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ISOC Fellowship to the IETF - seeking applicants for IETF 70 and IETF 71
by Brian Longwe 09 Aug '07

09 Aug '07

> > Dear Colleagues, > > The Internet Society has announced that it is seeking applications > for the next round of the ISOC Fellowship to the IETF program. The > program offers engineers from developing countries fellowships that > fund the cost of attending an Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) > meeting. > > As you know, the IETF is the Internet's premier standards-making > body, responsible for the development of protocols used in IP-based > networks. IETF participants represent an international community of > network designers, operators, vendors, and researchers involved in > the technical operation of the Internet and the continuing evolution > of Internet architecture. > > Fellowships will be awarded through a competitive application > process. The Internet Society is currently accepting fellowship > applications for the next two IETF meetings: > > * IETF 70 being held in Vancouver, Canada on December 2-7 2007, > and > * IETF 71 being held in Philadelphia, USA on March 9-14, 2008 > > Up to five fellowships will be awarded for each IETF meeting. > > Full details on the ISOC Fellowship to the IETF, including how to > apply, are located on the ISOC website at : > > http://www.isoc.org/educpillar/fellowship > > Fellowship applications for both IETF meetings are due by 7 September > 2007. > > The Internet Society formally launched the ISOC Fellowship to the > IETF program in January 2007 after successfully piloting the program > during 2006 at IETF 66 in Montreal and IETF 67 in San Diego. Fifteen > individuals from 12 countries have participated in the program since > its inception. > > I encourage you to pass information about this program to individuals > involved in your regional operators' groups that have a keen interest > in the Internet standardisation activities of the IETF. You also may > consider being a reference for the applicant. > > If you have questions, please do not hesiate to contact Karen Rose > <rose(a)isoc.org> or Mirjam Kuehne <mir(a)isoc.org>. > > Kind Regards, > Mirjam Kuehne > ISOC >

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NOMINATE YOUR ACHIEVER TODAY
by Fiona Asonga 09 Aug '07

09 Aug '07

Dear All, The African ICT Achievers program has been launched in all the five regions, the goal is to have each region run its own leg of the Awards - handling the nominations and judging process and ultimately appointing a winner for that region in each of the categories. All the winners in the various categories from the regions will then be the finalists who will compete in the overall African ICT Achievers Awards for the coveted title as top achiever in each of the respective categories. The Winners will be announced at the African ICT Achievers Awards Banquet, to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa at the end of November. To nominate a candidate (individual or organization) for the ICT Achievers Award kindly go to: http://www.forgeahead.co.za/achievers/categories.htm With the pass at which the ICT sector is developing in this country, I think there are Kenyans who stand a good chance. Regards Fiona Asonga Administrator Telecommunications Service Providers Association of Kenya (TESPOK) P.O Box 27589 - 00506 NAIROBI Tel: +254 20 245036 -----Original Message----- From: godera(a)skyweb.co.ke [mailto:godera@skyweb.co.ke] Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2007 5:34 PM To: tespok(a)tespok.co.ke Subject: Fwd: NOMINATE YOUR ACHIEVER TODAY Fiona, This is what I have been wanting to broadcast on kiplist to the industry. Can you please forward it, we need to see Kenyans winning. Please ensure everyone gets this so they nominate people who deserve to be recognized in Africa. ----- Forwarded message from Shirley <shirley(a)forgeahead.co.za> ----- Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2007 16:03:10 +0200 From: Shirley <shirley(a)forgeahead.co.za> Reply-To: Shirley <shirley(a)forgeahead.co.za> Subject: NOMINATE YOUR ACHIEVER TODAY To: Godera <godera(a)skyweb.co.ke> Trouble viewing this mail, please read it online NOMINATE YOUR ACHIEVER TODAY The African ICT Achievers Programme has built a strong foundation of recognition and reward for those ICT individuals and organisations who have made a difference to the ICT industry in Africa. They must have proven achievement in business excellence , innovation, entrepreneurship or through having touched the lives of others less fortunate. They must also have proven that their interaction continues to leverage ICTs to make a difference across our continent. ----- End forwarded message ----- ------------------------------------------------- This mail sent through IMP: http://horde.org/imp/ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.11.8/941 - Release Date: 8/7/2007 4:06 PM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.11.8/941 - Release Date: 8/7/2007 4:06 PM -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.

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Of journalists, and corruption�.
by Rebecca Wanjiku 08 Aug '07

08 Aug '07

Of journalists, and corruption. When a friend of mine sent a scathing SMS castigating a fellow journalist, I was offended. He had advised me to urge my colleague to go to hell. I was offended because I expected more from a lawyer I had grown to respect, I thought he had better skills to deal with it than to splash mud on everyone. He complained of bad faith and malice, demonstrated by a cartoon in the newspaper. But the core of my friends complaint was what he described as chronic corruption within journalism. He felt that the journalists who write or publish negative things are the same ones who queue for handouts. This is an old saying, has been told over generations. Even the meanest of characters, who cant even afford to buy a drink for anybody, shout themselves dead when speaking about corrupt journalists. I am not overly impartial in this, because my opinion has always been- it takes two to be corrupt. Can anyone who gives money or other favors to journalists claim to be righteous? The main question: do the journalists hold a gun to anyone demanding money? This question was underscored by the Members of Parliament who claimed the only reason for passing the media bill is because the journalists are corrupt and survive on hand outs. It was argued that it is fair to pass the controversial media bill that will force journalists to reveal sources, because journalists are corrupt. It was even said that journalists are always seen walking to parliament. How right! The question of corruption is controversial, because the journalists threaten to publish malicious details. But there are other mechanisms for redress can sue or officially complain. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Building a website is a piece of cake. Yahoo! Small Business gives you all the tools to get online.

