your telephone number(s). Please include country and city/area codes and indicate your preferred contact number. *(A.6)* Your country of citizenship. If you hold multiple citizenships please state all. *(A.7)* Your country of residence. *(A.8)* How did you hear about the ICANN Nominating Committee? We would like to know how you heard about the Nom Com process and opportunity to become a candidate. *SECTION B. Education and Professional Background * *(B.1)* Provide details of your current job, title, employer or affiliation. Please refer to Note 3 <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#note3> *(B.2)* Describe your educational background and past professional positions. Please refer to Note 4 <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#note4> *(B.3)* Describe any current and past volunteer positions, roles and accomplishments. We are particularly interested in board or similar directorship and committee experience. *(B.4)* If you have a personal web page, you may wish to provide a link to it here: *SECTION C. Internet Involvement and Interest in ICANN* Please refer to Note 5 <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#note5> This section asks questions that will tell us specifically about your candidacy, how your experience makes you suitable for the position(s) you would like to be considered for, the qualities you will bring to ICANN and how you will help ICANN over the coming years. Although detailed knowledge and involvement in ICANN is not a prerequisite, the following questions will help put your experience with ICANN and the Internet into perspective. *(C.1)* Describe how you meet the criteria for each of the ICANN leadership positions you are applying for. Please refer to Note 6 <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#note6> *(C.2)* Describe current and past involvement in, contributions to, and leadership roles in activities and organizations involved in the development and operation of the Internet, its naming and addressing infrastructure and/or its security and stability. Please refer to Note 7 <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#note7> *(C.3)* Provide a statement about what you would contribute in your desired leadership position(s) to ICANN and its mission. Please refer to Note 8 <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#note8> *(C.4)* Is there any additional information you would like to submit that would be helpful to the Nom Com in making its decision? If so, please summarize it here: *SECTION D. References* This section asks for additional information about your candidacy, the names of people who you would like to provide references, and information indicating you agree to due diligence and any other checks ICANN may carry out. *(D.1)* Conflicts of interest with ICANN. Please indicate clearly if you have any areas of actual potential conflicts with ICANN. Actual and potential conflicts of interest will not necessarily be disqualifying. Please refer to Note 9 <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#note9> *(D.2)* All positions are voluntary and require a significant commitment of time and energy. Please read carefully the description of the time commitment required in the "Leadership Positions" document. Is your schedule of activities compatible with a significant allocation of time to contribute to the positions that you are looking for? Please indicate Yes or No: [ ] YES [ ] NO *(D.3)* Please provide the names of no less than 3 and no more than 4 people who can provide a reference for your candidacy. Nom Com will send a copy of your SOI to each of the people you name as a reference. Please provide the person's name, e-mail address, telephone number, professional position, and a brief description of your relationship with them. Please *ask the person* before including their name as a reference and inform them that you have submitted this SOI. Please refer to Note 10 <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#note10> 1. Name: Email: Telephone: Relationship: 2. Name: Email: Telephone: Relationship: 3. Name: Email: Telephone: Relationship: 4. Name: Email: Telephone: Relationship: *SECTION E. Consent and Authorisation* Please refer to Note 11 <http://nomcom.icann.org/invitation-2008.html#note11> *(E.1)* Under the Nom Com's procedures, your candidacy will be treated as confidential unless you give the Nom Com your permission to disclose it or unless the Nom Com is consulting your references and conducting third-party reference checks from selected sources on a confidential basis. Third party checks may also be required as part of a due diligence process necessary before we can accept candidates for leadership positions in ICANN. Once selections are made, the Nom Com will make the identities of only the Selected Nominees public. Although the Nom Com will take reasonable steps to ensure that its confidentiality procedures are followed, Candidates and Selected Nominees shall have no claims against ICANN, the Nom Com, or affiliated persons in the event information is disclosed despite our adherence to these procedures. You also authorize the Nom Com to consult with your references, to investigate other information publicly available about you, and to conduct additional third-party reference checks. You will not be entitled to review or access any of the information received, obtained, generated, or considered by the Nom Com regarding any Candidate or Selected Nominee, or any of the Nom Com's discussions or deliberations regarding any Candidate or Selected Nominees. Candidates and Selected Nominees have no right to challenge or seek review of the Nom Com's selections. Please indicate that you understand this statement (E.1) and agree to become a candidate under the conditions described above. Please indicate Yes or No: [ ] YES, I understand this statement and agree to these conditions [ ] NO, I do not agree to these conditions *(E.2)* Interim vacancies in 2009 If you are NOT selected this year for any of the preferences indicated in (A.2) above, would you permit the Chair of this year's Nom Com to retain your name (based on the same preferences) and transfer your SOI to the Chair of the 2009 Nom Com for possible consideration in the event that a mid-year vacancy occurs in 2009? Please indicate Yes or No: [ ] YES [ ] NO This option may be exercised only in the event that a mid-term vacancy occurs and does not mean you will be included in the pool of candidates for regular term positions next year. To be considered by the 2009 Nom Com for a regular vacancy you would need to apply again. The Nom Com values your interest in being a candidate for the positions it is charged to fill. We expect and rely upon your integrity in presenting your qualifications and experience. We appreciate your significant effort in completing this SOI. *Please delete* the notes below from the substance of the SOI above before submitting your SOI electronically. Thank you. -------------------------------cut here---------------------------------- Please delete this and the following material before submitting your completed SOI by e-mail to the Nominating Committee. *NOTE Form: Statement of Interest ICANN Nominating Committee 2008 * Please use these Notes to help you answer the questions in the SOI. You should read these notes carefully before answering. _NOTE 1_. Section A. Identifying Information. Section A asks for information about your personal background, the type of information typically provided in a CV or resume; however, please do not attach your CV to this statement. _NOTE 2 _. Preferred positions. ALAC vacancies in 2008 are for citizens of countries from the European and North American ICANN regions, see http://www.icann.org/montreal/geo-regions-topic.htm <http://www.icann.org/montreal/geo-regions-topic.htm> for a description of ICANN's geographic regions. If you are not from one of these regions, please do not apply for an ALAC position this year, but do check for vacancies next year. _NOTE 3 _. Information about employment. Please provide your current job title and name of your employer. If self-employed, mention your area of work. Briefly describe your current job and your duties. _NOTE 4 _. Education and professional background. Summarize your educational background, such as degrees achieved and the university(s) where you studied, and the three most recent places of employment and positions held. _NOTE 5 _. Section C. Internet Involvement and Interest in ICANN The purpose of the questions in Section C is to help us understand the skills and experience you would bring to ICANN, how you would help ICANN achieve its mission, and how you meet the criteria for the leadership positions the Nom Com will fill. Please refer to the "Leadership Positions" document for details of these criteria. The Nom Com needs to understand why you are the right person for the position(s) you wish to apply for. Please be bold in telling the committee about yourself and your ideas. _NOTE 6 _. Satisfying eligibility and other selection criteria. See "Leadership Positions" document for eligibility criteria and other selection factors. Describe how your work and other experience helps you meet the criteria for the position(s) you are applying for. You may wish to describe how your previous experience is relevant to your candidacy. _NOTE 7 _. Familiarity with the Internet, its naming and addressing infrastructure and issues related to its security and stability, and other Internet technical functions coordinated by ICANN. The Nom Com would like to know about your familiarity with the Internet's naming and addressing infrastructure, the domain name system and other Internet technical functions coordinated by ICANN, both in technical and policy matters. Please describe any involvement with the operation of ccTLD, gTLD registries or registrars, IP address registries, or relevant DNS technical or policy development process, including Internet technical protocols and standards. Your answer should include details of any involvement with ICANN, its policy development processes including its creation and evolution, supporting organizations and councils. Your answer may overlap with your response to question C.1. _NOTE 8 _. Contribution to ICANN and its mission. Please state clearly how you see yourself contributing to ICANN and its mission (ICANN's mission is defined in the Bylaws http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#I) Please highlight your personal skills and experience that would be beneficial to the organization. You should mention specific past or current contributions in fields such as international relations, technical leadership, managerial skills, languages, etc., as well as goals for your contribution in the desired position. _NOTE 9 _. Conflicts of Interest. Please refer to the ICANN Conflicts of Interest policy http://www.icann.org/committees/coi/coi-policy-04mar99.htm . This document is aimed at conflicts for ICANN Directors and Officers, but should provide guidance for all ICANN leadership positions. If you have had any relationship with an ICANN accredited registry or registrar (other than registering a domain name) or any organization that has been in dispute with ICANN, please describe that relationship here. Conflicts of interest are not necessarily disqualifying, since we anticipate that many experienced people may have such relationships. _NOTE 10_. Selecting references. *You must ask* the people you select as for their agreement to do so before submitting their names to the Nom Com. They should know they will be asked by the Nom Com to provide a reference and should understand the purpose of the reference and Nom Com process. You may wish to provide them with your SOI (this completed form) so that they can respond knowledgeably to our request for information. We recommend that you choose your references carefully so the Nom Com has a broad view of your experiences and abilities. * Current Nom Com members must not be included as references. See the Nom Com home page http://nomcom.icann.org/#members * Current ICANN staff must not be included as references. See: http://www.icann.org/general/staff.html. The Nom Com will not consult as a reference anyone who is also a candidate under consideration for the same position, but because of our confidentiality commitment, NomCom will be unable to advise candidates about another person's presence in the candidate pool. Your candidacy will not be adversely affected by such a collision should it occur. _NOTE 11_. Due diligence and third party references. ICANN will employ a professional firm to conduct due diligence on selected nominees. Due diligence will be confidential and conducted according to global industry standards. In some circumstances the Nom Com may ask a third party for additional reference information under a condition of confidentiality. If there is any person or persons you would like us not to contact for any third party checks, please let us know in your SOI. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This file last modified 14-Dec-2007 © 2007 Internet Corporation For Assigned Names and Numbers -- Anne-Rachel Inne _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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[Fwd: Pambazuka News 334: It is the Kenya people who have lost the election]
by alice 04 Jan '08

04 Jan '08

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Pambazuka News 334: It is the Kenya people who have lost the election Date: Thu, 3 Jan 2008 22:45:15 +0000 From: Firoze Manji <fmanji(a)mac.com> To: pambazuka-news(a)pambazuka.gn.apc.org PAMBAZUKA NEWS 334: IT IS THE KENYA PEOPLE WHO HAVE LOST THE ELECTION The authoritative electronic weekly newsletter and platform for social justice in Africa Pambazuka News (English edition): ISSN 1753-6839 With nearly 500 contributors and an estimated 500,000 readers Pambazuka News is the authoritative pan African electronic weekly newsletter and platform for social justice in Africa providing cutting edge commentary and in-depth analysis on politics and current affairs, development, human rights, refugees, gender issues and culture in Africa. To view online, go to http://www.pambazuka.org/ To SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE – please visit, http://www.pambazuka.org/ en/subscribe.php CONTENTS: 1. Features, 2. Comment and analysis, 3. Letters, 4. African Union Monitor Support the struggle for social justice in Africa. Give generously! Donate at: http://www.pambazuka.org/en/donate.php /\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\ 1 Features IT IS THE KENYAN PEOPLE WHO HAVE LOST THE ELECTION Firoze Manji Kenya is entering a protracted crisis. No one really knows who actually won the presidential elections. Given the overwhelming number of parliamentary seats won by the ODM adn the dismissal of some 20 former ministers who lost their seats, it seems likely that the presidential results probably followed suit. But it is no longer really a matter of who won or lost. For one thing is certain: it is the Kenyan people who have lost in these elections. That the elections results were rigged – of that there is little doubt. The hasty inauguration, the blanket banning on the broadcast media, the dispersal of security forces to deal with expected protests – all these have given the post election period the flavour of a coup d’etat. What was not expected was the speed with which the whole thing would unravel. The declaration of the members of the Electoral Commission that the results were indeed rigged only added to the growing realisation that a coup had indeed taken place. People across the country took to the streets to protest and were met with disproportionate use of force by the police and GSU. Emotions ran high. And there is evidence that politicians from all sides used the occasion to instigate violent attacks against their opponents constituencies. There have been rapes, forced circumcision and forced female genital mutilation. The western media has been quick to describe these as ‘ethnic clashes’ – but then they appear only to be able to see tribes whenever there are conflicts in Africa. What is ignored by them is that the security forces have been responsible for the majority of killings. What we have in Kenya is a political crisis that could, descend into civil war if the political crisis is not resolved soon. And therein lies the problem. There is no coherent political direction from the ODM. First Raila Odinga declares he’s the ‘people’s president’ (shades of Blair’s ‘people’s princess’ speech – the first time as tragedy, the second time as farce, some might say – and says he is going to arrange to be inaugurated. What happened? Then he says that he is not willing to meet with Kibaki, then says he will meet provided there is an international mediator. He says he will form his own government, and then takes that no further. Then he calls for a million person march into Nairobi, and when faced with a banning order and massive police attacks, backs down and calls for another demonstration the following day. But what is this demonstration seeking to achieve? Such events are usually a means of showing the size of popular support: but ODM has already demonstrated its popular support in the stolen elections. There are no coherent political demands for this event that would bring the support of the many who, though they may not have voted for ODM, would feel that they would nevertheless want to express their support. There is no real strategy for enabling PNU’s own political base to be won over. The election results were rigged, sure. But the failure to demand that an independent judicial inquiry be established to investigate only leads to suspicions that even the ODM were not keen to have the results investigated. It is now probably too late to conduct a satisfactory investigation since original records may have been tampered with – which might explain the Attorney General’s sudden willingness announced today to allow the ECK records to be inspected without recourse to use of the courts. The mass demonstrations could have been used to call for such an investigation and to protest against the media ban imposed by Kibaki and to challenge constitutionality of the ban. Instead, it served no purpose other than what some see as an infantile response to the theft of the elections. Why has there been no public appeal to the armed forces and police – whose families have no doubt suffered in the violent upheavals – to refuse to fire on citizens, or to defend and protect citizens from the violence that has been unleashe?. Kibaki can retain power only through the use of force – and so long as the armed forces and the police remain loyal, he will be able to retain his hold on power. ODM has failed to challenge the existing government by encouraging all sections of society to create a viable alternative to the present government. But the real tragedy of Kenya is that the political conflict is not about alternative political programmes that could address the long standing grievances of the majority over landlessness, low wages, unemployment, lack of shelter, inadequate incomes, homelessness, etc. It is not about such heady aspirations. No, it boils down to a fight over who has access to the honey pot that is the state. For those in control of the state machinery are free to fill their pockets. So the battle lines are reduced to which group of people are going to be chosen to fill their pockets – and citizens are left to decide perhaps that a few crumbs might fall off the table in their direction. And the electorate – the mass of citizens who have borne the brunt of the recent violence and decades of prolonged disenfranchisement from accessing the fruits of independence – are reduced to being just being fodder for the pigs fighting over the trough. The Kibaki regime seems unlikely to concede any space – for to do so would confirm the suspicions of election theft. And the longer that the current impasse continues, the more likely it is that people will seek to vent their anger and frustration in senseless violence – energy that could so easily be turned towards organising to building a new world. So what is going to be the way forward? Will there be an independent inquiry into the election results? Into the violence that has taken place? Will the contending parties agree to the formation of an interim government that would oversee the re-run of the elections? Whatever happens, the present crisis has demonstrated that there is a serious lack of any formations that can articulate a coherent political programme for social transformation. Politics will remain forever about who gets access to the trough so long as there is no alternative. This issue of Pambazuka News is dedicated to those who have paid with their lives in this period of crisis. * Firoze Manji is co-editor of Pambazuka News and executive director of Fahamu. * Please send comments to editor(a)pambazuka.org or comment online at http://www.pambazuka.org ****** DRAMA OF THE POPULAR STRUGGLE FOR DEMOCRACY IN KENYA Horace Campbell National elections were held in Kenya on December 27, 2007; the results of the Presidential election were announced three days later. Within minutes of the announcement that Mwai Kibaki had emerged as the winner, there were spontaneous acts of opposition to the government in all parts of the country. The opposition was especially intense among the jobless youths who had voted overwhelmingly for change. A ruling clique that had stolen billions of dollars in a period of five years had stolen the elections. This was the verdict of the poor. However, this verdict was obscured by ethnic alienation and the constant refrain by local and foreign intellectuals that the crisis and killings emanated from deep ‘tribal’ hostilities. This tribal narrative was intensified after the burning and killings of innocent civilians in a church, in Eldoret, in the Rift Valley region of Kenya. But while these killings had all of the hallmarks of the genocidal violence of Rwanda and Burundi, more importantly, they heightened the need for Kenyan society to step back from the brink of all out war. Violence and killings provided a feedback loop that threatened to engulf even the political leaders of the society. This analysis argues that the calls for peace and reconciliation by the political and religious leaders will remain hollow until there are efforts to break from the recursive processes of looting, extra judicial killings, rape and violation of women, and general low respect for African lives. This short commentary on the elections and the aftermath seeks to introduce a unified emancipatory approach: liberating humanity from the mechanical, competitive, and individualistic constraints of western philosophy, and re-unifying Kenyans with each other, the Earth, and spirituality. This analysis draws from fractal theory and seeks to place Africans as human beings at the center of the analysis. Fractal theory is founded on aspects of the African knowledge system and breaks the old tribal narratives that refer to Africans as sub humans needing Civilization, Christianity and Commerce. Those who condemn the post-election violence in Kenya have failed to condemn the traditions of killings and economic terrorism in Kenya. It should be stated clearly that using African women as guinea pigs for western pharmaceuticals is just as outrageous as burning innocent women and children in churches. Rape and violation of women, and exploitation of the poor and of jobless youth have been overlooked by the commentators who focus on one component of the matrix of exploitation in Kenya -- ethnicity. In tandem with much of the current discourse on fractal theory, this commentary is addressed to progressive intellectuals from Kenya and calls for a revolutionary paradigmatic transformation- one that is intrinsic to African knowledge systems and can be witnessed in practice in the everyday activities of African life. Revolutionary transformations are necessary to break from the processes that have been unleashed in Kenya and East Africa since British colonialism and the British Gulag. This break requires revolutionary ideas in Kenya, along with revolutionary leaders and new forms of political organization. Thus far, neo-liberal capitalism and neo-liberal democratic organizations, along with the focus on party organization have created leaders who organize for political power. These leaders are not even concerned about forming lasting political parties. Far more profound transformations are required in Kenya, beyond the winning of elections. However, until new ideas and new leaders emerge, the current struggles will serve to educate the poor on the limitations of the old politics and ethnic alliances that privilege sections of the Kenyan capitalist class. The analysis is presented as a drama of three acts. The first act was played out in the form of the election campaign. The second act involved the drama after the announcement of the results and the violent reactions from all sections of the society. The third act of this drama continues to unfold with the call for a fractal analysis that will place revolutionary transformation as the central question on the political agenda in Kenya and East Africa. Act One – The Struggles over the election and the campaign for the Presidency. The Scene: Kenya had been the epi- center of imperial domination in East Africa from the period of British colonialism. Caroline Elkins in the book, Britain’s Gulag, has documented for posterity the extreme violence and murders bequeathed to the Kenyan political culture by the British government. At independence in December 1963, Britain handed over power to people who, in essence, agreed to act as junior partners with British capitalism in Eastern and Central Africa. This partnership included an acceptance by the ruling class in Kenya of the western European forms of land ownership that stated that Africans had to be modernized from their “tribal” and “backward” ways. For forty years, Kenya was presented as a success story where a parasitic middle class and a thriving Nairobi Stock Exchange (composed of foreign capital) sought to prove that capitalism could take root in Africa. Act 1 Scene Two of this drama took the form of a campaign for the tenth Parliament of Kenya. The drama of the struggle for change in Kenya was played out before the world in the form of an electoral struggle that gripped the society for many months. At the end of Scene Two one of the principal props of this drama – the local media - reported that the results were like a “blood bath.” The headline screamed “ energized voters sweep out Vice President, Cabinet Ministers and seasoned politicians as wind of change blows across the country.” But the newspapers were not yet aware of the implications of using language like “blood bath” in their headlines. Every one awaited the final results of the news of who would be President. The results were being delayed while the votes were being cooked. As news of the parliamentary routing of the incumbent President and his allies in the Party of National Unity (PNU) splashed on the streets, on the screens and on text messages while the principal actors and actresses of the drama, the people of Kenya, sought spontaneous actions to ensure that they were not silenced by the power brokers who had placed themselves at the head of the movement for change. These central actors and actresses (wananchi) had enthusiastically participated in the election campaign articulating their demand for peace, reconstruction and transformation of Kenyan society. By the time of the third scene of this drama, those from the den of thieves around the incumbent Mwai Kibaki sought to silence the media. In order for this scene to be played out without an audience, international observers and the media (both national and international) were ejected from Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) election center at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre. The Chairperson of the ECK went to a small room and announced the results of the elections naming Mwai Kibaki as the winner of the election. Three days later, the same chairperson of the ECK said in the media that he was not sure if Kibaki won the elections. Earlier in the drama Raila Odinga’s team of regional barons and aspiring capitalists argued that the true results of the elections showed that Raila Odinga had been chosen by the majority of the main players to be the leading man on the Kenyan stage. How was it possible for his Movement to win over one hundred seats in the Parliament (when Kibaki’s den of thieves had won less than thirty parliamentary seats) and still lose the Presidency? Local and foreign observers cried foul. The elections had been rigged. Ballot boxes had been stuffed. Results were being announced that did not correspond to the votes from the constituencies. The integrity of the process was flawed. These voices were soon drowned out by the might and power of those with strategic control over the military and media sections of the performance. Neo-liberal politics include rigging, so that the international observers used ‘measured’ language of “irregularities,” “anomalies” and “weighty issues” to conceal the reality of outright theft. Raila Odinga termed the process a “civilian coup.” But international capital became confused, because, after all the precedent of election rigging in Florida,U.S.A in 2000 had given the green light to electoral fraud internationally. The Swearing in of President Kibaki Act One Scene Three of this drama was performed within the guarded confines of State House where parastatal executives, mostly defeated cabinet members and a small section of the media were invited. In this scene, Mwai Kibaki was sworn in as the Third President of the Republic of Kenya. The stage and setting of this scene was markedly different from the previous swearing in at the Uhuru Park (in Nairobi) where an enthusiastic audience had cheered on the President on December 30, 2002. The 2007 swearing in scene had to be played out without the audience because the principal actors and actresses did not endorse this new act. Minutes after the announcement of the victory of Kibaki, there were spontaneous demonstrations all over the country, especially the urban areas. Popular outrage at the theft of the elections brought violence and the killings of innocent civilians in Kakamega, Kisumu, Mombassa, Nairobi, Nakuru and other centers. The police killed innocent demonstrators as the foreign media portrayed the demonstrations in ethnic terms. The gendered, class and ethnic dimensions of the opposition to Kibaki began to be played out in the poor communities that were called slums, but the media focused on one dimension, the ethnic alienation of the poor and exploited. Hundreds of dead brought home the reality that the elections and vote counting were simply one site of struggle in the quest to break the old politics of exploitation and dehumanization in Kenya. However, because so much of the old politics of exploitation had been masked by the politicization of ethnicity, poor members of the Kikuyu nationality were targeted in some communities, with the killings in Eldoret bringing home the long traditions of ethnic cleaning that had been going on in this region during the Moi regime. The same media neglected to report that poor Kalenjin also torched the home of former President Arap Moi. Would there be a break from this recursive process of killing of the poor? Odinga and members of the Pentagon condemned the killings of members of a particular ethnic group but the anger was too deep for the youths to listen. Unfortunately, the ODM did not have structures to properly mobilize the youths away from looting. Raila Odinga and the Orange Democratic Movement In order to avert the possible war that could emanate from this new act of the drama there was the need for fresh if not revolutionary ideas to harness the pent up energies of the people for change. The radicalization of Kenyan politics had merged with the anti- globalization forces internationally to the point where in 2007 Kenya hosted the World Social Forum. The radical demands of the Bamako appeal of the Africa Social Forum (for profound social, economic and gender transformations in Africa) could not be carried forward by the old Non Governmental Organization elements allied with international NGO’s from Western Europe. What the World Social Forum had demonstrated was the reality that new revolutionary ideas with new revolutionary forms of organization were needed to realize the goals and aspirations and appeal of the Africa social forum. Raila Odinga and his group of regional ethnic barons had tapped into the radical sentiments of the youth all across the ethnic divisions. Calling his team, the Pentagon, Odinga mobilized the popular discourses about youth, women and disabled to speak about ‘poverty eradication’ and “corruption.” Absent from the platform of the Orange Democratic Movement was a clear program for reconstruction and transformation. Raila Odinga had been a major political actor on the Kenyan stage for four decades. He had participated in every major political party and formation since his father, Odinga Odinga had emerged as the opponent of the Kenyan form of neo-colonialism. The 2007 elections exposed the reality that there were no real political parties in Kenya. Leaders on all sides were not interested in building a lasting movement for change. They were interested in parties as electoral vehicles to capture state power. There were more than 300 parties registered in Kenya and over 117 participated in the elections in December 2007. Local and international writers who earlier had been voices for the poor enthusiastically supported the enactment of the first scene of the drama (the election and voting). Some of these writers moaned and groaned that the script had been changed when those who controlled the state machinery unleashed violence against the poor. In order to unleash state violence against the poor, the Minister of Internal Affairs banned the broadcast of live images. The state also toyed with the idea of banning SMS messaging in Kenya. But Kenyans simply tuned in to the international media to confirm what they knew, that the recursive processes of killings and revenge were spiraling out of control. Without enacting an official state of emergency (in the fear of further hurting the tourist industry) the majority of poor Kenyans lived under curfew-like conditions as the military, the police, and General Service Units were deployed all over the country and new forms of censorship were implemented. The political leadership that stole the elections had to be careful with the use of the police, military and the intelligence services in so far as the divisions within the security forces challenged the authority of those who stole the elections. Raila Odinga sought to tap into this division of the coercive forces by calling a demonstration of a million Kenyans to oppose the stolen election results. The International media and international capital The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and other cultural voices of imperial power were from the outset one of the props of this drama. The British were particularly active because the interests of British capitalism were very much an important part of narrative of the drama. During Act 1 scenes two and three, this foreign prop had been condemning the “irregularities’” and “anomalies” of the drama and carried the press statements of the International Observers of the European Union and the Commonwealth. The head of the European Union observer mission issued a statement declaring that, “the Presidential poll lacks credibility and an independent audit should be instituted to rectify things.” This clear statement led the US government to reverse its earlier recognition of Mwai Kibaki as the winner of the Presidential elections. There had been concern in Washington over the future of Kenya in so far as the US authorities sought to mobilize Kenyans in the war against terrorism. During the period of Kibaki, Kenyan citizens were shipped out of the country to be tried as terrorists under the US policy of kidnapping, called rendition. The ODM signed a memorandum of understanding with the Islamic community during the election campaign and members of the ODM condemned the rendering of Kenyan citizens by the government. It was argued that if these citizens acted contrary to Kenyan law, they should be tried under Kenyan law. The propaganda war had been virulent and since Raila Odinga held the moral and political high ground, sections of the international media began to retreat from endorsement of the electoral coup. However, the occupation of the moral high ground was shaky. Would the government and opposition be more concerned with the lives of the poor than with political power? In the face of the absence of resolute moral leadership to condemn these killings, the international media had a field day portraying the struggles for democracy in Kenya as primitive “tribal” violence. Act Two – Stalemate and brinkmanship in politics Raila Odinga and his team called the Pentagon had entered the drama seeking to play on the terms of those who had seized power from the time of colonialism. The very naming of his team as the ‘Pentagon’ had shown an insensitivity to the international revulsion against military symbols. The five leaders of the Pentagon were, (i) Vice Presidential running mate M Mudavadi, (ii) Charity Ngilu, (iii) William Ruto, (iv) Bilal Najib and (v) Joseph Nyagah. These regional ethnic barons had emerged from multiple political formations and many had family and business linkages with capitalists inside and outside of the government. During the campaign these regional leaders had campaigned on a pledge to devolve power from central government. The poor believed this would bring power closer to the village and communities so that health care facilities, water supply systems, road and pathways in the villages, education, sanitation and other services could be delivered so that the conditions of exploitation are ameliorated. These localized services were interpreted by various local communities as job creation avenues for the jobless youths. For the regional barons, the devolution debate was carried out to ensure easier access to the treasury. The word ‘majimbo’ re- emerged in the political vocabulary of Kenya to reignite the memory of the alliance between the ‘home guards’ and settlers at the dawn of independence. Youths all across Kenya had transcended the ethnic identification and wanted real change in the quality of life in the society. Entering the drama without a real party and without a real organ to bring the majority of the actors and actresses to the center of the drama, it was easy for the team around Mwai Kibaki to stall so that the spontaneous anger would peter out. Would the Orange Democratic Revolution learn the lessons of popular power in the streets of the Ukraine Orange Revolution and shake the old power with new bases of alternative power? This provided the setting for the central aspect of the drama, the stand off between the forces of orange and the forces of the defeated power. Kibaki came across as an imprisoned leader, surrounded by politicians and financiers who argued that Kibaki must enter any negotiation from a position of strength. Odinga countered that negotiations could only begin when Kibaki accepted that the elections had been stolen. The hardening of positions ratcheted up the tensions in the country as regionally countries such as Uganda, Rwanda and the Southern Sudan began to feel the effects of the shutdown of the transportation system in Kenya. Mwai Kibaki and the neo-liberal regime in Kenya Mwai Kibaki had been associated with the ruling class in Kenya for over fifty years. Starting his career as a representative of Shell Oil Company in Kampala, Uganda, Kibaki moved from an academic position at Makerere University to the top echelons of the independent government of Kenya after independence. In the book, The Reds and the Blacks, William Atwood, then-US ambassador, had identified Kibaki as one of the steady ‘reformers” who would guarantee the interests of foreign capital. Kibaki emerged as a stable force in the ruling circles serving both Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Arap Moi as Minister of Finance. It was under the leadership of Kenyatta and Moi that the forms of theft by the ruling elements in Kenya were refined. Extra judicial killings and accidental deaths of prominent trade union leaders and politicians were papered over by the foreign press that labeled Kenya a ‘stable’ democracy. Arap Moi and international capital. After the death of Kenyatta in 1978, Daniel Arap Moi moved decisively to cement an alliance of foreign capitalists and local political careerists to loot the society and spread divisions and ethnic hatred among the poor and oppressed. British capitalism had been the dominant force in Kenya with British companies such as Unilever, Finlays, GSK, Vodafone, Barclays and Standard Bank becoming leading names on the Nairobi Stock Exchange. Britain had made a deal with the independence leaders and awarded a small sum to enhance this new class of African yeoman farmers to join the British settlers in the exploitation of Kenya and indeed, East Africa. Molo, in the Rift Valley (one of the constituencies at the center of the row over the rigged elections), represented one of the places where Kikuyu settlers had been relocated after independence. Moi during his Presidency remained at the center of the alliance between British capitalists, Asian capitalists and Kikuyu entrepreneurs from Central Province. By the time of the electoral defeat of Moi in December 2002, the Moi family and cronies in the ruling party, Kenya African National Union (KANU) had become junior capitalists in the game of exploitation. It was under the leadership of Moi that imperialism used Kenya as a base to subvert African independence. A report commissioned by the Kibaki administration, (called the Kroll Report), had named Moi and his sons as billionaires with assets in banks in Britain, Switzerland, South Africa, Namibia, the Cayman Islands and Brunei. The 110-page report by the international risk consultancy Kroll alleged that relatives and associates of former President Moi siphoned off more than £1bn of government money. This documentation placed the Mois on a par with Africa's other great politicians-cum-looters such as Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo) and Nigeria's Sani Abacha. The Kroll report of the levels of theft when presented to the Kibaki government was never acted on. The alliance between Moi and Kibaki forces became clearer during the election campaign when Moi and his sons fiercely campaigned for the re –election of President Kibaki. The sons of Moi were decisively defeated in the elections. The documentation of the level of theft by Moi was exposed before the public in what to became known as the Goldenberg scandal. This scandal brought to the fore the alliance between Moi, KANU and Asian capitalists in Kenya. These capitalists had looted the country with such impunity that Kamlesh Mdami Pattni (an Asian capitalist named in the Goldenberg scandal) took over one party Kenda to contest the 2007 elections. Prior to the 1992 multi-party struggles, Kibaki had sought to distance himself from this group of capitalists. These were the capitalists involved in settler agriculture, manufacturing, transport, services, old forms of banking, insurance, real estate, construction and engineering and the health and education sectors. These capitalists from inside and outside the political arena provided cover for looters all across Eastern Africa. In the Kenyan economy money from oil in the Sudan (especially Southern Sudan), commercial interests in Somalia, gold and diamond dealers from Rwanda, Burundi and the Eastern Congo circulated with the resources from the exploited Kenyan working poor so that in the past ten years there has been a growth of the Kenyan economy. Felicia Kabunga, wanted by the International Criminal Tribunal on Rwanda (ICRT) for crimes of genocide in Rwanda was the kind of looter and money spinner who found safe haven among the money launderers in Kenya. Kibaki and the rise of new capitalists. Although Mwai Kbaki had campaigned on an anti-corruption ticket in 2002, his tenure as President of Kenya was marked by an explosion of new schemes for accumulation. The rise of the telecommunications, information technology and banking sectors boomed with new enterprises such as Equity Bank and a number of communications companies (Safaricom, Flashcom, Telecom etc) rivaling the old capitalists. The floating of new shares n the form on an Initial Public Offer (IPO) for the Company, Safarcom, became a central question in the election campaign in so far as those who got access to the shares at the time of the issuing of the IPO became instant millionaires. The Kibaki government was in the main dominated by elements who formed a company called MEGA (a regrouping of the old Gema Gikuyu, Embu, Meru Association), and through Transcentury Corporation had elevated themselves to be the among the leading capitalists in Kenya. This group presented a program called Vision 2030 where Kenya would become the leading capitalist country in Africa, becoming the Singapore of Africa. Control of the governmental apparatus was crucial for Vision 2030. Space does not allow for an elaboration of the individuals of this capitalist clique and their place in the interpenetrating directorates of the Nairobi Stock Exchange. What is significant is that the names of the capitalists and politicians of Trancentury figured in the scandal of corruption that rocked the government of Mai Kibaki. This was termed the Anglo-leasing scandal which involved awarding huge government contracts to bogus companies. One insider, John Githongo, exposed the scandal and repaired to Britain. No money from the Anglo leasing scandal had been recovered before the elections and although European and US governments made noises about corruption there were no moves to repatriate the stolen wealth back to Kenya. These scandals were very much a part of the election campaign. Three of the four ministers who resigned after the Anglo Leasing scandal was exposed had been reinstated by Kibaki. These ministers along with twenty other ministers lost their parliamentary seats in the December 2007 elections. The poor of Kenya had used the ballot to send a message to the capitalists in Kenya but those who stole billions of dollars from the Kenyan Treasury were not above stealing an election. The real test in Kenyan politics was whether the team called the Pentagon was serious about changing the political culture of theft, looting and storing billions of dollars in foreign banks. The people of Kenya had voted for change. Was the Orange Democratic Movement a movement for change or a movement for political power? This was the outstanding question as the cast and the writers got ready for Act three of the drama of the struggle for democracy. Act 3. A Revolutionary situation without revolutionary ideas and real revolutionaries. Because the drama is being played out it is not possible to make a presentation of the last act of this drama. This is the act where the peoples of Kenya are torn between two traditions. These are the traditions of the freedom fighters for independence and the traditions of violence, looting and the low respect for African life. The youths of Kenya have been brought up in the period of the aftermath of the end of apartheid and the defeat of Mobutism. These youths have risen above the politicization of ethnicity and along with progressive women want to end the rape and violation of women. These youths have been heard to say that Kenya is in the midst of a liberation war. While the consciousness of the youth may be high with the thought of a long term struggle, there are very few revolutionary leaders and a poverty of revolutionary ideas in Kenya. If anything, the poorer youths are being mobilized into counter-revolutionary violence where poor and oppressed people burn and kill each other. This was the lesson of the killings, burning and massacre in the Rift Valley. Counter-revolutionary violence of the Rwanda genocidal form lay just below the surface and the same politicians who gave refuge to genocidaires from Rwanda are not above fomenting genocidal violence among the poor. The media images of marauding youths with pangas provide the necessary imagery to represent to the world another version of African savagery. This same media will not prominently carry the news that poor peasants from the home area of Danieal Arap Moi burnt his house to the ground. The prospect of real class warfare in Kenya frightens both the government and the opposition so there is a delicate effort to manage the crisis so that the forms of capital accumulation can return to the business pages rather than the front pages. Raila Odinga and the Orange Democratic movement are now caught between the aspirations of the regional capitalists of the ‘Pentagon’ and the demand for real change across Kenya. The post election mayhem is a clear demonstration that the ODM did not sufficiently engage their followers on new ideas transcending ethnicity and patriarchy. This demand for democratic change in Kenya will require new forms of organization beyond electoral politics and new ideas about the value of African lives. This requires a break with the European ideation systems that promote capitalism as democracy and genocide as progress. * Horace Campbell is Professor of Political Science at Syracuse University * Please send comments to editor(a)pambazuka.org or comment online at http://www.pambazuka.org ****** KIBAKI MUST BACK DOWN Victoria Brittain Desmond Tutu was absolutely right to fly into Kenya and throw his moral authority behind efforts to resolve the dramatic crisis that other outsiders are misjudging so badly. British foreign secretary David Miliband, US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice, secretary general of the Commonwealth Don McKinnon and President John Kufuor of Ghana, president of the African Union (AU), all missed the chance to denounce the rapid swearing-in of a man who did not win the presidential election. This lit the touchpaper for the appalling violence of the last few days. All of these powerful people knew from the European and other observers on the ground how grotesque and open was the ballot rigging which allowed Mwai Kibaki to claim victory. The parliamentary elections in which President Kibaki's party was trounced, getting a mere one third of the seats obtained by Raila Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and with 20 cabinet ministers losing their seats, underlined the true balance of democratic forces in the country. Tutu knows mass anger as a response to political humiliation. Kenyans in the street will listen to him as South Africans did, and still do when he speaks fearlessly to the powerful at home as well as abroad. Perhaps Kibaki, who has rebuffed the overtures from the AU and insists that Kenya's problem is an internal one, will meet the Archbishop. If so, he will hear hard truths, but also, perhaps, a face-saving way to step back from the folly encouraged by his close advisers who dared not face his defeat and the political reckoning that would come with it. It is a myth that Kenya has been a haven of stability in East Africa for decades, just as it was a myth that Ivory Coast was in the west - until it exploded. Kenya has been a key strategic ally for the west since independence, and the kleptocratic and repressive governments of Kenyatta, Moi and Kibaki have been supported unconditionally for that reason. Since the launch of the "war on terror" in late 2001, the importance of Kenya to the Americans has increased even further. The west chose not to see a country where more than half the population of 31 million live on $2 a day, where unemployment is rising, landlessness is chronic and increasing. The tourist paradise for European holidaymakers had become a bitter, lawless and cynical place for its own citizens. Raila Odinga made a political alliance with Kibaki in 2002, calculating that together they could attack corruption, bring down an elite which had been above the law for too long, and give ordinary Kenyans the modest prosperity that had eluded too many of them since independence. (Kibaki too had been in the wilderness during the Moi years.) But Kibaki was captured by the old elite once he came into power, and since 2005 Odinga has built a new nationalist alliance across the country, which owes as much to his own drive, as to the old magic of his father's name - Oginga Odinga. In the years after independence, when Kenyatta became a key British ally and froze Odinga out, as a socialist, and as a Luo from the poor west of Kenya, Odinga's was the name with which the Kenyan masses most identified. In the 21st century the freeze won't work on the son. The election has to be rerun with a credible independent electoral commission. Odinga's offer of negotiations under international auspices must be accepted by Kibaki. *Victoria Brittain, a former associate foreign editor of the Guardian, is a journalist and a research associate at the London School of Economics. *Please send comments to editor@pambazuka or comment online at http:// www.pambazuka.org ****** NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE! Onyango Oloo No JUSTICE, No PEACE!! Onyango Oloo Dissects The Wrong-Headed "SAVE OUR COUNTRY" Media Blitz During my 18 year sojourn in Ontario and Quebec, I became quite immersed in a wide array of social justice struggles-from Indigenous People’s rights, anti-globalization, working class struggles, anti- apartheid to anti-racist movements. The Canadian anti-racist movement, while different and autonomous from its sister movement south of the 49th Parallel, has been inspired by the African-American led struggles for civil, social, economic, cultural and political rights. Icons like Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Sojourner Truth, Ben Chavis, Jesse Jackson Jr., Fredrick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Angela Davis, George Jackson, Huey P. Newton are household names in the African-Canadian, Caribbean Canadian and Native Canadian communities. As many of us know, one of the most ubiquitous rallying cries and chants during anti-racist rallies, protests and demonstrations is the slogan, “No Justice, No Peace!” I remember the summer of 1989 being amidst angry protestors around the Queen’s Park subway in Toronto, making our way up the street to the Royal Ontario Museum chanting these and other slogans to vent our ire about a racist exhibition at that Museum which really demeaned continental Africans and people of African descent in general. To some, the phrase, “No Justice, No Peace!” is just another tired slogan, to be grouped with “A People United, Shall Never Be Defeated!” or “An Injury To One Is An Injury to All”. These cynics are of course obtuse, because they do not appreciate the blood, the sacrifice and the torture which infused the historical origins of those chants. The second phrase emanated from the anti- imperialist and anti-fascist struggles of Latin American women and men confronting the US backed dictatorships of Central and South America. The third slogan is from South Africa where the militant workers in that struggle-soaked nation were right at the frontlines of the South African national liberation movement. This morning I want to talk about “No Justice, No Peace!” in the contest of the ongoing social and political turmoil in Kenya. And I am doing it because I have been reeling with DISGUST, recoiling in horror at a new campaign for “Peace” launched primarily by Kenya’s media houses, principally the Nation Media Group, the Standard Group and the folks who run Kiss 100 FM and the Nairobi Star. Now to be fair to people like Julie Gichuru at NTV and the KTN anchors, they appear sincere and earnest enough. It is good intentions all through. At least at the surface level. When you do scratch beneath that surface however, you are confronted with something else- a blatant attempt to restore social control and buttress the class domination of the comprador and petit bourgeoisie in Kenya. Please stay with me if you are temporarily befuddled. Most Kenyans know that the spontaneous anti-government insurrections were sparked off by the decision of the Electoral Commission of Kenya to steal the Presidential vote at the behest of Mwai Kibaki and his PNU cohorts. We also realize that criminals and tribalists have hijacked these protests to loot and plunder and attack members of specific ethnic groups. One would expect that ANYONE interested in a peaceful solution to the crisis in Kenya would begin with where “rain began to beat us” to quote Chinua Achebe for the billionth time. One would further expect that only a transparent restitution of justice would jump start a sustainable peace and national reconciliation process. At a minimum, there would have to be some kind of a public acknowledgment that the flawed Presidential election results must be rectified. That seems to be the consensus in Kenya, and judging by media reports, among the publics of Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and many other African countries. The indictment by the EU observer mission would seem to indicate that the capitals of capital have no doubt in their minds that Kibaki stole the elections. Given the above, one would expect that a "peace process" dubbed “Save Our Country” jumpstarted last night by the main Kenyan media houses who were in the forefront of exposing the anomalies and irregularities would pay attention to the question of justice even as strove to put out all the infernos raging across Kenya. What has happened instead? A mealy mouthed editorial piece on peace carried simultaneously across different Nairobi media that insults the collective intelligence of Kenyans. Sample this: “Political leaders on both sides must be told in no uncertain terms that they are currently in great danger of losing their credibility in the eyes of Kenyans and the international community because systemic killing of the innocents sweeping Kenya, destruction of the economy and the spread of disaffection throughout the land. No grievance and no cause is worth the innocent blood of Kenyan children. The orgies of looting, burning, rape and wanton, well- orchestrated blood-letting are undermining the moral basis of the politicians’ cause…” -Excerpt from an editorial jointly run in the Daily Nation and Nairobi Star (Thursday, January 03, 2008) HELLO? Since when did “politicians on both sides” coerce ECK to steal the Presidential vote? The culpability rests solely with President Kibaki. From the fascist diktats of Michuki, Muthaura, Murage and Co. we know that the ODM leadership has NOT had a chance to publicly address their followers and therefore cannot be accused of “orchestrating” or “instigating” anything. Yes, the blood of innocents is flowing freely with mobs setting alight a church full of women and children and targeting innocent wananchi based on their ethnicity and regional origins. But who is talking about the orgy of POLICE and PARA-MILITARY EXTRA- JUDICIAL EXECUTIONS? By yesterday, there were over ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY BULLET RIDDLED BODIES in the New Nyanza Hospital including corpses of INFANTS. Who shot to death those innocent unarmed civilians? The police have been executing ghetto youth in Kibera, Kawangware and elsewhere. Who employs and commands these killers in uniform? Reports from Kisumu insist that the Kibaki regime may be using crack NRA troops from neighbouring Uganda to slaughter Kenyan citizens. When I first raised this issue online twenty four hours ago, some were quick to dismiss the very possibility. Today the Nyanza Provincial Police Officer is on the defensive, admitting she is aware of these widespread allegations even as she strenuously denies them. In this regard I must state that I was somewhat disappointed by the public statement released yesterday by Kenyan Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai. While I commend her for speaking up and appealing to Kibaki to take charge, I am disappointed that what motivated her was not so much the reality that the whole of Kenya is burning but rather that “her people”, the Central Kenyan communities were being targeted. Surely one can make a very strong case that the Luo communities residing in Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay and elsewhere are being similarly targeted, this time by THE STATE itself. In fact, in the letters to editors page of the Standard there is this letter from a Kisumu resident of South Asian heritage which says, inter alia: “…The recent riots are not Kisumu riots. Even the killings are State- operated to gain political mileage to discredit ODM’s Raila Odinga and his supporters.” -Mahesh R, Kisumu, p.8. Letter, The Standard, Thursday, January 03, 2008 Raila Odinga has publicly stated that he is ready to meet with international mediator and in fact as I write these lines is meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu at Pentagon House. Earlier this morning Amos Kimunya was interviewed by the BBC and he was quoted as saying that the Kibaki regime does NOT see the need for international mediators because they (PNU) can deal with the matter internally- a claim which is mocked by the ongoing protests. The same Kimunya has accused the international observers as being biased towards ODM after the EU team publicly denounced the anomalies in the tallying of the presidential results. President Kufuor of Ghana, the current AU Chairman was scheduled to be in Kenya today, but the Kibaki regime BLOCKED his coming. Are these guys SERIOUS???! Let us go back to the editorials. This is a passage from the Standard’s: “…Employ a reputable international arbiter, NOT to determine who won the presidential poll, but to work out a road-map that will bring Kenya back from the brink and a mutually acceptable proposition for sharing power…Notwithstanding the inflation of figures in a number of areas, both ODM and PNU garnered 4 million plus votes in the presidential ballot, meaning the country is split right down the middle. The position of President is not vacant. Kibaki was declared President whether or not the presidential ballot was flawed…” -Standard editorial, Thursday, January 03, 2008 It is right in this excerpt that the mask slips to reveal the PNU underbelly of the much ballyhooed “Save Our Country” onslaught. Huh? So we should not “determine who won the presidential poll” eh? How then, dear Standard editors, will we work out a road-map that will bring back Kenya from the brink? Even queasier is the cheesy full page ad by the Concerned Citizens for Peace addressing two men-Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga- to do something. The very content of the ad betrays its elitist, undemocratic character. The 2007 Kenyan civic, parliamentary and presidential polls was a national affair involving MILLIONS of Kenyan citizens. What is happening in Kenya is NOT a PRIVATE FIST FIGHT involving the Othaya and Lang’ata MPs, but rather a NATIONAL CRISIS that has the future of MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS of Kenyan women, children and men at stake. To try and lock out the Kenyan people from an urgent democratic impasse and reduce it to a two man tussle is a grave insult to the Kenyan people. By the way, WHERE is President Kibaki, the apparently “popularly, democratically and fairly elected leader”? >From the look of things right now one would be forgiven if they thought that Major-General Hussein Ali is the acting Head of State with chief government propagandist Dr. Alfred Mutua as his deputy. In the few times I have seen Kibaki he is holed up at State House flanked with senior military officers giving the distinct impression that he is their hostage. It is now approximately 12:15 as I keyboard these lines and reports on the television indicate that there are ongoing skirmishes between the police and pro-ODM youths along Thika Road, Mbagathi Way, Kibera, Eastlands and the City Centre. In other words, there is a minor uprising in Nairobi and not just the capital but also Kakamega, Bungoma, Mombasa, Kisumu and elsewhere. On December 30th I spoke about Kibaki’s Coup. Four days later the presence of police, para-military and military formations underscores my point about the overthrow of democratic rule. What is actually laughable is the phenomenon of a horde of PNU election losers led by Kibaki down to his deputy Awori and FORMER cabinet ministers Tuju, Kombo, Kituyi, Shakombo etc MASQUERADING as a legitimate “government”. Surely, if Kibaki had the mandate that PNU hawks like George Nyamweya claims he has, he should have formed a government by now. He should have by now been addressing his 4.5 million supporters at heavily attended mass rallies by now. Instead, Kibaki skulks stealthily in State House afraid to meet the very Kenyan citizens he claims to lead. Which brings me back to the slogan: “No Justice, No Peace!!” Until we resolve the simple question of who Kenyans actually elected President on December 27, 2007, there WILL BE NO PEACE. In my considered opinion, the SAVE OUR COUNTRY campaign is a slick, dishonest appeal by the pro-Kibaki comprador and petit-bourgeois business elite hoodwinking Kenyans to ACCEPT the fraudulent election results and legitimize criminal PNU’s civilian coup. Why should Kibaki or Raila share power? At the December 27th elections, Kenyans overwhelming voted for a new government: That government is the Orange Democratic Movement led by its flag bearer, Raila Amolo Odinga. Once again I say: NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE! A PEOPLE UNITED, SHALL NEVER BE DEFEATED! AN INJURY TO ONE, IS AN INJURY TO ALL! *Onyango Oloo, a Kenyan political activist and ex political prisoner. *Please send comments to editor(a)pambazuka.org or comment online at http://www.pambazuka.org ****** /\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\ 2 Comment and analysis CALL FOR URGENT RESOLUTION OF KENYA ELECTORAL CRISIS http://www.petitiononline.com/kenya08/petition.htm We the undersigned call on the ODM and PNU leaders to urgently seek a resolution to the current electoral crisis in the country and restore peace and harmony in the country through leadership. We express our concern at the deteriorating situation in Kenya following what has been widely acknowledged as an impressive election turn-out. We commend the Kenyan people for their dignity and courage but also express our condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and to the many who have been injured in the course of needless violence over the last few days. This is a time for Kenyans to be patient, dignified and to look for solutions that are in the best interest of the majority. We regret the chaos which has caused loss of life, destruction of property and general unrest in the country. The contested outcome has marred the prospects of democracy and peace not only in Kenya but also in Africa. The cloud which hangs over the conclusion of one of the most fiercely-fought elections in Kenya's history is regrettable. We believe that peace should be regained as a matter of urgency so that a free and fair outcome can be reached. We believe that this is not the time for provocative actions, but a time for demonstrating leadership through bringing the contending partners to the table. This crisis can be resolved by the players in disagreement using conciliation and arbitration mechanisms as a matter of urgency to plan a peaceful resolution of the crisis. If necessary, this could be done with the involvement of others such as the African Union and others, such as those who acted as election observers. We urge the contending leaders to act within the spirit of democracy and seek to heal the wounds that have been opened by recent events and to do so in transparent ways. We are aware of the betrayal that many may feel in what they consider to be an electoral injustice. We ask them to engage in the process by seeking explanation and accountability and to be guided by their own sense of civic responsibility. We call on the PNU and ODM leaders to seek conciliation and resolution of the current crisis for the sake of the country. We call for mechanisms for mediation and conciliation to be put in place urgently to give voice to all grievances that have arisen from the present situation in which there can be no winners, only losers. We welcome the mediation processes that have been initiated We call for an immediate ending of violence by the security forces and all other parties. Whilst we recognize that the security forces have a role to play in maintaining peace and order, we condemn the disproportionate and excessive use of force by the security forces against unarmed civilians that has been manifest over the last few days. We call for an independent transparent review of the whole electoral process and its outcomes so as to resolve any differences between contesting parties. This should include reviewing the results of the election and all reported irregularities, especially those related to the disparities in the tallying of the final results. We call for a swift formation of an independent and credible Judicial Commission of Enquiry by endorsing the call by the Electoral Commissioners who have called for one. We urge the international community to be patient pending the outcome of such a proposed review process. As it is Kenyans who have to live with the consequences of a Mwai Kibaki or Raila Odinga government, the international community can only follow the recommendations of an independent review before declaring the elections free and fair. We call on those who wish to see a peaceful democratic Kenya, especially in the African Union, to support initiatives that can bring this crisis to a swift conclusion by facilitating dialogue and reconciliation. We are deeply concerned by the gagging of the media, especially as this has only fueled suspicion and encouraged speculation in an already highly volatile situation. Freedom of expression has been one of our greatest democratic prizes won by Kenyans during the last few years and we cannot afford to go backwards. We call for an immediate and unconditional lifting of the reporting ban so as to ensure that Kenyans are able to keep abreast of what is happening. We commend the Kenyan press for the work they have done to keep information flowing. It is precisely in the time of crisis that a free and independent media is essential to ensure a democracy that is based on information not speculation. We urge the international media community to support the Kenyan press during this time and continue promoting the right for a free and independent press especially during such a period. We call on all peace loving people to join us in calling for a swift conclusion to the crisis so that Kenya can return to normality andpeople can continue their lives without fear and anxiety. The petition is now online at http://www.petitiononline.com/kenya08/ petition.html and at the time of going to prese had nearly 800 signatures. Please sign the petition. ****** KENYA’S DEMOCRACY ON TRIAL Mukoma Wa Ngugi On Thursday December 27th 2007, shortly after polling stations were closed, Kenya was hailed as having fulfilled an African dream – to have a free and fair closely contested democratic election. But less than 48 hours later it was clear that the dream of democracy could become a nightmare of ethnic violence. Most of the casualties so far have been the poor and the marginalized – and if things continue as they are, a bitter civil war fought along ethnic lines is certain. To say that what is at stake is the very future of Kenya is not an overstatement. To answer the question of how the promise became a nightmare one must begin with very nature of democracy and how it has been functioning in Africa. The first element to consider is that in the absence of strong democratic institutions (the three pillars of legislature, executive and judiciary), democracies in Africa are relying more and more on the goodwill of politicians: in this case, a nation is only as democratic as its politicians. Added to this, African democracy is in real terms an expression of ethnic tensions. Instead of rolling back tribalism (I use the derisive term deliberately), African democracy serves it. One could say that all democracies have an element of this: in the West it generally goes under the euphemism of voter demographics. When Hilary Clinton is courting the white, black or Latino vote, she is in fact practicing what might, in other circumstances, be called tribal politics. In the Kenyan presidential election, ethnic politics were a key factor in the close election results: the incumbent Mwai Kibaki, a Kikuyu, received very few votes in the Luo areas, while his Luo opponent, Raila Odinga, received only a very small percentage of the Kikuyu vote. In this bitterly contested election where ethnicity was the deciding factor, victory from either side was bound to spill into violence. As a direct result of the above, questions of what true justice means and about the growing divide between haves and have-nots become lost to ethnicity. Raila is a flamboyant millionaire while Kibaki is as elite as you can get in Kenya. Lost in the fires of ethnicity is the simple fact that Kibaki and Raila have much more in common with each other than with their supporters. In this sense those engaged in the violence are, to put it bluntly, proxies in a war between two elite leaders. Another element to consider is the extent to which the landscape of African politics has changed. We need to stop blanket condemnations of African leadership, and acknowledge that it varies and some leaders are better or worse than others. Kibaki, while not a Mandela is not a Moi or a Mobutu, or a Bokassa or an Idi Amin. By the same token the nature of opposition has changed. Since independence and the struggles against neo-colonial governments, opposition has been automatically understood as the legitimate voice of the people. But opposition no longer means the good guys. In many instances the opposition and the sitting government are practically the same as is indeed the case in Kenya. So while Raila is accusing Kibaki of vote- rigging, it could just as easily be Raila trying to rig and short- circuit the democratic process to favor himself. In other words we have no reason to take either of their claims to be true at face- value. In this impasse of two leaders intent on seizing power, respect for the democratic process couldn’t be more important. Toward a solution, Kenyans should realize that something beautiful did happen during this election. Most of the big men of Kenyan politics were voted out of Parliament and hence out of office. Even the sons of former dictator Moi did not win seats in Parliament. There seemed to be a belief that voting was a way of talking back the Kenyan political elite, and that democracy could be made to work for the majority poor. This is the flame that we must not let die. To nurture this flame, a recount of the votes in a transparent manner is necessary. This, no matter what one thinks of Raila or Kibaki, or whether one thinks the elections were fair or not, should be the meeting ground of all those concerned about the future, immediate and long term, of Kenya. If the votes can be recounted in full transparency, this election will not then become the death of Kenyan democracy but rather a test along the way to a democracy with real content – the content of security, equality and justice for Kenya’s majority poor. *Mukoma Wa Ngugi is co-editor of Pambazuka News. A version of this article first appeared at http://blogs.independent.co.uk/openhouse/ 2008/01/kenyas-nightmar.html *Please send comments to editor(a)pambazuka.org or comment online at http://www.pambazuka.org ****** KENYA ELECTION DOMESTIC OBSERVATION FORUM - PRESS STATEMENT Kenya is bleeding. Kenya is bleeding from a political crisis that has rapidly led to a social and spiritual crisis. We, the Church leaders working together with the leadership of all faiths have been alarmed at the speed and depth this crisis has taken over the last 24 hours. Unless checked, this crisis will plunge Kenya into a complete state of lawlessness, disregard for human rights and the sanctity of life. Three actions could defuse this political crisis. Firstly, the outcome of the recently concluded Presidential and Parliamentary elections requires a quick and comprehensive political resolution. The Church as part of KEDOF endorses KEDOF’s statement – “ in our view, considering the entire process, the 2007 General Elections were credible in as far as the voting and counting process is concerned. The electoral process lost credibility towards the end with regard to the tallying and announcement of presidential results” We have considered the opinion of the Members of the Electoral Commission and international observer groups. In our opinion, the Government, in close consultation with all the parties who fielded Presidential and Parliamentary candidates should immediately establish a credible process for the establishment of an Independent Commission. This Commission will seek the transparent verification of tallies for the concerned constituencies. All parties must start by committing themselves to acting on the outcome verification by the Independent Commission. Secondly, we urge the leaders of the three major political parties to meet and dialogue. Their political leadership at this critical hour is central to saving lives. Over the last 24 hours, we have lost at least five lives every hour, with scores of other men, women and children injured, scared, displaced and vulnerable to attacks by fellow Kenyans. We call upon leaders who contested Parliamentary seats – both those that won and those that lost to jointly and urgently address their constituencies within the next few days. We urge the mass media to continue to support the cause of peace. Thirdly, while we appreciate the efforts of the uniformed forces to stop lawlessness and we acknowledge the challenge that they have to protect all civilians we call upon them to establish corridors of safety. Such corridors of peace are critical for restoring access to food, shelter, crisis centres and other basic needs to which we as a faith community are committed to assist in providing. The ability to communicate during a period of national crisis cannot be gainsaid. While we deplore the use of these media for ethnic hate speech, attempting to block these avenues will be counter-productive. It will block also the flow of information that is required for identifying and reaching people at risk. We consequently call upon the state to lift the ban on live broadcasts. While calling on the Government, political parties and other non- state actors to take these actions, we realise that the future of Kenya is in the hands of the Kenyan people. We therefore call upon all Kenyans to immediately cease the violence that is occurring in our towns, villages and communities. We commit ourselves to monitor and quickly respond to the humanitarian needs of all Kenyans regardless of their religion, ethnicity, gender and political affiliation. God bless Kenya. * Kenya Election Domestic Observation Forum (KEDOF) is a partnership representing Kenyan Civil Society Networks (and faith-based organisations) in establishing a common platform for domestic election observation programme 2007. * * Please send comments to editor(a)pambazuka.org or comment online at http://www.pambazuka.org/ ****** NEWS ROUND-UP ON RECENT EVENTS IN KENYA Izzy Birch This brief list of useful links is provided to help our readers keep up to date. LINKS FROM 3 JANUARY 2008 In this AllAfrica blog Brian Kennedy lists the wide range of those who now question the results of Kenya’s 2007 presidential election, including foreign governments, election monitoring missions, and the Electoral Commission of Kenya itself. He also refers to reports that the Kenyan police, who were deployed to guard the 36,000 polling stations across the country, kept records of the results and that their tally is said to differ from what the ECK announced: http://allafrica.com/stories/200801030150.html The Economist has described the result as a meticulously planned ‘civil coup’, stating that the decision to return Mwai Kibaki to office was made not by the Kenyan people but by a group of hardline Kikuyu leaders. Although the report states that their instinct will now be to use the security services to reverse basic freedoms, ‘it is not clear that Kenya will stand for it’: http://www.economist.com/daily/news/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10422157 Amos Wako, Kenya’s Attorney General, has called for an independent and immediate investigation into the disputed presidential election result, acknowledging that it has been widely questioned, including by the Chair of the Electoral Commission of Kenya itself: http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp? category_id=1&newsid=113857 The ECK Chair, Samuel Kivuitu, has given details of the inconsistencies in the constituency tallies of the presidential votes, which include altered figures from certain constituencies and the improper submission of documentation: http://allafrica.com/stories/200801030025.html The leader of the Pan-African Movement Observers Mission, Stephen Othieno, also criticised the ECK at a press conference in Kampala. The Mission sent 41 observers to Kenya who were not permitted to observe the process in its entirety – specifically the final tally. Mr Othieno also criticised the limited time made available for verification of the voters’ register prior to polling day, and biased coverage by some media houses: http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/604750 ODM leaders have called for an internationally constituted and recognised body to examine the election results, on the grounds that the Electoral Commission of Kenya had failed in its duties and can not be trusted: http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp? category_id=2&newsid=113845 The Kenya Human Rights Commission has called on Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who arrived in Kenya on 3 January, to oversee a recount. Professor Makau Mutua, chair of the KHRC, appealed for calm, dialogue and statesmanship from Kenya’s political leaders: http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143979846&cid=159 The Law Society of Kenya has declared its intention to make a legal challenge to Mwai Kibaki’s re-election. Lawyers and other civil society organisations, including Kituo Cha Sheria, have also called for the immediate resignation of Samuel Kivuitu and the ECK Commissioners: http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143979876&cid=4 The head of the Commonwealth Observer Group, Dr Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, has decided to stay on in Kenya to support mediation efforts. The Group’s departure statement on 2 January noted that ‘delays in the announcement of the results raised questions about the integrity of the final phase of the election process’: http://allafrica.com/stories/200801030533.html http://www.thecommonwealth.org/document/174034/ kenya_elections_2007___departure_statement_by_the.htm A group of business, religious and cultural leaders delivered an open letter to all three presidential candidates, calling for an independent and transparent review of the whole electoral process and its outcomes, as well as personal and collective leadership that delivers a swift conclusion to the crisis in the best interests of the country: Add link Daudi Were writes in his blog of the shocking speed with which Kenya slid into violence. ‘The aim of this post is not to explore the issues around the issues but to highlight that there is a sophisticated and dedicated response to the crisis in our country’: http://www.mentalacrobatics.com/think/ Moody Awori, the Vice-President, appealed for calm and stated that the government was willing to enter into dialogue with the ODM leadership. Raila Odinga reiterated his position that any dialogue must be based on acceptance that the elections were compromised: http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp? category_id=1&newsid=113833 Demonstrators who responded to the ODM’s call to attend a rally in Nairobi’s Uhuru Park on 3 January were met with tear gas and water cannon. ODM has now postponed the rally until 8 January. Archbishop Desmond Tutu arrived in Kenya on 3 January to help mediate in the crisis, while plans for the visit of the African Union President John Kafuor have reportedly been cancelled: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7169720.stm The Kenya Red Cross Society estimates (3 January) that at least 100,000 people require immediate assistance in the northern Rift Valley alone. Confirmed country-wide statistics are not yet available. John Holmes, the UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator, emphasised the responsibility of Kenya’s political leaders to protect the lives and livelihoods of innocent people, and deplored the recent increase in gender-based violence: http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/YSAR-7AHNQP? OpenDocument&rc=1&cc=ken Another report from the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs describes the situation of displaced people in Kericho and Kisumu, many of whom lack basic supplies of water, food and medicine: http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/YSAR-7AHMGT? OpenDocument&rc=1&cc=ken Newspaper reports from around the East African region illustrate the impact of the crisis in Kenya on its landlocked neighbours. Fuel prices in Uganda have soared due to the shortage of fuel and the actions of speculators; bus fares in Kampala have in some places doubled. http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/12/604747 http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/opinions/ Fuel_crisis_is_big_lesson_for_us.shtml http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/news/ 155_fuel_tankers_on_the_way_to_Uganda_-_govt.shtml Traders in Rwanda are concerned at both the shortage of fuel and the prospect of being unable to restock from the suppliers in Kenya on whom they rely: http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=1398&article=3293 Tanzania’s The Citizen newspaper emphasises the inter-dependence of the East African economies and the threat posed by the violence in Kenya to the future stability and prosperity of the East African Community: http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/newz.php?id=2294 LINKS FROM 2 JANUARY Louise Arbour, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has called on the Kenyan government to abide by its international human rights obligations in responding to demonstrations and to allow journalists to carry out their work freely. She also emphasised the responsibility to use only peaceful means of protest: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/media.aspx Humanitarian situation: On 2 January AFP reported that 306 people had died in politically related violence since polling day. Although the violence has been countrywide, the area most seriously affected has been Western Kenya. AFP reported the Director of the Kenya Red Cross Society as saying that around 70,000 people had been displaced in the area. Aerial video footage by the KRCS shows hundreds of houses and farms set on fire and roadblocks every 10kms: http://www.afp.com/english/news/stories/080102073900.kf169jow.html A report from the Human Rights House Network describes the attack on the church near Eldoret in which at least 35 people were killed. Water and food for those displaced in churches and public buildings are running short, and travel in the area is highly dangerous: http://www.humanrightshouse.org/dllvis5.asp?id=6149 Reports from Kenyan religious and humanitarian organisations issued on 2 January state that 15000 people have been displaced in Eldoret, 700 in Kitale, 1000 in Nakuru, 500 in Kakamega, 500 in Kisumu, 200 in Siaya, 50 in Likoni, 6000 in Burnt Forest, 60 in Migori, 5000 in Dandora, and 560 in Mumias. People are taking shelter in schools, churches, mosques, police stations and other public buildings. The Kenya Red Cross, in a bulletin dated 1 January, reported that over 100,000 people had been affected or displaced countrywide, 120 reported dead, and over 1000 confirmed injured: http://www.kenyaredcross.org/highlights.php?newsid=61&subcat=1 The Regional UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) published police figures released on 1 January of 143 people killed across five Provinces (Rift Valley, Western, Nyanza, Nairobi, and Coast). It adds that these are confirmed cases and that the real number may be higher. The main obstacle to delivering assistance is the number of roadblocks set up by vigilante groups: http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/MUMA-7AG3X8?OpenDocument Reliable sources report 30 roadblocks between Eldoret and Nakuru. The Uganda Red Cross reported on 1 January that 550 Kenyans have fled to Uganda, although officials believe that ‘thousands more’ have settled with friends and relatives: http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/604566 The Nation reported on 2 January that 16 people had been killed at the Coast, while violent incidents had occurred in Taveta, Diani and Kilifi Town: http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp? category_id=1&newsid=113768 Reliable sources report that travel outside Mombasa is currently very difficult due to numerous road blocks. Uganda’s New Vision reports on the killings in Eldoret, and gives a nationwide death toll closer to 300. It refers to tensions in Garissa, North-Eastern Province, emphasising again the widespread nature of the crisis: http://www.newvision.co.ug/PA/8/12/604563 Dr Dan Ojwang, a Kenyan academic based in South Africa, criticises media coverage of the crisis and argues that it has deeper and more complex roots. ‘Let the world know the truth’, he writes, ‘that members of almost all Kenyan ethnic communities are being killed and not just Kikuyu supporters of President Mwai Kibaki’s illegitimate government’. Add url Political situation: A report from the Human Rights House Network on 31 December, based on coverage in the Kenyan press as well as interviews with several human rights defenders in Nairobi, captures the breadth and severity of the political crisis, in terms of the heavy-handed security response, the infringement of media freedoms, and the prospect of an even more powerful presidency: http://www.humanrightshouse.org/dllvis5.asp?id=6138 Ken Opalo, a Kenyan blogger, laments the failure of leadership, and calls on both Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga to ‘act like the statesmen they claim to be’: http://kenopalo.wordpress.com/2008/01/01/kenya-quickly-degenerating- into-an-african-statistic/ The BBC reported on 2 January the accusations being traded by both sides. Asked if he would urge his supporters to calm down, Raila Odinga reportedly refused to be asked ‘to give the Kenyan people an anaesthetic so that they can be raped’: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7167363.stm The preliminary report from the European Union Election Observation Mission detailed discrepancies in the tallied results from certain constituencies. ‘A lack of adequate transparency and security measures in the process of relaying the results from local to national level questioned the integrity of the final results: http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143979838 The Chair of the Electoral Commission of Kenya, Samuel Kivuitu, admitted on 1 January that he announced the results of the presidential election under pressure from some PNU and ODM-Kenya leaders. According to a report in the Standard, he said that ‘We are culprits as a Commission. We have to leave it to an independent group to investigate what actually went wrong’: http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143979833 Four ECK commissioners on 31 December called for an independent judicial review of the presidential tallies. The Kenya National Commission of Human Rights regretted that the commissioners hadn’t raised their concerns before the result was announced, but expressed its support for an independent review: http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143979828&cid=159 Francis Atwoli, the Secretary General of the umbrella workers’ union COTU, is quoted as saying that the crisis is politically instigated and thus can only be solved by political means. In the same press report the government’s spokesman, Alfred Mutua, states that the military has been deployed to various parts of the country ‘to assist in averting a humanitarian crisis’: http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp? category_id=1&newsid=113789 The deputy managing director of Safaricom confirmed that the company had received a request from the Ministry of Internal Security to ‘desist from sending or forwarding any SMS that may cause public unrest’, and that this had been forwarded to its subscribers: http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/200801020003.html The head of the Commonwealth’s election observer team in Kenya, former president Ahmad Tejan Kabbah of Sierra Leone, has now met all three leaders (Mwai Kibaki, Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka). Kenya’s Daily Nation reports that a joint statement may be imminent: http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp? category_id=1&newsid=113785 Muslim, Christian and Hindu leaders at the Coast made a joint appeal to political leaders to restore calm and seek reconciliation, and called for the situation to be resolved through legal channels: http://www.eastandard.net/electionplatform/index.php?id=1143979770 At the international level, the US and British foreign secretaries issued a joint statement on 2 January urging political compromise and noting the responsibility on all sides to maintain the political process: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391629&a=KArticle&aid=1199196127097 http://www.guardian.co.uk/kenya/story/0,,2234121,00.html ****** /\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\ 3 Letters ON THE REUTERS LEAD STORY ENTITLED “KIBAKI ACCUSES RIVALS OF ETHNIC CLEANSING” (Mail & Guardian Online 02 January 2008) It is the responsibility of newspapers to report news as they see or hear it. However, I am apprehensive that this kind of equivocal and manipulated news-reporting (in the context of a slow media blockade) will simply buy the regime in Kenya time to launder its image in the midst of a crisis it has deliberately fuelled. The brewing genocide in Kenya has got a long and complicated history. The Kenyan government spin-doctor, Dr Alfred Mutua, has not even begun to scratch on the surface of what is truly going on. Kenya has a long history of internecine violence choreographed by ruling regimes that have always tried to protect their ill-gotten wealth by using ‘tribe’, and even ‘race’ as in the case of the colonial regime, as their alibi. As exiled Kenyan anti-corruption official John Githongo said not too long ago, “corruption always fights back.” Having “vomited all over our shoes” after a corruption binge and having unleashed murder on a scale we have never seen before, they now parade as our protectors. As the late JM Nazareth would have put it, we raia have become “sheep delivered to the fangs of wolves by constituting the wolves the shepherds of the sheep.” There are many in the Kibaki cabinet and others in opposition parties who are known to have muttered what, under the South African constitution, would be termed hate speech. Many of them have worked for the state at points in history when major public figures such as Dr Robert Ouko, Bishop Alexander Kipsang Muge, Pio Gama Pinto, JM Kariuki, Tom Mboya, Dr Odhiambo Mbai and others were killed on the grounds of their political beliefs or ethnic roots. Others kept quiet when state-sponsored militias spread mayhem in Western Kenya in the early 1990s in order to stop the enactment of multi-partyism. I know for a fact a number of public figures in the current mess who violently speared effigies of then exiled Kenyan writer, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, in the late 1980s. There are others who sat back, laughed or kept quiet when state thugs were unleashed on Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Prof Wangari Maathai and politician Paul Muite in the early 1990s. Yet others took oaths of ethnic-elite solidarity, sold to the public as a defence of ethnic rights, when massacres and inter-party repression rocked Kenya in the late-1960s. It would be naïve in the extreme to expect that they have all of a sudden developed a conscience. Beware of how many Kenyan politicians will in the coming days make a show of appealing to universal values of liberty, human rights, ad nauseum, when their conduct has been consistently illiberal and complicit in crimes against humanity. Beware especially of the diplomatic ones who will speak in pious Oxfordian tones in order that they may seem less violent than others. Beware of the suave, slick types who could never hurt a fly; they don’t need to for they have snuffed many human lives. As Hannah Arendt discovered when she did research for Eichmann in Jerusalem: The Banality of Evil, her masterful summary of the career and trial of the Nazi operative, mass murderers do not sport horns on their foreheads. They are often very ordinary ‘family men’. Investigate, investigate, investigate! Let the world know the truth that members of almost all Kenyan ethnic communities are being killed and not just Kikuyu supporters of President Mwai Kibaki’s illegitimate government as the news-report insinuates. Government sponsored thugs and mercenaries cut the water and power supply to Kisumu (an opposition stronghold) at a time when a cholera outbreak is clearly imminent. Over 100 people have been killed in Kisumu, many of them shot in the back by paramilitary forces. There have been reports of cholera in greater South Nyanza and this will spread to major urban centres on the Kenyan side of Lake Victoria. Massive starvation is also imminent in the face of a ban on fishing (a consequence of the cholera outbreak). All major urban areas and rural settlements in all parts of the country are under severe threat, from Busia to Mombasa, thanks to the purveyors of spreadsheet democracy. A government that consorts with known international criminals cannot presume to lecture Kenyans on human rights. Kenyans at home and in the diaspora have to admit that it is our collective silence in the face of extreme repression at key moments in our history that has led to this crisis. Giving airtime to saber- rattlers, spin-doctors and latter-day Goebbels will not help, but a little investigative journalism just might. The horses of the East African apocalypse may just have been unleashed. The truth must come out. However, our immediate duty now is not to dig in with specific accusations against politicians, but to work out a solution. Only a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and clear rules for power-sharing will help us in the end. Do not fail East Africa, for the region could implode! Sincerely, Dr Dan Ojwang Head, African Literature University of the Witwatersrand ****** RESPONSE TO NGUGI WA THIONG'O'S ANALYSIS OF KENYA Rose Ochwada Anyone who knows Ngugi will appreciate that Ngugi does not consider any other Kenyan a worthy leader unless they are Kikuyu. This article is a veiled attack on ODM and an endorsement of Kibaki leadership (http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/45051) What is sad is that Ngugi fails to mention the fact that Kibaki failed to make the promised new constitution a reality, leading to the fallout with many in his cabinet and the consequent creation of the Orange Movement. He also surprisingly fails to condemn the new found reliance of Kibaki on Moi for political survival and what this means to all Kenyans who fought for the second liberation. He cannot bring himself to acknowledge Raila Odinga's fight to demoncracy over the past 30 odd years. He can only praise the role of 'Mau Mau' which we all know was a tribal organisation fighting for return of land to the Kikuyu. If not then can he tell me of a single non-Kikuyu who was a Mau-Mau?? I personaly have nothing against the Kikuyu per se. I only get annoyed at people like Ngugi who use their International fame to fight a tribal cause under the guise of an intellectual discussion. When he talks of economic progress, can he honestly quote an instance where a resident of Mathare or Kibera slums who can testify to a real change in their lives due to the 'economic changes' of the last 5 years? Or is he just quoting the 'infamous' 6% growth that Kimunya and Co keep going on about while stealing from the public through 'Anglo-Leasing? I have never been a fan of Ngugi even in the Moi era, I am less of a fan now with his clear hypocrisy and obviouse tribal agenda. ****** /\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\ 4 African Union Monitor AU MONITOR WEEKLY ROUNDUP Issue 118, 2007 http://www.aumonitor.org/ This week's AU Monitor brings you updates from the African Union, where Cuban Vice President Estaban Lazo Hernandez recently held discussions with Commissioner Konare. The two leaders agreed to improve political and socioeconomic links between the African Union and Cuba and enhance Cuban solidarity for the development of the African continent. Further, Nadia Ahmadou provides analysis about the African Union's commitment to human right's and governance on the continent, encouraging the commission to match its statements with action by creating " a consolidated and coherent institutional approach to the standards regarding human rights, as contained within its Constitutive Act". A memorandum of understanding between the United Nations' Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and three European countries was signed recently. The new business plan for 2007-2009 will allocate $12 million to numerous gender, trade, and governance activities. In regional news, the South African Development Community (SADC) reflects on 2007 and examines developments and shortcomings of its member states activities while also highlighting the various challenges to regional integration. In peace and security news, the full deployment of peacekeeping troops in the Darfur region has been delayed further still. Of the issues contributing to the delay, amongst the largest is the Sudanese governments' insistence that only African troops be deployed to the region, asking that the UN and other international structures provide control and command support. Lastly, the final communiqué from the 42nd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights is now available. ****** /\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\ Fahamu - Networks For Social Justice http://www.fahamu.org © Unless otherwise indicated, all materials published are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License. For further details see: http:// www.pambazuka.org/en/about.php Pambazuka news can be viewed online: http://www.pambazuka.org/ RSS Feeds available at http://www.pambazuka.org/en/newsfeed.php Pambazuka News is published with the support of a number of funders, details of which can be obtained at http://www.pambazuka.org/en/ about.php To SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE go to: http://pambazuka.gn.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/pambazuka-news or send a message to editor(a)pambazuka.org with the word SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line as appropriate. The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Pambazuka News or Fahamu. ISSN 1753-6839

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How Secure is the ECK data?
by John Walubengo 04 Jan '08

04 Jan '08

Based on the current impasse at ECK, I cant help sharing an article I send to the media 4weeks before the elections and it never got the attention it may have deserved... walu. ~~~~~starts~~~~ How Secure is the ECK data? (Late Nov 2007) Recently, there was the verbal exchange between politicians and the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) about whether or not the Voters Register was being tampered with at ECK, Headquarters Anniversary Towers. Rather than debating on who is lying and who is not, it is better to take a nationalistic and objective view by asking How Secure is the ECK data? The Voters Register and the subsequent Polling Data is, or should be categorised as a critical national resource and must be accorded the appropriate levels of protection from various threats. Any mismanagement of this data would compromise the peaceful existence of the Kenyan state as we know it today. Typical threats facing this data would arise from circumstances that can compromise the Confidentiality, Integrity Availability and Non-Repudability of the ECK data. Data or information is said to be Confidential if it is secured against un-authorised access. Indeed most of the ECK data is by nature public information such as the Voters Register but there must be some data that should be kept confidential since it may be used maliciously if placed in the wrong hands. To what extend has ECK put in place processes and systems to ensure that confidential data remains confidential? The Integrity of data is an aspect of whether the ECK data is secured against illegal changes. In other words, does ECK have systems or controls in place that can prevent, detect and correct un-authorised changes to the Voters Registers or the Polling Data? Are these controls effective and more importantly, are these controls regularly tested? Availability of data refers to its capacity to be delivered where and when it is needed by its stakeholders. You can imagine, if the voting was done, the tallying completed and then ECK was unable to announce the results because of a computer or more commonly hard-disk failure. Speculations arising from the delayed announcement of election results during those critical hours after the elections could make or break this nation irrespective of whether the delay was valid or otherwise. Non-repudability of data refers to the capacity to prove beyond reasonable doubt, the origin of data. Within the context of ECK, this may be important particularly during this year when ECK is adopting modern communication technologies to receive, relay and query their data. Assuming the Returning Officers would be sending in their Polling data via SMS, Internet, Telephone or even Fax are there systems in place to prove that indeed the incoming data is originating from the official and not impersonated sources? In the interest of the public, ECK must take the necessary precautions to protect its information from the above threats. Similarly, ECK must be seen or should demonstrate publicly that they have indeed done due diligence to provide the necessary security with respect to the safety of their data. In developed economies, the laws and regulations require that critical data of national importance must be subjected to regular Information Systems Audits along the same spirit as that of carrying out regular Financial Audits. Despite the lack of compelling legislation to do an Information Systems Audit, ECK can decide to act in the interest of the Public and engage professional Information Systems Auditors to execute an Information Systems Audit on their critical data and related processes. Such an exercise, if it has not already been done, may be the only weapon to silence the reckless politicians who will keep suspecting the integrity of the ECK data to the detriment of this nation. J. Walubengo Mr. Walubengo is a Lecturer at the Kenya College of Communications Technologies (KCCT) and a Board Member, Information Systems Audit & Control Association (ISACA). ~~~ends~~~~ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

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Freedom is the right of all sentient beings...
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 04 Jan '08

04 Jan '08

Brethren, If I could add my two cents & a penny for your thoughts on this quandary... I'd like to start off by saying of how proud I am of my fellow youth. All of you! Our turnout during the general election was honourable but I beseech us not to give up despite its outcome. We're young, we've much to learn & endure but remember the goodness we saw in one another before the 27th of December. Don't deny one another the freedom to life in the name of supporting an elite who don't give a damn about us. Both Kibaki & Raila don't deserve to govern this country. Kibaki rigged his way into a second term & Raila hasn't asked his supporters to cool down 'coz peace doesn't support his cause & he's hoping the mayhem will give His Excellency a crisis of conscience that'll see him step down thus enabling him ascend to the Presidency. We're all created uniquely & it's with this uniqueness that each of us brings something diffrerent to the national table: *intellect, strength of character, athletic prowess* etc but we're all equal in at least one way, each of us is willing to make the sacrifices a Kenyan needs to make, even the ultimate one. We all possess gifts & abilities that no one else has & let's use them to rebuild our motherland despite the losses we've incurred during the general election & its aftermath however long it'll take 'coz we ain't going anywhere. Don't forget to pray for hope & the restoration of peace. Our beloved Kenya: *"Land of the Free, Home of the Brave..."* Kind regards, Michael. *-- "To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wildflower...hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour..." ~ William Blakeg. --*

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Call from St. Marks Church -Westlands Women Group
by Alex Gakuru 04 Jan '08

04 Jan '08

Dear All, I received an anonymous sms this morning whose message I am happy to share with you, it said: ---- "Concerned women of Kenya are urgently appealing for support to help displaced families who need clothes, water, diapers, personal hygiene, baby formula and feeding bottles, utensils, beddings,crutches, toys. Please support, drop itesm at St. Marks Church, along Waiyaki Way, Westlands Friday Between 10 am - 4 pm. Please forward. Every minute counts!" ---- Thank you Alex

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[Fwd: Sambaza Amani]
by alice 03 Jan '08

03 Jan '08

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Sambaza Amani Date: Wed, 2 Jan 2008 12:52:39 +0300 (EAT) From: Silverscreen Pictures <ssp(a)silverscreen.co.ke> To: alice(a)apc.org Dear All, What we have witnessed over the last few days infuriates those that cherish peace and would like to practice competitive objective politics. The political posturing over the year has now degenerated to scenes that are akin to ethnic cleansing!!!!!!!. I doubt if the genuine political players had this in their agenda. what do the children have to do with fight for the top????? Honestly as Kenyans we need to rethink our priorities, and have a massive civic and political education put in place to enable us respect THE SANCTITY OF LIFE and the right of everyone to be on the other side of the political divide. Ingolo wa keya Silverscreen Pictures.