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"Call for Participation: Trust and the Future of the Internet
by alice 08 Aug '07

08 Aug '07

From: Lucy Lynch <lynch(a)isoc.org> Date: 8 augusti 2007 20.06.17 GMT+02:00 To: isoc-members-discuss(a)elists.isoc.org Subject: [isoc-members-discuss] A Call for Subject Experts Greetings - Your help in disseminating this announce would be greatly appreciated: "Call for Participation: Trust and the Future of the Internet The Internet Society (ISOC) Board of Trustees is currently engaged in a discovery process to define a long term Major Strategic Initiative to ensure that the Internet of the future remains accessible to everyone. The Board believes that Trust is an essential component of all successful relationships and that an erosion of Trust: in individuals, networks, or computing platforms, will undermine the continued health and success of the Internet. The Board will meet in special session the first week October of 2007 for intensive study focused on the subject of trust within the context of network enabled relationships. As part of this process, the Board is hereby issuing a call for subject experts who can participate in the two day discussion. Topics of interest include: the changing nature of trust, security, privacy, control and protection of personal data, methods for establishing authenticity and providing assurance, management of threats, and dealing with unwanted traffic. Participants will be selected based on a short paper summarizing individual interests and qualifications as well as availability. The retreat will be held in Toronto, Ontario (CA) . Travel and accommodation costs will be covered by ISOC and participants should expect to arrive October 4th and depart on the 6th or 7th. Expressions of interest may be emailed to: Oct07-retreat @ elists.isoc.org and papers should not exceed three pages. Papers must received by August 24th, 2007 and the Program Committee will make their selections on or before September 7th, 2007. Subject experts will be allotted one hour for presentation on October 5th and will be included in the days round-table discussions. In order to facilitate open discussion, final presentation materials should be forwarded to ISOC no later than September 21st, 2007. We look forward to a lively and informative meeting on this important topic and encourage you to share this announcement with your communities of interest." Lucy Lynch Director of Technical Projects Internet Society (ISOC)

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ICANN Releases Draft IDN Evaluation Plans
by alice 08 Aug '07

08 Aug '07

Procedures for IDN TLD Evaluation Deployment in the Root Zone 6 August 2007 ICANN has finalized the procedures describing how IANA will manage the insertion, administration and removal of internationalized top- level domains in the root zone for the upcoming evaluation. The procedures were posted previously for public comments. That comment, as well as advice from the technical community (including RSSAC), was taken into consideration in editing the final versions. The two procedures guiding this effort are: 1. IANA Root Zone Procedures for Test IDN Deployment <http://www.icann.org/topics/idn/test-deployment-procedures-06aug07.htm> The final procedure was approved by the ICANN Board on 29 June 2007 (see http://icann.org/minutes/resolutions-29jun07.htm <http://www.icann.org/minutes/resolutions-29jun07.htm>) after some clarifications were provided in response to public comment (see http://forum.icann.org/lists/iana-idn-process/) These procedures are being implemented by IANA in preparation for the insertion of IDN evaluation TLDs. 2. Root Server Operator Procedures for Emergency Revocation of Evaluation-purpose IDN TLDs <http://www.icann.org/topics/idn/operator-emergency-procedures-06aug07.htm> The purpose of this procedure is to provide a method of quickly removing IDN TLDs from the root zone in the very unlikely event that insertion of these evaluation strings negatively impact DNS or root server operations. After consultation with the RSSAC, the procedure has been modified to focus on a communication protocol that root server operators will employ in the identification and mitigation of any problems that might arise for root server operations as a consequence of the proposed testing of IDN strings . Root server operators will monitor and identify deteriorated service potentially caused by IDNs in the root. If such a result is detected, ICANN will be notified and in turn activate the procedure. IDN Program -- looking forward: The next milestones in the IDN Program Plan requires obtaining necessary approvals to insert the eleven suggested evaluation top-level domains (the term <.test> translated into eleven languages). (See the IDN .test Evaluation Plan at http:// icann.org/announcements/announcement-2-19jun07.htm <http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-2-19jun07.htm>). An additional announcement will be made once the approvals have been received. It is anticipated that these evaluation TLDs will be launched in late September 2007. ------------------------------------ Updated IDN .test Evaluation Plan ICANN updates the IDN .test Evaluation Plan based on comment to the previously posted version of the plan for the insertion of evaluation IDN TLDs in the root zone 19 July 2007 Update ICANN has amended the draft plan for insertion of evaluation IDN TDs into the root zone based on comments received on the public forum established for that purpose (see, http://forum.icann.org/lists/idn-tld-test/) Specifically, an amended version of the proposed label for the Persian TLD, has been posted (see, http://www.icann.org/topics/idn/idn-evaluation-plan-v2.9.1.pdf [PDF, 241K]). The changes that have been made: (i) replaces the previously suggested Persian .test TLD with an alternate TLD label that more clearly reveals the Persian YEH, and (ii) changes of the reference to the name of the language from Farsi to Persian. Comments on this or other aspects of the evaluation plan can be made to idn-tld-test(a)icann.org <mailto:idn-tld-test@icann.org> and viewed at http://forum.icann.org/lists/idn-tld-test/. For more details please see: http://forum.icann.org/lists/idn-tld-test/msg00002.html and http://forum.icann.org/lists/idn-tld-test/msg00003.html. --------------------------------------------------- ICANN Releases Draft IDN Evaluation Plans 19 June 2007 As announced previously in the IDN program status report, in the draft IANA Root Zone Procedures for Test IDN Deployment, and the draft IDN TLD Root Server Performance / Tolerance, ICANN has developed a plan for insertion of IDN TLDs in the root zone for evaluation. The .test plan contains two separate evaluation facilities where the feasibility and usability of fully localized domain names can be evaluated and tested in a live environment. Implementation of this plan is one of the core elements in ICANN’s IDN Program. The draft .test plan is posted here for public comment <http://www.icann.org/topics/idn/idn-evaluation-plan-v2%209.pdf>. The draft contains a preliminary list of scripts for the example.test evaluation strings. Recommendations for changes or additions to this list of strings will be reviewed carefully to ensure broad public participation in the evaluations. During the public comment period, the plan will be discussed during several sessions of the ICANN meeting in San Juan (June 2007) and at the RSSAC / IETF meeting in Chicago (July 2007). Subject to these and other consultations, a final version of the plan will be provided for ICANN Board consideration at its 14 August 2007 meeting. ICANN Board approval will be sought for the plan, including approval of the insertion of the suggested evaluations strings (<.test> translated into a number of different languages), in the root zone. According to the plan the evaluation facilities will be launched in late September 2007. Comments to the draft .test plan can be submitted idn-tld-test(a)icann.org <mailto:idn-tld-test@icann.org> and viewed here http://forum.icann.org/lists/idn-tld-test/. For other questions or inquiries regarding ICANN’s IDN Program please contact Tina Dam, ICANN’s Director for the IDN Program, at tina.dam(a)icann.org <mailto:tina.dam@icann.org>. Translation of the .test plan into Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese is currently underway and will be released shortly.

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Journalists are THE Source of Corruption!
by Alex Gakuru 08 Aug '07

08 Aug '07

Welcome to despots utopia land where corruption must be legitimized by all legal means available. "Journalism is said to be a profession. But journalists are employed by media owners. The way journalists are treated is shameful. We know them and they are up there in the Press Gallery. I have never seen one driving a car. They live on handouts. That is what brings in a lot of corruption." http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143972553&catid=4 1. "is said to be a profession" depicts a resentment of despicable work 2. "But journalists are employed by media owners" according to him no professionals earnestly be employed. 3. "The way journalists are treated is shameful" Now the hero liberator comes to the rescue of mistreated journalists. 4. "We know them and they are up there in the Press Gallery." - We vs Them and we shall fix sort them out today 5. "I have never seen one driving a car." materiality concept is what is worship in the House? So when this MP see Kenyans walking, he has so little, if at at all any for them. Maybe he forgot to say "Please let us pass that other law quickly and tripple our 60 million retirement package. I need two new cars" 6."They live on handouts." Earlier had said "we know them" and now they live on handouts, so pass laws to make us richer and we feed them on our leftovers. 7."That is what brings in a lot of corruption." Thus passing this law is their noble respected legal responsibility in the fight against corruption. Why has not Guinness Book of Records awarded them with a medal recognizing their success at fighting graft? one asks. ---- Hello.. Hello.. awaken to the reality: http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=25&n… Will the President endorse this Bill? Nop! I highly doubt it. Will the MP get re-elected? Maybe, if voters are not aware of this Hansard Extact. WE WANT EVERY HANSARD AVAILED ONLINE! ____________________________________________________________________________________ Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today! http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7

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Key CTO Forum in Kenya to examine solutions to African rural connectivity]
by alice 08 Aug '07

08 Aug '07

CTO Forum in Kenya to examine solutions to African rural connectivity Africas search for real solutions that will lead to the early connection of the nearly 80% of the Continent that is still without telephone and internet access will take a giant leap forward when ministers, regulators, operating company executives and high-level officials from various development partner agencies converge in Nairobi for the Connecting Rural Communities Africa Forum 2007, and is preceded on the 20th August by a meeting of the Commonwealth Connects programme. The Forum is taking place at the Grand Regency hotel in Nairobi, Kenya from the 21st to the 24th August. This key event, organised by the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) and hosted by the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), will provide a forum for discussion of research findings, policy options, regulatory strategies, business models, financing and investment facilities, available technologies and public-private-people-partnerships that could enable improvement in African rural connectivity. The Conference proceedings are expected to contribute to a major study to be launched by the CTO on Africas Rural Connectivity within the context of the Commonwealth Connects programme, and recommendations from the Conference will go a long way to outline the agenda for subsequent meetings, workshops, programmes and projects in the sector. The advances in information and communication technologies (ICTs) in developing nations are facilitating socio-economic development, as well as the general progress and well-being of individuals and communities. ICT has been identified as playing a leading role in enabling countries to attain their Millennium Development Goals, such as the elimination of poverty, combating of serious disease, improving access to education and providing equal opportunities to women. This conference will discuss each of these issues and highlight the work of African governments, regulators and the private sector in providing universal access. For ICTs to be sustainable and provide widespread ubiquitous access to all citizens, it is generally considered imperative that governments, regulators and the private sector work together to provide solutions and enhance connectivity. As part of its commitment to bridging the digital divide, the CTO has produced this knowledge-sharing event, designed to bring together the giants of the ICT sector, from both the public sector, private companies, the development and academic community and civil society, especially non-governmental and community-based organisations. CTOs CEO, Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, states: We are delighted to be able to assemble such a high faculty of speakers and delegates from all over Africa, and also from many other regions of the world. Participants in this Conference are those who have come to acknowledge that of all the challenges the global community faces in the ICT sector, that of connecting Africas rural populations must be the epi-centre. All who are committed to the use of ICTs to advance the development process should be interested in this fundamental challenge. We look forward to seeing and meeting with as many of Africas development and investment partners as possible. The CTO Conference will significantly contribute to the development of universal access to ICT in the African region. Based on the success of last years CTO event on Connecting Rural Communities in Abuja, Nigeria, the CTO has decided to increase the duration of this years forum to three days to incorporate a Focus day which will cover amongst other things, telemedicine and improving the accessibility of education. The Conference be preceded by a half-day workshop on the use of satellites to connect rural communities in the afternoon 21st August; a half-day meeting between the CTO and heads of Universal Service Funding agencies in Africa, on the morning of 21st August, and by another all-day meeting on 20th August of representatives of African Commonwealth countries whose Points of Contact will discuss various issues involved in the Commonwealth Connects programme, that has been mandated by Commonwealth Heads of State and Government. According to an official of one of the several companies that has agreed to sponsor the event, Connecting Rural Communities Africa is a timely opportunity for all stakeholders who are spearheading rural connectivity to network, discuss best practices for harnessing ICT to deliver socio-economic benefits, share strategies for connecting rural Africa and consider different solutions for bridging the digital divide through sustainable ICT connectivity. For more information and to register to attend, or for opportunities to support this event, contact: Toby Davies Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation Tel.: +44 870 777 7697 t.davies(a)cto.int <http://mailer.eddiction.co.uk/_webscripts/emaillog.php?789c35cbcd0a80201004…> *** About the CTO - The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) is an international development partnership between Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth governments, business and civil society organisations. It provides the international community with effective means to help bridge the digital divide and achieve social and economic development, by delivering to developing countries unique knowledge-sharing programmes in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the specific areas of telecommunications, IT, broadcasting and the Internet.