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Praying for Your Safety!
by Janet Feldman 03 Jan '08

03 Jan '08

Dear Friends, Just a short note to this list, to say that all of us outside the country are with you in spirit, sending our hopes and prayers for your safety and well-being, and for the restoration of a peaceful approach to the resolution of issues related to the election. Please communicate when you can to let us know you are OK, and in the meantime, know we are thinking of you, and extend to everyone our support, caring, and concern. With blessings and appreciation to and for you all, Janet (Feldman, KAIPPG International, kaippg(a)earthlink.net )

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[Fwd: Re: [civilsociety] Using ICTs to advocate for peace (SAMBAZA AMANI).]
by alice 02 Jan '08

02 Jan '08

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [civilsociety] Using ICTs to advocate for peace (SAMBAZA AMANI). Date: Wed, 2 Jan 2008 11:24:57 +0300 From: Wainaina Mungai <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> To: alice <alice(a)apc.org> CC: mediaeditors(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke, media(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke, civilsociety(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke In the words of a mwananchi interviewed on K24, SAMBAZA AMANI. So in support of Alice, can we build on this SAMBAZA AMANI campaign? Any other takers? move from On 1/1/08, *alice* <alice(a)apc.org <mailto:alice@apc.org>> wrote: Dear all Our dear country has been referred to as "An African exception and role model, a beacon of hope". "We are known for upholding peace, for our our cohesiveness, stability, being a reliable neighbor and our ability to ignore politicians whims" So it is really sad and frustrating to witness the current situation being manipulated and inflamed. And most of all sadness as what these events mean for us the Kenyan people. In a number of countries and situations, communication technologies have been used to advocate for issues including gender equality among others. Perhaps we could use the same to bring Kenyans together. To advocate for peace, to sell Kenya to Kenyans and to remind ourselves that our country has had one of the highest and best profiles in Africa and we cannot afford to throw that away. peaceful 2008 My comments are entirely personal and do not reflect any position of the organisations I am affiliated with. alice _______________________________________________ civilsociety mailing list civilsociety(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <mailto:civilsociety@lists.kictanet.or.ke> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/civilsociety <http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/civilsociety> This message was sent to: wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org <mailto:wainaina@madeinkenya.org> Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/civilsociety/wainaina%40madeink… -- Made in Kenya Network P. O. Box 72031 - 00200 Nairobi. Kenya Tel: +254-20-780669 Cel: +254-722-811171 www.madeinkenya.org <http://www.madeinkenya.org>

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Vendors go online to enhance data service
by Bill Kagai 02 Jan '08

02 Jan '08

Written by Emmanuel Were *December 24, 2008: * http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5053&Item… >From the comfort of his office, Mr George Njoroge, a stocks agent, follows the "live" proceedings of trading at the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE), thanks to the data vending services introduced early this year. "I can follow the proceedings of the trading from my office," says Mr Njoroge. Sometimes when the Internet is slow he is forced to visit the NSE auditorium, where the public are updated by the minute via a projector screen. His experience sums up the development of data vending where some gains have been made albeit with several challenges as the service took shape this year. Before its introduction, the public had to wait until the close of trade to obtain the price list. All these developments have been brought about by the resurgence in the stock market evidenced by a series of Initial Public Offers (IPOs). The landmark listing of Safaricom, East Africa's most profitable company, is expected to shift stock market activity into top gear next year. Six data vendors were licensed by the NSE as trading metamorphosed from the open outcry system to the Automated Trading System (ATS). The introduction of the Wide Area Network (WAN) sets it a step away from full integration of online trading. Shareholders in towns such as Embu, Meru, Nakuru, Eldoret and Kisumu can follow live, the trading from the Nairobi Stock Exchange, the epicentre of the stock market. Stockbrokers who opened branches in these towns benefit as well. Not to be left behind also are Kenyans in the diaspora. "The excitement at the beginning was excellent and we managed to get good numbers of subscribers who have sustained our business up to date," says Mr Bildad Kagai, Managing Director, MediaCorp Limited one of the licensed data vendors. Data vendors have to invest a one- off sum of Sh170, 000 (US$ 2,700 at the current exchange rate) payable to the NSE, for a licence. Other costs include an Internet connection costing about Sh50,000 a month while running costs are estimated at about Sh350, 000 bringing total monthly costs to about Sh400, 000. "We have spent a lot of money in the last nine months but with poor returns," said Mr Kagai in an interview, putting the estimated costs in that period at Sh4 million. The cost element was one of the challenges that beset the data vendors in what initially appeared as a quick return avenue. Aly Satchu of Rich Management, another data vendor says: "My greatest challenge as that of drowning out the propaganda and elevating the debate and finally creating a platform for us all to make consistently superior returns." He adds that there is a need to educate the public about investing. In October, this year, there was uproar from some of the retail investors who read mischief as the NSE auditorium was closed for a day in what the exchange authorities attributed to ongoing renovations, only for them to succumb to pressure to reopen it the following day. Many retail investors want live streaming of data and information, few neither understand it nor put it to use. The live data has three main boards: Normal, Prompt and Odd boards. An Investor can tell the number of shares of the listed companies being sold and what is available for sale. Retail investors form the largest base of subscribers to the live data with an annual subscription of Sh6, 000. In an earlier interview, Mr Robert Maoga, CEO of Eight Limited, said there was limited appreciation of data vending services because many investors are still speculative in nature and are yet to grasp the fundamentals. "We've received a better response from the corporates so we're gearing our products toward that market segment," Mr Maoga said. "Responsibility has been left to us to build an acceptable product for the customer," he says. To break the cost barrier, the data vendors have had to be innovative in their approach and maximise and capture a large part of the crowd. "Users of our services have different levels of sophistication and varying investment objectives. Diverse products will add more value to our customers," said Mr Symon Ndirangu , chief executive Information Convergence Technologies, a data vending service provider in an earlier interview. While contending that many people were not aware of data vending services , Mr Ndirangu told the Business Daily that the responses his firm had received from current users had led them to structure new products that suit varying investor objectives and needs. Data vendors, in a bid to lure the retail market have broken down the charges with daily, monthly and yearly subscription. For a low as Sh100, one can have access to some of the data vending sites. The start of the NSE's Wide Area Network comes with a promise of increased online trading as the transactions will now be online. The extension of the trading hours for three extra hours, as trading commences at 09:00 and closes at 15:00hrs during weekdays is likely to bring increased participation. Work on the submarine cables which will enable cheaper and faster Internet connectivity is set to step into top gear next year and come to a conclusion in 2009 hence broadening the clientele base for the vendors as more people get online. Digital villages which are to be set up, by the Ministry of Information and Communication in 2008 will provide an opportunity for the data vendors to provide service. "We expect to make a good profit in the next 12 months now that Kenyans have realised the value of data and information when investing in the Nairobi Stock Exchange," says Mr Kagai. But he adds that this will only be possible if the number of vendors remains at 6 data vendors servicing clients from 18 brokers. "The numbers look workable" says Mr Kagai. -- -- Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited Nairobi Stock Exchange [NSE] - Authorised Information Vendor Suite B2 Tetu Apartments StateHouse Avenue P. O. Box 20311-00200 Tel. 254 20 272 8332 Fax. Rendered Obsolete URL. www.mediacorpafrica.com --

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[Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Lithium Batteries Banned From Checked Bags]
by alice 02 Jan '08

02 Jan '08

(Apologies for crossposting) Lithium Batteries Banned From Checked Bags http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=205206086 The international rule is intended to lessen the risk of lithium battery fires on airplanes. By Elena Malykhina, InformationWeek Dec. 31, 2007 URL: http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=205206086 Starting Jan. 1, airline passengers will no longer be allowed to pack loose lithium batteries in checked luggage, the U.S. Transportation Department's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration warned late last week. Instead, passengers will be required to take loose batteries with them in carry-on baggage, packed in plastic bags. The new regulation, which will go into effect in order to lessen the risk of lithium battery fires, won't apply to lithium batteries that are already installed in electronic devices, such as laptops, cell phones, and cameras. Those can be checked in. Additionally, only two spare rechargeable lithium batteries will be allowed on airplanes per passenger in carry-on bags. The international rule will become U.S. law on Tuesday. "Doing something as simple as keeping a spare battery in its original retail packaging or a plastic zip-lock bag will prevent unintentional short-circuiting and fires," said Krista Edwards, deputy administrator of the PHMSA, in a statement. The administration is treating lithium batteries as hazardous materials since they're known for overheating and catching fire in some conditions. Tests conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration show that aircraft cargo fire suppression systems on airplanes are incapable of containing fires caused by nonrechargeable lithium batteries packaged in bulk quantities. A small fire source is enough to ignite a lithium battery. The outer plastic coating can melt easily and fuse neighboring batteries together to increase the intensity of the fire, according to a June 2004 report published by the Office of Aviation Research. In a situation where a lithium battery ignites in carry-on baggage, flight crews can better monitor the fire since they have access to fire extinguishers. There have been several instances in the past year that have raised red flags about lithium batteries. In October, a resident of Douglasville, Ga., claimed that his Apple iPod nano caught fire in his pocket. The iPod nano uses a lithium ion battery, which packs higher power density than a nickel-based battery. Toshiba in June reported that a Sony lithium battery was responsible for a notebook computer bursting into flames. Since August 2006, Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and Toshiba have recalled lithium batteries used in notebook computers manufactured by Sony. Copyright (c) 2007 CMP Media LLC _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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[Fwd: [At-Large] AAAA records to be added for root servers]
by alice 31 Dec '07

31 Dec '07

On 4 February 2008, IANA will add AAAA records for the IPv6 addresses of the four root servers whose operators have requested it. A technical analysis of inserting IPv6 records into the root has been done by a joint working group of ICANN's Root Server System Advisory Committee and Security and Stability Advisory Committee, a report of which can be found at http://www.icann.org/committees/security/ sac018.pdf. Network operators should take whatever steps they feel appropriate to prepare for the inclusion of AAAA records in response to root queries. More information will be posted to the IANA web site during January. Regards, Barbara Roseman IANA General OperationsManager ICANN _______________________________________________ ALAC mailing list ALAC(a)atlarge-lists.icann.org http://atlarge-lists.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/alac_atlarge-lists.icann.org At-Large Official Site: http://www.alac.icann.org ALAC Independent: http://www.icannalac.org

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An African exception and role model by Jeevan Vasagar, Monday December 31, 2007, , Guardian
by alice 31 Dec '07

31 Dec '07

Why it matters ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *An African exception and role model**Jeevan Vasagar* *Monday December 31, 2007* *Guardian* A few years ago, Kenya's government sponsored a competition to invent a new national dress. Ministers hoped citizens would trade their buttoned-up western suits for the slashed collar and cape of the "Kenyan cloak" and forge a unified national identity in the process. Kenyans, who knew better, rejected the fancy dress en masse, preferring to get on with the more urgent business of putting food on their family's tables. The episode was a reminder of why Kenya is an African exception. In a region awash with trouble, it is an island of stability - its people renowned for pragmatism, cohesiveness and their ability to ignore their rulers' whims. By contrast, neighbouring Sudan recently ended a civil war in the south only to confront a new crisis in Darfur, Uganda has suffered years of conflict at the hands of the Lord's Resistance Army and Somalia remains a basket case. Since independence in 1963, Kenya has not been troubled by bloodshed on a comparable scale. Instead, it has acted as an honest broker in peace talks - Sudan's southern peace deal was signed in the lakeside town of Naivasha. It is a base station for aid agencies and a haven for refugees. Kakuma in northern Kenya is one of Africa's biggest refugee camps, home to some 90,000 people. Unlike Zimbabwe, its postcolonial rulers did not turn on the whites. Unlike Uganda, they did not kick out the Asians. Kenya's ethnic diversity has been an unexpected strength. Although the Kikuyu, President Mwai Kibaki's tribe, accounts for a fifth of the population and has traditionally had the loudest voice, no single ethnic group has been strong enough to tyrannise the others. There is plenty of tribal friction, as well as tensions between Christians and the Muslim minority, but this has never brewed the havoc seen elsewhere. In recent years, Kenya has been a political role model. One of former president Daniel arap Moi's few decent deeds was to leave office gracefully after losing the 2002 election. Government sleaze continues, but corruption no longer paralyses the economy as it did under Moi. Public life has opened up. The basement of Nyayo House, in the centre of the capital, Nairobi, no longer houses torture chambers. Unlike many Africans, Kenyans can laugh at their leaders. When the first lady, Lucy Kibaki, stormed into a newspaper office to complain at its coverage, she became a laughing stock as comedians donned drag and a towering frizzy wig to parody her. Kenya's economy is one of Africa's best. Its highlands are blessed with the ideal blend of sunshine and cool altitude for growing tea, coffee and flowers - it's the world's biggest exporter of tea and supplies Britain with many of its Valentine's Day roses. It has a hardworking, educated workforce, many of whom speak good English, thanks in part to its colonial heritage. Mombasa is one of Africa's finest harbours, and Nairobi is an air transport hub for the continent. Transport is crucial here; the country was forged around the British-built railway line snaking from Mombasa to Lake Victoria and Nairobi began as a railway supply depot. The economy is emerging from the paralysis induced by corruption and the lethargic quangos that stifled business under Moi. Privatisation has gathered pace under Kibaki and the country has been touted as an African tiger. But economic growth remains painfully slow and the number living below the poverty line keeps rising. Progress is critical. Nairobi is still one of the world's most unequal cities, home to lavish gated compounds with servants and swimming pools as well as Kibera, Africa's biggest slum. The country has one of the highest profiles of any in Africa. Its flourishing wildlife make it a massive tourist destination, and a substantial chunk of Africa's foreign press corps make their base there. That focus may explain why it has twice been attacked by al-Qaida - in 1998, when the US embassy in Nairobi was bombed, and in 2002, when Israeli tourists were targeted in Mombasa. The country is a key western ally in the fight against al-Qaida in Africa. If Kenya descends into anarchy, one of the continent's brightest lights will have flickered out, but the most immediate wider effect will be felt by other countries in the region, who stand to lose their most reliable neighbour. *Tough road from independence* *1961* Jomo Kenyatta is freed from prison. The independence activist was jailed by the British. *1963* Kenya gains independence from the British. Kenyatta becomes Kenya's prime minister and later president. *1978* Kenyatta dies in office and is succeeded by Daniel arap Moi. *1982* Kenya becomes one-party state. *1987* Opposition groups suppressed. International outcry over political arrests and abuse of human rights. *1991* Agreement to reintroduce a multi-party political system. *1992* Moi re-elected. *1997* Demonstrations calling for greater democratic reform. World Bank holds back on $5bn of credit. Moi wins another election. Opposition cries foul play. *1998* Attack on US embassy in Nairobi, right, kills 224, injures 4,500. *2002* 10 Kenyans and three Israelis die when a hotel in Mombasa is destroyed by a car bomb. *2002* Mwai Kibaki wins a landslide victory to end Moi's 24-year rule. *2003* International Monetary Fund begins lending to Kenya after anti-corruption measures are put in place. *2004* A draft of the new constitution is finalised, outlining limitations to parliament and reining in presidential powers. Massive crop failures and drought cause havoc. *2006* Government ministers are alleged to have received kickbacks from a mysterious company. Finance minister resigns. *· *Jeevan Vasagar was the Guardian's east Africa correspondent from 2003 to 2006. Guardian Unlimited © Guardian News and Media Limited 2007

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NOVATECH Investment Forum
by alice 30 Dec '07

30 Dec '07

Dear colleagues and friends, I am pleased to inform you that the NOVATECH investment forum organisers would like key East African countries to submit information on potential ICT projects. In this context the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), would like you to submit the following information on potential ICT projects from your country for consideration: - Country Name - Project title - Sub-sectors involved - Project contents/components/description - Project amount/budget (or in the range of) - Project status (i.e. project idea, at tender stage, on-going etc.) May I take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year 2008. Thank you. Makane Faye United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) P.O. Box 3001 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Telephone :+251 11 5514534 Email: mfaye(a)uneca.org <mailto:mfaye@uneca.org>

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Nation Website "Live" Votes Reporting
by Alex Gakuru 28 Dec '07

28 Dec '07

Hi, Did you know Nation website has updated vote counts? Have a look at http://politics.nationmedia.com/ Nifty! Somebody should tell them to announce this on radio For consumers convenience! Best, Alex

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[Fwd: Kenyan Elections]
by alice 25 Dec '07

25 Dec '07

Hi all Interesting article on Kenyan elections on the Washington post best alice

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Best Wishes for Christmas and New year
by alice 25 Dec '07

25 Dec '07

(Apologies for cross posting) Dear all Wishing everyone and their families a very happy Christmas and New Year. Thank you for your contribution, time and efforts in making this virtual space a platform for information sharing and support. KICTANet lists moderators Walu and alice

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Horizons Story Today
by Vincent Ngundi 25 Dec '07

25 Dec '07

This makes an interesting reading. I guess the way forward is to setup an IPv6 task force to chart the way forward for Kenya. KENIC, in conjunction with AfriNIC, is planning to host an IPv6 workshop in June 2008. Our target is to train 150 engineers on IPv6 deployment. We shall announce registration for the same in due course. Regards, -Vincent >> [Daily Nation] >> Horizons Magazine >> 20 December, 2007 >> By REDEMPTOR ATIENO >> >> INTERNET: Connectivity capacity nears exhaustion >> The country must upgrade to a new platform before current >> capacity is >> exhausted >> >> In about two year time, aspiring internet users will be unable >> to get connected or publish new websites. >> >> Further it will not be possible to new cyber cafes, let alone >> the many government-fronted digital villages targeting rural areas >> throughout the country. Critical Internet addresses that uniquely >> identify users and resolves the location where a website is >> located on >> the internet will be exhausted, worldwide. >> >> According to the chairman of ICT Consumers Association of >> Kenya, >> Alex Gakuru, "The country will have depleted capacity for new >> internet >> connectivity unless internet infrastructure are upgraded to what is >> called Internet Protocol version six (or IPv6) because the world's >> current IPv4 will be exhausted." >> >> It will be too expensive, he says, and chaotic for the country >> to continue using the current IPv4 and the Government needs to >> address >> this problem urgently. "ISPs only need to upgrade their systems at no >> cost to consumers assuring room for more expression, choice, and >> opportunity. Consumers should not be charged because ISP equipment >> only need reconfiguration since most are already IPv6 compliant >> anyway." >> >> The ICAK chairman notes that the issue has been given the >> publicity and priority it deserves, yet it will be too expensive for >> the country to continue using IPv4 designed for the1977 Internet and >> acknowledges the Kenya Network Information Centre-KeNIC's leadership >> is best suited to ensure the smoothest transition to IPv6. >> >> Gakuru observes that with the worldwide increased connection of >> internet-enabled mobile devices, such as GSM and WiFi phones more >> hosts are making inroads into the internet each requiring an IP >> address in order to connect and thereby causing a faster depletion of >> IP addresses. >> >> An IP address is a unique number address that every computing >> device connected to the internet is assigned. IP addresses are >> used to >> route traffic on the internet and can be seen as the backbone of the >> internet. >> >> He explained that " the current IPv4 system can accommodate up >> to for billion IP addresses but with the current world population at >> six billion, then the internet cannot be for everyone. He says this >> upgrade should be prioritised. >> --ends--- -- KeNIC - The Kenya Network Information Center http://www.kenic.or.ke

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Eligible NGOs in Africa to apply
by Rebecca Wanjiku 22 Dec '07

22 Dec '07

Dear all -- Sorry for Spam - For those interested please apply directly - contacts are below The Africa-America Institute (AAI) is pleased to announce the next deadline for scholarship applications for the Transformational Leadership Program (TLP). AAI is partnering with The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation (TCCAF) on TLP to enhance capacity of professional management skills and leadership in Africa. Please feel free to share this scholarship opportunity with any interested and qualified individuals. This multiyear program offers both non-degree professional development and business degree training programs to African managers in Africa-based NGOs working in the fields of health, education, environment and entrepreneurship. The program involves three training providers with excellent track records in their respective fields: Emory University's Goizueta Business School (Atlanta, USA), The Aresty Institute of Executive Education at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, USA) and the United States International University ( Nairobi, Kenya). AAI invites the managers of eligible NGOs in Africa to apply for a TLP scholarship for a Master's of Business Administration (MBA) at the Goizueta Business School at Emory University in Atlanta, GA by January 21, 2008. Please download the following program and application information with which you can apply for a TLP scholarship to Goizueta Business School: TLP Scholarship Program Description TLP NGO Profile Form TLP Scholarship Application Packet Goizueta Business School MBA Program Details The general eligibility criteria are: Applicants must be residents of an African country. Applicants must have significant professional work experience (e.g. 5-15 years) working in NGOs. NGOs must be doing work in the critical areas of health, education, environment or entrepreneurship in Africa. NGOs must submit a current profile form to AAI for approval. Applicants must be proficient in English. Applicants must agree to return to their countries immediately upon completion of their training program and abide by the 2-year Home Residency requirement for US-based training, requiring them to remain in their home country for a period of two years after the completion of the program. Placement will be limited and we expect the application process to be competitive. Applicants should expect to receive a decision regarding their application within four weeks after the application deadline. For additional information you may contact: Tahnia Charles-Belle Program Officer, AHET Email: tcharlesbelle(a)aaionline.org Tel: +1 (212) 949-5666 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Africa-America Institute | 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1706 | New York, NY 10170 Tel: +1 (212) 949-5666 | Fax: +1 (212) 682-6174 | Email: aainy(a)aaionline.org | Web: www.aaionline.org The mission of The Africa-America is to promote enlightened engagement between Africa and America through education, training, and dialogue. If you are having trouble viewing this email, please click here or copy and past the following url into your web brower: http://www.aaionline.org/NewsAndEvents/174.aspx _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann -- Best Regards, Becky 254 720318925 beckyit.blogspot.com ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

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Convergence of views on access at international internet forum
by Wanjira, Alice Munyua 20 Dec '07

20 Dec '07

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE DISSEMINATION Convergence of views on access at international internet forum RIO DE JANEIRO, 14 November, 2007 The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) recognises that access is the single most important element in any attempt to put in place a governance of the internet. A broad range of suggestions for making access to the internet a reality for the five billion unconnected people were put forward by governments, industry and non-profits currently taking part in the second Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There seems to be a high degree of convergence of views on how to improve access. The growth of mobile telephony in developing countries has shown that the competitive model can deliver services to vulnerable populations, including the poor, says Willie Currie, manager of the policy programme at APC. Many groups attending the IGF in Rio agree that what is needed, is for the principles of competition to be consistently and evenly applied to all areas of the telecom sector. Access to international and terrestrial backbone infrastructure, they say, depends on this commitment. However, we need to recognise that there are contexts in which the competitive model falls short of delivering the internet, adds Currie. When market forces alone do not suffice, collaborative models are needed to extend access to under-served areas. Since a competitive model needs to coexist with a collaborative one for access to become a reality, APC advocates for incentives to be put in place. Instead of hindering, information and communication technology (ICT) policy should stimulate the participation of diverse network operators and providers in service delivery. Talking from the IGF venue in Brazil, APC insists that the timing for promoting ICTs as a development tool has never been more appropriate. This is particularly true at the level of rural and local access. For a universal, affordable and equitable access to materialise, ICT regulation and policy need to be integrated to local development strategies. APC privileges a multi-sector model where different types of infrastructures are bundled. When laying down roads, the government can install water pipes and lay electricity along with fibre-optic ICT cabling, illustrates Willie Currie. This approach, IGF participants noted, reduces costs of infrastructure and contributes to a more effective use of scarce development resources. The APC network has been involved in global, regional and national ICT policy processes since 2000, with a focus on human rights and social inclusion in the information society and on promoting digital inclusion. On the eve of the 2007 edition of the IGF, APC organised a one-day event on equitable access. For more information Frédéric Dubois, Information coordinator, frederic(a)apc.org +1 514 660 0664 http://rights.apc.org ======================================= APC Forum is a meeting place for the APC community - people and institutions who are or have been involved in collaboration with APC, and share the APC vision - a world in which all people have easy, equal and affordable access to the creative potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to improve their lives and create more democratic and egalitarian societies. _______________________________________________ apc.forum mailing list apc.forum(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/apc.

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ICT Opportunity alert: Will the true entrepreneurs stand up?
by Al Kags 20 Dec '07

20 Dec '07

In these heady political times in Kenya, it is perhaps not sensible to discuss issues surrounding development. But then another school of thought would have it that, there isn't a better time to discuss matters surrounding development than these heady political times – even at the risk of seeming to campaign for one candidate at the expense of another. Then there is the thought that the electioneering (who came up with that word?) period is a brief interlude in the journey of life that we must go through so we must not interrupt our thoughts on development because of political events. Having said that, I find myself unable to proceed without joining the rounds of applause that have been going round for the remarkable team that the Minister for information and communications, Hon. Mutahi Kagwe and his Permanent Secretary, Dr. Bitange Ndemo for being the first in the leadership of that ministry to make huge significant strides in the development of ICT in Kenya – right up to setting up the infrastructure (Kenya will fully be networked and connected with fibre connectivity by May 2009) and the framework for capacity building through the fairly young Kenya ICT Board. The Kenya ICT Board has been mandated to mainly market Kenya as an ICT destination and to build capacity for the country to be competitive as an ICT destination – and taking from the speed and work ethic of the minister and the PS, the board does not have the luxury of slow development. In fact, the word "rapid" appears more than once in the various documents that it must work with and its mission. Through support from the world bank and the central government, the Kenya ICT Board has a significant budget that it is going to use to build capacity in various areas including the digital inclusion program that is going to be carried out through the facilitation of entrepreneurs across the country to start digital villages – essentially glorified cyber cafés that will provide access to training and to government and other services through the internet. The digital villages program will see the board provide training, direct IT support, business support and even a revolving fund to ensure that entrepreneurs can start the digital villages and sustain it as a business long after the Transparency and Communications Infrastructure Project (TCIP) has come to a close – the money is finite, after all. The outsourcing industry has also seen some significant attention as a key component of the ICT sector because of its strategic take-outs in terms of employment and wealth creation in the ICT industry. Before the fibre connectivity kicks in, the Kenya ICT Board is empowered to provide bandwidth capacity support (jargon for a bandwidth subsidy) that will enable the outsourcing industry players to enjoy the comparatively lower bandwidth costs that they would, if fibre connectivity was already in place. The intention is that that support will spur growth. These two projects in particular come together in various ways. Of course, the most obvious is that singularly and together they provide a very strong opportunity for employment and wealth creation for many Kenyans across the board, in a fairly short time. But the potential benefit to the economy goes beyond that direct benefit. An easy way to illustrate this is with an example that I have heard Dr. Ndemo give a number of times and that makes a lot of sense. The key challenge to having justice done is the time it takes for cases to continue. One of the key contributing factors is the amount of operational work that a judge must do in order to record a case and therefore come to a fair judgement. A judge must write down in English all of the evidence that he or she will hear as he listens to the witness. Writing being what it is, the evidence is given for a long time, factoring the pauses that the judge needs to write down what he hears. That information must then be collated, synthesised and understood for a fair judgement to then be issued and they have to write that down as well. Multiply this by the number of cases pending in the backlog of the courts and you will understand the delay in getting justice. The perils of such a system we already have experienced with corruption and sloppiness being a necessity for convenience. How many times do innocent Kenyans plead guilty so that they can pay a fine and move on with their lives instead of having to remain along the corridors of the courts of years on a minor case? How many times have Kenyans chosen to give "Kitu Kidogo" to the clerk or the judge or someone to hasten their case – and while hastening it have the judgement placed in their favour? This is easily solved with the help of ICT. We could record the proceedings of the court, outsource an audio recording to a digital village that has the transcription facility, where the proceedings are transcribed to text and then sent back to the judge to make a ruling. Time becomes less of an issue and transparency and accountability then become strengthened. In fact, if you have such a facility, you can ask some firm questions about the delay of cases because of the effectiveness of it all. It is clear that the government and the Kenya ICT Board have the concepts right in terms creating the opportunities for wealth and employment creation. What must now be ignited is the private sector. The entrepreneur must seize the opportunity that is beginning to show itself and make the most of it. Sadly, so far, the developments in the ICT sector have largely had the attention of activists – even those who have their businesses. When else did you hear of entrepreneurs fervently asking the government to regulate them?

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Notice of Implementation Date for WHOIS National Laws Procedure -- Registrars please read]
by alice 19 Dec '07

19 Dec '07

Notice of Implementation Date for WHOIS National Laws Procedure 18 December 2007 * * Today ICANN is publishing a notice of implementation of the ICANN Procedure for Handling WHOIS Conflicts with Privacy Law. The procedure will be posted for 30 days, and implemented on 17 January 2008. The draft procedure was first posted for comment on 3 December 2006, see http://gnso.icann.org/issues/whois-privacy/whois_national_laws_procedure.htm <http://gnso.icann.org/issues/whois-privacy/whois_national_laws_procedure.htm>. ICANN sought input on the draft procedure from the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC). The procedure has been revised to incorporate advice from the GAC, and is available at http://gnso.icann.org/issues/whois-privacy/revised-draft-whois-procedure-18… [PDF, 29K]. New language has been inserted into Sections 1.4, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 of the procedure, based on input received from the GAC and from members of the ICANN Board in the Los Angeles meeting. The ICANN Board discussed the draft procedure during the public meeting of the Board on 2 November 2007 in Los Angeles, and noted that "the next step now would be for the staff to update their procedure in taking into account that advice [from the GAC]." The procedure describes how ICANN will respond to a situation where a registrar or registry indicates (and seeks to demonstrate) that it is legally prevented by local/national privacy laws or regulations from complying with the provisions of its ICANN contract regarding the collection, display and distribution of personal data via WHOIS. The procedure is for use by ICANN staff. While it includes possible actions for the affected gTLD registry or registrar, this procedure does not impose any new obligations on registries, registrars or third parties. It aims to inform gTLD registries, registrars and other parties of the steps to be taken when a possible conflict between other legal obligations and the ICANN contractual requirements regarding WHOIS is reported to ICANN. Since publication of the first draft procedure, ICANN staff has been applying the draft procedure in handling potential conflicts between WHOIS provisions and national laws to test its effectiveness. * Background* In December 2003, the Whois Task Force 2 of the GNSO recommended the development of a procedure to allow gTLD registry and registrars to demonstrate when they are prevented by local laws from fully complying with the provisions of ICANN contracts regarding personal data in Whois. In November 2005, the GNSO concluded a policy development process on establishing such a procedure. The policy includes 'well-developed advice on a procedure' created through: extensive solicitation of community comment, recommendation by the WHOIS Task Force, and approval by the GNSO Council. In May 2006, the ICANN Board adopted the policy and directed ICANN staff to develop and publicly document a conflicts procedure. The draft ICANN Procedure for Handling WHOIS Conflicts with Privacy Law (http://gnso.icann.org/issues/whois-privacy/whois_national_laws_procedure.htm) was published on 3 December 2006. ICANN sought input on the draft procedure from the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC). On 28 March 2007, the GAC published its Principles Regarding gTLD WHOIS Services (http://gac.icann.org/web/communiques/gac27com.pdf [PDF, 209K]). GAC Principle 3.2 states that "gTLD WHOIS services must comply with applicable national laws and regulations." The GAC Communique from 28 June 2007 (http://gac.icann.org/web/communiques/gac28com.pdf [PDF, 177K]) included specific reference to the draft procedure: "The GAC welcomes the opportunity to respond to the 'draft ICANN Procedure for Handling WHOIS Conflicts with Privacy Law.' Since this draft procedure was produced in December 2006, the GAC has prepared its 'Principles regarding gTLD WHOIS Services.' These principles provide the framework for dealing with potential conflicts. "We recognise the importance of effective conflict resolution mechanisms for the WHOIS regime, and we expect to see this as an integral part of the GNSO proposals for a future ICANN WHOIS regime. "We will provide formal advice on the conflict procedures based on the GAC WHOIS principles at the meeting in Los Angeles. The GAC recommends that the Board reviews the draft procedure in light of this substantive contribution. "In the interim, specific cases should be referred to the relevant national government for advice on the authority of the request for derogation from the ICANN gTLD WHOIS policy." The GAC Communique issued on 31 October 2007 in Los Angeles (http://gac.icann.org/web/communiques/gac29com.pdf [PDF, 73K]) noted that: "the GAC welcomes the opportunity to respond to the 'draft ICANN Procedure for Handling WHOIS Conflicts with National Privacy Laws.' Due to the complexity of this issue related to the diversity of national policies and procedures among GAC members the GAC does not believe a uniform process is workable and accordingly the interim solution from the GAC's San Juan communiqué should be the basis for resolving any potential conflict: . specific cases should be referred to the relevant national government for advice on the authority of the request for derogation from the ICANN gTLD WHOIS policy." On 2 November 2007, the ICANN Board noted that staff would update the procedure to incorporate GAC advice (http://losangeles2007.icann.org/files/losangeles/LA-BoardofDirectors(Part1)… <http://losangeles2007.icann.org/files/losangeles/LA-BoardofDirectors%28Part…>). The revision described in this notice reflects the input received since the publication of the draft procedure on 3 December 2006. _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Application Round for Fellowships for ICANN Paris Meeting 2008 OPne: Program makes sure global voices heard at ICANN¹s International Public Meetings
by alice 17 Dec '07

17 Dec '07

ICANN press release on fellowships for the Paris meeting: <http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-07dec07.htm>http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-07dec07.htm Application Round Opens for Paris Meeting Fellowships Program makes sure global voices heard at ICANN¹s International Public Meetings 7 December 2007 MARINA DEL REY, Calif. : The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers is putting out the call for fellowship program applications for its 32nd International Public Meeting to be held in Paris from 22-27 June 2008. "The fellowship program plays a key role in making sure that global voices are heard at the ICANN meeting and in our various public forums," said Theresa Swinehart, ICANN's Vice President, Global and Strategic Partnerships. The 23 fellows from 22 countries who played an active role at the Los Angeles meeting were chosen from 167 applications received. An additional 10 candidates chosen in this round were deferred to the New Delhi meeting in February. Of the fellows at the Los Angeles meeting, 10 had never attended an ICANN meeting before, and seven were alumni from the inaugural program in San Juan this past June. Priority is given to applicants who are current residents of developing and least developed nations and interested in participating in ICANN and its supporting organizations, such as the Governmental Advisory Committee, the Country Code Names Supporting Organization, and the Generic Names Supporting Organization. The fellowship will assist in covering airfare, hotel and a stipend. Recipients will be expected to actively participate in and contribute to ICANN processes. As always, registration for ICANN¹s meetings is free for anyone wanting to attend. Applications will be accepted from now until 1200 PDT ( UTC -7) on 11 January 2008. More information, as well as a link to the application for a fellowship, is available online at: <http://www.icann.org/fellowships/>http://www.icann.org/fellowships/ About ICANN: ICANN is responsible for the global coordination of the Internet's system of unique identifiers like domain names (like .org, .museum and country codes like .uk) and the addresses used in a variety of Internet protocols that help computers reach each other over the Internet. Careful management of these resources is vital to the Internet's operation, so ICANN's global stakeholders meet regularly to develop policies that ensure the Internet's ongoing security and stability. ICANN is an internationally organized, public benefit non-profit company. For more information please visit: <http://www.icann.org/>www.icann.org. Media Contacts: Jason Keenan Media Adviser, ICANN (USA) Ph: +1 310 382 4004 E: <mailto:jason.keenan@icann.org>jason.keenan(a)icann.org International: Andrew Robertson Edelman (London) Ph: +44 7921 588 770 E: <mailto:andrew.robertson@edelman.com>andrew.robertson(a)edelman.com

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Living with confusion – African operators find themselves pulled in new directions
by alice 17 Dec '07

17 Dec '07

From Balancing Act Living with confusion – African operators find themselves pulled in new directions Once it was simple. There was the Government incumbent and all the other operators were against it. Then the incumbents ceased to be the incumbents and some of the new mobile operators found themselves taking on that mantle. With new power comes new responsibilities. Or does it? Once it was all about voice. Now there’s all this fancy convergence talk and anything you can think of sending down a phone connection will be sent. Increasingly operators are being pulled in new directions. Russell Southwood looks at three issues that are tugging from the edges. Three news items this week touched on some of the things that are pulling operators into looking at where their company’s activities begin and end. The pull towards content provision: This week France Telecom signed a “multiyear agreement” with MGM to be allowed to offer the studio’s movies to its video-on-demand customers. According to the reports, Orange is counting on video-on-demand as a new source of income for its fixed line business as its calling revenues go down. Cote d’Ivoire Telecom became the next of Orange’s African subsidiaries to start rolling out its “livebox” product that offers voice, Internet and television. But all is not easy in the new world of telco as content provider. In Senegal, Orange had to reach a content agreement with the more-or-less monopoly supplier of French-language, satellite pay TV content. As a result, it has to peg the price of its offer to that of its satellite content provider. Mauritius Telecom, despite having 15,000 people sign up for its “livebox” service again found itself talking unsuccessfully to what will probably become its competitor about getting content. In this context, having a large parent company sign global content deals makes a great deal of sense. But what if you’re not part of a global company? How do you sort out content to stay in the game? Or do you simply say, we’ll sit out this one out and stick to what we know? Deals between Vodacom and DStv may be easy in the short-term on a reseller basis but when it goes beyond this, who ends up getting the lion’s share of the revenues? Content is beset with a whole new range of problems that no-one in the African telco business seems to have thought their way through. Rights holders like Hollywood are not known for their generosity and too many of the available rights are still being given on a monopoly or duopoly basis. The court battles in Senegal over whether a third TV channel had the right to show Prison Break illustrate how far the market still has to develop. The pull towards infrastructure: At least three African countries – Kenya, South Africa and Uganda – have Governments that are in the advanced stages of putting together public interest companies to roll out national fibre infrastructure. Although the mobile operators bandy about the size of sums they are going to invest in infrastructure, they haven’t really worked out whether as the new incumbents they should be building infrastructure or not. It is one thing for MTN and Vodacom to announce infrastructure build-outs in South Africa but are they really going to extend the same principle to all of the countries they operate in? Mmm…Maybe. MTN is certainly putting down fibre in Ghana in order to overcome the historic inadequacies of both the network it acquired and that provided by the incumbent Ghana Telecom. Nevertheless an exchange at a regulators meeting in West Africa exemplifies the problem. Two of the large mobile operators chains had representatives on a panel who were asked why were they not rolling out cross-border links, given their networks were almost touching each other in several countries. Their responses were almost identical: we don’t think there’s enough traffic to justify it and therefore it is the Government’s responsibility. Nobody had thought that the private sector might create its own “carriers’ carrier” to act as a trusted transit operator to solve this problem. However, if the private sector operators sit on the sidelines of this discussion, they can hardly complain when Government decides to take the initiative and start taking responsibility through public interest backbone companies. The international fibres which everyone has shouted long and hard for will be here in 2009 and without regional connectivity, their impact will be frittered way. So the private sector really has to find a way to “put up or shut up”. All of which makes even stranger the announcement by Namibia’s power utility Nampower that it has granted a large contract that will connect several different power grids in South Africa. The line will connect the electricity networks of Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mozambique and South Africa to create an alternative route for power imports and exports to and from neighbouring countries. Slipped rather quietly into the announcement was the fact that the transmission line would be fitted with a fibre-optical ground wire which will, apart from providing essential transmission communication, “expand NamPower's communication capacity”. Is any private sector company talking to Nampower about using this capacity or indeed increasing this available capacity for private operator’s voice and data traffic? Not as far as we know….So are operators interested in solving these problems either individually or together? Mmmm…That’s a bit difficult to tell. The pull towards energy provision: Recently MTN revealed the scale of money it was spending on generator fuel in Nigeria. Taken over a year, it was US$65 million. Try to imagine that if that is calculated on the basis of 5,000 base stations for one country, what the total cost looks like for all mobile operators across the continent. Unlike the pull towards infrastructure described above, this is straightforwardly a short-term, bottom-line issue. If the operators could find a way of using generators just for redundancy, then the amount paid in this direction would drop substantially. So what can the operators do? Well, there’s the high road and the low road. The low road is finding base station equipment that will not eat as much fuel. This week Vodafone Germany announced that it was the first operator to put in Ericsson’s new BTS that will make “an important contribution to cutting carbon-dioxide emissions” by lowering energy use. Compatible with all its base stations since 1995, it claims to save between 10-20 per cent of energy consumption “depending on the network traffic pattern.” During periods of low network traffic, the feature effectively puts those parts of the network that are not being used in standby mode - overcoming the traditional practice of having radio equipment continually turned on, which can result in energy being wasted. The high road is self-provisioning power transmission, either through an operator consortium JV or by one operator taking the initiative. The energy industry takes a long-time to respond to demand, sometimes as long as 10-15 years. So why not set up a small-scale power generation and transmission company that can address those base stations nearest to each other? Small-scale providers can generate power at scale: 40% of Holland’s energy needs come from small-scale providers. Then it is a case of delivering this power and possibly distributing it to a small number of other paying customers. Is it in the immortal words of Telkom SA’s new CEO Reuben September (talking about his mobile strategy) is it a case of “everything that is feasible is desirable”? Where do you draw the line in terms of what a company needs to be able to do in order to thrive? For without addressing these kinds pulls on company time and resources, all of Africa’s operators will continue to operate below their full potential. Balancing Act <http://lists.balancingact-africa.com/t/397/197296/123/0/>

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Candidates from Africa needed !!!
by Rebecca Wanjiku 15 Dec '07

15 Dec '07

This is a very lucrative appointment. please fwd your names Dear All, Africa is a region of interest for the Nom Com in 2008, as the ICANN Bylaws specify that there must be at least one director from each of the 5 ICANN regions. Njeri Rionge's term finishes in November 2008. And we have no representatives at the Generic Names Supporting Organisation. The website for the 2008 Nom Com (http://nomcom.icann.org) has complete information on the Statement of Interest and positions available for selection by the Committee. The Committee has also posted translations of the 2008 Nom Com flyer in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. Translations of the flyer into Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Swahili will also be posted in the near future. If you need specific information do not hesitate to email me directly. For all who have other lists, please send to people whom you think would be interested and thanks for doing that. cheers, ar 2008 ICANN Nominating Committee Issues Invitation for Statements of Interest in ICANN Leadership Positions 14 December 2007 ICANN's Nominating Committee invites Statements of Interest from the Internet community as it seeks qualified candidates to assist in ICANN's technical and policy coordination role. Interested individuals are invited to submit a Statement of Interest to this year's Committee for the following positions: Two members of the ICANN Board of Directors One member of the Council of the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) One member of the Council of the Country-Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO) Two members of the At Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) ICANN's Nominating Committee (Nom Com) is an independent committee tasked with selecting a majority of the members of ICANN's Board of Directors and other positions within ICANN's Supporting Organisations. ICANN is an internationally organised, public benefit, non-profit corporation dedicated to: preserving the operational security and stability of the Internet; promoting competition; achieving broad representation of global Internet communities; and supporting the development of policies appropriate to its mission through bottom-up, consensus-based processes. Individuals selected by the Nominating Committee will have a unique opportunity to work with accomplished colleagues from around the globe, address the Internet's intriguing technical coordination problems and policy development challenges with diverse functional, cultural, and geographic dimensions, and gain valuable insights and experience from working across boundaries of knowledge, responsibility and perspective. Those selected will gain the satisfaction of making a valuable public service contribution towards the continued function and evolution of an essential global resource. Considering the broad public interest, nominees will work to achieve the goals towards which ICANN is dedicated in order to facilitate the Internet's critically important societal functions. Current Board members who have been selected by the Nominating Committee include: Harald Tveit Alvastrand, Susan Crawford, Roberto Gaetano, Steven Goldstein, Dennis Jennings, Rajasekhar Ramaraj, Njeri Rionge, and Jean-Jacques Subrenat (see, http://www.icann.org/general/board.html) Statements of Interest for the positions described above can be submitted through nomcom2008(a)icann.org. More information regarding the Nominating Committee can be found at http://nomcom.icann.org . Applications will be considered confidentially and should be received by 15 April 2008 for full consideration. Selections will be announced before mid September 2008. Successful candidates will take up their positions following ICANN's Annual Meeting in November 2008. Questions or comments may be emailed to ICANN at nomcom2008(a)icann.org. Background: The Nominating Committee is designed to function independently from the ICANN Board, Supporting Organisations, and Advisory Committees. Nominating Committee members act only on behalf of the interests of the global Internet community and within the scope of the ICANN mission and responsibilities assigned to it by the ICANN Bylaws. Nominating Committee members contribute understanding of the broad interests of the Internet community as a whole, and knowledge and experience of specific Internet constituencies who have appointed them. The challenge for the Nominating Committee is to integrate these perspectives and derive consensus in its selections. Although appointed by Supporting Organisations and other ICANN entities, individual Nominating Committee members are not accountable to their appointing constituencies. Members are, of course, accountable for adherence to the ICANN Bylaws and for compliance with the rules and procedures established by the Nominating Committee. Successful candidates are not remunerated, although direct expenses incurred in the course of duty will be reimbursed. These positions may involve significant international travel, including personal presence at periodic ICANN meetings, as well as regular telephone and Internet communications. Recent ICANN Meetings have been held in New Zealand, Canada, Luxembourg, Argentina, South Africa, Morocco, Brazil, Portugal, Puerto Rico and the United States. Meetings during 2008 are scheduled for New Delhi, India, Paris, France, and a city in Africa to be announced. The diverse locations facilitate participation across the world's Internet community. _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann -- Best Regards, Becky 254 720318925 beckyit.blogspot.com ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

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Broadcasting Treaty: Council of Europe Picks Up Where WIPO Left Off
by Alex Gakuru 14 Dec '07

14 Dec '07

******************************************************************************************************** December 10, 2007. Broadcasting Treaty: Council of Europe Picks Up Where WIPO Left Off By Monika Ermert for Intellectual Property Watch The Council of Europe is deliberating on whether to negotiate a convention to protect broadcasters' signals against piracy and thereby take up the issue from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) where negotiations on a proposed broadcasting treaty came to a standstill earlier this year. The Councils decision to proceed depends on approval by its Committee of Ministers. The Council of Europe, based in Strasbourg, France, predated and includes the European Union. Link to the article: http://www.ip-watch.org/weblog/index.php?p=864 ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

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Fw: KICTANET COMPETENCE STATUS SURVERY RPT
by Rebecca Wanjiku 13 Dec '07

13 Dec '07

Here is the report prepared by the lead consultant during KICTANet's institutional assessment. kindly read it and forward your response. best regards, becky ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

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Re: [kictanet] NSIS website hacked?
by James Kagwe 11 Dec '07

11 Dec '07

A dig reveals this; ; <<>> DiG 9.3.2 <<>> nsis.go.ke any ;; global options: printcmd ;; Got answer: ;; ->>HEADER<<- opcode: QUERY, status: NOERROR, id: 76 ;; flags: qr rd ra; QUERY: 1, ANSWER: 5, AUTHORITY: 2, ADDITIONAL: 5 ;; QUESTION SECTION: ;nsis.go.ke. IN ANY ;; ANSWER SECTION: nsis.go.ke. 38172 IN MX 10 mta.wananchi.com. nsis.go.ke. 38172 IN MX 20 mail.wananchi.com. nsis.go.ke. 29891 IN A 62.8.88.6 nsis.go.ke. 17830 IN NS dns2.wananchi.com. nsis.go.ke. 17830 IN NS dns1.wananchi.com. ;; AUTHORITY SECTION: nsis.go.ke. 17830 IN NS dns2.wananchi.com. nsis.go.ke. 17830 IN NS dns1.wananchi.com. ;; ADDITIONAL SECTION: mta.wananchi.com. 63997 IN A 62.8.88.64 mta.wananchi.com. 63997 IN A 62.8.88.63 mail.wananchi.com. 63574 IN A 62.8.88.102 dns1.wananchi.com. 64894 IN A 62.8.64.5 dns2.wananchi.com. 65700 IN A 196.200.36.3 ;; Query time: 15 msec ;; SERVER: 196.200.16.2#53(196.200.16.2) ;; WHEN: Tue Dec 11 17:22:50 2007 ;; MSG SIZE rcvd: 243 A ping reveals this; C:\Dig>ping www.nsis.go.ke Pinging www.nsis.go.ke [62.8.88.6] with 32 bytes of data: Reply from 62.8.88.6: bytes=32 time=50ms TTL=54 Reply from 62.8.88.6: bytes=32 time=31ms TTL=54 Reply from 62.8.88.6: bytes=32 time=29ms TTL=54 Reply from 62.8.88.6: bytes=32 time=36ms TTL=54 Ping statistics for 62.8.88.6: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss), Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds: Minimum = 29ms, Maximum = 50ms, Average = 36ms Wananchi are the victims -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+jkagwe=kippra.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+jkagwe=kippra.or.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Odhiambo Washington Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 4:18 PM To: James Kagwe Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] NSIS website hacked? On Dec 11, 2007 3:19 PM, John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > For those who may not know NSIS stands for National > Security Intelligence Service, the Kenyan equivalent of the > American CIA, Russian KGB, Israeli Mossad and the British > M15 get the drift? > > Now these chaps website seems to have been hacked and > defaced. Check out... > > http://www.nsis.go.ke/ > > and please tell me am wrong. You are right, it's been "cracked". However it's hosted by third party, if you look at DNS records, and this can always happen when a server admin installs on a server stuff they don't quite understand, or even plays with a sensitive configuration without thinking much about it. Hey, Walu, it's just the website, the content of which is for public consumption (and public defacing whenever possible to prove a point). -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ "Oh My God! They killed init! You Bastards!" --from a /. post _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: jkagwe(a)kippra.or.ke Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jkagwe%40kippra.or. ke

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Technology SMEs
by Dorcas Muthoni 11 Dec '07

11 Dec '07

You may have heard of the action taken by the Copyright board on software piracy in cyber cafe businesses. This article on Business Daily: http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4522&Item… captures it. We all acknowledge the role of cyber cafe businesses in driving Internet penetration. When small and medium enterprises business owners take decisions to start the Internet shops, they are basically supporting what we all want to see; an e-Kenya. Picking from a recent post on the list regarding the challenges being faced by local computer assembly firms, there is truly an issue with regard to the sustainability of Technology SMEs. These local firms have enabled many Kenyans have affordable computers/clones and Internet access respectively. On average, a cyber cafe with 30 computers requires up to about KES. 1.8million to have genuine copies commodity software frequently used by their customers. Open Source is an approach that can make these commodity software affordable and available to such SME businesses in a way that satisfies customers effectively. We all need to support local technology SMEs because they are really a driver for the this industry. OPENWORLD (www.openworld.co.ke) will conduct an Open Source workshop at the Grand Regency Hotel on, Friday, 14th December 2007 starting 9.00am. The purpose of the workshop is to inform Cyber Café Owners and Operators on how they can benefit from Open Source Software in order to sustain their businesses. It will be interesting to hear from others how we can support technology SMEs since they are a key driver in the growth of the industry. -- Muthoni My Blog: http://rugongo.blogspot.com/ -------------------------------------------- Mahatma Gandhi once said:- First they ignore you, Then they laugh at you, Then they fight you, AND THEN YOU WIN!!!

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Re: [kictanet] Faith in local web hosting
by robert yawe 11 Dec '07

11 Dec '07

Hi Brian, As you rightfully indicate in your post you are coming in late on this discussion, this is the problem with a mailing list unlike a blog or forum the history of a discussion is not maintained. Thus just to get us on the same page your arguments are actually in support of my position, which is that we need to develop local content and hosting capacity as well are reliable country wide connectivity before the arrival of the fiber optic marine cable. The road analogy was to explain my point that the cable is a highway which needs to arrive when we have already created linkages to the rest of the country and not what we seem to be doing which is waiting for the marine cable as the panaceas to all our slow internet issues. You do bring an interested issue in your point on the objective of the roads as a means to cart off our resources, could the fiber optic cable be a modern approach to the same? Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: brian <brian(a)caret.net> To: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>; info(a)mediacorp.co.ke Sent: Tuesday, 11 December, 2007 1:44:53 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Faith in local web hosting I am coming late to this debate .... more follows: On Wed, 5 Dec 2007 06:03:46 +0000 (GMT), robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > > Your analogy of a Road from Mwea to Kericho is an interesting one, if you > have noticed all roads have led to Nairobi for many years it is only after > those satellite locations have grown sufficient traffic through Nairobi > that we have developed direct linkages. A case in point is the road > connecting from Machakos to Thika, Kitengela to Rongai, and the now being > constructed Njambini Road. > > Why didn't we develop this roads at independence? I differ strongly on this. Most roads in Africa were built to support the largely extractive industrial practices of colonial masters and the post-independence regimes which turned a blind eye to the economic pillage of our countries. Most of these roads are what we continue to re-carpet, repair and depend on for our basic transport. Same applies to telecommunications and other major infrastructure. Any new infrastructure in an African country, be it a road, an airline route or an optic fibre cable needs to be thought out from a fresh standpoint and a mindset that leans towards building internal capacity or providing the platform/environment/atmosphere for local/internal capacity to be built. I have elaborated on this in an AfrISPA position paper - "One Voice - A VOIP Position Paper" while Mucheru has highlighted the market structure and regulatory regimes to support African country's emergent and blossoming ICT sectors in another AfrISPA position paper entitled "The Rules of Engagement" Copies of these papers can be availed freely upon request. Mblayo ___________________________________________________________ Support the World Aids Awareness campaign this month with Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/

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Re: [kictanet] Faith in local web hosting
by robert yawe 11 Dec '07

11 Dec '07

Dear Mr. Mucheru, I hear you but we are missing out on a vital point, never go to the negotiating table from a position of weakness. What is the likelihood of getting a mortgage from the bank if you have no savings, no job and no business? As I have said before, the fiber is going to land whether I like it or not, but that does not stop me from airing my views. You raise the issue of India have you looked at how much local content they have and their utilisation of local connectivity? If you follow the issue of India closely you will note that they first developed local capacity. India used the so called slow satellite connections to reach the outside world and because of the capacity they had developed the locally Microsoft, Motorola and other large American companies saw the need to increase the speed of connectivity to India. Safaricom should be a case in point for us, how many minutes of International calls do you think is the contribution to their 17 Billion profit. Imagine if they had setup shop & concentrated their efforts on International calling where would they be today? Your analogy of a Road from Mwea to Kericho is an interesting one, if you have noticed all roads have led to Nairobi for many years it is only after those satellite locations have grown sufficient traffic through Nairobi that we have developed direct linkages. A case in point is the road connecting from Machakos to Thika, Kitengela to Rongai, and the now being constructed Njambini Road. Why didn't we develop this roads at independence? What most of you are suggesting is that we put up a Kes. 500,000/- toilet with jacuzzi for a one roomed iron sheet house in Kibera so that the occupant can enjoy themselves for 20 minutes every day. Instead of us continuing to discus the pros and cons of landing the fiber in 2009, lets concentrate our efforts, skills and resources in preparing for its arrival. I do not pretend to have all the answers but together I believe we can better prepare this country for the marine cable than the West African countries did. PS. KAY System designs and implements appropriate local and wide area networks and we are currently working on an online payment system that will make e-commerce a reality to the majority of Kenyans. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: Joseph Mucheru <jmucheru(a)google.com> To: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>; info(a)mediacorp.co.ke Sent: Friday, 30 November, 2007 5:15:20 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Faith in local web hosting Robert, I trust this email finds you well. Some important facts I, we are not alone, and neither is Kenya. We need to as a country remain competitive and further more we need to do so efficiently and quickly. Right now our competition in the digital is from all corners of the globe. As we speak bandwidth costs in Kenya are on average US$6,000 per MB while the same bandwidth costs US$ 400 in India, they are able to transact faster and further more hae the ability to have many other services on the same cable compared to our satellite only capacity. We need a highway to the rest of the world for two reason, one is a significant part of our economy is connected to the outside world, be it tourism, importation of medicines, education etc... We cannot ignore that part of the equation. This does not mean we ignore the local needs, the PS took time to outline the current projects gong on to provide national fiber connectivity and he further outlined the time lines for it's deployment. I simple way to look at this is even from a local perspective. We have the various towns in the country each with differing comparative advantages. For example, you get tea from Kericho, rice from mwea etc. It would be very unwise to say that Kericho does not need a road to Mwea because it has not completed building it's own local streets, or Mwea does not need a road or communication to other towns or regions. Kenya has it's own comparative advantages and so do other countries. We need to ensure we have as good if not better linkages the rest of the world not only for the world to access Kenya, but also for Kenya to access the world. I am very sure none of this new to you and it would be a big shame to pour cold water on a project that will be life changing for all of us. For instance, I will have better access to my sisters abroad, I will be able to do Video conferencing with them at an affordable rate. I will be able to watch the International stock markets and other financial markets in the same way. The fact I can do it today with Analogue (Marram road) does not mean Tarmac is bad and should be ignored. By the way Robert what is primary business of KAY System Technologies Ltd Joe Mucheru On Nov 30, 2007 5:33 AM, robert yawe < robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: Kagai, Like all the rest we are misplacing the importance of the marine cable and it is unfortunate that Dr. Ndemo is also unable to provide us with the logical reason for why we need to land this fiber cable. Your issue of digital TV has nothing to do with whether we have the marine cable or not as our transmission is local and thus what we need is a fiber network within the country. I have been listening to that story of digital TV being echoed by many a so called IT gurus. All that the fiber will do is create so much competition for our local stations before they have enough time to adopt or recoup their investments which will result in massive layoffs. If we can negotiate for the delay in opening our markets to sugar maybe we need the same team to look at the pros and cons of the fiber cable landing. Note that the signal sent out by MNet and other satellite channels is digital yet I can watch it on my Greatwall TV which is as analogue as you can get, even come 2010 all that will happen is that set top boxes will be so cheap that there will be no need to replace our TV's. Alternatively look behind your DVD player and tell me how many analogue and digital inputs you have? Just for information purposes do you know that Telkom Kenya has fiber optic cable laid to most high rise building in the city but only 2 or so locations have actually had the fiber terminated onto equipment? I ask anyone to challenge me on this point this includes Eng. Waweru and Mr. Kirui all of who have been party to this wasteful actions. We are being totally wasteful with our resources what makes us think that the landing of the fiber optic cable will change our habits. Kagai, I ask again why do we need to land the fiber optic cable and how will it change your life, leave alone mine? Have an analogue weekend Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: Bill Kagai <billkagai(a)gmail.com> To: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Cc: info(a)mediacorp.co.ke; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thursday, 29 November, 2007 10:19:51 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Faith in local web hosting On Nov 28, 2007 8:24 AM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > End user ---> Telkom ---> ISP ---> KDN --> ISP --> Telkom --> end user > > Do the math Yawe, you probably need to look at this cable beyond internet. The kind of technology we use today for broadcasting TV is being phased out in Europe by August 2008. TV is now being broadcast on cable or ADSL specifically for beyond quality purposes. You need to ensure that commercial components reach the right people. For instance, that is why CNBC opted to pull out its channel from DSTV bouquet to local stations like KBC with a wider reach. 'Measurement of reach' is capable through adsl/cable connected to the international fibre network. ADSL via optic fibre reinforces the copper that we are not about to do away with anyway in the near future. Copper is not obsolete yet. Optic fibre allows u freeview channels where internet becomes secondary to primary data and voice transmission...and most of all...things we have learned to leave with..such as attenuation distortion...become an old way of life for us in the Africa north of the limpopo but south of of the sahara. Another way of looking at it...when they tell you that computers are down in a bank..most of the times they mean the link to the server is unsteady since they need to ensure that you don't withdraw twice or thrice on the same transaction..satellite does not give you redundancy [read back-up] channels as cable would. With cable, you are able to re-wind live tv instead of having a local disk imersed in your decorder...thanks to the cable. In essence, if u look at the submarine cable minus the copper telephone system and electricity grid then u will not see much. If u look at it in terms of how it adds value to the existing infrastructure, then you will see...how significant albeit small....the hole the international link plus the terrestrial cable needs to fill to sort out our big problems. Bill... Support the World Aids Awareness campaign this month with Yahoo! for Good _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: mucheru(a)google.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mucheru%40google.com -- Joe Mucheru Office Lead, East Africa Google Kenya 7th Floor, Purshottam Place Westlands Road P O Box 66217 - 00800 Westlands Nairobi, KENYA +254 20 360 1701 Office +254 20 360 1100 Fax +254 20 360 1000 Switch Board (Regus) +254 722522135 Mobile http://www.google.com This email may be confidential or privileged. If you received this communication by mistake, please don't forward it to anyone else, please erase all copies and attachments, and please let me know that it went to the wrong person. Thanks. ___________________________________________________________ Support the World Aids Awareness campaign this month with Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/

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Re: [kictanet] Projections
by robert yawe 11 Dec '07

11 Dec '07

Dr. Ndemo, It is interesting what you have said about how the Koreans used their high speed links initially for pornography, my take would then be why don't we concentrate on providing local pornographic content so that we can get more people online. This will allow us to exist this unproductive use of bandwidth so that we will have higher utilisation of the fiber when it lands. I know the concept here is that the reasons for the initial uptake of a technology is not necessarily what it was designed to do. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: "bitange(a)jambo.co.ke" <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thursday, 6 December, 2007 1:03:44 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Projections Dear Walubengo, Studies have shown that if you constantly think that you will fail, indeed you fail eventually. I gather that you have already decided to be too pessimistic about the future of ICTs in this country. When the Koreans built their broadband networks, virtually all men were into pornography. After overcoming the spiteful start, they have built wonderful local content and search engines that rival google. You can now project how we shall use the ICTs to remove poverty from our midst. Regards Ndemo. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.… ___________________________________________________________ Support the World Aids Awareness campaign this month with Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/

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Computer parts and peripherals
by Nieri, Diana MainaX 10 Dec '07

10 Dec '07

Hi all, Please check out today's story from PS. Dr. Ndemo on taxes on computer components http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4777&I temid=5847 <http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4777& Itemid=5847> Computer parts and peripherals attract Import Duty and VAT whereas fully assembled systems imported from outside the country attract neither Duty nor VAT .This move has affected Locally assembled Systems adversely, as the very components used in integrating these systems now attracts VAT and Duty thus making them not competitive with International brands. We need to support our own local people to ensure faster access of affordable computers Regards Diana Maina --------------------------------------------------------------------- Branch office of Intel South Africa Corporation 2nd Floor, South Wing, Building 14, The Woodlands Western Service Road, Woodmead, 2148 Johannesburg, South Africa The above is a branch office of: Intel South Africa Corporation A Corporation registered in Delaware, USA Registered Office: 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, USA Registered No: 2501764 This e-mail and any attachments may contain confidential material for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). Any review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and delete all copies.

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latest domain name brief attached DEC 07]
by alice 07 Dec '07

07 Dec '07

Dear all Domain name industry brief by Verisign attached. best alice _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Re: [kictanet] Fibre Optic & Cyber Security, March 2009
by Pauline Muthigani 07 Dec '07

07 Dec '07

Walu, True, Kenya and the whole region have become the preferred destination for executing cyber crimes . Top on the agenda for the ICT fraternity, and the board should be to see to it that the e-legislation bill is passed and enacted much sooner than 2009. My experience with ICT investors especially in eCommerce and eBusiness, confirms that unless the Cyber Security issues are dealt with( investigations and prosecutions etc), Broadband or no Broadband , Kenya still is not a competitive destination as we would wish her to be.Even for the really great digital village initiatives, the risk is high there..I hope the owners are being made aware. What we need is a 'conducive environment and security assured infrastructure' the rest will fit in. The Dubai model is worth borrowing a leaf from. First things first. rgds, Pauline > Security is going to be a mega-issue once the submarine > fiber lands in Mombasa. At the moment Kenya is spared the > full-scale exposure from international cyber crooks simply > because our slow satellite links don't lend themselves to > modern tools of cyber-attacks. > > Here is my macro-projection of what will occur on the > internet-security landscape in March 2009 or thereabout > when the submarine cable is launched. > > 1. Continued delay of national and regional legislation > makes Kenya and E.Africa a safe-haven for cyber-crooks. > > {following the delayed debate and enactment of the > pre-requisite Cyber-legislations (e-Transaction Act, > Cyber-crime Act, Data-protection Act, etc) Kenya has become > the preferred destination for executing cyber crimes and > getting away with it. The crooks are taking advantage of > the lack of legislation as well as the incapacity for the > authorities to investigate, collect, preserve digital > evidence as well as prosecute cyber-crime. > > The newly launched submarine cables seem to have provided a > conducive superhighway for the crooks to deploy there tools > from the comfort of their Chinese, Eastern Europe and other > territories. The Kenya Government seems to have been > caught off-guard and the Internal Security Minister could > not be reached for comment because he was holed up in a > crisis-meeting....} > > 2. Local domains hosting critical national infrastructure > get hit (Banking, KRA, Immigration, Medical Data) > > {....In particular, the successful deployment of > eGovernment initiatives such as KRA, KPA, Banking, Medical > and other data have become a soft-target for the criminals. > They

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Re: [kictanet] kictanet Digest, Vol 5, Issue 22
by A.K. Mahan 07 Dec '07

07 Dec '07

Dear all, I am new to this list and have been lurking. In addition to the Latin American and Caribbean study noted by Alice, the World Dialogue on Regulation also conducted a similar survey of Africa in 2003 - for which the Kenyan regulatory website was observed to be a best practice website. http://www.regulateonline.org/content/view/213/65/ As mentioned by Alice, there is a Consumer Center on the CCK website - which is an extremely useful feature. In addition to what kind of information is made available, we also need to think about how it is organised and presented. At the CCK site, the information on the Consumer Center page seems overly formal. The tone and language of that section could be a bit more user friendly with examples of complaints and the kind of documentation that would be required. For example, I bought a prepaid card last month that was supposed to have 20 minutes of time on it. And after carefully monitoring my time so that I have enough for two months, more than 30 days after I bought the card I find out that I could only make 15 minutes of calls. What do I do? Your site tells me that I have to exhaust all possibilities with the provider. Is that the person I bought the card from? If I call the number on the card and they take the complaint but say they can't help me, can I complain to the regulator? Or, I have subscribed to a broadband (yeah!!) service. But from noon until about 6pm it is really slow. I've called my service provider, but they say everything is fine. Can I measure this? How do I show it is too slow for what I am paying? Some websites post the complaints that are being reviewed by the regulator; other websites post yearly consumer complaint indicators. Also, an online feature to submit questions could be useful. In a recent study of the Uruguayan regulator, we found that attention to consumer affairs was lacking on all levels (by the regulators, consumers and the private sector) simply because there is no historical tradition of a consumer movement in the country. One of the reports recommendations was for the regulator to work with the local consumer advocacy groups to strengthen them and make them a better resource for consumers. Developing a strong relationship with the consumer advocacy groups would also serve to lessen the burden on regulators in terms of improving communication and disseminating information to consumers via these groups. Thanks for the great discussion thus far. Very useful. - Amy Mahan _______________________________________________ Amy Mahan, LIRNE.NET Coordinator Montevideo, Uruguay www.lirne.net www.regulateonline.org ________________________________________________ > The CCK recently unveiled the CCK service chatter that sets public > expectations Re: dealing with the Commission and its staff > interchangeably called the "The Customer Service Charter " it outlines > rights and responsibilities and the procedure to follow if CCK service > standards are not met. available at www.cck.go.ke > > Then there is a consumer center on the website, which includes some > useful links e.g how to make a complaint, what you need to know about > telecoms services, but is this enough? > I think the following benchmarks > (http://www.regulateonline.org/content/view/354/69/ ) for Latin American > and Caribbean Regulatory Authority Websites are rather useful > > best > alice > > above comments are personal and do not reflect any position of the organizations I am affiliated with > > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > >

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Kenyans executing Identy Theft in the US!
by John Walubengo 07 Dec '07

07 Dec '07

Looks like the internet security challenge is already being practiced by Kenyans in the diaspora... check this out... Two Convergys employees arrested on ID fraud charges DAILY HERALD Two Convergys employees were arrested and charged with ordering thousands of dollars worth of cell phones and accessories using the identities of AT&T customers. Kechi Ezem, 24, of Provo, was arrested Tuesday and charged with one count each of identity fraud and theft, and 24-year-old Philista Oniango, of Orem, was arrested Wednesday and charged with one count each of theft and identity theft. Oniango is also being held at the Utah County Jail on an immigration hold. Both women are employees of Convergys, which handles calls for AT&T. According to court documents, Orem police went to Convergys after AT&T learned that a cell phone billed to one of its customers had been ordered by Ezem. Ezem told police that Oniango had her computer password, and a search of company records showed that she had confirmed the order of more than $50,000 worth of phones and accessories using AT&T customer accounts, court documents said. Most of the phones were sent to Oniango's home in Orem. the story continues at http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/245669/ walu. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

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nGOmobile competition
by alice 06 Dec '07

06 Dec '07

Hi All this may be interesting for some.... best alice -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [Apc.africa] nGOmobile competition Date: Thu, 6 Dec 2007 11:25:24 +0000 From: Abi Jagun <abi(a)apc.org> Reply-To: APC Africa list <apc.africa(a)lists.apc.org> To: apc.africa(a)lists.apc.org Dear APC Africa members and Team (Please see http://www.ngomobile.org/ for more information.) I recently came across this website and announcement and thought it might be of interest to those organisations interested in using mobile phones in their work. "nGOmobile is a text message-based competition aimed exclusively and unashamedly at grassroots non-profit organisations working for positive social and environmental change throughout the developing world ... The competition wants to encourage NGOs to think more about how mobile technology could be applied in their work ... NGOs from developing countries are invited to submit a short proposal outlining how text messaging could make their job easier ... What we are looking for is impact - a clear indication that winning an amazing prize, and gaining access to mobile technology, would revolutionise your work and turn mission impossible into mission accomplished." The prize includes the following: A brand new HP Pavilion laptop computer - To help you run your messaging campaign from anywhere you choose A GSM modem - Send messages through the mobile network without the need for the Internet Office software - Word processing, spreadsheets, email - everything to help you run your project more efficiently A top-of-the-range Nokia mobile phone (or two) - A couple of cool Nokia phones to help you take photos and videos (and talk!) FrontlineSMS - Software to run your text-messaging campaign. A little cash - One thousand dollars to help get your new project off to the best possible start! There will be FOUR winners and the deadline for proposals is 14th December. Please see http://www.ngomobile.org/ for more information. _______________________________________________ Apc.africa mailing list Apc.africa(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/apc.africa

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An ITWeb article from pauline@nordic.co.ke
by pauline＠nordic.co.ke 06 Dec '07

06 Dec '07

This article has been sent to you from pauline(a)nordic.co.ke as a courtesy of ITWeb. Comment: Too expensive!! Nigeria blacklists Siemens Nigeria has revoked its last contract with Siemens and suspended dealings with the industrial group pending a probe into allegations it gave 10 million euros ($14.6 million) in bribes, the government said yesterday.A German court fined Siemens 201 million euros on 4 October for bribes paid to Nigerian, Russian and Libyan officials by a former manager of one of the group's telecoms equipment units.Details were not made public at the time, but the Wall Street Journal reported details of the Munich court ruling last month. It said five Nigerian former ministers and senior officials were involved.President Umaru Yar'Adua, who took office on 29 May on pledges of zero tolerance for corruption, said he had ordered security agencies to investigate and take appropriate action.Information and communications minister John Odey said the government decided to cancel the 128.4 million naira ($1.08 million) contract for the supply of circuit breakers and other power generation accessories, as a first step towards blacklisting Siemens."Council today cancelled the contract bid won by Siemens Nigeria because of the current investigation against the company relating to corrupt practices," Odey told reporters after a Cabinet meeting in the capital Abuja."Government will not have any dealings with Siemens Nigeria in terms of contracts until the investigation is concluded and the company is exonerated or otherwise," Odey said.Several of the ex-ministers and top officials named in the German court ruling have denied they took bribes. The company has said it accepts the German court's judgment.The ruling, according to details reported by the Wall Street Journal, focuses on bribes paid between 2001 and 2004, ranging from 2 000 euros to 2.25 million euros, given to senior government officials in Nigeria, Libya and Russia. About 10 million euros went to the Nigerians, it said.The newspaper said Siemens sold telecoms equipment in Nigeria, but the ruling did not specify what contracts Siemens was seeking. It also did not say what, if anything, the recipients of Siemens' money did in exchange for it.Yar'Adua's anti-graft posture in one of the world's most corrupt countries has been undermined by a series of scandals.The speaker of the House of Representatives was forced to step down after being found to have improperly awarded contracts worth $5 million for the renovation of her official residence and that of her deputy.Anti-corruption police have charged five ex-state governors with embezzlement and have said they are investigating several others, though there has been no conviction. Posted: 12/6/2007 10:46:27 AM --------------------------------------------------- ITWeb - First with IT news. Every day. For more topical IT industry news, views and analysis, visit us at http://www.itweb.co.za ---------------------------------------------------

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The day your Phone-Number becomes a web address]
by alice 06 Dec '07

06 Dec '07

The day your Phone-Number becomes a web address (http://area.phone.num.com/) the reality will hit home. Neustar enum: http://www.enum.org/index.html?CFID=428983&CFTOKEN=13613274 Personal devices: ipods, psp, cell phone, pvp, pda whatever your plugged into, will innerconnect to the internet. You'll be your own little Utility Co. Yep that day is coming. Neustar: http://www.neustarultraservices.biz/ TWM Solicitors Selects NeuStars Managed Internal DNS Service: http://www.neustarultraservices.biz/news_events/articles/070810.html Demo: http://www.neustarultraservices.biz/technology/portal.html NeuStar National Pooling Website: http://www.nationalpooling.com/ NeuStar extends UltraDNS Network Infrastructure to Australia and China: http://www.domainnews.com/general/2007112805/neustar-extends-ultradns-netwo… nfrastructure-to-australia-and-china/ -- ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: governance(a)lists.cpsr.org To be removed from the list, send any message to: governance-unsubscribe(a)lists.cpsr.org For all list information and functions, see: http://lists.cpsr.org/lists/info/governance _______________________________________________ secretariat mailing list secretariat(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/secretariat This message was sent to: alice(a)apc.org Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/secretariat/alice%40apc.org

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Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Nii Quaynor receives the prestigious Jon Postel Award
by Eric Osiakwan 06 Dec '07

06 Dec '07

Dr. Nii Narku Quaynor has laboured as a General in the ICT Army in Africa over two decades providing leadership, vision, foresight, strength and the best of field commandship - in his own words, "a strike against techno-colonialism. A lot of us have learnt from his fortitude, tenacity and sense of commitment to cause that sometimes is not as well recognised but yet the only hope for generations to come. Nii'a efforts has resulted in great strides not only in the technical community but in the other disciplines and stakeholder manifestations across board. It is important to underscore his great work as one of the pioneers also of the building of institutions for the knowledge economy in Africa of which AfriNIC is a classical example of great gain. Not to talk about his building of systems, people, spaces and opportunity. Please join me in congratulating a five star General, Nii which means in our local dialect, Chief..... Eric here Begin forwarded message: > From: "Dawit Bekele" <bekele(a)isoc.org> > Date: 6 December 2007 05:09:37 GMT+03:00 > To: <africann(a)afrinic.net> > Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] Nii Quaynor receives the prestigious > Jon Postel Award > Reply-To: bekele(a)isoc.org, africann(a)afrinic.net > > Hi all, > > > > I am happy to announce to you that, today, this year’s prestigious > Jon Postel award has been awarded to Nii Quaynor. Lynn St.Amour, > CEO and President of ISOC handed the presentation crystal of the > award to Nii Quaynor at the IETF meeting in Vancouver, where more > than 1,000 participants were present. > > > > You all know how much Nii has contributed for the development of > Internet in Africa, which is why we are all happy that he has be > given this award that he fully deserves. > > > > To know more about the Jon Postel award please see http:// > www.isoc.org/awards/. > > > > Best regards, > > > > > > Dawit Bekele > > Manager, African Regional Bureau > > Internet Society (ISOC) > > bekele(a)isoc.org > > Tel: +251 911 22 13 33 > > > > > Internal Virus Database is out-of-date. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.14.11/1084 - Release Date: > 10/21/2007 3:09 PM > > _______________________________________________ > AfrICANN mailing list > AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net > https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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Tell me the future
by alice 05 Dec '07