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Telkom's new licence, Sh69b debt and layoffs
by Mike Theuri 08 Aug '07

08 Aug '07

The Standard reports the following excerpts in part: http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143972525&catid=14 ++++++++ *Telkom Kenya plans major debt and project swaps to rid it of liabilities amounting to Sh68.8 billion as part of restructuring before privatisation. *======== The debt burden itself is astounding given the sum of US$1bn. The government's promise to hand over TKL with a clean balance sheet ought to invite offers far in excess of the said $50m that was said to have been offered by some bidders. While debt swap is a novel idea, the tax payer should not inadvertently become the party to whom the debt is swapped to, directly or indirectly. *++++++++ Mr Solomon Kitungu, Director of Reforms in the Ministry of Finance, said the Government has already factored the funding initiatives in the current budget, with Sh41 billion made available towards the process.* ======= It appears that the Kenyan taxpayer is bound to be saddled with heavy debt obligations far more than the previously thought Ksh 20bn. The government would do well to inform Kenyans at large just as it did for the potential bidders as to what is in it for them and the country were the sale of TKL to be successful considering it is our hard earned taxes that are paying for this privitization +++++++ *This in addition to Safaricom interconnection interest of Sh1.3 billion, Paris Club and other loans paid by Government amounting to Sh3.8 billion. There is also the Government debt on telephone and data lines amounting to Sh3.4 billion, new mobile license (US$55m), which requires Sh3.9 billion and liquidity and investment support of Sh3.5 billion. *======= It now appears that TKL is set to transition from a fixed wireless provider for which it was already licensed, to a fully fledged mobile provider at par with Safaricom and Celtel. Whether the complaints against TKL generated more than the providers bargained for (ie the mere payment of excise and VAT taxes vs a new mobile operator on equal operational footing) remains to be seen. Clearly TKL with its basket of licences will be a formidable provider once privatized considering it will be able to offer competitive and bundled services (wireless + wireline + internet + IPTV etc etc). The $55m mobile licence fee presumably will again be footed by the taxpayer. Is the government in effect throwing this arena wide open to any RWA operator by licencing TKL as a mobile operator? This would be a big plus for the consumer and other entrants eager to tap the market. Hopefully the Kenyan taxpayer who is likely to be bearing this $1 billion+ burden will not be short changed when it comes to the offer amount. TKL's management had reportedly asked for 5 years to run TKL, 5 years might be too long but atleast 2-3 years ought to have been fair. I believe TKL if given a chance would alleviate the debt burden to be passed on to taxpayers by leveraging its new services and restructured organization so as not to unfairly burden the Kenyan taxpayer and unduely reward foreign entities coming on board. Hopefully we will get to see consortiums that include local partners bidding for the sale. The government should be willing to reject bids that do not reflect the true value of TKL after the Ksh 69 billion debt offload. With a clean balance sheet, TKL ought to be worth in excess of the range Rothschilds once valued it at: $800m - $1.3bn. Why the Government did not seek to ask the bidders to assume part of the debt remains to be seen, though it does make the sale very attractive. Also to be seen is whether the government intends to undertake measures to ensure that the Nation's national security is not compromised as a result of the sale. Mike Theuri

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Echelon (Spy Network).
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 07 Aug '07

07 Aug '07

Guys, Big brother is watching: 1. Echelon <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ECHELON> - Wikipedia Article. 2. The Echelon Project & Evidence of Anglo Leasing that even Ringera won't bear to ignore<http://kumekucha.blogspot.com/2007/03/echelon-project-and-evidence-of-anglo…> - Kumekucha Article. 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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[KBC Poll] Internet Users: 90.4 per cent oppose revealing sources
by Alex Gakuru 07 Aug '07