05 Dec '07

Dear all Very interesting reads below re; the internet. And yes yes again fiber/infrastructure is critical to increase penetration, access etc best alice > > > http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2007/dec/03/mondaymediasection.internet > > > Tell me the future > > We asked the godfather of the net to tell us where the technology will > take us. He emailed his address book > > * The Guardian <http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian> > * Monday December 3 2007 > > When we asked Vint Cerf, chief evangelist at Google, to guest edit > MediaGuardian, we expected him to bring us some luminaries of the web > who we don't often get to hear from. His choices transform an > often-asked question ("what's the future?"), into an insight into the > thinking of innovators and pioneers. It's no coincidence that three of > them are founders of some of the biggest web names. > > Their specialist fields (from search, to advertising, video streaming > to social networking) represent what Cerf believes to be the most > exciting areas of development on the web and in the world; notably > Steven Huter and Adiel Akplogan, who have pioneered the internet > infrastructure in Africa. > > Finally, each one has had, and will continue to have, a profound > impact on the future of media. > > *Developing world* > *Steven Huter and Adiel Akplogan* > *Research associate, University of Oregon Network Startup Resource > Center; CEO, Regional Registry for Internet Number Resources for Africa* > The first full internet connection to the African continent was > established in Tunisia in October 1991. Over the next 15 years, the > transition from store-and-forward email networks to full internet > connectivity in capital cities all over Africa progressed steadily, > with Eritrea being the last to join the global internet in November 2000. > > While most of the continent's internet connections are via satellite > today, the transition to fibre over the next five years will take off > as one or more of the undersea cables currently competing to service > eastern and southern Africa become operational. However, penetration > to rural communities will continue to be limited due to the lack of > infrastructure, and the cost of a personal computer is typically more > than what the average person in a village can afford. > > Consumer broadband services via DSL are becoming available in an > increasing number of countries; however, service costs depend greatly > on the pervasiveness and reliability of local infrastructure. Wireless > solutions will continue to evolve as the dominant service for "last > kilometre" access due to the lack of local infrastructure. Given that > national scale fibre build-outs are not a major focus of the five-year > budget plans for most governments, most service providers will > continue to deploy a combination of wireless and leased line > infrastructure from telecommunications companies for providing > internet access. Overall progress will occur, but realistically, the > limited or unavailable national infrastructure (power and fibre) will > make it difficult to attain economies of scale, which will limit > pan-African internet development between now and 2012. > > The explosion in mobile telephony that has turned Africa into the > fastest-growing market in the world, at more than twice the > international average growth in subscriber numbers, will continue to > drive locally-fuelled innovations. A number of SMS and voice-enabled > applications are already in use in numerous African markets, providing > financial, agricultural, health, and other information services. > Network services via mobile devices will accelerate as mobile > operators upgrade infrastructure, and cheaper and more sophisticated > handsets lower the bar for innovation. > > The rise of a youthful, entrepreneurial and well-educated vanguard of > Africans will lead this overhaul of the continent's communications > services. Countries that are embracing information technology today > and harnessing the power of wireless networks, mobile telephony and > low-cost technology for the end-user, along with establishing > regulatory environments to foster entrepreneurship, will evolve > rapidly over the next five years. Countries that establish and promote > internet exchange points will help to cultivate the localisation of > African internet traffic, and stimulate the creation and distribution > of more local content. > > To take full advantage of the power of the internet, African leaders > must give rise to regulatory and political environments that remove > cumbersome barriers, encourage competition by opening up markets to > engage more access providers, and capitalise on these positive forces > that ultimately will be the dynamic impetus to propel Africa forward. > > *Social networking* > *Chris De Wolfe* > *CEO, co-founder MySpace* > In only a few years, social networks have become a staple in the > internet landscape as the social networking phenomenon allowed people > to "put their lives online". A person's profile became a > representation of who they really were in the offline world, and > allowed them to transfer their offline world online. > > More than ever, social networks are blurring online and offline > worlds, evolving into social destinations that are driving the > direction of the larger web and affecting industries like advertising, > music and politics. > > Predicting the future of social networks exclusively misses the larger > point - these evolving online social destinations are laying the > groundwork for the new social web which we believe is becoming > infinitely more personal, more portable, and more collaborative. > > First, as we expand these social destinations to all corners of the > world, we must always think in terms of the individual. With millions > of people using social websites, there's an increasing demand to make > everyone's web experience personal. In the same way a home or office > is your physical address, we expect your personal, online social > profile to become your internet address. When I give out > www.myspace.com/chrisdewolfe <http://www.myspace.com/chrisdewolfe> to > friends and colleagues, everyone knows where to find me online. > > We expect aspects of all socially-based sites to become increasingly > portable. In terms of mobile, we expect to have relationships with > every carrier and device-maker in the world and we expect that half of > our future traffic will come from non-PC users. > > Social activity is happening everywhere and we expect applications and > features to be more fluid, based on the online population that want > content where they want it, when they want it, and how they want it. > Social activity should be portable and we expect the industry will > continue to move in that direction. > > Lastly, online social destinations work best when creativity and > development are collaborative concepts. From personal profiles, to the > widget economy, to the OpenSocial standard - the future of the social > web will harness the savvy of the masses to produce more relevant and > meaningful social experiences, ultimately pushing the larger industry > to be more innovative and progressive. > > Lowering the barrier to entry for a new generation of developers will > lead to a more collaborative and dynamic web and directly affect the > tools and feature sets available on socially-based sites. Supporting a > more collaborative web creates a more global and participatory > internet experience for everyone. > > The evolution of social networks is kick-starting a broad global shift > for how people, content and culture collide on the web. Right now > we're looking at the tip of the iceberg for what the social web will > look like in the future. Fundamentally, all social destinations must > expand while staying personal, they must engage users while empowering > portability, and they must work with up and coming innovators and > major web leaders to both collaborate and contribute to the larger web > community. > > *Video* > *Chad Hurley* > *CEO, co-founder YouTube* > In five years, video broadcasting will be the most ubiquitous and > accessible form of communication. The tools for video recording will > continue to become smaller and more affordable. Personal media devices > will be universal and interconnected. People will have the opportunity > to record and share video with a small group of friends or everyone > around the world. > > Today, eight hours of new video are uploaded to YouTube every minute. > This will grow exponentially over the next five years. Our goal is to > allow every person on the planet to participate by making the upload > process as simple as placing a phone call. This new video content will > be available on any screen - in your living room or in your pocket - > and will bring together all the diverse media which matters to you, > from videos of family and friends to news, music, sports, cooking and > more. > > In the next five years, users will be at the centre of their video > experience, you will have more access to more information, and the > world will be a smaller place. > > *Advertising* > *Maurice Lévy* > *Chairman and CEO, Publicis Groupe* > Five years is an eternity in technology, but from our vantage point a > few things are clear about what the internet and internet advertising > will look like in 2012. One, virtually all media will be digital, and > digital will enable almost all kinds of advertising. Two, online > advertising will depend more than ever on the one element which has > always been at the heart of impactful advertising, both analogue and > digital: creativity. The explosion of media channels means this is a > glorious time to think and act creatively. In art history terms, we > are at the dawn of the Renaissance after the Dark Ages. > > Just as the Renaissance broke down the distinctions between sacred and > profane art forms and between individual and community, so we are > seeing a similar exciting blurring today - and this will only > intensify. Linear media is fast giving way to liquid media, where you > can move seamlessly in and out of different settings. Prescribed time > - the 7 o'clock news, the Friday night out at the cinema, etc - is now > becoming multitasking time. People are no longer willing to put up > with interruptions for a commercial break during their entertainment > experience, and so we have to find incredibly creative solutions to > interact with them and engage them in genuine and honest ways. This > implies a brave new world of engagement and involvement between > marketers and consumers and will also mean co-production between > marketers and media owners. Scale will be critical: in five years' > time, around 2 billion people will be constant internet users and > mobile internet computing will be ubiquitous. What a great time to be > in the business! > > *Mobile* > *Biz Stone* > *Co-founder, Twitter* > As we increasingly realise the web as a vital social utility and > important marketplace we cannot ignore an even bigger potential. The > power of the internet is not limited to the PC. Twitter has emerged to > create a seamless layer of social connectivity across SMS, IM, and the > web. Operating on the simple concept of status, Twitter asks one > question: "What are you doing?" Friends, family and colleagues stay > connected through short responses. > > The potential for this simple form of hybrid communication technology > is strong. For example, a person in India may text "Follow Biz" and > get online via Twitter over SMS in a matter of seconds. Biz might be > updating from the US on a PC. Nevertheless, the updates are exchanged > instantly. > > Our future holds in store the promise of increased connectivity to a > powerful social internet which truly extends to every little spot on > our Planet Earth. We're all affected by and defined by each other's > actions. What are you doing? > > *Search* > *Peter Norvig* > *Director of research, Google * > Yale librarian Rutherford Rogers said "We're drowning in information > and starving for knowledge." The internet is an ocean of information > and in the near future we'll speed through it effortlessly and > intuitively, like a tuna. No, I don't mean you'll have fins. > > If you haven't been searching for [tuna tail vortices] recently, you > may not know that a tuna's body creates small vortices in the water > that are then channelled by the tuna's tail to create additional power. > > This symbiosis of tuna and watery environment forms a more efficient > propulsion system than anything designed by human engineers. > > In the future, a similar symbiosis of searcher and computational > environment will allow us to move faster through the internet than we > would have thought possible. We will not just be typing in keywords > and getting back a list of 10 web pages. > > Instead, our interaction will be more fluid, our computers will accept > our requests in many forms, and will scan our environment proactively, > looking for ways to provide us with additional power. We will get back > web pages, yes, along with existing books and videos, but also custom > tables, charts, animations, databases, and summarisations created > on-the-fly in response to our specific needs. > > Today, nobody says "I need to connect to a megawatt power station" - > instead we assume that electricity will be available on demand in > almost every room of every building we visit. Edison could see that > this would be useful, but could not foresee the range of appliances, > from food processors to mp3 players, that this availability would > enable. So too will information flow freely to us in the future, and > be transformed by as-yet-unforeseen information appliances. > > *Archive* > *Bruce Cole* > *Chairman, National Endowment for the Humanities (US)* > At the National Endowment for the Humanities, we believe the internet > and other information-age tools, such as digital archiving, will help > us understand the world more deeply, broadly, and creatively. For > humanists just as much for scientists, the ability to mine, analyse, > and understand data, simulate complex environments, and combine > information from a wide variety of sources, is critical to > 21st-century discovery and innovation. > > The exciting new tools of the digital age also present unique > challenges. With digital technologies, we can comb through information > in seconds versus years, and assimilate knowledge from a much broader > array of sources for new insights. But the wellbeing of the > infrastructure itself demands new time-frames. Information in books > can be preserved for centuries before transfer to new "media" is > needed. Information on disks, thumb drives, and other digital media > has a lifespan measured in years or even months rather than centuries > before transfer to the next generation of media is required. > > Just as physical infrastructure is a foundation for modern life, > digital infrastructure (data storage, computers, networks, etc.) is > foundational infrastructure for the information age. Attention to the > health and support of this infrastructure is critical to ensuring that > born-digital knowledge is preserved and passed on for the benefit of > future generations. > > > _______________________________________________ > AfrICANN mailing list > AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net <mailto:AfrICANN@afrinic.net> > https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann Eric M.K Osiakwan ICT Integrator Internet Research www.internetresearch.com.gh emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh <mailto:emko@internetresearch.com.gh> 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: +233.21.258811 Cell: +233.24.4386792 _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Communication Methods: History Repeats Itself
by Alex Gakuru 05 Dec '07

05 Dec '07

I wish to take a historical perspective re-looking the continuing fibre debate to prove why we cannot resist change and win. I learnt this morning that Mombasa had a submarine cable connection in 1895 to the rest of the world! After Marconi invented the radio in 1900,that became the "new" communication method and served the time well. HF still in use in ships and today CCK still licenses radio hobbyists <http://www.qsl.net/oh2mcn/5z4.htm> 1950s saw arrival of the satellite, better and cheaper than substituting long range radio. In the 1970s came fibre for communication used in conjunction with satellites, has been serving us thus far. The first documented article on local use was in 1983 on the Kenya Engineer magazine written by Eng. John Kariuki. This fibre connected Westlands, City Centre, Southands and Embakasi. Twenty years later, can we really afford to argue against fibre connectivity? Shall we stall it and wait for 10 years to be dumping sites for "old" fibre technology after the new type of connectivity PS mentioned is broadly deployed out there? Developed countries, such as Canada, are now delivering 1 Gigs to to home through FTTH projects. Let us also remember that PS Ndemo still has a order pending complete execution. <http://www.statehousekenya.go.ke/speeches/kibaki/ feb06/2006280201.htm> Regards, Alex For the record, I differ with a separate post calling for list information gatekeeping allowing only deemed "useful content" since if that principle were extended to radio, TV, this list would be flooded with claims of broad censorship:) I believe the current debates will seasonate settle fizzle out sooner or later. But should one be uncomfortable with another's postings, just press DELETE without ever opening the messages:) Personally I am happy to read every post because I always learn new things. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

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Re: [kictanet] Fibre Optic
by robert yawe 05 Dec '07

05 Dec '07

Alex, You again still have not justified the landing of the marine cable. 1. Of the US 500 Million spent on satellite connectivity 80% is none productive traffic such as porn, spam and chat (you and me both in Nairobi but chatting on MSN). Reducing costs is not necessarily the only way to resolve an issue most of the times it is easier to increase your income so that the expense as a percentage is lowered. 2. Lets not replace the world bank loans with diaspora remittances, let us become productive and more ingenious, lets take advantage of our position as the most advanced economy in sub Saharan Africa. We need to lay fiber to the neighbouring countries so that we can pick out sourcing contracts from Europe and America but set up the call centers in the neighbouring countries. That way we utilise our higher value personnel to look for high value outsourcing. 3. Dream on . . . 4. Log onto a locally hosted site and experience true high speed Internet, stop browsing foreign sites and the fiber ceases to be essential. I know Dr. Ndemo says we cannot be an Island, is it being an Island when you are faithful to one partner. Certain things can be shared such as a hand shake or a conversation but certain activities are best kept within. Lets not over stretch ourselves bringing high speed garbage when we can use technology to improve our lives, locally. 5. Charity begins at home and so does B2B and B2C 6. Out sourcing what??? Have a good day. PS. Delay fiber or perish Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: Alex Gakuru <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> To: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Friday, 30 November, 2007 6:25:46 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fibre Optic Robert: I cannot rationally argue against fibre connectivity, but on processes yes. Of course, I will argue hypothetically since if I responded seemingly with insider information then I would be misleading consumers. And you know my issues... On Nov 30, 2007 4:46 PM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > > Explain one issue to me, how will the marine cable increase the remittances > from the diaspora, they are sending 3.9 billion over slow, expensive > satellite links why should we reduce this by spending 7 billion to land the > fiber? 1. AfDB data shows that in total Africa spends US$ 500 million (shs 30 billion) every year on transit satellite bandwidths.( i.e. 5 TEAMS projects). That would be a saving! 2. Back to your question, since it would be (promised very) cheap to call them, then we shall call them day and night "convincing" them how they have neglected mother Africa, poetically narrating Wanjiku's financial sufferings back home, her kiosk that needs only one-off stocking and her anguish will ease. They are only human. They will dig deeper into their pockets, miss a few lunches, tighten their belts, or speak nicely to their bosses on their urgent need to alleviate home poverty. If we collude and do this nationally for just one year, then we could quadruple remmitances to 16 billion shillings or at worst double it to 8 billion-enough to build a cable that will benefit us for the next 25 years:) That was on a light note though I am paraphrasing real comments attributable to *130* "Please call me" to diasporans. 3. Imagine starting a movie company. Be it a comedy, folk tales, Flora and Fauna, or like developing video games like Wesley Kiriinya's, "Adventures of Nyangi" http://www.sinc-studios.com/. The fibre gives one a potential 1.2 billion internet users customer base. Because THEY can play quality demo videos clips fast many are bound to purchase and if, say 10,000 buy a product at US$10 that would be Kshs 6 million. Such opportunities are lost every day we are not connected by fibre. 4. We have 2.7 million internet users. For how long does each one take tapping their fingers on the desk waiting for a slow web page to load? Multiply each one's lost productivity by 365 days/year then by 2.7 million and compute the national productivity loss caused by slow, yet very expensive internet. Based on these mathematics OECD countries have put up a nifty graphic showing broadband rankings of member countries, but which also include average price of broadband and average throughput here http://www.fiberevolution.com/2007/11/us-lags-in-grap.html, pointer courtesy Bill St. Arnaud http://www.canarie.ca/. I would be interesting to have Dr. Ndemo's expected consumer prices to compare. 5. Consumer/Busineses costs saving would be the most apparent benefit. I need not dwell on that since we all feel them pretty well. 6. I also skip outsourcing. > Alex, all I ask is can you give me a logical reason why we should spend 7 > billion to land this fiber? Are above logical enough reasons sufficiently compelling justification to support the international fibre? But like I said, remember SAT3 West Africa cable cost nearly the same as satellite because of Bandwidth cartels. So should be assured they have no space in TEAMS to clog broadband to consumers, but that is somebody's job. We are only asking for assurance it will not turn out to be a white grey elephant project:) > > I am aware this discussion is academic but it should not stop us from > questioning the rational. > That's the spirit! We keep Ndemo on his toes, always.... Thanks, Alex __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! - the World's favourite mail http://uk.mail.yahoo.com

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Free Internet Centre Established
by Alex Gakuru 05 Dec '07

05 Dec '07

[Telcos' "Corporate Social Responsibility" programs could borrow from this wonderful initiative--AlexG] Kenya and Korea to offer free Internet training Written by Okuttah Mark December 5, 2007 Groups within Nairobi and its environs will benefit from free Internet training and access courtesy of an initiative between the Kenyan and Korean governments. Schools with no Internet connectivity and computers, informal sector, children homes and slum dwellers will benefit from the venture. The centre is also open to other organised groups and individuals for Internet use at a fee. The initiative intends to bridge the digital divide facing the country. <http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content &task=view&id=4693&Itemid=5847> ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

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Re: [kictanet] Kenya's Peculiar Business Environment
by Claire RUTO 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

I am sorry guys; I have kept quiet as I have watched this debate go on. But now it is bordering on sub-judice and defamation, given the implications some are making. I would ask that we keep this site to comments on policy and information that would enrich us as practitioners in ICT. It takes away from our discussions when we start to makes comments that have no basis on fact and which we really know nothing about. Having said that I must say that when facts have been used well, I have benefited a lot from the information given here and even from some of the criticism and suggestions made. Clare Ruto -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+ruto.c=ke.celtel.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+ruto.c=ke.celtel.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of badru Ntege Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2007 9:58 AM To: Claire RUTO Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kenya's Peculiar Business Environment Bill Kagai wrote: >> So the lawyer's reason must have been genuine, not a pretext. >> I've seen some calculations on the amounts the country loses as a >> result of the traffic jams. >> The figure, per year, was more than the 2bn taxman is chasing! >> > > Blimey....Man..r u serious??!!! For a 2 billion brief..I would stay at > Intercontinental 2 nights in advance if traffic were to mess me up!!! > This joke has to stop. Its killing me. > Man i have very little trust in lawyers though in my darkest moment i know they might be the only rescue. However one could have another look at the situation in that the gains for one party were obviuosly understandable 2 Billion and all the other party had to do was not turn up. Could there have been some agreement ?? What time did the lawyer set off for court ?? How long has he been doing that journey ?? was there something unusual that morning that the traffic was too much ??? In these days of ICT did the lawyer call ahead and inform court of his problem ?? If he so did why was the case still thrown out ?? I'm sorry i just think this is too obvious that if we just let it be we allow ourselves as Africans to be ridiculed for corruption and incompetence. No lawyer is that dump or are they ??? Or do they think we are all too dump and stupid that we let it go. Guys I'm sorry but i smell a FAT ROTTEN RAT. I don't buy the traffic storry pull the other one matey. My 2 cents _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: ruto.c(a)ke.celtel.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ruto.c%40ke.celtel. com This e-mail contains confidential information or information belonging to Celtel Kenya Limited and is intended solely for the addressee. The opinions therein, explicit or implied, are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Celtel Kenya Limited as a company. The unauthorized disclosure, use, dissemination or copying ( in whole or in part) of this e-mail, or any information it contains, is prohibited. E-mails are susceptible to alteration and their integrity cannot be guaranteed. Celtel KenyaLimited shall not be liable for this e-mail if 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.

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Re: [kictanet] Faith in local web hosting
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

Dear Yawe, In my view you are failing to understand. I sent an e-mail to you stating the efforts we have put in place to have a local broadband network. I also stated that we need the international broadband network to enhance our common strategy on business processing outsourcing that now employs up to 3,000 Kenyans and has a potential of employing many more. Besides all this I have also stated that access to connectivity will spur innovation and create cheaper linkages to all Kenyans wherever they may be in the globe. We are simply creating an enabling environment. This where many opportunities will arise from. Digital TV is one of the many opportunities that we want our rural folks to utilize. Local content developers will need the networks to sell their content. Educational institutions will need these networks to provide e-learning services. E-commerce shall flourish. Tourissts accessing local services, flower farmers linking cheaply to their customers etc. This is all about economic growth. I sense you are not in agreement with us on why we need the Fibre Optic. You will do us a lot of good if you had an answer. In all your writing, you seem to be complaining and not offering any sugestions. Yet this forum is for sharing of ideas. Can you for once share what you are up to. You may greatly help this country if what we are doing is not justifiable. You are right about TKL Fibre that is not terminated and we are doing something about it. In fact the problem is local content which the Government is soon churning out and will need the FO. The greater problem though is that we have far too many activists than we have entrepreneurs. Innovative people cannot complain about idle capacity of such a factor of production. It is criminal that you who is aware of what ICT infrastructure can do to the country that you sit there to complain that it is idle instead of raising awareness to the public and utilizing that asset. Regards Bitange Ndemo. > Kagai, > > Like all the rest we are misplacing the importance of the marine cable and > it is unfortunate that Dr. Ndemo is also unable to provide us with the > logical reason for why we need to land this fiber cable. > > Your issue of digital TV has nothing to do with whether we have the marine > cable or not as our transmission is local and thus what we need is a fiber > network within the country. I have been listening to that story of > digital TV being echoed by many a so called IT gurus. All that the fiber > will do is create so much competition for our local stations before they > have enough time to adopt or recoup their investments which will result in > massive layoffs. If we can negotiate for the delay i

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Voter Registration
by Claire RUTO 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

"Are you registered to vote this Election? To know your status, simply send an SMS with your ID number to 5872. Celtel Making Life Better" This e-mail contains confidential information or information belonging to Celtel Kenya Limited and is intended solely for the addressee. The opinions therein, explicit or implied, are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Celtel Kenya Limited as a company. The unauthorized disclosure, use, dissemination or copying ( in whole or in part) of this e-mail, or any information it contains, is prohibited. E-mails are susceptible to alteration and their integrity cannot be guaranteed. Celtel KenyaLimited shall not be liable for this e-mail if 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.

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eDiscussion Report on Regulators' eCommunication Strategies-Final Copy
by Rebecca Wanjiku 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

hi, Here is the final report of the online discussion on eCommunication strategies for regulators. please forward comments. regards Becky ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better pen pal. Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail. See how. http://overview.mail.yahoo.com/

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Kenya's Peculiar Business Environment
by Bill Kagai 04 Dec '07

04 Dec '07

http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4642&Item… KRA moved to the appellate after High Court judge Onesmus Mutungi dismissed its Sh2 billion tax demand on KenCell Communications (now Celtel Kenya) on technical grounds after the taxman's lawyer failed to attend court, citing transport problems. I rest my case!!!! -- -- Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited Nairobi Stock Exchange [NSE] - Authorised Information Vendor Suite B2 Tetu Apartments StateHouse Avenue P. O. Box 20311-00200 Tel. 254 20 272 8332 Fax. Rendered Obsolete URL. www.mediacorpafrica.com --

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Institutional Assessment Workshop Report
by Rebecca Wanjiku 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

Hi, Please read the report and forward your comments. The exercise was calculated to strengthen KICTANet and to design strategies that guarantee its continued participation in all areas of ICT. Your quick response will be highly appreciated. Best regards, Becky Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better sports nut! Let your teams follow you with Yahoo Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/sports;_ylt=At9_qDKvtAbMuh1G1SQtBI7ntAcJ

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The Marine Cable
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

Dear Yawe, The problem with virtual discussion is that one does not know the audience. Let me assume that you have similar interests as many of those I have met do. Allow me then to take the discussion on Fibre Optic to another level. The East African region is the only place on earth that is not served by these links (see attached networks). The East African region lags behind those countries with multiple cables. When you read Tom Friedman, The World is Flat, you find that Accessibility to cheaper bandwidth spurred growth in India and that ICT is a great leveler. The far East which indeed had more shanties in 1965 that we (East Africans) had, have used ICTs to flatten their region so that the waters of foreign investment can flow there. Indeed the Far East has experienced the fastest growth in morden history. It is therefore prudent to develop an hypothesis along this line - Lack of cheaper connectivity and entrepreneurialism contributes to underdevelopment in our part of the world. There are other secondary hypotheses such as the role of academicians in underdeveloping Africa through endless debates when indeed we know what others did to liberate their people from poverty. In the past 10 years China moved 300 million out of poverty while we remained stagnant. Perhaps we need a forum to square up this matter. It is key that we are all on one page in terms of helping our region to develop. Asante sana. Bitange Ndemo.

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Faith in local web hosting
by robert yawe 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

Kagai, Like all the rest we are misplacing the importance of the marine cable and it is unfortunate that Dr. Ndemo is also unable to provide us with the logical reason for why we need to land this fiber cable. Your issue of digital TV has nothing to do with whether we have the marine cable or not as our transmission is local and thus what we need is a fiber network within the country. I have been listening to that story of digital TV being echoed by many a so called IT gurus. All that the fiber will do is create so much competition for our local stations before they have enough time to adopt or recoup their investments which will result in massive layoffs. If we can negotiate for the delay in opening our markets to sugar maybe we need the same team to look at the pros and cons of the fiber cable landing. Note that the signal sent out by MNet and other satellite channels is digital yet I can watch it on my Greatwall TV which is as analogue as you can get, even come 2010 all that will happen is that set top boxes will be so cheap that there will be no need to replace our TV's. Alternatively look behind your DVD player and tell me how many analogue and digital inputs you have? Just for information purposes do you know that Telkom Kenya has fiber optic cable laid to most high rise building in the city but only 2 or so locations have actually had the fiber terminated onto equipment? I ask anyone to challenge me on this point this includes Eng. Waweru and Mr. Kirui all of who have been party to this wasteful actions. We are being totally wasteful with our resources what makes us think that the landing of the fiber optic cable will change our habits. Kagai, I ask again why do we need to land the fiber optic cable and how will it change your life, leave alone mine? Have an analogue weekend Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: Bill Kagai <billkagai(a)gmail.com> To: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Cc: info(a)mediacorp.co.ke; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thursday, 29 November, 2007 10:19:51 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Faith in local web hosting On Nov 28, 2007 8:24 AM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > End user ---> Telkom ---> ISP ---> KDN --> ISP --> Telkom --> end user > > Do the math Yawe, you probably need to look at this cable beyond internet. The kind of technology we use today for broadcasting TV is being phased out in Europe by August 2008. TV is now being broadcast on cable or ADSL specifically for beyond quality purposes. You need to ensure that commercial components reach the right people. For instance, that is why CNBC opted to pull out its channel from DSTV bouquet to local stations like KBC with a wider reach. 'Measurement of reach' is capable through adsl/cable connected to the international fibre network. ADSL via optic fibre reinforces the copper that we are not about to do away with anyway in the near future. Copper is not obsolete yet. Optic fibre allows u freeview channels where internet becomes secondary to primary data and voice transmission...and most of all...things we have learned to leave with..such as attenuation distortion...become an old way of life for us in the Africa north of the limpopo but south of of the sahara. Another way of looking at it...when they tell you that computers are down in a bank..most of the times they mean the link to the server is unsteady since they need to ensure that you don't withdraw twice or thrice on the same transaction..satellite does not give you redundancy [read back-up] channels as cable would. With cable, you are able to re-wind live tv instead of having a local disk imersed in your decorder...thanks to the cable. In essence, if u look at the submarine cable minus the copper telephone system and electricity grid then u will not see much. If u look at it in terms of how it adds value to the existing infrastructure, then you will see...how significant albeit small....the hole the international link plus the terrestrial cable needs to fill to sort out our big problems. Bill... __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! - the World's favourite mail http://uk.mail.yahoo.com

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Of...ICTs, Appeals and Transport Probrems
by Bill Kagai 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4642&Item… KRA moved to the appellate after High Court judge Onesmus Mutungi dismissed its Sh2 billion tax demand on KenCell Communications (now Celtel Kenya) on technical grounds after the taxman's lawyer failed to attend court, citing transport problems. I rest my case!!!! Bill

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3rd Global Knowledge Conference (GK3) Malaysia 11-13 December 2007
by alice 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

Dear all The 3^rd Global Knowledge Conference brings together "visionaries, innovators, practitioners and policy makers, all geared to sharing knowledge and building partnerships on a platform created by and for stakeholders from every sector - private companies, governments, international institutions and civil society groups" (http://www.gkpeventsonthefuture.org/gk3/) The GK3 sessions will address the convergence of emerging people, markets and technologies and will provide a space for debate, showcasing of innovative concrete solutions and knowledge sharing; discussion on latest lessons, effective methods and approaches. The theme «Emerging People, Emerging Markets, and Emerging Technologies» relates well to what Kenya is currently experiencing. We are considered a pioneer in many ways from our private sector activity, MSP ICT policy processes, liberalisation of the ICT sector, etc. Read article from Balancing act titled “Africa’s competition laboratory Kenya is the one to watch” . Some of us will attend and share some of these experiences... -Kimathi Centre presenting during the Young social entrepreneur’s sessions from Tuesday 11th -Hello regulator session on Thursday 13th 14.00-15.30 Other Kenyans attending and presenting? For the full GK3 programme see: *http://www.gkpeventsonthefuture.org/GK3/dsp_page.cfm?pageid=492* best alice -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Generate ideas to create a world of entrepreneurs! Date: Sat, 1 Dec 2007 14:25:06 +0800 (GMT+08:00) From: GK3 Registration <gk3(a)gkps.org.my> To: alice(a)apc.org Dear Alice, Global Knowledge Partnership and BrainStore are collaborating in running a live IdeaProduction process at the GKP Event on the Future, Third Global Knowledge Conference (GK3) from 11 to 13 December 2007 on the topic of «A world of entrepreneurs - 20 ideas to make it happen by 2020». As a GK3 conference participant, you have a range of opportunities to contribute actively to the process. The first part of the IdeaProduction process has already started where inputs are gathered to fill up our IdeaPot with a great number of inspirations on the topic. Your participation is key! Your insight on «Emerging People, Emerging Markets, and Emerging Technologies» is a valuable knowledge resource and your experience and reflections can serve as a great foundation for developing fresh initiatives and approaches in addressing the topic. We invite you to share your perspective today by participating in an online IdeaInterview. Please login at http://www.GKPEventsOnTheFuture.org/GK3registration and complete a short questionnaire by Tuesday, 4 December 2007. On 12 December at the GK3 IdeaFactory - Creative City Exhibition, your contribution will be presented anonymously together with results drawn from other sources. On 13 December at the GK3 Closing Plenary, you will have an opportunity to provide final input by helping to select THE 20 ideas that will create a world of entrepreneurs by 2020. Thank you in advance for your time. See you at GK3! Your IdeaFactory team Quick Links: Conference Navigator: http://www.GKPEventsOnTheFuture.org/navigator Full Programme: http://www.GKPEventsOnTheFuture.org/GK3programme Speakers: http://www.GKPEventsOnTheFuture.org/GK3speakers Register: http://www.GKPEventsOnTheFuture.org/GK3registration Announcements by RSS: http://www.gkpcms.com/GK3/rss/GK3Announcements.xml

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Africa’s competition laboratory Kenya is the one to watch
by alice 03 Dec '07

03 Dec '07

From Balancing Act Africa’s competition laboratory Kenya is the one to watch No regulation regime is perfect but the three East African countries – Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda – are leading the way in terms of breaking down many of the old barriers to competition. Of these, Kenya is interesting because it was the pioneer and many of the things that are happening there will in time be seen elsewhere in some form. Russell Southwood explains what’s happening in Africa’s competition laboratory. Outside of the large Sub-Saharan markets like Nigeria and South Africa, Kenya stands out because it has both the population level and a density of private sector activity to be different. In other words, it’s big enough to be relevant for the ten or more countries of a similar scale. In addition, since Moi left the stage, the economy has been moving at a fast clip to catch up: last year economic growth was 7%. With the dead hand of inertia removed, Kenyans have felt more confidence in setting up new businesses. The pointers it provides are as follows: - Even with a liberalised regime, it is incredibly hard for small independent companies to challenge the incumbent in the fixed line sector. Kenya was slow to introduce an interconnection regime designed for competition between many players and its two independent fixed wireless operators have suffered as a result. Fixed wireless is, as the mobile companies are discovering, far from fixed. - Between them, Kenya’s fixed wireless operators Flashcom and Popote Wireless do not have much more than 10,000 subscribers and in the case of Popote, it’s making 80% of its revenues from data. Both use CDMA and are focused on the capital Nairobi, with Flashcom having a larger number of base stations . Subscribers can actually use their phones more or less anywhere in the city. Neither have yet started a wider geographic roll-out. Despite this lack of current success in the voice market, Popote’s Eric Muthi believes that there is still considerable growth potential. Meanwhile there are others waiting to offer more retail voice competition: in one case, simply as a voice service and in others as part of a wider offer. - Meanwhile incumbent Telkom Kenya has adopted the strategy of India’s Reliance and has used its CDMA fixed wireless product as a proxy mobile service. It is said to have 400,000 subscribers based on its cheap KS5.50 a minute national rate. Subscribers have had what for all intents and purposes has actually been a mobile service and Telkom Kenya has wriggled this way and that to suggest otherwise. - With the France Telecom take-over of Telkom Kenya, the country’s two operators, Safaricom and Celtel, will have some serious competition for the first time and may have to begin to address their quality of service shortfalls. Competition should also mean prices will begin to fall for as one person told us:”Competition in this market is really only on price.” Telkom Kenya’s strategy has been very savvy in that it starts operating with an existing base of subscribers before having to invest in paying for its mobile licence. Rumour has it that France Telecom will simply rip out the CDMA network and put in GSM. As a new entrant, it will have a clear CAPEX advantage. Econet is supposed to have cleared the hurdles it had and will be investing soon but on past evidence, don’t hold your breath. - Even without a fibre connection, the country’s bandwidth requirement has grown rapidly as the economy has expanded. It is now approaching the 1 gbps mark and this is all being paid for at satellite prices. The broader message in this is that an expanding economy will drive use both at a corporate and retail level. And rapid growth will come from economies that are coming out of war or unfavourable political circumstances where there’s a “one-off” bounce that might turn into above-average growth in the mid-term. As Bill Clinton’s electoral team used to say, it’s the economy, stupid. Messages on satellite bandwidth costs are mixed. Most operators buying in volume say that prices are coming down but a small number of those we spoke to said because of he shortage of C-Band prices were going up. (Interestingly Altech has been in talks to buy Sameer ICT, which includes KDN.) - The market is readying itself for the arrival of much cheaper bandwidth. Seacom and TEAMS are both seen as credible projects. EASSy is perceived as still being in the game but its credibility has been undermined in the eyes of operators by the confusions over the rival NEPAD project. TEAMS has almost all its financing in place and says it has a ship booked to start. Depending on their investment, operators have been offered 1 mps for between US$2-300 a month. This is only to Fujirah but an onward solution is said to be not too far away and will cost about the same amount to the United States. The price will be higher than the headline figures suggest but nevertheless will be low enough to be market changing. The recent public disagreement between UUNet and PS Bitango Ndemo illustrates that not all operators have understood this changing world. It will no longer be about making money from selling over-priced bandwidth. The game moves to retail services and applications. - A “triple play” combination of voice, Internet and TV will probably be offered by at least two operators next year. France Telecom is likely to roll out its LiveBox product as the Kenyan market has considerable potential. Jamii Telecom is rolling out a PONS network and wants to be offering “triple-play” over its new STM64 fibre metro network. Industry estimates of potential retail broadband subscribers vary between 300,000-500,000. Expect bundled offers at almost European levels and download speeds starting at 512 kbps. The existing Government if re-elected wants to provide subsidised bandwidth to universities and colleges. - In the meantime, the retail independent retail ISP as it used to exist has all but disappeared and those remain are not in the best of health. Where have all the retail subscribers gone? Well, some have stayed with ISPs like Africa Online under its new owners but many more have either defected to the fixed wireless operators, or are using Telkom Kenya’s phone-in number or at the top-end of the market are using the data services of the two mobile operators. Only the state of Telkom Kenya’s copper and its distracted management focus mean that it has failed to harvest what might have been an extensive market. Incumbents need to know that if the don’t have a “low –price, high-volume” strategy for DSL then the mobile operators will take this business away from them. - Apple may say that it has no plans to roll-out in emerging markets like China but the market has a life of its own. Apparently a shipment of iPhones has already reached East Africa and we saw one in the hands of someone we visited. He hadn’t yet got it working but he was working on it. Another early adopter told us that he was surprised to discover that it worked on his Celtel account immediately and just as well when he visited Someone in Uganda who used one to e-mail to confirm our meeting clearly had better luck. It will be interesting to see whether this grey market in the latest desirable phone will survive Apple’s attempts to exclude untied users through software fixes. European competition law is already being upheld in Germany where T-Mobile must sell the device independent of a network package and even a hefty price tag does not appear to be a sufficient disincentive to stop sales. It would be unfair to say that all was rosy in the garden that is Kenya but in terms of competitive markets, it has got a great deal right and others might learn from what is happening there. Report banner <http://lists.balancingact-africa.com/t/375/178471/2/0/>

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Re: [kictanet] Fibre Optic
by robert yawe 02 Dec '07

02 Dec '07

Dr. Ndemo, Thank you for the information, but my feeling is that none of this initiatives seems to be getting publicized so that entrepreneurs like me can begin to plan for the opportunities. It would be good to know that we are looking at other areas other than BPO. Again, thank you for taking the time to respond more exhaustively to my question Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: "bitange(a)jambo.co.ke" <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> To: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Cc: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Wednesday, 28 November, 2007 9:28:52 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fibre Optic Dear Yawe, I am sorry for assuming that you were aware of the National Optic Fibre Broadband network that is being built by Sagem, Huaweii and ZTE. The project will be finished by August next year. The Digital Village project will benefit from this network that is to link all District HQs. The netwotk shall be run by the operators and hopefully take control of it if they see a business case in it. Otherwise this was basically the Government wide area network. We are now hoping that operators would come up with the last mile solutions. Phase two of our plans is to partner with the private sector to build data centers and disaster recovery centers. This will ensure cheaper local hosting capability. The biggest challenge is going to be local content. On the Government side, by June next year we should have tons of content online. We need to pass the Freedom of Information Bill for the public to benefit from most of GoK data. We shall still need the international Fibre optic for research to both ends, that is, the rest of the world and our own research. We cannot develop on a cocoon. I hope I have responded to your questions. If you are not satisfied, please let me know. Asante sana. Bitange Ndemo. > Dr Ndemo, > > You have not answered our concern yet on why we need the marine cable to > bring us high speed Internet yet as a country we do not have a cost > effective national high speed network? > > The diaspora makes up less than 5% of the population and many of them add > no value to us, yet you are more concerned about how we can communicate > with them instead of how to make it possible for my children to talk and > see their grandmother in Mbita point without requiring to make the trip. > > As a democracy I believe our interest should be to serve the greater > population than a few out there. > > I have been looking at the cost of AGM's for listed companies and it is a > major drain on this organisations, if you and your team could concentrate > on a fiber link to all provincial head quarters we can have the next > Kengen AGM held virtually with participants in centers closest to them, to > me this would be a greater utilisation of connectivity than being able to > talk cheaply to my sister in the US who none the less is too busy working > 3 jobs to have time to talk to me regularly irrespective of cost. > > So Dr. Ndemo gives us a more compelling reason for the fibre optic cable. > > Robert Yawe > KAY System Technologies Ltd > Phoenix House, 6th Floor > P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 > KEnya > Tel: +254722511225 > > ----- Original Message ---- > From: "bitange(a)jambo.co.ke" <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> > To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Sent: Monday, 26 November, 2007 9:13:57 AM > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fibre Optic > > Dear Yawe, Gakuru, > I promised to respond to the question as to whether we indeed need > Fibre > Optic Cables. Yes indeed we need them for the time being (Intel shall > be > commecializing [in 10 years time]a chip with the capability to send > data > at high speeds without any cables)(see NY Times summary article below). > > In as much as I do not like cables for connectivity I think they are a > necessary infrastructure at the moment. The benefits are immense as I > look forward to greater linkages with our increasingly important > relatives > in the diaspora. > > With efficient connectivity, there we create opportunities such as > localised news that is accessible to anyone everywhere; we shall enable > innovation and more importantly create jobs for our youth. The > difference > here is that some may see entrepreneurial opportunities that come with > this infrastructure and unfortunately some will simply watch as events > unfold. Fortunately, you only need a few (Steve jobs, Bill Gates etc) > to > innovate and exploit the opportunity once access to technology is > availed. > > Our role is to facilitate our people to reach their fullest potential. > This is what leadership is all about. > > > Bitange Ndemo. > > > > A Chip That Can Transfer Data Using Laser Light > New York Times: > > The advance will make it possible to use laser light rather than wires > to > send data between chips, removing the most significant bottleneck in > computer design. > > A Tiny Laser on a Silicon Chip As a result, chip makers may be able to > put > the high-speed data communications industry on the same curve of > increased > processing speed and diminishing costs â€” the phenomenon known as > Mooreâ€™s > law â€” that has driven the computer industry for the last four > decades. > > The development is a result of research at Intel, the worldâ€™s largest > chip > maker, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. Commercializing > the new technology may not happen before the end of the decade, but the > prospect of being able to place hundreds or thousands of data-carrying > light beams on standard industry chips is certain to shake up both the > communications and computer industries. > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.… > > > > > > > > ___________________________________________________________ > Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try > it > now. > http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/ > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > ___________________________________________________________ Support the World Aids Awareness campaign this month with Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/

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Validate your voter status- safaricom 5872
by robert yawe 02 Dec '07

02 Dec '07

You can validate your voter status by sending an SMS with your ID number to '5872'- safaricom pass on the message to others. __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! - the World's favourite mail http://uk.mail.yahoo.com

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Uruguay buys first $100 laptops
by Jose' 01 Dec '07

01 Dec '07

The news come from BBC [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7068084.stm] showing that Uruguay has ordered 100,000 units and is planning to acquire 300,000 more. The XO Laptop has been conceived as an affordable computer for children in developing countries. The company also has a programme caled G1G1 [Give one get one], in which costumers can buy a laptop for themselves and at the same time donate one to a child at a developing country. This might be an exciting opportunity for social business or social/environmental organizations linked to ICTs. --------------------------------- Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

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[Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Global Policy Proposal for Remaining IPv4 Address Space – Background Report --- Global Policy Proposal for Autonomous System Numbers – Background Report]
by alice 30 Nov '07

30 Nov '07

Global Policy Proposal for Remaining IPv4 Address Space – Background Report 29 November 2007 * Introduction * The development of Global Internet Number Resource Policies is the subject of an MoU between ASO/NRO and ICANN <http://aso.icann.org/docs/aso-mou2004.html>. There are also specific ICANN Board Procedures <http://www.icann.org/general/review-procedures-pgp.html> for handling global policy proposals in this context. The Board procedures also state that the Board can request ICANN staff to undertake an "early awareness" tracking of proposals for global policies under development in the addressing community. At its meeting on 20 November 2007, the Board resolved to request such tracking of the development of a global policy proposal for allocation of remaining IPv4 address space, currently being discussed in the Regional Internet Registries, or RIRs. The status overview presented below is compiled in response to this request and will be timely updated as developments proceed, for information to ICANN entities and the wider community. * Status Overview * The table below indicates the current status within each RIR for the foreseen Global Policy for remaining IPv4 address space. Hyperlinks are included for easy access. There are two concurrent versions of the Global Policy Proposal for Allocation of the Remaining IPv4 Address Space in the Regional Internet Registry System: * A version (1) "Global Policy for the Allocation of the Remaining IPv4 Address Space", first presented at LACNIC X in May 2007 * A version (2) "End Policy for IANA IPv4 allocations to RIRs", first presented at APNIC 24 in September 2007 Both versions feature the same approach and propose to distribute an equal number N of /8 IPv4 address blocks to each RIR when the IANA pool is approaching exhaustion, but differ in the proposed value of N, notably 2 or 1, respectively (although originally with N proposed as 5 in the first version). Due to their similarity, both versions are being discussed in parallel in the RIRs and are regarded essentially as one proposal, with a view to converging on a value for N. The proposal will subsequently be handled by the NRO EC and the ASO AC according to their procedures before being submitted to the ICANN Board. It should be noted that other proposals have been put forward and are being discussed regarding IPv4 address space exhaustion, although only the two mentioned above have been scoped as global policy proposals in the sense of the ASO MoU, i.e. focusing on address allocation from IANA to the RIRs. RIR AfriNIC APNIC ARIN LACNIC RIPE Topic Introduced 9 July 2007 afpol-asn200707 <https://lists.afrinic.net/pipermail/rpd/2007/000774.html> (1) 29 Aug 2007 proposal <https://lists.afrinic.net/pipermail/rpd/2007/000838.html> (2) 26 July 2007 prop-051-v001 <http://www.apnic.net/mailing-lists/sig-policy/archive/2007/07/msg00006.html> (1) 8 August 2007 prop-046-v002 <http://www.apnic.net/mailing-lists/sig-policy/archive/2007/08/msg00016.html> (2) 28 Aug 2007 prop 2007-18 <http://lists.arin.net/pipermail/ppml/2007-August/008834.html> (1) 28 Aug 2007 prop 2007-23 <http://lists.arin.net/pipermail/ppml/2007-August/008839.html> (2) 23 April 2007 LAC-2007-07 <http://mail.lacnic.net/pipermail/politicas/2007-April/012082.html> (1) 30 July 2007 prop 2007-06 <http://www.ripe.net/ripe/maillists/archives/address-policy-wg/2007/msg00552…> (1) 15 Oct 2007 prop 2007-07 <http://www.ripe.net/ripe/maillists/archives/address-policy-wg/2007/msg00647…> (2) Discussion list Resource Policy Discussion List <https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/rpd> SIG-Policy <http://mailman.apnic.net/mailing-lists/sig-policy/index.shtml> Public Policy Mailing List <http://www.arin.net/mailing_lists/ppml/index.html> Politicas – Policy Mailing List <http://www.lacnic.net/mailman/listinfo/politicas> Address Policy WG <http://www.ripe.net/mailman/listinfo/address-policy-wg> Public Forum AfriNIC 7 <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/afrinic-7/index.htm> 23 - 28 Sept 2007 <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/afrinic-7/index.htm> - Slides (1) <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/afrinic-7/presentations/27/AFRINIC7_DidierGl…> - Slides (2) <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/afrinic-7/presentations/27/AFRINIC7_Endpolic…> APNIC 24 29 Aug – 7 Sept 2007 <http://www.apnic.net/meetings/24/index.html> - Slides <http://www.apnic.net/meetings/24/program/sigs/policy/presentations/el-nakha…> (1) - Slides <http://www.apnic.net/meetings/24/program/sigs/policy/presentations/okutani-…>(2) ARIN XX <http://www.arin.net/meetings/minutes/ARIN_XX/index.html> 17-19 Oct 2007 <http://www.arin.net/meetings/minutes/ARIN_XX/index.html> - Slides <http://www.arin.net/meetings/minutes/ARIN_XX/PDF/wednesday/Gagliano-2007-18…> (1) - Slides <http://www.arin.net/policy/proposals/2007_23.html> (2) LACNIC X 22-25 May 2007 <http://lacnic.net/sp/eventos/lacnicx/> - Slides <http://lacnic.net/documentos/lacnicx/lac200707.pdf> (1) RIPE 55 <http://www.ripe.net/ripe/meetings/ripe-55/index.html> 22 - 26 Oct 2007 <http://www.ripe.net/ripe/meetings/ripe-55/index.html> - Podcast <http://www.ripe.net/ripe/meetings/ripe-55/podcast-files/address-policy2.mp3> (1+2) Final Call for Comments 13 June - 28 July 2007 <http://mail.lacnic.net/pipermail/politicas/2007-June/012232.html> Next Public Forum AfriNIC 8 <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/index.htm> 24 May - 6 June 2008 <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/index.htm> APNIC 25 <http://www.apnic.net/meetings/25/> 25 - 29 Feb 2008 <http://www.apnic.net/meetings/25/> ARIN XXI <http://www.arin.net/ARIN-XXI/index.html> 6 - 9 April 2008 <http://www.arin.net/ARIN-XXI/index.html> LACNIC XI <http://lacnic.net/sp/eventos/> to be announced <http://lacnic.net/sp/eventos/> RIPE 56 <http://www.ripe.net/ripe/meetings/ripe-56/index.html> 5 - 9 May 2008 <http://www.ripe.net/ripe/meetings/ripe-56/index.html> RIR Board Endorsement Awaiting Board ratification Link to document afpol-asn200707 <http://www.afrinic.net/docs/policies/afpol-v4gp200707.htm> (1) afpol-v4ep200708 <http://www.afrinic.net/docs/policies/afpol-v4ep200708.htm> (2) Proposal-051-v001 <http://www.apnic.net/policy/proposals/prop-051-v001.html> (1) Proposal-046-v002 <http://www.apnic.net/policy/proposals/prop-046-v002.html> (2) Policy proposal 2007-18 <http://www.arin.net/policy/proposals/2007_18.html> (1) 2007-23 <http://www.arin.net/policy/proposals/2007_23.html> (2) - English <http://lacnic.net/documentos/lacnicx/LAC-2007-07-en.pdf> (1) - Spanish <http://lacnic.net/documentos/lacnicx/LAC-2007-07-sp.pdf> (1) - Portuguese <http://lacnic.net/documentos/lacnicx/LAC-2007-07-pt.pdf> (1) Policy proposal 2007-06 <http://www.ripe.net/ripe/policies/proposals/2007-06.html> (1) 2007-07 <http://www.ripe.net/ripe/policies/proposals/2007-07.html> (2) Link to Policy Development Process Policy Development Process <http://www.afrinic.net/pdp.htm> Policy Development Process <http://www.apnic.net/docs/policy/dev/index.html> Internet Resource Policy Evaluation <http://www.arin.net/policy/irpep.html> Process <http://www.arin.net/policy/irpep.html> Policy Development Process <http://lacnic.net/en/politicas/desarrollo.html> Policy Development Process <http://www.ripe.net/ripe/docs/pdp.html> Status In discussion In discussion In discussion Awaiting adoption In discussion *Global Policy Proposal for Autonomous System Numbers – Background Report* * 29 November 2007* * Introduction * The development of Global Internet Number Resource Policies is the subject of an MoU between ASO/NRO and ICANN <http://aso.icann.org/docs/aso-mou2004.html>. There are also specific ICANN Board Procedures <http://www.icann.org/general/review-procedures-pgp.html> for handling global policy proposals in this context. The Board procedures also state that the Board can request ICANN staff to undertake an "early awareness" tracking of proposals for global policies under development in the addressing community. At its meeting on 20 November 2007, the Board resolved to request such tracking of the development of a global policy proposal for allocation of Autonomous System Numbers, or ASNs, that is already well advanced towards adoption in the Regional Internet Registries, or RIRs. The status overview presented below is compiled in response to this request and will be timely updated as developments proceed, for information to ICANN entities and the wider community. * Status Overview * The table below indicates the current status within each RIR for the proposed Global Policy for ASNs. Hyperlinks are included for easy access. The proposal was originally presented at the RIPE-54 meeting in March 2007, inter alia to formalize the transition from 2-byte (16 bits) to 4-byte (32 bits) ASNs. The proposal has since been introduced in all RIRs, following their respective policy development processes. Once adopted by all RIRs, the proposal will subsequently be handled by the NRO EC and the ASO AC according to their procedures before being submitted to the ICANN Board for ratification. RIR AfriNIC APNIC ARIN LACNIC RIPE Topic Introduced 20 Aug 2007 afpol-asn200708 <https://lists.afrinic.net/pipermail/rpd/2007/000837.html> 23 July 2007 prop-049-v001 <http://mailman.apnic.net/mailing-lists/sig-policy/archive/2007/07/msg00002.…> 28 Aug 2007 prop 2007-19 <http://lists.arin.net/pipermail/ppml/2007-August/008835.html> 15 May 2007 LAC-2007-08 <http://lacnic.net/documentos/lacnicx/LAC-2007-08-en.pdf> 1 May 2007 prop 2007-4 <http://www.ripe.net/ripe/policies/proposals/2007-04.html> Discussion list Resource Policy Discussion List <https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/rpd> SIG-Policy <http://mailman.apnic.net/mailing-lists/sig-policy/index.shtml> Public Policy Mailing List <http://www.arin.net/mailing_lists/ppml/index.html> Politicas – Policy Mailing List <http://www.lacnic.net/mailman/listinfo/politicas> Address Policy WG <http://www.ripe.net/mailman/listinfo/address-policy-wg> Public Forum AfriNIC 7 <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/afrinic-7/index.htm> 23 - 28 Sept 2007 <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/afrinic-7/index.htm> - Slides <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/afrinic-7/presentations/28/AFRINIC7_GlobalPo…> APNIC 24 29 Aug – 7 Sept 2007 <http://www.apnic.net/meetings/24/index.html> - Slides <http://www.apnic.net/meetings/24/program/sigs/policy/presentations/pawlik-p…> ARIN XX <http://www.arin.net/ARIN-XX/> 17-19 Oct 2007 <http://www.arin.net/ARIN-XX/> - Slides <http://www.arin.net/meetings/minutes/ARIN_XX/PDF/wednesday/2007-19_Pawlik.p…> LACNIC X 22-25 May 2007 <http://lacnic.net/en/eventos/lacnicx/> - Slides <http://lacnic.net/documentos/lacnicx/lac200708.ppt> RIPE 54 <http://www.ripe.net/ripe/meetings/ripe-54/> 7-11 May 2007 <http://www.ripe.net/ripe/meetings/ripe-54/> - Slides <http://www.ripe.net/ripe/meetings/ripe-54/presentations/Global_Policy.pdf> Final Call for Comments 2 - 17 Oct 2007 <https://lists.afrinic.net/pipermail/rpd/2007/000890.html> 25 Sept – 23 Nov 2007 <http://mailman.apnic.net/mailing-lists/sig-policy/archive/2007/09/msg00041.…> 23 Oct - 6 Nov 2007 <http://lists.arin.net/pipermail/ppml/2007-October/009610.html> 13 June - 28 July 2007 <http://mail.lacnic.net/pipermail/politicas/2007-June/012232.html> 17 July – 14 August 2007 <http://www.ripe.net/ripe/maillists/archives/address-policy-wg/2007/msg00541…> Next Public Forum (N/A - this stage is passed for all) RIR Board Endorsement Awaiting adoption by the Board Awaiting endorsement by Executive Committee Awaiting adoption by Board of Trustees Awaiting Board ratification Final adoption by consensus on 5 September 2007. <http://www.ripe.net/ripe/maillists/archives/policy-announce/2007/msg00032.h…> Link to document Proposal afpol-asn200708 <http://www.afrinic.net/docs/policies/afpol-asn200708.htm> Proposal-049-v001 <http://www.apnic.net/policy/proposals/prop-049-v001.html> Policy proposal 2007-19 <http://www.arin.net/policy/proposals/2007_19.html> - In English <http://lacnic.net/documentos/lacnicx/LAC-2007-08-en.pdf> - In Spanish <http://lacnic.net/documentos/lacnicx/LAC-2007-08-sp.pdf> - In Portuguese <http://lacnic.net/documentos/lacnicx/LAC-2007-08-pt.pdf> Policy document RIPE-416 <http://www.ripe.net/ripe/docs/ripe-416.html> Link to Policy Development Process Policy Development Process <http://www.afrinic.net/pdp.htm> Policy Development Process <http://www.apnic.net/docs/policy/dev/index.html> Internet Resource Policy Evaluation <http://www.arin.net/policy/irpep.html> Process <http://www.arin.net/policy/irpep.html> Policy Development Process <http://lacnic.net/en/politicas/desarrollo.html> Policy Development Process <http://www.ripe.net/ripe/docs/pdp.html> Status Awaiting adoption. Awaiting adoption. Awaiting adoption. Awaiting adoption. Adopted. _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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[Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] The EU Law on Electronic Signatures and its Recent Report]
by alice 30 Nov '07

30 Nov '07

INTERNET LAW - The EU Law on Electronic Signatures and its Recent Report Martha L. Arias, IBLS Director Wednesday, November 28, 2007 http://www.ibls.com/internet_law_news_portal_view.aspx?s=latestnews&id=1920 Directive 1999/93/EC constitutes the legal framework for electronic signatures and certain certification services in the European Union (EU). Up to 2007, 25 EU countries have domestically adopted the general principles of this Directive and it has positively, although slowly, impacted the evolution of electronic commerce among them. This article presents a brief explanation of Directive 1999/93/EC and its complementary directives, and informs on the report by the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the impact of this Electronic Signature directive. The purpose of Directive 1999/93/EC (the Directive) is to facilitate the use of electronic signatures in the EU countries and contribute to its legal recognition. The Directive defines electronic signatures as 'data en electronic form which are attached to or logically associated with other electronic data and which serve (sic) as a method of authentication." An example of this could be the simple signature attached to an e-mail, Additionally, the Directive defines 'advance electronic signature' as an electronic signature that is uniquely linked to the signatory, is capable of identifying the signatory, is created using means under the sole control of the signatory, and is linked to the data to which it relates in a way that alterations may be easily detected. Examples of these e-signatures are those e-signatures that use a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). They use a private and public key and use encryption technology (For instance, online credit card signatures). Article 5 of the Directive expressly states the legal effects that an 'advance electronic signature" and an 'electronic signature' should have in the EU states. The Directive, article 5, rules that 'advanced electronic signatures' shall be admissible evidence in legal proceedings among the EU member states, provided that some requirements are met. First, the advance electronic signature should be based on a 'qualified certificate;' it should be created by a 'secure-signature creation device'; it should satisfy the same legal requirements as if it were related to a paper-base data. Yet, the legal effects of simple 'electronic signatures' (not advanced e-signatures) seem to be far reaching according to the norm. Article 5,(2) establishes that the EU member states must ensure that electronic signatures are effective and admissible evidence in legal proceedings even if they are in electronic form and do not meet the above listed requirements. Thus, your signed e-mail is certainly admissible evidence in the EU member states. After the adoption of this Directive on Electronic Signatures in 1999, the EU has implemented new legislation that complements this Directive and creates an appropriate legal environment for e-commerce and e-transactions. For instance, Directive 2001/115/EC on electronic invoices. Directive 2001/115/EC recognizes the validity of electronically sent invoices that use advance electronic signatures. Another example of EU Directives complementing the one on electronic signature is the public procurement Directives. These Directives do not explicitly state the type of e-signatures to be used on public procurement but notes that the use of electronic signatures must be according to Directive 1999/93/EC. These Directives though, call for uniformity on the domestic institution of e-signatures for public procurement so there are not barriers for e-procurement transactions among the EU states. But in the 'real world' (or practical world- whatever your philosophy is), how is this Directive really impacting the development of e-commerce in the EU states? According to the European Parliament and the Council August-2006 report, the use of advanced electronic signatures in the EU has been less than expected and it has reported some slow development. Thus, the Commission cannot provide a comprehensive assessment of the exchange of electronic signatures among EU states. The Commission deems that economic grounds are the reasons for this sluggish development of e-signature exchange among the EU states. The Commission says service providers do not have enough incentives to create interoperable solutions or 'multi-application electronic signature.' They rather want to develop solutions for their specific services, like the banking sector, etc. Besides lack of interoperable solutions, comprehensive solutions for electronic archives constitute another problem that precludes the development of e-signature interchange among the EU members. The Commission notes that e-procurement in the EU have reached an interesting level and promises to drive the market in the future. The role of e-government applications have is set on the i2010 initiative 19. The Commission concludes it report saying that they will closely monitor the use of electronic signatures in the EU and "particular emphasis will be on interoperability and cross-border use of electronic signatures. The Commission will encourage further standardization work in order to promote the interoperability and use of all kinds of technologies for qualified electronic signature in the internal market." _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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[Fwd: [governance] Google Policy Fellowships]
by alice 30 Nov '07

30 Nov '07

"We¹re [Google] looking for students who are passionate about technology, and want to spend the summer diving headfirst into Internet policy." <http://www.google.com/policyfellowship/> <http://googlepublicpolicy.blogspot.com/2007/11/calling-aspiring-tech-policy…>

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Re: [kictanet] Fibre Optic
by robert yawe 30 Nov '07

30 Nov '07

Hi Alex, Explain one issue to me, how will the marine cable increase the remittances from the diaspora, they are sending 3.9 billion over slow, expensive satellite links why should we reduce this by spending 7 billion to land the fiber? Alex, all I ask is can you give me a logical reason why we should spend 7 billion to land this fiber? I am aware this discussion is academic but it should not stop us from questioning the rational. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: Alex Gakuru <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> To: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Friday, 30 November, 2007 7:37:39 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fibre Optic But Yawe, [Sorry for this late response, this message only got to my inbox a short while ago] On Nov 28, 2007 8:06 AM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > > The diaspora makes up less than 5% of the population and many of them add no > value to us, yet you are more concerned about how we can communicate with > them instead of how to make it possible for my children to talk and see > their grandmother in Mbita point without requiring to make the trip. > Not quite so. Diasporans send sizable chunks of home for Mbitarians consumption. "The most recent data available indicates that remittances by Kenyans reached a historic month-on-month high in June when Sh3.9 billion was sent into the country." <http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4622&Item…> Though you are right also about a national fibre network would enhance far flung families bonding and save our Mbitarian business lexicon travel expenses ( i.e. help in converting remittances into investments rather than consumption). "It is estimated that full compliance with the licensing requirements costs Kenyan businesses Sh5 billion annually." <http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4621&Item…> Agreed! Local fibre saves locally and international one boosts remittances hence my argument elsewhere, "we need both pentium and penicillin" and it the juglers' job ( Read Ndemo:) to give us the optimal mix. Notwithstanding, absent fibres remains no excuse for inefficient and opaque service delivery by those employed by the public and all government agencies. Sawa? ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try it now. http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/

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Re: [kictanet] Fibre Optic
by robert yawe 30 Nov '07

30 Nov '07

Dr Ndemo, You have not answered our concern yet on why we need the marine cable to bring us high speed Internet yet as a country we do not have a cost effective national high speed network? The diaspora makes up less than 5% of the population and many of them add no value to us, yet you are more concerned about how we can communicate with them instead of how to make it possible for my children to talk and see their grandmother in Mbita point without requiring to make the trip. As a democracy I believe our interest should be to serve the greater population than a few out there. I have been looking at the cost of AGM's for listed companies and it is a major drain on this organisations, if you and your team could concentrate on a fiber link to all provincial head quarters we can have the next Kengen AGM held virtually with participants in centers closest to them, to me this would be a greater utilisation of connectivity than being able to talk cheaply to my sister in the US who none the less is too busy working 3 jobs to have time to talk to me regularly irrespective of cost. So Dr. Ndemo gives us a more compelling reason for the fibre optic cable. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: "bitange(a)jambo.co.ke" <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, 26 November, 2007 9:13:57 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Fibre Optic Dear Yawe, Gakuru, I promised to respond to the question as to whether we indeed need Fibre Optic Cables. Yes indeed we need them for the time being (Intel shall be commecializing [in 10 years time]a chip with the capability to send data at high speeds without any cables)(see NY Times summary article below). In as much as I do not like cables for connectivity I think they are a necessary infrastructure at the moment. The benefits are immense as I look forward to greater linkages with our increasingly important relatives in the diaspora. With efficient connectivity, there we create opportunities such as localised news that is accessible to anyone everywhere; we shall enable innovation and more importantly create jobs for our youth. The difference here is that some may see entrepreneurial opportunities that come with this infrastructure and unfortunately some will simply watch as events unfold. Fortunately, you only need a few (Steve jobs, Bill Gates etc) to innovate and exploit the opportunity once access to technology is availed. Our role is to facilitate our people to reach their fullest potential. This is what leadership is all about. Bitange Ndemo. A Chip That Can Transfer Data Using Laser Light New York Times: The advance will make it possible to use laser light rather than wires to send data between chips, removing the most significant bottleneck in computer design. A Tiny Laser on a Silicon Chip As a result, chip makers may be able to put the high-speed data communications industry on the same curve of increased processing speed and diminishing costs — the phenomenon known as Moore’s law — that has driven the computer industry for the last four decades. The development is a result of research at Intel, the world’s largest chip maker, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. Commercializing the new technology may not happen before the end of the decade, but the prospect of being able to place hundreds or thousands of data-carrying light beams on standard industry chips is certain to shake up both the communications and computer industries. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.… ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try it now. http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/

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Re: [kictanet] Faith in local web hosting
by Joseph Mucheru 30 Nov '07

30 Nov '07

Hi Eric and Washington, There is another way to look at this. Why is it cheaper overseas? the obvious answer is that bandwidth there is local. In which case the hosting companies are not charged high fees for bandwidth. The infact primarily pay for peering with other networks. In our case we are yet to give hosting companies access to the IXP. One way to solve this is for ISPs to provide an "unbundled" hosting service; a) Local part $x per MB b) International part $x per MB c) Rack Space $x With such a setup it is much easier for webhosting companies to emerge and be very creative and at the same time compete with international players. This would make the business case better for most hosting business and they would not have to pay the high costs. Right now the high bandwidth cost is still paid for by the consumer since they still have to access the internationally hosted sites via the ISP. Joe Mucheru > On Nov 26, 2007 7:48 AM, Eric Osiakwan <eric(a)afrispa.org> wrote: > > > Dear Mr. Washington, > > > > You have stated the obvious which is the challenge but let me try to > > share some light on how to solve the problem. > > > > It is really a chicken an egg situation, the localhosting business would > > develop based on demand but like you said demand is relative to cost. > > > > However in the interest of developing our countries and continent if we > > all commit to having country code top level domain (in this case .ke) and > > host them locally, the demand would trigger supply. > > > > On the other hand if the local entrepreneurs can invest in > > infrastructure and based on market study provide competitive rates (with the > > generic TLDs) then again the supply could trigger the demand. > > > > Having said that, i have noticed something under the sun, which is that > > for some reason African just dont like using what other Africans produce so > > in some ways the former strategy would work better if we deal with the > > attitudinal change. > > > > Eric here > > > > > > On 26 Nov 2007, at 08:35, Odhiambo Washington wrote: > > > > On Nov 26, 2007 8:03 AM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > > > > > > Hi all, > > > > I have raised this issue before when I did a search and found out that > > the > > CCK web site was hosted overseas and thus how can we expect them to > > monitor > > the service quality levels of the ISP's. > > > > On Sunday I visited the Kibaki web site, I experienced unstable audio > > streaming so I decided to find out where the site was hosted, yes you > > guest > > it overseas. The other 2 presidential candidates web sites are no > > better > > they are not locally hosted. Is this a reflection of who the targets of > > this web sites are? > > > > The Kibaki site is developed by one 3Mice, if I remember right, which > > has > > some association with newly appointed ICT Board Managing Director > > Kokubo. > > > > Regards > > Robert Yawe > > KAY System Technologies Ltd > > Phoenix House, 6th Floor > > P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 > > KEnya > > > > > > It's not the faith the people have in local hosting, but rather the > > cost factor. Last time I looked at this web hosting biz, one company > > was charging KES 1,000+VAT per month, which was what was though to be > > competitive. Another one entered into the fray with hype about reduced > > costing charges, but I am not sure how much business they managed to > > pick. All the same, their charges did not compare with what is charged > > internationally (I mean in Europe and the US). > > Websites is not something that has caught up with many Kenyans, > > otherwise the volumes would help sustain such businesses locally. > > I believe the lack of volumes is one of the factors that makes > > entities like 3Mice to host overseas. Top-notch Kenyan techies have > > been hosting their Blog with blogspot (overseas). Bandwidth costs is > > another. In Europe and the US, individuals can afford to connect > > 10MBps in their kitchens while in Kenya, that kind of bandwidth can > > only be purchased by ISPs. > > One last question though: Do you know any reliable webhosting company > > that hosts it's websites locally, and has reliable and efficient > > access to those websites? If there is one, they are not marketing > > themselves enough. > > > > > > > > -- > > Best regards, > > Odhiambo WASHINGTON, > > Nairobi,KE > > +254733744121/+254722743223 > > _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ > > > > "Oh My God! They killed init! You Bastards!" > > --from a /. post > > > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > This message was sent to: eric(a)afrispa.org > > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/eric%40afrispa.org > > > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > > Executive Secretary > > AfrISPA ( www.afrispa.org) > > Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 > > Fax: + 233.21.258811 > > Cell: + 233.244.386792 > > Handle: eosiakwan > > Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North > > Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > > Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ > > Slang: "Tomorrow Now" > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > This message was sent to: mucheru(a)google.com > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mucheru%40google.com > > > > > > > -- > Joe Mucheru > Office Lead, East Africa > Google Kenya > 7th Floor, Purshottam Place > Westlands Road > P O Box 66217 - 00800 Westlands > Nairobi, > KENYA > > +254 20 360 1701 Office > +254 20 360 1100 Fax > +254 20 360 1000 Switch Board (Regus) > > +254 722522135 Mobile > > > http://www.google.com > > This email may be confidential or privileged. If you received this > communication by mistake, please don't forward it to anyone else, please > erase all copies and attachments, and please let me know that it went to the > wrong person. Thanks. -- Joe Mucheru Office Lead, East Africa Google Kenya 7th Floor, Purshottam Place Westlands Road P O Box 66217 - 00800 Westlands Nairobi, KENYA +254 20 360 1701 Office +254 20 360 1100 Fax +254 20 360 1000 Switch Board (Regus) +254 722522135 Mobile http://www.google.com This email may be confidential or privileged. If you received this communication by mistake, please don't forward it to anyone else, please erase all copies and attachments, and please let me know that it went to the wrong person. Thanks.

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Are Mobicoms Impoverishing "Emerging Markets"?
by Alex Gakuru 30 Nov '07

30 Nov '07

Taking a bird's view, floating a conspiracy theory, and inviting your comments... The Financial Post 9 -15 April 2007 issue, contains an article titled "Billion Dollar Baby" Carlos Slim Helú's fortune is up almost $20 billion a year, built amid poverty and resentment in Mexico. Now he is gaining on Warren Buffett. (attached) This is old news now for Carlos is now the world's richest man. Slim has a substantial influence over the telecommunications industry [and media] in Mexico and much of Latin America as well. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Slim_Hel%C3%BA There are/can be two camps here, one paying homage to new richest men in our worlds or those feeling the havoc caused by mobicoms dominance by worsening poverty levels in developing nations. This is why I say, andstand to be corrected, "In the current situation ICTs cause more poverty than prosperity." http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=363&Itemi…. With this wealth and power at their disposal, I fear that it could be just a matter of time before they start deciding on DNs governments. A hypothetical Fabian bored with too much wealth, succeeded at his ultimate game to an entire society: - "After a man has far more money than he can possibly spend for pleasure, what is left to excite him? For those with a ruling class mentality, the answer is power - raw power over other human beings. The idealists were used in the media and in Government, but the real controllers that Fabian sought were those of the ruling class mentality." http://www.relfe.com/plus_5_.html Another example, I have been following on how spying devices were found inside key components of the Vodafone network in Greece, which was being used to monitor conversations of 103 people, including the Greek Prime Minister, Costas Karamanlis and his wife. Today I read this article http://www.cellular-news.com/story/27648.php An earlier story "Death muddies Greek spy probe" can be found here http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4838552.stm 3 cents... [mind mentioning where you got this compilation if you must to use it somewhere else? ("creative commons":) Thanks]

5 7

Re: [kictanet] Safaricom IPO Certified Urgent
by Bill Kagai 30 Nov '07

30 Nov '07

On Nov 30, 2007 11:30 AM, Odhiambo Washington <odhiambo(a)gmail.com> wrote: > A very detailed article regarding the safaricom IPO was posted on this > list sometimes back. > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/private/kictanet/2007-August/003030.html > Has anything changed so far? > I believe these are valid reasons, which have been raised, and which > have been kinds whitewashed by the people concerned. > Shouldn't these be addressed before the IPO, or should Kenyans be made > to buy what belongs to them just because we don't want "neophytes to > compromise our industry and the future ICT IPOs to come"? Wash, My beef is that am investing in shops to sell these shares and then on Tuesday I read that some lawyers got late to attend court. I mean, the treatment of this case is so pedestrian yet we are relying on someone deciding whether its priority to attend court or not. This has to change and Kictanet ought to have the balls to fight for us who are gnashing in the confines of a depressing miasma not knowing whether to invest or not to invest. We need Kictanet to show these politicians that its not only their interests at stake here and tell them on their faces. 'Don't be late for Court'. Am not taking sides and neither interfering with the court process...but I mean..can someone (kictanet) show them they cannot go to court when they decide or when they have some time to spare. They need to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves for many Kenyans are banking on this IPO. The next process is to get a hearing date from the Registrar but again..these guys might get 'late' or not have time to go and book the date. It has become crazy doing business in this town. Bill

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Safaricom IPO Certified Urgent
by Bill Kagai 30 Nov '07

30 Nov '07

Ladies/Gentlemen, Investors appetite has been whetted for a long time now over Safaricom IPO with local hustlers putting in investment to benefit from this gigantic IPO. But when all signs read 'full steam ahead', an obstacle crops up. We do not need to decide the merits/demerits of the appeal but the setting up of the Privatisation Act should not compromise ICT initiatives in Kenya. I think the politicians have their space in this but a neutral force should also come out to clearly spell that 'ICT Iko na Wenyewe'. I have read somewhere in the dailies where one party argues that should the court stop the IPO then people will be refunded their investment whilst the opposite argues that it will not be possible. Why are we letting these neophytes compromise our industry and the future ICT IPOs to come?? Kictanet ought to transform into an ICT watchdog in Kenya following the same vein as the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. In fact we ought to be contemplating how we can get this lobby group entrenched into a commission. I think I would love to see a paid advertisement from Kictanet....not taking sides...but clearly defining why such ICT ventures should not be politicized and why politicians need to GO SLOW when they venture into our territory. They need to consult with 'us' [read ICT stakeholders] before jeopardizing our efforts and know that we should not be hurt by their selfish interests. My entire savings!! -- Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited Nairobi Stock Exchange [NSE] - Authorised Information Vendor Suite B2 Tetu Apartments StateHouse Avenue P. O. Box 20311-00200 Tel. 254 20 272 8332 Fax. Rendered Obsolete URL. www.mediacorpafrica.com --

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Fwd: [Fibre-for-africa] Fwd: EASSy reaches financial close
by Eric Osiakwan 29 Nov '07

29 Nov '07

fyi - sorry for corss posting. Begin forwarded message: > From: Wairagala Wakabi <w_wakabi(a)yahoo.com> > Date: 28 November 2007 17:35:28 GMT+03:00 > To: Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > Subject: [Fibre-for-africa] Fwd: EASSy reaches financial close > Reply-To: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants > <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > > > Press <press(a)afdb.org> wrote: > East African Submarine Cable System reaches financial close > The African Development Bank Signs Loans for the EASSy Cable Project > > Tunis, 23 November 2007 – The African Development Bank (AfDB), > along with other participating development financial institutions > (DFIs) have signed loan agreements for the East African Submarine > Cable System (EASSy), the landmark fibre-optic cable project that > will connect 22 coastal and land-locked African countries to each > other and the rest of the world with high-quality Internet and > international communications services. > > EASSy is an initiative sponsored by 25 telecommunications > operators, most of which are African. The project will construct > and operate a submarine fibre-optic cable along the east coast of > Africa that will run for 10,000 kilometers from the continent’s > southern tip to the African horn, connecting South Africa, > Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, and > Sudan. Another 13 adjoining countries will also be linked to the > system as terrestrial backbone networks including Botswana, > Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of > Congo, Chad, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Rwanda, Swaziland, Uganda, > Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The EASSy project will also provide the > last link to completely encircle Africa with high-capacity fiber- > optic telecommunications networks. > > The AfDB’s financing will be channeled through the EASSy Special > Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that is also known as the West Indian Ocean > Cable Company, or WIOCC, and consists of a $14.5 million senior > loan. The cable will transform the telecommunications landscape in > the region as it improves access for 250 million Africans and > substantially reduces costs for consumers and businesses. > Construction will begin in December 2007 and the EASSy cable is > expected to be fully operational in time for the 2010 FIFA Football > World Cup to be hosted by South Africa. > > The AfDB, the French development Agency (AFD), the European > Investment Bank (EIB), Germany’s Development Bank (KfW) and the > International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank group > will provide the project’s entire long-term loan financing of $70.7 > million, with $14.5 million to come from the AfDB. The total > project cost is $235 million and the balance will be provided by > the 25 private telecommunications operators wgho will operate the > cable as a consortium. These Telecom operators, including 21 > African operators, will be the main users of capacity on the cable. > > Contrary to previous cables in the African continent that were > built on the “closed-club” structure, EASSy is built on a Hybrid > SPV Development model. This model will allow smaller operators to > participate in the cable consortium at reduced individual entry > investments. EASSy also adheres to the main development objectives > of “Open Access", Non-discriminatory and Affordable pricing. The > cable will act as a crucial medium of internet connectivity to > carry telecom traffic for all African operators from the Eastern > and Southern African markets to onward connecting Cable networks in > Europe, Asia and the Americas. > > After years of collaboration between the African Development Bank, > World Bank Group and other global and regional development > institutions, governments, and the region’s private sector, the > project brings together the public and private sectors to expand > Telecommunications Infrastructure. EASSy provides a model for > future generations of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) that will > be necessary to create the enabling environment for private sector > participation in Africa. > > The EASSy project will also foster regional integration in line > with NEPAD and the AfDB’s strategic objectives. The EASSy project > will contribute to the socio-economic development of the region > through the expansion of inter-Africa trade, facilitated by lower > costs and better communication. The expected increase in employment > and income for the regions will help to reduce poverty and lead to > sustainable development. Additionally, the EASSy project will help > in breaking the barriers of social and geographical isolation and > assist the population in its quest to access information and > continued education. > CONTACTS: E-mail: e.chinje(a)afdb.org > 4Private Sector Department– Tel.: +216 71 10 28 43 – Fax: +216 71 > 83 41 78 – E-mail: private-sector(a)afdb.org 3 > 4 Internal and External Communications Division– Tel.: +216 71 10 > 29 16 – Fax: +216 71 10 37 52 – E-mail: comuadb(a)afdb.org 3 > Press releases are also posted on ADB Website at: www.afdb.org > > > > > > > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage. > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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Re: [kictanet] Govt Websites
by robert yawe 28 Nov '07

28 Nov '07

Harry thanks for the information, but can we find a way to publicise the site and not treat it like a state secret. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Tuesday, 27 November, 2007 11:01:12 AM Subject: [kictanet] Govt Websites  Dear Colleagues, The Kenya.go.ke appears to be a portal that can lead you to most of the government websites, Bobby, next time you could give it try when looking for a certain ministry…url http://www.kenya.go.ke/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=1 Harry -----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: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.… ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try it now. http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/

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Re: [kictanet] Faith in local web hosting
by robert yawe 28 Nov '07

28 Nov '07

End user ---> Telkom ---> ISP ---> KDN --> ISP --> Telkom --> end user Do the math Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: Kai Wulff <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke> To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, 26 November, 2007 1:19:30 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Faith in local web hosting Strange! I thought this is what we do since 4 years! A Rack Space, good enough for TBs of hosted Webspace is USD 250,- per month. The KIXP link is on fiber and international bandwidth can be bought separately! Rgds Kai ----- Original Message ----- From: Joseph Mucheru To: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Sent: Monday, November 26, 2007 12:29 Subject: Re: [kictanet] Faith in local web hosting Hi Eric and Washington, There is another way to look at this. Why is it cheaper overseas? the obvious answer is that bandwidth there is local. In which case the hosting companies are not charged high fees for bandwidth. The infact primarily pay for peering with other networks. In our case we are yet to give hosting companies access to the IXP. One way to solve this is for ISPs to provide an "unbundled" hosting service; a) Local part $x per MB b) International part $x per MB c) Rack Space $x With such a setup it is much easier for webhosting companies to emerge and be very creative and at the same time compete with international players. This would make the business case better for most hosting business and they would not have to pay the high costs. Right now the high bandwidth cost is still paid for by the consumer since they still have to access the internationally hosted sites via the ISP. Joe Mucheru On Nov 26, 2007 7:48 AM, Eric Osiakwan <eric(a)afrispa.org> wrote: Dear Mr. Washington, You have stated the obvious which is the challenge but let me try to share some light on how to solve the problem. It is really a chicken an egg situation, the localhosting business would develop based on demand but like you said demand is relative to cost. However in the interest of developing our countries and continent if we all commit to having country code top level domain (in this case .ke) and host them locally, the demand would trigger supply. On the other hand if the local entrepreneurs can invest in infrastructure and based on market study provide competitive rates (with the generic TLDs) then again the supply could trigger the demand. Having said that, i have noticed something under the sun, which is that for some reason African just dont like using what other Africans produce so in some ways the former strategy would work better if we deal with the attitudinal change. Eric here On 26 Nov 2007, at 08:35, Odhiambo Washington wrote: On Nov 26, 2007 8:03 AM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: Hi all, I have raised this issue before when I did a search and found out that the CCK web site was hosted overseas and thus how can we expect them to monitor the service quality levels of the ISP's. On Sunday I visited the Kibaki web site, I experienced unstable audio streaming so I decided to find out where the site was hosted, yes you guest it overseas. The other 2 presidential candidates web sites are no better they are not locally hosted. Is this a reflection of who the targets of this web sites are? The Kibaki site is developed by one 3Mice, if I remember right, which has some association with newly appointed ICT Board Managing Director Kokubo. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya It's not the faith the people have in local hosting, but rather the cost factor. Last time I looked at this web hosting biz, one company was charging KES 1,000+VAT per month, which was what was though to be competitive. Another one entered into the fray with hype about reduced costing charges, but I am not sure how much business they managed to pick. All the same, their charges did not compare with what is charged internationally (I mean in Europe and the US). Websites is not something that has caught up with many Kenyans, otherwise the volumes would help sustain such businesses locally. I believe the lack of volumes is one of the factors that makes entities like 3Mice to host overseas. Top-notch Kenyan techies have been hosting their Blog with blogspot (overseas). Bandwidth costs is another. In Europe and the US, individuals can afford to connect 10MBps in their kitchens while in Kenya, that kind of bandwidth can only be purchased by ISPs. One last question though: Do you know any reliable webhosting company that hosts it's websites locally, and has reliable and efficient access to those websites? If there is one, they are not marketing themselves enough. -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ "Oh My God! They killed init! You Bastards!" --from a /. post _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: eric(a)afrispa.org Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/eric%40afrispa.org Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA ( www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: mucheru(a)google.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mucheru%40google.com -- Joe Mucheru Office Lead, East Africa Google Kenya 7th Floor, Purshottam Place Westlands Road P O Box 66217 - 00800 Westlands Nairobi, KENYA +254 20 360 1701 Office +254 20 360 1100 Fax +254 20 360 1000 Switch Board (Regus) +254 722522135 Mobile http://www.google.com This email may be confidential or privileged. If you received this communication by mistake, please don't forward it to anyone else, please erase all copies and attachments, and please let me know that it went to the wrong person. Thanks. -- Joe Mucheru Office Lead, East Africa Google Kenya 7th Floor, Purshottam Place Westlands Road P O Box 66217 - 00800 Westlands Nairobi, KENYA +254 20 360 1701 Office +254 20 360 1100 Fax +254 20 360 1000 Switch Board (Regus) +254 722522135 Mobile http://www.google.com This email may be confidential or privileged. If you received this communication by mistake, please don't forward it to anyone else, please erase all copies and attachments, and please let me know that it went to the wrong person. Thanks. -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kai.wulff%40kdn.co.ke -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. -----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: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.… ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try it now. http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/