07 Aug '07

According to the ongoing KBC (http://www.kbc.co.ke/) Poll (image attached), Internet Users resoundingly object to journalists revealing their sources of information. Guess we are mostly OK with the 4th Estate continuing to broadcast and publish their goofs on their front pages, when they do-it's better than government info black-outs. Hope our Safari Park Hotel request that the ICT Bill incorporates a Blogger Protection clause is incorporated. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase. http://farechase.yahoo.com/

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Security Tips.
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 06 Aug '07

06 Aug '07

Guys, Forewarned is forearmed. I didn't want to bypass an opportunity to disseminate this information. Don't forget to check out this great page on e-mail hoaxes to boost your awareness: Urban Legends & Folklore.<http://urbanlegends.about.com/> 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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Re: [kictanet] It's a new twist for Econet Wireless
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 06 Aug '07

06 Aug '07

Dear Mr. Theuri, Thank you for supplying more details. You raise many issues here and more importantly is the fact that you understand the difference between regulatory and policy. For smooth running of the industry, the regulator must be independent. The current Government at least wants an indepedent regulator. We must leave regulatory issues to the regulator. The Econet matter is regulatory. The Government has extricated itself from mixing regolatory and policy issues. This is simple and straight forward. Your problem is the fact that you are a party to the issues sorrounding Econet and you are not disclosing that to your audiences. At some point I am told you did not want KNFC to have access to the licence. Now you are advocating issuance of the same licence to KNFC. I deceided to engage with you in this discussion because I thought you were a sincere Kenyan interested in seeing justice. I now know that you cannot in any way see issues in this matter objectively. You will therefore excuse met from further discussion on this issue. I HAVE RESTED MY CASE. Regards Ndemo. > Dear Dr. Bitange, > > Thank you for your candid response and dialogue. I disagree that I am > in effect spilling any beans. The information being shared is in > possession of the Government, the regulator, KACC, courts in various > jurisdictions and covered in numerous publications across the world. > These are public domain sources and some of these documents have been > provided in many different courts by none other than Econet and the > regulator. In case my liberal sharing has been misunderstood, the > information I have shared revolves around the infamous litigant, > Econet, any information that touches on the Government is a result of > being willingly or unwillingly mired in the scandal and highlights the > danger of the Government crossing the line of being an impartial party > and becoming complicit by extension in the actions of the foreign > entity. > > The documents and facts speak for themselves and I believe there is a > pending matter in court against the regulator over the failure to > respond appropriately to an objection to the licence as required by > law. Such are the endless consequences that will potentially continue > to haunt the government if the right decision is not carried out. > > My humble opinion is that for the sake of integrity and faith in > future tendering and so as to attract companies that will not > disappoint, that the regulator seek to conduct proper and thorough due > diligence so that Kenyans and the GoK are not in essence defrauded or >%2 ---------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world"

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Should the ICT Bill pasing follow The Media Bill...
by Alex Gakuru 05 Aug '07

05 Aug '07

On second thought, I recall the President said "Kama mtu yeyote [serikali-ni] ana kukasirisha sema..hapana ogopa! basi..." thus Bill Kagai,no-one should succumb to online intimidations and if I am wrong they should just say so. I am fully aware that some providers are afraid of "license implications" if they speak out... Now, given the secrecy, contradictions and last-minute maneuvers in Kenya's law-making processes consumers may be forced to pro-actively go to court to challenged the ICT Bill on constitutional illegality, certainly if the "storming clause" is not deleted. Other transparent legislators committed to consumers accessing affordable telecommunications even publish their Bills online(e.g. PDF bill, Section 5 Excemptions (2) "during an emergency declared by the President") http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070803-community-broadband-act-would… ____________________________________________________________________________________ Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today! http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7

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Register your free offical Postal Email Address at PostKenya.com
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 04 Aug '07

04 Aug '07

Can you say: "Najivunia kuwa Mkenya?" ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: TelePosta Communications <postmaster(a)postkenya.com> Date: 04-Aug-2007 22:51 Subject: Register your free offical Postal Email Address at PostKenya.com To: kipsangb(a)gmail.com Dear Kenyan, As a proud Kenyan or a person with interest in Kenya, we are glad to announce to you that a new Email hosting PostOffice platform for Kenyans has been launched at http://www.postkenya.com Here, you can get your own FREE official email address and start to communicating officially with both local and international clients as well as get insightful business tips. Register now for free at PostKenya.com to get your own *email(a)postkenya.com*and have an official address that you can use to communicate freely. Please forward this message to friends and help get Kenyans on the web officialy. TeleP0sta Communications, PostKenya.com <http://www.postkenya.com> -- "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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New law forces media to reveal sources
by Alex Gakuru 04 Aug '07

04 Aug '07

>From now on, would you trust Kenya media with any confidential corruption story, especially if you were in the civil service? or expect Editors to even touch let alone fearlessly publish corruption reports when they will have to name their sources. Who will now dare accuse a minister of graft? In short, "You Kenyans shut up and let us eat". Loss of business for local media houses and we revive your old shortwave radio. You will need it henceforth to tune in to BBC, VOA, etc for breaking news on Kenya? But then again, one can always publish in foreign newspapers that protect their sources and on websites. At least for the time being before another internet censorship and PCs confiscation law is passed. Don't you love Kenya? Have fun with whistle blower protection program joke... ____________________________________________________________________________________ Sick sense of humor? Visit Yahoo! TV's Comedy with an Edge to see what's on, when. http://tv.yahoo.com/collections/222

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Fellowships to Ensure Global Voices Heard at ICANN
by alice 03 Aug '07

03 Aug '07

see <http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-02aug07.htm> Fellowships to Ensure Global Voices Heard at ICANN Program builds on the successful pilot program run at San Juan meeting 2 August 2007 MARINA DEL REY, Calif.: More voices from across the globe will be heard at ICANN's 30th International Public Meeting in Los Angeles later this year thanks to the global fellowships program being launched today. "ICANN has a global mandate and it's important that we do what we can to support participation from every corner of the world. This program makes sure we have involvement from individuals from developing and least developed nations who otherwise may be unable to attend," said Theresa Swinehart, ICANN's Vice President, Global and Strategic Partnerships. "The pilot of the fellowship program at our San Juan meeting was a success and has helped us refine the program for the upcoming ICANN meeting in Los Angeles." The 33 fellows from 24 countries who played an active role at the San Juan meeting were chosen from 125 applications received -- and 65 per cent of the fellows and 68 per cent of applicants had never attended an ICANN meeting. Priority will be given to applicants who are current residents of developing and least developed nations who are 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 ICANN's meetings is free for anyone wanting to attend. The Los Angeles meeting will be held from 29 October to 2 November 2007. "ICANN is working on major efforts with internationalized domain names and new top-level domains -- efforts that represent some of the biggest changes to the Internet since it was invented," Swinehart added. "ICANN wants as much input and global engagement as possible on issues like IDNs and top-level domains -- and the fellowship program has a key role in helping us accomplish that goal." Applications will be accepted from now until 1200 PDT (UTC -7) on Friday 24 August 2007. More information, as well as a link to the application for a fellowship, is available online at: http://www.icann.org/fellowships/ etc etc about ICANN. ____________________________________________________________

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[Fwd: AfriNIC position on the future of IP number resources]
by Michuki Mwangi 03 Aug '07

03 Aug '07

PLEASE READ - Very IMPORTANT! -------- Original Message -------- Subject: AfriNIC position on the future of IP number resources Date: Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:13:29 +0400 From: Adiel A. Akplogan <ceo(a)afrinic.net> To: members-contact(a)afrinic.net Dear Members, After considering the situation of the IPv4 central pool exhaustion and the analysis paper published by AfriNIC staff in April 2007 [1], The AfriNIC Board approved in its last meeting an action plan for the staff to intensify its awareness campaign on the issue and advise network operators in the region to make their network infrastructure IPv6 ready as soon as possible. Resolution [#200707.01]: "Noting the imminent exhaustion of the IPv4 address central pool, the AfriNIC Board resolves that efforts to draw the public's attention to the problem and potential solutions such as IPv6 be intensified, and instructs the staff to take appropriate action in this regard" In line with this resolution, we have released the attached message to draw your attention to the situation. This direct communication will be followed by different other measures/activities to continue to promote the adoption of IPv6 in the Africa region. Among other activities, AfriNIC will have a press conference to reach out to a larger audience including the media and intensify its IPv6 training activity across the continent. We will also soon launch a specific area on our web site dedicated to IPv6, from where policy, training materials, papers and other useful information related to IPv6 will be available. Do not hesitate to contact our team, should you have any further questions or need more clarification. Sincerely, [1] http://www.afrinic.net/news/ipv4_exhaustion.htm ______________________________________________________________________ Adiel A. AKPLOGAN Tel. +230 466 66 16 Chief Executive Officer, AfriNIC Fax: +230 466 67 58 adiel(a)afrinic.net www.afrinic.net <http://www.afrinic.net/>================ See you at AfriNIC-7 - Durban, South Africa 23-28 September 2007, www.afrinic.net/meeting/afrinic-7 <http://www.afrinic.net/meeting/afrinic-7> -- Michuki Mwangi KENIC _______________________________________________ members mailing list members(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/members

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ICT & Investment
by Bill Kagai 03 Aug '07

03 Aug '07

*MEDIACORP INVESTOR CLINIC – NYALI BEACH HOTEL, MOMBASA Saturday, 1st September 2007 – 9.00am – 4.00pm* MediaCorp Limited is a Licensed Information Vendor of the Nairobi Stock Exchange [NSE]. In our efforts to promote awareness and as a result of overwhelming interest from our subscribers and the investing community in Mombasa, we will be hosting the above mentioned clinic at the coastal city. The main panel will consist of the following speakers: - *Dr. Bitange Ndemo* – PS, Ministry of Information and communication who will speak on the role of ICT in harnessing online trading. - *Mr. Jimnah Mbaru* – Chairman, Nairobi Stock Exchange [NSE] who will speak on transforming the market from a paper to a digital market and the future vision of the NSE. - *Mr. Bob Karina* – Managing Director, Faida Securities who will speak on demystifying the bond market by taking advantage of ICT in Kenya. Other key themes of the Clinic will feature; - NSE Real Time Data Demonstration by MediaCorp - Investor Rights and Redress - Brokers, Unit Trusts and Investment Groups Exhibition - Upcoming Safaricom IPO - Facts and Figures - Presentations by Exhibitors - Plenary with Mombasa Investors *EXHIBITION* A parallel exhibition will run at the conference venue and interested players are invited to participate so as to take advantage of interacting with the Mombasa investing community. Branded booths will be available for Kshs 46,400 (VAT Inclusive). This includes free access for two to the Clinic and exhibition area. *PARTICIPATION FEE* Kshs 2,500 per person inclusive of VAT. Patrick Kahugi, the event coordinator is available on Tel. 254 20 272 8332 or Mobile 0722 374 393 to confirm your attendance. -- 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: CTO and Kenya Work Together to Prepare for Post 3G Era]
by alice 02 Aug '07