1 0

Re: [kictanet] Faith in local web hosting
by robert yawe 28 Nov '07

28 Nov '07

It is interesting how we tend to have such short memories, the IXP issue should have been resolved 4 years ago when the ISPs where instead busy fighting Telkom, of which if my memory serves me right you were right in the middle of your response thus does not resonate genuineness. The exchange point needs to seat at the most central location and since 90% of the links used to access the various hosting locations pass through Telkom that becomes the most cost effective and LOGICAL location. Alternatively host is at CCK and provide all hosting companies with free high speed links. We unfortunately as Kenyans have not overcome the blame game approach to forgetting an issue, the ISPs and CCK are wholly and individually responsible for this country not moving forward technologically. The ministry is equally to blame for not playing its part. The answers from the parties concerned on the issue of local content and hosting is beginning to sound like a broken CD. Please lets move the exchange point, make is available to all and stop this private club mentality give genuinely and you shall prosper. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: Joseph Mucheru <mucheru(a)google.com> To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, 26 November, 2007 12:29:43 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Faith in local web hosting Hi Eric and Washington, There is another way to look at this. Why is it cheaper overseas? the obvious answer is that bandwidth there is local. In which case the hosting companies are not charged high fees for bandwidth. The infact primarily pay for peering with other networks. In our case we are yet to give hosting companies access to the IXP. One way to solve this is for ISPs to provide an "unbundled" hosting service; a) Local part $x per MB b) International part $x per MB c) Rack Space $x With such a setup it is much easier for webhosting companies to emerge and be very creative and at the same time compete with international players. This would make the business case better for most hosting business and they would not have to pay the high costs. Right now the high bandwidth cost is still paid for by the consumer since they still have to access the internationally hosted sites via the ISP. Joe Mucheru On Nov 26, 2007 7:48 AM, Eric Osiakwan <eric(a)afrispa.org> wrote: Dear Mr. Washington, You have stated the obvious which is the challenge but let me try to share some light on how to solve the problem. It is really a chicken an egg situation, the localhosting business would develop based on demand but like you said demand is relative to cost. However in the interest of developing our countries and continent if we all commit to having country code top level domain (in this case .ke) and host them locally, the demand would trigger supply. On the other hand if the local entrepreneurs can invest in infrastructure and based on market study provide competitive rates (with the generic TLDs) then again the supply could trigger the demand. Having said that, i have noticed something under the sun, which is that for some reason African just dont like using what other Africans produce so in some ways the former strategy would work better if we deal with the attitudinal change. Eric here On 26 Nov 2007, at 08:35, Odhiambo Washington wrote: On Nov 26, 2007 8:03 AM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: Hi all, I have raised this issue before when I did a search and found out that the CCK web site was hosted overseas and thus how can we expect them to monitor the service quality levels of the ISP's. On Sunday I visited the Kibaki web site, I experienced unstable audio streaming so I decided to find out where the site was hosted, yes you guest it overseas. The other 2 presidential candidates web sites are no better they are not locally hosted. Is this a reflection of who the targets of this web sites are? The Kibaki site is developed by one 3Mice, if I remember right, which has some association with newly appointed ICT Board Managing Director Kokubo. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya It's not the faith the people have in local hosting, but rather the cost factor. Last time I looked at this web hosting biz, one company was charging KES 1,000+VAT per month, which was what was though to be competitive. Another one entered into the fray with hype about reduced costing charges, but I am not sure how much business they managed to pick. All the same, their charges did not compare with what is charged internationally (I mean in Europe and the US). Websites is not something that has caught up with many Kenyans, otherwise the volumes would help sustain such businesses locally. I believe the lack of volumes is one of the factors that makes entities like 3Mice to host overseas. Top-notch Kenyan techies have been hosting their Blog with blogspot (overseas). Bandwidth costs is another. In Europe and the US, individuals can afford to connect 10MBps in their kitchens while in Kenya, that kind of bandwidth can only be purchased by ISPs. One last question though: Do you know any reliable webhosting company that hosts it's websites locally, and has reliable and efficient access to those websites? If there is one, they are not marketing themselves enough. -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ "Oh My God! They killed init! You Bastards!" --from a /. post _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: eric(a)afrispa.org Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/eric%40afrispa.org Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA ( www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: mucheru(a)google.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mucheru%40google.com -- Joe Mucheru Office Lead, East Africa Google Kenya 7th Floor, Purshottam Place Westlands Road P O Box 66217 - 00800 Westlands Nairobi, KENYA +254 20 360 1701 Office +254 20 360 1100 Fax +254 20 360 1000 Switch Board (Regus) +254 722522135 Mobile http://www.google.com This email may be confidential or privileged. If you received this communication by mistake, please don't forward it to anyone else, please erase all copies and attachments, and please let me know that it went to the wrong person. Thanks. -- Joe Mucheru Office Lead, East Africa Google Kenya 7th Floor, Purshottam Place Westlands Road P O Box 66217 - 00800 Westlands Nairobi, KENYA +254 20 360 1701 Office +254 20 360 1100 Fax +254 20 360 1000 Switch Board (Regus) +254 722522135 Mobile http://www.google.com This email may be confidential or privileged. If you received this communication by mistake, please don't forward it to anyone else, please erase all copies and attachments, and please let me know that it went to the wrong person. Thanks. -----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: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.… ___________________________________________________________ Want ideas for reducing your carbon footprint? Visit Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html

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Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The NewFrontierinTransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007
by robert yawe 28 Nov '07

28 Nov '07

Dear Mr. Joseph, At the rate this agreement is going you will have disenfranchised enough Kenyan's then what will it be worth. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: Michael Joseph <MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke> To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, 26 November, 2007 12:22:51 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The NewFrontierinTransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007 Actually the agreement has been reached by both parties. We are just waiting for some outstanding items to be concluded. Michael CEO Safaricom Limited -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of John Walubengo Sent: Monday, November 26, 2007 12:14 PM To: Michael Joseph Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The NewFrontierinTransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007 my quick two cents. 1. On high-costs: 'High-cost' is actually NOT relative- having been defined by UN/ITU as the cost of service as a % of the Gross National Income per Capita. (ITU Digital Access Indices ( ITU News, 2003). In simpler times, are the citizens continuously faced with the 'difficult' choice between communicating and buying their next meal? i.e if the cost of communication results in their missing their next meal then the service is quite expensive. 2. On Commercial Agreements between Operators: I believe the operators have the 1st privilege to reach an agreement. However, the Regulator reserves the right to interven in the event that the agreement is not being reached soon enought. walu. --- Alex Gakuru <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> wrote: > all networks interconnection are subject to CCK thus it > has everything > to do with them in fulfilling their legal mandate to > protect consumers > especially where outcry are so loud it break many high > glass offices > blocks. Further, TKL has been on the press stating > otherwise. "In its > letter to Mr John Waweru, the Communications Commission > of Kenya > director general, Telkom Kenya is accusing Safaricom of > practising > anti-competitive behaviour in the market -especially in > the Short > Messages Services (SMS) segment of the business." > http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3703&I temid=5810 > > High costs are relative so allow me to pass that > questions > > > On Nov 26, 2007 8:23 AM, Michael Joseph > <MJoseph(a)safaricom.co.ke> wrote: > > It has got nothing to do with the CCK but is a > commercial issue with TKL Kenya. Both parties are well > aware of what has to be done and it is a matter of > getting this concluded. Both mobile operators have the > same issue. > > > > I do not know what high costs you are referring to. > > > > Michael > > > > CEO > > Safaricom Limited > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: > kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] > On Behalf Of Alex Gakuru > > Sent: Monday, November 26, 2007 8:16 AM > > To: Michael Joseph > > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New > FrontierinTransformingPublic Services - 29th November > 2007 > > > > Hope is not a bad thing to have but just its just a > wish. Until you > > finally "finalise" the agreement completely then let > high costs bite > > deeper and deeper into our pockets. > > > > If we had a CCK that protected consumers this would > have happened 2 months ago. > > > > Alex > > > > On Nov 26, 2007 8:06 AM, Michael Joseph > <MJoseph(a)safaricom.co.ke> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > There is no blocking as such. Simply stated the > agreements to open up the > > > SMS interconnectivity have not been completed. We > hope that this will be > > > done soon. > > > > > > > > > > > > Regards, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Michael > > > > > > > > > > > > CEO > > > > > > Safaricom Limited > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > > > > > > > > From: > kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > > > [mailto:kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] > On > > > Behalf Of robert yawe > > > Sent: Monday, November 26, 2007 7:50 AM > > > To: Michael Joseph > > > > > > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New > Frontier > > > inTransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi, > > > > > > I am unable to send an SMS from my safaricom line to > CDMA numbers. Who is > > > responsible for making sure that we are not blocked > from sending messages > > > across networks. > > > > > > Regards > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Robert Yawe > > > KAY System Technologies Ltd > > > Phoenix House, 6th Floor > > > P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 > > > KEnya > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Tel: +254722511225 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ----- Original Message ---- > > > From: "bitange(a)jambo.co.ke" <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> > > > To: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> > > > Cc: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke; KICTAnet ICT Policy > Discussions > > > <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > > > Sent: Friday, 23 November, 2007 11:20:03 PM > > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New > Frontier in > > > TransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007 > > > > > > Dear Yawe, > > > Welcome to KICTAnet. Just wanted to know how you > got to know that > > > Ministry of Information, CCK and ICT Board did not > act on the > > > Safaricom/TKL sms issue? Do you know the mandate of > these "bodies"? My > > > friend, in the past one year did you not come across > the mention of the > > > ICT Bill? I really want to be of help to you but > first I want to > > > understand where you are coming from. > > > > > > > > > > > > Regards > > > > > > Bitange Ndemo. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi All, > > > > > > > > I am new to this mailing list and would like to > start by saying > > > something > > > > about myself. > > > > > > > > I am an Information Technology specialist with > over 15 years experience > > > > which means I know how to use DOS, UNIX and other > OS's that exist only on > > > > 5.25" floppy disks. My area of specialisation is > in design & > > > > implementation of local and wide area networks. > > > > > > > > On the issue of mGovernment I do agree that this > is the next frontier but > > > > it is shocking, as usual, that we are not > embracing the technology or > > > even > > > > working to develop the necessary legislation to > make it flourish. AS > > > many > > > > web site designers about WAP and they are lost, we > are designing heavy > > > > sites that have no intelligence to identify the > type of device accessing > === message truncated === ________________________________________________________________________ ____________ Be a better sports nut! Let your teams follow you with Yahoo Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/sports;_ylt=At9_qDKvtAbMuh1G1SQtBI7ntAcJ _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: mjoseph(a)safaricom.co.ke Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mjoseph%40safaricom .co.ke The information in this email and any attachments is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended only for the use of the named addressee. Emails are susceptible to alteration and their integrity cannot be guaranteed. Safaricom Limited does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this email if the same is found to have been altered or manipulated. The contents and opinions expressed in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Safaricom Limited. Safaricom Limited disclaims any liability to the fullest extent permissible by law for any consequences that may arise from the contents of this email including but not limited to personal opinions, malicious and/or defamatory information and data/codes that may compromise or damage the integrity of the recipient's information technology systems. If you are not the intended recipient please notify the sender and immediately delete this email from your system. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.… ___________________________________________________________ Want ideas for reducing your carbon footprint? Visit Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html

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Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New FrontierinTransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007
by robert yawe 28 Nov '07

28 Nov '07

Thanks for the legal angle, and it was actually 2 shillings worth as you might have notice the Kenya Shilling is getting stronger. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, 26 November, 2007 12:14:11 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New FrontierinTransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007 my quick two cents. 1. On high-costs: 'High-cost' is actually NOT relative- having been defined by UN/ITU as the cost of service as a % of the Gross National Income per Capita. (ITU Digital Access Indices ( ITU News, 2003). In simpler times, are the citizens continuously faced with the 'difficult' choice between communicating and buying their next meal? i.e if the cost of communication results in their missing their next meal then the service is quite expensive. 2. On Commercial Agreements between Operators: I believe the operators have the 1st privilege to reach an agreement. However, the Regulator reserves the right to interven in the event that the agreement is not being reached soon enought. walu. --- Alex Gakuru <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> wrote: > all networks interconnection are subject to CCK thus it > has everything > to do with them in fulfilling their legal mandate to > protect consumers > especially where outcry are so loud it break many high > glass offices > blocks. Further, TKL has been on the press stating > otherwise. "In its > letter to Mr John Waweru, the Communications Commission > of Kenya > director general, Telkom Kenya is accusing Safaricom of > practising > anti-competitive behaviour in the market —especially in > the Short > Messages Services (SMS) segment of the business." > http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3703&Item… > > High costs are relative so allow me to pass that > questions > > > On Nov 26, 2007 8:23 AM, Michael Joseph > <MJoseph(a)safaricom.co.ke> wrote: > > It has got nothing to do with the CCK but is a > commercial issue with TKL Kenya. Both parties are well > aware of what has to be done and it is a matter of > getting this concluded. Both mobile operators have the > same issue. > > > > I do not know what high costs you are referring to. > > > > Michael > > > > CEO > > Safaricom Limited > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: > kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] > On Behalf Of Alex Gakuru > > Sent: Monday, November 26, 2007 8:16 AM > > To: Michael Joseph > > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New > FrontierinTransformingPublic Services - 29th November > 2007 > > > > Hope is not a bad thing to have but just its just a > wish. Until you > > finally "finalise" the agreement completely then let > high costs bite > > deeper and deeper into our pockets. > > > > If we had a CCK that protected consumers this would > have happened 2 months ago. > > > > Alex > > > > On Nov 26, 2007 8:06 AM, Michael Joseph > <MJoseph(a)safaricom.co.ke> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > There is no blocking as such. Simply stated the > agreements to open up the > > > SMS interconnectivity have not been completed. We > hope that this will be > > > done soon. > > > > > > > > > > > > Regards, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Michael > > > > > > > > > > > > CEO > > > > > > Safaricom Limited > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > > > > > > > > From: > kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > > > [mailto:kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] > On > > > Behalf Of robert yawe > > > Sent: Monday, November 26, 2007 7:50 AM > > > To: Michael Joseph > > > > > > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New > Frontier > > > inTransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi, > > > > > > I am unable to send an SMS from my safaricom line to > CDMA numbers. Who is > > > responsible for making sure that we are not blocked > from sending messages > > > across networks. > > > > > > Regards > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Robert Yawe > > > KAY System Technologies Ltd > > > Phoenix House, 6th Floor > > > P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 > > > KEnya > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Tel: +254722511225 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ----- Original Message ---- > > > From: "bitange(a)jambo.co.ke" <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> > > > To: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> > > > Cc: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke; KICTAnet ICT Policy > Discussions > > > <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > > > Sent: Friday, 23 November, 2007 11:20:03 PM > > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New > Frontier in > > > TransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007 > > > > > > Dear Yawe, > > > Welcome to KICTAnet. Just wanted to know how you > got to know that > > > Ministry of Information, CCK and ICT Board did not > act on the > > > Safaricom/TKL sms issue? Do you know the mandate of > these "bodies"? My > > > friend, in the past one year did you not come across > the mention of the > > > ICT Bill? I really want to be of help to you but > first I want to > > > understand where you are coming from. > > > > > > > > > > > > Regards > > > > > > Bitange Ndemo. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi All, > > > > > > > > I am new to this mailing list and would like to > start by saying > > > something > > > > about myself. > > > > > > > > I am an Information Technology specialist with > over 15 years experience > > > > which means I know how to use DOS, UNIX and other > OS's that exist only on > > > > 5.25" floppy disks. My area of specialisation is > in design & > > > > implementation of local and wide area networks. > > > > > > > > On the issue of mGovernment I do agree that this > is the next frontier but > > > > it is shocking, as usual, that we are not > embracing the technology or > > > even > > > > working to develop the necessary legislation to > make it flourish. AS > > > many > > > > web site designers about WAP and they are lost, we > are designing heavy > > > > sites that have no intelligence to identify the > type of device accessing > === message truncated === ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better sports nut! Let your teams follow you with Yahoo Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/sports;_ylt=At9_qDKvtAbMuh1G1SQtBI7ntAcJ _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.… ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try it now. http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/

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Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New Frontier inTransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007
by robert yawe 28 Nov '07

28 Nov '07

Hi As a sign of good will and intention Mr. Joseph should open up the connection, and if this will result in an illegality have it be provided by a 3rd party temporarily until the legal hurdle is resolved. When you make someone from Mandara have to travel from Mandera to Nairobi just to confirm their electoral details is inhuman and negates your so called SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY programs. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: Alex Gakuru <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, 26 November, 2007 8:15:41 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New Frontier inTransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007 Hope is not a bad thing to have but just its just a wish. Until you finally "finalise" the agreement completely then let high costs bite deeper and deeper into our pockets. If we had a CCK that protected consumers this would have happened 2 months ago. Alex On Nov 26, 2007 8:06 AM, Michael Joseph <MJoseph(a)safaricom.co.ke> wrote: > > > > > There is no blocking as such. Simply stated the agreements to open up the > SMS interconnectivity have not been completed. We hope that this will be > done soon. > > > > Regards, > > > > > Michael > > > > CEO > > Safaricom Limited > > > > ________________________________ > > > From: kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On > Behalf Of robert yawe > Sent: Monday, November 26, 2007 7:50 AM > To: Michael Joseph > > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New Frontier > inTransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007 > > > > > > Hi, > > I am unable to send an SMS from my safaricom line to CDMA numbers. Who is > responsible for making sure that we are not blocked from sending messages > across networks. > > Regards > > > > > Robert Yawe > KAY System Technologies Ltd > Phoenix House, 6th Floor > P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 > KEnya > > > > > > Tel: +254722511225 > > > > > > > ----- Original Message ---- > From: "bitange(a)jambo.co.ke" <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> > To: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> > Cc: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Sent: Friday, 23 November, 2007 11:20:03 PM > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New Frontier in > TransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007 > > Dear Yawe, > Welcome to KICTAnet. Just wanted to know how you got to know that > Ministry of Information, CCK and ICT Board did not act on the > Safaricom/TKL sms issue? Do you know the mandate of these "bodies"? My > friend, in the past one year did you not come across the mention of the > ICT Bill? I really want to be of help to you but first I want to > understand where you are coming from. > > > > Regards > > Bitange Ndemo. > > > > > > Hi All, > > > > I am new to this mailing list and would like to start by saying > something > > about myself. > > > > I am an Information Technology specialist with over 15 years experience > > which means I know how to use DOS, UNIX and other OS's that exist only on > > 5.25" floppy disks. My area of specialisation is in design & > > implementation of local and wide area networks. > > > > On the issue of mGovernment I do agree that this is the next frontier but > > it is shocking, as usual, that we are not embracing the technology or > even > > working to develop the necessary legislation to make it flourish. AS > many > > web site designers about WAP and they are lost, we are designing heavy > > sites that have no intelligence to identify the type of device accessing > > the site and thus adjust the page to display better on the particular > > device. > > > > It is interesting that CCK and the Ministry of Information plus the ICT > > Board can sit back when the fight between Telkom and Safaricom on the > > delivery of SMS messages across the network continues to deny the tax > > payer (excise duty on airtime). Or the fact that none of the mentioned > > felt it necessary to educate Mr. Kivuitu on the need to make live > > electoral database available over SMS. > > > > Now if we cannot take advantage of this opportunity to create local > > content and utilise mGovernment how can we entrust this "bodies" (which > > interestingly refers to expired humans) with making the marine cable a > > viable project. Maybe we should cancel the project and use the money to > > put up a technology park in Mandera and Garsen. > > > > We do not need to recreate the wheel, just visit yahoomobile, > > googleearthmobile, or if you have a GPRS enabled phone try > > wap.mystocks.co.ke. Or next time you are going up towards NIC on Bunyala > > Road look at the Nokia advert. > > > > The mobile phone is the future let embrace it or perish. > > > > Robert Yawe > > KAY System Technologies Ltd > > Phoenix House, 6th Floor > > P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 > > KEnya > > Tel: +254722511225 > > > > ----- Original Message ---- > > From: Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> > > To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk > > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > > Sent: Monday, 19 November, 2007 6:16:53 PM > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New Frontier in > > TransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >  > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Kwach, > > > > > > > > > > > > I agree with you and it is equally > > interesting to note that some mobile applications are already being > > implementedÃ¢â‚¬Â¦I > > > > dare say that this part of the world will see more mGovernment in the G2C > > (Government > > to Citizens) arena than the traditional eGovernment where the PC is the > > main service > > delivery channel. Most welcome to attend the session. > > > > > > > > > > > > Kindest regards > > > > > > Harry > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > From: Kwach > > [mailto:kwach@archway-productions.com] > > > > Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 > > 5:51 PM > > > > To: 'Harry Hare' > > > > Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy > > Discussions' > > > > Subject: RE: [kictanet] Mobile > > Government: The New Frontier in TransformingPublic Services - 29th > > November > > 2007 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi Harry, > > > > > > > > > > > > These are interesting statistics and > > scenario. For developing countries, there is urgent need to move from > > quantity > > to quality. In my view, content is the quality because more 65% of > mobiles > > are > > only meeting social needs and costs involved have got no direct linkage > to > > revenue for the owners, which should be a great concern. > > > > > > > > > > > > With Mobile Government, time and resources > > used in the rural to the say Government offices miles away would be > > deployed in > > other economic activities. > > > > > > > > > > > > I am keen to attend. > > > > > > > > > > > > Kwach Akich > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > From: kictanet-bounces+kwach=archway-productions.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > > [mailto:kictanet-bounces+kwach=archway-productions.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] > > On Behalf Of Harry Hare > > > > Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 > > 8:49 AM > > > > To: kwach(a)archway-productions.com > > > > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy > > Discussions > > > > Subject: [kictanet] Mobile > > Government: The New Frontier in TransformingPublic Services - 29th > > November > > 2007 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Colleagues, > > > > > > > > > > > > Mobile services are > > quickly emerging as the new frontier in transforming government and > making > > it > > even more accessible and citizen-centric by extending the benefits of > > remote > > delivery of government services and information to those who are unable > or > > unwilling to access public services through the Internet or simply prefer > > to > > use mobile devices. In theory, many government services can be now made > > available on a 24x7x365 basis at any place in the country covered by > > mobile > > networks, which today means almost everywhere! Michael, correct me if Im > > wrong. > > > > > > > > > > > > It is from this > > background that the World Bank in partnership with eGovWorld 2007 > > (www.egovworld.com) and African > > eDevelopment Resource Centre presents a dialogue on Mobile Government > > (mGovernment) on 29th November 2007, 4.30pm -7.00pm at the World > > Bank offices, Nairobi. The dialogue is live Video Conference and an > > integral > > part of the eGovWorld 2007 conference taking place in > > India 29-30 November 2007. > > > > > > > > > > > > According to the ITU, > > the total number of mobile users worldwide as of late 2006 was about 2.7 > > billion and the number of internet users was just above 1.1 billion. This > > means > > that there is 33.6% of world population (and 22.2% of developing > > countries population) who already have mobile phones but are not yet > using > > the > > Internet. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Does > > this provide a strong case for leveraging the mobile channel to > > dramatically improve access to public services, including electronic > > government services to those who can afford to use a personal or > > shared > > mobile phone? > > Does > > this create an opportunity to connect in the near future the next > two > > billion people to some of the benefits of e-government, e-health, > > e-education, e-banking and e-commerce? > > How > > exactly can Mobile Government change the lives of common people in > > developing countries? What are best examples of such impact? > > What > > are the key constraints to making this vision a reality? > > How > > should governments change the way they do business to take advantage > > of > > mobile technologies? > > What > > is the role of the private sector? Are there successful business > > models > > (e.g. PPP) for private sector companies to deliver value-added > > m-government services? > > > > > > > > > > > > These are some of the > > questions that will be addressed. > > > > > > > > > > > > Participation to the > > event is free; however, one needs to register to get access to the venue. > > If > > you are interested in participating send an email directly to > > susan(a)africanedevelopment.org > > for a registration form. Space is limited at the venue, only 20 places > are > > available and will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis. > > Deadline > > for registration is Wednesday 22nd November. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Program: > > > > > > +++++ > > > > > > > > > > > > Welcome > > & Introduction > > > > > > > > > > > > Samia > > Melhem, Senior Operations Officer, Global ICT, World Bank; and > > Chair, e-Development Thematic Group > > > > > > Vikas > > Kanungo, Chairman, The Society for Promotion of > > e-Governance, India & Convener, eGovWorld 2007 > > > > > > > > > > > > Opening > > Remarks/Keynote address > > > > > > > > > > > > R. > > Chandrashekhar, Additional Secretary (e-Governance), > > DIT, Government of India > > > > > > > > > > > > Speakers > > > > > > > > > > > > Ibrahim > > Kushchu, Associate Professor and Director, > > Mobile Government Consortium International & Author, "m-Government: An > > Emerging Direction in e-Government", > > UK > > > > > > Hannes > > Astok, Member of Parliament & former Deputy Mayor, > > City of Tartu , > > Estonia > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Kindest Regards > > > > > > Harry Hare > > > > > > Executive Director > > > > > > African eDevelopment > > Resource Centre > > > > > > 3rd Floor, > > Nelleon Place , > > Raphta Road , > > Westlands > > > > > > PO Box 49475 > > 00100, Nairobi > > > > > > Tel +254 20 4453445 > > > > > > Cel +254 725 650044 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -----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: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.… > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ___________________________________________________________ > > Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try > > it > > now. > > http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/ > > ---------------------------------------------- > > 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 > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > > For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit Yahoo! For Good this > month. > > ________________________________ > The information in this email and any attachments is confidential and may > be legally privileged. It is intended only for the use of the named > addressee. > > Emails are susceptible to alteration and their integrity cannot be > guaranteed. Safaricom Limited does not accept legal responsibility for the > contents of this email if the same is found to have been altered or > manipulated. > > The contents and opinions expressed in this email are solely those of the > author and do not necessarily represent those of Safaricom Limited. > Safaricom Limited disclaims any liability to the fullest extent permissible > by law for any consequences that may arise from the contents of this email > including but not limited to personal opinions, malicious and/or defamatory > information and data/codes that may compromise or damage the integrity of > the recipient's information technology systems. > > > If you are not the intended recipient please notify the sender and > immediately delete this email from your system. > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alexgakuru.lists%40gma… > > _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.… _______________________________________________________ Try Yahoo! 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Re: [kictanet] Faith in local web hosting
by robert yawe 28 Nov '07

28 Nov '07

Hi all, As is normally said by the lake shore "a fish goes bad from the head down", when the authority responsible for encouraging and developing local capacity blatantly shows a preference for external hosting how do we expect the common "mwanainchi" to have faith in local capacity. I also had an interesting experience with Telkom when I tried to have them host a .com, they invoiced me Ksh. 22,000/- where as they register and host .ke at 5,000/-. This was not a new registration, this is a domain that was registered over 5 years ago when Telkom had no idea about domain hosting. So O wonder why they feel it necessary to punish those who are front runners. What I am saying is if those we entrust with the responsibility and authority to carry out a task fail all of us suffer and they should have the courage to reform or resign. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: Eric Osiakwan <eric(a)afrispa.org> To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, 26 November, 2007 7:48:15 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Faith in local web hosting Dear Mr. Washington, You have stated the obvious which is the challenge but let me try to share some light on how to solve the problem. It is really a chicken an egg situation, the localhosting business would develop based on demand but like you said demand is relative to cost. However in the interest of developing our countries and continent if we all commit to having country code top level domain (in this case .ke) and host them locally, the demand would trigger supply. On the other hand if the local entrepreneurs can invest in infrastructure and based on market study provide competitive rates (with the generic TLDs) then again the supply could trigger the demand. Having said that, i have noticed something under the sun, which is that for some reason African just dont like using what other Africans produce so in some ways the former strategy would work better if we deal with the attitudinal change. Eric here On 26 Nov 2007, at 08:35, Odhiambo Washington wrote: On Nov 26, 2007 8:03 AM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: Hi all, I have raised this issue before when I did a search and found out that the CCK web site was hosted overseas and thus how can we expect them to monitor the service quality levels of the ISP's. On Sunday I visited the Kibaki web site, I experienced unstable audio streaming so I decided to find out where the site was hosted, yes you guest it overseas. The other 2 presidential candidates web sites are no better they are not locally hosted. Is this a reflection of who the targets of this web sites are? The Kibaki site is developed by one 3Mice, if I remember right, which has some association with newly appointed ICT Board Managing Director Kokubo. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya It's not the faith the people have in local hosting, but rather the cost factor. Last time I looked at this web hosting biz, one company was charging KES 1,000+VAT per month, which was what was though to be competitive. Another one entered into the fray with hype about reduced costing charges, but I am not sure how much business they managed to pick. All the same, their charges did not compare with what is charged internationally (I mean in Europe and the US). Websites is not something that has caught up with many Kenyans, otherwise the volumes would help sustain such businesses locally. I believe the lack of volumes is one of the factors that makes entities like 3Mice to host overseas. Top-notch Kenyan techies have been hosting their Blog with blogspot (overseas). Bandwidth costs is another. In Europe and the US, individuals can afford to connect 10MBps in their kitchens while in Kenya, that kind of bandwidth can only be purchased by ISPs. One last question though: Do you know any reliable webhosting company that hosts it's websites locally, and has reliable and efficient access to those websites? If there is one, they are not marketing themselves enough. -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ "Oh My God! They killed init! You Bastards!" --from a /. post _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: eric(a)afrispa.org Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/eric%40afrispa.org Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" -----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: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.… ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try it now. http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/

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MJ for President
by Alex Gakuru 28 Nov '07

28 Nov '07

wow! has anyone seen today's Editorial cartoon on the Daily Nation? Alas! When did ECK receive his nomination papers? eeehhh! Walu, how did we miss the occasion:) How it would complete the illustration if MJ reacted! All for a laugh. Have a laughly day! Alex ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better pen pal. Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail. See how. http://overview.mail.yahoo.com/

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[BusinessWeek] Would a Gold Standard Save the Dollar?
by Alex Gakuru 28 Nov '07

28 Nov '07

Would a Gold Standard Save the Dollar? With the greenback hitting 40-year lows, some argue for a return to a system where the U.S. dollar is linked to the yellow metal. November 21, 2007 David Bogoslaw These are uncertain times for the U.S. dollar as every day seems to bring fresh all-time lows for the buck against other major currencies. And an uncertain present tends to make people pine for a rose-colored past. The most extreme expression of this longing is the call by some for a return to the gold standard. The longing for the stable currency values seen under the fixed exchange rate system of earlier years is understandable as people fret over the effects of the greenback's fall: everything from a loss of purchasing power at home to higher prices for goods and services on overseas trips. The value of the dollar has been declining since 2002. The U.S. dollar index, a futures contract offered by the New York Board of Trade, which reflects the dollar's standing vs. other major currencies, has been hovering at 40-year lows since the subprime-fueled liquidity crisis this past summer. On Nov. 20, the euro climbed to a new all-time record high of $1.4815, partly in response to the Federal Reserve's more dire forecast for U.S. economic growth. Trade Partners Diversify Currencies Lately, there have been plenty of headlines about the loss of confidence in the dollar by key U.S. trade partners, which could accelerate the dollar's devaluation if any of them decide it's time for a policy change. Take some of the leading oil-producing countries in the Middle East. With the price of oil poised to break through the $100-per-barrel threshold, countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are said to be considering moving away from pricing crude in terms of dollars in favor of a basket of currencies. Kuwait exchanged its strict dollar peg for a currency basket earlier this year and there's concern that if other countries follow suit, it could reduce demand for the buck and spur other central banks to diversify their holdings, The Wall Street Journal reported on Nov. 20. The buck's weakness makes this a perfect time for a return to the gold standard, according to Nathan Lewis, author of Gold: The Once and Future Money. Lewis is advising the UAE to consider adopting a gold peg instead of a basket of currencies if it moves away from a dollar peg for its oil. <http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/nov2007/pi20071121_848642.htm> ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better pen pal. Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail. See how. http://overview.mail.yahoo.com/

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Re: [kictanet] BarCamp 2.0 - Conversations
by robert yawe 27 Nov '07

27 Nov '07

Hi, Watch this web site www.tradezone.co.ke for the future in online payment and e-commerce. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: Bill Kagai <mediacorp.research(a)mediacorp.co.ke> To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thursday, 22 November, 2007 8:51:52 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] BarCamp 2.0 - Conversations On Nov 22, 2007 5:43 PM, Riyaz Bachani <riyaz(a)wananchi.com> wrote: > Some of the questions we have been asking ourselves: > - why are we lagging behind in e-commerce ... why don't we have a > payment gateway yet MPESA. Watch this magic wand...u will soon be paying your bills in the pub with your fone...and we are not far off...see Japan one year ago... http://bulletin.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=147548 _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.… ___________________________________________________________ Want ideas for reducing your carbon footprint? Visit Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html

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Fwd: Re: Food prints around the world
by Leonard Mware 27 Nov '07

27 Nov '07

Note: forwarded message attached. --------------------------------- Be a better sports nut! Let your teams follow you with Yahoo Mobile. Try it now.

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Govt Websites
by Harry Hare 27 Nov '07

27 Nov '07

Dear Colleagues, The Kenya.go.ke appears to be a portal that can lead you to most of the government websites, Bobby, next time you could give it try when looking for a certain ministry.url http://www.kenya.go.ke/index.php?option=com_content <http://www.kenya.go.ke/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid= 1> &task=view&id=36&Itemid=1 Harry

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Celtel signs text message deal with Telkom-K
by Alex Gakuru 27 Nov '07

27 Nov '07

[Any chance Celtel could demonstrate their SMS service] Story by NATION Correspondent Publication Date: 11/27/2007 Celtel Kenya has signed an SMS interconnection agreement with Telkom Kenya that allows the latters wireless customers to access the formers network via a short message service. Previously, the interconnection agreement covered voice calls only. Further, Celtel said it would extend interconnection to the Internet service providers (ISPs) to use Celtels platform for the Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP). We are proud to open our platform with Telkom and the ISPs as we seek to extend the benefits of the widest coverage to all Kenyans, said Celtel corporate and regulatory affairs manager, Ms Clare Ruto. Last week, Celtel announced the extension of the One Network to six more African countries bringing the total to 12. <http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=3&ne…> ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

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Re: [kictanet] [AfrISPA.Discuss] UUNET MD challenges Kenyan Government estimates of low bandwidth costs
by Eric Osiakwan 26 Nov '07

26 Nov '07

I concur but there are equally substantial efforts to deal with the energy crisis in Africa both at the regional, national, urban and rural levels. The idea is that these simultaneous peocess shoudl have some co-ordination and ensure maximum impact. For example, i know an investor friend who primarily does Power and Telecom investments at a highly substantial level because of what you mentioned. Eric here ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Global One Solution" <malabow(a)gmail.com> Reply-To: Discuss(a)afrispa.org Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2007 01:35:05 -0500 >Eric, > >Thanks for the information, African government and corp, still fail to >understand how much money they can make if they offer low cost >connectivity, and just make money the VAS (Value added Service). this >is virgin market, and they make whole alot of $$$$$. This also helps >Africa which can attract technology jobs. But this is my only concern, >What do you guys think how these countries plan to resolve the >Electricity issue, because without electricity we are hopeless.. > > >Thanks again Eric, good information. > >On Nov 25, 2007 6:34 AM, Eric Osiakwan <eric(a)afrispa.org> wrote: >> >> >> >> >> >> The cost of Internet connectivity is unlikely to fall to $500 (Sh33,000) per >> megabit per month as the Government has projected, UUNET managing director >> Geoffrey Shimanyula has said. The charges would only fall marginally with >> the landing of the first submarine fibre optic cable in Mombasa, he said. >> >> UUNET- an Internet service provider - which is one of the prospective >> private investors in government-driven East Africa Marine System (TEAMs), >> said such a feat would require the cost of internet connectivity to fall by >> more than 80 per cent from the current average of $5000 per megabit. >> >> The submarine cable is expected to land in Mombasa by second quarter of 2009 >> and terminate in Fujaira, Dubai. >> >> "As you present your budgets for 2010 do not present the $500 figure because >> you may have to go back and justify your adjustments for that item," >> Shimanyula warned IT marketing executives. >> >> "That price can only be for the last mile, the layer two services, and the >> raw pipe - WiMAX or KenStream that you get from Telkom Kenya. There is no IP >> service that can be sold for $500 per megabit per month ," he said. >> >> IT firms, including UUNET, will have to connect to an Internet Service >> Provider (ISP) based in Fujaira before bringing the service - with a mark-up >> to local companies. >> >> "That is where UUNET comes in. We will be connecting directly to Verizon >> Business in Fujaira, who are our principle shareholders hoping that we will >> get competitive rates from them to pass over to our customers," he said. >> >> Information permanent secretary, Bitange Ndemo, however maintained that the >> $500 price was achievable with the a fibre optic cable. >> >> "We have structured the pricing in such a way that even after factoring in >> the cost of onward connectivity the highest an operator may charge is $700. >> Anyone who will be charging consumers more than that in the first year of >> operation will just be serving the cause of greed," he said. >> >> Dr Ndemo said the cost of connectivity was expected to continue dropping >> gradually in the subsequent years as the demand for the bandwidth picks up. >> >> "The reason we are working on these figures is that we do not plan to make >> money from the pipes but only from the services rendered and by taxing the >> jobs that will be created," said Dr Ndemo. >> >> The Kenya government has a 40 per cent stake in the project with Dubai's >> Etisalat holding 15 per cent. A 45 per cent stake has been reserved for >> private telecommunication companies. >> >> Shareholders will have access to large amounts of capacity with a 13 STM1 >> (SynchronousTransport Module ) - basic rate of transmission of fibre optic >> network - for a minimum of five per cent equity investment. >> >> Capacity will be allocated at cost with TEAMs investors paying $400,000 per >> STM1 per year. This translates to $2580.645 per megabit per year up to >> Fujairah and $ 215.00 megabit per month. >> >> TEAMs shareholders are expected to operate on an Internal Rate of Return of >> 32.71 per cent with a pay back of 2.4 years. >> >> Share holders in TEAMs will have the freedom to either use or sell excess >> capacity allocated to them through a pool or directly to the market under a >> bilateral sale arrangement. >> >> CCK has said that only licensed operators will be allowed to sell capacity >> directly to the market - all other shareholders will be allowed to sell >> their excess capacity through jointly coordinated pool sales. >> >> TEAMs shareholders will also benefit from the flexibility of selecting >> onward connectivity carriers from Fujairah. >> >> Dr Ndemo said TEAMs shareholders could get a better deal by collectively >> bargaining for capacity from Fujairah onwards and offer even more >> competitive point to point connectivity prices. >> >> Transit costs from Fujairah to Europe and US stands at between $55,000 to >> $100,000 per year, which Dr Ndemo insists is still in line with the >> government's estimates. >> (Source: Business Daily) >> >> >> >> >> Eric M.K Osiakwan >> Executive Secretary >> AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) >> Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 >> Fax: + 233.21.258811 >> Cell: + 233.244.386792 >> Handle: eosiakwan >> Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North >> Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North >> Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ >> Slang: "Tomorrow Now" >> >> >> >> >> > > > >-- >Liban Mohamed >Global One Solution >www.globalonesolutions.net >malabow(a)gmail.com >To unsubscribe send a mail to: imailsrv(a)afrispa.org. Type the following in >the body of your mail (not header): "Unsubscribe discuss" (without quotes). >This List is operated by ZAnet Internet Services: www.zanet.co.za on behalf >of www.afrispa.org. For any List Admin queries send mail to William(a)zanet.co.za > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" --

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TeleTech Expands Global Footprint Into South Africa
by Dorcas Muthoni 26 Nov '07

26 Nov '07

TeleTech Expands Global Footprint Into South Africa New Facility to Support Growing Need for Global Outsourcing Distribution Source : Market Wire Date : Monday, November 26, 2007 ENGLEWOOD, CO -- (Market Wire - Nov 26, 2007) -- TeleTech Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTEC), one of the largest and most geographically diverse global providers of business process outsourcing (BPO) solutions, today announced its expansion into South Africa, further broadening its global sourcing platform to encompass six continents. Today, TeleTech began construction on its first facility on the African continent. Ground was broken at the Old Match Factory in Salt River, Cape Town, at a ceremony attended by major officials from the South Africa government. The Cape Town facility is scheduled to commence operations later this year. As a new investor to South Africa, TeleTech is the first multinational company to benefit from a new investment incentive plan launched by the South African Department of Trade & Industry, which has targeted the international business process outsourcing industry as a major future source of employment. "BPO is critical to our economic development strategy and we see TeleTech as an anchor company for this new industry," Minister of Trade & Industry Mandisi Mpalhwa said. "We are grateful for the commitment TeleTech has made to develop our industry." TeleTech plans to build a number of new facilities in South Africa and in other African countries, creating thousands of new jobs to serve global clients seeking multiple levels of front- and back- office support. "We welcome TeleTech to South Africa as a partner in our mission to increase our economic growth to six percent and as a strategic bridgehead for the Accelerated & Shared Growth Initiative South Africa," said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, deputy president of the Republic of South Africa. "Africa's future is in services and South Africa is a virtually untapped market for offshore BPO. We are attracted by the country's excellent infrastructure, talented and growing labor pool, and the widespread use of English," commented Craig Reines, general manager of TeleTech Africa. "South Africa is a high quality location linking Africa into the global BPO supply chain." ABOUT TELETECH TeleTech is one of the largest and most geographically diverse global providers of business process outsourcing solutions. We have a 25- year history of designing, implementing, and managing critical business processes for Global 1000 companies to help them improve their customers' experience, expand their strategic capabilities, and increase their operating efficiencies. By delivering a high-quality customer experience through the effective integration of customer- facing front-office processes with internal back-office processes, we enable our clients to better serve, grow, and retain their customer base. We use Six Sigma-based quality methods continually to design, implement, and enhance the business processes we deliver to our clients and we also apply this methodology to our own internal operations. We have developed deep domain expertise and support approximately 300 business process outsourcing programs serving approximately 135 global clients in the automotive, communications, financial services, government, healthcare, retail, technology and travel and leisure industries. Our integrated global solutions are provided by more than 52,000 employees utilizing 37,700 workstations across 90 delivery centers in 18 countries. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The projections and statements contained in these forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. All statements not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In accordance with the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, following are important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward- looking statements, including but not limited to the following: all of the results reported above are presented without taking into account any adjustments that may be required in connection with the ongoing review of TeleTech's accounting for equity-based compensation plans and should be considered preliminary until TeleTech files its Form 10-Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 2007; the review and possible conclusions may have an impact on the amount and timing of previously awarded non-cash equity-based compensation expense for current and previous financial periods; the effect of TeleTech's failure to timely file all of its required reports under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, including the potential of a default under its credit facility; our ability to meet the requirements of the NASDAQ Stock Market for continued listing of our shares; potential claims and proceedings relating to such matters, including shareholder litigation and action by the SEC and/or other governmental agencies; and negative tax or other implications for TeleTech resulting from any accounting adjustments or other factors; our belief that we are continuing to see strong demand for our services and that sales cycles are shortening; the ability to close and ramp new business opportunities that are currently being pursued or that are in the final stages with existing and/or potential clients in order to achieve our Business Outlook; estimated revenue from new, renewed, and expanded client business as volumes may not materialize as forecasted or be sufficient to achieve our Business Outlook; the possibility of lower revenue or price pressure from our clients experiencing a business downturn or merger in their business; greater than anticipated competition in the BPO and customer management market, causing adverse pricing and more stringent contractual terms; risks associated with losing or not renewing client relationships, particularly large client agreements, or early termination of a client agreement; the risk of losing clients due to consolidation in the industries we serve; consumers' concerns or adverse publicity regarding our clients' products; our ability to execute our growth plans, including sales of new services; our ability to achieve our year-end 2007 and 2008 financial goals, including those set forth in our Business Outlook; risks associated with attracting and retaining cost-effective labor at our delivery centers; the possibility of additional asset impairments and restructuring charges; risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates; our ability to find cost effective delivery locations, obtain favorable lease terms, and build or retrofit facilities in a timely and economic manner; risks associated with business interruption due to weather, pandemic or terrorist-related events; economic or political changes affecting the countries in which we operate; achieving continued profit improvement in our International BPO operations; changes in accounting policies and practices promulgated by standard setting bodies; and new legislation or government regulation that impacts the BPO and customer management industry. Investor Contact: Karen Breen Investor Relations 303-397-8592 Media Contact: KC Higgins Public Relations 303-434-8163 Jennifer Martin Investor Relations 303-397-8634

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Re: [kictanet] Media Bill 2007.
by ibrahim yussuf 26 Nov '07

26 Nov '07

Dear All I can't say that i have read the media bill,but the little that i have read in the media is lopsided and based on their side of the story.The only complains that i keep on hearing in the numerous talkshows that are aired on the TV only highlights the point that the coposition of the media council is not good or is made up of people who are not of that proffession.They dont come up to say anything else about the various clauses which will hinder their progress or how the government is trying to oppress them,am not trying to say that its not there but those are the things which should be highlighted for us to be able to support their arguments well.One funny thing that came out in one of those talkshows is that the KUJ was not with the media owners and that the bill would be very good for the them(KUJ).i believe that the bringing in of models and comedians as journalist has set the precedence for the government to bring in non-media guys to regulate the media,we should not kill this bill just because the owners of the media are not happy,their first obligation is to their shareholders and not to the general public. > ----- Original Message ----- > From: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > To: yussuf(a)lawyer.com > Subject: [kictanet] Media Bill 2007. > Date: Fri, 1 Jun 2007 15:03:12 +0300 (EAT) > > > Dear All, > If you read today's papers, you have everything to worry. It is being > alledged that the ICT Bill is worse than the Media Bill and That > Government did not consult. I know you all participated in many ICT fora > discussing just what is being criticised. After the first reading we have > another go at it but not to kill it at inception. > > I need not tell anyone that this Bill will unlock the ICT potential in > this country. Where were these people when you sacrificed your time to > have a just legislation in place? > > On Broadcasting, Kenya has one of the most liberal laws in place. We have > tried to have a frequency in Britain, China, the USA on reciprical > relations in vain. We toned down stakeholder's requirement on restrictive > cross media ownership by adopting South Africa Model but these people want > nothing but jungle laws in a democratic country. > > Since you access internet, please check, there is no country in the world > that does not have some sort of media regulation. In fact opponents of > these Bills should be asked to name at least one country that has no > regulation in media. > > Regards > > > Ndemo. > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > 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)kictanet.or.ke > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Please unsubscribe or change your options at > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/yussuf%40lawyer.com > = Skillsoft e business Visit SkillSoft.com now and find corporate e-learning solutions. http://a8-asy.a8ww.net/a8-ads/adftrclick?redirectid=7dfd8a4e1be2404287414c5…

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Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New Frontier in TransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007
by robert yawe 26 Nov '07

26 Nov '07

Hi, I am unable to send an SMS from my safaricom line to CDMA numbers. Who is responsible for making sure that we are not blocked from sending messages across networks. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: "bitange(a)jambo.co.ke" <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> To: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Cc: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Friday, 23 November, 2007 11:20:03 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New Frontier in TransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007 Dear Yawe, Welcome to KICTAnet. Just wanted to know how you got to know that Ministry of Information, CCK and ICT Board did not act on the Safaricom/TKL sms issue? Do you know the mandate of these "bodies"? My friend, in the past one year did you not come across the mention of the ICT Bill? I really want to be of help to you but first I want to understand where you are coming from. Regards Bitange Ndemo. > Hi All, > > I am new to this mailing list and would like to start by saying something > about myself. > > I am an Information Technology specialist with over 15 years experience > which means I know how to use DOS, UNIX and other OS's that exist only on > 5.25" floppy disks. My area of specialisation is in design & > implementation of local and wide area networks. > > On the issue of mGovernment I do agree that this is the next frontier but > it is shocking, as usual, that we are not embracing the technology or even > working to develop the necessary legislation to make it flourish. AS many > web site designers about WAP and they are lost, we are designing heavy > sites that have no intelligence to identify the type of device accessing > the site and thus adjust the page to display better on the particular > device. > > It is interesting that CCK and the Ministry of Information plus the ICT > Board can sit back when the fight between Telkom and Safaricom on the > delivery of SMS messages across the network continues to deny the tax > payer (excise duty on airtime). Or the fact that none of the mentioned > felt it necessary to educate Mr. Kivuitu on the need to make live > electoral database available over SMS. > > Now if we cannot take advantage of this opportunity to create local > content and utilise mGovernment how can we entrust this "bodies" (which > interestingly refers to expired humans) with making the marine cable a > viable project. Maybe we should cancel the project and use the money to > put up a technology park in Mandera and Garsen. > > We do not need to recreate the wheel, just visit yahoomobile, > googleearthmobile, or if you have a GPRS enabled phone try > wap.mystocks.co.ke. Or next time you are going up towards NIC on Bunyala > Road look at the Nokia advert. > > The mobile phone is the future let embrace it or perish. > > Robert Yawe > KAY System Technologies Ltd > Phoenix House, 6th Floor > P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 > KEnya > Tel: +254722511225 > > ----- Original Message ---- > From: Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> > To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Sent: Monday, 19 November, 2007 6:16:53 PM > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New Frontier in > TransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >  > > > > > > > Dear Kwach, > > > > > > I agree with you and it is equally > interesting to note that some mobile applications are already being > implementedâ€¦I > dare say that this part of the world will see more mGovernment in the G2C > (Government > to Citizens) arena than the traditional eGovernment where the PC is the > main service > delivery channel. Most welcome to attend the session. > > > > > > Kindest regards > > > Harry > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > From: Kwach > [mailto:kwach@archway-productions.com] > > Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 > 5:51 PM > > To: 'Harry Hare' > > Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy > Discussions' > > Subject: RE: [kictanet] Mobile > Government: The New Frontier in TransformingPublic Services - 29th > November > 2007 > > > > > > > > > Hi Harry, > > > > > > These are interesting statistics and > scenario. For developing countries, there is urgent need to move from > quantity > to quality. In my view, content is the quality because more 65% of mobiles > are > only meeting social needs and costs involved have got no direct linkage to > revenue for the owners, which should be a great concern. > > > > > > With Mobile Government, time and resources > used in the rural to the say Government offices miles away would be > deployed in > other economic activities. > > > > > > I am keen to attend. > > > > > > Kwach Akich > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > From: kictanet-bounces+kwach=archway-productions.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:kictanet-bounces+kwach=archway-productions.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] > On Behalf Of Harry Hare > > Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 > 8:49 AM > > To: kwach(a)archway-productions.com > > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy > Discussions > > Subject: [kictanet] Mobile > Government: The New Frontier in TransformingPublic Services - 29th > November > 2007 > > > > > > > > > Dear Colleagues, > > > > > > Mobile services are > quickly emerging as the new frontier in transforming government and making > it > even more accessible and citizen-centric by extending the benefits of > remote > delivery of government services and information to those who are unable or > unwilling to access public services through the Internet or simply prefer > to > use mobile devices. In theory, many government services can be now made > available on a 24x7x365 basis at any place in the country covered by > mobile > networks, which today means almost everywhere! Michael, correct me if Im > wrong. > > > > > > It is from this > background that the World Bank in partnership with eGovWorld 2007 > (www.egovworld.com) and African > eDevelopment Resource Centre presents a dialogue on Mobile Government > (mGovernment) on 29th November 2007, 4.30pm -7.00pm at the World > Bank offices, Nairobi. The dialogue is live Video Conference and an > integral > part of the eGovWorld 2007 conference taking place in > India 29-30 November 2007. > > > > > > According to the ITU, > the total number of mobile users worldwide as of late 2006 was about 2.7 > billion and the number of internet users was just above 1.1 billion. This > means > that there is 33.6% of world population (and 22.2% of developing > countries population) who already have mobile phones but are not yet using > the > Internet. > > > > > > > Does > this provide a strong case for leveraging the mobile channel to > dramatically improve access to public services, including electronic > government services to those who can afford to use a personal or > shared > mobile phone? > Does > this create an opportunity to connect in the near future the next two > billion people to some of the benefits of e-government, e-health, > e-education, e-banking and e-commerce? > How > exactly can Mobile Government change the lives of common people in > developing countries? What are best examples of such impact? > What > are the key constraints to making this vision a reality? > How > should governments change the way they do business to take advantage > of > mobile technologies? > What > is the role of the private sector? Are there successful business > models > (e.g. PPP) for private sector companies to deliver value-added > m-government services? > > > > > > These are some of the > questions that will be addressed. > > > > > > Participation to the > event is free; however, one needs to register to get access to the venue. > If > you are interested in participating send an email directly to > susan(a)africanedevelopment.org > for a registration form. Space is limited at the venue, only 20 places are > available and will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis. > Deadline > for registration is Wednesday 22nd November. > > > > > > > > > Program: > > > +++++ > > > > > > Welcome > & Introduction > > > > > > Samia > Melhem, Senior Operations Officer, Global ICT, World Bank; and > Chair, e-Development Thematic Group > > > Vikas > Kanungo, Chairman, The Society for Promotion of > e-Governance, India & Convener, eGovWorld 2007 > > > > > > Opening > Remarks/Keynote address > > > > > > R. > Chandrashekhar, Additional Secretary (e-Governance), > DIT, Government of India > > > > > > Speakers > > > > > > Ibrahim > Kushchu, Associate Professor and Director, > Mobile Government Consortium International & Author, "m-Government: An > Emerging Direction in e-Government", > UK > > > Hannes > Astok, Member of Parliament & former Deputy Mayor, > City of Tartu , > Estonia > > > > > > > > > Kindest Regards > > > Harry Hare > > > Executive Director > > > African eDevelopment > Resource Centre > > > 3rd Floor, > Nelleon Place , > Raphta Road , > Westlands > > > PO Box 49475 > 00100, Nairobi > > > Tel +254 20 4453445 > > > Cel +254 725 650044 > > > > > > > > -----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: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.… > > > > > > > > > ___________________________________________________________ > Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try > it > now. > http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/ > ---------------------------------------------- > 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 > ___________________________________________________________ Want ideas for reducing your carbon footprint? Visit Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html

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Re: [kictanet] Fibre Optic
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 26 Nov '07

26 Nov '07

Dear Yawe, Gakuru, I promised to respond to the question as to whether we indeed need Fibre Optic Cables. Yes indeed we need them for the time being (Intel shall be commecializing [in 10 years time]a chip with the capability to send data at high speeds without any cables)(see NY Times summary article below). In as much as I do not like cables for connectivity I think they are a necessary infrastructure at the moment. The benefits are immense as I look forward to greater linkages with our increasingly important relatives in the diaspora. With efficient connectivity, there we create opportunities such as localised news that is accessible to anyone everywhere; we shall enable innovation and more importantly create jobs for our youth. The difference here is that some may see entrepreneurial opportunities that come with this infrastructure and unfortunately some will simply watch as events unfold. Fortunately, you only need a few (Steve jobs, Bill Gates etc) to innovate and exploit the opportunity once access to technology is availed. Our role is to facilitate our people to reach their fullest potential. This is what leadership is all about. Bitange Ndemo. A Chip That Can Transfer Data Using Laser Light New York Times: The advance will make it possible to use laser light rather than wires to send data between chips, removing the most significant bottleneck in computer design. A Tiny Laser on a Silicon Chip As a result, chip makers may be able to put the high-speed data communications industry on the same curve of increased processing speed and diminishing costs the phenomenon known as Moores law that has driven the computer industry for the last four decades. The development is a result of research at Intel, the worlds largest chip maker, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. Commercializing the new technology may not happen before the end of the decade, but the prospect of being able to place hundreds or thousands of data-carrying light beams on standard industry chips is certain to shake up both the communications and computer industries.

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Faith in local web hosting
by robert yawe 26 Nov '07

26 Nov '07

Hi all, I have raised this issue before when I did a search and found out that the CCK web site was hosted overseas and thus how can we expect them to monitor the service quality levels of the ISP's. On Sunday I visited the Kibaki web site, I experienced unstable audio streaming so I decided to find out where the site was hosted, yes you guest it overseas. The other 2 presidential candidates web sites are no better they are not locally hosted. Is this a reflection of who the targets of this web sites are? The Kibaki site is developed by one 3Mice, if I remember right, which has some association with newly appointed ICT Board Managing Director Kokubo. Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ___________________________________________________________ Want ideas for reducing your carbon footprint? Visit Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html

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Updated Outsourcing Conference Programme
by alice 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

Dear All Thank you Sean for the updated programme. KICTANet listers find it attached. All enquiries should go to info(a)aitecafrica.com <mailto:info@aitecafrica.com> or 0721-860228 best alice

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UUNET MD challenges Kenyan Government estimates of low bandwidth costs
by Eric Osiakwan 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

The cost of Internet connectivity is unlikely to fall to $500 (Sh33,000) per megabit per month as the Government has projected, UUNET managing director Geoffrey Shimanyula has said. The charges would only fall marginally with the landing of the first submarine fibre optic cable in Mombasa, he said. UUNET- an Internet service provider - which is one of the prospective private investors in government-driven East Africa Marine System (TEAMs), said such a feat would require the cost of internet connectivity to fall by more than 80 per cent from the current average of $5000 per megabit. The submarine cable is expected to land in Mombasa by second quarter of 2009 and terminate in Fujaira, Dubai. "As you present your budgets for 2010 do not present the $500 figure because you may have to go back and justify your adjustments for that item," Shimanyula warned IT marketing executives. "That price can only be for the last mile, the layer two services, and the raw pipe - WiMAX or KenStream that you get from Telkom Kenya. There is no IP service that can be sold for $500 per megabit per month ," he said. IT firms, including UUNET, will have to connect to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) based in Fujaira before bringing the service - with a mark-up to local companies. "That is where UUNET comes in. We will be connecting directly to Verizon Business in Fujaira, who are our principle shareholders hoping that we will get competitive rates from them to pass over to our customers," he said. Information permanent secretary, Bitange Ndemo, however maintained that the $500 price was achievable with the a fibre optic cable. "We have structured the pricing in such a way that even after factoring in the cost of onward connectivity the highest an operator may charge is $700. Anyone who will be charging consumers more than that in the first year of operation will just be serving the cause of greed," he said. Dr Ndemo said the cost of connectivity was expected to continue dropping gradually in the subsequent years as the demand for the bandwidth picks up. "The reason we are working on these figures is that we do not plan to make money from the pipes but only from the services rendered and by taxing the jobs that will be created," said Dr Ndemo. The Kenya government has a 40 per cent stake in the project with Dubai's Etisalat holding 15 per cent. A 45 per cent stake has been reserved for private telecommunication companies. Shareholders will have access to large amounts of capacity with a 13 STM1 (SynchronousTransport Module ) - basic rate of transmission of fibre optic network - for a minimum of five per cent equity investment. Capacity will be allocated at cost with TEAMs investors paying $400,000 per STM1 per year. This translates to $2580.645 per megabit per year up to Fujairah and $ 215.00 megabit per month. TEAMs shareholders are expected to operate on an Internal Rate of Return of 32.71 per cent with a pay back of 2.4 years. Share holders in TEAMs will have the freedom to either use or sell excess capacity allocated to them through a pool or directly to the market under a bilateral sale arrangement. CCK has said that only licensed operators will be allowed to sell capacity directly to the market - all other shareholders will be allowed to sell their excess capacity through jointly coordinated pool sales. TEAMs shareholders will also benefit from the flexibility of selecting onward connectivity carriers from Fujairah. Dr Ndemo said TEAMs shareholders could get a better deal by collectively bargaining for capacity from Fujairah onwards and offer even more competitive point to point connectivity prices. Transit costs from Fujairah to Europe and US stands at between $55,000 to $100,000 per year, which Dr Ndemo insists is still in line with the government's estimates. (Source: Business Daily) Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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Fwd: 1st National Conference & Exhibition for Dissemination of Research Results - 2008
by Mike Theuri 25 Nov '07

25 Nov '07

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Matunda Nyanchama Date: Nov 24, 2007 11:26 AM FYI ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 22 Nov 2007 20:17:58 +0300 From: otwomad(a)gmail.com To: otwomad(a)yahoo.com Subject: 1st National Conference & Exhibition for Dissemination of Research Results - 2008 CC: joonyatta(a)yahoo.com; gkingoriah(a)yahoo.com Dear All, The NCST is a statutory institution of the government of Kenya, having been established in July 1977 by the Science and Technology Act. Cap. 250 of the Laws of Kenya . The purpose was and still is to provide machinery for making available to the Government advice upon all matters relating to the scientific and technological activities, and for coordination of research and experimental development together with matters incidental and connected therewith see http://www.ncst.go.ke/ The 1st National Conference & Exhibition for Dissemination of Research Results - 2008 has many objectives, among them are:- * * a) To highlight the role scientific research can play in national socio-economic development and to promote interest and investment in scientific research. b) To create awareness about the potential of research results among the general public and in particular, entrepreneurs . c) To strengthen the interest and participation of the scientific community in undertaking studies in their fields and sharing the results with other researchers, industry and the general public. d) To promote the wide dissemination and access to research findings for use in national development policy making and for application in explaining or resolving national economic and social issues. Our (NCST) vision is to be the preferred national institution for services in policy development, coordination, promotion and advice on matters of science, technology and innovation. By participating (see attached word doc) in the 1st National Conference & Exhibition for Dissemination of Research Results - 2008 you will be assisting us in our mission of promoting, coordinating and advicing on matters of and related to national science, technology and innovation. Thanking you in advance. Sincerely, -- David Otwoma, Chief Science Secretary, National Council for Science and Technology, Utalii House 9th Floor, Mobile tel: +254 722 141771, Office tel: +254 (0)20 351 8212 or 310571 or 2219420 or 241349, P. O. Box 29899 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya email: otwomad(a)gmail.com & d.otwoma(a)africaonline.co.ke www.ncst.go.ke ------------------------ 1st National Conference & Exhibition for Dissemination of Research Results - 2008 Background Researchers generally produce "results" defined as findings, publications, products, devices, and/or services that are the direct results of their program/project activities. Research accomplishments can consist of both significant outputs and outcomes. Outcomes include those accomplishments that have the documented effect of changing or improving understanding, knowledge, and/or the learning system. They can, in turn, change or improve policy, practice, behavior, and/or system capacity. In the intermediate to long-term, the outcomes can encompass changes involving actions towards altering behaviors, implementing policies, making decisions, and pursuing social actions. For research to be useful and to justify the costs incurred, it is necessary that its results are disseminated widely and infused into national development processes. This is one of the key processes that enable countries to achieve progress allowing them to respond to increasing competitive pressures. The conference theme "Integration of Research Results for Sustainable National Development" explores the variety of ways that research results management, packaging and presentation, on the one hand, and the dissemination/diffusion and the eventual utilization are impacting on national development. In view of the foregoing, the Ministry of Science and Technology wishes to initiate national debate on ways to effectively disseminate and integrate research results in national development endeavours. The Ministry therefore wishes to announce the 1st National Conference and Exhibition for the Dissemination of Research Results which is scheduled for May 2008 in Nairobi, Kenya. Approach to Research Result Dissemination It is intended that the conference and exhibition should contribute to a greater access to information and knowledge base regarding documented research results. Therefore, through the annual Conference and Exhibitions, the Ministry of Science and Technology intends to develop a framework around which research results dissemination can target to the most potential uses and users. In order to achieve this and meet existing research based information and knowledge needs, a means of focusing on the most potential uses and users has to be developed. Dissemination then can be targeted towards these uses and users for improved utilization of the results. The basis of some of the approaches includes the following: Best Practice Knowledge Transfer - that closely matches interventions or direct service entities with the settings within which research has taken place and findings have been derived to know where and towards what the results are best utilized. Collaborative Support - that relies on a careful selection of collaborators or partners in the dissemination process to assist research disseminators in increasing their credibility among intended target audiences/systems and enhance the ultimate degree of utilization. Technology Transfer Model based on a transfer process involving multiple activities and events that support positive movement from an idea to a prototype to the outcome of a product or technology. Technology transfer processes can be initiated by supply push forces (when the process starts with an identified technology that is seeking an appropriate application) or demand pull forces (when the process starts with an unmet market need seeking an appropriate product or technology). Other Models of Utilization – devised specifically for promoting use of research results by targeted audiences/systems through carefully constructed strategies. These depend on the: specific characteristics of the research results for dissemination; specific user audiences or systems targeted; and specific outcomes and accomplishments the use of the research is expected to produce. Conference and Exhibition Objectives To highlight the role scientific research can play in national socio-economic development and to promote interest and investment in scientific research. To create awareness about the potential of research results among the general public and in particular, entrepreneurs. To strengthen the interest and participation of the scientific community in undertaking studies in their fields and sharing the results with other researchers, industry and the general public. To promote the wide dissemination and access to research findings for use in national development policy making and for application in explaining or resolving national economic and social issues. Conference and Exhibition Theme and Science Areas 4.1 Theme: Generation and Integration of Research Results for Sustainable National Development 4.1.1 Sub-themes: Developing and Sustaining Conducive Environment for Scientific Research Management and Dissemination of Research Results. Promoting the utilization of research results Target Groups The conference and exhibition is expected to bring together Research Scientists, Technologists, and Managers of S&T Institutions; Policy-makers, Professionals (legal, medical, financial) and others with interest in Research, Science and Technology. If you can make a contribution to this important conference and exhibition, we at the Ministry would be pleased to hear from you whether you are a presenter, exhibitor or any other role. Conference and Exhibition Venue The Republic of Kenya, with an area of approximately 583,000 sq. km. lies along the Equator on the Eastern seaboard of Africa. Kenya is endowed with a benign climate, world-reputed, scenic landscapes and a rich heritage of flora and fauna. Abundant natural resources provide an ideal conference and exhibition location, as well as a holiday resort. A befitting tour programme is planned for participants. Nairobi, the conference venue is Kenya's capital city and the administrative capital. It is an exciting city given that it is probably the only city with a natural game park on its outskirts. The Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) with its unique conference and exhibition facilities is an ideal host. The conference venue is within walking distance to major hotels in the city. For more information on the venue, please visit the websites at: http://www.ncst.go.ke/ or http://www.scienceandtechnology.go.ke/ Conference and Exhibition Programme The conference program will consist of plenary, parallel, poster and workshop sessions. In addition, panel discussions, special interest group sessions, exhibits, demonstrations and meetings and other related gatherings will be scheduled. It will involve paper presentations and discussions, based on the above models, by S&T practitioners on a wide variety of topics in various fields of science, technology and innovation. The conference schedule will provide time for relaxed social and professional interaction. The conference theme of "Generation and Integration of Research Results for Sustainable National Development " will bring together diverse perspectives on research results generation, processing, management, dissemination and utilization in order to foster debate. Submissions relevant to the conference theme are especially encouraged. The Organizing Committee would particularly like to hear from potential speakers who can share their knowledge and experiences in the following science areas: Science Areas Agriculture Environment Industry and entrepreneurship Life Sciences Medical and Health Natural Resources management and development Physical Guidelines for Conference and Exhibition Submissions Completed research works may be submitted from now to February 14, 2008. As a minimum requirement, the completed researches must be submitted in sufficient detail to make clear their meaning and value. Prose, outline format and presentation slides are all acceptable. Submissions must be in English and are limited to 20,000 words (approximately 20 - 30 pages, maximum 2-MB electronic file size). Submission of supporting materials is encouraged in all cases and not included in the word limit, but the supporting material file should not exceed 2 MB. Each work submitted must have a designated presenter. An individual can be a designated presenter for at most two works. In order for a work to be included in the conference program and proceedings, the designated presenter must be registered for the conference by April 15, 2008. All works submitted will be assigned to three individuals for anonymous peer review. The results of this review will determine whether a work will be accepted for plenary, parallel or poster presentation. Proposals for workshops, tutorials, and other activities should be submitted as a brief description (250 words), with estimated space and time requirements, and will also be subjected to peer review. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by March 15, 2008. Authors retain the copyright to all submitted work and, by submitting, grant permission for inclusion in the conference proceedings. Session proposals and theme proposals for plenary or parallel sessions and panel discussions are welcome. Proposals should contain a brief description of the session theme, session organizer(s) and tentative list of all works to be included in the session. Session proposals are due by February 14, 2008. 1.1. Submission Format At the time of submission, please send two files for each work. The first file will be the contact information for the author(s) and the body of the work; and the second file any supporting material submitted as a single file or a .zip archive. Full contact information for one author must be included with each submission. The contact author is required to provide the following information in the contact information file: Research Title: Contact author name: Organization: Complete postal address: Phone/Fax: E-mail address: Designated presenter: Materials should be submitted to the Program Chair (below) electronically to Conference Proceedings A CD-ROM of the Conference Proceedings will be distributed at the conference. Full works for plenary, parallel, poster and workshop presentations will be included on the CD. Contact for submission of papers The Chairman, Technical Committee National Conference and Exhibition for Research Result Dissemination P.O. Box 30623, 00200 City Square Fax: +251 11-551-0512 Tel: +251 11-544-5022 E-mail: Conference(a)ncst.go.ke DEADLINES and KEY DATES January 15, 2008: Second Call for Papers and Sessions February 14, 2008: Final submission deadline and Workshop proposals due. March 15, 2008: Final notification of acceptance. April 15, 2008: Deadline for material to be included in the electronic proceedings, session proposals due and presenter registration deadline. April 30, 2008: Early conference registration deadline. May 10, 2008: Final conference registration deadline. May 21st, 2008: Conference Opens in Nairobi. Registration Individuals and corporate bodies or organizations who may wish to participate in the Conference and Exhibition should complete the registration form as soon as possible and returned by fax or electronically to the addresses/numbers below: REGISTRATION FORM 1st NATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION FOR DISSEMINATION OF RESEARCH RESULTS FAMILY NAME: __________________________________________________________________ OTHER NAMES: ________________________________________________________________ AFFILIATION: ___________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________________ CITY/TOWN: ____________________________________________________________________ STATE: __________________________________________________________________________ COUNTRY: ______________________________________________________________________ TEL.: ____________________________ FAX: __________________________________________ EMAIL (if any): ___________________________________________________________________ Please tick as appropriate: I/We intend to participate in the Conference/Exhibition. I/We intend to submit a paper/make poster presentation. I/We intend to exhibit. Subject Area/Product Description: __________________________________________________ Title/Precise Product or Service Name: ______________________________________________ Communication All communication, including reservations for exhibition space should be addressed to:- The Chairman, National Conference and Exhibition for Research Result Dissemination P.O. Box 30623 00200, NAIROBI Tel: (+254-2) E-mail: ncst(a)ncst.go.ke

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Congratulations to the Top ICT Businessman in Africa 2007
by Eric Osiakwan 24 Nov '07

24 Nov '07

Dear All, It is with great pleasure that i introduce to you one of our own who has laboured in the industry not only in Kenya but Africa and brought great gain, among others. Like i said the other day, a nation that does not honour her heroes is not worth dying for and a continent must honour her heores so please join me in congratulating a saint of our time, Mr. Brian Longwe who came out as the Top ICT Businessman in Africa 2007 at the ICT Acheivers Awards as well as all the other award winners @ http://www.forgeahead.co.za/ Achievers/2007_winners.asp We are proud of you, Mblayo..... -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" --

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Mobile Government: The New Frontier in TransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007
by robert yawe 23 Nov '07

23 Nov '07

Hi All, I am new to this mailing list and would like to start by saying something about myself. I am an Information Technology specialist with over 15 years experience which means I know how to use DOS, UNIX and other OS's that exist only on 5.25" floppy disks. My area of specialisation is in design & implementation of local and wide area networks. On the issue of mGovernment I do agree that this is the next frontier but it is shocking, as usual, that we are not embracing the technology or even working to develop the necessary legislation to make it flourish. AS many web site designers about WAP and they are lost, we are designing heavy sites that have no intelligence to identify the type of device accessing the site and thus adjust the page to display better on the particular device. It is interesting that CCK and the Ministry of Information plus the ICT Board can sit back when the fight between Telkom and Safaricom on the delivery of SMS messages across the network continues to deny the tax payer (excise duty on airtime). Or the fact that none of the mentioned felt it necessary to educate Mr. Kivuitu on the need to make live electoral database available over SMS. Now if we cannot take advantage of this opportunity to create local content and utilise mGovernment how can we entrust this "bodies" (which interestingly refers to expired humans) with making the marine cable a viable project. Maybe we should cancel the project and use the money to put up a technology park in Mandera and Garsen. We do not need to recreate the wheel, just visit yahoomobile, googleearthmobile, or if you have a GPRS enabled phone try wap.mystocks.co.ke. Or next time you are going up towards NIC on Bunyala Road look at the Nokia advert. The mobile phone is the future let embrace it or perish. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, 19 November, 2007 6:16:53 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New Frontier in TransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007  Dear Kwach, I agree with you and it is equally interesting to note that some mobile applications are already being implemented…I dare say that this part of the world will see more mGovernment in the G2C (Government to Citizens) arena than the traditional eGovernment where the PC is the main service delivery channel. Most welcome to attend the session. Kindest regards Harry From: Kwach [mailto:kwach@archway-productions.com] Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 5:51 PM To: 'Harry Hare' Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' Subject: RE: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New Frontier in TransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007 Hi Harry, These are interesting statistics and scenario. For developing countries, there is urgent need to move from quantity to quality. In my view, content is the quality because more 65% of mobiles are only meeting social needs and costs involved have got no direct linkage to revenue for the owners, which should be a great concern. With Mobile Government, time and resources used in the rural to the say Government offices miles away would be deployed in other economic activities. I am keen to attend. Kwach Akich From: kictanet-bounces+kwach=archway-productions.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+kwach=archway-productions.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Harry Hare Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 8:49 AM To: kwach(a)archway-productions.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] Mobile Government: The New Frontier in TransformingPublic Services - 29th November 2007 Dear Colleagues, Mobile services are quickly emerging as the new frontier in transforming government and making it even more accessible and citizen-centric by extending the benefits of remote delivery of government services and information to those who are unable or unwilling to access public services through the Internet or simply prefer to use mobile devices. In theory, many government services can be now made available on a 24x7x365 basis at any place in the country covered by mobile networks, which today means almost everywhere! Michael, correct me if Im wrong. It is from this background that the World Bank in partnership with eGovWorld 2007 (www.egovworld.com) and African eDevelopment Resource Centre presents a dialogue on Mobile Government (mGovernment) on 29th November 2007, 4.30pm -7.00pm at the World Bank offices, Nairobi. The dialogue is live Video Conference and an integral part of the eGovWorld 2007 conference taking place in India 29-30 November 2007. According to the ITU, the total number of mobile users worldwide as of late 2006 was about 2.7 billion and the number of internet users was just above 1.1 billion. This means that there is 33.6% of world population (and 22.2% of developing countries population) who already have mobile phones but are not yet using the Internet. Does this provide a strong case for leveraging the mobile channel to dramatically improve access to public services, including electronic government services to those who can afford to use a personal or shared mobile phone? Does this create an opportunity to connect in the near future the next two billion people to some of the benefits of e-government, e-health, e-education, e-banking and e-commerce? How exactly can Mobile Government change the lives of common people in developing countries? What are best examples of such impact? What are the key constraints to making this vision a reality? How should governments change the way they do business to take advantage of mobile technologies? What is the role of the private sector? Are there successful business models (e.g. PPP) for private sector companies to deliver value-added m-government services? These are some of the questions that will be addressed. Participation to the event is free; however, one needs to register to get access to the venue. If you are interested in participating send an email directly to susan(a)africanedevelopment.org for a registration form. Space is limited at the venue, only 20 places are available and will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis. Deadline for registration is Wednesday 22nd November. Program: +++++ Welcome & Introduction Samia Melhem, Senior Operations Officer, Global ICT, World Bank; and Chair, e-Development Thematic Group Vikas Kanungo, Chairman, The Society for Promotion of e-Governance, India & Convener, eGovWorld 2007 Opening Remarks/Keynote address R. Chandrashekhar, Additional Secretary (e-Governance), DIT, Government of India Speakers Ibrahim Kushchu, Associate Professor and Director, Mobile Government Consortium International & Author, "m-Government: An Emerging Direction in e-Government", UK Hannes Astok, Member of Parliament & former Deputy Mayor, City of Tartu , Estonia Kindest Regards Harry Hare Executive Director African eDevelopment Resource Centre 3rd Floor, Nelleon Place , Raphta Road , Westlands PO Box 49475 00100, Nairobi Tel +254 20 4453445 Cel +254 725 650044 -----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: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.… ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try it now. http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/

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Bar Camp 2.0
by brian 23 Nov '07

23 Nov '07

hi Riyaz, I'd love to come and let you guys play with my iphone (but I do say) but unfortunately I have "rough" meeting with Mr. Tee at 12pm. Mblayo

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Take Back The Tech! 16 Days of Reclaiming Technology To End Violence Against Women]
by alice 23 Nov '07

23 Nov '07

****************************************** TAKE BACK THE TECH: 16 DAYS OF RECLAIMING TECHNOLOGY IN ACTIVISM TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ******************************************* //In Uganda, a SMS campaign called Speak out! Stand Out! is organised by WOUGNET to collect messages against VAW// //In Quebec, feminists and communication rights activists are creating short video clips and comic postcards on VAW.// //In Malaysia, Burmese refugees are creating audiocasts on issues related to VAW and womens rights together with Centre for Independent Journalism.// >From 25 November to 10 December, get ready to pull out the mouse, flex your SMS fingers and engage full energy in activism to end violence against women (VAW). APC Womens Programme (APC WNSP) calls on users of the radio, television, internet, emails, mobile phones and all kinds of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to Take Back The Tech! ============================ What is the campaign about? ============================ Take Back The Tech is a collaborative campaign by ICT users, advocates, collectives and organisations that take issue with the prevalence of VAW in our diverse realities. Initiated by APC WNSP in 2006, the campaign is part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence initiative. It is our right to shape, define, participate, use & share knowledge, information & technology, and to create digital spaces that protects everyones right to interact freely without harassment or threat to safety. Take Back The Tech aims for this & calls all user of ICTs especially grrls & women to take control of technology and consciously use it to change unequal power relations. =============================== How can you Take Back The Tech? =============================== **16 daily actions** -------------------- Simple daily actions throughout the 16 days that uses ICTs strategically to counter VAW. From sending SMS, making digital postcards, snapping pictures, playing with radio to remembering forgotten names in the history of ICT development, you can take action with the tools and platforms that you have access to. **ka-BLOG** ----------- Explore and thicken the knowledge around ICTs & VAW by joining the 16 days blogathon. New to blogging? This is the perfect reason to start your own, or at least, click that comment button to have your say. Daily topics will be posted on the campaign site to stir conversation, as well as instructions on how to set up a blog. **Local initiatives** --------------------- Start your own Take Back The Tech campaign. As seen above, independent and creative initiatives to Take Back The Tech are taking off in different parts of the world, translating content and action to address local needs and priorities. Use the campaign website to highlight your action, or find information and resources. There are tech tools & tips, articles & links, portable applications, images & graphics, and if you dont have an online publishing space, you can have your own page on the site. Email us to let us know how we can support your action. **Digital stories, audiocasts & more** -------------------------------------- Learn by listening to the experience and stories of women and men affected by VAW. The campaign website will feature created digital stories, audiocasts, video clips and postcards. If you have something you would like to share, just log on to the campaign site and submit your story. **Suggest an action** --------------------- Help shape the campaign by sharing your experience & ideas. If you have thoughts, email us or log on to the site, and make it part of the campaign. Check www.takebackthetech.net daily from 25 November to 10 December, and take action. Reclaim technology to end violence against women. For more information: send an email to jac(a)apcwomen.org, or ideas(a)takebackthetech.net ***************************************** "Take Back the Tech" is an initiative of the APC Women's Networking Support Programme (APC WNSP), a global network of women who support women networking for social change and women's empowerment, through the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) especially internet, founded in 1993. The APC WNSP is part of the Association for Progressive Communications (APC). http://www.apcwomen.org/about/ http://www.apc.org -- Jac sm Kee _______________________________________________ AAW-Network mailing list AAW-Network(a)lists.apcwomen.org http://lists.apcwomen.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aaw-network

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Re: [kictanet] BarCamp 2.0 - Conversations
by Bill Kagai 23 Nov '07

23 Nov '07

Access to our NSE Live Stream trading data will be accessible on hourly, daily or monthly charge via MPesa from January 2008. Development going on at www.mediacorpafrica.com Live trading starts at 10.31. all you will need to input in the registration is the cell fone number and the 7 digit/letter confirmation code after you have transferred the payment online to our agent number. I'm sure there are other hustlers working on similar plattforms ;-) Bill On Nov 23, 2007 8:06 AM, Riyaz Bachani <riyaz.bachani(a)ke.wananchi.com> wrote: > Sorry ... I spoke too soon :) > > Tell me - do you know guys who are developing e-commerce platforms around m-pesa ? ie using some API to link into the system to offer web-based transactions ? I know IEEE had something called mpawa/mpower ? > >

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BarCamp 2.0 - Conversations
by Riyaz Bachani 23 Nov '07

23 Nov '07

Hi all, I'm sure a lot of you have heard of Skunkworks in Kenya - we're a "band of techies" bringing geeks in Kenya together. You can read more about what we do on the blog. http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com One of the things we organize is BarCamp Kenya - a very informal "unconference". BarCamps are held all over the world and bring innovators together to showcase what they're doing, and really give anyone a chance to air their thoughts. Here is the last one we held: http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com/2007/03/post-barcamp-nairobi- kenya-31st-march.html Below is the schpiel Over the last few months, we've had discussions with various techies, entrepreneurs, and just kawa guys about why Kenya is still lagging in terms of ICT innovation and entrepreneurship. This BarCamp, we'd just like to have a CONVERSATION with all of you. Moderated by Dr Kamau Gachigi, we would like you all to come and help us brainstorm through issues, and hopefully find the causes & solution to start fostering ICT innovation. Some of the questions we have been asking ourselves: - why don't we have a culture of innovation - what is wrong with the education system - why don't we have enough ICT entrepreneurs eg software & web-app companies (our own facebook ?) - why are we lagging behind in e-commerce ... why don't we have a payment gateway yet Date: 24 November 2007 Venue: Strathmore University, Room 34 Time: 9.30am to 2.00pm Moderator: Dr Kamau Gachigi More information (& Sign Up) is on the wiki http://wiki.my.co.ke/index.php/BarCamp