02 Aug '07

Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation INFORMATION FOR THE PRESS For immediate release 2nd August 2007 CTO Telephone: +44 870 777 7697 Fax: +44 870 034 5626 E-mail: j.manuel(a)cto.int <http://mailer.eddiction.co.uk/_webscripts/emaillog.php?789c35cbcd0a80201004…> www.cto.int <http://mailer.eddiction.co.uk/_webscripts/emaillog.php?789c4b49ca4cb135b254…> CTO and Kenya Work Together to Prepare for Post 3G Era The CTO is to run a multi-stakeholder workshop on mobile technologies beyond 3G in Nairobi, Kenya from the 6th to the 10th August. The workshop is organised as part of a CTO-CCK programme to help telecom professionals in Kenya gain a thorough understanding of the opportunities future mobile network generations hold for access to mobile services and ICTs. Like most Commonwealth countries, Kenya embraced the potential of new technologies as an opportunity to extend public services and improve trade through new applications such as e-commerce and m-commerce. And with todays ever increasing data processing and the transmission capabilities of handsets and networks and their relative lower cost compared with traditional PCs, mobile telephony is proving the most likely means for the unconnected masses in developing countries, not only to experience and use the Internet on a regular basis, but to fully integrate the information economy. For this to become a nation-wide reality, these new applications require trained engineers and business managers, and also networks to migrate to more spectrum-efficient transmission systems and standards. The workshop will give telecoms professionals in Kenya a detailed understanding of both the evolution from 2G to 3G and the network elements and air interface of the original UMTS system. Furthermore, the course will be covering other broadband services such as WLAN, Wimax and MWBA, whilst also looking at LTE (Long Term Evolution) and how the latest developments in UMTS will push the technology very close to 4G requirements. In fact, the aim in the end is for participants to be able to understand and leverage the UMTS and IEEE standards. CTO is intensifying its programmes on new technologies for greater access. Earlier this year, three Kenyans from CCK were sent by CTO to a high-level workshop in Yaoundé, Cameroon on frequency planning and spectrum management for NGN. And to spur member countries interest on the potential of NGN, the CTO is holding a major conference on NGN and convergence. Organised within CTO's Programme for Development and Training (PDT) in partnership with CCK and Nokia Siemens Networks, the Nairobi workshop will last five days. As the Commonwealth capacity building programme for ICTs, the PDT is a unique corporate membership programme for sharing of industry best practices in a uniquely fast-moving and global industry. Hundreds of ICT professionals from public and private sector organisations around the world benefit from its professional development programmes each year, built around a mix of high-quality training, networking and consulting in four main areas: ICT policy development, regulation, technology and business management. For more information and to register to attend, contact: Juliet Manuel Programme Management Officer Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation Tel.: +44 870 777 7697 j.manuel(a)cto.int <http://mailer.eddiction.co.uk/_webscripts/emaillog.php?789c35cbcd0a80201004…> *** About the CTO - The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) is an international development partnership between Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth governments, business and civil society organisations. It provides the international community with effective means to help bridge the digital divide and achieve social and economic development, by delivering to developing countries unique knowledge-sharing programmes in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the specific areas of telecommunications, IT, broadcasting and the Internet.Click here to unsubscribe <http://mailer.eddiction.co.uk/_webscripts/emaillog.php?789c1d8a3b0ac4300c05…>

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[Fwd: [governance] registration for Rio IGF is open]
by alice 01 Aug '07

01 Aug '07

For all those interested in internet governance issues: http://intgovforum.org/register/index.php Registration for the second meeting of the IGF is <http://intgovforum.org/register/index.php>now open. [updated 30 July 2007] The Government of Brazil will host the second IGF meeting. It will take place in Rio de Janeiro on 12 - 15 November 2007. best, Veni ____________________________________________________________ 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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[Fwd: [Kenic-board] IT Internship Position]
by alice 01 Aug '07

01 Aug '07

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: [Kenic-board] IT Internship Position Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2007 14:13:01 +0300 From: Vincent Ngundi <vincent(a)kenic.or.ke> To: KeNIC Board <kenic-board(a)kenic.or.ke> CC: KeNIC Mgmt <mgmt(a)kenic.or.ke> KENIC wishes to invite interested and qualified persons to submit applications for the above vacancy. *Position* The KENIC Internship programme aims at giving the Intern's hands-on experience on certain aspects of the working environment. The programme also provides additional human resources to the existing KENIC workforce. The KENIC Internship programme will run on a 3-month rotational basis. *Qualifications and Skills* Interested candidates should meet the following criteria: * Be an undergrauate pursuing a Bsc in Computer Science degree - on vacation(preferably going to their final year) or just cleared college * Hands-on experience in using UNIX/LINUX * N+ or Cisco Certifications will be an added advantage * Hardworking * Self-driven - can work with minimum supervision * Ladies are encouraged to apply *How to Apply* Applications should contain a cover letter detailing skills and abilities and with the subject "Application for IT Internship Position" and should be sent via email to internship(a)kenic.or.ke <mailto:internship@kenic.or.ke> on or before the 24th of August 2007. Applicants should also attach a detailed copy of their resume. Kind Regards, *Administrative Manager* *Kenya Network Information Centre* _______________________________________________ Kenic-board mailing list Kenic-board(a)ole.kenic.or.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kenic-board

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Re: [kictanet] It's a new twist for Econet Wireless
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 01 Aug '07