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Fourth web for development conference UN habitat headquarters Nairobi 28-30 November 2007
by alice 22 Nov '07

22 Nov '07

Since its inception at a conference organized by the World Bank in 2003, the Web for Development meetings are now well established as a forum for the web community of UN agencies, and international development civil society organizations interested in using their expertise to show how the Internet can promote development. The three conferences already held have evolved to include not only the public sector, but the private sector as well. The fourth conference, to be held in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme Driving economic and social development with the Internet, will focus on helping developing countries bridge the digital divide. As the seat of the UN headquarters in the developing world, the Kenyan capital offers participants a first-hand experience of what is involved in coming up with new ideas and solutions customised for an environment with limited computer skills, inadequate telecommunications and other infrastructure that still lags behind that of wealthier nations... http://www.unhabitat.org/categories.asp?catid=546

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Rwanda Is Removing Work Permits.
by Jose' 22 Nov '07

22 Nov '07

PRESIDENT Paul Kagame of Rwanda has said Rwanda is removing work permits and employment restrictions on East African professionals and others planning to work in the country. In his key note address during the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) dinner in Kampala on Tuesday, Mr Kagame said the decision is in the spirit of the East African common market that will formalise free movement of goods, services and people. "The need for professionals to improve public sector and corporate effectiveness remains a challenge to Rwanda, for East Africa and for the continent as a whole," Mr Kagame said. The step taken by Rwanda is unprecedented, as older members of the community, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda still impose permit restrictions on nationals from partner states. Of the three, permits for East Africans are easier to obtain in Uganda, followed by Kenya and hardest in Tanzania. In a 2001 directive, the then interior minister Eriya Kategaya made permits for Kenyans and Tanzanians applying to work in Uganda 'automatic'. Mr Kagame said the East African region's "comparative strengths can help to build capable public and private sector institutions. Corporate East Africa has a pool of talent that can uplift their private sector counterparts in lesser developed parts of the region." "We in Rwanda are facilitating this by removing work permits and employment restrictions on professionals and others to work in our country," President Kagame announced amid applause. "We lose professionals as soon as we create them, and then resort to borrowing in order to finance expensive international expertise". President Kagame said the region is competing for skills in an increasingly open, global market place. "This reinforces our dependency on aid, because short term consultants add little to our need for critical mass of home grown expertise and talent," he said. "We should not begrudge those of our people looking to improve their lives elsewhere, instead, we must offer better prospects in our countries to ensure they stay with us". President Yoweri Museveni stressed the need for exporting finished goods as opposed to raw materials. Mr Museveni said part of Africa's continuing poverty was due, in part, to the failure to escape being a producer of raw materials instead of finished goods. Mr Museveni said many economies have gone to great lengths to create aggregate demand among ordinary citizens to get them actively engaged in economic activity. Mr Museveni said Uganda needs more companies that can generate income to the economy. "Business can contribute to the transformation of society," he said at the dinner organised by East African Breweries. Addressing a joint press conference, the two presidents said the clashes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were not a threat to investment in the region. "These problems you are talking about are residual problems that are no longer major any more. They are peripheral not structural. But in any case, they can not stop investments in Uganda and Rwanda," Mr Museveni said. "These are challenges that cut across the region, but we are handling them," Mr Kagame said. CBF Chairman James Mulwana, said while the East African governments have harmonised policies to attract domestic and direct foreign investment, the region with a market of 120 million, still has a big investment potential that has not been tapped. Mr Mulwana said there was need to implement global partnership in order to increase investment, overcome poverty levels and achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). "While our historical economic role as suppliers of raw materials to the world may have contributed to the economic growth in the past, it is now clear that the role left our countries in deep poverty and underdevelopment," Mr Mulwana said. The CBF being held ahead of the main Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) has attracted a big number of delegates from 40 countries. The theme of the conference that ends today is: "The untapped potential. Transforming societies through economic empowerment and building partnerships with east Africa and the Global economy". On trade in the region, President Kagame said Information and Communication Technology (ICT) must be used to make border clearances a rapid one-stop-shop exercise. He said border challenges were part of the reason intra-Africa trade remains negligible in spite of its importance. "A lorry of commercial goods travelling inland to coastal gateways can take anywhere from five days to two weeks depending on good luck. Everyone loses here, the wealth that would otherwise accrue to East Africans fails to materialise," Mr Kagame said. Mr Kagame said congested port facilities, ad hoc and illegal checkpoints, impassable sections of the road network and legal border crossings that are always closed at night are all obstacles to conducting trans-border commercial transactions. "The business that we so badly want to grow are undermined and the state is deprived of revenue. And that is why we remain poor," Mr Kagame said. "It has been indicated for example that trade among African countries accounts for only 10 percent of our total exports and imports, a factor that is due to, among other things, poor regional infrastructure" Source:Ugabytes --------------------------------- Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

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Government Website standadisation and audit
by robert yawe 22 Nov '07

22 Nov '07

Hi all, Today I will end up spending 3,500/- to have someone run to the City Council of Nairobi, County Council of Mavoko and Ministry of Lands offices to find out what I owe in Land Rates and Land Rent. Earlier in the morning I logged onto the Internet hoping to find the information I needed online as I remember KRA putting up a half page advert worth more than 1 million in the dailies indicating that land rent information is available on their web site. As I had not recorded the details I tried getting to the site by using the URL's that I assumed would belong to the various entities, kenyarevenue.go.ke, waweru.go.ke, taxman.go.ke, letapesa.go.tax as you might already know the website is at none of these addresses it is at kra.go.ke. The information is not available at that location http://www.kra.go.ke/landrent/landrent.php yet I am sure if we looked through the KRA payment slips the developer was paid to implement the feature. But that is not as bad as the Ministry of Lands Website for which I tried lands.go.ke, ministryoflands.go.ke, and even not at grabbers.go.ke. Thanks to google I was able to find it at ardhi.go.ke. Would it be so difficult for Dr. Mutua or Dr. Ndemo or Eng. Waweru or Mr. Kokubo or Director of ....., to put up a website that would list all ministry and government agencies websites. I offer to pay for the domain registration and hosting for one year locally. We would then lobby all the newspapers to carry the URL for free on their backpage and on the home page of their websites. Worse still is the lack of a standard layout for the government web sites, each site you visit is a new experience. Would it be so difficult for us to stop wasting money and just have someone design templates to be used for all Ministry Web sites. Yes I hear you but then how do we develop our local developers, let us not punish an entire nation so that we can reward a few mediocre designers. Regards PS. I did not get the information and I will now be out of pocket 3,500/- or more by the end of the day, all because we are waiting for a marine cable to resolve all this issues. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ___________________________________________________________ Want ideas for reducing your carbon footprint? Visit Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html

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In Support of the Marine Cable
by robert yawe 22 Nov '07

22 Nov '07

Hi All, It was quite interesting to read the comments by the UUNet managing director concerning the $500/- per month for 1 MB of as he rightfully put it IP service. Two issues stick out from his statement 1. This price will only be achievable on the last mile What is the last mile? It is the connection from your office, home or mobile device to your provider. Therefore even today, without the marine cable, if I log onto Telkom.co.ke or UUNet.co.ke I should pay not more than US$ 500/- per megabyte but how much do I pay US$ 4,300/-. In the US the internet is within the last mile thus the lower cost of Internet access there. Even Safaricom has realised that localisation of tariffs is essential and they will soon be launching a service that charges less for calls between a set of BTS's. What this means is that when you are at Kisumu airport and you call your cousin who is in Kisumu CBD, so he can collect you, you will pay less than when you call your wife in Nairobi to tell her that you have arrived safely. Can we pickup on the same and provide similar charge differentials. I was once active in an organisation called Junior Chamber International and they had a very interesting slogan for one of the International conventions "Think global, act local" With the creation of local content, 80% of us will have no need to connect beyond the boundaries of east africa. By looking at yahoo and facebook once you have the numbers the rest just falls into place. With high number of connected users the yahoos and googles of the world will have no choice but to either place servers within the region (our last mile) or pay for the marine cable. 2. "The charges would only fall marginally with the landing of the first submarine fibre optic cable in Mombasa", he said. (UUNet Managing Director) Dr.Ndemo is not going to be selling bandwidth to the end user and CCK has clearly said that only registered opeartors read ISP i.e. UUNet & Wananchi. SO who do we believe on the expected price of Internet access costs once the marine cable lands. The wholesaler or the retailer? In closing when do we expect the fiber to the district project to begin? Regards Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 KEnya Tel: +254722511225 ----- Original Message ---- From: Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> To: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke Cc: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk>; Jose Ngunjiri <ngunjirijnr(a)gmail.com>; ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net Sent: Wednesday, 21 November, 2007 9:10:18 AM Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] Re: In Support of the Marine Cable We shall be pleased to have your contribution upon your return to office. Thank you. Meanwhile, discussants may wish to read a relevant story appearing on today's Business Daily "State projections on Internet costs queried by players" http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4419&Item… On Nov 20, 2007 10:01 PM, <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> wrote: > These are good questions but unfortunately I need more time to make my > contribution. I hope to do this when I am back in the office possibly on > Friday. > > Asante Sana. > > > > > > > > On Nov 20, 2007 5:47 PM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > >> > >> I ask do we really need the marine cable? > >> > > I wonder? Do we need Pentium or Penicillin? Marine cable Fibre or > > remain on satellite but HR skills re-orientation first? Local content > > or websites development and SEO optimisation education? Do we need the > > government to lead us to connectivity Canaan or a watching, listening > > and supportive one facilitating innovation for an organic ICT > > development enabling environment? Oh, how I wonder? > > > > With so many competing needs choosing the priority undoubtedly is a > > challenge BUT this is also an opportunity for "puzzle solvers" to map > > a winning strategy that taps into all available resources, human and > > material, to optimize on the results. Unfortunately not a single > > entity, business, person (even the government) holds the key to the > > answer. > > > > I beleive the password to success is honestly and openness in > > multi-stakeholder collaboration despite the conflicting diverse > > stakeholders interests. Certainly, the government must work for the > > common good of the citizens because that is what they take oath of > > office to protect. Citizens' concerns, businesses, welfare, etc. > > > > Adhoc projects Yawe is concerned about would not help much in this > > scenario because citizens end up burdened with future loan repayment > > burdens for unrealised project aspirations. All such projects must be > > subjected to rigorous scrutiny by everyone and therefore government > > should neither feel "harassed" or "untrusted" when someone questions > > any public project. ( Note that I am not suggesting that this has > > happened) > > > > Do we really need the marine cable? YES we do and a lot more. Internet > > use education. I am talking teaching beyond how to send and receive a > > couple of emails, visit friends' websites printed on business cards > > (that never show up on Google index!) and "hard-wired" URLs > > references. > > > > But since this kind of education is nobody specific obligation, then > > nobody will do it and the danger is that in the end, the government's > > marine cable risks ending up an attempted diagonal JOHARI window > > transformation. i.e. trying to move "people who don't know and they do > > not know that they do not know" TO "they know and they know that they > > know" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johari_window > > > > In short, Free Flow of Information, readily available is prerequisite > > to transforming Kenya into a knowledge society, prosperous economy > > where everyone realises fruits of their innovation and work of their > > hands. Opaqueness only breeds mistrust the sum total being mark-timing > > development and globally uncompetitive countries. > > > > my two cents to this very interesting debate... > > _______________________________________________ > > ke-internetusers mailing list > > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > > This message has been scanned for viruses and > > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > > believed to be clean. > > --------------------------------------------- > > "easy access to the world" > > > > > > > ___________________________________________________________ Want ideas for reducing your carbon footprint? Visit Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html

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3G lauch to spark battle in data services mart
by Wanjira, Alice Munyua 21 Nov '07

21 Nov '07

3G lauch to spark battle in data services mart Written by Kui Kinyanjui: Buisness Daily 3G enabled services will help facilitate various modern e-applications such as remote medical diagnosis, remote education, as well as a variety of business-to-business and business-to-government applications. November 5, 2007: Kenyas telecoms scene is set for a major revolution following the recent launch by service provider Safaricom of a new technology. The technology -- commonly known as 3G -- is expected to change the way consumers use their phones besides bringing home the long held consumer dream of accessing the Internet and television from their mobile phones. The network differs from the current in its ability to deliver high quality media-rich content -- including audio and video to a mobile phone handset. It comes at a time when consumers are beginning to enjoy Telkom Wireless price cuts on similar offers through its CDMA platform -- setting the stage for a battle for data shillings on the new breed of networks. While Safaricoms may be the first commercial 3G service in Kenya, Telkom maintains that its CDMA platform offers more of the same features and at a more competitive price. This potential by Telkom, which is Safaricoms parent company, poses a looming threat to the mobile firms aspirations to become the leader in the provision of value-added services in the telecoms market. With 3G enabled phones, consumers will be able to use the telephone to access Internet services and transmit data. The mobile industry is counting on the arrival of 3G to boost the sale of data enabled handsets such as camera phones and to raise earnings through sale of high-end services such as mobile e-mail access. 3G enabled services will help facilitate various modern e-applications such as remote medical diagnosis, remote education, as well as a variety of business-to-business and business-to-government applications, said John Waweru, the director-general of the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK). Most Kenyan users will, however, be keen to use their phones to surf the internet. Third generation networks allow for faster download speeds for web pages, with prices dropping to less than Sh10 per megabyte downloaded. Having paid $25 million, nearly half what it paid for the original mobile operator licence, Safaricom is banking on the new service to drive revenue growth from users accessing more data heavy applications. Kenyas mobile phone sector is slated to grow by 87 per cent in the next five years, exceeding the 72 per cent forecast for the African continent, according to the GSM Association. Safaricoms entry into this service platform came as a surprise to many given that its CEO Michael Joseph indicated that the company would only implement the service if the cost-benefits were commensurate with the projected number of users. Rival mobile telephone service provider Celtel is said to be weighing the prospect of acquiring the pricey licence at this time. With the majority of new mobile subscribers expected to come from the countryside, it remains to be seen whether the projected levels of growth with translate into increased demand for valued added services. The race for rural subscribers has seen Safaricom commission a Sh500 million switching centre targeting the rural folk in western Kenya. Industry observers however say that Safaricom may have to wait a while to reap the benefits of the latest network upgrade. Japans NTT DoCoMo launched the worlds first official 3G system based on WCDMA in 2001 but only managed to fully migrate its users to the service by 2006. Two years after its launch in the UK, a 2005 survey by Harris Interactive revealed that the uptake of the new service was sluggish. The poll indicated that only nine per cent of the entire mobile phone market had upgraded to a 3G enabled mobile phone two years after the services launch, with 41 per cent of 3G users using their powerful gadgets for just for talking and texting. The silver lining in the Harris poll was however that 3G users were twice as likely to use their mobile phone for more than talking and texting. There is a danger in 3G being given away without effectively marketing 3G services to consumers. Service providers are seeding the market with the product and then relying on above and below the line marketing to generate momentum for key 3G services, said Derek Eccleston, technology research director at Harris Interactive. If 3G consumers do not begin to utilize the full range of 3G services, the return on general operator investment in 3G may not be realizedand this can have a negative impact on their profitability. But as with any new service, Safaricom will roll out its latest network addition with tremendous spend on advertising to highlight its offering. The firm is said to be in talks to enter into data services partnerships with interested companies. Besides, phone companies are maneuvering to strengthen their offerings in the high end gadget market, with some banking on the quick adoption rate of to drive sales of the relatively more expensive devices. Phone company LG recently launched YouTube enabled handsets in the local market that will allow users to interface to access and upload video content. This new service will connect people like never before. For the first time, LG customers will be able to film, upload and view videos on YouTube using their mobile phone just as they would from their home computers, said K.W. Kim, LG Middle East and Africa President.

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[Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] REMINDER -- Fellowships for India - deadline is 26 NOVEMBER - Paris Open]
by alice 21 Nov '07

21 Nov '07

http://www.icann.org/fellowships/ 31st International Public ICANN meeting New Delhi, India February 10-15 Application round open: 24 October Application round close: 26 November AND FOR THE 32nd International Public ICANN meeting in Paris, France June 22-27 Application round open: December 2007 Application round close: January 2008 Cheers ar _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Fwd: [TIER] UN agreement on freeing spectrum for wireless
by Eric Osiakwan 21 Nov '07

21 Nov '07

fyi Begin forwarded message: > From: Jennifer Bussell <jbussell(a)berkeley.edu> > Date: 19 November 2007 19:54:38 GMT+03:00 > To: TIER <tier(a)tier.cs.berkeley.edu> > Subject: [TIER] UN agreement on freeing spectrum for wireless > > > http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2ece0dd2-962c-11dc-b7ec-0000779fd2ac.html > Radio spectrum freed for mobiles > By Frances Williams in Geneva > Published: November 19 2007 01:23 | Last updated: November 19 2007 > 01:23 > Valuable radio spectrum now used mainly by broadcasters is to be > opened up to broadband services offered by mobile phone operators > under a United Nations agreement endorsed on Friday by governments > from over 160 countries. > > For the first time, the decision will provide a common chunk of > spectrum for mobile broadband services globally, boosting the > market for new wireless technologies. It is also expected to reduce > significantly the cost of expanding mobile networks in poor or > predominantly rural nations. > > The accord follows a month-long diplomatic conference that pitted > traditional broadcasters against mobile phone operators in a battle > over who should benefit from the “digital dividend” provided by the > continuing switch from analogue to digital television. > > Digital signals require much less bandwidth, freeing space in the > coveted ultra-high frequency (UHF) band, which has been the almost > exclusive preserve of broadcasters. > > Mobile phone companies have pushed for access to the UHF band for > two reasons. One is that the quality signals support high-speed > mobile broadband connections, enabling faster downloads of data and > video to mobile devices and encouraging the development of new > internet-based services. > > The other is that UHF signals can penetrate buildings and travel > long distances, so fewer base stations are required for coverage of > large areas, cheapening the cost of rolling out wireless broadband > networks. > > Under the deal, the Americas and much of Asia, including China and > India, will open up the 698-806 Megahertz band to mobile wireless > broadband services between now and 2015 as the transition from > analogue to digital television proceeds. > > In Europe, Africa and the Middle East, where broadcasters have > retained a bigger share of UHF spectrum, only the 790-862 Megahertz > band will be available for mobile wireless broadband and not before > 2015. > > Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2007 > > _______________________________________________ > TIER mailing list > Website: http://tier.cs.berkeley.edu > TIER(a)tier.cs.berkeley.edu > https://www.millennium.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/tier Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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workshop at Gazebo
by Rebecca Wanjiku 20 Nov '07

20 Nov '07

just to let you know that the workshop will be at the Gazebo Banda, Jacaranda hotel E-WASTE PROJECT KENYA - INTRODUCTION MEETING WEDNESDAY November 21st , 2007 PROGRAMME - TIME ACTIVITY 9.00- 9.15am Welcome and Introduction – Harry Hare 9.15-10.00am Regional perspective - Alan Finlay – Open Research 10:00-10.30am Tea Break 10.30-11.30pm Global perspective – Cisse Khan - Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF) & Mathias Schluep – EMPA National perspective – Alice Munyua 11.30 – 12.30 General discussions, comments, input from stakeholders, vote of thanks Close Facilitated by Africa e-Development Resource Centre Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better sports nut! Let your teams follow you with Yahoo Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/sports;_ylt=At9_qDKvtAbMuh1G1SQtBI7ntAcJ

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workshop programme
by Rebecca Wanjiku 20 Nov '07

20 Nov '07

E-WASTE PROJECT KENYA - INTRODUCTION MEETING WEDNESDAY November 21st , 2007 PROGRAMME - TIME ACTIVITY 9.00- 9.15am Welcome and Introduction – Harry Hare 9.15-10.00am Regional perspective - Alan Finlay – Open Research 10:00-10.30am Tea Break 10.30-11.30pm Global perspective – Cisse Khan - Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF) & Mathias Schluep – EMPA National perspective – Alice Munyua 11.30 – 12.30 General discussions, comments, input from stakeholders, vote of thanks Close Facilitated by Africa e-Development Resource Centre Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

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An ITWeb article from brian@isisweb.nl
by brian＠isisweb.nl 20 Nov '07

20 Nov '07

This article has been sent to you from brian(a)isisweb.nl as a courtesy of ITWeb. Comment: FYI Mblayo African achievement recognised The winners of the ninth annual African ICT Achievers Awards were announced at a gala banquet, held at the Sandton Convention Centre, on Saturday.Kenya dominated in the individual award section, taking home three of the eight awards. Brian Longwe Munyao, from InHand, was awarded top businessman of the year; Jyoti Mukherjee, of Software Technologies, was recognised as top businesswoman; and Mwende Gatabaki, from the Kenya Tea Development Agency, scooped the top public sector CIO award.Rwandan president Paul Kagame received the lifetime achievement award.SA was strongest in the organisational categories. Dimension Data was recognised as top ICT company in Africa. Accenture was awarded the most transformed company. IBM SA and Integr8 IT were judged the top ICT workplace provider and most innovative company, respectively.ForgeAhead, in partnership with the Department of Communications, presented the annual awards, which recognise individuals and organisations that have made a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.These individuals and organisations support the challenge that countries in Africa face in leveraging ICT to make a difference around the continent, organisers said. This year's awards took on the same theme as last year: "Make the African Century a Reality".[PICTURE]Jane Mosebi, MD of ForgeAhead, explained the origin of the awards: "What started as a programme to encourage black people to enter the ICT industry in SA has grown beyond our borders and has spread to the rest of Africa."Mosebi highlighted the corporate social investment focus of the awards, saying: "We want to ensure we do not just recognise achievement. We must harness it and channel it back into the communities that are the hearts and future of our continent."Xhead = Make a differenceAlbert Butare, minister of state in charge of energy and communications, at the Ministry of Infrastructure of Rwanda, spoke on behalf of Kagame, delivering a keynote address.He said to realise an African century, countries need to build the foundations of science and technology to ensure Africa could move ahead with the rest of the world. "The future of Africa depends on being able to compete effectively with a highly globalised world community."[PICTURE]Africa is poorly connected, both within the continent and to the rest of the world, he said. "The gaps in IT infrastructure in Africa continue to hinder investment, economic growth and employment in this critical sector."Speaking on behalf of Vodacom, governance director at Vodafone SA Bob Collymore highlighted the economic impact connectivity can make for Africa. "ICT has already changed lives forever."He said Vodacom implemented a base-station project on the borders of the Kruger National Park to connect and educate farmers on the best uses of cellular technology. "Some of those farmers have already quadrupled their income."The award for top private sector CIO was not presented this year. "The finalists in this category did not reflect the status of the award, especially in the context of Africa. As such, the judges declined to present a winner," explained Mosebi.[PICTURE]Related stories: <a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/business/2007/0711061501.asp" target="_newAchiever finalists announced <a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/business/2007/0710311400.asp" target="_newNepad backs Achievers programme <a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/computing/2007/0708101420.asp" target="_newSummit to discuss African ICT <a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/business/2007/0707201333.asp" target="_newICT Achievers nominations open Posted: 11/19/2007 10:40:43 AM --------------------------------------------------- ITWeb - First with IT news. Every day. For more topical IT industry news, views and analysis, visit us at http://www.itweb.co.za ---------------------------------------------------

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An ITWeb article from brian@isisweb.nl
by brian＠isisweb.nl 20 Nov '07

20 Nov '07

This article has been sent to you from brian(a)isisweb.nl as a courtesy of ITWeb. Comment: FYI Mblayo African achievement recognised The winners of the ninth annual African ICT Achievers Awards were announced at a gala banquet, held at the Sandton Convention Centre, on Saturday.Kenya dominated in the individual award section, taking home three of the eight awards. Brian Longwe Munyao, from InHand, was awarded top businessman of the year; Jyoti Mukherjee, of Software Technologies, was recognised as top businesswoman; and Mwende Gatabaki, from the Kenya Tea Development Agency, scooped the top public sector CIO award.Rwandan president Paul Kagame received the lifetime achievement award.SA was strongest in the organisational categories. Dimension Data was recognised as top ICT company in Africa. Accenture was awarded the most transformed company. IBM SA and Integr8 IT were judged the top ICT workplace provider and most innovative company, respectively.ForgeAhead, in partnership with the Department of Communications, presented the annual awards, which recognise individuals and organisations that have made a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.These individuals and organisations support the challenge that countries in Africa face in leveraging ICT to make a difference around the continent, organisers said. This year's awards took on the same theme as last year: "Make the African Century a Reality".[PICTURE]Jane Mosebi, MD of ForgeAhead, explained the origin of the awards: "What started as a programme to encourage black people to enter the ICT industry in SA has grown beyond our borders and has spread to the rest of Africa."Mosebi highlighted the corporate social investment focus of the awards, saying: "We want to ensure we do not just recognise achievement. We must harness it and channel it back into the communities that are the hearts and future of our continent."Xhead = Make a differenceAlbert Butare, minister of state in charge of energy and communications, at the Ministry of Infrastructure of Rwanda, spoke on behalf of Kagame, delivering a keynote address.He said to realise an African century, countries need to build the foundations of science and technology to ensure Africa could move ahead with the rest of the world. "The future of Africa depends on being able to compete effectively with a highly globalised world community."[PICTURE]Africa is poorly connected, both within the continent and to the rest of the world, he said. "The gaps in IT infrastructure in Africa continue to hinder investment, economic growth and employment in this critical sector."Speaking on behalf of Vodacom, governance director at Vodafone SA Bob Collymore highlighted the economic impact connectivity can make for Africa. "ICT has already changed lives forever."He said Vodacom implemented a base-station project on the borders of the Kruger National Park to connect and educate farmers on the best uses of cellular technology. "Some of those farmers have already quadrupled their income."The award for top private sector CIO was not presented this year. "The finalists in this category did not reflect the status of the award, especially in the context of Africa. As such, the judges declined to present a winner," explained Mosebi.[PICTURE]Related stories: <a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/business/2007/0711061501.asp" target="_newAchiever finalists announced <a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/business/2007/0710311400.asp" target="_newNepad backs Achievers programme <a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/computing/2007/0708101420.asp" target="_newSummit to discuss African ICT <a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/business/2007/0707201333.asp" target="_newICT Achievers nominations open Posted: 11/19/2007 10:40:43 AM --------------------------------------------------- ITWeb - First with IT news. Every day. For more topical IT industry news, views and analysis, visit us at http://www.itweb.co.za ---------------------------------------------------

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Online resources from regulators
by A.K. Mahan 19 Nov '07

19 Nov '07

LIRNE maintains a set of tables with links to regulatory authority websites around the world. These tables of regulators' annual reports, sector reports and statistical resources can be accessed from the WDR page on LIRNE.NET (http://lirne.net/wdr/) or directly from the links below. *Latin America and the Caribbean * http://lirne.net/resources/lac-resources/ *Africa* http://lirne.net/resources/online-resources-from-african-nras/ *Asia* http://lirne.net/resources/online-resources-from-asian-nras/ -- _______________________________________________ Amy Mahan, LIRNE.NET Coordinator Montevideo, Uruguay Tel: +598.2.410 2979 Fax: +44.870.759 8283 Skype ID: amahan (GMT -3) ________________________________________________

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Mobile Government: The New Frontier in Transforming Public Services - 29th November 2007
by Harry Hare 19 Nov '07

19 Nov '07

Dear Colleagues, Mobile services are quickly emerging as the new frontier in transforming government and making it even more accessible and citizen-centric by extending the benefits of remote delivery of government services and information to those who are unable or unwilling to access public services through the Internet or simply prefer to use mobile devices. In theory, many government services can be now made available on a 24x7x365 basis at any place in the country covered by mobile networks, which today means almost everywhere! Michael, correct me if Im wrong. It is from this background that the World Bank in partnership with eGovWorld 2007 (www.egovworld.com <http://www.egovworld.com/> ) and African eDevelopment Resource Centre presents a dialogue on Mobile Government (mGovernment) on 29th November 2007, 4.30pm -7.00pm at the World Bank offices, Nairobi. The dialogue is live Video Conference and an integral part of the eGovWorld 2007 conference taking place in India 29-30 November 2007. According to the ITU, the total number of mobile users worldwide as of late 2006 was about 2.7 billion and the number of internet users was just above 1.1 billion. This means that there is 33.6% of world population (and 22.2% of developing countries population) who already have mobile phones but are not yet using the Internet. * Does this provide a strong case for leveraging the mobile channel to dramatically improve access to public services, including electronic government services to those who can afford to use a personal or shared mobile phone? * Does this create an opportunity to connect in the near future the next two billion people to some of the benefits of e-government, e-health, e-education, e-banking and e-commerce? * How exactly can Mobile Government change the lives of common people in developing countries? What are best examples of such impact? * What are the key constraints to making this vision a reality? * How should governments change the way they do business to take advantage of mobile technologies? * What is the role of the private sector? Are there successful business models (e.g. PPP) for private sector companies to deliver value-added m-government services? These are some of the questions that will be addressed. Participation to the event is free; however, one needs to register to get access to the venue. If you are interested in participating send an email directly to susan(a)africanedevelopment.org for a registration form. Space is limited at the venue, only 20 places are available and will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis. Deadline for registration is Wednesday 22nd November. Program: +++++ Welcome & Introduction Samia Melhem, Senior Operations Officer, Global ICT, World Bank; and Chair, e-Development Thematic Group Vikas Kanungo, Chairman, The Society for Promotion of e-Governance, India & Convener, eGovWorld 2007 Opening Remarks/Keynote address R. Chandrashekhar, Additional Secretary (e-Governance), DIT, Government of India Speakers Ibrahim Kushchu, Associate Professor and Director, Mobile Government Consortium International & Author, "m-Government: An Emerging Direction in e-Government", UK Hannes Astok, Member of Parliament & former Deputy Mayor, City of Tartu, Estonia Kindest Regards Harry Hare Executive Director African eDevelopment Resource Centre 3rd Floor, Nelleon Place, Raphta Road, Westlands PO Box 49475 00100, Nairobi Tel +254 20 4453445 Cel +254 725 650044

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e-Waste
by Harry Hare 19 Nov '07

19 Nov '07

Some background info for those planning to attend the e-Waste event on Wednesday. http://www.elearning-africa.com/newsportal/english/news90.php Harry

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Fw: [UgaBYTES] 80 Percent of Computer Products Fake in East Africa
by Florence Etta 19 Nov '07

19 Nov '07

fyi sorry for cross posting Florence Etta PhD P.O. Box 14285,00800 Westlands-Nairobi, Kenya Tel: Mobile + 254-733-621851 Terrestrial: + 254-20-7121506 Fax/Phone: + 254-20-7125723 Alternative Email:florence.etta@gmail.com ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Yahya Sseremba <yahya(a)ugabytes.org> To: ugabytes(a)lists.ugabytes.org Sent: Monday, 19 November, 2007 10:16:53 AM Subject: [UgaBYTES] 80 Percent of Computer Products Fake in East Africa Up to 80 per cent of computer consumable products on sale in East Africa could be fake, a major regional distributor with branches in four countries has claimed. Among the most affected are the HP brand of toners and cartridges, according to Red Dot Kenya country manager Asif Saroya. Red Dot is a distributor of computers and related accessories with offices in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia. He attributed the proliferation of counterfeits to the exponential growth witnessed in the ICT sector over the past five years, which has created a rising demand that unscrupulous traders are exploiting by offering cheap substandard products - mostly from the Far East. There is a growing controversy around the world over the safety and efficacy of goods made in China, the world's fastest growing economy, which has been dogged by massive counterfeit claims. Worried that counterfeits could drive genuine products dealers out of the market, the company has come up with a series of strategies to beat the fakes. Since that fake products are usually cheaper, the company is revising its pricing to make its products more competitive and forge a closer partnership with its dealers through loyalty programmes to encourage them to stick to its brands. A massive consumer education programme has also been mounted by the company and its distributors to inform users on how to avoid fake products. (Source: The East African) ___________________________________________________________ Want ideas for reducing your carbon footprint? Visit Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html _______________________________________________ ugabytes mailing list ugabytes(a)lists.ugabytes.org http://lists.ugabytes.org/mailman/listinfo/ugabytes_lists.ugabytes.org

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invitation to E-waste discussions
by Rebecca Wanjiku 19 Nov '07

19 Nov '07

just to remind you of this function on wednesday please confirm attendance for logistics purposes. regards becky RE: INVITATION TO KICTANETs INTRODUCTION OF THE E-WASTE PROJECT IN KENYA KICTANet is working with the Hewlett Packard, EMPA (Swiss Materials Science & Research Technology), the Global Digital solidarity Fund (DSF) on their new programme on the “Recycling of electronic waste” in Kenya . The project will assess the current conditions for electronic recycling in communities in Kenya. It also aims to explore how additional local jobs can be created in this sector as well as the development of a blueprint for a sustainable e-waste management system in Kenya in collaboration with other existing local recycling projects. Pursuant to this KICTANet is therefore inviting you an introduction meeting to be held on Wednesday November 21 at Jacaranda Hotel from 9.00a.m. to 12.30 p.m. The meeting is an opportunity for the international team from DSF, EMPA and the Kenya research team to introduce the project to a few relevant stakeholders involved and interested in E-waste in Kenya . Please confirm your attendance to Rebecca Wanjiku Evelyn Majale on 4453671/2 or email: rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com or evelyne(a)kictanet.or.ke Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -----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: rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/rebeccawanjiku%40yahoo… ____________________________________________________________________________________ Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/rebeccawanjiku%40yahoo…

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U.N. conference ponders Internet's future
by alice 17 Nov '07

17 Nov '07

U.N. conference ponders Internet's future Jack Chang | McClatchy Newspapers http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/v-print/story/21582.html RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - When more than 1,700 technology experts from around the world envision the Internet's future, they see cars and household appliances that are online, wireless Internet networks in remote African villages and astronauts e-mailing one another from different corners of outer space. Such visions of the future were trumpeted at a landmark U.N. Internet Governance Forum to plan the next stages of one of the most revolutionary communication tools in history. Participants can't make binding decisions, but can lay the groundwork for future policy. Many of the government officials, technology experts and other trendsetters at the conference, which ended Thursday, said the Internet has only now hit its stride. Key to its future, many said, will be bringing online the four-fifths of the globe that still lacks Internet access, as well as combating cybercrime and other malicious uses of the network. The next generation of technology is on its way and will make the Internet an even more integral part of people's lives, said Vinton Cerf, a U.S. computer engineer and one of the fathers of the Internet. He's now chief Internet evangelist to technology giant Google and remains a pioneer. One of his side projects is helping the National Aeronautics and Space Administration build an interplanetary network that would let astronauts e-mail each other without routing their messages through Earth. "Wherever you are, you'll have the potential to get all this information, really all of the world's knowledge," Cerf said. "If you don't take advantage of this information available to you and others do, you'll have a hard time competing." Holding up his BlackBerry, Cerf said that such mobile devices would soon become the main portal to the network, with global positioning systems that tell users where they are and what's around them, no matter where they are on the planet. He also said that molecular-scale computing would become the norm as conventional technology bumps into the laws of physics that limit how quickly processors run and how compact they can be. Molecular computing means harnessing the computing power of DNA and other biological material to run computers tens of thousands of times faster than those with today's conventional processors. For billions of people in the developing world, however, just getting online would be an improvement, said John Dada, the program director of a nonprofit Nigerian anti-poverty agency. More than 4 billion people aren't online, and many of them have never sent an e-mail or accessed a Web site, he said. Only 4 percent of Africans are online, compared with about four-fifths of U.S. residents. "There is absolute awareness of the Internet in the world," Dada said. "The hardware is the problem." -- ================================================================ Mark Graham SVP of Technology, iVillage Inc., an NBC Universal company General Manager, Astrology.com http://www.ivillage.com Office: (415) 447-6193 Ext. 830 * Cell: (917) 697-0110 ================================================================ ======================================= APC Forum is a meeting place for the APC community - people and institutions who are or have been involved in collaboration with APC, and share the APC vision - a world in which all people have easy, equal and affordable access to the creative potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to improve their lives and create more democratic and egalitarian societies. _______________________________________________ apc.forum mailing list apc.forum(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/apc.forum

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Fwd: [Fibre-for-africa] Fwd: [APC-IGF] Notes on Access Plenary
by Eric Osiakwan 16 Nov '07

16 Nov '07

Begin forwarded message: > From: "Wairagala Wakabi" <wakabi(a)cipesa.org> > Date: 15 November 2007 12:17:57 GMT+03:00 > To: fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > Subject: [Fibre-for-africa] Fwd: [APC-IGF] Notes on Access Plenary > Reply-To: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants > <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > > --------------------------- Original Message > ---------------------------- > Subject: [APC-IGF] Notes on Access Plenary > From: "Abi Jagun" <abi(a)apc.org> > Date: Wed, November 14, 2007 9:46 pm > To: "Private work space for APC members, staff and partners > participating in the IGF" <apc-igf(a)lists.apc.org> > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > ---- > > The panel was chaired by Helio Costa [Minister of Communications, > Brazil] and Markus Kummer [Executive Coordinator, IGF]; and was > moderated by Richard Sambrook [Director of the BBC's Global News > division]. > > Panellists were: Mike Jensen [Independent consultant/APC], Roque > Gagliano [ANTEL/NAPLA/ALAC], Valerie D'Costa [InfoDev], Sylvia Cadena > [WILAC.net] Mouhamet Diop [Next.sn], Anita Gurumurthy [ITforChange], > and Jacquelynn Ruff [Verizon]. > > Discussants were: Maui Sanford, Rajesh Bansal, Hökmark Gunnar, Sam > Paltridge, and Radhika Lal [UNDP]. > > > The moderator asked that the discussions of the panel be framed in > light of the following two considerations: (i) the characteristics of > the next billion people to be connected to the Internet - "How do they > differ from those who are already connected … Who are they and what is > needed in order to bring them online?; and (ii) issue emanating from > the demand side as well as from the traditional supply side. Issues > arising from the supply perspective include - regulation, law, policy, > competition, capacity building etc. Whilst demand side considerations > include issues of cost, ease of use, relevance of content, access for > the elderly and those with disabilities, questions of language, and > the crucial link between access and development. > > > Key issues and/or suggestions that emerged from the Access Panel > are as > follows: > > 1. There was recognition that availability of Internet infrastructure > must be considered hand-in-hand with the affordability of the > infrastructure. > > 2. There was recognition that more concrete efforts at building demand > for the Internet are required and an important aspect of this is the > availability of content and affordability of access. To facilitate > this, it was suggested that local content and traffic should be "kept" > (in terms of hosting and transmission) at the local level. This is > because "Internet transit cost[a] is one of the main problems for > developing countries" (Gagliano) and are usually borne (100%) by > service providers/operators in the developing countries. With this in > mind, it was suggested that greater support (in terms of regulation > and backbone infrastructure) be given to the establishment and > sustainability of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) at both national and > regional levels. > > 3. With respect to high transit costs, the need for developing > countries/regions to take advantage of the "savings" that can be made > by adopting a regional policy of interconnected IXPs and thereby > "break through the transit model and … [usher in a] … peering model" > (Diop). > > 4. It was also recognised that for affordable and universal access to > be achieved, the competitive environment in developing nations needs > to be developed. This requires that regulatory and policy regimes be > improved – in particular the "long-term monopolies, duopolies or cosy > cartels" (Jensen) that exist in the key areas of international > gateways, backhaul/terrestrial networks and mobile sector need to be > addressed. Other regulatory and policy areas that need to be looked > into are interconnection, number portability, and the expansion and/or > increase in diversity of organisations that are able to > deliver/provide telecom services – these include community operators, > municipal authorities, cooperatives etc. > > 5. There was recognition that improvements in international and > national fibre optic network require new models for deployment. It > was suggested that backhaul networks be viewed as a public good (in > much the same way as roads are) and that in this respect their > deployment be coordinated with other infrastructure projects – such as > new road, rail, electricity, gas pipelines etc. The position can also > be taken that "…development finance for these types of infrastructure > projects should be conditional on including fibre in their > deployment." (Jensen) > > 6. In considering the suggested need for greater coordination in the > deployment of fibre in new infrastructure projects; it was highlighted > that priority should be given to energy infrastructure and in > particular electrification projects. > > 7. Reviewing regulatory and policy regimes, and achieving greater > coordination in the deployment of infrastructure (amongst others) > requires that the capacity of regulators be built up significantly ... > > 8. In order to improve and achieve more informed policy- and > decision-making, the need to rethink indicators used for measuring > progress/performance was highlighted. Those that are currently > collated and used are often characterised by a significant time lag > (sometimes of up to two to three years) which negatively impacts on > the reliability and realism of decisions on which they are based. It > was therefore suggested that more up-to-date Internet metrics - such > as autonomous system numbers, domain names, Internet protocol > addresses etc. – be incorporated into the repertoire of (global) > telecom/Internet metrics. > > 9. There was recognition of the tremendous strides that have been made > by mobile and wireless technologies in enabling developing country > populations to gain access communication services. It was recognised > that the mobile phone has been instrumental in this success and > suggested that this technology, and the many initiatives that have > adapted its use at the local/"grass root" level be considered for > inclusion in future connectivity/access plans. This would suggest > that such "community-based" initiatives be considered at par with > telco-led roll-out plans – especially with reference to rural areas > and marginalised/under-served communities; and where funding provision > exists for universal service. > > 10. It was recognised that adopting a more "demand side" perspective > to the access problem/issue calls for a better understanding of the > needs of users – and in particular the needs of "the next billion" to > be connected. It was felt that an understanding and articulation of > "what the critical Internet use issues[b] are in underserved > communities" (D'Costa) will help to better identify the relevance of > telecoms and ICT to development, and in initiating access solutions > that better serve these communities. > > 11. Recognising the needs of users – especially those in rural > communities, highlights the importance of translating and promoting > local languages and local customs as this facilitates the use of > communications networks by these communities. An appreciation of the > culture and incorporation of local languages also helps to promote and > develop the skills of the members of the community in using the > networks and in adapting them to their needs. This can significantly > improve the sustainability and continuity of the network (Cadena). > > 12. In developing countries; rural areas can no longer be treated as > the exception: "when in truth [in cited specific instance] more than > 70% of the population lives in rural areas" (Cadena). It was > therefore recognised that some reform/modification of regulation and > policy is required to facilitate the implementation of access > solutions in these areas. Specific areas highlighted include the > removal of charges and/or duties applied to new technologies that are > particularly suited to such areas. > > 13. Also with respect to rural and remote areas, it was suggested that > certain services - such as communication during emergencies and > disasters, should be provided as a public good (and considered more > important than any economic interest). > > 14. There was the recognition that access is more than connectivity > and that the tools used in connecting to the Internet – in particular > their adaptation and adequacy of use –are also important. The need > for capacity building around technological development and adaptation > that would ensure that connectivity tools are "fit for use". > > 15. It was highlighted that when it comes to providing access to poor > communities: "the most meaningful ICT models … are not just about > creating demand loops for individual users to pay, but models that > address systemic and institutional change through ICTs" (Gurumurthy). > It was suggested that Telecoms/ICTs can and should therefore be > embedded within social development initiatives and in these > circumstances be delivered as a public good. It was emphasised that a > "public goods approach to ICT" does not negate the need and relevance > of market-orientated approaches to Internet access; rather each > approach has its own area of application. > > 16. It was noted that access, from the perspective of the deployment > of infrastructure, is capital intensive and that capital available for > investments in infrastructure is international in nature. This > emphasises the capacity developing countries must have in attracting > investment/capital. Areas that facilitate attractiveness for > investment were identified as including transparent and stable > regulatory environment; respect for the rule of law; openness to > foreign investment; a commitment to encouraging competition; good > licensing and spectrum allocation procedures, a flexibility for > innovative services etc. > > > [a] This relates to the cost of accessing Internet ports that are > generally located outside developing countries and also the cost of > transmission to and from these ports all of which are borne (100%) by > the service provider in the developing country. > > [b] Examples of these include how such use substitutes for a two or > three day journey to the nearest town. How it can help a citizen > better engage more effectively with a local or their municipal > authority. How it can help a small business to expand its market > reach, or its distribution network. How it can help new entertainment > and information possibilities open up to those citizens. (D'Costa) > _______________________________________________ > Apc-igf mailing list > Apc-igf(a)lists.apc.org > http://mailman-new.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/apc-igf > > > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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AFNOG 2008 ANNOUNCEMENT & WORKSHOP APPLICATION
by Badru Ntege 15 Nov '07

15 Nov '07

AFNOG & AFRINIC JOINT ANNOUNCEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2008 9th AfNOG MEETING AfriNIC-8 MEETING The African Network Operators' Group (AfNOG) and the African Network Information Centre (AfriNIC) are pleased to announce that the 9th AfNOG Meeting and the AfriNIC-8 Meeting will be held Rabat, Morocco, in May /June 2008. ABOUT THE ENTIRE EVENT AfNOG and AfriNIC are jointly organising a two-week event that includes the AfNOG Workshop on Network Technology (offering advanced training in a week-long hands-on workshop), several full-day Advanced Tutorials, a one-day AfNOG Meeting, and a two-day AfriNIC Public Policy Meeting and Annual General Meeting. In addition, several side meetings and workshops will be hosted in collaboration with other organizations such as the AAU and ISOC. Further information about the event may be found at <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/> and <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/>. TIMETABLE Unix Boot Camp 24 - 25 May 2008 (Saturday - Sunday) AfNOG Workshop 26 - 30 May 2008 (Monday - Friday) AfriNIC IPV6 W/shop 31 May - 1 June 2008 (Saturday - Sunday) AfREN Meeting 31 May - 1 June 2008 (Saturday - Sunday) AfNOG Tutorials 1 - 2 June 2008 (Sunday - Monday) AfriNIC LIR W/shop 2 June 2008 (Monday) AfNOG Meeting 3 June 2008 (Tuesday) AfriNIC-8 Meeting 4 - 5 June 2008 (Wednesday - Thursday) Africa INET Day 6 June 2008 (Friday) VENUE The Workshop, Tutorials, AfREN Forum, IPv6, LIR (24 May - 2nd June 2008) will be held at Mohammadia Engineering Institute, Rabat. All Conferences (3 - 6 June 2008) will be held at the Golden Tulip Farah, Rabat, Morocco. ABOUT AfNOG AfNOG (see <http://www.afnog.org/>) is a forum for cooperation and the exchange of technical information between operators of Internet-connected networks in Africa. AfNOG has organised an event like this one every year since 2000. ABOUT AFRINIC AfriNIC (see <http://www.afrinic.net/>) is a Regional Internet Registry (RIR), responsible for Internet resources Mangement in Africa region. AfriNIc organises two Public Policy meetings every year (see <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/>). AfNOG WORKSHOP ON NETWORK TECHNOLOGY The AfNOG Workshop on Network Technology aims to offer advanced training to people who are in the process of developing and enhancing an Internet-connected network with regional and international connectivity. The target audience includes senior and mid-level technical staff of commercial Internet service providers (ISPs), academic networks, government networks, or NGO networks. This workshop builds on the experience of previous AfNOG workshops held annually from 2000 to 2007 in eight different African countries, and also the Internet Society's INET workshops, held annually from 1993 to 2000 at eight locations around the world. The workshop's instructors are an international team with many years of experience operating large networks and teaching about network operations. The workshop is divided into four parallel tracks: SA-E - Unix System Administration (in English), focused on using a Unix-like operating system as a platform for delivery of Internet services. SS-E - Scalable Internet Services (in English), focused on the design and operation of email, web, and other Internet services, in ways that can scale to handle large numbers of end users. SI-E - Scalable Network Infrastructure (in English), focused on the design and operation of networks using routers and switches, in ways that can scale to handle large numbers of interconnected sites. SI-F - Infrastructure Reseaux IP (en francais), similar to SI-E, but given in French. Further information and online application form for the workshop can be found at <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/workshop/online_application.html> AfREN MEETING The Africa Research and Education Networking community will be holding a two-day meeting on 31 May and 1 June 2008. The meeting will discuss issues of interest to the NREN community such as coordination on activites in the region, advocacy, bandwidth consortia, regional RENs etc AfNOG TUTORIALS AfNOG will offer 1 to 2 full-day(s) tutorials on advanced topics. Tutorials take place in a classroom-style environment, and may include a hands-on practical component. Tutorials are non-commercial in nature, and most are technically oriented. They are intended to offer advanced training on technology already deployed or soon to be deployed on networking and related services provisioning for ISP operations. 9th AfNOG MEETING The 9th AfNOG meeting will be held in Rabat, Morocco, on 3 June 2008. AfNOG conferences provide a forum for the coordination and dissemination of technical information related to backbone/enterprise networking technologies and operational practices. The meetings are informal, with an emphasis on relevance to current and future African backbone engineering practices. The AfNOG 2007 conference in Abuja, Nigeria, drew over 165 participants, mainly consisting of network engineering staff from national service providers, and members of the research and education community. People interested in making a presentation or chairing a panel discussion at the AfNOG meeting are invited to to submit a proposal, following the instructions at <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/conference/> AfRINIC-8 MEETING The AfriNIC-8 meeting will be held in Rabat, Morocco, on 4 and 5 June 2008. AfriNIC Meetings are open to everyone and provide an excellent opportunity to take part in Internet policy discussions. These policies, which describe how Internet Number Resources should be managed and distributed, are developed by the community. The meeting will include tutorials, presentations, update on the various working groups and the AfriNIC Public Policy Meeting. The two day meeting will be preceeded by a two-day IPv6 training. The meeting will focus on the IPv6 protocol and its deployment, especially in Africa and the issue of the exhaustion of the IPv4 pool of address space. There will be an opportunity to discuss the challenges which our region will be facing with the exhaustion. Further information is available at <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/>. ISOC - INET AfRICA MEETING The Internet Society will be organizing an INET Africa Conference on 6 June 2008 in conjunction with the AfriNIC 8 and AfNOG 9 meetings in Rabat, Morocco. This meeting will focus on technical as well as policy aspects surrounding Internet standards development and applications, with special attention on localisation and education initiatives, and efforts to further internationalise the Internet. The meeting is also expected to open discussion on Internet governance issues of importance to the continent. Issued jointly by AfNOG and AfriNIC ------ AfNOG 2008 WORKSHOP ON NETWORK TECHNOLOGY - APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION Please see <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/workshop/> for information about the AfNOG 2008 Workshop on Network Technology. If you have questions regarding this announcement and application, they may be addressed to: <workshopinfo08(a)afnog.org> WHERE TO APPLY - You can fill in an application on line, at <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/workshop/online_application.html> - You can download a copy of the application form from <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/workshop/application-form.txt>, or request a copy via email to <applications08(a)afnog.org>. Then fill it in off-line, and email it to <workshop-apply08(a)afnog.org>. The "Subject" line of the message should contain your surname or family name in the following format: Subject: AfNOG Workshop Application: <your-family-name> WHEN TO APPLY Application forms must be submitted no later than 7 December 2007. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance to the program and the amount of financial aid available (if any) on or about 31st January 2008. INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED ON YOUR APPLICATION Please ensure that all of the contact information you submit is and accurate, or we will not be able to contact you. Please give detailed answers to the questions about your work and your experience. If your are applying for financial assistance from AfNOG, please do not forget to answer the questions about other funding sources available to you. A. PERSONAL DATA FAMILY NAME (LAST NAME, SURNAME) ONLY: Full Name: Employer/Organization Position/Title: Business Address: Business Telephone: Alternate Telephone: E-mail address: Fax: Date of birth: Nationality: Name as it appears on passport or other travel document: Passport number: Country issuing passport: Date passport was issued: Date of passport expiration: Knowledge of English /French: Please rate your knowledge in these categories: Listening/comprehension: minimal / fair / good / excellent Reading: minimal / fair / good / excellent Speaking: minimal / fair / good / excellent Writing: minimal / fair / good / excellent Please indicate with an asterisk (*) the most reliable addresses and telephone/fax numbers above which can be used to reach you. B. COURSE OF INSTRUCTION Instructional track applied for (Please select only one track; the tracks will run concurrently): [ ] SA-E - UNIX SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION [ ] SS-E- SCALABLE INTERNET SERVICES [ ] SI-E - SCALABLE NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE [ ] SI-F - INFRASTRUCTURE RESEAUX (French Track - equivanent to SI-E) Please indicate your specific interests within the area you have chosen: C. TECHNICAL SKILLS 1. Are you a UNIX user? How much have you used it? 2. Have you been a UNIX system administrator? Describe your experience (length of time, versions, etc.). 3 Have you used/administered TCP/IP networks? Describe. 4. Have you set up and/or administered any of the following? Please give details. - bind or any other nameservers - sendmail/smail/exim/postfix - majordomo/mailman or other list manager - apache/IIS web systems 5. Have you configured or otherwise managed any of the following? Details, please. - routers - switches - network monitoring - noc D. DESCRIPTION OF ROLE IN NATIONAL NETWORKING ACTIVITIES Bearing in mind that this information will be used to determine whether to admit you to the workshop, please provide in the format of your choice the following information about yourself. Please be sure that it is sufficiently clear, well organized and adequate for this purpose. 1. A description of your current employer, your position, your duties and responsibilities, and how they relate to current and future data networking activities in your country. 2. A brief description of your computing and networking environment (operating systems, networking software, modems, etc.), including the connectivity of your organization to the Internet and your country's connectivity to the international Internet. 3a. Scope of your institution (check all categories that apply): [ ] Commercial Network Provider [ ] Academic Network Provider [ ] NGO Network Provider [ ] Other (Specify)______________ 3b. Approximate number of full time staff at your institution:________ 4. How your training and current work prepare and qualify you for the track you wish to attend. 5. How you expect to use the knowledge you gain at the workshop after you return to your country. 6. If you have previously attended AfNOG/INET Workshops for Developing Countries, a. Year and track you attended: b. A precise description of how you have used the training you have received in the past: c. The significant advances in networking which have occurred in your country specifically because of your knowledge and effort: E. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Your application must contain the following complete information if you wish to be considered for financial support to attend the workshop. The Workshop fee is US$1,600. This includes accommodation and meals. Applicants are usually expected to provide their own funding (from whatever sources). However AfNOG or its sponsors may make a limited financial assistance available to deserving candidates. Even if you request financial assistance you might not receive any, and your acceptance into the Workshop will be conditional on your ability to provide all or most of the funding yourself. Although you may be well qualified and in great need of financial assistance, the maximum funds AfNOG or its sponsors may provide is US$1,000 in financial assistance for BOTH WORKSHOP FEES AND AIRFARE. Payment for the workshop may be made by funds transfer, bank / certified cheque or in cash. Further details will be provided in the admission letter to successful candidates. NOTE : YOUR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE WORKSHOP MAY BEPEND ON YOUR ABILITY TO PROVIDE SOME OR ALL THE WORKSHOP FEES. 1. Are you are requesting financial aid from the AfNOG Workshop for attending the workshop and meetings? [ ] Yes [ ] No 2. If you are requesting financial aid to cover the workshop fee, please provide a complete list of funding sources in the following form. The list should contain all sources of funds that are available to you for payment of the workshop fee. The amounts should total U.S.$1,600. 1. Your Institution -- U.S.$ __________ 2. Your Government -- U.S.$ __________ 3. From international organizations -- U.S.$ __________ 4. Your personal contribution -- U.S.$ __________ 5. Amount you ask from AfNOG -- U.S.$ __________ (less than $1,000) _________________________________ TOTAL Income = U.S.$1,600.00 (PLEASE SELECT ONLY ONE - WORKSHOP FEES OR AIRFARE) 3. Will you need financial assistance for airfare? If so, how much will you or your institution be contributing? [ ] No, assistance for airfare not needed. [ ] Yes, assistance needed. (less than $1,000) Amount of your contribution: U.S.$_________ 4. If you are requesting financial support for airfare, please provide a good estimate of round trip, lowest economy excursion airfare between your place of residence and Cassablanca, Morocco, in May 2008. (Flights from Africa terminate at Cassablanca, connection to Rabat can be made by bus or train). 1. Airfare: 2. Airline: 3. Type of fare: 4. City of departure: 5. Source of your estimate: Signature (your name as you would sign it): __________________________ Date:___________________ _______________________________________________ afnog mailing list http://afnog.org/mailman/listinfo/afnog

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FW: [ke-internetusers] ICT Board's accreditation of BPO Society
by Harry Hare 15 Nov '07

15 Nov '07

Apologies for cross-posting. Harry _____ From: ke-internetusers-bounces(a)bdix.net [mailto:ke-internetusers-bounces@bdix.net] On Behalf Of robert yawe Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 11:37 PM To: Internet user group Subject: [ke-internetusers] ICT Board's accreditation of BPO Society This morning I attended a breakfast meeting hosted by the newly appointed ICT Board but which turned out to be a flag waving event for some private club called the BPO Society. It is interesting what happens when you pick private sector people and give them the mandate to run a public institution. Last time I checked single sourcing for government services can only be done after requesting exemption from the Ministry of Finance, but I stand corrected. The ICT Board has unilaterally appointed the BPO Society as the only bona fide forwarder of licensing applications for any BPO business, under which gazette notice was this status issued? It is interesting how a state agency can send me to pay a private club (Kes. 35,000/-) for them to forward my application to set up a business. Even at the height of bureaucracy institutions like the Chamber of Commerce never had such powers, so where does the ICT Board get the authority to single source for a vetting agency? The answer to the whole issue came out in a subtle manner on one of the slides US$ 11.4 Million (Kes. 0.75 Billion) for capacity building of the BPO industry. Somebody seriously needs to monitor this new private sector dream teams. This are the acts that stifle young industries, I think to grow the BPO business in this country we need to have the government look the other way to let entrepreneurs do what they have to do like the council did with the issue of private garbage collectors and CCK with courier service providers. Let legislation follow ingenuity & creativity, the other way just doesn't work. Robert Yawe _____ Yahoo! Answers - Get better answers from someone who knows. Try <http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTEydmViNG02BF9TAzIxMTQ3MTcxOTAEc2VjA 21haWwEc2xrA3RhZ2xpbmU> it now.

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Internet growth calls for address migration
by Alex Gakuru 15 Nov '07

15 Nov '07

[Folks, incidentally migration to IPv6 from IPv4 is much emphasized at the internet Governance Forum (or IGF) meetings ending today here at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - and I have taken very good note of the consequences of NOT migrating. Various Kenyans here assembled a team put up quite an impressive "Best Practices on multi-stakeholders participation". GoK, CCK, KENET, KIXP, KICTAnet presentations received accolades:) Thanks KeNIC for excellent read below-- AlexG] --- <http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4286&Item…> [Business Daily] Internet growth calls for address migration Written by Beatrice Gachenge November 14, 2007: <snip> With the advent of more dynamic technology gadgets, more hosts are encroaching into the Internet, leading to the fast depletion of Internet protocol addresses commonly known as IP address. It was bound to happen, but not as expected. Who would have thought in the early 1980s that a mobile phone or a camera phone would be connected to the Internet ? How about refrigerators, and motor vehicles? Now, one of the latest gizmos connected to the net is an umbrella, that has Google Earth navigation on it. And the experiments are getting weirder and wilder by the day! The current protocol in utility today is known as IPV4 that has run the Internet for more than 20 years. Over the years it has started showing its limit mainly with the running out of number identifiers associated to it, known as IP addresses. IP addresses are used to route traffic on the Internet and can be seen as the backbone of the Internet and they are used to identify hosts that are connected to the Internet. Vincent Ngundi, acting administrative manager of Kenya Network Information Centre, says that with the Internet becoming part of everyday life, more people are aggressively using it and most business processes have now been converted into online applications.... <snip>

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Digital Community Villages with social Enterprise.
by Jose' 15 Nov '07

15 Nov '07

The 4th telecentres leaders forum organized by Ugabytes initiative in Uganda saw up to six countries being represented across the board being Uganda, Kenya Tanania,Rwanda,Burundi and Sudan. We were privileged on the last day to have the presence of the minister for Communication in Uganda Honorable Alintuma Nsambu. The workshop being facilitated by Mr.Loic who is an expert on Social Entrepreneurship from an organization called Nesst brought out the topic of social enterprise more practical than said. What was noted all through the forum was that Digital Villages(telecentres) need to adopt new strategies and innovativeness for self reliance that reaches out to the community yet at the same time catalyze development through social enterprise within the community members. Before telecentres embark into social entrepreneurship, what is encouraged is to carry out a need assessment so that the project can be embraced by the community. To make a digital village be self reliant and non dependent on donars,the following needs to be carried out to ensure success. 1) The Digital Village(Telecentre) needs to have a clear Mission 2) Have a healthy relation with the key players being the community running up the ladder to its partners and friends of the organization. 3) Have committed constituents. 4) Ability to adopt new trends and be flexible 5) Have a strong leadership. 6) Enable legal political and social environment 7) Accountability is key 8) Have sufficient financial resources 9) Have valuable and useful results or impact 10) Have effective high quality or work program. The Honorable Minister Nsambu pointed out that his government is behind every effort to support digital Villages as he introduced a new computer that is being produced that uses Solar energy. This is Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri Reporting. --------------------------------- Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage.

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Fwd: [aisi-l] SEACOM gets funding boost
by Eric Osiakwan 14 Nov '07

14 Nov '07

Begin forwarded message: > From: "Wairagala Wakabi" <wakabi(a)cipesa.org> > Date: 14 November 2007 10:56:10 GMT+03:00 > To: "African Information Society Initiative - Discussion Forum" > <aisi-l(a)lyris.bellanet.org> > Cc: discuss(a)afrispa.org, "Eric Osiakwan" <eric(a)afrispa.org>, > gispa(a)yahoogroups.com, africann(a)afrinic.net, "African Information > Society Initiative - Discussion Forum" <aisi-l(a)lyris.bellanet.org>, > "Ghana Information Networking and Knowledge Sharing" > <ginks(a)dgroups.org>, afnog(a)afnog.org, "KICTAnet ICT Policy > Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>, afrinic- > discuss(a)afrinic.net > Subject: [aisi-l] SEACOM gets funding boost > Reply-To: "African Information Society Initiative - Discussion > Forum" <aisi-l(a)lyris.bellanet.org> > > Netters, > Its backers are saying SEACOM will be the only new cable completed > in time > to give South Africa the bandwidth needed for the 2010 WC, with > "actual > production of the fibreoptic cable and undersea facilities" > starting next > week. SA's SNO, NEOTEL, has helped marshal capital from local > financial > heavyweights, enabling NEOTEL to be owned 50% by South Africans. > > Tut Tut... > > Wakabi > > > Sea cable venture lands big investors > > By Lesley Stones, Business Day, November 14 2007 > > AN UNDERSEA cable promising cheap bandwidth for Africa yesterday > finally > named its backers, signing up enough well-connected local investors to > guarantee its landing rights in SA. > > Investment heavyweight Venfin is sinking $75m into the project, > taking a > 25% stake in the 15000km cable linking SA to India and Europe. > > Cyril Ramaphosa’s black investment house Shanduka is taking 12,5%, > worth > $37,5m. Another 12,5% goes to Convergence Partners, a group of black > investors led by Andile Ngcaba, the chairman of Dimension Data > Africa and > a former director-general of the communications department. Nedbank > Capital and Investec will provide financing for the $650m project. > > SA’s second network operator, Neotel, is pumping in a far more modest > R20m, and using its telecoms licence to guarantee that the cable > can dock > in SA. > > The local ownership is sufficient to ensure that Seacom meets > controversial new conditions being drawn up by Communications > Minister Ivy > Matsepe-Casaburri, dictating who can land a cable in SA. The > minister is > insisting that any cable must be majority owned by African > investors to > come ashore. > > South Africans hold 50% of Seacom, and that rises to 75% African > ownership > thanks to 25% held by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development’s > Industrial Promotion Services, a development agency based in Kenya. > > The remaining 25% lies with New York’s Herakles Telecom, a development > group that has invested $4bn in Africa. > > Neotel is investing only in the local landing station, but its > licence to > operate in SA conferred on it the right to land a cable, said MD Ajay > Pandey. > > “Our understanding is that the country needs international > capacity, and > the way international cable landing protocols have been defined > means we > have the opportunity here.” > > Venfin CEO Jannie Durand said Neotel’s licence to land a cable in > SA meant > everything had been done “legally and correctly”. Venfin was backing > Seacom for two reasons, he said: “We are hopefully going to make a > lot of > money out of it and SA needs more bandwidth. We want to bring SA > affordable bandwidth to the rest of the world.” > > Although the cable will cost $650m, it would be partly funded by > loans as > well as equity, allowing Venfin to take 25% for less than the book > value > of the project, Durand said. > > Pandey believes Seacom will be the onlyThe actual production of the > fibreoptic cable and undersea facilities will start next week. > > The consortium has already invested more than $10m in a marine > survey and > engineering of the cable. The actual production of the fibreoptic > cable > and undersea facilities will start next week. > > Seacom will connect Mtunzini in SA to Mumbai in India and > Marseilles in > France via Mozambique, Madagascar, Kenya and Tanzania by June 2009. > > Terrestrial links will be built to take its bandwidth to numerous > other > inland countries. Its capacity of 1,28 terabytes per second is 10 > times > the capacity on the existing Sat-3 cable around Africa’s west coast. > > The consortium has promised that it will charge other voice and data > carriers significantly less for its bandwidth than they pay to use > Sat-3 > or satellite services, which should trigger a massive decrease in > the cost > of phone calls, internet access and data transmissions for African > consumers and businesses. > > “Improved access for business and individuals in Africa to > communications, > broadband services and new technology offerings can improve lives > and help > grow the economies of our countries,” said Ngcaba, the chairman of > Convergence Partners. “The linking of southern and east Africa with > India > and Europe is crucial for enhancing development and trade between > these > key regions.” > > gies that will deliver affordable broadband >> services open to all. Leveraging existing internet access point as >> hubs could be a very good starting point to build license-free >> point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, mesh or even cellular networks >> that will reach the masses in the villages. It will be nice when >> someone leaves the town to visit relatives in the village and not >> lost >> connectivity to the wireless space because their provider does not >> offer services yet in that area. Think of a cell phone with WIFI >> capabilities that accesses paid networks in towns and free WIFI >> access >> at the village sector. So in town, you will use your paid >> services, in >> the village you will use the free WIFI access...how nice will that >> be? >> >> Wilfred >> >> >> ----- Message from eric(a)afrispa.org --------- >> Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2007 09:33:30 +0300 >> From: Eric Osiakwan <eric(a)afrispa.org> >> Reply-To: Discuss(a)afrispa.org >> Subject: [AfrISPA.Discuss] Five Goals of Connect Africa >> To: discuss(a)afrispa.org, KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions >> <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>, gispa(a)yahoogroups.com, Ghana >> Information Networking and Knowledge Sharing <ginks(a)dgroups.org>, APC >> - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants >> <Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org>, africann(a)afrinic.net, >> afrinic-discuss(a)afrinic.net, afnog(a)afnog.org, African Information >> Society Initiative - Discussion Forum <aisi-l(a)lyris.bellanet.org> >> >> >>> Dear All, >>> >>> The Connect Africa Summit justed ended in Kigali with the following >>> five major goals; >>> >>> Goal 1. Interconnect all African capitals with ICT Broadband >>> infrastructure and strengthen connectivity to the rest of the >>> world by >>> 2012 as well as interconnect major African cities by 2015. >>> Goal 2. Connect all African villages to broadband ICT services >>> by 2012 >>> and implement shared access initiatives such as community tele- >>> centres >>> and village phones. >>> Goal 3. Adopt key regulatory measures that promote affordable, >>> widespread access to a full range of bradband ICT services, >>> including >>> technology and service neutral licensing/authorisation practises, >>> allocating spectrum for multiple, competitive broadband wireless >>> service providers, creating national internext exchange points >>> (IXPs) >>> and implementing competition in the provision of international >>> internet connectivity. >>> Goal 4. Support the development of a critical mass of ICT Skills >>> required by the knowledge economy, notably through the >>> estamishment of >>> ICT Centres of Excellence network in each sub-region of Africa >>> and ICT >>> capacity-building and training centres in each country, with the >>> aim >>> of achieving a borad network of inter-linked physical and virtual >>> centres, whiles ensuring coordination between academia and >>> industry by >>> 2015. >>> Goal 5. Adopt a national e-strategy, including a cyber-security >>> framework, and deploy at least one flagship e-government service as >>> well as e-education, e-commerce and e-health services using >>> accessible >>> technologies in each country in Africa by 2012, with the aim of >>> making >>> multiple e-government and other e-services widely available by >>> 2015. >>> >>> The African ICT Ministers have also shortlisted some projects under >>> ARAPKE which would be implenented through Connect Africa @ http:// >>> www.itu.int/ITU-D/connect/africa/2007/bgdmaterial/flagship-11.html >>> >>> It is important that we all engage and ensure that these ICT >>> goals are >>> met by 2012 and the larger MDGS by 2015. >>> >>> Thank you and sorry for cross-posting. >>> >>> Eric M.K Osiakwan >>> Executive Secretary >>> AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) >>> Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 >>> Fax: + 233.21.258811 >>> Cell: + 233.244.386792 >>> Handle: eosiakwan >>> Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North >>> Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North >>> Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ >>> Slang: "Tomorrow Now" >> >> >> ----- End message from eric(a)afrispa.org ----- >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Fibre-for-africa mailing list >> Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org >> http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa >> > > > > --- > You are currently subscribed to aisi-l as: [eric.osiakwan(a)netplux.com] > To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-aisi- > l-40669L(a)lyris.bellanet.org > Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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Gear up to being nominated or nominate yourself for ICANN constituencies!!
by Rebecca Wanjiku 13 Nov '07

13 Nov '07

Please apply! The Nom Com's 2008 website will be available soon, and candidate recruitment is anticipated to begin in mid-December 2007. Here is the breakdown of representatives from the region now: Board: Njeri Rionge (June 2003 - November 2008) GNSO: NONE as you can see here: http://gnso.icann.org/council/members.shtml CCNSO: Victor Ciza - Burundi - Term ends Mar-09 Paulos B. Nyirenda – Malawi – T erm ends Mar-10 Mohamed El Bashir - Sudan - Term ends Mar-08 Nashwa Abdelbaki - Egyot Term ends 2010 ALAC: Africa Mohamed El Bashir 4 (Sudan) Hawa Diakite4 (Mali) Alice Wanjira-Munyua2 (Kenya) 2008 ICANN Nominating Committee Convenes in Los Angeles 7 November 2007 The 2008 ICANN Nominating Committee (Nom Com) has been convened and met for the first time on 2-3 November, immediately following the 30th International ICANN Public Meeting in Los Angeles, California. Prior to the Los Angeles meeting, on 11 September 2007, the ICANN Board appointed Hagen Hultzsch as Nom Com Chair. Hagen has selected Wolfgang Kleinwaechter as Associate Chair. Due to the bylaws, George Sadowsky, the previous Nom Com Chair will serve as an advisor to the current Nom Com. 2008 Nom Com will select: Two members of the ICANN Board of Directors One member of the Council of the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) One member of the Council of the Country-Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO) Two members of the At Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) (European and North American regions) Those selected by the Nom Com will take their seats at the end of the 2008 ICANN Annual Meeting, 7 November 2008. First tasks of the Committee were to begin work on procedures and a timeline for activities during 2007-2008. The Nom Com's 2008 website will be available soon, and candidate recruitment is anticipated to begin in mid-December 2007. The Nom Com intends to hold a workshop during the ICANN meeting in Delhi, India to provide information about progress and process and answer questions. The workshop will be webcast and remote access provided. The date of the workshop will be confirmed once the Delhi meeting schedule is finalized. The following individuals have been appointed to the 2008 Nominating Committee: Hagen Hultzsch - Chair Wolfgang Kleinwaechter - Associate Chair George Sadowsky - Advisor to the Chair (as previous Chair of the Nom Com) Karen Banks - GNSO, Non-Commercial Users Constituency Phil Davidson - Technical Liaison Group Ute Decker - GNSO, Intellectual Property Constituency Grant Forsyth - GNSO, Business Constituency (Large) Matias Altamira Gigena - ALAC, Latin American and Caribbean Hartmut Glaser - Address Supporting Organization Caroline Greer - GNSO, Registry Constituency Ole Jacobsen - Internet Engineering Task Force Khaled Koubaa - ALAC, Africa Bill Manning - Root Server System Advisory Committee (non-voting liaison) Desiree Miloshevic - ALAC, Europe Ram Mohan - Security and Stability Advisory Committee (non-voting liaison) Ross Rader - ALAC, North America Jose Luiz Rebeiro-Filho, Higher Education Representative Greg Ruth - GNSO, Internet Service Providers Constituency Waudo Siganga - GNSO, Business Constituency (Small) Paul Stahura - GNSO, Registrars Constituency Karaitiana Taiuru - ALAC, Asia Pacific Christopher To - Country Code Names Supporting Organization The Nominating Committee Review was published on 24 October 2007. The review and 2008 Nom Com are independent activities. The Nom Com website can be found at http://nomcom.icann.org. Further information on the invitation for statements of interests in ICANN leadership positions will be posted in the near future. _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann -- becky beckyit.blogspot.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Anne-Rachel Inné <annerachel(a)gmail.com> Date: Nov 8, 2007 12:54 PM Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] Gear up to being nominated or nominate yourself for ICANN constituencies!! To: africann(a)afrinic.net Please apply! The Nom Com's 2008 website will be available soon, and candidate recruitment is anticipated to begin in mid-December 2007. Here is the breakdown of representatives from the region now: Board: Njeri Rionge (June 2003 - November 2008) GNSO: NONE as you can see here: http://gnso.icann.org/council/members.shtml CCNSO: Victor Ciza - Burundi - Term ends Mar-09 Paulos B. Nyirenda – Malawi – T erm ends Mar-10 Mohamed El Bashir - Sudan - Term ends Mar-08 Nashwa Abdelbaki - Egyot Term ends 2010 ALAC: Africa Mohamed El Bashir 4 (Sudan) Hawa Diakite4 (Mali) Alice Wanjira-Munyua2 (Kenya) 2008 ICANN Nominating Committee Convenes in Los Angeles 7 November 2007 The 2008 ICANN Nominating Committee (Nom Com) has been convened and met for the first time on 2-3 November, immediately following the 30th International ICANN Public Meeting in Los Angeles, California. Prior to the Los Angeles meeting, on 11 September 2007, the ICANN Board appointed Hagen Hultzsch as Nom Com Chair. Hagen has selected Wolfgang Kleinwaechter as Associate Chair. Due to the bylaws, George Sadowsky, the previous Nom Com Chair will serve as an advisor to the current Nom Com. 2008 Nom Com will select: Two members of the ICANN Board of Directors One member of the Council of the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) One member of the Council of the Country-Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO) Two members of the At Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) (European and North American regions) Those selected by the Nom Com will take their seats at the end of the 2008 ICANN Annual Meeting, 7 November 2008. First tasks of the Committee were to begin work on procedures and a timeline for activities during 2007-2008. The Nom Com's 2008 website will be available soon, and candidate recruitment is anticipated to begin in mid-December 2007. The Nom Com intends to hold a workshop during the ICANN meeting in Delhi, India to provide information about progress and process and answer questions. The workshop will be webcast and remote access provided. The date of the workshop will be confirmed once the Delhi meeting schedule is finalized. The following individuals have been appointed to the 2008 Nominating Committee: Hagen Hultzsch - Chair Wolfgang Kleinwaechter - Associate Chair George Sadowsky - Advisor to the Chair (as previous Chair of the Nom Com) Karen Banks - GNSO, Non-Commercial Users Constituency Phil Davidson - Technical Liaison Group Ute Decker - GNSO, Intellectual Property Constituency Grant Forsyth - GNSO, Business Constituency (Large) Matias Altamira Gigena - ALAC, Latin American and Caribbean Hartmut Glaser - Address Supporting Organization Caroline Greer - GNSO, Registry Constituency Ole Jacobsen - Internet Engineering Task Force Khaled Koubaa - ALAC, Africa Bill Manning - Root Server System Advisory Committee (non-voting liaison) Desiree Miloshevic - ALAC, Europe Ram Mohan - Security and Stability Advisory Committee (non-voting liaison) Ross Rader - ALAC, North America Jose Luiz Rebeiro-Filho, Higher Education Representative Greg Ruth - GNSO, Internet Service Providers Constituency Waudo Siganga - GNSO, Business Constituency (Small) Paul Stahura - GNSO, Registrars Constituency Karaitiana Taiuru - ALAC, Asia Pacific Christopher To - Country Code Names Supporting Organization The Nominating Committee Review was published on 24 October 2007. The review and 2008 Nom Com are independent activities. The Nom Com website can be found at http://nomcom.icann.org. Further information on the invitation for statements of interests in ICANN leadership positions will be posted in the near future. _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann -- becky beckyit.blogspot.com

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invitation to E-waste discussions
by Rebecca Wanjiku 12 Nov '07

12 Nov '07

RE: INVITATION TO KICTANETs INTRODUCTION OF THE E-WASTE PROJECT IN KENYA KICTANet is working with the Hewlett Packard, EMPA (Swiss Materials Science & Research Technology), the Global Digital solidarity Fund (DSF) on their new programme on the “Recycling of electronic waste” in Kenya. The project will assess the current conditions for electronic recycling in communities in Kenya. It also aims to explore how additional local jobs can be created in this sector as well as the development of a blueprint for a sustainable e-waste management system in Kenya in collaboration with other existing local recycling projects. Pursuant to this KICTANet is therefore inviting you an introduction meeting to be held on Wednesday November 21 at Jacaranda Hotel from 9.00a.m. to 12.30 p.m. The meeting is an opportunity for the international team from DSF, EMPA and the Kenya research team to introduce the project to a few relevant stakeholders involved and interested in E-waste in Kenya. Please confirm your attendance to Rebecca Wanjiku Evelyn Majale on 4453671/2 or email: rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com or evelyne(a)kictanet.or.ke Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Marching to a different drum – Africa enters the age of mobile content
by alice 10 Nov '07

10 Nov '07

Marching to a different drum – Africa enters the age of mobile content News Update concentrates all its coverage on what happens in Africa. But this week we have to describe events elsewhere because as all too often happens, key decisions that will affect the continent are happening elsewhere. Unless something fairly radical happens in the next 12-18 months, the development of mobile content revenues on the continent will be shaped by the “hand-me-down” attitudes and technologies of others. Russell Southwood seeks to explain. Last week saw two more salvoes fired in the war for mobile operating systems. American advertising and search engine company Google launched its Android operating system in partnership with the Open Handset Alliance and 30 mobile phone makers and interested parties like Qualcomm. But amongst the larger makers, it is working closely with no 2 player Samsung with whom it agreed a deal on mobile tools in January 2007. Google described Android as “all of the software to run a mobile phone, but without the proprietary obstacles that have hindered mobile innovation.” Meanwhile the world’s largest mobile handset manufacturer (Nokia) agreed with the world’s largest mobile phone operator (Vodafone) to launch an integrated suite of Vodafone services combined with Nokia Ovi services on a range of Nokia handsets. A number of these handsets will be exclusive to Vodafone. By all accounts, it improves access to the Nokia Music Store, although Vodafone has its own product, Omnifone MusicStation. Vodafone looks set to take over Vodacom in the not-too-distant future. Meanwhile Symbian, which is already on 165 million handsets worldwide, was dismissive of the Google offering. John Forsyth, Symbian said:”… a mobile OS is a very specialised form of rocket science. It's not search rocket science." However this has not prevented one-time computer company Apple from showing it can deliver this kind of rocket science, so why not Google? Whoever gains dominance in this market and whether the approach is open or closed will affect how mobile content develops in Africa. And it is at this point two key issues coincide for those in Africa who want to develop mobile content revenues. Everyone knows that the mobile phone and not the computer is the continent’s device of choice but this rather masks the considerable variation in phone operating systems, web access availability and just plain old functionality. The average phone on the street is at the bottom end of the range and is really only fit for receiving SMS messages. This brings us to the hoop-la surrounding the launch of the iPhone today in the UK as I write. Leave aside the usual promotional hype and the sight of members of Cult Apple waiting overnight to buy their treasured object, this phone is different. From trying it on a recent US visit, it has an easy-to-use functionality that with adaptation has much to commend it in the African context. It’s intuitive and icon driven, allowing a lower level of functional literacy for users. (However, the iPhone will not be going to South Africa any time soon. See Telecoms News – In Brief) The barrier to this kind of device is cost and the discussion mirrors similar ones held about palm computers for Africa. The iPhone launch price in the UK is US$538 as it is being launched as a premium product with a monthly plan costing US$70. But give it 2-3 years and it will be down to $300 and be a mainstream product, not necessarily produced by Apple. But secondhand prices in Africa may take it down closer to $100-150. But even this lowered price will not breach the magic $100 level that Nicolas Negroponte set himself and failed to reach for a low-cost computer. Also the low price phones produced as part of the GSM Association initiative are stripped back in terms of overall functionality. But if Africa is to have access to web content on its mobiles, then it needs a cheaper phone device that can access web content with a screen that is bigger than two large postage stamps. Also whilst Africa’s mobile companies engage in the data upgrade arms race, little thought seems to have been given to battery life issues. The iPhone may not have 3G but it has an 8 hour battery life compared to the 3G compatible Nokia N95 which has only a 4 hour battery life. No-one seems yet to have thought through the energy implications of even a significant minority of Africans using 3G phones. Now I can hear you saying that all of this is fantasy stuff for Africa. But Vodacom in South Africa said in October 2007 that it had 139,000 HSDPA customers and 899,000 Vodafone Live! subscribers, the latter being the content service it markets from what is likely to become its parent company. It is also pioneering a mobile TV service to its 3G subscribers in South Africa. Numbers are modest but growing. Ah yes, but South Africa is different. Nevertheless jobs service in Kenya attracted 35,000 subscribers and other services elsewhere in Africa are attracting tens of thousands of people. With numbers on this scale, mobile phones are not just communications devices but media. Certain types of advertisers will be very interested in getting to the largely young demographic that uses these services. The sums will not be spectacular but they will help to fuel further growth. But the barriers to growth in mobile content revenues are significant. Last year we sat in on a seminar with mobile phone companies drawn from right across Africa. Every single person stressed how important content development was to their company and how they had a member of staff working on it. However, with few exceptions not one of them talked about a successful mobile content service that they were actually operating. Mobile companies were not set up to do content and the revenues are not yet large enough to gain real traction with operational managers. A number of mobile operators are owned by multinational owners who have sought to introduce content bundles that have been developed in Europe and the USA. But as one of the more honest managers for these companies admitted, there is only really on the most optimistic view a 50-60% fit with the African market. So there is a need for better and more compelling local mobile content. But this is where the complications start. The typical income split is 50% to the mobile operator, 10-20% to the mobile platform provider and 30-40% to the content provider. Anxious to drive up income from this source, the mobile operators are seeking to take a bigger share of the value in other countries. However, they need to be careful not to kill the goose that might lay the golden egg. They could easily give more generous deals as they benefit from the minutes these services add. Ideally there needs to be a new service every 4 weeks in some African country so that it’s possible to work out what works locally and the optimum price. Another difficulty is that mobile providers are insisting on exclusive deals. For example, if you want to launch your mobile content service with a particular mobile operator, you have to offer an exclusive deal for one year or more. The mobile operators still see content as a marketing device rather than revenue in its own right. The walled garden approach is very like the early days of the Internet where people like AOL tried to create their own content universe. Understandably, the mobile operators would like to control the development of content on their media and take a large part of the rewards. Apple’s approach to iTunes illustrates how lucrative this approach can be. The difficulty is that for mobile content to thrive in Africa, it has to be easier to get it to market and to as wider range of people as possible. At the moment, mobile content creators may have to re-version their services for as many as 3-5 different delivery platforms. The discussion parallels those that were had in the early days in Africa about interconnection between mobile operators. Many operators said they would not connect to other operators because it would be easier to retain subscribers and revenues if the stayed isolated. In the event, interconnection meant almost all operators benefited from there being a large and growing “critical mass” of users. The same would almost certainly be true for mobile content and perhaps the time is ripe for operators to talk to each other about how best to promote wider use of content, rather than simply tending their own back gardens. African Mobile Content Alliance anyone? From Balancing Act <mailbox:///C%7C/Users/IPM/AppData/Roaming/Thunderbird/Profiles/u11w6ixk.default/Mail/Local%20Folders/Inbox?number=856298414#top>

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On MAURITIUS COMPUTER MISUSE AND CYBERCRIME ACT 2003 and MOROCCAN COPYRIGHT LAW
by Rebecca Wanjiku 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

MAURITIUS COMPUTER MISUSE AND CYBERCRIME ACT 2003 Kelly O'Connell, Miami Attorney Email Mauritius is an island located in the Atlantic near Southern Africa, in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. It was first explored by Portuguese sailors in the early in the 16th century. Later it was controlled by the Dutch, French, and British until independence was achieved in 1968. Given its inherent limitations of history, location, and natural resources, the country has developed into an unmitigated success, by anyone's standard. The Government carefully assembled the infrastructure for a large, state-of-the-art cyber complex in the early 2000's which should prove attractive to any company wishing for access to the Asian continent within a business-friendly and highly modernized infrastructure. This law is an attempt to protect any foreign or local businesses setting up shop there. To better understand the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act 2003; Act No. 22 of 2003; Offense, found in Part II, these questions will be answered: What is "Unauthorized Access to Computer Data"? What is "Access with Intent to Commit Offences," or "Unauthorized Password Disclosure"? What is "Unauthorized Access to and Interception of Computer Service"? What is "Unauthorized Modification of Computer Material", or "Damaging or Denying Access to Computer System"? What is "Unlawful Possession of Devices and Data" or "Electronic Fraud"? Mauritius island state has staged an impressive economic evolution, based upon its stable democracy, featuring a British system of regular free elections and a positive human rights record, as the markets transition from agriculture to building the industrial, financial, and tourist sectors. The country has attracted considerable foreign direct investments, earning one of Africa's highest average incomes, per annum. The population is about one and a quarter million within a land mass about ten times the size of Washington, DC. A serious approach to property laws, in general, and Intellectual Property laws specifically, is a major reason this well-ordered economy thrives. What is "Unauthorized Access to Computer Data"? This occurs when a person causes a computer to "perform a function," ie, enters with the intent of a going into a computer system to have unauthorized access. Here, "Unauthorized" means either lacking general authority to enter a system, or without specific consent of the owner of the equipment. The law does not differentiate whether the person had intent to go after specific data or programming, or whether he was simply accessing the device with a general intent to enter, without any firm goal in mind beyond that. Those convicted of this crime will be fined 50,000 rupees and/or be sentenced to "penal servitude" for no more than 5 years. The act allows for a defense of a "reasonable belief" of consent or authority. (Part II, Section 3) What is "Access with Intent to Commit Offences," or "Unauthorized Password Disclosure"? "Access with Intent to Commit Offences" occurs when a person causes a computer system to do an act for the purpose of accessing any program or data found within a computer system, with intent to commit any crimes listed under the rest of this same Act. It is deemed irrelevant whether the initial access was authorized, or unauthorized; or whether the crime occurred at the same time, or at some period later. Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees, and/or incarcerated not to exceed 20 years. (Part II, Section 4.) "Unauthorized Password Disclosure" happens if anyone "knowingly discloses any password, access code, or any other means of gaining access to any program or data held in any computer system" to commit a crime of theft, to damage files, or defame another, If convicted of this crime, the person will be fined 50,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 5 years. (Part II, Section 8.) What is "Unauthorized Access to and Interception of Computer Service"? This occurs when anyone purposefully, and without permission or authority, breaches a computer system for the end of obtaining computer service to intercepts "any function of, or any data within a computer system." Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 100,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not to exceed 10 years. If such an act impairs or compromises the function of a computer system, including disruption or excision of data delivery, Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 20 years. It is irrelevant if the breacher's intent was to harm the system or disrupt the flow of data. (Part II, Section 5.) What is "Unauthorized Modification of Computer Material", or "Damaging or Denying Access to Computer System"? This occurs when anyone purposefully acts to cause an "unauthorized modification of data held in any computer system." Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 100,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 10 years. If such an act suppresses the system or modifies data, those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 20 years. A "modification" is illegal if the person doing so "is not himself entitled to determine whether the modification should be made;" and has done so beyond the scope of authority, or without permission. It is irrelevant if the damage or modification is temporary or permanent. (Part II, Section 6.) "Damaging or Denying Access to Computer System" is when any person who, without consent or authority, causes "degradation, failure, interruption or obstruction of the operation of a computer system; or denial of access to, or impairment of any program or data storage," those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 20 years. (Part II, Section 7.) What is "Unlawful Possession of Devices and Data" or "Electronic Fraud"? This occurs when anyone "manufactures, sells, procures for use, imports, distributes or otherwise makes available, a computer system or any other device, designed or adapted primarily for the purpose of committing any offence" under this Act. Also, to have such a computer program in possession, is likewise a crime, unless with excuse or justification. Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 50,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 5 years. (Part II, Section 9.) "Electronic Fraud" occurs when anyone "fraudulently causes loss of property" to another by "any input, alteration, deletion or suppression of data;" or interfering with a computer system, with intent to commit this crime. Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 20 years. (Part II, Section 1) MOROCCAN COPYRIGHT LAW Kelly O'Connell, Miami Attorney Email Morocco has a rich French legal history, which included European intellectual property law. The French law was set aside to make way for the global economy represented by World Intellectual Property Organization, which Morocco assented to the standards of, first in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property, or TRIPS Agreement; and then, in the Law No. 2-00 on Copyright and Related Rights of February 15, 2000. That Moroccan law is still influenced by the old dahirs (laws). To better understand Moroccan Copyright law, these questions will be addressed: What are Copyright Protected Works, What are Their Conditions? What Are Some Unusual Aspects of Moroccan Copyright Law? How Does Copyright Ownership Work? What are the Formalities and Documentation for Moroccan Copyright? Does the Law Treat as Special Moroccan National Folkways? History of Moroccan Copyright Law: Morocco, like the rest of the Muslim world, did not have a strong history of protecting Intellectual Property (IP) rights. In fact, until the 20th century, the concept was foreign to the law of this country. Morocco did have better IP rights than neighbors since it accessed French laws on the topic, resulting in the dahirs of 1916 and 1970, although application of these standards was hardly uniform. Morocco decided to set aside the old French model and strive for a global model after it chose to attempt to become a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This represented a bold, non-typical deviation from the colonial model when they rejected the regional model to pursue membership in 1993 (Morocco also attempted to become an early member of the European Union, but were rejected out of hand for not technically being a European state). The Government was given guidelines to follow, such as ratifying the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property, or TRIPS Agreement. This transformed the intellectual property thinking in the state as Morocco struggled to bring their legislation and regulations in agreement with international standards and procedures. Morocco, was classed a "developing country" and signed the TRIPS Agreement, and was given a deadline of the year 2000 to redraft its IP legislation to meet WIPO standards. This explains why the new IP law was passed when it was, yielding Morocco Law No. 2-00 on Copyright and Related Rights of February 15, 2000 was signed into effect. What are Copyright Protected Works, What are Their Conditions? "Protected work" in the Moroccan Copyright Law of 2000 are too numerous to list, but Morocco accepts the Berne Convention, which does have a long, but incomplete listing. Protected works presume several characteristics. First, the work being protected must be an "original", which is not a well-developed definition in the Moroccan Copyright Law of 2000. The old 1970 dahir and French law in general define an original as "when its characteristic features and its form, or its form alone, make possible the identification of its author." The new law refers to "originality" as "works that are original intellectual creations in the literary and artistic field." The test for originality, then, will be one of a common sense persuasion through examples and proofs. Second, the work cannot be simply an idea, but an original idea that has been worked-up into some sort of model. Third, there must be an author. This means, according to the law in Article 47, is the person who is shown, via "display on each of the copies the name, pseudonym or mark of the author." Therefore, a model work with a name on it, were it unique, would translate to authorship, and all rights accrued therein, as explained in Article 38. An anonymous, pseudonimical or unknown work is "authored" by the publisher of such. What Are Some Unusual Aspects of Moroccan Copyright Law? While not completely unique, Moroccan copyright law follows the French, as opposed to U.S. standard, and does not require copyrighted articles be fixed on material support for copyright. This is undoubtedly to help preserve Moroccan folksongs as IP. Also, the 2000 Copyright law does not recognize "compilations", again unlike its U.S. counterpart. This has created an interesting situation where computer databases are not treated typically within the 2000 law, but case law (Coprosa decision) and legislation (1985 law) developed to grant databanks original protection, and to help with this void, given as a 'right of extraction and reuse', although the protection has not gone beyond 15 years. Databases are classed derivative works, in Article 5(b), but with no details as to scope and term of the protection. How Does Copyright Ownership Work? In Article 1, paragraph (1), the new law states an author of a work is "the natural person who created the work," and "He or she is the first owner of the moral and economic right in the work," according to Article 31. Proof is that "his or her name appears visibly on the work," according to Article 38. Yet this name, according to Article 1, paragraph (1), might not be the real author or person who commissioned it. The law only applies to "real persons," not legal entities -- although the case law disagrees with this point -- and protection lasts a lifetime plus fifty years, according to (Article 26). What are the Formalities and Documentation for Moroccan Copyright? Formalities: For Copyright registration formalities, and unlike U.S. copyright, the Moroccan Copyright Law of 2000 and the decree of 8 March 1965 do not gave a particular manner of registering copyright or an stipulation to deposit of works. While there is a stipulation in the dahir of 7 October 1932 that says four copies of any work produced in number and put in circulation on Moroccan territory26 must be deposited with the General Library and Archives (BGA) in Rabat. Strangely, this rule has no relation to copyright, since this is registered nowhere else. The Moroccan Copyright Office relies upon a procedure of declaration and the admissibility of such on the Report of the Authentification Commission to then accept them. Documentation: Again, for Moroccan texts, there is no documentary evidence needed to attest to authorship of a work, or any body set up for such a purpose. But the dahir of 7 October 1932 stipulates that on legal deposit, when a work is put into circulation in Morocco, four copies shall be handed over to the BGA, and a formal document is then issued in return. The article gives the name and status of the author referring to 'claims', not unlike copyright forms of the American and Canadian Copyright Offices. But Article 12 of the dahir of 7 October 1932 does not create copyright, nor constitute any kind of certificate of ownership, or a defensible certificate of entitlement regarding such rights. Does the Law Treat as Special Moroccan National Folkways? Yes. Morocco has an extremely rich cultural heritage, expressed in dance, song, and art. The old dahirs protected these works, naming indigenous art and invention as, "folklore", being "unpublished works where the identity of the author is unknown but where there is every ground to presume that he is or was a Moroccan national," according to dahir 29 of the 1970 code. Article 7, "Protection of Expressions of Folklore" makes the fixing of folklore works under approval of the Moroccan Copyright Bureau. _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann -- becky beckyit.blogspot.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Anne-Rachel Inné <annerachel(a)gmail.com> Date: Nov 8, 2007 3:56 PM Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] On MAURITIUS COMPUTER MISUSE AND CYBERCRIME ACT 2003 and MOROCCAN COPYRIGHT LAW To: africann(a)afrinic.net Cc: Me SARR Abdou Abbas <sarr.abdou(a)sarr-allard.com> MAURITIUS COMPUTER MISUSE AND CYBERCRIME ACT 2003 Kelly O'Connell, Miami Attorney Email Mauritius is an island located in the Atlantic near Southern Africa, in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. It was first explored by Portuguese sailors in the early in the 16th century. Later it was controlled by the Dutch, French, and British until independence was achieved in 1968. Given its inherent limitations of history, location, and natural resources, the country has developed into an unmitigated success, by anyone's standard. The Government carefully assembled the infrastructure for a large, state-of-the-art cyber complex in the early 2000's which should prove attractive to any company wishing for access to the Asian continent within a business-friendly and highly modernized infrastructure. This law is an attempt to protect any foreign or local businesses setting up shop there. To better understand the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act 2003; Act No. 22 of 2003; Offense, found in Part II, these questions will be answered: What is "Unauthorized Access to Computer Data"? What is "Access with Intent to Commit Offences," or "Unauthorized Password Disclosure"? What is "Unauthorized Access to and Interception of Computer Service"? What is "Unauthorized Modification of Computer Material", or "Damaging or Denying Access to Computer System"? What is "Unlawful Possession of Devices and Data" or "Electronic Fraud"? Mauritius island state has staged an impressive economic evolution, based upon its stable democracy, featuring a British system of regular free elections and a positive human rights record, as the markets transition from agriculture to building the industrial, financial, and tourist sectors. The country has attracted considerable foreign direct investments, earning one of Africa's highest average incomes, per annum. The population is about one and a quarter million within a land mass about ten times the size of Washington, DC. A serious approach to property laws, in general, and Intellectual Property laws specifically, is a major reason this well-ordered economy thrives. What is "Unauthorized Access to Computer Data"? This occurs when a person causes a computer to "perform a function," ie, enters with the intent of a going into a computer system to have unauthorized access. Here, "Unauthorized" means either lacking general authority to enter a system, or without specific consent of the owner of the equipment. The law does not differentiate whether the person had intent to go after specific data or programming, or whether he was simply accessing the device with a general intent to enter, without any firm goal in mind beyond that. Those convicted of this crime will be fined 50,000 rupees and/or be sentenced to "penal servitude" for no more than 5 years. The act allows for a defense of a "reasonable belief" of consent or authority. (Part II, Section 3) What is "Access with Intent to Commit Offences," or "Unauthorized Password Disclosure"? "Access with Intent to Commit Offences" occurs when a person causes a computer system to do an act for the purpose of accessing any program or data found within a computer system, with intent to commit any crimes listed under the rest of this same Act. It is deemed irrelevant whether the initial access was authorized, or unauthorized; or whether the crime occurred at the same time, or at some period later. Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees, and/or incarcerated not to exceed 20 years. (Part II, Section 4.) "Unauthorized Password Disclosure" happens if anyone "knowingly discloses any password, access code, or any other means of gaining access to any program or data held in any computer system" to commit a crime of theft, to damage files, or defame another, If convicted of this crime, the person will be fined 50,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 5 years. (Part II, Section 8.) What is "Unauthorized Access to and Interception of Computer Service"? This occurs when anyone purposefully, and without permission or authority, breaches a computer system for the end of obtaining computer service to intercepts "any function of, or any data within a computer system." Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 100,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not to exceed 10 years. If such an act impairs or compromises the function of a computer system, including disruption or excision of data delivery, Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 20 years. It is irrelevant if the breacher's intent was to harm the system or disrupt the flow of data. (Part II, Section 5.) What is "Unauthorized Modification of Computer Material", or "Damaging or Denying Access to Computer System"? This occurs when anyone purposefully acts to cause an "unauthorized modification of data held in any computer system." Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 100,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 10 years. If such an act suppresses the system or modifies data, those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 20 years. A "modification" is illegal if the person doing so "is not himself entitled to determine whether the modification should be made;" and has done so beyond the scope of authority, or without permission. It is irrelevant if the damage or modification is temporary or permanent. (Part II, Section 6.) "Damaging or Denying Access to Computer System" is when any person who, without consent or authority, causes "degradation, failure, interruption or obstruction of the operation of a computer system; or denial of access to, or impairment of any program or data storage," those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 20 years. (Part II, Section 7.) What is "Unlawful Possession of Devices and Data" or "Electronic Fraud"? This occurs when anyone "manufactures, sells, procures for use, imports, distributes or otherwise makes available, a computer system or any other device, designed or adapted primarily for the purpose of committing any offence" under this Act. Also, to have such a computer program in possession, is likewise a crime, unless with excuse or justification. Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 50,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 5 years. (Part II, Section 9.) "Electronic Fraud" occurs when anyone "fraudulently causes loss of property" to another by "any input, alteration, deletion or suppression of data;" or interfering with a computer system, with intent to commit this crime. Those convicted of this crime will be fined not exceeding 200,000 rupees and/or incarcerated not exceeding 20 years. (Part II, Section 1) MOROCCAN COPYRIGHT LAW Kelly O'Connell, Miami Attorney Email Morocco has a rich French legal history, which included European intellectual property law. The French law was set aside to make way for the global economy represented by World Intellectual Property Organization, which Morocco assented to the standards of, first in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property, or TRIPS Agreement; and then, in the Law No. 2-00 on Copyright and Related Rights of February 15, 2000. That Moroccan law is still influenced by the old dahirs (laws). To better understand Moroccan Copyright law, these questions will be addressed: What are Copyright Protected Works, What are Their Conditions? What Are Some Unusual Aspects of Moroccan Copyright Law? How Does Copyright Ownership Work? What are the Formalities and Documentation for Moroccan Copyright? Does the Law Treat as Special Moroccan National Folkways? History of Moroccan Copyright Law: Morocco, like the rest of the Muslim world, did not have a strong history of protecting Intellectual Property (IP) rights. In fact, until the 20th century, the concept was foreign to the law of this country. Morocco did have better IP rights than neighbors since it accessed French laws on the topic, resulting in the dahirs of 1916 and 1970, although application of these standards was hardly uniform. Morocco decided to set aside the old French model and strive for a global model after it chose to attempt to become a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This represented a bold, non-typical deviation from the colonial model when they rejected the regional model to pursue membership in 1993 (Morocco also attempted to become an early member of the European Union, but were rejected out of hand for not technically being a European state). The Government was given guidelines to follow, such as ratifying the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property, or TRIPS Agreement. This transformed the intellectual property thinking in the state as Morocco struggled to bring their legislation and regulations in agreement with international standards and procedures. Morocco, was classed a "developing country" and signed the TRIPS Agreement, and was given a deadline of the year 2000 to redraft its IP legislation to meet WIPO standards. This explains why the new IP law was passed when it was, yielding Morocco Law No. 2-00 on Copyright and Related Rights of February 15, 2000 was signed into effect. What are Copyright Protected Works, What are Their Conditions? "Protected work" in the Moroccan Copyright Law of 2000 are too numerous to list, but Morocco accepts the Berne Convention, which does have a long, but incomplete listing. Protected works presume several characteristics. First, the work being protected must be an "original", which is not a well-developed definition in the Moroccan Copyright Law of 2000. The old 1970 dahir and French law in general define an original as "when its characteristic features and its form, or its form alone, make possible the identification of its author." The new law refers to "originality" as "works that are original intellectual creations in the literary and artistic field." The test for originality, then, will be one of a common sense persuasion through examples and proofs. Second, the work cannot be simply an idea, but an original idea that has been worked-up into some sort of model. Third, there must be an author. This means, according to the law in Article 47, is the person who is shown, via "display on each of the copies the name, pseudonym or mark of the author." Therefore, a model work with a name on it, were it unique, would translate to authorship, and all rights accrued therein, as explained in Article 38. An anonymous, pseudonimical or unknown work is "authored" by the publisher of such. What Are Some Unusual Aspects of Moroccan Copyright Law? While not completely unique, Moroccan copyright law follows the French, as opposed to U.S. standard, and does not require copyrighted articles be fixed on material support for copyright. This is undoubtedly to help preserve Moroccan folksongs as IP. Also, the 2000 Copyright law does not recognize "compilations", again unlike its U.S. counterpart. This has created an interesting situation where computer databases are not treated typically within the 2000 law, but case law (Coprosa decision) and legislation (1985 law) developed to grant databanks original protection, and to help with this void, given as a 'right of extraction and reuse', although the protection has not gone beyond 15 years. Databases are classed derivative works, in Article 5(b), but with no details as to scope and term of the protection. How Does Copyright Ownership Work? In Article 1, paragraph (1), the new law states an author of a work is "the natural person who created the work," and "He or she is the first owner of the moral and economic right in the work," according to Article 31. Proof is that "his or her name appears visibly on the work," according to Article 38. Yet this name, according to Article 1, paragraph (1), might not be the real author or person who commissioned it. The law only applies to "real persons," not legal entities -- although the case law disagrees with this point -- and protection lasts a lifetime plus fifty years, according to (Article 26). What are the Formalities and Documentation for Moroccan Copyright? Formalities: For Copyright registration formalities, and unlike U.S. copyright, the Moroccan Copyright Law of 2000 and the decree of 8 March 1965 do not gave a particular manner of registering copyright or an stipulation to deposit of works. While there is a stipulation in the dahir of 7 October 1932 that says four copies of any work produced in number and put in circulation on Moroccan territory26 must be deposited with the General Library and Archives (BGA) in Rabat. Strangely, this rule has no relation to copyright, since this is registered nowhere else. The Moroccan Copyright Office relies upon a procedure of declaration and the admissibility of such on the Report of the Authentification Commission to then accept them. Documentation: Again, for Moroccan texts, there is no documentary evidence needed to attest to authorship of a work, or any body set up for such a purpose. But the dahir of 7 October 1932 stipulates that on legal deposit, when a work is put into circulation in Morocco, four copies shall be handed over to the BGA, and a formal document is then issued in return. The article gives the name and status of the author referring to 'claims', not unlike copyright forms of the American and Canadian Copyright Offices. But Article 12 of the dahir of 7 October 1932 does not create copyright, nor constitute any kind of certificate of ownership, or a defensible certificate of entitlement regarding such rights. Does the Law Treat as Special Moroccan National Folkways? Yes. Morocco has an extremely rich cultural heritage, expressed in dance, song, and art. The old dahirs protected these works, naming indigenous art and invention as, "folklore", being "unpublished works where the identity of the author is unknown but where there is every ground to presume that he is or was a Moroccan national," according to dahir 29 of the 1970 code. Article 7, "Protection of Expressions of Folklore" makes the fixing of folklore works under approval of the Moroccan Copyright Bureau. _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann -- becky beckyit.blogspot.com

1 0

Re: [kictanet] Welcome to the "kictanet" mailing list
by Sheba Kimani 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Date: Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:33:00 +0300 >Welcome to the kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke mailing list! > >To post to this list, send your email to: > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >General information about the mailing list is at: > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >If you ever want to unsubscribe or change your options (eg, switch to >or from digest mode, change your password, etc.), visit your >subscription page at: > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/sheba%40afrispa.org > > >You can also make such adjustments via email by sending a message to: > > kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >with the word `help' in the subject or body (don't include the >quotes), and you will get back a message with instructions. > >You must know your password to change your options (including changing >the password, itself) or to unsubscribe. It is: > > dutoipce > >Normally, Mailman will remind you of your lists.kictanet.or.ke mailing >list passwords once every month, although you can disable this if you >prefer. This reminder will also include instructions on how to >unsubscribe or change your account options. There is also a button on >your options page that will email your current password to you. > -- Sheba Kimani Program Officer AfrISPA Secretariate email: sheba(a)afrispa.org Tel: 254 - 729 888 904 AFRISPA MISSION STATEMENT: Promoting the growth of the internet in Africa and its use as a tool for development and integration into the global knowledge economy through the strengthening of social and technical infrastructure. --

1 0

KTN online now...
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 07 Nov '07

07 Nov '07

Check out the link below... ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Robert Omange <romangew(a)yahoo.com> Date: 26 Oct 2007 16:10 Subject: [Bush_fire] KTN online now To: bush_fire(a)yahoogroups.com Gentlemen The Kenya Television Network is now live online please try it out and stop missing current affairs. Glory of the Internet. http://216.139.225.126:7008/live_tv_ke Your channel your choice Good day Omange __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com __._,_.___ Messages in this topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/message/16282;_ylc=X3oDMTM1dGcycGQy…>( 1) Reply (via web post) <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJwNjQ4Y29xBF9TAzk3M…>| Start a new topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJkMnBlbGVpBF9TAzk3M…> Messages<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/messages;_ylc=X3oDMTJkNG1kaGE3BF9TA…>| Files<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/files;_ylc=X3oDMTJlazZ1NzU0BF9TAzk3…>| Photos<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/photos;_ylc=X3oDMTJkcmtpZ250BF9TAzk…>| Links<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/links;_ylc=X3oDMTJldTZjNHVpBF9TAzk3…>| Database<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/database;_ylc=X3oDMTJidG84amgzBF9TA…>| Polls<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/polls;_ylc=X3oDMTJlY25uaTdqBF9TAzk3…>| Members<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/members;_ylc=X3oDMTJkY3BlNmQ5BF9TAz…>| Calendar<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/calendar;_ylc=X3oDMTJjZjVoMzhhBF9TA…> ******************************************* Join the Alliance Network at http://www.alliancealumni.org/tan To unsubscribe: bush_fire-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com To subscribe: bush_fire-subscribe(a)yahoogroups.com or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/join Rant and Rave: bush_fire-owner(a)yahoogroups.com URL: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire ******************************************* [image: Yahoo! Groups]<http://groups.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTJjcW51Y2dxBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzUxM…> Change settings via the Web<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/join;_ylc=X3oDMTJldjdzdmMwBF9TAzk3M…>(Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest<bush_fire-digest@yahoogroups.com?subject=Email+Delivery:+Digest>| Switch format to Traditional<bush_fire-traditional@yahoogroups.com?subject=Change+Delivery+Format:+Traditional> Visit Your Group <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire;_ylc=X3oDMTJjaWpvanZlBF9TAzk3MzU5Nz…>| Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> | Unsubscribe <bush_fire-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com?subject=> Recent Activity - 4 New Members<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire/members;_ylc=X3oDMTJlYjgzMWY0BF9TAz…> Visit Your Group <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bush_fire;_ylc=X3oDMTJkaTVuam9mBF9TAzk3MzU5Nz…> Yahoo! Finance It's Now Personal<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=12j0kkcg1/M=493064.10729649.11333340.8674578/D=…> Guides, news, advice & more. Y! Messenger Files to share?<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=12jomlid2/M=493064.10729668.11333359.8674578/D=…> Send up to 1GB of files in an IM. Yahoo! Groups Find Green Groups<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=12jrb4v3v/M=493064.11135488.11710474.8674578/D=…> Share with others Help the Planet. . __,_._,___ -- "To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wildflower...hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour..." ~ William Blakeg. --

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[DN] Listing Safaricom IPO abroad would be totally myopic
by Alex Gakuru 07 Nov '07

07 Nov '07

[This writer...writes] Listing Safaricom IPO abroad would be totally myopic Story by JAINDI KISERO Publication Date: 2007/11/07 --Excerpts-- I GATHER THE GOVERNMENT IS being lobbied to allow an offshore listing of part of the Safaricom IPO. It must firmly reject this proposal. Why should we allow foreign investors a discounted price of Safaricom shares at the expense of Kenyans? If any foreign investors want to buy into the Safaricom IPO, let them come here and purchase the shares from the Nairobi Stock Exchange. With the efficient trading and settlement system which the NSE has, there is really nothing to dissuade a foreign investor purchasing the shares through the bourse... THIS TIME, MOST OF THE BIG BOYS his time, most of these big boys will want to carry a lot of Safaricom in their portfolios. Applications are likely to be much higher than those for KenGen. Does it surprise anyone that more than 30 per cent of those who own shares today are people who opened their first CDS accounts during the KenGen IPO? These people who are talking about offshore listing have completely missed the point. Today, the most common complaint from wananchi who participated in the recent IPOs KenGen, Mumias and Kenya-Re is the small number of shares they were allocated and the length of time it took to be refunded the money the had put in. How can one think of an offshore listing when our people cant get enough? http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=25&n… __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Brighthand.com News Article -- Google Announces Android, an Open Source Operating System for Smartphones
by brian＠isisweb.nl 06 Nov '07

06 Nov '07

Your friend Mblayo thought you might be interested in the following article on Brighthand.com: Google Announces Android, an Open Source Operating System for Smartphones After months of rumors and speculation, Google has officially announced Android, an operating system for mobile devices it is developing in partnership with a wide variety of companies. Link to full article: http://www.brighthand.com/default.asp?newsID=13470 heh! Iko mambo...../... Brighthand.com <http://www.brighthand.com> --

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Extract Mauritius ICT Strategic Plan
by Eric Osiakwan 06 Nov '07

06 Nov '07

Sorry for crossposting.... Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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Fwd: [Fibre-for-africa] Five Goals of Connect Africa
by Eric Osiakwan 05 Nov '07

05 Nov '07

Begin forwarded message: > From: Eric Osiakwan <eric(a)afrispa.org> > Date: 1 November 2007 09:33:30 GMT+03:00 > To: discuss(a)afrispa.org, KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>, gispa(a)yahoogroups.com, Ghana > Information Networking and Knowledge Sharing <ginks(a)dgroups.org>, > APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants <Fibre- > for-africa(a)lists.apc.org>, africann(a)afrinic.net, afrinic- > discuss(a)afrinic.net, afnog(a)afnog.org, African Information Society > Initiative - Discussion Forum <aisi-l(a)lyris.bellanet.org> > Subject: [Fibre-for-africa] Five Goals of Connect Africa > Reply-To: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants > <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > > Dear All, > > The Connect Africa Summit justed ended in Kigali with the following > five major goals; > > Goal 1. Interconnect all African capitals with ICT Broadband > infrastructure and strengthen connectivity to the rest of the world > by 2012 as well as interconnect major African cities by 2015. > Goal 2. Connect all African villages to broadband ICT services by > 2012 and implement shared access initiatives such as community tele- > centres and village phones. > Goal 3. Adopt key regulatory measures that promote affordable, > widespread access to a full range of bradband ICT services, > including technology and service neutral licensing/authorisation > practises, allocating spectrum for multiple, competitive broadband > wireless service providers, creating national internext exchange > points (IXPs) and implementing competition in the provision of > international internet connectivity. > Goal 4. Support the development of a critical mass of ICT Skills > required by the knowledge economy, notably through the estamishment > of ICT Centres of Excellence network in each sub-region of Africa > and ICT capacity-building and training centres in each country, > with the aim of achieving a borad network of inter-linked physical > and virtual centres, whiles ensuring coordination between academia > and industry by 2015. > Goal 5. Adopt a national e-strategy, including a cyber-security > framework, and deploy at least one flagship e-government service as > well as e-education, e-commerce and e-health services using > accessible technologies in each country in Africa by 2012, with the > aim of making multiple e-government and other e-services widely > available by 2015. > > The African ICT Ministers have also shortlisted some projects under > ARAPKE which would be implenented through Connect Africa @ http:// > www.itu.int/ITU-D/connect/africa/2007/bgdmaterial/flagship-11.html > > It is important that we all engage and ensure that these ICT goals > are met by 2012 and the larger MDGS by 2015. > > Thank you and sorry for cross-posting. > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Executive Secretary > AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) > Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 > Fax: + 233.21.258811 > Cell: + 233.244.386792 > Handle: eosiakwan > Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North > Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ > Slang: "Tomorrow Now" > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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Big monies committed to connect Africa
by Rebecca Wanjiku 03 Nov '07

03 Nov '07

USD 55 billion committed to connect Africa Industry drives ICT investment at Connect Africa Summit Kigali, Rwanda, 31 October 2007 — The Connect Africa Summit closed yesterday with investment commitments amounting to over USD 55 billion, with the ICT industry taking the lead. President Paul Kagame of Rwanda set the tone at the outset, saying, "Investment and trade — as opposed to aid and charity — must drive the transformation of our economies." He called for a dynamic ICT sector to connect Africa to the global information superhighway. "In order to realize this much-needed economic revolution, we have to forge productive relationships between government and business," said Mr Kagame. The Connect Africa Summit decided to bring forward ICT connectivity goals to 2012 to enable the achievement of the broader Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. Commitments were made to interconnect all African capitals and major cities with ICT broadband infrastructure and strengthen connectivity to the rest of the world by 2012. By 2015, broadband and ICT services will be extended to all African villages. The Summit also sets out to meet the World Summit on the Information Society goals for capacity building, establishing an enabling environment for investment, and e-government services. The role of governments in setting a level playing field for industry to compete was highlighted. It was also decided to ensure harmonization of the regulatory framework to stimulate cross-border integration in large-scale projects. Capacity building was identified as one key area for cooperation among all stakeholders. Africa opens doors to ICT Africa’s mobile market has been the fastest-growing of any region over the last five years, and has grown twice as fast as the global market. Mobile phones overtook fixed lines in 2001 and now outnumber fixed telephone lines by nearly seven to one, with nearly 193 million mobile cellular subscribers in 2006. This figure is projected to grow to more than 270 million by the end of this year. Stepping in to consolidate the mobile revolution in Africa, mobile operators of the GSM Association announced USD 50 billion in new investment over the next 5 years to expand and upgrade networks across the continent by 2012. This would provide mobile coverage to more than 90 per cent of the population. Success in mobile penetration is now set to be emulated in broadband connectivity in Africa, with new investment foreseen for ICT infrastructure. "Africa is open for business," said ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun Touré. "We are looking for investment through win-win partnerships in a viable marketplace by an expanding ICT industry." He added that wealth creation is key to achieving the MDGs. "This new investment in ICT infrastructure will lead to new jobs and overall economic growth," said Dr Touré. The representative of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Mr Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, said that innovative ways were needed to extend the reach of ICT to the most remote corners of the continent. "I am confident that with the entrepreneurial spirit of the African private sector working with their international partners, the support of the international community and the commitment from governments, universal connectivity in Africa is no longer a utopian dream." "This is not a technology problem — the technology is waiting to be deployed," said Mr Craig Barrett, who serves both as Chairman of Intel Corporation and the United Nations’ Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies and Development. "We now need the government priorities, decisions, and policies to drive the implementation of a pan-African infrastructure." International commitments for ICT The European Commission announced support for trans-African networks that facilitate interconnectivity. An EU Trust Fund for Africa of almost 100 million Euros in grants and some 260 Million Euros for loans has been established along with the European Investment Bank and ten EU member states for the period 2007-2008. The fund, which will be substantially replenished at the end of 2008, will finance cross-border projects or national projects with a regional and continental impact that would include ICT. The Commission also announced a contribution of Euro 6 Million to support ITU’s regulatory reform initiatives in Africa. The World Bank Group announced that it expects to double its commitment to ICT in Africa to USD 2 billion by 2012 from its current investment programme of USD 1 billion over the last five years. The financing will continue to promote private sector participation. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has scaled up its investments in infrastructure, and expects to invest 60% of its concessional resources on infrastructure, including ICT, in the next three years. AfDB has committed close to USD 65 million to two key regional infrastructure projects: RASCOM and EASSy. "The development banks and other financing partners have a responsibility to step in where gaps are holding back development in the region," said Dr Donald Kaberuka, President of AfDB. Over one thousand participants, including six Heads of State, took part in the Connect Africa Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, from 29 to 30 October 2007. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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FW: East African Outsourcing & Contact Centre Conference & Exhibition 27-28 November 2007, Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi
by Kevit Desai 02 Nov '07

02 Nov '07

Dear Members, Circulate... _____ From: Sean Moroney [mailto:seanm@aitecafrica.com] Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2007 9:48 AM To: 'Kevit Desai' Cc: 'Judith Juma' Subject: RE: East African Outsourcing & Contact Centre Conference & Exhibition 27-28 November 2007, Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi Hi Kevit. We'd appreciate it if could help us promote the conference by distributing the attached brochure . Regards Sean Sean Moroney Chairman AITEC Africa <mailto:seanm@aitecafrica.com> seanm(a)aitecafrica.com UK Tel: +44(0)1480-880774 UK Fax: +44(0)1480-880765 UK Mobile: +44(0)7973-499224 Kenya Mobile: +254(0)721-845674 Nigeria Mobile: +234(0)802-0571766 SA Mobile: +27(0)72-610-7153 Skype: seanmoroney <http://www.aitecafrica.com> www.aitecafrica.com Registered as:AITEC Conferences Ltd at Companies House, No. 4698475. Address: Cromer House, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Herts SG1 2DF, UK _____ From: Kevit Desai [mailto:kevit@centurionsystemsltd.com] Sent: 31 October 2007 09:20 To: seanm(a)aitecafrica.com Cc: 'Judith Juma' Subject: RE: East African Outsourcing & Contact Centre Conference & Exhibition 27-28 November 2007, Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi Dear Sean, I would appreciate if KEPSA would be included to participate in the conference as a speaker. Regards, Kevit Desai Director of Engineering - Centurion Systems Ltd Chairperson IEEE - Kenya Section Governor - KEPSA Director - KEPSA Director - Innovation Africa Director - Kenya ICT Federation BOA - AIESEC Member - National Strategy for University Education General Co-Chair - Africon 2009 2nd Fl, New Rehema Hse, Raphta Rd, Westlands -Nairobi P.O. BOX 66031 - 00800 Nrb. Tel:+254 20 4440102/3 Fax: +254 20 4440104 CDMA: 020 2049750 Mobile: +254 722 517067 http://www.centurionsystemsltd.com <http://www.centurionsystemsltd.com/> http://www.ieee.org <http://www.ieee.org/> http://www.engineeringexhibition.com <http://www.engineeringexhibition.com/> http://www.innovation-africa.net <http://www.innovation-africa.net/> http://www.kepsa.or.ke <http://www.kepsa.or.ke/> http://www.powerup.co.ke <http://www.powerup.co.ke/> http://www.aiesec.org <http://www.aiesec.org/> http://www.africon2007.co.za <http://www.africon2007.co.za/> http://www.kif.or.ke <http://www.kif.or.ke/> _____ From: Judith Juma [mailto:judym@in-sync.co.ke] Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2007 3:20 PM To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Subject: East African Outsourcing & Contact Centre Conference & Exhibition 27-28 November 2007, Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi Dear Sir/Madam, RE: Invitation to the 3rd East African Outsourcing & Contact Centre Event 27-28 November, 2007, Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi In response to the growing interest in and potential of this sub-sector, AITEC Africa/In-Sync Ltd is holding the East African Outsourcing & Call Centre Conference in Nairobi in order to highlight the business potential for the East African region across all aspects of BPO, including: 1. Simple bulk transactions, such as processing of stock trades or credit card transactions. The world market size of this segment is forecast at $58 billion in 2008, and it is the easiest segment to master. 2. BPO services, covering human resources and finance and administration, is a segment of similar value that calls for more sophisticated skills from vendors. 3. A smaller segment of high-volume vertical processes such as the administration of insurance policies and the processing of loan applications. 4. Contact Centre services for enterprises and government departments in domestic national and regional markets. The East African Outsourcing & Contact Centre Conference will provide participants with the insights they need to assess the potential of this rapidly expanding sector for their organisations. You cannot afford to ignore the business potential - but you also must not enter this field blindly without assessing the risks as well as the opportunities. Delegates and exhibitors will attend this unique event in order to add to their own store of knowledge by capitalizing on the expertise and experience of their colleagues. Who are the Forums aimed at? The conference will have several key audiences: . Policy-makers & regulators . Existing call centre & BPO operators . Prospective operators . Telecom operators . Potential investors/investment funds . Client service managers from government and private sector organisations . Academics . Equipment & system manufacturers, developers, consultants, suppliers Attached find the conference brochure, draft programme and registration form for your consideration. For more information and to book your slot kindly contact the undersigned. Regards Judith Juma In-Sync Ltd Dik Dik Gardens| Kileleshwa PO Box 63103-00619, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 4451655 | Tel/Fax: +254 20 4451655 Mobile: +254 722 150272| Email: judym(a)in-sync.co.ke Web:www.aitecafrica.com

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12th Executive Course on Telecom Reform, 2-6 March 2008, Singapore
by Edith Adera 02 Nov '07

02 Nov '07

FYI Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2007 05:30:50 -0200 From: Rohan Samarajiva <samarajiva(a)lirne.net> Reply-to: training(a)lirne.net To: training(a)lirne.net Subject: 12th Executive Course on Telecom Reform, 2-6 March 2008, Singapore User-Agent: Internet Messaging Program (IMP) H3 (4.1.3) X-AntiAbuse: This header was added to track abuse, please include it with any abuse report X-AntiAbuse: Primary Hostname - host.comunica.org X-AntiAbuse: Original Domain - idrc.or.ke X-AntiAbuse: Originator/Caller UID/GID - [47 12] / [47 12] X-AntiAbuse: Sender Address Domain - lirne.net Course Announcement 12th Executive Course on Telecom Reform: Strategies to achieve connectivity and convergence, 2-6 March 2008, Changi Village Hotel (), Singapore (The following course announcement can also be viewed at the link below: http://www.lirneasia.net/training-courses/12th-lirnenet-course-singapore-ma…) LIRNEasia and CONNECTasia Forum Pte. Ltd. The current stage of telecom and ICT reform poses many challenges to governments, regulatory agencies, operators, and other stakeholders. The certainties of yesterday are no more: 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 and new market friendly mechanisms for extending connectivity are beginning to be implemented; and all industry players are being challenged to address content issues at various levels. More is being demanded of the regulatory process and agencies, with the same resources. Operators have to understand the regulatory process well so that they can navigate its complexities. With telecom assuming a more prominent position in economies and societies, civil society and media have to equip themselves to participate in its governance. Knowledge 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. The 12th Telecom Reform Course offered by LIRNEasia and CONNECTasia Forum Pte.Ltd. (the third in Singapore) offers that learning opportunity. It is designed to enhance the strategic thinking of a select group of senior decision makers in the telecom and related sectors in the Asia Pacific and elsewhere. After having been offered in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America, the course is now being taught on a regular schedule every March in Singapore. Attendance at Telecom Reform courses is capped at 40. Attendees will include regulators and senior officials of regulatory agencies; senior regulatory staff at operators; and leaders of consumer and other organizations participating in reform processes. In addition to Dr. Rohan Samarajiva who designed and led the recent Telecom Reform courses, Dr. Tim Kelly (Head, Telecom Standardization Policy Division, International Telecommunication Union), Mr. Rajendra Singh (former Secretary, TRAI, currently with the World Bank), Mr. Muhammed Aslam Hayat (Regulatory Consultant to Grameen Phone), Dr. Harsha de Silva (Lead Economist, LIRNEasia) and Ms. Helani Galpaya (Director of Strategic Development, LIRNEasia) have agreed to share their expertise. At recent courses, keynote presentations were delivered by speakers of the caliber of Mr. M.H. Au (Director General of Telecom, Hong Kong China), Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya (CEO, Dialog Telekom, Sri Lanka), Mr. Andy Haire (Assistant Director General, InfoComm Development Authority, Singapore), and Mr. Satish Ranade (Vice President?Legal, VSNL). LIRNEasia courses provide cutting-edge, policy-relevant knowledge presented by reflective practitioners, addressing the most pressing regulatory issues and drawing from ongoing research. The 2008 Course will include presentations on benchmark regulation and demand analysis that draw from ongoing research projects. The final agenda with confirmed speakers will be provided closer to the date. COURSE FEE, INCLUSIVE OF COURSE MATERIAL, 5 NIGHTS OF 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, 5 BREAKFASTS, 4 LUNCHES, 2 DINNERS, AND REFRESHMENTS DURING BREAKS Government/regulatory agency (1st participant) Government/regulatory agency (additional participants from same entity) Public or private operators and other private sector (1st participant) Public or private operators and other private sector (additional participants from same entity) Civil society, non-profit and educational institutions; media organizations The fee (and scholarship) covers: program tuition, reading and classroom material; accommodation for five nights (arrival March 2nd, departure March 7th) (additional nights may be arranged direct with the hotel); 5 breakfasts (March 3-7); 4 lunches (March 3-6); 7 refreshment breaks and opening and closing dinners (March 2 and March 5) only. Changi Village is a beach resort hotel optimized for conventions and meetings. Many dinner options are available at the hotel and within walking distance of hotel (hawkers? market and restaurants). The fee does not cover airfare and any additional activities within Singapore. Registrations are on a first-come-first-served basis until the course limit is reached. Registrations close February 4th, 2008. The hotel is very close to the Changi Airport and offers hourly free shuttles which may be taken or an efficient Singapore taxi will take you to the hotel for less than USD 5 (they take credit cards; but you may wish to change currency at the airport). For a valid registration, the completed registration form must be received and full payment must be deposited in the Connectasia Forum Pte. Ltd. account: The Hongkong and Shanghai Corporation Limited, HSBC Payments Department, 60A Orchard Road #01-02, The Atrium@Orchard, Singapore 238890; Account name: CONNECTasia Forum Pte. Ltd.; Account number: 260-531520-178 (USD account); SWIFT code: HSBCSGSG. For cancellations after February 4th, 2008 no refunds can be made, though the organizers will be

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FW: Research and Training Manager Advert
by Kevit Desai 01 Nov '07

01 Nov '07

Dear Members, Sambazaa.... Regards, Mike _____ From: Neema Nzimbi [mailto:nnzimbi@atpsnet.org] Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 11:42 AM To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Subject: Research and Training Manager Advert Kindly circulate. Regards, Neema

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Internet-pioneer-leaves-oversight-group
by Wanjira, Alice Munyua 31 Oct '07

31 Oct '07

http://www.theage.com.au/news/web/net-pioneer-leaves-oversight-group/ 2007/10/29/1193555566207.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1 October 29, 2007 - 9:52AM In the 1970s, Vint Cerf played a leading role in developing the internet's technical foundation. For the past seven years, he's faced the more daunting task of leading a key agency that oversees his creation. After fending off an international rebellion and planting the seeds for streamlining operations, Cerf is stepping down this week as chairman of the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers. "My sentence is up," Cerf said with his characteristic sense of humour, which he and others credit for helping him steer the organisation through several high-profile battles from which it emerged more stable and stronger. Cerf, 64, who's also a senior executive at internet search leader Google, joined ICANN in 1999, a year after its formation to oversee domain names and other internet addressing policies. Cerf was elected chairman in 2000 and leaves the unpaid position after Friday's board meeting in Los Angeles because of term limits. When he joined the board, many questioned whether ICANN would survive. Now - though some people still complain that ICANN is arbitrary, secretive and slow - the focus is more on improving it than replacing it. Under Cerf, the organisation withstood power struggles and ballooned in size. It also has shown signs of movement on key issues: After years of debate, for instance, it is now beginning to create mechanisms for more easily adding internet addresses, including domain names in languages besides English. "In some respects it has gained credibility," Cerf said. "It is now part of the internet universe as opposed to a thing that was open to some serious debate." That has been particularly so since ICANN, teaming with the U.S. diplomats, resisted efforts by China, Brazil and other developing countries to replace the group with a more U.N.-like organisation over which world governments would have greater control. Among other things, ICANN critics wanted quicker action on addresses in other languages, saying the current restrictions are akin to requiring all English speakers to type in Chinese. Many foreign governments also resented the U.S. government's veto power over the Marina del Rey, Calif.-based nonprofit agency. Calls to strip ICANN and the United States - of its oversight of domain names, which are key for computers to find Web sites and route e-mails, grew as world leaders gathered in Geneva for the 2003 U.N. World Summit on the Information Society. The European Union even joined by the time the summit convened again in 2005, in Tunis, Tunisia. But ICANN ultimately emerged intact. Credit goes to many people besides Cerf, yet many say he had the gravitas to meet with heads of states and senior ministers - and tell them, "no." "He has a certain star quality," said Paul Twomey, ICANN's chief executive since 2003. "He can open a door. He can talk to anybody. He can say, 'Me and my colleagues actually invented the internet and here's how it works.' There was a lot of ignorance, and he was able to say, 'It just doesn't work the way you think it works.'" Cerf tested the first internet hookups in 1969 when he was a graduate student at UCLA. As a professor at Stanford University in the 1970s, Cerf led a team that invented the protocols, known as TCP/IP, that now serve as the internet's basic communications tools. Known since as one of the internet's founding fathers, Cerf continued working on internet technology at the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and later developed MCI Mail, the internet's first commercial e-mail service. Google lured him in 2005 to be its "chief internet evangelist" and gave him an office a few doors from CEO Eric Schmidt. In 1997, then-President Clinton presented Cerf and TCP/IP co-inventor Robert Kahn the National Medal of Technology, and in 2005 President Bush gave the pair the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As ICANN chairman, Cerf has played a hands-on role, attending many committee meetings and workshops in his trademark three-piece suit, often asking questions and contributing his know-how. Jeffrey Eckhaus, a business development director at domain registration company Register.com Inc., found him "very knowledgeable about every single topic that would go on. He would really know all the ins and outs." Besides his sense of humour and his technical knowledge, Cerf brought business and administrative acumen, many ICANN participants say. He has a slew of anecdotes ready and has displayed a willingness to listen to concerns and "engage with people from heads of states down to university students," Twomey said. Now that Cerf has guided ICANN from nearly its inception through a tumultuous adolescence and into early adulthood, many believe it's time for an ICANN driven more by procedures than personality. "It doesn't demean Cerf's towering legacy to say people are ready for a change," said Milton Mueller, a Syracuse University professor and frequent ICANN critic. The short list of potential successors includes telecommunications expert Roberto Gaetano and lawyer Peter Dengate Thrush. Both have been active with ICANN, but neither has Cerf's name recognition or long-standing ties to the internet. "The bad news is we're not going to find another Vint," said Steve Crocker, a high school classmate of Cerf's and fellow internet pioneer. "It's equally a form of good news. We're now going to go through a period where ordinary mortals are managing things." Even with Cerf's clout, ICANN has had its share of battles. For one, a decision to reverse preliminary support for a proposed ".xxx" domain name for porn sites was criticized as arbitrary and politically influenced. During Cerf's tenure, ICANN's staff and budget have grown, permitting faster response. Its roughly 100 staff members are paid out of a $41.6 million budget for fiscal 2008, compared with about a dozen employed during fiscal 2001, when ICANN budgeted $3.78 million for operating expenses. The board and its constituency committees have reorganized numerous times in an effort to better reflect the internet community, and minutes to private board meetings have been posted more quickly to improve transparency. Nonetheless, many critics still complain that ICANN has neither opened the decision-making process enough nor acted as quickly as it should on issues like adding domain names after several years, it is just now streamlining the approval process. Few of those complaints, however, are directed at Cerf. "It would have been a lot more without Vint," said David Farber, former chief technologist for the Federal Communications Commission. "I don't have warm, fuzzy feelings about ICANN, but Vint is not a person you want to get into battles with. He's a nice guy. He's smart. He's reasonable to talk to." Cerf plans to disengage entirely from ICANN for at least a year, freeing him to write books and devote more time to his Google duties. "This is a very important test ICANN both must pass and will pass, that it can withstand a change of its senior management," Cerf said. "I have no hesitation at all turning this over to a new team." AP

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Reuters/Nokia Collaboration Has Potential for Citizen Journalists
by Rebecca Wanjiku 31 Oct '07

31 Oct '07

Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ Reuters and Nokia Research Center have teamed up to advance the usage of mobile journalism with the release of a new mobile toolkit and reporting try-out. Although the initiative is currently aimed at professional reporters, the project has implications for citizen journalists around the world. In a trial that began over the summer, Reuters journalists were given a lightweight " mobile toolkit " that included a Nokia N95 mobile phone, a tripod, a folding bluetooth keyboard, a Sony microphone, and Power Monkeys. The Power Monkey Explorer was used in Senegal and allowed the phone to be charged using solar power. The toolkit also includes text editing and multimedia capabilities. According to Nokia, "metadata facilities" combine everything that the phone already knows about the story, such as GPS location, time, date and other information. The toolkit allows journalists to write and publish stories from the field to deliver up-to-date news and instant reporting. The trial involved journalists reporting on everything from New York Fashion Week to the US presidential campaign. Archived stories are available on Reuters Mobile Journalism website. Although the mobile toolkit's usage has been confined to professional journalists, usage could be expanded in the future to include non-professionals as well. According to Nokia's press release, The implications of the research could be much wider in the long term. Timo Koskinen, project manager with Nokia Research Center, said: "The term 'citizen journalism' has been in use for several years, but technological innovations - particularly the introduction of mobile multimedia computers - have transformed the concept. 'Citizen journalism' is beginning to embrace a wide range of public engagement with the media, from groups of contributors organized around subject or geographic areas to the casual participation of observers who are lucky - or unlucky - enough to be at the scene of a newsworthy event." The Nokia/Reuters collaboration joins other mobile journalism projects, including Voices of Africa, a project of AfricaNews that we have previously written about. Voices of Africa allows citizen journalists throughout Africa to submit videos, photos, and stories via mobile phone. The project seeeks to make news coverage more democratic by expanding reporting abilities to those who aren't represented by the conventional media with the basic premise that "the bigger the number of people expressing their opinions through that technology, the stronger becomes democracy, and the more valuable is the contribution to good governance efforts in Africa." http://mobileactive.org/reuters-nokia-collaboration visit our website at www.penplusbytes.net our blog is located at http://penplusbytes.blogspot.com/ --- --You are currently subscribed to penplusbytes as: rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com --To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-penplusbytes-352938B(a)dgroups.org Penplusbytes online list is hosted on Dgroups- a joint initiative of Bellanet, DFID, Hivos, ICA, IICD, OneWorld, UNAIDS __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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ICANN opens 30th meeting in LA
by Rebecca Wanjiku 30 Oct '07

30 Oct '07

ICANN Opens Historic 30th International Public Meeting in L.A. Meeting marks end of Vint Cerf's term, offers updates on major changes to Internet 29 October 2007 LOS ANGELES: The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers has opened its 30th International Public Meeting in Los Angeles. "It's fitting to host such an historic meeting in California. ICANN will be looking at issues impacting the future of the Internet in the place where, in many ways, the Internet was born and grew up," said Dr Paul Twomey, ICANN's President and CEO. "The ICANN model is working and these meetings are pivotal. As a bottom up, consensus-driven organization, help us get the community together to discuss the direction we need to head, and how we will get there." Attendees and on-line participants can be part of more than 30 sessions and workshops, and will help ICANN continue improving the global coordination of the Internet's unique identifiers. Some of the highlights of the Los Angeles meeting include: ICANN's ongoing technical test of Internationalized Domain Names, Developing policies on how IDNs will be implemented so global internet users can get their names in their languages, A major workshop on Increasing consumer choice through the development of the application and approval process for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs, which are the part of web addresses after the dot — like .com or .info), Enhancing protection for domain name registrants through amendments to the Registrar Accreditation Agreement. "I can't over emphasize the importance of IDNs and new gTLDs — when ICANN reaches the implementation point on these projects we will see an incredible change in the way people interact with the Internet and each other," Dr Twomey added. "ICANN stands for a single, globally interoperable Internet — and the work on IDNs and new gTLDs is part of enhancing that." Dr Twomey also welcomed the announcement from the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration that the NTIA will consult with interested stakeholders regarding the mid-term review of the Joint Project Agreement (JPA) between the Department and ICANN. "ICANN and the Department agreed to a mid term review in 2006," Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information John Kneuer said at the ICANN meeting this morning. "It is important that all interested stakeholders have an opportunity to directly share their views on ICANN during the JPA mid-term review," Kneuer added. "We feel strongly that our review must be informed by your experiences with ICANN and perspectives regarding its evolution." The NTIA release is available at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/press/2007/PR_ICANNJPA_10292007.html. "We welcome this public consultation. ICANN stands for one, global interoperable Internet. If you believe in that, this is your opportunity to tell the NTIA that the ICANN model is our best one to ensure co-ordination not control," Dr Twomey added. "It's also an historic meeting because it is Vint Cerf's last official function as board chair," Dr Twomey added. "His contributions to ICANN, and the Internet, have been immeasurable. We are going to celebrate his achievements at a special tribute during the meeting." The complete schedule for ICANN's Los Angeles meeting, as well as links to webcast sessions and our public participation website, can be found at: http://losangeles2007.icann.org/. . Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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ITU and AfDB join hands
by Rebecca Wanjiku 30 Oct '07

30 Oct '07

ITU and AfDB join forces to Interconnect African Capitals and Major Cities Collaboration to achieve key Connect Africa Summit Goals Issued jointly by ITU and the African Development Bank Kigali, Rwanda, 30 October 2007 — The International Telecommunication Union and the African Development Bank (AfDB) agreed to collaborate on interconnecting all African capitals and major cities with ICT broadband infrastructure and strengthen connectivity to the rest of the world by 2012. Commenting on the challenge ahead, Mr Kaberuka said, “In recent years, private investment in ICT infrastructure, especially in mobile phone networks, has had an enormous impact in many parts of Africa, but major gaps remain. The development banks and other financing partners have a responsibility to step in where these gaps are holding back development in the region.” Secretary-General of ITU, Dr Hamadoun Touré and President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Mr Donald Kaberuka announced this today at the Connect Africa Summit in Kigali, Rwanda. “The solution for African development is not charity,” Dr Touré said. “African countries need modern, reliable broadband ICT infrastructure to attract investment for jobs and economic growth. This is about economic independence and strengthening Africa’s competitive position in the global economy.” As part of this collaboration, ITU and AfDB will actively mobilize partners and financing to close ICT broadband infrastructure gaps between major centres in Africa. AfDB hosts the Secretariat of the African Infrastructure Consortium, which brings together major donors and financial institutions active in the region. This group plays a crucial role in the financing of projects, as well as in ensuring a coherent approach among those involved. “The Bank aims to stimulate economic growth and climate and facilitate economic integration. We want to make the economies of Africa more competitive, and therefore AfDB is committing to the development of information and communication technology across the continent,” Dr Kaberuka said. To support the implementation of ICT infrastructure projects funded by the AfDB or other interested financing partners, ITU will serve as an executing agency and provide telecommunications expertise and technical assistance, where the need arises. ITU will also mobilize its base of more than 650 Sector Members, including many leading ICT industry players. To support new ICT infrastructure investments and fill in remaining gaps, ITU and AfDB will jointly undertake feasibility studies and develop project proposals in consultation with Member States and other stakeholders in the region. With the aim of rationalizing available funds and building on efforts in other sectors, ITU and AfDB will also work together to promote wider integration of ICT with other major infrastructure investments. This would include laying broadband fibre alongside transport and energy projects, as well as encouraging innovative infrastructure sharing approaches among telecommunication/ICT operators. ITU and AfDB also agreed to collaborate in assisting countries to develop policies and regulations to encourage new ICT infrastructure investments. About AfDB The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution which is dedicated to combating poverty and improving living conditions across the continent. The ADB Group is also engaged in mobilizing resources for the economic and social progress of its Regional Member Countries. The Bank’s mission is to promote economic and social development through loans, equity investments and technical assistance. The Group includes: The African Development Bank (ADB) is a multilateral development bank whose shareholders include 53 African countries (regional member countries—RMCs) and 24 non-African countries from the Americas, Asia, and Europe (non-regional member countries—non-RMCs). It was established in 1964, with its headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and officially began operations in 1967. The Bank has been operating from its Temporary Relocation Agency in Tunis since February 2003. The African Development Fund (ADF). Established in 1973, the ADF, which comprises the ADB and State Participants, became operational in 1974. Its main objective is to reduce poverty in RMCs by providing low-income RMCs with concessional loans and grants for projects and programs, as well as technical assistance for studies and capacity-building activities. About ITU ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technology issues, and the global focal point for governments and the private sector in developing networks and services. For more than 140 years, ITU has coordinated the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoted international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, worked to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world, and established the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. ITU also organizes worldwide and regional exhibitions and forums bringing together the most influential representatives of government and the telecommunications industry to exchange ideas, knowledge and technology for the benefit of the global community, and in particular the developing world. From broadband internet to latest-generation wireless technologies, from aeronautical and maritime navigation to radio astronomy and satellite-based meteorology, from phone and fax services to TV broadcasting and next-generation networks, ITU continues to play a central role in helping the world communicate. About Connect Africa The Connect Africa Summit takes place in Kigali, Rwanda, 29-30 October 2007, under the patronage of Mr Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda and Mr John Kufuor, President of the Republic of Ghana and Chairman of the African Union. It is being organized by the International Telecommunication Union, the African Union, the World Bank Group and the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development, in partnership with the African Development Bank, the African Telecommunication Union, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the Global Digital Solidarity Fund. The overall objective of the Connect Africa Summit is to mobilize the human, financial and technical resources required to close Information and Communication Technology (ICT) gaps throughout Africa. The Summit offers a venue for leaders from the public, private and financial sectors to network face-to-face and forge new partnerships. Debate centres on the key success factors vital to advance ICT investment and boost growth in Africa, including the expansion of broadband infrastructure, “last mile” access and rural connectivity solutions, establishing a business-friendly policy and regulatory environment, developing an ICT skilled workforce and relevant applications and services, and striking a balance between private and public investment. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Fwd: [TIER] Wireless School at ICTP
by Eric Osiakwan 30 Oct '07

30 Oct '07

Begin forwarded message: > From: Marco Zennaro <mzennaro(a)ictp.it> > Date: 30 October 2007 11:43:35 GMT+03:00 > To: tier(a)tier.cs.berkeley.edu > Subject: [TIER] Wireless School at ICTP > > The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) > is organizing a School on "New Perspectives in Wireless Networking > Applications", to be followed by "Relevance of Low Cost Wireless > ICT Solutions for Development: an Awareness Workshop" from 11 > February to 5 March 2008. The venue will be ICTP in Trieste, Italy. > > > PURPOSE AND NATURE > The School is addressed to a limited number of candidates coming > from academic and research institutions of Developing Countries and > having an adequate working knowledge of IP networking. It will > include tutorial lectures and laboratory work, where wireless > solutions will be experienced through hands-on-sessions. > > The Laboratory work will be dedicated to practical exercises and > demonstrations on: > > - Basics of wireless networking with Wi-Fi/WiMax technologies > - Wireless Sensor Networks > - Powering remote sites > > AWARENESS WORKSHOP > In the Awareness Workshop participants and international experts > will discuss the most advanced and cost-effective low cost wireless > technology available to help the educational, scientific, social > and economic development of Least Developed Countries. > > Deadline for requesting participation is 5 November 2007. > > > More info is available at: http://cdsagenda5.ictp.trieste.it/ > full_display.php?smr=0&ida=a07142 > > > Marco Zennaro > Aeronomy and Radiopropagation Laboratory > the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics > Strada Costiera 11 > 34014 Trieste > Italy > > Telephone: +39 040 2240 406 > E-mail: mzennaro(a)ictp.it > > > > _______________________________________________ > TIER mailing list > Website: http://tier.cs.berkeley.edu > TIER(a)tier.cs.berkeley.edu > https://www.millennium.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/tier Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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Intellectual Property (IP), Copyrights, Infringement, Access to Knowledge
by Alex Gakuru 29 Oct '07

29 Oct '07

Dear All, I have an assignment that will definitely strengthen the consumer but for that to happen much sooner,better, and a lot easier I need your help. A practical example: Cyber cafes around town infringing on Microsoft Windows 2000 have less than 1-month to purchase XP or Vista else they will be arraigned in court by the company and/or its agents. Anyone who wants to purchase "licences" for the Windows 2000 cannot do so because Microsoft says they no longer support that product. This means that one has to upgrade to Vista, quite an unpopular product according to this study: http://www.windowsvistaweblog.com/2007/09/22/2-percent-of-companies-upgrade… Meagre revenue generating Cyber cafe are expected to spend more 15 million in new hardware to support vista in addition to Microsoft software licenses else they face legal action. Fortunately, Free and Open Source Software run very fast on old computers. (Mine is 533 MHz! and it runs great) In total, Kenya has about 700,000 computers most running on whatever windows and it is also said that the level of infringement is 85% (see below). If every computer were to run on "licensed" windows, them the capital flight from Kenya would be 700,000(PCs) x 17, 000 (windowsXP) = Kshs 11,900,000,000 (approx.20 billion). Add Shs 17.5 billion for Microsoft Office retailing at Kshs 25,000 per copy making a total of shillings 29.4 billion (about the amount Finance Ministry hopes to get from sale of Safaricom shares?) Free and Open Source Software has free OpenOffice and hundred of thousands of other free software... ------------------------------------------------------------- Country GDP/cap (US$) PCs('000) Piracy ------------------------------------------------------------- Kenya 1,200 700 81% S.Africa 13,300 3,100 35% USA 44,000 200,000 21% Malawi 600 60 85% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Source: Speaker at Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation's "Connecting Rural Communities-Africa Forum" at Nairobi. (I prefer use of "license infringement" as opposed to pre-condemning "piracy") In order to assist me in addressing this consumer and development and related issues, please fill and send back the attached questionnaire.For more info see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Access_to_Knowledge_movement. I have attached the questionnaire in two of various "save as" formats OpenOffice Word Processor offers ( Microsoft Word".doc" and OpenOffice .odt). Please fill and return ASAP to help me make a more informed Rapid Assessment Study. asante. Alex __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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ITU and Microsoft launch online platform to track ICT development
by Rebecca Wanjiku 29 Oct '07

29 Oct '07

ITU and Microsoft launch online platform to track ICT development Support for ICT infrastructure and capacity building pledged at Connect Africa Summit Issued jointly by ITU and Microsoft Kigali, Rwanda, 29 October 2007 - ITU Global View, a virtual earth-based online platform to track and help accelerate the implementation of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) goals in Africa was launched today on the opening day of the Connect Africa Summit. Governments, along with industry, development banks and international organizations are gathered in Kigali to mobilize the human, financial and technical resources required to expand the development of ICT infrastructure and ensure it is used effectively in pursuit of the WSIS development goals for Africa. For full text see: http://www.itu.int/newsroom/press_releases/2007/32.html __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Fwd: [Fibre-for-africa] Statement from CS meeting on African Connectivity Kigali Oct 2007
by Eric Osiakwan 29 Oct '07

29 Oct '07

fyi Begin forwarded message: > From: "Anriette Esterhuysen" <anriette(a)apc.org> > Date: 29 October 2007 16:44:29 GMT+03:00 > To: aPC-forum(a)lists.apc.org > Cc: fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org, apc.africa(a)lists.apc.org > Subject: [Fibre-for-africa] Statement from CS meeting on African > Connectivity Kigali Oct 2007 > Reply-To: anriette(a)apc.org, APC - Private list for use by EASSY > Workshop Participants <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > > Hallo all > > For all your information. > > Attached is a statement developed by APC and > partners (CIPESA, AfrISPA, KictaNet, OSIWA, > and RERN) held in Kigali, Rwanda on 28 > October 2007 prior to the Connect Africa > Summit convened by the ITU on 29 and 30 > October. Please address queries to Abi Jagun > (abi(a)apc.org) and Coura Fall > (coura(a)apc.org) > > Anriette > > PS- APC members and partners and friends in > Kigali please note we are meeting for dinner at > Hotel Chez Lando at 19h30 today, 29 October > 2007. > > > ------------------------------------------------------ > Anriette Esterhuysen, Executive Director > Association for Progressive Communications > anriette(a)apc.org > http://www.apc.org > PO Box 29755, Melville, South Africa. 2109 > Tel. 27 11 726 1692 > Fax 27 11 726 1692 > > The following section of this message contains a file attachment > prepared for transmission using the Internet MIME message format. > If you are using Pegasus Mail, or any other MIME-compliant system, > you should be able to save it or view it from within your mailer. > If you cannot, please ask your system administrator for assistance. > > ---- File information ----------- > File: Kigali_mtng_recom291007.pdf > Date: 29 Oct 2007, 15:43 > Size: 56319 bytes. > Type: Unknown_______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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Fwd: (KAZI-AFRICA) THE APPRENTICE!!!- Africa!!
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 27 Oct '07

27 Oct '07

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GET YOUR HANDS OFF THE WEB
by Alex Gakuru 27 Oct '07

27 Oct '07

Others say.. GET YOUR HANDS OFF THE WEB [SOURCE: BusinessWeek, AUTHOR: Stephen H. Wildstrom] [Comentary] The behavior of the top telecommunications companies, especially Verizon Communications and AT&T, has convinced me that more government involvement is needed to keep communications free of corporate interference. There's a certain irony here. The carriers warn that without premiums to pay for advanced services, the U.S. risks falling behind other nations in broadband. But the U.S. is already losing ground to the rest of the industrialized world in broadband speed and percentage of homes served. Last year the U.S. fell from 12th to 15th in broadband penetration among 29 countries ranked by the Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development. Most of those nations are enthusiastic regulators. The hands-off approach hasn't served consumers well. And the Web is far too important to entrust the free flow of information to the shifting whims of a few big companies. Government must step in and tell them to leave our content alone. http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/oct2007/tc20071024_623695.ht… ---------------------------------------------------------- WWWhatsup NYC http://pinstand.com - http://punkcast.com ---------------------------------------------------------- __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Re: [kictanet] [Fibre-for-africa] RE: The tables are turned
by Eric Osiakwan 26 Oct '07

26 Oct '07

Dear Peter, I also think this should be abitration after the two parties did not agree between themselves but one of them prefered to take it to the regulator whether rightly or wrongly but thats their choice. The regulator can then ask them to go abitrate. In Ghana when a similar situation happened between GT and IGH, the issue went up the regulator and the regulator said, thier next line of call after they could not agree was to abitrate and if abitration does not work then they come to the regualtor and if the decision of the regulator does not work then the courts comes in. Our regulations provide for such progression but i dont know about yours, may be Alex G. can again come to my rescue. Your last issue boaders on dominate market share, now as far as i know Kenya does not have competition regulation but ideally that should take care of such growths in the market as it is in the EU. Am just reading a story of Microsft surcumbing to that regulation in the EU. Eric here On 23 Oct 2007, at 12:49, Peter Othino wrote: > Hi Eric, > > I do agree Michael Joseph and the situation should be arbitration > and not a > regulator handling commercial differences in the field. > > Looking at it on the reverse, the current Telkom Operation on their > CDMA > platform they are no different from a GSM provider yet I believe the > licensing conditions were different this to me has no direct > commercials but > a regulatory aspect but I do not remember it being handled despite > concerns > raised. I do not believe that parties need to complain for > regulation to be > effected as that would kill the whole concept and drive about self > regulation that is the ultimate desired position. > > Yet again if a provider gets powerful for it is position in the > market I > believe it is part of the Matrix as this comes either as tangible or > intangible value adds above the rest associated with the service > delivered. > > Thanks, > > Peter Othino > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Timothy Kasonde KASOLO [mailto:timothy@africonnect.co.zm] > Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 12:08 PM > To: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke; APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop > Participants > Cc: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants; > KICTAnet ICT > Policy Discussions > Subject: RE: [Fibre-for-africa] RE: [kictanet] The tables are turned > > Hello, > I think the media needs to be balancing the articles .... > > Timothy > >> Michael, >> >> It would help to hear your side of the story so we can all be >> informed. >> >> We unfortunately do not have other sources of information at this >> point >> other than the media. >> >> Looking forward, >> >> Edith >> >> -original message- >> Subject: [Fibre-for-africa] RE: [kictanet] The tables are turned >> From: "Michael Joseph" <MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke> >> Date: 23/10/2007 10:53 am >> >> What you have not mentioned whether the complaint had any merit and >> whether the Parties could not have resolved it between themselves >> rather >> than relying on the CCK to mediate every commercial dispute. There is >> much more to this than just the one-sided view quoted by the media >> but >> we have chosen not to try to resolve our disputes through the media. >> >> >> >> Regards >> >> >> >> Michael >> >> >> >> CEO >> >> Safaricom Limited >> >> >> >> ________________________________ >> >> From: kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> [mailto:kictanet-bounces >> +mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke] >> On Behalf Of Eric Osiakwan >> Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2007 12:27 AM >> To: Michael Joseph >> Cc: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants; >> KICTAnet >> ICT Policy Discussions >> Subject: [kictanet] The tables are turned >> >> >> >> Dear All, >> >> >> >> We are really living in interesting times especially in the ICT >> industry >> because a few years ago, it was the mobile operators and ISPs who >> would >> be knocking on the doors of the regulator complaining and sometimes >> weeping at the anti-competitive practices of the imcumbent PTT >> towards >> them. >> >> >> >> Today the tables have turned and in Kenya as per the story below, >> Telkom >> Kenya is rather asking CCK to put Safaricom in check because they are >> acting anti-competitively on the SMS platform against their CDMA >> operation. Five years ago, this would have being an "incorrect >> prophesy" >> but it has happen sooner than all would have expected. >> >> >> >> What is more interesting is the fact that Safaricom is 60% owned by >> Telkom Kenya which is fully owned by government that means that the >> mobile operators have become so powerful that the combined years >> of PTT >> operation and their political forces cannot turn the tables except >> the >> mediation of the regulator. This confirms Russell Southwood's recent >> story of the emergence of the mobile operators as the new >> incumbents of >> our time. >> >> >> >> May be one good thing is the fact that the mobile incumbents are so >> powerful that not a combiantion of PTT operation and political forces >> can impact them except the court of the regulator so the political >> leadership in some of our countries would now see reason to >> strengthen >> their regulators and make them independent enough to be the pivot to >> balance the weight of the mobile operators against their "cash cow" >> incumbents. >> >> >> >> Eric here >> >> >> >> >> >> Telkom Lodges SMS Petition Against Safaricom in Kenya >> >> In the fight for control of Kenya's lucrative telecoms industry, >> competition is becoming a useful weapon in the hands of rival firms >> -especially those that need to play the catch-up game to remain in >> the >> race. >> >> This market share war has become so intense that players are breaking >> all boundaries in the corporate rulebook. >> >> Five months ago, mobile phone service provider Celtel took its bigger >> and only rival Safaricom before the market regulator, accusing it of >> playing unfairly in the market to the disadvantage of the consumer. >> >> Now it is the national operator Telkom's turn to lodge a landmark >> complaint against its subsidiary -Safaricom. >> >> In its letter to Mr John Waweru, the Communications Commission of >> Kenya >> director general, Telkom Kenya is accusing Safaricom of practising >> anti-competitive behaviour in the market -especially in the Short >> Messages Services (SMS) segment of the business. >> >> Telkom says Safaricom has been blocking the exchange of SMSs >> between the >> two networks, thereby denying its customers access to key services >> that >> the national operator is offering such as the one that enables >> them to >> check their voter registration details with the Electoral >> Commission of >> Kenya (ECK). >> >> "Telkom Kenya is concerned that Safaricom is engaging in >> anti-competitive behaviour and in essence abusing its dominant market >> position by introducing barriers to new entrants targeting SMS market >> segment," Telkom says. >> >> Public attention was first drawn to the matter after some Safaricom >> subscribers complained that Safaricom was charging them for >> undelivered >> SMSs to Telkom Kenya's Wireless network. SMSs to Telkom network >> got an >> automatic reply indicating that delivery had failed yet the consumers >> were being billed. >> >> Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph acknowledged that some of its >> subscribers >> had sent messages to Telkom Kenya during the test period and may have >> been charged erroneously. >> >> He said that although the company was not billing SMSs to Telkom >> Wireless network between August 13 and August 27, some of its >> customers >> may have been billed. Safaricom later agreed to refund the affected >> subscribers. >> >> Telkom says that on August 16, the two interconnectivity negotiating >> parties met and agreed on interconnection rate and a technical >> testing >> schedule. >> >> During this period the parties also exchanged SMS test templates >> to be >> adopted in the tests. Safaricom has however not cooperated in >> facilitating the process, making it unable to commercialise the >> service. >> >> The matter seems to have reached fever pitch after Safaricom >> introduced >> a voter registry query service similar to the one Telkom Kenya had >> rolled out after it won an ECK tender. >> >> Telkom Kenya is complaining that failure by Safaricom to activate the >> SMS service is affecting its ability to use an innovative platform >> that >> delivers voter registry query services by utilizing the 460 >> numeric to >> access the ECK database. >> >> Telkom Kenya says Safaricom acted maliciously in delaying to activate >> the SMS service only to launch a similar service. >> >> "We are perturbed that Safaricom, having not been involved in the >> initial tender process is currently able to provide a similar >> services >> using the 460 prefix. This is a totally unacceptable anti-competitive >> behaviour," Telkom says. >> >> Mr Joseph declined to comment on the matter saying it was already >> before >> an arbiter. >> >> Telkom Kenya is the majority shareholder at Safaricom with a 60 >> per cent >> stake. It co-owns the company with the United Kingdom's Vodafone Plc >> which has a 40 per cent stake in the firm. >> (Source: Business Daily) >> >> >> >> >> >> Eric M.K Osiakwan >> >> Executive Secretary >> >> AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) >> >> Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 >> >> Fax: + 233.21.258811 >> >> Cell: + 233.244.386792 >> >> Handle: eosiakwan >> >> Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North >> >> Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North >> >> Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ >> >> Slang: "Tomorrow Now" >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> The information in this email and any attachments is confidential >> and may >> be legally privileged. It is intended only for the use of the named >> addressee. >> Emails are susceptible to alteration and their integrity cannot be >> guaranteed. Safaricom Limited does not accept legal responsibility >> for the >> contents of this email if the same is found to have been altered or >> manipulated. >> The contents and opinions expressed in this email are solely those >> of the >> author and do not necessarily represent those of Safaricom Limited. >> Safaricom Limited disclaims any liability to the fullest extent >> permissible by law for any consequences that may arise from the >> contents >> of this email including but not limited to personal opinions, >> malicious >> and/or defamatory information and data/codes that may compromise >> or damage >> the integrity of the recipient's information technology systems. >> If you are not the intended recipient please notify the sender and >> immediately delete this email from your system. >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Fibre-for-africa mailing list >> Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org >> http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa >> >> >> >> -- >> This message has been scanned for viruses and >> dangerous content by MailScanner, and is >> believed to be clean. >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Fibre-for-africa mailing list >> Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org >> http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa >> >> > > > Timothy Kasonde Kasolo, > Africonnect > NETWORK SUPPORT ENGINEER, > Plot 59, Great East Road, > Lusaka. > Phone: Lusaka +260-1-232005 > Mobile:+260-97-893922. > E-mail: timothy(a)africonnect.co.zm > www.africonnect.co.zm > www.iconnect.co.zm > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

3 5

History Comes Un-noticed
by Bill Kagai 25 Oct '07

25 Oct '07

http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3880&Item… Transferring money via mobile fone was not developed at MIT but right here in Africa...and the service is now rolling beyond Africa. Kudos to the pioneers making life this simple for us. Mobile firms set to transfer cash abroad Written by Okuttah Mark *October 25, 2007:* Mobile phone operators in Africa have entered into a partnership agreement with Western Union to facilitate electronic transfer of money transfer across the national borders by mid next year. The partnership paves the way for the development of a commercial and technical framework to be used by mobile operators to facilitate high frequency money transfers using mobile phones. Initial roll-out of the service is expected to kick off in the second quarter of 2008. If successful, Kenya's two mobile operators Safaricom and Celtel will be able to expand their reach to Kenyans in the diaspora with the electronic money transfer services. Safaricom in partnership with Vodafone was the first to roll out mobile phone based electronic money transfer services that have proved to be a success especially among the un banked. Safaricom operates M-pesa while Celtel has Sokotele. Both networks are working on modalities of expanding their services beyond the national borders. Since its launch early this year, M-pesa has attracted 700,000 users and handled Sh3 billion worth of transactions. The new system combines key elements of both Western Union's electronic money transfer system and the GSMA's money transfer programme. Electronic services have transformed the money transfer services making it simple, quick and affordable for more users sending small amounts of money.

1 0

[Fwd: [APC Forum] Research opportunity
by alice 24 Oct '07

24 Oct '07

Greetings All, The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is a partner in the Harambee project - Reinforcing African Voices through Collaborative Processes along with Bellanet Africa, Bellanet International and UNECA (United Nations Commission for Africa). Harambee is a Swahili word for Lets work together. It is intended to signify the uniting of a community around a common goal. The overall goal of the initiative is to enhance capacity development in Africa around the use of knowledge and ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) for collaboration, such that Africa-based organisations are better equipped to play a lead role in development dialogs and action affecting them. For more information on Harambee please visit http://www.harambeeafrica.net/ We are undertaking research under the Harambee banner and are looking for researchers for four (4) research projects. We are looking for experienced researchers who would take an action-oriented, participatory and inclusive approach and who understand networks and networking in Africa. We are wanting both English and French researchers. i.e. some research projects could be conducted in either French or English. Researchers will be contracted by APC and remunerated for their work. They would also need to attend a workshop in mid to late January possibly in South Africa in order to interview Harambee participants. All research should be completed by mid-March 2008. The topics include: 1. Gender issues in networks and differences in the way men and women engage in network activities 2. The status of the networking world in Africa, the issues and the opportunities. 3. Communication in African networks 4. Networking processes: opportunities and challenges for online interactions in African networks The research approach will include case studies and storytelling in order to evoke a deeper and more qualitative understanding of the four themes we are exploring. Harambee is about building on existing research and experiences in designing and implementing collaborative processes and technologies. So the methodology should include an understanding of existing experiences and uses of communication technologies. The research is a journey of discovery which is not about answers but rather what we can learn from the research. It should be participatory, inclusive and action oriented. A key part of the Harambee project are Focus Networks and recipients of the small grants fund who were selected to implement specific projects. We plan to include them in the research component to learn from their network experiences. This will happen at a knowledge sharing workshop to be hosted in late January 2008. Researchers are expected to be there to interview participants as part of the research process. Harambee has existing online spaces which could be used to communicate with the Focus Networks and small grants fund recipients. These include dGroups mailing list, a blog and a wiki. Although we would like to have a written paper (written in plain language) as one output of the research process, we are keen to also include outputs such as audio recordings of interviews, blog postings, resources posted to the Harambee website, photos, transcripts etc. We would like to see creative outputs to share easily with people via online and off line spaces. Should you want more information and if you are interested or know of researchers please email me offlist at jenny(a)apcwomen.org We would need examples of previous research. Warm Regards, Jenny Radloff ======

1 0

CCK Tariff Comparison
by Alex Gakuru 24 Oct '07

24 Oct '07

[apologies to those on both lists for my cross-posting] The simple most common consumer question faced is, "who is the fairest among the telecommunication providers?" This is often hard to answer without appearing to "endorse" or "criticise" any one provider. Apparently, CCK website now has some spreadsheets which, if dated, simpler to understand(user-friendly) and regularly updated, would also enable independent third parties to publish current,real, and detailed comparative tariffs to assist consumers decide which provider offers best value for money. While appreciating and welcoming this development, we urge the Regulator to prioritise this data provision considering the impact communication costs have on consumers and business for continued health of the entire economy. Alex Gakuru ICAK PS: CCK comparison: http://www.cck.go.ke/tariff_comparison/ Wish-for style: "Internet Connectivity in Uganda-Easy Guide" http://www.isoc.or.ke/docs/Booklet%20Inet.pdf (Newest i-net Uganda edition available on request) Does the CCK have sufficiently compelling reasons to act fast and motivation to regularly update the data? If not, who can help us develop a similar guide regularly updated for Kenyan consumers? AG __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

1 0

[APC Forum] Call for dialogue: Regulatory frameworks for improving access
by alice 23 Oct '07

23 Oct '07

------------------------------------------------------------------------- Call for dialogue: Regulatory frameworks for improving access ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=5252920 What key actions could telecom and ICT regulators undertake to promote access to infrastructure at local, national and regional levels? Send dialogue comment for posting to dialogue(a)regulateonline.org “Regulatory Frameworks for Improving Access” – Workshop presented by APC, IDRC, and LIRNE.NET This dialogue is being undertaken in preparation for the “Regulatory Frameworks for Improving Access” workshop co-hosted by the Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Learning Initiatives on Reforms for Network Economies (LIRNE.NET) and the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), at this year’s IGF. The workshop will explore the key regulatory issues and imperatives in promoting equitable deployment and affordable access to internet (communications) infrastructure at local, national, regional and global levels. Background Regulation is how policies are put into practice. However, experience has shown that there is not necessarily a trouble-free transition from the conceptual to the real world. For telecom (and other sectors) despite expectations of market solutions to improve infrastructure development and deployment, there are still substantial access gaps beyond the reach of the market, especially in rural areas. LIRNE.NET and APC invite internet and telecom practitioners, ICT policy and regulation experts, and other stakeholders to submit short (200-500 words) statements on what they identify as the key issues and important factors currently facing regulators concerned with access to infrastructure. Statements can focus on local, national or regional access and can also highlight solutions that have been already implemented to resolve existing issues and challenges. Comments which address the following are particularly welcomed: 1. Whose jurisdiction? The role of regulation in addressing the international gap - international backbone infrastructure deployment and interconnection. 2. Issues and/or challenges in regulating regional (cross-national) communications infrastructure. 3. Trade-off or complementary objectives? Regulating for infrastructure investment and/or regulating for equitable access. 4. Access at the local level – definition of universal access and mechanisms for attainment. Internet Governance Forum (IGF) The Internet Governance Forum (IGF), a medium for multi-stakeholder policy dialogue, was set up in 2006 as a direct response to the deliberations of the World Summit of the Information Society (WSIS). The forum was created to (amongst other things) discuss public policy issues related to key elements of Internet governance in order to foster the sustainability, robustness, security, stability and development of the Internet. The second meeting of the IGF will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 12 - 15 November 2007. Association for Progressive Communications http://www.apc.org LIRNE.NET http://www.lirne.net IDRC http://www.idrc.org

1 0

Re: [kictanet] [Fibre-for-africa] RE: The tables are turned
by eadera＠idrc.or.ke 23 Oct '07

23 Oct '07

Michael, It would help to hear your side of the story so we can all be informed. We unfortunately do not have other sources of information at this point other than the media. Looking forward, Edith -original message- Subject: [Fibre-for-africa] RE: [kictanet] The tables are turned From: "Michael Joseph" <MJoseph(a)Safaricom.co.ke> Date: 23/10/2007 10:53 am What you have not mentioned whether the complaint had any merit and whether the Parties could not have resolved it between themselves rather than relying on the CCK to mediate every commercial dispute. There is much more to this than just the one-sided view quoted by the media but we have chosen not to try to resolve our disputes through the media. Regards Michael CEO Safaricom Limited ________________________________ From: kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+mjoseph=safaricom.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Eric Osiakwan Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2007 12:27 AM To: Michael Joseph Cc: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] The tables are turned Dear All, We are really living in interesting times especially in the ICT industry because a few years ago, it was the mobile operators and ISPs who would be knocking on the doors of the regulator complaining and sometimes weeping at the anti-competitive practices of the imcumbent PTT towards them. Today the tables have turned and in Kenya as per the story below, Telkom Kenya is rather asking CCK to put Safaricom in check because they are acting anti-competitively on the SMS platform against their CDMA operation. Five years ago, this would have being an "incorrect prophesy" but it has happen sooner than all would have expected. What is more interesting is the fact that Safaricom is 60% owned by Telkom Kenya which is fully owned by government that means that the mobile operators have become so powerful that the combined years of PTT operation and their political forces cannot turn the tables except the mediation of the regulator. This confirms Russell Southwood's recent story of the emergence of the mobile operators as the new incumbents of our time. May be one good thing is the fact that the mobile incumbents are so powerful that not a combiantion of PTT operation and political forces can impact them except the court of the regulator so the political leadership in some of our countries would now see reason to strengthen their regulators and make them independent enough to be the pivot to balance the weight of the mobile operators against their "cash cow" incumbents. Eric here Telkom Lodges SMS Petition Against Safaricom in Kenya In the fight for control of Kenya's lucrative telecoms industry, competition is becoming a useful weapon in the hands of rival firms -especially those that need to play the catch-up game to remain in the race. This market share war has become so intense that players are breaking all boundaries in the corporate rulebook. Five months ago, mobile phone service provider Celtel took its bigger and only rival Safaricom before the market regulator, accusing it of playing unfairly in the market to the disadvantage of the consumer. Now it is the national operator Telkom's turn to lodge a landmark complaint against its subsidiary -Safaricom. In its letter to Mr John Waweru, the Communications Commission of Kenya director general, Telkom Kenya is accusing Safaricom of practising anti-competitive behaviour in the market -especially in the Short Messages Services (SMS) segment of the business. Telkom says Safaricom has been blocking the exchange of SMSs between the two networks, thereby denying its customers access to key services that the national operator is offering such as the one that enables them to check their voter registration details with the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK). "Telkom Kenya is concerned that Safaricom is engaging in anti-competitive behaviour and in essence abusing its dominant market position by introducing barriers to new entrants targeting SMS market segment," Telkom says. Public attention was first drawn to the matter after some Safaricom subscribers complained that Safaricom was charging them for undelivered SMSs to Telkom Kenya's Wireless network. SMSs to Telkom network got an automatic reply indicating that delivery had failed yet the consumers were being billed. Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph acknowledged that some of its subscribers had sent messages to Telkom Kenya during the test period and may have been charged erroneously. He said that although the company was not billing SMSs to Telkom Wireless network between August 13 and August 27, some of its customers may have been billed. Safaricom later agreed to refund the affected subscribers. Telkom says that on August 16, the two interconnectivity negotiating parties met and agreed on interconnection rate and a technical testing schedule. During this period the parties also exchanged SMS test templates to be adopted in the tests. Safaricom has however not cooperated in facilitating the process, making it unable to commercialise the service. The matter seems to have reached fever pitch after Safaricom introduced a voter registry query service similar to the one Telkom Kenya had rolled out after it won an ECK tender. Telkom Kenya is complaining that failure by Safaricom to activate the SMS service is affecting its ability to use an innovative platform that delivers voter registry query services by utilizing the 460 numeric to access the ECK database. Telkom Kenya says Safaricom acted maliciously in delaying to activate the SMS service only to launch a similar service. "We are perturbed that Safaricom, having not been involved in the initial tender process is currently able to provide a similar services using the 460 prefix. This is a totally unacceptable anti-competitive behaviour," Telkom says. Mr Joseph declined to comment on the matter saying it was already before an arbiter. Telkom Kenya is the majority shareholder at Safaricom with a 60 per cent stake. It co-owns the company with the United Kingdom's Vodafone Plc which has a 40 per cent stake in the firm. (Source: Business Daily) Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" The information in this email and any attachments is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended only for the use of the named addressee. Emails are susceptible to alteration and their integrity cannot be guaranteed. Safaricom Limited does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this email if the same is found to have been altered or manipulated. The contents and opinions expressed in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Safaricom Limited. Safaricom Limited disclaims any liability to the fullest extent permissible by law for any consequences that may arise from the contents of this email including but not limited to personal opinions, malicious and/or defamatory information and data/codes that may compromise or damage the integrity of the recipient's information technology systems. If you are not the intended recipient please notify the sender and immediately delete this email from your system. _______________________________________________ Fibre-for-africa mailing list Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.

2 1

Readings on ICANN, IGF, ccTLDs, etc.
by alice 23 Oct '07

23 Oct '07

1. Internet Governance, Global Privacy and IGF-Rio This article looks at governance issues and the upcoming IGF in Rio. The article concludes "As the Internet Governance Forum continues to evolve definitions of the potential UN role in promoting the global debate on the future of the Information Age, stake-holders from small to large are also in the process of defining themselves, their agendas and their participation in the new worlds of cyberspace governance. The November meetings of IGF-Rio could be the place where many conversations and initiatives rise from blog-talk into a world view." http://eco-rama.net/2007/09/18/internet-governance-global-privacy-and-igf-ri o/ 16. gov.uk <http://gov.uk> websites - accessible or offline by end 2008! Accessibility has been a big issue foe me since I worked for a not for profit organisation dealing with disabilities. So it was pleasing for me to see an article in The Register that the British government has given all websites in the gov.uk <http://gov.uk> domain till the end of 2008 to achieve the minimum, Level Double-A of the W3C Guidelines will have its domain withdrawn. http://technewsreview.com.au/article.php?article=3045 19. Have a CERTs - attending GovCert.NL Symposium in the Netherlands by Milton Mueller Milton Mueller attended the GovCert.NL Symposium in the Netherlands. He writes "there were two take-away messages. One is the astounding degree to which Europeans take privacy more seriously than people in the US."The other was "the degree to which CERTs constitute an informal "network form" of global governance, which melds academic, governmental, industry and advocacy stakeholders." Milton also links to what he calls a very interesting discussion on the Whois-privacy problem with ICANN, no doubt largely because it's a paper written by himself titled "The DNS as a Tool for Global Identity Policy: WHOIS, ICANN, and Global Internet Governance". http://blog.internetgovernance.org/blog/_archives/2007/10/20/3304029.html ********************** WESTERN SAHARA ********************** i. Little Progress on Western Sahara As the Fourth (Special Political and Decolonization) Committee of the UN General Assembly holds its meetings in New York, the issue of Western Sahara continues to be one of the key items on its agenda. This thorny issue has resisted any international mediation efforts for decades. The first gleam of hope appeared in June 2007, after negotiations in Manhasset, New York, between the government of Morocco and Western Sahara's Algerian-backed pro-independence movement, the Polisario Front. http://mnweekly.ru/world/20071018/55283532.html ********************** GOVERNANCE ********************** 1. Internet Governance, Global Privacy and IGF-Rio The global debate on Internet governance will once again gather people from all over the world at UN's IGF, this time in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The process was started last year in Athens, when more than 1,200 participants focused on discussion of the overarching issues tied to the future of information and communications technologies, including control over the Internet architecture and numbering and naming system, security, intellectual property, openness, connectivity, cost and multilingualism. http://eco-rama.net/2007/09/18/internet-governance-global-privacy-and-igf-ri o/ 2. Working with civil society at the heart of UNESCO Forum Hubert Védrine, former French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nitin Desai, President of the Internet Governance Forum and former UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs as well as Lindsay Owen-Jones, Chairman of the Board of Directors of L'Oréal, will give keynote speeches during the meeting. http://mediaforfreedom.com/ReadArticle.asp?ArticleID=5152 3. A Consociational Bureau for the Internet Governance Forum The principle that Internet governance "is a joint effort which requires cooperation and partnership among all stakeholders" (Geneva Declaration of Principles, para 20) has become axiomatic since it was first agreed at WSIS, and is fundamental to the IGF as a "new forum for multi-stakeholder policy dialogue" (Tunis Agenda, para 72). However at the same time as this principle has been universally embraced, some of its implications, that would require the four stakeholder groups identified in the Tunis Agenda to collaborate on the development of joint policy recommendations (Tunis Agenda para 72(g)) have met with resistance. http://igfwatch.org/discussion-board/a-consociational-bureau-for-the-interne t-governance-forum 4. Internet Users to Surf Solar System by 2010? Vint Cerf, one of the founding fathers of the internet, in a recent address in South Korea talked about working with NASA JPL to create the standards needed to turn the World Wide Web, to the Solar System Wide Web. http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2007/10/internet-users-.html http://www.net4now.com/isp_news/news_article.asp?News_ID=5285 ********************** DOMAIN NAMES ********************** ********************** - ICANN ********************** 5. ICA@ICANN-LA [news release] The upcoming ICANN meeting scheduled for October 29-November 2 in Los Angeles will be a unique opportunity to attend an ICANN meeting in the United States. It has been more than six years since a meeting took place in the USA. This opportunity will not recur this decade and is just too good to miss. The Internet Commerce Association is strongly encouraging all ICA members and other concerned domain name registrants to attend the LA meeting. http://internetcommerce.org/ica_icann_la 6. Single-letter and Single-digit Domain Names available? ICANN is opening a forum on allocation methods for single-letter and single-digit domain names in gTLD registries. Answers should be submitted no later than 15 november 2007. http://domainesinfo.fr/english/123/single-letter-and-single-digit-domain-nam es-available.php http://www.cscprotectsbrands.com/news.asp?newsId=18320018 7. Yes, it is your bubbe's Web address! The Internet is a worldwide phenomenon, and yet the dominant language for online traffic has been English. If you want to navigate around the World Wide Web with a browser, you must have command of the Latin alphabet -- even if you primarily read and write in Chinese, Japanese, Arabic or Hebrew. http://jewishjournal.com/home/preview.php?id=18370 8. It's all Greek, Persian, Tamil and Cyrillic Russian to me! Web users across the planet can now play around with their name in their own language (i.e. not English or other "Western-style" languages that use the same Latin alphabet that I am using to write this blog) thanks to the fact that ICANN has commenced live testing of IDNs. http://community.zdnet.co.uk/blog/0,1000000567,10006213o-2000458459b,00.htm 9. Domain names in Indian languages soon India is all set to join the global bandwagon of local language domain names. Soon you will be able to own domain names in Hindi, Tamil, Sanskrit, Bengali, Punjabi and some other Indian languages. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Domain_names_in_Indian_languages_soon/ar ticleshow/2479794.cms http://infotech.indiatimes.com/Domain_names_in_Indian_languages_soon/article show/2479794.cms ********************** - (cc)TLD NEWS ********************** 10. Argentinian com.ar <http://com.ar> domain name heads Latin American names [sub req'd] http://telecom.paper.nl/news/article.aspx?id=188839 11. Prominent Global Brands Adopt .Asia as Sunrise Commences [news release] Building on the momentum of the groundbreaking .Asia Pioneer Domains Program which has attracted global leading brands, DotAsia, the registry operator of the ".Asia" Internet domain, has launched its Sunrise period, a priority registration period for trademark owners and companies. The Sunrise phase will run through to January 15 2008, giving corporations a chance to register domain to protect their brands online before the general public is invited to take part in the "Landrush" registration phase in February 2008. http://pioneer.domains.asia/press/2007-10-17-DotAsia-PR.html 12. Australian political websites ripe for the picking [AAP] Australia's political parties are leaving themselves open to attack from hackers, according to internet security company Symantec. ... He is also concerned that many political parties are leaving themselves open by not registering "typo" domain names, subtle variations on the party's official website address, which could be used to host malicious material. http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2007/10/19/1192301018970.html http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/10/19/1192301018970.html http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/articles/20073619-158v.html http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=307345 13. au: Online Regulations - Your Website and the Law The internet is not a lawless territory where anything goes. An online business is subject to the same regulations as any other model, and there are pitfalls particular to this relatively new and constantly changing environment. Michael Sutton sets out regulation guidelines for developing and operating an online site so it won't fall foul of the law. These days, every business seems to be online. From multinational corporations to one-man businesses, the low cost and relative ease of advertising online has lured many traders to create a website to promote their goods and services. Consumers are also attracted to the wealth of purchasing information that these traders are making available on the internet. http://dynamicbusiness.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=531&Ite mid=10499 14. Five Domain Name Service Providers exposed by CNNIC The .CN registry has published the name of five domain name service providers that have received the most complaints from consumers but have not taken effective measures to rectify their problems. http://domainesinfo.fr/english/124/five-domain-name-service-providers-expose d-by-cnnic.php 15. sg: Domain names as easy as 123 Businesses and Internet users in Singapore can soon use their favourite numbers as their website addresses. Singapore Network Information Centre (SGNIC), the national internet domain name registry, will release pure numeric domain names for registration from November. http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest+News/Tech+%2526+Science/STIStory_169365.h tml 16. gov.uk <http://gov.uk> websites - accessible or offline by end 2008! Accessibility has been a big issue foe me since I worked for a not for profit organisation dealing with disabilities. So it was pleasing for me to see an article in The Register that the British government has given all websites in the gov.uk <http://gov.uk> domain till the end of 2008 to achieve the minimum, Level Double-A of the W3C Guidelines will have its domain withdrawn. The Register feels this is foolhardy. The Register is wrong and misguided in its view. It is a great incentive for government agencies to get their websites to abide by the W3C guidelines. For too long website designers have ignored or paid lip service to the needs of people with disabilities, and more courageous decisions such as this need to be made to make the web accessible for all. http://technewsreview.com.au/article.php?article=3045 17. UK.gov makes bizarre threat to throw self off internet The UK Government has given itself until the end of next year to get its act together on accessibility, after which any .gov.uk site failing to achieve the minimum, Level Double-A of the W3C Guidelines will have its domain withdrawn. This brave, nay, foolhardy commitment could conceivably result in carnage across national, local government and miscellaneous hanger-on .gov.uk sites - and we can perhaps look forward to a more overtly outsourced future containing sites such as homeoffice.tv <http://homeoffice.tv>, mod.cn <http://mod.cn> and basildon.eu. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/10/18/uk_gov_accessibility_suicide_threat/ 18. The Sun is first UK national newspaper to launch a .mobi site [news release] dotMobi announced that Britain's most popular newspaper, The Sun, is the first UK national newspaper to launch a .mobi web site. http://mtld.mobi/node/845 ********************** - DOMAIN SECURITY ********************** 19. Have a CERTs - attending GovCert.NL Symposium in the Netherlands by Milton Mueller This week I attended the GovCert.NL Symposium in the Netherlands. This is the 6th annual gathering of "Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) and other experts in Internet security and privacy. About 50% of the participants were Dutch, I would guess, and maybe 85% from Europe, although there were attendees from as far away as the USA, Japan and Australia. There were some fascinating presentations, including an analysis of the role of money mules in phishing scams, analyhsis of a new "man in the middle"-style attack on banks, attempts by governments to implement digital identity systems, a detailed recounting of the Estonian "cyber riot" that temporarily crippled the Internet in that country, advocacy for Bitfrost, a new operating system platform based on new privacy/security assumptions, and, oh, a very interesting discussion of the Whois-privacy problem in ICANN. There were two take-away messages. One is the astounding degree to which Europeans take privacy more seriously than people in the US. http://blog.internetgovernance.org/blog/_archives/2007/10/20/3304029.html 20. Security experts say Rock Phish widening net A recent surge in phishing — fraudulent e-mail and Web sites designed to "fish" sensitive personal information such as passwords and credit card numbers — is the handiwork of a small, shadowy cybergang, say computer security experts. http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,5143,695220241,00.html ********************** - DOMAIN DISPUTES ********************** 21. Trademark Law – What Search Marketers Should Know, Part 1 Since search became monetized, trademarks have been a front-and-center issue for legal debate. In the late 1990s, competitors were buying each other's trademarks as keywords, and hiding those keywords in meta tags. Today, with the proliferation of paid and organic search listings, search and trademarks have become a growing dilemma for search engines and advertisers alike. http://searchenginewatch.com/showPage.html?page=3627333 22. Trademark Law – What Search Marketers Should Know, Part 2 In Search Engine Watch's previous article, they covered the law fundamentals search marketers should know about online trademarks. Here they cover important tips and tactics by online intellectual property attorneys and legal counsels for the search engines, for both protecting your own trademark material and respecting the trademarks of others. http://searchenginewatch.com/showPage.html?page=3627346 23. Cybersquatting – Moving With The times? Cybersquatting – the practice of registering internet domain names that are based on another entity's brands or company name - is as prevalent as ever. As online business models have developed and converged, the cybersquatter's methods have adapted accordingly. Today, businesses routinely need to think about registering domain names simply to prevent others getting hold of them – in the wrong hands, a domain name can be used to divert business, confuse customers, dilute the brand and commit fraud. http://kemplittle.com/SL-Cybersquatting_Oct07.htm 24. Rebranding 'Thelen' And The Problem With A Cybersquatter Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner had well-laid plans to rechristen itself with the shorter and catchier "Thelen" -- but the branding effort was held hostage by a lone Korean cybersquatter. The marketing move, which launched Monday with a new logo and Web site, was threatened by the distant owner of the "thelen.com <http://thelen.com>" domain name, Thelen lawyers say. http://lawfuel.com/show-article.asp?ID=83892408 25. Pornographers hijack Somerset's Web address Looking for a "nude man club" or "nude mideastern teens?" Try searching for the city of Somerset's Web site, which was hijacked by cyber-criminals last week. http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA101907.01B.MUNICIPALPORN . 6c7dc9.html 26. Rahul sitting duck for cyber squatters The younger generation of Nehru family has become money-spinning names in cyber space, thanks to cyber squatters whose commercial interest recently got a fillip with the appointment of Rahul Gandhi as AICC General Secretary. Since his appointment, there are many more 'hits' on the websites with the domain name of Rahul Gandhi. http://www.indianexpress.com/story/230853.html ********************** - MISCELLANEOUS ********************** 27. Research and Markets Report: By 2010, Over US$2 Billion Will Be Spent on Social Network Advertising in the US Alone ... Volume 2 of this report provides an insight and analysis into the trends and developments taking place in the revived Internet economy. It includes information and statistics on the Internet industry, beginning with an historical look at Internet growth. Information and statistics on Internet hosts, domain names, the World Wide Web, search engines, websites, the ISP market, Internet users and penetration is also provided. An overview of some of the key online services such as adult entertainment, dating, e-education, online financial services, e-government, mapping and online music is also incorporated. Covered in more detail are the sectors of ehealth, online gambling/gaming and virtual worlds. Also provided is technical information on web development related to Web 2.0. http://tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/718160/ 28. One Web site, many names: an introduction to domain forwarding by Michael Horowitz When my Defensive Computing blog went live in July, the Web page address (URL is the nerd term) assigned to it was blogs.cnet.com/8300-13554_1-33.html <http://blogs.cnet.com/8300-13554_1-33.html>. Shortly thereafter, CNET assigned the friendlier address blogs.cnet.com/defensive-computing/ <http://blogs.cnet.com/defensive-computing/> http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9800302-7.html 29. ARIN to Hold Meetings in Albuquerque [news release] The ARIN XX Public Policy and Members Meetings will take place 17-19 October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the Hyatt Regency, directly following the NANOG meeting at the same hotel. About 200 representatives from the technical Internet community, large corporations, governments, academia, and civil society will attend ARIN XX. http://arin.net/media/releases/ABQ_Media_Invitation.pdf ********************** - AFTERMARKET ********************** 30. Network Solutions Releases Whitepaper Combining Ecommerce Solutions and Search Engine Optimization Tips for Online Businesses [news release] Network Solutions offers helpful information for online retailers looking to drive business to their stores during the busy holiday season. This new whitepaper, "Is Your Site Holiday-Ready? 7 Steps to Improve Your Online Holiday Sales" explains what needs to be done today to get ready for the winter holiday shopping season. http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Newsroom/Query.aspx?SiteName=NetworkSolut ions&Entity=PRAsset&SF_PRAsset_PRAssetID_EQ=212157&XSL=PressRelease&Cache=Tr ue&Merge= 31. Analyst Says $8 Billion Online Advertising Network Will Grow 15%, Domain Channel Advertising by 37% in 2007 [news release] T.R.A.F.F.I.C, the domain industry's premier conference, today announced that Michael Gilmour, a respected industry analyst, projects that the domain name and Internet traffic industry will grow dramatically in 2007. Publicly available corporate reports state that Google and Yahoo!'s total revenue in 2006 from their ad-network channel was $7.88 billion, including $800 million from domain parking. Thus, domain parking represents 10.2% of the companies' total ad-network channel, or 4.7% of Google and Yahoo!'s aggregate revenues. Gilmour, who will present at T.R.A.F.F.I.C.'s show next week, projects that online advertising spending will increase by 15.1% for 2007 while domain channel advertising will grow 37.5%. http://www.domainpulse.com/2007/10/18/analyst-says-8-billion-online-advertis ing-network-will-grow-15-domain-channel-advertising-by-37-in-2007/ 32. Yee-hah! Dallas Cowboys Clueless On Domains Poor Jerry Jones, first his 'Boys get curb-stomped by the Patriots, then it turns out the attorney representing them at a domain name auction has no idea about the starting or ending price. http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2007/10/18/yee-hah-dallas-cowboys-clueless -on-domains 33. Dallas Cowboys Return Cowboys.com <http://Cowboys.com> Domain Name by Bill Hartzer Last week I spoke about SEO, Search, and Domain Names at the TRAFFIC domain name conference, held in Hollywood, Florida. The highlight of the conference was the live internet domain name auction on Friday, October 12th, at 2pm, hosted by Moniker. One of the domain names that was up for sale was Cowboys.com <http://Cowboys.com>, a great domain name. The Dallas Cowboys apparently was amongst the many bidders for this name and ultimately won the auction for $275,000. Now, about a week later, they want to give it back. http://www.webpronews.com/blogtalk/2007/10/19/dallas-cowboys-return-cowboys- com-domain-name 34. Not the bill the Cowboys were expecting Going once, going twice, sold ... almost. Seeking to increase their online visibility, the Cowboys were bidding on the domain name cowboys.com <http://cowboys.com> at an auction in Hollywood, Fla. But something went amiss – as in the final price. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/101 907dnspocowside.92664c.html 35. Cowboys.com <http://Cowboys.com> Sells (Again) for US$370,000 After Dallas Cowboys back out of deal, Cowboys.com <http://Cowboys.com> sells for $95,000 more. http://domainnamewire.com/2007/10/19/cowboyscom-sells-again-for-370000/ 36. The Domain Name Auction Scene is a-Changin' SnapNames to unveil new service, GoDaddy signature auctions (finally) on tap. http://domainnamewire.com/2007/10/18/the-domain-name-auction-scene-is-a-chan gin/ 37. Atomico.com <http://Atomico.com> is The Bomb After $80,000 Sale on the AfternicDLS Every domain on this week's Top 20 sales chart cracked the five-figure mark and the AfternicDLS wielded the heaviest weapon, Atomico.com <http://Atomico.com> at an even $80,000. That was one of five charted domains for that venue, a number exceeded only by Sedo.com <http://Sedo.com>'s nine. Sedo's total included a pair from their GreatDomains site that ranked 2nd and 3rd - Subscription.com <http://Subscription.com> at $74,000 and HOO.com at $47,000. http://dnjournal.com/archive/domainsales/2007/domainsales10-09-07.htm ********************** - NON-ENGLISH NEWS ********************** 38. Gesetzliche Regulierung für Migration zu IPv6 angeregt Bereits ab dem kommenden Jahr könnte es gesetzliche Regelungen zur Migration von IPv4 auf IPv6 geben. Das sagte der Vorsitzende des Kuratoriums der nordamerikanischen IP-Adress-Registry ARIN, John Curran, unmittelbar vor der heute startenden, turnusmäßigen ARIN-Tagung in Albuquerque. Laut US-Medienberichten sieht Curran auch durchaus auch Handlungsbedarf vons Seiten der Regierungen. ARIN hat in den vergangenen Monaten verstärkt auf die Erschöpfung des Pools an IPv4-Adressen hingewiesen http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/97546 39. Deutsche Internetnutzer wünschen einprägsamere Domainnamen für Städte und Regionen [news release] Die Mehrheit privater Internetnutzer wünscht in Zukunft die vermehrte Verwendung lokaler Domainendungen nach dem Muster .stadt oder .region, weil sie aufgrund des einprägsameren Namens wesentlich einfacher und schneller an die von ihnen gesuchten Informationen gelangen können. Das ist ein zentrales Ergebnis der Umfrage*, die der eco Verband der deutschen Internetwirtschaft Anfang Oktober durch das Marktforschungsinstitut eResult hat durchführen lassen. http://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2007-10/artikel-9273728.asp 40. Das Internet lernt Jiddisch Schon Ende nächsten Jahres könnte es Internet-Adressen in nicht-lateinischen Schriften geben. Doch bis dahin muss noch ein Test der Internetbehörde ICANN erfolgreich verlaufen. http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,2827234,00.html 41. Wie gross ist das Internet? Bald einmal werden uns die IP-Adressen ausgehen. US-Forscher haben deshalb eine Volkszählung im Internet gemacht. http://infoweek.ch/news/NW_single.cfm?news_ID=16794 42. Les gTLD à 1 caractère bientôt alloués ? L'ICANN lance jusqu'au 15 novembre 2007 un appel à propositions pour réfléchir à une méthode d'attribution des noms à 1 caractère (alphabet occidental ou chiffre) dans les extensions génériques. http://domainesinfo.fr/actualite/1339/les-gtld-a-1-caractere-bientot-alloues .php 43. L'AFNIC dévoile les interactions entre référencement et noms de domaine Dans un dossier paru la semaine dernière sur son site, le registre français soutient l'étude menée par Olivier Andrieu sur les liens étroits existants entre référencement et noms de domaine. http://domainesinfo.fr/actualite/1338/l-afnic-devoile-les-interactions-entre -referencement-et-noms-de-domaine.php 44. Les gTLD à 1 caractère bientôt alloués ? L'ICANN lance jusqu'au 15 novembre 2007 un appel à propositions pour réfléchir à une méthode d'attribution des noms à 1 caractère (alphabet occidental ou chiffre) dans les extensions génériques. http://domainesinfo.fr/actualite/1339/les-gtld-a-1-caractere-bientot-alloues .php 45. .MOBI: vers les 700 000 enregistrements L'extension dédiée aux téléphones portables s'apprête à franchir le cap des 700 000 noms, doublant en moins d'un an le volume de ses enregistrements. http://domainesinfo.fr/extension/1322/appareils-mobiles-mobi-vers-les-700-00 0-enregistrements.php 46. 5 registars dans la ligne de mire du .CN Le registre chinois publie les noms de 5 registrars vivement critiqués par les internautes pour leur démarche d'intimidation, et promet des sanctions dans les mois venir. http://domainesinfo.fr/extension/1341/chine-5-registars-dans-la-ligne-de-mir e-du-cn.php 47. Le site du .KP ouvert d'ici fin 2007 L'extension nord-coréenne, officiellement déléguée au Korea Computer Center, ouvrira son site officiel d'ici décembre 2007. http://domainesinfo.fr/extension/1340/coree-du-nord-le-site-du-kp-ouvert-d-i ci-fin-2007.php 48. L'IFPI accuse The Pirate Bay de cybersquatting L'industrie phonographique lance une action devant l'OMPI pour récupérer le nom de domaine IFPI.com, passé dans le camp des pirates suédois. http://www.vnunet.fr/fr/news/2007/10/18/l_ifpi_accuse_the_pirate_bay_de_cybe rsquatting 49. L'IFPI porte plainte contre The Pirate Bay Sans grande surprise, l' IFPI a entamé des démarches judiciaires pour tenter de récupérer le nom de domaine ifpi.com <http://ifpi.com> récemment passé sous pavillon pirate. Une reconquête qui ne devrait pas poser de problème. http://www.generation-nt.com/ifpi-pirate-bay-torrent-cybersquatting-actualit e-46385.html 50. L'IFPI va tenter de reprendre IFPI.com à The Pirate Bay On pouvait s'y attendre, la prise (légale) du nom de domaine ifpi.com <http://ifpi.com> par le groupe de pirates The Pirate Bay, afin de donner naissance à l'International Federation of Pirates Interests, n'a pas beaucoup été apprécié par l'IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry - voir The Pirate Bay parasite l'IFPI avec IFPI.com) http://www.clubic.com/actualite-83292-ifpi-reprendre-ifpi-pirate-bay.html 51. Et l'on reparle des noms de domaine d'un seul caractère L'ICANN va relancer l'idée déjà caressée en 2005, de l'adoption de nom de domaines d'une seule lettre. Un forum est actuellement organisé au sein de l'organisme avec appel à contribution pour définir une méthode d'attribution de ces noms de domaines. Très courts, ils ne représentent pas moins un intérêt important financièrement. Ces domaines à une lettre ou à un chiffre concerneront les gTLD, extensions internet à caractère générique, formées à l'origine de trois lettres et plus. http://www.pcinpact.com/actu/news/39545-icann-un-caractere-une-lettre.htm 52. Adsense à vendre 200.000 euros Le géant de l'Internet Google semble avoir oublié d'enregistrer un nom de domaine. Bilan, un Internaute l'a fait pour lui et demande 200.000 euros. http://www.zataz.com/news/15367/adsense-luxembourg.html 53. Internet em 138 milhões de domínios, diz estudo O número de nomes de domínios registrados globalmente já ultrapassa 138 milhões. A constatação vem de do estudo "Dossiê sobre a Indústria de Domínios na Internet" realizado no segundo trimestre de 2007 pela VeriSign. http://www.latinoamericann.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article &sid=1561 54. Internet Siap Jelajah Luar Angkasa Pertumbuhan jumlah pengguna internet di dunia sungguh mencengangkan. Mereka telah tumbuh sebanyak 20 kali lipat dalam satu dasawarsa ini, yakni menjadi sekitar 1,2 miliar pengguna dengan pertumbuhan server komputer dari 22,5 juta menjadi 489 juta. http://www.detikinet.com/index.php/detik.read/tahun/2007/bulan/10/tgl/18/tim e/091216/idnews/842043/idkanal/398 55. Story from Malaysia mentioning ICANN http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2007/10/18/83.html 56. Story in Chinese mentioning Vint Cerf http://www.chubun.com/modules/article/view.article.php/54255/c108 57. Story in Chinese mentioning ICANN http://www.takungpao.com.hk/news/07/10/22/_IN-812475.htm 58. Story in Russian mentioning ICANN http://www.cnews.ru/news/line/index.shtml?2007/10/12/270342 _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Day 7-10:-Available eCommunication Strategies for Regulators
by Chanuka Wattegama 23 Oct '07

23 Oct '07

Dear All, Extremely sorry to barge in this later stage, but I had no other option because the past few days were exceptionally busy. Let me share some of the useful findings from the study Benchmarking National Telecom Regulatory Authority websites of Asia-Pacific Region For those who are not familiar, This study systematically benchmarked National Telecom Regulator websites in the Asia-Pacific region, evaluating their usefulness to telecom operators, investors, consumers, researchers and even the general public. Each website is awarded marks for the availability of information and features that are useful to the regulator's stakeholders. A total of 27 websites are evaluated from a region that includes 62 economies. (More details: http://www.lirneasia.net/projects/completed-projects/regulatory-web-survey) 1. For the study I have considered 62 independent Asia Pacific economies (Hong Kong could have been the only exception, but that needs to be taken into account because of its independent regulatory environment, which cannot be put in the same category as China.) The definition used for 'Asia' was the broadest that can be thought of because it included Middle East and Central Asia as well. Out of that 62, only 33 NRAs had web sites. (This was in 2004, the situation is a bit better now) Anyway the bottom line is only 60-70% of the NRAs have some sort of websites. This raises the question how far the NRAs have thought about communications. 2. If my memory serves me right I could not benchmark NRA sites (Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and Yemen) because then they did not have English versions. So the number has to be limited to 27. (I do not say ever NRA should have an English version, but this was a practical difficulty that we could not avoid) Even out of that 27, there were many NRAs that had not given any information relevant to end consumers. The limited information gives perhaps the mandate and the top officers at NRA. One NRA website even had a page for foreign tourists. 3. Then there were sites that provided consumer information to levels varying from basic minimum to very good. There was one site that reproduced every customer complaint and monitored the progress. I am not sure whether we expect NRAs to do to that level. There were also some sites (eg. Singapore, Malaysia) that provided a gamut of information including technical details many consumers might not even follow. Anyway, I do not think this is a bad practice. We do not need everybody's grandmother to understand this information, but the fact that they are in public domain implies that all consumers (including grandmothers!) receive a better service. 4. Not many NRAs were worried about presenting the information in a language understandable to the end consumers. (The six countries I have mentioned in No. 2 were exceptions) So even if the information is available it is not sure whether the consumers can take any use of it. We also have to take into account that some of these countries have extremely low Internet penetration levels. So we come to the same problems again. The content is there, but can the consumers realistically access that? These observations raise the important question how far NRAs can use websites as a tool to interact with the end consumers. I do not try to provide an answer right now. May be I can give a better answer at GK3. Then the question how NRAs can improve their communications using e-tools. I have some good new here. After publishing the survey results some NRAs have taken serious efforts to improve their websites. India and Bangladesh are two examples. I know both these countries have benefitted from the survey results at best. I do not see any reason why others could not. Think this is adequate for the moment. I hope I have brought in the Asian dimension to the discussion. Best Rgds, Chanuka Wattegama LIRNEasia www.lirneasia.net

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The tables are turned
by Eric Osiakwan 22 Oct '07

22 Oct '07

Dear All, We are really living in interesting times especially in the ICT industry because a few years ago, it was the mobile operators and ISPs who would be knocking on the doors of the regulator complaining and sometimes weeping at the anti-competitive practices of the imcumbent PTT towards them. Today the tables have turned and in Kenya as per the story below, Telkom Kenya is rather asking CCK to put Safaricom in check because they are acting anti-competitively on the SMS platform against their CDMA operation. Five years ago, this would have being an "incorrect prophesy" but it has happen sooner than all would have expected. What is more interesting is the fact that Safaricom is 60% owned by Telkom Kenya which is fully owned by government that means that the mobile operators have become so powerful that the combined years of PTT operation and their political forces cannot turn the tables except the mediation of the regulator. This confirms Russell Southwood's recent story of the emergence of the mobile operators as the new incumbents of our time. May be one good thing is the fact that the mobile incumbents are so powerful that not a combiantion of PTT operation and political forces can impact them except the court of the regulator so the political leadership in some of our countries would now see reason to strengthen their regulators and make them independent enough to be the pivot to balance the weight of the mobile operators against their "cash cow" incumbents. Eric here Telkom Lodges SMS Petition Against Safaricom in Kenya In the fight for control of Kenya's lucrative telecoms industry, competition is becoming a useful weapon in the hands of rival firms - especially those that need to play the catch-up game to remain in the race. This market share war has become so intense that players are breaking all boundaries in the corporate rulebook. Five months ago, mobile phone service provider Celtel took its bigger and only rival Safaricom before the market regulator, accusing it of playing unfairly in the market to the disadvantage of the consumer. Now it is the national operator Telkom's turn to lodge a landmark complaint against its subsidiary -Safaricom. In its letter to Mr John Waweru, the Communications Commission of Kenya director general, Telkom Kenya is accusing Safaricom of practising anti-competitive behaviour in the market -especially in the Short Messages Services (SMS) segment of the business. Telkom says Safaricom has been blocking the exchange of SMSs between the two networks, thereby denying its customers access to key services that the national operator is offering such as the one that enables them to check their voter registration details with the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK). "Telkom Kenya is concerned that Safaricom is engaging in anti- competitive behaviour and in essence abusing its dominant market position by introducing barriers to new entrants targeting SMS market segment," Telkom says. Public attention was first drawn to the matter after some Safaricom subscribers complained that Safaricom was charging them for undelivered SMSs to Telkom Kenya's Wireless network. SMSs to Telkom network got an automatic reply indicating that delivery had failed yet the consumers were being billed. Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph acknowledged that some of its subscribers had sent messages to Telkom Kenya during the test period and may have been charged erroneously. He said that although the company was not billing SMSs to Telkom Wireless network between August 13 and August 27, some of its customers may have been billed. Safaricom later agreed to refund the affected subscribers. Telkom says that on August 16, the two interconnectivity negotiating parties met and agreed on interconnection rate and a technical testing schedule. During this period the parties also exchanged SMS test templates to be adopted in the tests. Safaricom has however not cooperated in facilitating the process, making it unable to commercialise the service. The matter seems to have reached fever pitch after Safaricom introduced a voter registry query service similar to the one Telkom Kenya had rolled out after it won an ECK tender. Telkom Kenya is complaining that failure by Safaricom to activate the SMS service is affecting its ability to use an innovative platform that delivers voter registry query services by utilizing the 460 numeric to access the ECK database. Telkom Kenya says Safaricom acted maliciously in delaying to activate the SMS service only to launch a similar service. "We are perturbed that Safaricom, having not been involved in the initial tender process is currently able to provide a similar services using the 460 prefix. This is a totally unacceptable anti- competitive behaviour," Telkom says. Mr Joseph declined to comment on the matter saying it was already before an arbiter. Telkom Kenya is the majority shareholder at Safaricom with a 60 per cent stake. It co-owns the company with the United Kingdom's Vodafone Plc which has a 40 per cent stake in the firm. (Source: Business Daily) Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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Day 9-10: Day 7-10:-Available eCommunication Strategies for Regulators
by John Walubengo 22 Oct '07

22 Oct '07

Hey, hpe u had a lovely weekend. Congrats to SA for winning the Worldcup (Rugby)... But looks like we are pretty quiet on this discussion which ends tomorrow...subitems listed below. -What are the possible e-Tools that the Regulator can deploy in their Service Provision? (1Day, Friday 19th, Oct) -How can Regulators use the e-Tools to enable synergies with Consumers, CSO and other players? (1Day, Monday 22nd Oct) -Way Forward and Conclusions (Tue 23rd, Oct) My contribution on point two. I am thinking the Regulators could dedicate part of their website for eDiscussions. Just a forum for stakeholders to discuss issues of the industry. it will then act a sounding board for the Regulators to review before making critical industry decisions... Final comments on any of the previous threads are still welcome before we dissolve the discussion tomorrow. walu. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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It is more interesting in SA
by Eric Osiakwan 22 Oct '07

22 Oct '07

Well, the mobile operators are buying the incumbent in Joburg and the politicians are comfortable with the situation....really interesting times South Africa's Government Backs Telkom Asset Sale to MTN The communications department said it backed discussions between Telkom and MTN over plans by the fixed-line operator to sell some of its infrastructure to MTN. A brief statement by the department removes one of the main hurdles that any deal would face, since the government holds 38,9% of Telkom.. "As government, we are in principle supportive of the current discussions. We will await additional information in this regard prior to commenting further." The government is presumably now more au fait with both parts of Telkom's plan, since the department is working "in an interdepartmental task team to ensure that the interest of the country, all the workers and those of shareholders is protected". Analysts think MTN may combine its business in SA with Telkom's fixed- line unit and spin that off in a publicly traded company. The new company would be worth R55bn, and MTN might give its investors shares in the new company, said Scott Ryall, an analyst for Macquarie Bank. "Although we don't believe there would be significant synergy from combining the two South African businesses, this transaction could still be a positive for MTN," Ryall said. An outright purchase by MTN of Telkom's fixed-line business would be the "worst outcome for MTN and the best for Telkom" as it would dilute MTN's growth and its attraction as an emerging markets company and transfer the risk of owning a fixed-line network, Ryall said. However, Telkom investors would benefit from a share price upside of up to 15%, he estimated. A second option was for Telkom itself to buy MTN's local operations after Telkom sold its shares in Vodacom, Ryall said. MTN's growth in SA had slowed as the market became saturated. Selling its local arm to Telkom may make MTN's operations in 20 other countries look more "appealing to growth investors ," Ryall said. (Source: Business Day) Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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[Fwd: Invitation to a Public Launch of Doing Business 2008 Report by Michael Klein, WB Vice President, 30th October 2007 at the Hilton Hotel starting 9.00am]
by alice 22 Oct '07

22 Oct '07

Dear Friend, World Bank and IFC are pleased to invite you to a free public launch of Doing Business 2008 report that ranked Kenya among the top ten reformers. Michael Klein, Vice President Financial and Private Sector Development, World Bank and International Finance Corporation and Chief Economist, IFC will present the report. Discussants will be drawn from the Government and the private sector. The event will take place on Monday, October 30, 2007 at the Hilton Hotel (Tsavo Room) starting at 9.00am. We look forward to hosting you that day. Kindly call Maureen on 3226482/4 or email kmuthembwa(a)worldbank.org to confirm your participation by Thursday, October 25 2007 Regards Keziah Muthembwa World Bank Nairobi Office Tel.: 3226484/2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) And the Government of Kenya P R E S E N T S Doing Business 2008 (Embedded image moved to file: pic00479.jpg) A Free Public Lecture by Michael Klein Vice President Financial and Private Sector Development, World Bank and International Finance Corporation and Chief Economist, IFC Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 9.00 a.m., Hilton Hotel, Tsavo Room The report from the World Bank and IFC compares indicators on business regulations and their enforcement across 178 countries. Published annually, Doing Business reports analyze government regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it, ranking countries on their ease of doing business. Top reformers are identified and best practices in how to reform are highlighted. This year?s report, the fourth to be published in the series, presents a new analysis of 50 regulatory reform case studies. Kenya was ranked among top ten reformers globally. Please call Maureen on 3226482/4 or email kmuthembwa(a)worldbank.org to confirm your participation.

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[Business Daily] How Britain lost the plot in Kenya
by Alex Gakuru 22 Oct '07

22 Oct '07

Quite an insightful story: "How Britain lost the plot in Kenya" Written by John Kamau October 22, 2007: Bogged by a fading influence on local politics and business alike and unlike his predecessors, British High Commissioner Adam Wood gets little Press coverage and courts little controversy opting for the quiet life of a diplomat. Mr Wood, who was posted to Kenya from neighbouring Uganda in 2005--and for the second tour of duty in the country--is less controversial and might never match in the public arena his two predecessors: the verbose Edward Clay of they-are-vomiting-on-our-shoes fame and Sir Jeffrey James, who came to Kenya in 1997 at the height of tribal clashes and a looming general-election. Sir Jeffrey --who later became Tony Blairs special envoy to chaotic Nepal-- left a mark and as he departed after four years he was given a tongue-lashing by former President Moi who openly called him a meddler as he, as required by protocol, went to bid the then head of state goodbye. Ever since the UK had been losing its foothold on Kenyan politics and business too - especially after new Labour took power.... http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3797&Item… __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Week42 - Nairobi Stock Exchange
by Bill Kagai 22 Oct '07

22 Oct '07

MediaCorp is now an Agent of Faida Securities. This will give us an opportunity to test our locally developed online trading tools besides the research we provide. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Stock Detective <stock.detective(a)mediacorp.co.ke> Date: Oct 22, 2007 1:16 AM Subject: Week42 - Nairobi Stock Exchange To: mediacorp.research(a)mediacorp.co.ke (c) *Nairobi** Stock Exchange – Authorised Information Vendor ** Faida Securities - ** Licensed Agent * * 19th October 2007* *Commercial and Services Sector* *1) EQUITIES* The Chairman of NSE, Jimnah Mbaru is convinced that the index graph below will tear to the roof top by next year to the level of 7,000 points. MediaCorp Stock Detectives feel that this statement holds water especially because of the Safaricom IPO effect in the market. Whether it comes this year or next year, the savvy investor should continue preparing for the same. The Attorney General has given the legal green light and Treasury mandarins have rolled up their sleeves and signed the winning bids into contract. Achieving 1,800 index points in the next year is therefore possible as the Chairman projects. The NSE 20-share index was up 5.98% during the week to close at 5175.80points. Capitalization is also picking up now. * MAIN INVESTMENT MARKET SEGMENT (MIMS)* *Agricultural Sector* Nothing much to report in this sector. We were really hoping to see more of branded Sasini tea and coffee retailing in kiosks and supermarkets but it seems it is really not kicking for this sector though supply is poor in the market. Company reports in this sector cited rains and other 'acts' of God in determining profitability but we need to push these companies to show us the money in terms of branded products up for sale. If Kenyan Coffee is used to blend and improve other brands, why is this sector slow and disappointing to investors? We traded 395,000 shares, which accounted for 0.76% of the week's traded volume. Rea-vipingo up 7.90% to shs.19.80 moved 75,000 shares. Sasini Ltd moved 269,000 shares at between shs.14.00 and shs.17.00 * Commercial and Services Sector* Interesting sector this week as all counters had an increase in share price. Scangroup up Kshs 2 after announcing its partnership with Millward Brown. Our detectives went deep into google to rake more information for you. We discovered Milward is internationally recognised in brand, media and communications research. Millward has a presence in 43 countries and works with 70 of the top 100 brands in the world. Its time they helped Sasini out. We had 9.7M shares traded, which accounted for 18.66% of the week's traded volume. CMC Holdings competitively moved 4M shares at between shs.15.00 and shs.16.50. Nation Media Group up ten shillings to shs.290.00 sold 75,000 shares. AccessKenya moved 2.4M shares at between shs.16.50 and shs18.90. * Financial Sector* The latest entry in this sector was in the news again. Parliament cleared Equity Bank of any anomalies in their business and as if to rub salt into the wound, the bank reported a cool after tax profit growing by 126 per cent to Sh1.2 billion to September on double digit growth in income from loans and transaction fees, mainly from increased ATM usage. Financials had 26M shares traded and represented 49.86% of the weeks traded volume. Equity share gained Kshs 16 this week CFC is the other interesting case. Shares here are in demand and the counter closed up Kshs 10 at Kshs 131. The shareholding structure has been complex but the bottom line is that the South Africans want a piece of the financial sector in Kenya. So go ahead and buy low and sell high to them at a tidy profit. KCB was the week's biggest mover, with 9.9M shares changing hands at between shs.24.00 and shs.27.00. NIC Bank was up 18.06% to close the week at shs.170.00 on a volume of 217,000 shares. Kenya Re moved 8.2M shares at between shs.15.25 and shs.16.00. * Industrial and Allied Sector* In this sector, Bamburi Cement announced it will spend kshs 6.7 Billion to expand its subsidiary in Hima Cement in Western Uganda and double the plant's capacity. The economy is indeed growing because we are not satisfying the demand. The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport expansion programme is actually being slowed due to lack of timely cement delivery. The economy is growing and and any company doing cem,ent is making money. You are safe with any of these stocks. This sector had 12.8M shares, which accounted for 24.58% of the week's traded volume. Mumias Sugar was the most heavily traded counter in this sector, with 6.8M shares dealt at between shs.38.50 and shs.45.00. KenGen up 8.82% to shs.27.75 moved 3M shares. A*LTERNATIVE INVESTMENT MARKET SEGMENT (AIMS).* This market segment had 154,000 shares, which accounted for 0.29% of the week's volume. Express Ltd moved 148,000 shares during the week and closed at shs.23.00. A*NNOUNCEMENT Mediacorp is now a licensed agent of Faida Securities Limited. Besides the in-depth analysis of the market, we will also transact your orders with speed and diligence. For more details, please email us. info(a)mediacorp.co.ke * Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited Faida Securities Limited - Licensed Agent Nairobi Stock Exchange Authorised Information Vendor Suite B2, Tetu Apartments, State House Avenue P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel. 254 20 272 8332 Fax. Rendered Obsolete www.mediacorp.co.ke <http://www.mediacorpafrica.com>

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Re: [kictanet] Fwd: Conncet Africa, was Re: [AfrISPA.Discuss] SV: [Fibre-for-africa] Connectivity: What does Africa really need?
by Eric Osiakwan 21 Oct '07

21 Oct '07

CCK Grants Safaricom 3G Licence in Kenya The Communications Commission of Kenya has granted Safaricom the first third generation (3G) licence for $25 million (Sh1.6 billion). Information and Communication minister Mr Mutahi Kagwe said proceeds from the license fee would be used to develop information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure in the country. The money will foot part of bill for the laying of The East Africa Marine System (Teams) undersea fibre optic cable and the Fibre Optic National Network (Fonn). The licence will allow Safaricom to rollout 3G services that include high-speed data communications such us mobile Internet access, mobile videoconferencing and videophone. (Source: East African Standard) On 19 Oct 2007, at 23:35, Anders Comstedt wrote: > Jabulani is hitting the nail noting that the funds are less of a > problem from now on. The solid growth of the sector in Africa, and > not least the areas not served by fibre optic backbones to the rest > of the world, has now passed the point where a business case could > be made. > > > All of a sudden it is more about the strong first mover advantages > in this new situation. Who will be allowed to move? > > > If the entire sector, not the individual company X or Z, should > continue to grow you cannot have strong new entry barriers holding > back competition and innovation. The first mover advantage on fibre > backbones is just about that. The only way is to find mechanisms to > share assets that will not be replicated and are really not any > differentiator: Fibre backbones. That means finding ways of sharing > risks, building trust between the users of such a facility. > Unfortunately, lots of the process past WSIS has been about the > reverse, how could my company/group/country get on top in > controlling assets to my advantage? > > > True, sharing has shown to be extremely tricky everywhere, but even > so, that is the big trend in many places, prompted and facilitated > by the regulators and policy makers. Structural separation is for > instance debated in several places in the EU, not least by the DG > INFO commissioner Reding. If overbuild of wireline structures, > duplication by several operators, cannot be supported outside metro > cores in EU, well, then it wont happen anywhere else either. > Period. Even in tiny Singapore, a common fibre structure is under way. > > > Ultimately, a few years down the road you will end up either > sharing in a joint separate operation you trust, or one(possibly > two) operator will be regulated to sell at cost related prices. > > > Today, the big remaining process problem is not looking at the > individual company/companies, but on the sector. And looking one > step behind, how the development of the sector will transform into > general development leverage. Or to bend the words of a former US > president: It is about the ICT jobs with the users, stupid! > > > It is easy for policy makers to be trapped to consider one operator > or the other and get lost in the details. User agents are the most > missing in this debate. But in their absence small ISPs and > internet activists will have to do. The most critical thing right > now is creating the political support for sharing and then > lubricating the risk taking mechanisms involving the parties > responsible/involved in the operational implementation. > > > Unfortunately, the ITU system has no track record of driving any > process like this, but is stuck in relations between vertically > integrated, standalone operators, their traditional stakeholders. > Making these ideas stick in Kigali will be tough, nevertheless, > there are only these two ways forward indicated above in the long > run. It took us a decade and a half to do stupid things in EU just > delaying this process after the early 90ies start of the > liberalization. Now we realize that we have to bite the bullet > anyhow as technology has changed from PTSN to layered networks and > modules, and several businesses are competing on various IP based > services. > > > > There is zero reason for Africa to not leap frog this wheel > spinning in a dead end. > > > Governments are not leaving to the civil work contractors to decide > where they like to have the road, or?… > > > All the best > > > Anders Comstedt > > > -----Ursprungligt meddelande----- > Från: Discuss-owner(a)afrispa.org [mailto:Discuss-owner@afrispa.org] > För Jabulani Dhliwayo > Skickat: den 19 oktober 2007 17:04 > Till: Discuss(a)afrispa.org; discuss(a)afrispa.org > Kopia: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Ämne: Re: Fwd: Conncet Africa, was Re: [AfrISPA.Discuss] SV: [Fibre- > for-africa] Connectivity: What does Africa really need? > > > It's good to know about the proposals and funds being organized for > high capacity Infrastructure. I am also confident that coming up > with a "how to" component should not be much of a problem. Funding > is only one variable in the equation for sound ICT infrastructure, > policy/regulation remains one significant variable. So at the end > of the day, it does not matter how much money is available and how > solid the plans are, as long as frustrating policies remain in > place, we will continue to have problems. > > > I hope those of you attending Connect-Africa will be able to bring > policy issues to the fore-front - unfortunately I had to cancell my > plans for attending this event because of other travel assignments. > However, I will be attend the Submarine Networks Africa event in > Johannesburg - November 27-28 and I hope to meet some you there and > hopefully together we can push for more sensible regulations. > > > Jabulani Dhliwayo > > http://www.alignafrica.com > > Eric Osiakwan <eric(a)afrispa.org> wrote: > > > > Begin forwarded message: > > > > > From: Shem Ochuodho <shemochuodho(a)yahoo.com> > > Date: 19 October 2007 07:34:09 GMT+03:00 > > To: anriette(a)apc.org, APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop > Participants <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > > Subject: Re: Conncet Africa, was Re: SV: [Fibre-for-africa] > Connectivity: What does Africa really need? > > Reply-To: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants > <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > > > Yes, Anders raise very pertinent points (in typical style!). > > > I plan to be there. I was privileged to attend one of the technical > planning meetings in Addis. One of the strong targets being > recommended by the techies is "Broadband Connectivity to all > capitals and other major cities by 2012". The 'how-to' part of it > is still weak, and this is where Anders' proposal for a Broadband > Infrastructure Development fund comes in handy. Just note that > already there are at least: NEPAD Pan-African Infrastructure Devpt > Fund (understandably with billions of US$ already in it - thanks to > SA Pensions Funds) , COMESA Infrastructure Devpt Fund, East Africa > Infrastructure Devpt Fund (proposed), Digital Solidarity Fund, and > am sure there could be several others. Licensing fees, or even > better annual universal service/access contributions could be a > good sustainable entry entry point. > > > Warmest rgrds. > > Shem, Nairobi > > Anriette Esterhuysen <anriette(a)apc.org> wrote: > > Very good arguments. And certainly a position we should > be advocating for at the upcoming Connect Africa > Summit. > > Who on this will will be there? > > Anriette > > > From: "waudo siganga" > > To: "APC - Private list for use by EASSY > Workshop Participants" , > "'APC - Private list for use by EASSY > Workshop Participants'" > Subject: Re: SV: [Fibre-for-africa] Connectivity: What > does Africa really need? > Date sent: Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:25:05 +0300 > Send reply to: APC - Private list for use by EASSY > Workshop Participants > > request(a)lists.apc.org?subject=unsubscribe> > request(a)lists.apc.org?subject=subscribe> > > > Good arguments from Anders - Waudo > > > > On Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:26:53 +0200, "Anders Comstedt" > > said: > > > Dear Wakabi and others > > > > > > Isn't it difficult to ask for a Marshall plan and at the same time > > > see how the sector and, above all, its users are financially > > > drained? > > > > > > PROFITABLE TELECOMS > > > Surprisingly there are higher profit margins in most of the > business > > > that the mobile phone operators have in Africa, including or > > > excluding the licence fees, comparing to counterparts in more open > > > and competitive markets. How is that? Why is competition > restricted > > > and prices not coming down, in particular considering the low > > > purchase power of the users? Some people obviously don't want to > > > change the ball game. > > > > > > The combined sector revenues to governments and shareholders > make it > > > a little bit difficult to say that the sector cannot finance > its own > > > investments, expanding footprint and new services. Actually at the > > > same time even reduce user prices quite a bit. How come that the > > > users are not given more choices from several competing providers? > > > Shifting value to much to users, or? > > > > > > The typical licensing regime still seems, in general, to serve no > > > other purpose but to sell operators a hunting licence on users, > > > maximising the government revenues in the process. The scarce > > > spectrum resource is in many ways used as an over inflated bogus > > > argument in lack of any better. True, it is to some extent an > issue > > > and the licensing should focus on it, skipping licensing and all > > > other restrictions on open market, free provision of service. > On the > > > contrary, dominant players should be obliged to interconnect, not > > > being sheltered from competition. > > > > > > Why are operator investments taxed, instead of profits, if you > like > > > to drive investments? > > > > > > > > > SHARING INFRASTRUCTURE > > > Sharing basic, non-differentiating infrastructure at cost related > > > prices turns out to be a good business proposal (like > > > http://www.openreach.co.uk ) as it is always cheaper than > > > do-it-yourself if you have a few service competitors using it. > High > > > utilisation would create a lower cost base for all operators. > But it > > > requires organisational structure that lowers operational and > > > political risks. What is done to lower those risks? > > > > > > Note, the most important thing in shared infrastructure is TRUST. > > > > > > Or, who would like to bet the farm on being depending upon a > flimsy > > > operation controlled by people with no skin in the game? > > > > > > > > > USERS > > > The most appalling absence in the African telecom policy debate is > > > the users and the user agents. True, the telecom sector is > dominated > > > by a producer perspective globally, but in places where strong > user > > > agents are balancing these forces we get a more reasonable > chunk of > > > the value distributed to all parties. How will user agents come > > > forward in the debate? > > > > > > > > > The ITU > > > Wouldn't it be interesting to put half of all the combined licence > > > revenues for the coming two years into an African backbone and > > > global interconnectivity fund? To create an infrastructure open to > > > all providers, new or old, on equal terms. Now that is a task for > > > the ITU! Or is the ITU too dominated by folks who don't want to > > > change the ball game to the advantage of users? > > > > > > > > > The document would benefit from touching the areas above. > > > > > > Sincerely > > > > > > Anders Comstedt > > > > > > > > > -----Ursprungligt meddelande----- > > > Från: fibre-for-africa-bounces(a)lists.apc.org > > > [mailto:fibre-for-africa-bounces@lists.apc.org] För Wairagala > Wakabi > > > Skickat: den 16 oktober 2007 07:17 Till: APC - Private list for > use > > > by EASSY Workshop Participants Ämne: [Fibre-for-africa] > > > Connectivity: What does Africa really need? > > > > > > Netters, > > > > > > The ITU is convening the 'Connects Africa' summit in Kigali, > Rwanda > > > on October 29-30. Its main concerns are that Internet services > > > needed for business, government and consumer applications continue > > > to be either very expensive or not available due to limited > > > broadband network infrastructure; and that rural connectivity and > > > access remain inadequate as does the availability of locally > > > relevant content, applications and services. > > > > > > This paper, by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for > > > East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), outlines some of the issues > that > > > need to be addressed for the vision of boosting connectivity in > > > Africa to be realised. > > > > > > > > > http://fibreforafrica.net/main.shtml?x=5236108&als[MYALIAS6] > =Joining > > > %20the%2 0dots&als[select]=4051582 > > > > > > > > > Wakabi > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > > > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > > > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > > > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > > > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > -- > > waudo siganga > > emailsignet(a)mailcan.com > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > > > > > -- > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > > Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.14.13/1074 - Release Date: > > 10/16/2007 2:14 PM > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------ > Anriette Esterhuysen, Executive Director > Association for Progressive Communications > anriette(a)apc.org > http://www.apc.org > PO Box 29755, Melville, South Africa. 2109 > Tel. 27 11 726 1692 > Fax 27 11 726 1692 > > > > > Shem J. Ochuodho, MSc (Eng), PhD, LLD (Hon) > Parliamentary Aspirant (2007), Rangwe Constituency, Kenya > Kenya Community Abroad (KCA) 2006/07 Excellence Award Winner > AfricaOnline 2005 Industry Pioneer Award Recipient > Cell: +254-721-269702 (Kenya/roaming), Skype: shem.ochuodho > Please join/be part of our campaign at:http://groups.yahoo.com/ > group/shemochuodhoforparliament2007/ > > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around > http://mail.yahoo.com > > _______________________________________________ > > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > > Executive Secretary > > AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) > > Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 > > Fax: + 233.21.258811 > > Cell: + 233.244.386792 > > Handle: eosiakwan > > Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North > > Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > > Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ > > Slang: "Tomorrow Now" > > > > > > > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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social entrepreneurs win!!!
by Jose' 20 Oct '07

20 Oct '07

Dear Collegues, It is time to announce the 100 winners and ta ta ta taaaaah here you go: www.globalknowledge.org/ysef07/index.cfm?&menuid=10&parentid=7 Congratulations to the winners !!! As someone once said : When a social entrepreneur wins, all social entrepreneurs win. The winners were selected based on the aggregate points from the jury evaluation and the referee reports.The regional limitation was dropped, but applied the country limitation that limits the number of winners per country to 7. Enjoy your viewing. Hmmm!!! I wonder if Kimathi Information Centre has made it.......Let me double click the url to conferm. Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Fwd: Conncet Africa, was Re: SV: [Fibre-for-africa] Connectivity: What does Africa really need?
by Eric Osiakwan 19 Oct '07

19 Oct '07

Begin forwarded message: > From: Shem Ochuodho <shemochuodho(a)yahoo.com> > Date: 19 October 2007 07:34:09 GMT+03:00 > To: anriette(a)apc.org, APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop > Participants <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > Subject: Re: Conncet Africa, was Re: SV: [Fibre-for-africa] > Connectivity: What does Africa really need? > Reply-To: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants > <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > > Yes, Anders raise very pertinent points (in typical style!). > > I plan to be there. I was privileged to attend one of the technical > planning meetings in Addis. One of the strong targets being > recommended by the techies is "Broadband Connectivity to all > capitals and other major cities by 2012". The 'how-to' part of it > is still weak, and this is where Anders' proposal for a Broadband > Infrastructure Development fund comes in handy. Just note that > already there are at least: NEPAD Pan-African Infrastructure Devpt > Fund (understandably with billions of US$ already in it - thanks to > SA Pensions Funds) , COMESA Infrastructure Devpt Fund, East Africa > Infrastructure Devpt Fund (proposed), Digital Solidarity Fund, and > am sure there could be several others. Licensing fees, or even > better annual universal service/access contributions could be a > good sustainable entry entry point. > > Warmest rgrds. > Shem, Nairobi > > Anriette Esterhuysen <anriette(a)apc.org> wrote: > Very good arguments. And certainly a position we should > be advocating for at the upcoming Connect Africa > Summit. > > Who on this will will be there? > > Anriette > > > From: "waudo siganga" > > To: "APC - Private list for use by EASSY > Workshop Participants" , > "'APC - Private list for use by EASSY > Workshop Participants'" > Subject: Re: SV: [Fibre-for-africa] Connectivity: What > does Africa really need? > Date sent: Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:25:05 +0300 > Send reply to: APC - Private list for use by EASSY > Workshop Participants > > request(a)lists.apc.org?subject=unsubscribe> > request(a)lists.apc.org?subject=subscribe> > > > Good arguments from Anders - Waudo > > > > On Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:26:53 +0200, "Anders Comstedt" > > said: > > > Dear Wakabi and others > > > > > > Isn't it difficult to ask for a Marshall plan and at the same time > > > see how the sector and, above all, its users are financially > > > drained? > > > > > > PROFITABLE TELECOMS > > > Surprisingly there are higher profit margins in most of the > business > > > that the mobile phone operators have in Africa, including or > > > excluding the licence fees, comparing to counterparts in more open > > > and competitive markets. How is that? Why is competition > restricted > > > and prices not coming down, in particular considering the low > > > purchase power of the users? Some people obviously don't want to > > > change the ball game. > > > > > > The combined sector revenues to governments and shareholders > make it > > > a little bit difficult to say that the sector cannot finance > its own > > > investments, expanding footprint and new services. Actually at the > > > same time even reduce user prices quite a bit. How come that the > > > users are not given more choices from several competing providers? > > > Shifting value to much to users, or? > > > > > > The typical licensing regime still seems, in general, to serve no > > > other purpose but to sell operators a hunting licence on users, > > > maximising the government revenues in the process. The scarce > > > spectrum resource is in many ways used as an over inflated bogus > > > argument in lack of any better. True, it is to some extent an > issue > > > and the licensing should focus on it, skipping licensing and all > > > other restrictions on open market, free provision of service. > On the > > > contrary, dominant players should be obliged to interconnect, not > > > being sheltered from competition. > > > > > > Why are operator investments taxed, instead of profits, if you > like > > > to drive investments? > > > > > > > > > SHARING INFRASTRUCTURE > > > Sharing basic, non-differentiating infrastructure at cost related > > > prices turns out to be a good business proposal (like > > > http://www.openreach.co.uk ) as it is always cheaper than > > > do-it-yourself if you have a few service competitors using it. > High > > > utilisation would create a lower cost base for all operators. > But it > > > requires organisational structure that lowers operational and > > > political risks. What is done to lower those risks? > > > > > > Note, the most important thing in shared infrastructure is TRUST. > > > > > > Or, who would like to bet the farm on being depending upon a > flimsy > > > operation controlled by people with no skin in the game? > > > > > > > > > USERS > > > The most appalling absence in the African telecom policy debate is > > > the users and the user agents. True, the telecom sector is > dominated > > > by a producer perspective globally, but in places where strong > user > > > agents are balancing these forces we get a more reasonable > chunk of > > > the value distributed to all parties. How will user agents come > > > forward in the debate? > > > > > > > > > The ITU > > > Wouldn't it be interesting to put half of all the combined licence > > > revenues for the coming two years into an African backbone and > > > global interconnectivity fund? To create an infrastructure open to > > > all providers, new or old, on equal terms. Now that is a task for > > > the ITU! Or is the ITU too dominated by folks who don't want to > > > change the ball game to the advantage of users? > > > > > > > > > The document would benefit from touching the areas above. > > > > > > Sincerely > > > > > > Anders Comstedt > > > > > > > > > -----Ursprungligt meddelande----- > > > Från: fibre-for-africa-bounces(a)lists.apc.org > > > [mailto:fibre-for-africa-bounces@lists.apc.org] För Wairagala > Wakabi > > > Skickat: den 16 oktober 2007 07:17 Till: APC - Private list for > use > > > by EASSY Workshop Participants Ämne: [Fibre-for-africa] > > > Connectivity: What does Africa really need? > > > > > > Netters, > > > > > > The ITU is convening the 'Connects Africa' summit in Kigali, > Rwanda > > > on October 29-30. Its main concerns are that Internet services > > > needed for business, government and consumer applications continue > > > to be either very expensive or not available due to limited > > > broadband network infrastructure; and that rural connectivity and > > > access remain inadequate as does the availability of locally > > > relevant content, applications and services. > > > > > > This paper, by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for > > > East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), outlines some of the issues > that > > > need to be addressed for the vision of boosting connectivity in > > > Africa to be realised. > > > > > > > > > http://fibreforafrica.net/main.shtml?x=5236108&als[MYALIAS6] > =Joining > > > %20the%2 0dots&als[select]=4051582 > > > > > > > > > Wakabi > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > > > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > > > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > > > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > > > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > -- > > waudo siganga > > emailsignet(a)mailcan.com > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > > > > > -- > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > > Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.14.13/1074 - Release Date: > > 10/16/2007 2:14 PM > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------ > Anriette Esterhuysen, Executive Director > Association for Progressive Communications > anriette(a)apc.org > http://www.apc.org > PO Box 29755, Melville, South Africa. 2109 > Tel. 27 11 726 1692 > Fax 27 11 726 1692 > > > Shem J. Ochuodho, MSc (Eng), PhD, LLD (Hon) > Parliamentary Aspirant (2007), Rangwe Constituency, Kenya > Kenya Community Abroad (KCA) 2006/07 Excellence Award Winner > AfricaOnline 2005 Industry Pioneer Award Recipient > Cell: +254-721-269702 (Kenya/roaming), Skype: shem.ochuodho > Please join/be part of our campaign at: http://groups.yahoo.com/ > group/shemochuodhoforparliament2007/ > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around > http://mail.yahoo.com > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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Fw: [UgaBYTES] The APC Chris Nicol FOSS Prize,
by Florence Etta 19 Oct '07

19 Oct '07

fyi sorry for crossposting FE On 18/10/2007, Nabil Eid <nabileid21(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Dear colleagues, Kindly read about APC FOSS The APC Chris Nicol FOSS Prize, Person or group doing extraordinary work to make it easy for ordinary computer users to start using free and open source software (FOSS). Two initiatives have been selected by an international jury and awarded The APC Chris Nicol FOSS Prize 2007. Yet another initiative received a honorable mention. Prize winners are initiatives: - Free Geek, USA - NepaLinux, Nepal winning initiatives Free Geek http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=5241758 NepaLinux http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=5241651 Honorable mention was awarded to: - Gleducar, Argentina A ceremony celebrating the prize winners will be held during the APC council meeting in Rio de Janeiro on November 6, 6 pm local time. Source : APC News Best Regards Nabil Eid ICT4D in SNE Salamieh Community Telecentre - Syria Tel:(+963 33) 832360 Fax:(+963 33) 832361 E-mail: nabileid21(a)yahoo.com Website: http://www.caihand.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ ugabytes mailing list ugabytes(a)lists.ugabytes.org http://lists.ugabytes.org/mailman/listinfo/ugabytes_lists.ugabytes.org -- thank you Ahmed M. M. Eisa Chairman of GDCO - Sudan www.gedarefcity.org www.gedaref.com ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Answers - Got a question? Someone out there knows the answer. Try it now. http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/ _______________________________________________ ugabytes mailing list ugabytes(a)lists.ugabytes.org http://lists.ugabytes.org/mailman/listinfo/ugabytes_lists.ugabytes.org

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Invitation to connect on LinkedIn
by Nancy Bosire 18 Oct '07

18 Oct '07

KICTAnet, I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn. -Nancy Accept Nancy Bosire's invite: https://www.linkedin.com/e/isd/153750284/1SOSR0Vc/ ------------------------------------------ "Increasingly, if you're not LinkedIn, you're left out." --CNN Money ------ (c) 2007, LinkedIn Corporation

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Fw: [Fibre-for-africa] Fwd: Govt Ministers Approve $ 2bn 'Uhurunet' Cable
by Florence Etta 18 Oct '07

18 Oct '07

FYI sorry for crossposting FE ---------------------------- Original Message ---------------------------- Subject: Government Ministers Approve $ 2bn Submarine Cable to Connect Africa From: "Samuel Mikenga" <SMikenga(a)eafricacommission.org> Date: Thu, October 18, 2007 8:03 am -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Government Ministers Approve $ 2bn Submarine Cable to Connect Africa Government Ministers responsible for Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) from eastern and southern African countries endorsed a $ 2 bn submarine cable project to connect Africa, and called for its speedy implementation. This was revealed at a press conference held, 15 October 2007 in Johannesburg, South Africa. With a capacity of 3.84 Terrabits/sec, the 50,000 km cable is designed to provide telecommunications connectivity to Africa and connect the continent to the Americas, India, and Europe. It is expected that completion of this project will greatly contribute to reduction of telecommunications costs that have been a hindrance to doing business in Africa. Recognising the urgent need to have ICT broadband infrastructure to support high-quality, high-speed and reliable electronic communications in Africa and connecting to the rest of the world at affordable prices thus accelerated regional and continental integration; we welcome this initiative and recommit ourselves to ensuring a speedy implementation of this important project, a statement read by the Ugandan Minister for ICT, Dr Ham Mukasa Mulira, who chaired the Ministers meeting, read in part. The Ministers named the submarine segment of the NEPAD network UHURUNET; its terrestrial segment, UMOJANET; and recommended the Holding Company of the Submarine cable, BAHARICOM. Under the arrangement, NEPAD Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be the largest single shareholder. We have accordingly directed The NEPAD e-Africa Commission to present on our behalf the proposed submarine cable system to the meeting of African Ministers responsible for Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and/or Telecommunications, and to the Heads of State and Government Summit, Dr Mulira added. The Government of Rwanda has invited African Ministers to the Connect Africa Summit to be held in Kigali on 29-30th October 2007, under the Patronage of President Paul Kagame of the Republic of Rwanda and President Agyekum Kufour, the President of Ghana and current Chairperson of the African Union, and other invited Heads of State. African Owned Cable South African Minister for communications, Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri said the experiences in South Africa and Mauritius show that private sector-led undersea cable projects, where the private clubs decide the cost of telecommunications, have never been beneficial to countries in urgent need of affordable broadband connectivity. She said that the NEPAD cable would be majority African owned and advised that the best initiatives for Africa were those that were not only geared towards making profits but also putting Africas development concerns under consideration. Many Benefits The collaboration on the construction of a highly capacity submarine cable system initiative to connect Africa to the rest of the world is coordinated by the NEPAD e-African Commission. Says Dr Henry Chasia, the Executive Deputy Chairperson of NEPAD e-Africa Commission, This is a joint collaboration to leverage different submarine cable initiatives for the development of a high capacity African submarine cable as part of the accelerated implementation of the Kigali protocol This submarine cable will have landing points provisions in all coastal and Island countries, provide increased capacity to all destinations, and participants will benefit from economies of scale , added Dr Chasia. To enable all African countries enjoy the benefits of UHURUNET and UMOJANET, the Ministers directed the NEPAD e-Africa Commission to work with the African Union Commission to develop the modalities to enable any African country that may wish to access to the Kigali Protocol, do so. It is expected that the cable will be completed before the FIFA 2010 World Cup scheduled to take place in South Africa. Ends Notes for Editors 1. UHURU is a Kiswahili word meaning freedom. The submarine segment of the NEPAD network was named UHURUNET in recognition of the fiftieth anniversary of the beginning of Sub-Sahara African independence from colonial rule and the importance of the cable for economic freedom in Africa. 2. UMOJA is a kiswahili word meaning togetherness. The Ministers designated the terrestrial segment of the NEPAD network as UMOJANET in recognition of the spirit of unity in action among, and united action by all the stakeholders of the countries of Eastern and Southern Africa involved in the project. 3. BAHARI is a Kiswahili word that means sea. The Ministers recommended that the holding company of the submarine cable be named BAHARICOM because it was operating an under-sea cable. 4. About the Protocol The Protocol on the Policy and Regulatory framework for NEPAD ICT Broadband Infrastructure Network is based on the Constitutive Act of the African Union. Its main objective is to facilitate and commit the Parties to the construction and operation of the NEPAD ICT Broadband Infrastructure Network on Open Access principles of operation, which ensure a level playing field and equal access to the infrastructure. Hosted by the Rwandan Government and African Union (AU), the protocol signing ceremony of ICT Ministers from Eastern and Southern African countries participating in the NEPAD ICT Broadband Infrastructure Network, including the Submarine Cable Segment, took place in Kigali, Rwanda on 28-29 August 2006. The ceremony was presided over by the Rwandan President HE Paul Kagame. The protocol provides for the formation of an Inter-Governmental Assembly (IGA), which is responsible for ensuring the speedy implementation of the NEPAD ICT Broadband Infrastructure Network. Currently, the signatory countries are in the process of ratifying the Kigali protocol to make it operational. Project Run under NEPAD Principles The NEPAD e-Africa Commission is working to ensure the realization of the priority ICT objective for Africa: all African countries getting connected to one another by broadband fibre optic cable systems that will in turn link them to the rest of the world through existing or planned sub-marine cable systems. Since its adoption by Heads of States and Government Implementation Committee (HSGIC) in November 2004 as a NEPAD flagship Project, the ICT Broadband Infrastructure Project, is being run under the auspices, context and principles of NEPAD, which emphasize collaboration among African countries, and specifically African ownership and leadership. For more information, please contact: Samuel Mikenga Manager, Public Communications NEPAD e-Africa Commission Email: SMikenga(a)eafricacommission.org Tel: +27 12 841 4523 (office); Tel: +27 725 296 769 (mobile) Fax: +27 12 841 4094 CSIR Building 43B Meiring Naude Road Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA Website: www.eafricacommission.org Samuel Mikenga Manager, Public Communications NEPAD e-Africa Commission Email: SMikenga(a)eafricacommission.org Email: s.mikenga(a)paris.com Tel: +27 12 841 4523 (office) Tel: +27 725 296 769 (mobile) Fax: +27 12 841 4094 CSIR Building 43B Meiring Naude Road Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA Website: www.eafricacommission.org _______________________________________________ Fibre-for-africa mailing list Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa ___________________________________________________________ Want ideas for reducing your carbon footprint? Visit Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/environment.html

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Re: [kictanet] Day 6 of 10: current challenges facing the eRegulator
by John Walubengo 18 Oct '07

18 Oct '07

My apologies to David Murray (Celtel) - wrongly referred to by his predecessors name (Gerhard)...my bad. Old habits do indeed die hard ;-) walu. --- John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > quite enriching indeed this research by IDRC. > > It seems to have spoken for the Consumer > Societies/Assosciations. I never knew me as a consumer > deserved such 'rights & privilages' as highlighted in > your > summary below. And yes, I do miss the input from > Operators. Other than Jonathan (AccessKenya), it looks > most have opted to watch events as they unfold. Mugambi > (TKL) Kai(KDN) Michael J (Safaricom), Gerhard (Celtel), > Sammy B(TESPOK) any contributions on these discussions? > > walu. > --- eadera(a)idrc.or.ke wrote: > > > Interesting discussions. > > > > I would like to enrich the discussions by sharing the > > results of an > > IDRC Research study aimed at understanding consumer > > issues in the ICT > > sector and practical ways in which they could be > > addressed. It's > > entitled "holding companies to account" - report > > attached, > > recommendations here below for quick reference. Anyone > > interested in > > the published hardcopy report or CD Rom, please let me > > know and we > > will be glad to share these with you (we have several > > copies). > > > > Kenya is one of the case studies with an African > overview > > included. > > Kenyan operators participated in the interim results > > sharing session. > > It was also shared with ARICEA regulators and very well > > received. > > > > However one of the greatest challenges was getting > > complaint data > > from the operators for open analysis - key question - > how > > can > > complaint data be declared public domain information? > > This would open > > a wide range of opportunities for accountability and > > redress. > > > > Beyond making information available (even if you > provide > > it directly > > to mobile phones), what practical avenues exist to > > redress > > complaints? Effective ways? What mechanisms would > provide > > greater > > bargaining power for consumers? > > > > IDRC is currently considering a follow-up > action-oriented > > initiative > > that will engage with regulators and consumer bodies, > > where they > > exist, to explore some practical solutions to these > > issues. The > > demand has come from regulators in 5 countries > following > > the ARICEA > > presentation. > > > > It would be nice to hear contributions from operators > and > > the > > regulator, they are missing in the discussions > > > > Edith Adera > > > > ****** > > Recommendations: > > > > Key issues from a consumer perspective: From all the > > evidence > > gathered for > > this study it is clear that three broad issues affect > > consumers > > adversely: > > price of service, quality of service and access to > > service. > > As operators become more established, regulators need > to > > shift their > > emphasis from the industry part of their mandate to > > addressing the > > consumer > > interest more directly under each of these three > > headings. A > > key area for concern affecting large numbers of > consumers > > is the lack > > of > > price competition in most African > > mobile markets. > > > > A consumer framework law, regulation and codes of > > conduct: Where > > consumer > > and competition law exists, it is important to > encourage > > the > > undertaking of > > test cases to demonstrate that these laws can operate > and > > that the > > successful conclusion of test cases will help > regulators > > support the > > consumer interest in their discussions with industry. > > Where it has > > not > > already occurred, regulators need to encourage > > competition > > (particularly in > > the services layer) to help address the issues of price > > and quality > > of service. > > > > Complaint resolution: Where it does not already occur, > > regulators > > need to > > ensure that a Code of Conduct (covering the rights and > > responsibilities of > > consumers) is a condition of licence for operators, > along > > with the > > obligation to publicise the existence of the Code of > > Conduct. > > > > Regulators need to publicise their own complaints > > procedures > > effectively > > and gather data from complaints made that can influence > > policy and > > regulation. Where it does not already occur, the > Consumer > > function > > within the regulator needs to be: properly resourced, > > managed at a > > senior > > level and have direct access to senior management. > > > > The informed consumer the need for information to help > > choice: > > Serious consideration should be given regulatory > > enforcement of > > compulsory > > disclosure by the operators > > of accurate, comparable statistical information > relating > > to the > > numbers and > > breakdown of customer complaints. While this is likely > to > > be resisted > > by > > the companies concerned, and although careful > formulation > > is necessary to ensure comparability and > > comprehensiveness, it would > > greatly incentivise customer responsiveness on the part > > of the > > companies. > > It would act as a powerful tool to promote consumer > > empowerment and > > freedom > > of choice. > > > > If compulsory disclosure proves impossible to implement > > then > > regulators > > should themselves initiate independent surveys that > > identify levels > > of > > consumer satisfaction. > > > > As with the example from India given in Box 4, > regulators > > need to set > > a > > simple "basket" of performance indicators on which > > operators can be > > judged > > and the results from these studies should be published > at > > least > > on an annual basis. On a slightly broader front, > > regulators need to > > be more > > proactive in educating consumers about market issues > like > === message truncated === __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] The “Internet of Things,” the Internet and Internet Governance
by Eric Osiakwan 18 Oct '07

18 Oct '07

Begin forwarded message: > From: "Anne-Rachel Inné" <annerachel(a)gmail.com> > Date: 18 October 2007 00:01:57 GMT+03:00 > To: africann(a)afrinic.net > Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] The “Internet of Things,” the Internet > and Internet Governance > Reply-To: africann(a)afrinic.net > > http://www.circleid.com/posts/ > 7101616_the_internet_of_things_governance/ > > The "Internet of Things," the Internet and Internet Governance > Oct 16, 2007 5:52 PM PST | Comments: 1 > By Brian Cute > > As the second Internet Governance Forum approaches, it is an > appropriate moment to take stock of how the Internet Governance > dialogue has evolved since the conclusion of the WSIS Summit in 2005. > One year after the first IGF in Athens, it is clear that government, > industry and civil society stakeholders are still grappling over the > direction and focus of the IGF. For skeptics who view the IGF as > little more than a talk shop that kicked the Internet Governance "can" > down the road five years, the evolution of this dialogue is of minor > consequence. For those who view the IGF as something more, it is clear > that the IGF dialogue will indeed evolve and, along the way, will > impact the conceptual approach governments take to the Internet > itself. There is little doubt that some governments will choose to > borrow concepts from the IGF when developing law and policy and will > ultimately apply them to the Internet within their respective > jurisdictions. Given the global nature of the Internet, this should be > a fundamental concern. > > While this important dialogue about the Internet continues at the IGF > in Brazil next month, another no less important debate is emerging > with regard to RFID technology and the so-called "Internet of Things." > The Internet of Things is a term coined to describe a future > ubiquitous sensor network that collects commercial and personal data > in public and private settings created, in part, through the rollout > of RFID technology. The Internet of Things, according to some, is > defined by the ability of things or devices to communicate and > interact with each other. An ITU Internet Report from 2005 forecasts > that with the implementation of RFID, "[c]onnections will multiply and > create an entirely new dynamic network of networks—an Internet of > Things." Questions have arisen about what governance principles should > apply to the Internet of Things and analytical reference to IGF > governance concepts will inevitably be made. > > Although RFID is not a new technology, supply chain and consumer-based > implementations remain at a relatively nascent stage. Since RFID > implementations are occurring primarily in the business supply chain > and not yet at consumer points-of-sale, one must ask what the > "Internet of Things" actually is today and what, if any, governance > principles should be applied. More importantly, before applying > governance principles, it is necessary to examine the nature of the > various RFID networks that would constitute the Internet of Things. > Depending on their architecture, security and modes of > interconnection, emerging RFID networks between commercial entities > could be considered "private networks" or "closed user groups," > (Private networks utilizing TCP/IP are addressed in RFC 1918 which > likewise recognizes these distinctions between private and public > networks). Private networks and closed user groups are generally > exempt from traditional telecommunications regulations since they do > not interconnect with the "public telecommunications network" or other > open, public networks like the Internet. In some contexts, the > question of whether a private network is subject to a regulatory > obligation actually turns on the manner in which the private network > interconnects with the public network. Given these important > distinctions, it would be premature to apply less than fully conceived > IGF governance concepts to one constituent network aspect of a yet to > be realized Internet of Things. > > It is important that all stakeholders exercise great care in > addressing questions of governance, policy and regulation as the > Internet evolves. Common agreement on terminology and concepts is > necessary and a sound understanding of the Internet itself by all > stakeholders cannot be assumed. For example, a great deal of focus in > the IGF remains on "critical Internet resources" which, to date, has > meant domain names, root servers and IP address administration. The > Internet is obviously much more than these three important elements > and a holistic view of the Internet within the IGF is necessary before > governance questions can be properly framed. If the IGF dialogue is to > provide analytical building blocks for application of governance > principles to new technologies and evolving networks, there is a > premium on the IGF dialogue getting the conceptual framework right. If > the IGF becomes nothing more than a Chinese menu for governments to > select a preferred "governance point-of-view" to apply to the Internet > of today or tomorrow, then the IGF, like the WSIS before it, will > become another opportunity missed. > > Stay Updated: To receive weekly email updates from CircleID sign up > here or see the list of RSS feeds. > > More Under: infrastructure, internet governance, policy regulation > > Source Credit: This has been a featured post from Brian Cute, > President, Eastham Global Strategies, L.L.C.. To learn more, visit > this participant's full profile page. > > _______________________________________________ > AfrICANN mailing list > AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net > https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann > Eric M.K Osiakwan ICT Integrator Internet Research www.internetresearch.com.gh emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Tel: +233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: +233.21.258811 Cell: +233.24.4386792 Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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Re: [kictanet] [Fibre-for-africa] Connectivity: What does Africa really need?
by Eric Osiakwan 18 Oct '07

18 Oct '07

Anders, I totally agree with your submissions below and yes we must work towards a market approach however sometimes the marshall plan is needed to create the foundation for the market forces to play. As you know i now turn to have a balance on the extremes as i believe thats what would make the full impact, this is not to say your submission is an extreme one but that though it is important for you present this other picture, we must work towards a balance of the two that would make maximum impact at the speed of light. Eric here On 16 Oct 2007, at 14:26, Anders Comstedt wrote: > Dear Wakabi and others > > Isn't it difficult to ask for a Marshall plan and at the same time > see how > the sector and, above all, its users are financially drained? > > PROFITABLE TELECOMS > Surprisingly there are higher profit margins in most of the > business that > the mobile phone operators have in Africa, including or excluding the > licence fees, comparing to counterparts in more open and competitive > markets. How is that? Why is competition restricted and prices not > coming > down, in particular considering the low purchase power of the > users? Some > people obviously don't want to change the ball game. > > The combined sector revenues to governments and shareholders make it a > little bit difficult to say that the sector cannot finance its own > investments, expanding footprint and new services. Actually at the > same time > even reduce user prices quite a bit. How come that the users are > not given > more choices from several competing providers? Shifting value to > much to > users, or? > > The typical licensing regime still seems, in general, to serve no > other > purpose but to sell operators a hunting licence on users, > maximising the > government revenues in the process. The scarce spectrum resource is > in many > ways used as an over inflated bogus argument in lack of any better. > True, it > is to some extent an issue and the licensing should focus on it, > skipping > licensing and all other restrictions on open market, free provision of > service. On the contrary, dominant players should be obliged to > interconnect, not being sheltered from competition. > > Why are operator investments taxed, instead of profits, if you like > to drive > investments? > > > SHARING INFRASTRUCTURE > Sharing basic, non-differentiating infrastructure at cost related > prices > turns out to be a good business proposal (like http:// > www.openreach.co.uk ) > as it is always cheaper than do-it-yourself if you have a few service > competitors using it. High utilisation would create a lower cost > base for > all operators. But it requires organisational structure that lowers > operational and political risks. What is done to lower those risks? > > Note, the most important thing in shared infrastructure is TRUST. > > Or, who would like to bet the farm on being depending upon a flimsy > operation controlled by people with no skin in the game? > > > USERS > The most appalling absence in the African telecom policy debate is > the users > and the user agents. True, the telecom sector is dominated by a > producer > perspective globally, but in places where strong user agents are > balancing > these forces we get a more reasonable chunk of the value > distributed to all > parties. How will user agents come forward in the debate? > > > The ITU > Wouldn't it be interesting to put half of all the combined licence > revenues > for the coming two years into an African backbone and global > interconnectivity fund? To create an infrastructure open to all > providers, > new or old, on equal terms. Now that is a task for the ITU! Or is > the ITU > too dominated by folks who don't want to change the ball game to the > advantage of users? > > > The document would benefit from touching the areas above. > > Sincerely > > Anders Comstedt > > > -----Ursprungligt meddelande----- > Från: fibre-for-africa-bounces(a)lists.apc.org > [mailto:fibre-for-africa-bounces@lists.apc.org] För Wairagala Wakabi > Skickat: den 16 oktober 2007 07:17 > Till: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants > Ämne: [Fibre-for-africa] Connectivity: What does Africa really need? > > Netters, > > The ITU is convening the 'Connects Africa' summit in Kigali, Rwanda on > October 29-30. Its main concerns are that Internet services needed for > business, government and consumer applications continue to be > either very > expensive or not available due to limited broadband network > infrastructure; and that rural connectivity and access remain > inadequate > as does the availability of locally relevant content, applications and > services. > > This paper, by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for > East and > Southern Africa (CIPESA), outlines some of the issues that need to be > addressed for the vision of boosting connectivity in Africa to be > realised. > > > http://fibreforafrica.net/main.shtml?x=5236108&als[MYALIAS6]=Joining > %20the%2 > 0dots&als[select]=4051582 > > > Wakabi > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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[Fwd: KARA QUARTERLY LUNCHEON - Operators Vs Consumers: Who Does Kenya'sCommunication Policy Favour?
by alice 17 Oct '07

17 Oct '07

*__**Dear KARA Members, Partners & Friends,__* *_KARA QUARTERLY LUNCHEON - 7: A SPECIAL INVITATION:_* *__* We trust that this mail finds you well. In our acclaimed tradition of holding well-attended and best-rated public forums, in the public interest, we are pleased to invite you to our 7^th Quarterly Luncheon with details as follows; Date : Thursday, 15 November 2007 Time : 12.00 pm 2.30 pm Venue : Sarova Panafric Hotel Theme : *_Operators Vs Consumers: Who Does Kenya'sCommunication Policy Favour?_* *__*Guests : Eng. John N. Waweru, Director General, Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) Entry : Ksh. 1,500 (members) and Ksh. 1,800 (others) Note : Corporate tables of 10 are available K indly fill out the attached form and/or get in touch with my colleague Nancy to confirm your attendance in time as participation at our functions strictly require prior confirmation. We are pleased to announce that mobile telephony market leader *Safaricom Limited * <http://www.safaricom.co.ke>is the Platinum Category Sponsor. We look forward to your continued partnership. Thank you. Yours Sincerely, Stephen Mutoro *_Chief Executive Officer_* The Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) Natu Court, Suite E-39, Ngong Rd/Ring Rd Kilimani Junction P.O Box 1411-00100, GPO Tel. 254-020-3873828 or 3874331 Fax: 3862872 Cellphones: 0725983445 or 0733779585 NAIROBI, Kenya E-Mail: info(a)kara.or.ke <mailto:info@kara.or.ke> or kara(a)africaonline.co.ke <mailto:kara@africaonline.co.ke> Web: www.kara.or.ke <http://www.kara.or.ke> KARA - /"Together, We Will"/

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FW: CONSUMER PROJECT FINAL REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS
by eadera＠idrc.or.ke 17 Oct '07

17 Oct '07

Interesting discussions. I would like to enrich the discussions by sharing the results of an IDRC Research study aimed at understanding consumer issues in the ICT sector and practical ways in which they could be addressed. It's entitled "holding companies to account" - report attached, recommendations here below for quick reference. Anyone interested in the published hardcopy report or CD Rom, please let me know and we will be glad to share these with you (we have several copies). Kenya is one of the case studies with an African overview included. Kenyan operators participated in the interim results sharing session. It was also shared with ARICEA regulators and very well received. However one of the greatest challenges was getting complaint data from the operators for open analysis - key question - how can complaint data be declared public domain information? This would open a wide range of opportunities for accountability and redress. Beyond making information available (even if you provide it directly to mobile phones), what practical avenues exist to redress complaints? Effective ways? What mechanisms would provide greater bargaining power for consumers? IDRC is currently considering a follow-up action-oriented initiative that will engage with regulators and consumer bodies, where they exist, to explore some practical solutions to these issues. The demand has come from regulators in 5 countries following the ARICEA presentation. It would be nice to hear contributions from operators and the regulator, they are missing in the discussions Edith Adera ****** Recommendations: Key issues from a consumer perspective: From all the evidence gathered for this study it is clear that three broad issues affect consumers adversely: price of service, quality of service and access to service. As operators become more established, regulators need to shift their emphasis from the industry part of their mandate to addressing the consumer interest more directly under each of these three headings. A key area for concern affecting large numbers of consumers is the lack of price competition in most African mobile markets. A consumer framework law, regulation and codes of conduct: Where consumer and competition law exists, it is important to encourage the undertaking of test cases to demonstrate that these laws can operate and that the successful conclusion of test cases will help regulators support the consumer interest in their discussions with industry. Where it has not already occurred, regulators need to encourage competition (particularly in the services layer) to help address the issues of price and quality of service. Complaint resolution: Where it does not already occur, regulators need to ensure that a Code of Conduct (covering the rights and responsibilities of consumers) is a condition of licence for operators, along with the obligation to publicise the existence of the Code of Conduct. Regulators need to publicise their own complaints procedures effectively and gather data from complaints made that can influence policy and regulation. Where it does not already occur, the Consumer function within the regulator needs to be: properly resourced, managed at a senior level and have direct access to senior management. The informed consumer the need for information to help choice: Serious consideration should be given regulatory enforcement of compulsory disclosure by the operators of accurate, comparable statistical information relating to the numbers and breakdown of customer complaints. While this is likely to be resisted by the companies concerned, and although careful formulation is necessary to ensure comparability and comprehensiveness, it would greatly incentivise customer responsiveness on the part of the companies. It would act as a powerful tool to promote consumer empowerment and freedom of choice. If compulsory disclosure proves impossible to implement then regulators should themselves initiate independent surveys that identify levels of consumer satisfaction. As with the example from India given in Box 4, regulators need to set a simple "basket" of performance indicators on which operators can be judged and the results from these studies should be published at least on an annual basis. On a slightly broader front, regulators need to be more proactive in educating consumers about market issues like underlying mobile prices and consumer broadband and contention ratios. If information is central to making informed choices, regulators need to develop effective communications strategies to talk directly to consumers and (as is already happening in some countries) these need to take account of the levels of education and literacy amongst consumers. The role of the regulator: Regulators need involve consumers in their work and ensure that their perspective is fed into their work. A number of different approaches are available to help bring this about. Regulators ought to seek to work closely with consumer bodies as a way of strengthening the consumer aspects of their mandates. Depending on the constitutional framework of the regulator, it may be possible to provide direct support for this kind of work. Particular emphasis might be given to supporting those complainants that lack the wealth and education to negotiate existing complaints processes. An independent consumer movement what role in the telecoms and internet sector?: Consumer organisations should be encouraged to respond to consumer complaints in the telecoms and Internet sector and asked to make input into policy processes.

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Fwd: Ghana: Govt to get $500m for Ghana Telecom?
by Mike Theuri 17 Oct '07

17 Oct '07

It will be interesting to see how these two comparable privatisation initiatives conclude: The long drawn-out saga of Telkom Kenya's privatisation appears to be drawing to a conclusion with the news that a consortium led by British Telecom, backed by Libyan financiers, is now the favourite to secure a 40% operating stake in the company, valued at US$84m. http://globaltechforum.eiu.com/index.asp?layout=rich_story&doc_id=11094&tit… ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Govt to get $500m for GT? GT PhoneBooth Singapore Telecom is reportedly in discussions to purchase a stake of between 51% and 66% in Ghana Telecom and is being advised by Merrill Lynch on the buy-in. The sale could reportedly fetch Ghana Telecom more than US$500 million. According to Ghana Telecom, strategic investors are undertaking due diligence as part of the company's privatization to sell a majority interest. Other reported parties interested in Ghana Telecom include Portugal Telecom and France Telecom. SingTel has traditionally mainly invested in cellular operators in south east Asia and Australia. Telekom Malaysia held a 30% interest and management control in Ghana Telecom but was reportedly forced to exit the venture two years ago saying it couldn't manage the business with the government, as majority shareholder, continually overriding its decisions. Telenor also ended its subsequent management contract with Ghana Telecom in 2005 on strained terms. Source:GHP . __,_._,___

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Urgent,but rare request
by Judy Okite 16 Oct '07

16 Oct '07

Dear All,looking for an active ICT person who is physically challenged. Pls get intouch with me off-list. Kind Regards, -- Judy Ann Okite, +254-721237507,+254-734252336 P.O. BOX 2228 00100, NAIROBI,KENYA. "Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it."

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Day 4 of 10:- eContent Requirements for Regulators
by Rebecca Wanjiku 16 Oct '07

16 Oct '07

Brian, i think CCK can work with radio stations, print media, and ensure that information available on the website and the attendant rights are well communicated otherwise, we will be upholding the fallacy that those who can chat or use email know about the important info regarding ICTs in the country or the rights and obligations for that matter. in short, CCK must REACH OUT to all.... Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ ----- Original Message ---- From: Brian Longwe <brian(a)isisweb.nl> To: rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 2:24:06 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 4 of 10:- eContent Requirements for Regulators Hi Alice, On Oct 15, 2007, at 6:07 PM, alice wrote: > >> "My question: besides colorful brochures what concrete actions are >> our regulators taking to ensure that every citizen is aware of >> their rights, privileges and what services are available to them. >> Regards Brian" >> > The CCK recently unveiled the CCK service chatter that sets public > expectations Re: dealing with the Commission and its staff > interchangeably called the "The Customer Service Charter " it > outlines rights and responsibilities and the procedure to follow > if CCK service standards are not met. available at www.cck.go.ke This is excellent - but how will this help my grandma in shags - how does she find out that there's a website? How does she find out that she actually has certain rights as a telecoms consumer? How does she know what avenues to take to set up a rural ISP? Where I'm heading to - and I hoped that this came out of the example I gave of the Indian CMA - is something called OUTREACH. To what extent do our regulatory authorities reach out to the technologically, geographically and financially challenged? I know I'm straying from the e-content discussion but I think it's a good tangent. Maybe we need to think outside the box and come up with creative ways of getting this e-content right into the hands of the consumers. Maybe an E-Book with lots of pictures and sounds to help the layperson come to grips with the often abstract and confusing concepts that plague regulatory authorities? Brian _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/rebeccawanjiku%40yahoo… ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545433

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Fwd: SV: [Fibre-for-africa] Connectivity: What does Africa really need?
by Eric Osiakwan 16 Oct '07

16 Oct '07

Begin forwarded message: > From: "Anders Comstedt" <anders(a)ssvl.kth.se> > Date: 16 October 2007 14:26:53 GMT+03:00 > To: "'APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants'" > <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > Subject: SV: [Fibre-for-africa] Connectivity: What does Africa > really need? > Reply-To: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants > <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> > > Dear Wakabi and others > > Isn't it difficult to ask for a Marshall plan and at the same time > see how > the sector and, above all, its users are financially drained? > > PROFITABLE TELECOMS > Surprisingly there are higher profit margins in most of the > business that > the mobile phone operators have in Africa, including or excluding the > licence fees, comparing to counterparts in more open and competitive > markets. How is that? Why is competition restricted and prices not > coming > down, in particular considering the low purchase power of the > users? Some > people obviously don't want to change the ball game. > > The combined sector revenues to governments and shareholders make it a > little bit difficult to say that the sector cannot finance its own > investments, expanding footprint and new services. Actually at the > same time > even reduce user prices quite a bit. How come that the users are > not given > more choices from several competing providers? Shifting value to > much to > users, or? > > The typical licensing regime still seems, in general, to serve no > other > purpose but to sell operators a hunting licence on users, > maximising the > government revenues in the process. The scarce spectrum resource is > in many > ways used as an over inflated bogus argument in lack of any better. > True, it > is to some extent an issue and the licensing should focus on it, > skipping > licensing and all other restrictions on open market, free provision of > service. On the contrary, dominant players should be obliged to > interconnect, not being sheltered from competition. > > Why are operator investments taxed, instead of profits, if you like > to drive > investments? > > > SHARING INFRASTRUCTURE > Sharing basic, non-differentiating infrastructure at cost related > prices > turns out to be a good business proposal (like http:// > www.openreach.co.uk ) > as it is always cheaper than do-it-yourself if you have a few service > competitors using it. High utilisation would create a lower cost > base for > all operators. But it requires organisational structure that lowers > operational and political risks. What is done to lower those risks? > > Note, the most important thing in shared infrastructure is TRUST. > > Or, who would like to bet the farm on being depending upon a flimsy > operation controlled by people with no skin in the game? > > > USERS > The most appalling absence in the African telecom policy debate is > the users > and the user agents. True, the telecom sector is dominated by a > producer > perspective globally, but in places where strong user agents are > balancing > these forces we get a more reasonable chunk of the value > distributed to all > parties. How will user agents come forward in the debate? > > > The ITU > Wouldn't it be interesting to put half of all the combined licence > revenues > for the coming two years into an African backbone and global > interconnectivity fund? To create an infrastructure open to all > providers, > new or old, on equal terms. Now that is a task for the ITU! Or is > the ITU > too dominated by folks who don't want to change the ball game to the > advantage of users? > > > The document would benefit from touching the areas above. > > Sincerely > > Anders Comstedt > > > -----Ursprungligt meddelande----- > Från: fibre-for-africa-bounces(a)lists.apc.org > [mailto:fibre-for-africa-bounces@lists.apc.org] För Wairagala Wakabi > Skickat: den 16 oktober 2007 07:17 > Till: APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants > Ämne: [Fibre-for-africa] Connectivity: What does Africa really need? > > Netters, > > The ITU is convening the 'Connects Africa' summit in Kigali, Rwanda on > October 29-30. Its main concerns are that Internet services needed for > business, government and consumer applications continue to be > either very > expensive or not available due to limited broadband network > infrastructure; and that rural connectivity and access remain > inadequate > as does the availability of locally relevant content, applications and > services. > > This paper, by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for > East and > Southern Africa (CIPESA), outlines some of the issues that need to be > addressed for the vision of boosting connectivity in Africa to be > realised. > > > http://fibreforafrica.net/main.shtml?x=5236108&als[MYALIAS6]=Joining > %20the%2 > 0dots&als[select]=4051582 > > > Wakabi > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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[Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] My Name, My Language, My Internet]
by alice 15 Oct '07

15 Oct '07

My Name, My Language, My Internet: IDN Test Goes Live ICANN launches global test of Internationalized Domain Names 15 October 2007 <http://www.icann.org/announcements/photos/idn-tshirts-600x430-15oct07.jpg> ICANN is celebrating the ability of people to get "My name, My Language. My Internet" wiki pages with the launch of the IDN evaluation with T-Shirts displaying example.test in the 11 languages. *MARINA DEL REY, Calif.*: Internet users around the globe can now experiment with their name in their language on their Internet with today's launch of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers live testing of Internationalized Domain Names in 11 languages. "This is one of the most exciting times yet in the development of IDNs," said Dr Paul Twomey, ICANN's President and CEO. "Internet users who speak the 11 languages of the test can play a key role in testing how IDNs operate, and help us move toward full implementation for all the languages of the world." Internet users around the globe can now to access wiki pages with the domain name example.test in the 11 test languages -- Arabic, Persian, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Russian, Hindi, Greek, Korean, Yiddish, Japanese and Tamil. The wikis will allow Internet users to establish their own subpages with their own names in their own language -- one suggestion is: example.test/yourname. ICANN has also put a video explaining the evaluation process on YouTube, and available on the ICANN website. The wiki pages can be accessed by typing example.test in the characters of one of the 11 languages, or by going to http://idn.icann.org <http://idn.icann.org/>. "These wikipages are key to the test. We want to know how the URL displays in the Internet browser, if it works when you cut and paste it into the body of an email to a friend, and how all of this impacts the root zone," Dr Twomey added. The 11 evaluation wikis will remain online until IDNs are fully implemented and the first top-level domain is introduced in the evaluation language. The full introduction of IDNs will mean that people can write the whole of a domain name in the characters used to write their own language. Presently you can only use these characters before the dot, so .com, .net, .org and the like can only be written in characters from basic Latin. IDNs will change this so that literally tens of thousands of characters will be available to the world. The "example.test" labels with the associated scripts, the languages that were used for translation of the two terms "example" and "test", and the A-labels for second and top level that are inserted in the IDN TLD zones and DNS respectively. IDNs Part 2: example.test Evaluation Period (3:05) | also available at dotSUB <http://dotsub.com/films/idnspart_1/> IDNs Part One: An Introduction (4:22) | also available at dotSUB <http://dotsub.com/films/idnspart/index.php> * About ICANN: * ICANN is responsible for the global coordination of the Internet's system of unique identifiers like domain names (like .org, .museum and country codes like .uk) and the addresses used in a variety of Internet protocols that help computers reach each other over the Internet. Careful management of these resources is vital to the Internet's operation, so ICANN's global stakeholders meet regularly to develop policies that ensure the Internet's ongoing security and stability. ICANN is an internationally organized, public benefit non-profit company. For more information please visit: www.icann.org <http://www.icann.org/>. * Media Contacts: * Jason Keenan Media Adviser, ICANN (USA) Ph: +1 310 382 4004 E: jason.keenan(a)icann.org <mailto:%20jason.keenan@icann.org> International: Andrew Robertson Edelman (London) Ph: +44 7921 588 770 E: andrew.robertson(a)edelman.com <mailto:%20andrew.robertson@edelman.com> _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Breaking News- Teams Update
by John Walubengo 12 Oct '07

12 Oct '07

Without wishing to interrupt the discussion on the eRegulators, I thought it is good to know the new anticipated operational date for the TEAMS cable: May 2009. Yes, 2009 and NOT next year 2008. I attended the TEAMS public meeting at KCCT this morning and quite alot of info was shared but since I am yet to get the slides, heres is what I could remember offhead and so will stand corrected. 1. That the cable will be operational in 2009. 2. That the Govt will own 40%, Etillsat 15% and the rest is free for grabs from other Interested stakeholders. 3. That unit investment is USD 5million for a gauranteed capacity of Bandwidth. 4. That the deadline for investment is 30th Nov 2007. 5. That it will be operated by an 'Open' consortium under a company called TEAMS ltd. 6. Consortium members will be free to sell off their shares to new comers at prevailing market price. 7. Teams Ltd will be mandated to negotiate access fee for people wishing to connect and transit fees for the upstream providers in Fujiara. 7. That the objective is to deliver the initial Bandwidth at USD 500 (five hundred) per 1Meg. Maybe our local Regulator, CCK should take the initiative to upload the slides presented on their website and we shall still be talking about eRegulation ;-) walu. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games. http://sims.yahoo.com/

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Day 3 of 10: What threats would face Regulators as they adopt service provision over the web
by John Walubengo 12 Oct '07

12 Oct '07

....just opening up day 3. hope all the silent participants can say something today, particularly those outside .KE, plse share your experiences... Back to the thread. It is important to say that this thread is not there to dissuade Regulators going online but rather to ensure that they would do so after taking the necessary precautions. I would imagine that once the Regulators put their services onine, they would face the same challenges or threats as any other entity that gets online. Security books would tell you that the threats would revolve around the following: Confidentiality: restricting data to the authorised person/entity Integrity: ensuring that the stored data in not illegally modified Availability: ensuring that online services are operational as required by the customers/stakeholders Non-repudiability: ensuring that e-Transactions can be tracked back to the originator We need to think like hackers here. Assuming you had the time, the motive and the skill, what would you want to lay your hands on from the e-Regulators? 1 -day on this thread. Keep your comments coming and fear not since we are yet to have e-Legislation in this part of world ;-). walu. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us. http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7

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Firm to build undersea cable picked
by Dorcas Muthoni 12 Oct '07

12 Oct '07

The winner of a tender to construct an undersea fibre optic cable linking Kenya and the Arabian city of Fujairah will be known today ............... http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3581&Item… -- Muthoni My Blog: http://rugongo.blogspot.com/ -------------------------------------------- Mahatma Gandhi once said:- First they ignore you, Then they laugh at you, Then they fight you, AND THEN YOU WIN!!!

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Re: [kictanet] Day 2 of 10: What are the Internet Opportunities for provisioning Regulatory Services?
by John Walubengo 12 Oct '07

12 Oct '07

mmhh. Not much response on opportunities apart from Nancy B. I would have imagined many of us would have something to say about how the Regulator could serve is better using the web. My thinking follows: 1. Market Penetration: The Regulator could open up an e-forum where stakeholders could openly discuss industry issues. The Regulator can then harvest alot of industry thinking from those discussion-logs and use them appropriately. They would therefore get to 'know' their customers better in order to serve them better (ofcourse some Regulators do feel they need NOT know their customers and so may not consider this a bright idea ;-) 2. Market Development: Most ICT players and consumers are concentrated in urban centers. It would be interesting to see Regulators reaching new players and consumers in the rural centers using the web. Routine services like license applications, renewals and payments could be completed without visiting the capital cities where most Regulators are domesticated. 3. Product Development: New Regulatory e-Services may arise from the web. I am thinking that there could be ways new regulatory functionalities such as monitoring ISP/ASP webographics (e.g. their bandwidth provisioning and utilization, the amount of spamming they generate or simply mapping out the internet traffic patterns in the country) So this thread like the others shall remain open for more contributions as we head towards Day 3 of 10, where we review the threats that may face Regulators adopting internet technologies in their service provision. walu. --- nancy bosire <bozaya(a)gmail.com> wrote: > 1. Market Penetration: how can the Regulator use the > Internet to be closer to you (customer)? - almost the > same as what we have > here, mailing lists and/or forums > > 2. Market Development: how can the Regulator best reach > thier EXCLUDED or ignored customers - decentralization of > their > offices/services. > > > > On 10/11/07, John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > > > Now that we have an idea of the Role of Regulators and > > their target Customers, we can begin to think about the > > Opportunites that the Internet presents for delivering > > their services. > > > > Assuming the Regulator was a business and wanted to > give > > value to their customer using the Internet, how would > they > > do it? Alternatively, you as a customer to the > Regulator > > (Operator, Consumer, Government, etc), how do you think > the > > Regulator can best serve you, using the internet? > > > > Think along these lines. > > > > 1. Market Penetration: how can the Regulator use the > > Internet to be closer to you (customer)? > > 2. Market Development: how can the Regulator best reach > > thier EXCLUDED or ignored customers > > 3. Product Development: are there new ways the > Regulator > > can deliver their old services (functions) over the > web? > > > > We have 1day to hear more contributions from your > various > > perspectives (Consumers, Operators, Individuals, etc). > > > > walu. > > > > > > > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > > Tonight's top picks. What will you watch tonight? > Preview the hottest > > shows on Yahoo! TV. > > http://tv.yahoo.com/ > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > This message was sent to: bozaya(a)gmail.com > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bozaya%40gmail.com > > > > > > -- > Sincerely yours, > > > > > Secretariat Manager > Kenya ICT Federation > Tel: 020 4440102 > Mobile: 0721907995 > secretariat(a)kif.or.ke, info(a)kif.or.ke > http://www.kif.or.ke > > > Mahatma Gandhi once said:- > > First they ignore you, > Then they laugh at you, > Then they fight you, > AND THEN YOU WIN!!! > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games. http://sims.yahoo.com/

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CALL FOR PAPERS - the 3rd annual Digital Broadcasting Switchover Forum 2008, 29 Jan - 1 Feb 2008, Johannesburg, South Africa]
by alice 11 Oct '07

11 Oct '07

Dear Colleague, It is my pleasure to announce the dates for the 3rd annual Digital Broadcasting Switchover Forum 2008, which again will be held in the week of 29 Jan - 1 Feb 2008 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The organisation of the conference has now started and we are currently looking for broadcasting experts to contribute presentations. The key areas for discussion this year include: 1) National switchover frameworks and planning 2) Dual illumination 3) Financing the switchover 4) The digital dividend, spectrum allocation and the results of WRC 07 5) Infrastructure upgrading and its implications 6) Consumer aspects subsidising set top boxes, switchover awareness, the switchover as a means of reducing the digital divide 7) Charting the future of African broadcasting including IPTV, mobile TV, high definition television 8) Overcoming the shortage of broadcasting skilled workforce 9) Digital radio technology evaluation, implications for local and national stations, 10) Protecting cultural and linguistic diversity through local content production 11) Infotainment 12) Encouraging locally produced content 13) How international financing can be increased 14) Broadcasting liberalisation in Africa I would like to encourage you to contribute to this forum by participating as a speaker, therefore please reply to this mail, including the perspective that you would like to cover at the event. I am particularly keen to have case studies as these are excellent ways of spreading information and experiences. Furthermore if you would like to support the event by becoming an official sponsor then I would be delighted to organise a sponsorship package for you, exhibition booths are available for £3000/US$6000/R42000. I look forward to hearing back from you and to building on the huge success of last years forum. Yours sincerely Matthew Matthew Dawes Commonwealth Telecommunication Organisation Direct Tel: 0044 20 8834 1575 Main Tel: 0044 870 7777 697 Fax: 0044 870 0345 626 Email: m.dawes(a)cto.int <http://mailer.eddiction.co.uk/_webscripts/emaillog.php?789c2dcbcd0a80201004…>

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Content - Regulatory, Legal and Jurisdiction issues
by Brian Longwe 11 Oct '07

11 Oct '07

Let me post an interesting case there - both to challenge our thinking as well as highlight various regulatory and legal issues surrounding content. Movie studios to judge: TorrentSpy defies court order CNet.com, October 11, 2007 By Greg Sandoval http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9795571-7.html To avoid having to turn over user information to the motion picture industry, BitTorrent indexing service TorrentSpy cut off access to its site in the United States. Apparently, that wasn't enough to satisfy Hollywood. According to documents filed with the court last week and reviewed by CNET News.com on Wednesday, the studios still want to see information about the site's visitors. Lawyers representing the studios--armed with a court order--say TorrentSpy has refused to hand over the data. Because of that, the movie sector wants the judge to throw the book at the company. "(TorrentSpy) took steps to make the Server Log Data unavailable for the express purpose of avoiding compliance with the (court) order," the movie studios said in their filing. "(The) conduct amounts to willfulness and bad faith." The lawsuit, first filed a year ago, accuses TorrentSpy of encouraging copyright violations. On May 29, Jacqueline Chooljian, a federal magistrate judge in Los Angeles, ordered TorrentSpy to hand over information about user activity. Part of what the judge wanted was to identify the BitTorrent files that visitors requested and the dates and times of those requests. TorrentSpy executives told the judge that they never tracked visitors' activity. She responded by telling them to retrieve the information from their servers' random-access memory, or RAM. In an unprecedented decision that drew plenty of media attention, the judge ruled that data found in RAM is a tangible document that can be stored and must be turned over in civil litigation. TorrentSpy argued that RAM is far too ephemeral to be considered "stored data." In August, TorrentSpy appealed the decision but lost. The company then shut down access to U.S. residents. If TorrentSpy had no U.S. users, then there wouldn't be any information stored in the company's RAM under the judge's purview, legal experts said. Only data on International users would be logged and U.S. courts don't have authority over them. But the studios didn't go away. The film companies have asked the judge to impose evidentiary sanctions against TorrentSpy for not complying with the court order, according to the court filings. As part of the sanctions, the studios want the judge to establish for the record that the movies belonging to the studios found on TorrentSpy's site infringed on their copyright, and also find that the site has no "substantial noninfringing uses." Should the judge agree to the sanctions she would effectively label TorrentSpy a pirate site. That would make it very difficult for TorrentSpy to prevail in its civil trial. TorrentSpy executives said in court documents filed late Tuesday that the company's reasons for not turning over information are pegged to a few tweaks made to the site while the company's appeal was being heard. Chief among the changes are that TorrentSpy stopped providing users with cached downloads of BitTorrent files, the technology favored by many for file sharing, according to court documents. This means that searches for BitTorrent files at TorrentSpy would return only links to third-party sites. Clicking on those links would not ping TorrentSpy's servers, and as a result, none of the data that the film companies are after can be found in the company's RAM. To the studios, TorrentSpy is trying to duck the judge's order. "This claim should be seen for what it is: another illegitimate attempt by defendants to evade authority of this court and the May 29 order," the film companies said in their filing with the court. Rothken denied the allegation. "The primary reason for the changes was to protect end-user privacy worldwide," Rothken said. "Web sites are allowed to evolve their technology during litigation especially if they evolve to protect user privacy. The irony here is that studios are blowing hot and cold. On one hand they asked in their lawsuit for TorrentSpy in essence to shut down U.S. traffic. When the company did, the plaintiffs complained that TorrentSpy is in violation for not supplying information under the log file order. They're never satisfied." Just how long it will take for the judge to rule on the studios' application for sanctions is unclear. Rothken said he expects that the judge will call for more briefings.

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Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] [Questions on the Introduction of ccTLD Internationalised Domain Names]
by Vincent Ngundi 11 Oct '07

11 Oct '07

Dear Colleagues, FYI. In line with the Internet's bottom-up policy development process (PDP), please send in your comments on the fast-track/interim approach to delegating some IDN ccTLD's (see more on this below). KENIC can then collate the input (from the local Internet community) and send to the ccNSO. Regards, Vincent Ngundi KENIC Begin forwarded message: > -----Original Message----- > From: "Mohammed EL Bashir" <admin(a)isoc.sd> > To: "africann(a)afrinic.net" <africann(a)afrinic.net> > Sent: 08/10/07 01:02 > Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] [Fwd: Questions on the Introduction of > ccTLD Internationalised Domain Names] > > Dear All, > > FYI ccNSO is asking for input from ccTLD Registries on considering > Fast Track/Interim approach for the launch of IDNs on Global DNS, > this could happen while IDNs policy development process continue . > > Can you please encourage your ccTLD Registries to respond and > comment on the issue . > > Regards, > Mohamed EL Bashir > .SD Registry - ccNSO Council > > -------- Original Message -------- > Subject: Questions on the Introduction of ccTLD > Internationalised Domain Names > Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2007 16:12:30 +0200 > From: Gabriella Schittek <gabriella.schittek(a)icann.org> > <mailto:gabriella.schittek@icann.org> > Reply-To: <gabriella.schittek(a)icann.org> > <mailto:gabriella.schittek@icann.org> > To: <admin(a)isoc.sd> <mailto:admin@isoc.sd> , <tech(a)isoc.sd> > <mailto:tech@isoc.sd> > > > Dear ccTLD Manager, > > Below you will find a letter from the ccNSO Chair Chris Disspain. > > Please, reply to ccnsosecretariat(a)icann.org or directly to Chris at > ceo(a)auda.org.au. > > Kind regards, > > Gabriella Schittek / ccNSO Secretariat > > --- > > > Dear ccTLD Manager, > > I am writing to you, in my capacity as Chairman of the Country Code > Names > Supporting Organisation (ccNSO), about the introduction of ccTLD > Internationalised Domain Names (IDN ccTLDs). The input I am > requesting from > you is very important and your response will be much appreciated. > > At the end of this email is a Background and References section that > provides some background information and links to various documents. > > Based on work done by the ccNSO and discussions amongst ccTLD > managers in > all regions the ccNSO has taken the first step to launching a Policy > Development Process to set the overall policy for IDN ccTLDs. > > At this stage, the ccNSO is also discussing whether or not to > recommend that > the ICANN Board consider a fast track/interim approach under which > some IDN > ccTLDs could be delegated while the overall policy is being > developed. To > help with those discussions we need to find out the level of > interest in > your territory and that is why I am writing to you. > > While community feedback has encouraged the ccNSO to explore levels of > interest in a fast-track/interim approach to IDN ccTLDs, this is > the first > of many steps that would have to be carefully and successfully > taken towards > that end and it is generally accepted that any implementation would > have to > be in compliance with current policies and procedures. Some of > these that > may be relevant are set out in the Background and References > section below. > > I would be grateful if you would answer the following questions: > > 1. Do you believe that the local community in your territory has a > pressing > need for an IDN ccTLD? > 2. If so, is there yet agreement in your territory on the scripts > and the > string within the script(s) for which delegation of an IDN ccTLD > would be > sought, and could you indicate which strings and scripts are of > interest? > 3. Do you believe the delegation of an IDN ccTLD under a fast track/ > interim > approach would be of interest to your community? > > The fast track/interim approach will be discussed by ccTLD managers > at the > ICANN meeting in Los Angeles. So, it would be most helpful if you > could > respond by 26 October 2007. > > > Background and References > > In the Domain Name System, a ccTLD string (like .jp, .uk) has been > defined > to represent the name of a country, territory or area of geographical > interest, and its subdivisions as identified in ISO 3166-1, and is > represented by 2 US-ASCII characters > (http://www.iso.org/iso/country_codes/iso_3166_code_lists/ > english_country_na > mes_and_code_elements.htm). > This method of identification was adopted for use in the Internet > through > RFC 920, dated October 1984, and reaffirmed through RFC 1591, dated > March > 1994. All ccTLDs in use today are taken directly from the ISO > 3166-1 list or > from the list of exceptionally reserved code elements defined by > the ISO > 3166 Maintenance Agency. > > The implementation of IDN ccTLDs introduces the (apparent) use of > characters > outside the US-ASCII character set (for example characters in > Cyrillic, > Chinese, Arabic, and other scripts) for domain name strings. > > In initial discussions by the ccNSO members, other ccTLD managers and > ICANN's Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) a number of policy > questions > were identified and a "Questions and Issues Paper" was submitted to > the > ICANN Board of Directors > (http://www.icann.org/topics/idn/ccnso-gac-issues-report-on- > idn-09jul07.pdf) > . > It became clear that the development of the required policy for IDN > ccTLDs > to resolve the issues raised was likely to take a minimum of 2 > years. It > also became clear that such a time frame was a major concern for a > number of > ccTLD managers who have expressed there is a pressing need for an > IDN ccTLD > in their territory. Because of this, the concept of a fast track/ > interim > approach began to be discussed. In those discussions it was thought > that it > might be possible to find a method to allow the introduction of a > limited > number of IDN ccTLDs while the overall policy was being developed. > > Policies and procedures that may be relevant to the delegation of > an IDN > ccTLD under a fast track/interim approach include: > > the IDNA protocol standards > (http://icann.org/announcements/announcement-2-11may07.htm) > RFC 3454 (http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3454.txt) > RFC 3490 (http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3490) > RFC 3491 (http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3491.txt) > RFC 3492 (http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3492.txt) > RFC 1591 and associated procedures for delegation of a country code > top > level domain (http://www.isi.edu/in-notes/rfc1591.txt) > The GAC principles http://gac.icann.org/web/home/ccTLD_Principles.rtf. > > Following consideration of the "Questions and Issues Paper", and > statements > of the GAC and ccTLD managers on a fast track/interim approach the > ICANN > Board has requested the ccNSO to explore both an interim and an > overall > approach to IDN ccTLDs associated with the ISO 3166-1 two-letter > codes and > to recommend a course of action to the Board taking the technical > limitations and requirements into consideration > http://www.icann.org/minutes/resolutions-29jun07.htm#m. > > At its meeting on 2 October 2007, the ccNSO Council launched a Policy > Development Process (ccPDP) by requesting a PDP Issues Report and > appointing > an Issues Manager. This ccPDP has been launched to develop an overall > approach, which includes finding solutions for the matters raised > in the > "Questions and Issues Paper". > > > > -- > > > Best Regards, > > > > > Mohamed El Bashir > > President, Sudan Internet Society > > .SD Domain Name Registry > > > > > Vice President, Communications & Out-Reach "African Top Level > Domains Organization-AfTLD" > > ICANN ccNSO Council Member > > > > > Personal Web : www.mbash.net > > > > > ""Life lies not in never falling, but in rising when you fall." > Nelson Mandela 1995, Easten Cape. > > -- KeNIC - The Kenya Network Information Center http://www.kenic.or.ke

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On Its Way: One of the Biggest Changes to the Internet] Internet users have key role in testing the operation of example.test in 11 languages
by alice 11 Oct '07

11 Oct '07

On Its Way: One of the Biggest Changes to the Internet Internet users have key role in testing the operation of example.test in 11 languages 9 October 2007 * MARINA DEL REY, Calif.*: The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers will launch an evaluation of Internationalized Domain Names next week that will allow Internet users to test top-level domains in 11 languages. "This evaluation represents ICANN's most important step so far towards the full implementation of Internationalized Domain Names. This will be one of the biggest changes to the Internet since it was created," said Dr Paul Twomey, ICANN's President and CEO. "ICANN needs the assistance of users and application developers to make this evaluation a success. When the evaluation pages come online next week, we need everyone to get in there and see how the addresses display and see how links to IDNs work in their programs. In short, we need them to get in and push it to its limits." The evaluation is made possible by today's insertion into the root of the 11 versions of .test, which means they are alongside other top-level domains like .net, .com, .info, .uk, and .de at the core of the Internet. Next Monday, 15 October 2007, Internet users around the globe will be able to access wiki pages with the domain name example.test in 11 test languages — Arabic, Persian, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Russian, Hindi, Greek, Korean, Yiddish, Japanese and Tamil. The wikis will allow Internet users to establish their own subpages with their own names in their own language. The evaluation is being done in the 11 languages of the Internet communities that have shown the most interest in moving IDNs from concept to reality. The full introduction of IDNs will mean that people can write the whole of a domain name in the characters used to write their own language. Presently you can only use these characters before the dot, so .com, .net, .org and the like can only be written in characters from basic Latin. IDNs will change this so that literally tens of thousands of characters will be available to the world. "Right now only the ASCII characters a through z are available for use in top level labels — the part of the address after the dot," Dr Twomey added. "Users will be able to have their name in their language for their Internet when full IDN implementation makes available tens of thousands of characters from the languages of world." More information on the IDN program is available at: http://icann.org/topics/idn/ <http://www.icann.org/topics/idn/> Links to the wikis will be available on ICANN's website starting 15 October 2007. * About ICANN: * ICANN is responsible for the global coordination of the Internet's system of unique identifiers like domain names (like .org, .museum and country codes like .uk) and the addresses used in a variety of Internet protocols that help computers reach each other over the Internet. Careful management of these resources is vital to the Internet's operation, so ICANN's global stakeholders meet regularly to develop policies that ensure the Internet's ongoing security and stability. ICANN is an internationally organized, public benefit non-profit company. For more information please visit: www.icann.org <http://www.icann.org/>. *Media Contacts: * Jason Keenan Media Adviser, ICANN (USA) Ph: +1 310 382 4004 E: jason.keenan(a)icann.org <mailto:jason.keenan@icann.org> International: Andrew Robertson Edelman (London) Ph: +44 7921 588 770 E: andrew.robertson(a)edelman.com <mailto:andrew.robertson@edelman.com> _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Consolidation in Kenyan ISP sector
by Eric Osiakwan 10 Oct '07

10 Oct '07

Consolidation in Kenyan ISP sector The Kenyan ISP sector is consolidating, with many companies buying up their competitors and new foreign owners entering the market. Pressure on margins from the switch to DSL broadband has been one of the key drivers of consolidation. Gateway Online, ISP Kenya, Nairobinet and Net2000 were a few of the casualties of the consolidation movement taking place in the market, with most of them either running out of steam in the rapidly competitive market or being bought by larger Kenyan operations. And then, late last year, the buying started again. This time, the bigger boys who managed to survive the rout of the earlier buying spree were the target, and the buyers were not Kenyan. In 2006, a South African firm acquired a controlling stake in Interconnect, a local Internet service provider. As part of the deal, IS injected Sh300 million in fresh capital in to the ISP. "There was no way we could have continued on our own. For many Kenyan grown ISPs, getting access to cheap bandwith and financing makes it harder to survive in the market," said Tejpal Bedi, Managing Director of IS Kenya. Much of the investment, Sh100 million, was set aside to upgrade systems. The company planned to roll-out new technologies and services, hoping to maintain its share of the corporate market by offering cost effective virtual private networks to organisations. "The only way we could maintain our market was by partnering with the South Africans and diversifying our product line, which costs money," said Mr Bedi. The acquisition was touted as part of the South African company's growth strategy to gain a footprint in the local and the greater Eastern and Central African market. "We will ensure the product mix is right for the Kenyan market, by deploying our proven services in Kenya," said IS business development director Ermano Quartero, at a function to announce the deal. The company that bought Bedi's company is one of the leading converged communications service providers in South Africa, boasting a client base at the time of the Interconnect aquisition that included 80 per cent of South Africa's top 250 listed companies. A few months later, the industry was abuzz with the biggest acquisition yet. The target was Africa Online, one of the largest ISPs in sub-Saharan Africa - and the South Africans were after it again. Telkom South Africa eventually won what was an acrimonious battle for the Kenyan-born company. "With the decline of the voice market we are extending and defending our core profitable services. This acquisition fits that objective," said Africa Online's new Chief Executive Officer John Joseph. Telkom SA has plans to invest Sh300 billion over the next five years in projects aimed at gaining the company a foothold in key African markets. Formerly the giant of the Kenyan ISP industry, the South Africans took on a company that was cash-strapped and had struggled with periods of losses over the last few years under it ownership by London firm African Lakes. The situation may get worse for the few small ISPs still fighting for market share. Smaller ISPs have traditionally been dial-up providers, an industry currently being affected by a shift in consumer preference. Although over 50 per cent of users still use dial-up access, use of the service is estimated to be decreasing by 30 per cent while mobile and wireless Internet access is increasing by 40 per cent annually. Up from just under 4,000 users in 1996, Kenya's Internet market grew by its largest margins last year, and now includes 200,000 users. The cost of international bandwidth, still expensive and accounting for most of ISPs' operating costs, has largely limited more rapid growth. (source: Business Daily) Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now"

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.asia regional internet domain has officially opened for business
by Dorcas Muthoni 09 Oct '07

09 Oct '07

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7033924.stm i remember someone talking of .eac regional internet domain a while back, not a bad idea -- Muthoni -------------------------------------------- Mahatma Gandhi once said:- First they ignore you, Then they laugh at you, Then they fight you, AND THEN YOU WIN!!!

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AFNOG 2008 ANNOUNCEMENT & WORKSHOP APPLICATION
by Dorcas Muthoni 08 Oct '07

08 Oct '07

AFNOG & AFRINIC JOINT ANNOUNCEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2008 9th AfNOG MEETING AfriNIC-8 MEETING The African Network Operators' Group (AfNOG) and the African Network Information Centre (AfriNIC) are pleased to announce that the 9th AfNOG Meeting and the AfriNIC-8 Meeting will be held Rabat, Morocco, in May /June 2008. ABOUT THE ENTIRE EVENT AfNOG and AfriNIC are jointly organising a two-week event that includes the AfNOG Workshop on Network Technology (offering advanced training in a week-long hands-on workshop), several full-day Advanced Tutorials, a one-day AfNOG Meeting, and a two-day AfriNIC Public Policy Meeting and Annual General Meeting. In addition, several side meetings and workshops will be hosted in collaboration with other organizations such as the AAU and ISOC. Further information about the event may be found at < http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/> and <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/>. TIMETABLE Unix Boot Camp 24 - 25 May 2008 (Saturday - Sunday) AfNOG Workshop 26 - 30 May 2008 (Monday - Friday) AfriNIC IPV6 W/shop 31 May - 1 June 2008 (Saturday - Sunday) AfREN Meeting 31 May - 1 June 2008 (Saturday - Sunday) AfNOG Tutorials 1 - 2 June 2008 (Sunday - Monday) AfriNIC LIR W/shop 2 June 2008 (Monday) AfNOG Meeting 3 June 2008 (Tuesday) AfriNIC-8 Meeting 4 - 5 June 2008 (Wednesday - Thursday) Africa INET Day 6 June 2008 (Friday) VENUE The Workshop, Tutorials, AfREN Forum, IPv6, LIR (24 May - 2nd June 2008) will be held at Mohammadia Engineering Institute, Rabat. All Conferences (3 - 6 June 2008) will be held at the Golden Tulip Farah, Rabat, Morocco. ABOUT AfNOG AfNOG (see <http://www.afnog.org/>) is a forum for cooperation and the exchange of technical information between operators of Internet-connected networks in Africa. AfNOG has organised an event like this one every year since 2000. ABOUT AFRINIC AfriNIC (see < http://www.afrinic.net/>) is a Regional Internet Registry (RIR), responsible for Internet resources Mangement in Africa region. AfriNIc organises two Public Policy meetings every year (see <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/>). AfNOG WORKSHOP ON NETWORK TECHNOLOGY The AfNOG Workshop on Network Technology aims to offer advanced training to people who are in the process of developing and enhancing an Internet-connected network with regional and international connectivity. The target audience includes senior and mid-level technical staff of commercial Internet service providers (ISPs), academic networks, government networks, or NGO networks. This workshop builds on the experience of previous AfNOG workshops held annually from 2000 to 2007 in eight different African countries, and also the Internet Society's INET workshops, held annually from 1993 to 2000 at eight locations around the world. The workshop's instructors are an international team with many years of experience operating large networks and teaching about network operations. The workshop is divided into four parallel tracks: SA-E - Unix System Administration (in English), focused on using a Unix-like operating system as a platform for delivery of Internet services. SS-E - Scalable Internet Services (in English), focused on the design and operation of email, web, and other Internet services, in ways that can scale to handle large numbers of end users. SI-E - Scalable Network Infrastructure (in English), focused on the design and operation of networks using routers and switches, in ways that can scale to handle large numbers of interconnected sites. SI-F - Infrastructure Reseaux IP (en francais), similar to SI-E, but given in French. Further information and online application form for the workshop can be found at <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/workshop/online_application.html> AfREN MEETING The Africa Research and Education Networking community will be holding a two-day meeting on 31 May and 1 June 2008. The meeting will discuss issues of interest to the NREN community such as coordination on activites in the region, advocacy, bandwidth consortia, regional RENs etc AfNOG TUTORIALS AfNOG will offer 1 to 2 full-day(s) tutorials on advanced topics. Tutorials take place in a classroom-style environment, and may include a hands-on practical component. Tutorials are non-commercial in nature, and most are technically oriented. They are intended to offer advanced training on technology already deployed or soon to be deployed on networking and related services provisioning for ISP operations. 9th AfNOG MEETING The 9th AfNOG meeting will be held in Rabat, Morocco, on 3 June 2008. AfNOG conferences provide a forum for the coordination and dissemination of technical information related to backbone/enterprise networking technologies and operational practices. The meetings are informal, with an emphasis on relevance to current and future African backbone engineering practices. The AfNOG 2007 conference in Abuja, Nigeria, drew over 165 participants, mainly consisting of network engineering staff from national service providers, and members of the research and education community. People interested in making a presentation or chairing a panel discussion at the AfNOG meeting are invited to to submit a proposal, following the instructions at <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/conference/ > AfRINIC-8 MEETING The AfriNIC-8 meeting will be held in Rabat, Morocco, on 4 and 5 June 2008. AfriNIC Meetings are open to everyone and provide an excellent opportunity to take part in Internet policy discussions. These policies, which describe how Internet Number Resources should be managed and distributed, are developed by the community. The meeting will include tutorials, presentations, update on the various working groups and the AfriNIC Public Policy Meeting. The two day meeting will be preceeded by a two-day IPv6 training. The meeting will focus on the IPv6 protocol and its deployment, especially in Africa and the issue of the exhaustion of the IPv4 pool of address space. There will be an opportunity to discuss the challenges which our region will be facing with the exhaustion. Further information is available at < http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/>. ISOC - INET AfRICA MEETING The Internet Society will be organizing an INET Africa Conference on 6 June 2008 in conjunction with the AfriNIC 8 and AfNOG 9 meetings in Rabat, Morocco. This meeting will focus on technical as well as policy aspects surrounding Internet standards development and applications, with special attention on localisation and education initiatives, and efforts to further internationalise the Internet. The meeting is also expected to open discussion on Internet governance issues of importance to the continent. Issued jointly by AfNOG and AfriNIC ------ AfNOG 2008 WORKSHOP ON NETWORK TECHNOLOGY - APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION Please see < http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/workshop/> for information about the AfNOG 2008 Workshop on Network Technology. If you have questions regarding this announcement and application, they may be addressed to: < workshopinfo08(a)afnog.org <http://mail.openworld.co.ke/src/compose.php?send_to=workshopinfo08%40afnog.…>> WHERE TO APPLY - You can fill in an application on line, at < http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/workshop/online_application.html> - You can download a copy of the application form from < http://www.afnog.org/afnog2008/workshop/application-form.txt>, or request a copy via email to <applications08(a)afnog.org <http://mail.openworld.co.ke/src/compose.php?send_to=applications08%40afnog.…>>. Then fill it in off-line, and email it to <workshop-apply08(a)afnog.org <http://mail.openworld.co.ke/src/compose.php?send_to=workshop-apply08%40afno…>>. The "Subject" line of the message should contain your surname or family name in the following format: Subject: AfNOG Workshop Application: <your-family-name> WHEN TO APPLY Application forms must be submitted no later than 7 December 2007. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance to the program and the amount of financial aid available (if any) on or about 31st January 2008. INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED ON YOUR APPLICATION Please ensure that all of the contact information you submit is and accurate, or we will not be able to contact you. Please give detailed answers to the questions about your work and your experience. If your are applying for financial assistance from AfNOG, please do not forget to answer the questions about other funding sources available to you. A. PERSONAL DATA FAMILY NAME (LAST NAME, SURNAME) ONLY: Full Name: Employer/Organization Position/Title: Business Address: Business Telephone: Alternate Telephone: E-mail address: Fax: Date of birth: Nationality: Name as it appears on passport or other travel document: Passport number: Country issuing passport: Date passport was issued: Date of passport expiration: Knowledge of English /French: Please rate your knowledge in these categories: Listening/comprehension: minimal / fair / good / excellent Reading: minimal / fair / good / excellent Speaking: minimal / fair / good / excellent Writing: minimal / fair / good / excellent Please indicate with an asterisk (*) the most reliable addresses and telephone/fax numbers above which can be used to reach you. B. COURSE OF INSTRUCTION Instructional track applied for (Please select only one track; the tracks will run concurrently): [ ] SA-E - UNIX SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION [ ] SS-E- SCALABLE INTERNET SERVICES [ ] SI-E - SCALABLE NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE [ ] SI-F - INFRASTRUCTURE RESEAUX (French Track - equivanent to SI-E) Please indicate your specific interests within the area you have chosen: C. TECHNICAL SKILLS 1. Are you a UNIX user? How much have you used it? 2. Have you been a UNIX system administrator? Describe your experience (length of time, versions, etc.). 3 Have you used/administered TCP/IP networks? Describe. 4. Have you set up and/or administered any of the following? Please give details. - bind or any other nameservers - sendmail/smail/exim/postfix - majordomo/mailman or other list manager - apache/IIS web systems 5. Have you configured or otherwise managed any of the following? Details, please. - routers - switches - network monitoring - noc D. DESCRIPTION OF ROLE IN NATIONAL NETWORKING ACTIVITIES Bearing in mind that this information will be used to determine whether to admit you to the workshop, please provide in the format of your choice the following information about yourself. Please be sure that it is sufficiently clear, well organized and adequate for this purpose. 1. A description of your current employer, your position, your duties and responsibilities, and how they relate to current and future data networking activities in your country. 2. A brief description of your computing and networking environment (operating systems, networking software, modems, etc.), including the connectivity of your organization to the Internet and your country's connectivity to the international Internet. 3a. Scope of your institution (check all categories that apply): [ ] Commercial Network Provider [ ] Academic Network Provider [ ] NGO Network Provider [ ] Other (Specify)______________ 3b. Approximate number of full time staff at your institution:________ 4. How your training and current work prepare and qualify you for the track you wish to attend. 5. How you expect to use the knowledge you gain at the workshop after you return to your country. 6. If you have previously attended AfNOG/INET Workshops for Developing Countries, a. Year and track you attended: b. A precise description of how you have used the training you have received in the past: c. The significant advances in networking which have occurred in your country specifically because of your knowledge and effort: E. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Your application must contain the following complete information if you wish to be considered for financial support to attend the workshop. The Workshop fee is US$1,600. This includes accommodation and meals. Applicants are usually expected to provide their own funding (from whatever sources). However AfNOG or its sponsors may make a limited financial assistance available to deserving candidates. Even if you request financial assistance you might not receive any, and your acceptance into the Workshop will be conditional on your ability to provide all or most of the funding yourself. Although you may be well qualified and in great need of financial assistance, the maximum funds AfNOG or its sponsors may provide is US$1,000 in financial assistance for BOTH WORKSHOP FEES AND AIRFARE. Payment for the workshop may be made by funds transfer, bank / certified cheque or in cash. Further details will be provided in the admission letter to successful candidates. NOTE : YOUR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE WORKSHOP MAY BEPEND ON YOUR ABILITY TO PROVIDE SOME OR ALL THE WORKSHOP FEES. 1. Are you are requesting financial aid from the AfNOG Workshop for attending the workshop and meetings? [ ] Yes [ ] No 2. If you are requesting financial aid to cover the workshop fee, please provide a complete list of funding sources in the following form. The list should contain all sources of funds that are available to you for payment of the workshop fee. The amounts should total U.S.$1,600. 1. Your Institution -- U.S.$ __________ 2. Your Government -- U.S.$ __________ 3. From international organizations -- U.S.$ __________ 4. Your personal contribution -- U.S.$ __________ 5. Amount you ask from AfNOG -- U.S.$ __________ (less than $1,000) _________________________________ TOTAL Income = U.S.$1,600.00 (PLEASE SELECT ONLY ONE - WORKSHOP FEES OR AIRFARE) 3. Will you need financial assistance for airfare? If so, how much will you or your institution be contributing? [ ] No, assistance for airfare not needed. [ ] Yes, assistance needed. (less than $1,000) Amount of your contribution: U.S.$_________ 4. If you are requesting financial support for airfare, please provide a good estimate of round trip, lowest economy excursion airfare between your place of residence and Cassablanca, Morocco, in May 2008. (Flights from Africa terminate at Cassablanca, connection to Rabat can be made by bus or train). 1. Airfare: 2. Airline: 3. Type of fare: 4. City of departure: 5. Source of your estimate: Signature (your name as you would sign it): __________________________ Date:___________________ _______________________________________________ afnog mailing list http://afnog.org/mailman/listinfo/afnog

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WiMAX vs. 3G cellular showdown
by Dorcas Muthoni 08 Oct '07

08 Oct '07

Will WiMAX be a 3G killer, or is it vice versa? Take a look at this nice article: http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/hiner/?p=556&tag=nl.e101 -- Muthoni -------------------------------------------- Mahatma Gandhi once said:- First they ignore you, Then they laugh at you, Then they fight you, AND THEN YOU WIN!!!

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lunch is free
by Rebecca Wanjiku 08 Oct '07

08 Oct '07

just to be clear, lunch is on KICTANet, you dont have to worry about costs, but you must confirm with me if planning to come, regards Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell. http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/

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lunch today
by Rebecca Wanjiku 08 Oct '07

08 Oct '07

hi, just to remind you about the lunch today, Jacaranda at 12.30, it will be served at the Gazebo banda regards Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell. http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/

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Fwd: Invitation to the World Bank Public Forum
by Edith Adera 05 Oct '07

05 Oct '07

FYI >X-SBRS: None >X-IronPort-AV: E=Sophos;i="4.21,236,1188792000"; > d="jpg'145?scan'145,208,145";a="249671832" >Subject: Invitation to the World Bank Public Forum >X-Mailer: Lotus Notes Release 6.5.4 CCH5 September 12, 2005 >From: kmuthembwa(a)worldbank.org >Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2007 16:29:17 +0300 >Disposition-Notification-To: kmuthembwa(a)worldbank.org >X-MIMETrack: Serialize by Router on WBLN0014/Facility/World Bank(Release >7.0.2 HF82|November > 07, 2006) at 10/05/2007 09:31:11 AM >Bcc: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke > > >Apologies for cross posting > > (Embedded image moved to file: pic13694.jpg) > >

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FW: [fyi] infoDev Releases Survey of ICT Use in Education in Africa
by Edith Adera 05 Oct '07

05 Oct '07

>You may find this of interest > >FYI > > infoDev Releases 'Survey of ICT Use in Education in Africa' > http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.136.html > > (more information below) > >Regards, > -Mike Trucano, infoDev > > > >[ http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.136.html ] > >==================== >Highlight >==================== > >infoDev Releases Survey of ICT Use in Education in Africa >Results from 53-country research project highlight 'new phase' of >activity, from >pilot projects to government policy development > >1 October 2007 | Washington, DC, United States > >Landmark research project documents technology use in the education sector all >53 African countries, identifies new trends and old challenges. > >infoDev has released initial results from a landmark Survey of ICT and >Education >in Africa, which seeks to gather together in a single resource the most >relevant >and useful information on ICT in education activities in Africa. > >During the first half of 2007, a research team supported by infoDev and >coordinated by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) sought to document the major >developments in each African country related to technology use in education in >order to create the first consolidated look at this fast-changing sector >and provide preliminary answers to three broad questions: > 1. How are ICTs currently being used in the education sector in Africa, >and what are the strategies and policies related to this use? > 2. What are the common challenges and constraints faced by African >countries in this area? > 3. What is actually happening on the ground, and to what extent are > donors >involved? > >infoDev and its partners hope that this publication is a first step in a >larger, >on-going, systematic, coordinated initiative to track developments in >technology >use in the education sector to help inform a wide variety of stakeholders >interested in the topic as they seek solutions to larger, more fundamental >educational and development challenges in the years ahead. > >==================== >Report Highlights >==================== > >The Summary Report from this research initiative notes that "The process of >adoption and diffusion of ICT in education in Africa is in transition", >finding >that: > > "There appears to be the beginnings of a marked shift from a decade of > experimentation in the form of donor-supported, NGO-led, small-scale, > pilot > projects towards a new phase of systemic integration informed by national > government policies and multi-stakeholder-led implementation > processes," remarking that "this shift from projects to policies, and the > more systematic development that that implies, would not be possible > without > the growing commitment to ICT in education on the part of government > leaders > across the continent". > >While implementation varies widely throughout the continent, and with a >country >like South Africa, with its extant infrastructure and more mature economy a >clear outlier in terms of being able to implement its ICT in education agenda, >the report finds that "all but a handful of countries surveyed already have a >national ICT policy in place or under development", concluding that a "new >phase >of ICT for education in Africa is occurring within national, and emerging >regional, policy frameworks that are providing the basis for partnerships and >donor participation." Over three hundred notable ICT in education >initiatives on >the continent are included in the survey. > >======================================== >ICT and Education in Africa: > Some notable "macro trends" >======================================== > > *Public-private partnerships* are important mechanisms enabling the > implementation of ICT in national education systems in > Africa. These PPPs > take many forms: from complex partnerships between companies (Typcially > involved in IT), goverment ministries, development agencies, > schools and > civil society organizations more straight forward bilaterla > partnerships > between IT companies and national ministries of education. > The need for *digital content development* relevant to local > curricula is > becoming more urgent as ICT use becomes more widespread. > Interest in *open source software* and operating systems is growing > rapidly in Africa, but this growth is constrained by a lack of > sufficient > human resource capacity to support such systems and applications. > A number of prominent *regional initiatives* have emerged (with varying > degrees of success) explicitly focused on ICT use in education, > including > NEPAD e-Schools, SchoolNet Africa, and the African Virtual University, > complemented by increasing African participation in global ICT in > education programmes. > *National Research and Education Networks (NRENs)* are slowly emerging, > especially in North, East and Southern Africa, to enable collaboration > between universities. > *Internet connectivity* remains a major challenge, both within > countries, > and between Africa and the rest of the world, and several major > initiatives are emerging to help address this issue. > *Wireless networks* are developing rapidly throughout the > continent, and > of increasing relevance to the education sector. > >======================================== >Coming Soon: 53 Country Reports >======================================== > >infoDev will also be releasing the working versions of 53 individual Country >Reports developed as a result of this survey process. These reports should be >seen as ?snapshots? that were current at the time they were taken during the >first half of 2007. It is expected that certain facts and figures presented in >some of the Country Reports may become dated very quickly; ICT use in >education >is at a particularly dynamic stage in Africa, and there are new >developments and >announcements happening on a daily basis somewhere on the continent. > >The country reports pay particular attention to the following themes: > ICT Policies for Education > ICT Infrastructure for Education > ICT Activities and Initiatives in Higher Education > ICT Activities and Initiatives in Primary and Secondary Schools > ICT Activities and Initiatives in Non-formal Education > Gender Equity and ICT in Education > Factors Enabling and Constraining ICT Use in Education > >It is anticipated that these reports will serve as the building block for an >on-line database (in a wiki format) that will be updated collaboratively over >time, to be released later in the year. As such, all individual country >reports >are considered to be evolving "works-in-progress". > >======================================== >For more information >======================================== > > The full version of the Survey of ICT and Education in Africa: A Summary > Report Based on 53 Country Surveys, is available at > infodev.org/en/Publication.353.html. > The working versions of the Survey of ICT and Education in Africa: 53 > Country > Reports will be available in one consolidated document at > infodev.org/en/Publication.354.html. Individual versions of the country > reports will appear in wiki format later this year on the infoDev web > site. > infoDev and COL recently released The NEPAD e-Schools Demonstration > Project: > A Work in Progress (A Public Report), which highlights lessons learned to > date from the pan-African, public-private partnership to introduce ICTs in > education and is available for download at > infodev.org/en/Publication.355.html > infoDev is completing a similar survey of ICT use in education in > the Caribbean; background information on this project can be found at > infodev.org/ict4edu-Caribbean. > > Survey of ICT and Education in Africa > A Summary Report, Based on 53 Country Surveys

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Safaricom share sale on as court case flops
by alice 05 Oct '07

05 Oct '07

Safaricom share sale on as court case flops Published on October 4, 2007, 12:00 am By Evelyn Kwamboka The public sale of Sh30 billion worth of Safaricom shares is on after a judge dismissed a case seeking to block it. Three MPs allied to the Orange Democratic Movement had sought to stop the initial public offer (IPO) of the leading mobile telephone provider until the Privatisation Act 2005 is enforced. The MPs also wanted the court to allow them to file an application seeking to compel Finance minister, Mr Amos Kimunya, to appoint a date for coming into force the Privatisation Act. But on Wednesday, the judge said the case was incompetent after it failed to enjoin Telkom-Kenya, which owns 60 per cent stake in the company, and Treasury Permanent Secretary, Mr Joseph Kinyua, as parties in the suit. "Even if I were to toss a coin, it would be improper to exercise the court's discretion in favour of granting a temporary stay (stoppage)," High Court judge, Mr Justice Joseph Nyamu, said. The judge indicated that just like in the referendum case of 2005, the court would not restrain the public participation in the largest public offer. "The case before me has no legs and it cannot lift itself from the threshold stage and crawl to the next stage for the above reasons," the judge ruled. The MPs are Prof Anyang' Nyong'o (Kisumu Rural), Mr Omingo Magara (South Mugirango) and Mr Mwandawiro Mghanga (Wundanyi). But immediately after the ruling was delivered, the MPs' advocate, Mr James Orengo, told the court he would appeal the decision. MPs did not disclose material facts The Safaricom IPO is expected to be the largest in local history. The Government has said it would sell it next month to raise about Sh30 billion to help plug a Sh110 billion budget deficit for the current financial year. "It is not therefore in dispute that the IPO has serious financial implications for the country," the court said. The MPs had sought orders quashing the Government's decision, through the Finance ministry, to offer to the public 25 per cent of Safaricom shares, through an IPO at the Nairobi Stock Exchange until the Privatisation Act 2005 is enforced. They also wanted the court to allow them to file an application seeking to compel Finance minister, Mr Amos Kimunya, to appoint a date for the coming into force of the Privatisation Act. The Government, through Telkom — where it owns 100 per cent stake — has 60 per cent shares in Safaricom. The court upheld that Safaricom was not a public entity only as regards the Procurement and Disposal of Assets, but a corporate body. Justice Nyamu said he could not grant the MPs any orders because they were guilty of delaying the commencement of the proceedings against Kimunya without explanation. This, he said, was because the Privatisation Act 2005 was assented to on October 13, 2005, yet the MPs were commencing the suit only two months to the sale. "Courts of law are not involved in policy and governance issues and cannot hold to ransom public authorities and other bodies who must be allowed to undertake their duties of good public administration without undue delay," the judge said. The case was also dismissed on the grounds that the MPs did not disclose material facts despite the fact that one source of the undisclosed information was available in Parliament. The information touches on Kimunya's request to Parliament for the approval of the list of the Privatisation Commission directors. "There was nothing to stop the applicants from seeking an order for the information to be provided at the threshold stage," said the judge. No foul play Justice Nyamu took issue with the MPs, saying some of them served in parliamentary committees that must have taken part in the passage of the Privatisation Act 2005. "In a rigid separation of powers regime, they should not be allowed to again have a second bite at the sherry," he said in a 69-page ruling. He said it was absurd for the MPs to suggest that public companies be restrained from selling their shares. He saw no problem with this provided the sale complied with the Memorandum of Articles of Association and other provisions of the Companies Act. On the issue of the minister refusing to appoint a date when the Act would be enforced, the court said Parliament gave Kimunya the discretion to determine or appoint a commencement date. "What the minister has done or is in the process of doing cannot be said to be unreasonable and in my finding, it is well within his discretion," said Justice Nyamu. By way of an affidavit, Kimunya demonstrated to the court that he was trying to put in place the necessary structures before commencement of the Act. The court said since the Act had not commenced, its provisions would not regulate the sale of Safaricom shares. "The minister is only concerned with policy and the necessary on the issues of policy is done by Parliament," he said. The court observed that as per the evidence before it, the issue of accountability and transparency was well taken care of by the Procurement Act and Regulations. The court said there was no evidence of any foul play in the share sale or undervaluation, and that the intention to offload the stock at the bourse would be managed by experts. Through its advocate, Prof Githu Muigai, Safaricom had argued that the decision to list the shares was a policy decision with merit and the court had no jurisdiction to intervene. He said there was no connection between the alleged failure by Kimunya to appoint a commencement date for the Privatisation Act 2005 and the Safaricom IPO. Muigai said there was also no legal basis for stopping the sale of shares. "The applicants, as MPs, helped in incorporating transitional provisions and having made their bed, they must lie on it," he argued. On the State's part, Deputy-Solicitor General, Ms Muthoni Kimani, told the court that Kimunya had not disregarded the law in disposal of public assets. http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143975467 <http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143975467>

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African Connectivity Statistics update]
by alice 04 Oct '07

04 Oct '07

some interesting statistics - follow the link > > Interesting updated list of African Internet user figures for 2007. > > http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats1.htm#africa > > Note it shows South Africa has the slowest growth in > number of internet users of all countries in Africa except > Liberia! (barring a couple of tiny countries/territories > for which there is no data).. > > >

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further info about EA telecoms
by Rebecca Wanjiku 04 Oct '07

04 Oct '07

The East African Community, in its current form, was established as a partnership between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2001. Burundi and Rwanda joined the Community in 2007. The purpose of the Community is "to widen and deepen economic, political, social and cultural integration in order to improve the quality of life of the people of East Africa through increased competitiveness, value added production, trade and investment." This includes a process of integration beginning with customs union (established in 2005), moving through the creation of a common/single market, then to monetary union and finally to political federation. Harmonisation is crucial to this process. Harmonisation does not necessarily mean that arrangements in all three countries must be the same, but that they must work together in a way which promotes cooperation and cross-border trade, and which does not favour one country or its businesses/citizens over another. The EAC Strategic Plan proposes harmonisation in many areas of economic and other activity - from fiscal and trade policy to legal and judicial processes. Harmonisation of policies and regulations relating to communications is also proposed within the EAC. Harmonisation was an important part of the development of a single market in communications within the European Union - in which communications businesses from any one country can compete on equal terms with those in any other country within the Union. The regulatory frameworks associated with harmonisation have been very important in liberalisation within the EU. The study which I am presently working on focuses on options for harmonisation of communications policy and regulation within the EAC. It is primarily (but not exclusively) concerned with telecommunications and with services that depend on telecommunications. At this stage, it is also primarily concerned with the three founder members of the EAC (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda). Important questions raised by harmonisation include the following: 1. What differences are there at present between the communications markets in the different EAC countries? What effect do these have? What would be the effect of removing them? 2. What are the main problems with current policy and regulatory arrangements in each country - particularly where business development and consumer services are concerned? 3. What effect would the development of a single market in the EAC region have on communications businesses and on consumers? For example: a. What would businesses be able to do that they cannot do at present? b. What difference would it make to consumers? c. Would it facilitate more transactions across national borders - in ICT and other sectors? d. Would it lead to the development of more EAC-wide ICT businesses? 4. What are the main (economic, social, political) drivers for harmonisation of communications policy and regulation? What are the main constraints? 5. What priority issues need to be addressed in the first stage of harmonisation? (In other words, what major problems faced by businesses or consumers should be addressed first on a cross-border basis?) 6. Should arrangements for market structure and regulation eventually be the same in all EAC countries? If so, over what timescale? If not, why not? 7. What institutional arrangements would be appropriate for harmonising communications policy and regulation in the region? What would be the right timescale for doing this? Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Check out the hottest 2008 models today at Yahoo! Autos. http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html

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Telkom seeks mobile licence
by alice 03 Oct '07

03 Oct '07

Telkom seeks mobile licence Published on October 1, 2007, 12:00 am By Alari Alare and Agencies Any party opposed to the granting of a mobile cellular operator licence to Telkom Kenya has less than 60 days to lodge objections to the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK). In a Kenya Gazette notice issued on Friday, CCK Director-General, Mr John Waweru, said that Telkom had made application to the regulator for the licence. "Any public or local authority, company, person or body of persons desirous of making any representation on or objection to the grant of such licence must do so by a letter addressed to the commission on or before the expiry of 60 days, effective from September 21 this year", said Waweru, in the gazette notice. Telkom Kenya has rolled out a CDMA-based network that has drawn criticism from GSM operators. Competitors argue the Telkom network works in the same way as theirs and should therefore be subject to the $55 million licence fee they paid. Telkom did not have to pay for the CDMA service as the regulator considered it a landline service, since it was originally designed to roll out fixed services in remote areas, which are cheaper to reach with wireless infrastructure. But it aggressively entered the mobile market earlier this year with cheap rates, shaking up the competition and creating a potentially lucrative business Telkom executives say make it more attractive to outside investors. "The reason for granting the licence is to enable the applicant to provide and operate mobile cellular services," said Waweru. There are about 9.5 million mobile subscribers with Safaricom laying claim to 6.3 million customers while Celtel Kenya, has about three million. The third GSM operator, Econet Wireless is yet to roll out, after being licensed and allocated frequencies. http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=114397529 <http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143975293>

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