01 Aug '07

Dear Mr. Theuri, Whereas you may be having more information than we do, it may be prudent for you to spill out the beans for the world to know. It is pointless to implicate the Government if you cannot substantiate your claims. We have gone through all these motions for the past one year and the best way forward was to remove government from any possible liability. Remember we accepted $15 million deposit for the licence fee (whether this was right or wrong it is water under the bridge). Even if we were to refund this at normal interest rates, it is a lot of money to the tax payer. One way or another, we had to make a decision since this matter is more of regulatory than policy. If indeed there is injustice to the whole matter, the courts will deny Econet from getting to set up in Kenya. Nobody has stopped KNFC from pursuing justice. One thing that I have learnt in this office is that you cannot be indicisive and hope to achieve anything. I have always used Thika road as the best analogy. In as much as the users are suffering with traffic jams, they usually do not think the same if the Government wanted to make it a six lane highway in both sides, still there will be protesters who will say pedestrians crossing will have a problem or the goat keepers at Utalii will claim lost business. Once in a situation and you want to move on, the most prudent thing you do is to make a decision (good or bad). Have a decive day. Regards Bitange Ndemo. > One cannot envy the PS for he is in a difficult situation trying to > extricate the government from a situation which would never have occurred > had those responsible (long before the tender concluded) abided by the law > and struck out the litigant based on publicly and widely available > information during the pre-qualification stage of the tender. Even though > some might disagree, two wrongs do not make a right, and history no matter > how long it takes to get there will be the judge of this government's > actions. As was the case, while the Government was fighting the litigant > in > Kenyan courts, a different arm of the Government was bizarrely engaged in > a > PR campaign on behalf of the litigant in a foreign country! Was the > litigation in Kenya a mere public relations exercise to show Kenyans that > the government tried to do something so that Kenyans could mistakenly > conclude that atleast the government 'fought tooth and nail' ? > > The government cannot claim to know it did not know what kind of 'animal' > it > was dealing with when it allowed the litigant to get past > pre-qualification > while international telecom giants with more experience, cash and > ---------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world"

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Internet privacy does not really exist
by Alex Gakuru 01 Aug '07

01 Aug '07

Even you feel "stupid" at least now you know.... ------------------------------------------------- Experts in the field of Internet privacy have a consensus that Internet privacy does not really exist. Privacy advocates believe that it should exist. ISPs Consumers obtain Internet access through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). All Internet data to and from the consumer must pass through the consumer's ISP. Given this, any ISP has the capability of observing anything and everything about the consumer's (unencrypted) Internet activities; however, ISPs presumably do not do this (or at least not fully) due to legal, ethical, business, and technical considerations. ISPs do, however, collect at least some information about the consumers using their services. From a privacy standpoint, the ideal ISP would collect only as much information as it requires in order to provide Internet connectivity (IP address, billing information if applicable, etc). A common belief exists that most ISPs collect additional information, such as aggregate browsing habits or even personally-identifiable URL histories. What information an ISP collects, what it does with that information, and whether it informs its consumers, can pose significant privacy issues. Beyond usages of collected information typical of third parties, ISPs sometimes state that they will make their information available to government authorities upon request. In the US and other countries, such a request need not involve a warrant. An ISP cannot know the contents of properly-encrypted data passing between its consumers and the Internet. For encrypting web traffic, https has become the most popular and best-supported standard. Note however, that even if users encrypt the data, the ISP still knows the IP addresses of the sender and of the recipient. (However, see the IP addresses section for workarounds.) General concerns regarding internet user privacy have become a concern enough for a UN agency report to on the dangers of identity fraud. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_privacy ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545469

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ICT and Engineering Students Exhibition 2007
by Kevit Desai 31 Jul '07

31 Jul '07

Dear All, The 10th Anniversary of the annual ICT and Engineering Students' Exhibition 2007 of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) will be held on 14th -15th September 2007 in Nairobi at Sarit Centre Expo Hall. This exhibition brings together academia, industries and government to realize the vital opportunity of creating linkages and collaboration.. The event is supported by the Ministry of Information and Communications, Kenya Private Sector Alliance and the Kenya ICT Federation,Kenya Association of Manufacturers among others. This years' theme is 'ICT IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT' The objective of the Engineering Students Exhibition is to encourage students to develop their engineering skills and to give them deeper insight in technology coupled with market demand. The preparation and presentation of projects challenges them to use their theoretical knowledge and demonstrate their engineering ability. Students also network with local and international participants, and interact with senior representatives of the private sector. This being the 10th Anniversary, the exhibition will be equally large and best projects that demonstrate innovation and talent are being sort. The participants are required to place their projects in one of the following categories: i. Electronics Engineering * Electrical * Electronic ii. Information & Communication Technology (ICT) * Computer Hardware * Computer Software iii. Mobile Application I therefore wish you to encourage students in all learning Institution to register for projects and email to: <file:///\\Md\..\..\..\..\Kevit\Desktop\ieee%20dcos\IEEE%202007%20EXHIBITION \exhibition(a)centurionsystemsltd.com> exhibition(a)centurionsystemsltd.com The following link www.engineeringexhibition.com <http://www.engineeringexhibition.com/> is the web page for The Engineering Students' Exhibition.You can access the registration forms. Yours Faithfully, Chair- IEEE Kenya Section Kevit Desai Director of Engineering - Centurion Systems Ltd Chairperson IEEE - Kenya Section Governor - KEPSA Director - KEPSA Director - Innovation Africa BOA - AIESEC Member - National Strategy for University Education 2nd Fl, New Rehema Hse, Raphta Rd, Westlands -Nairobi P.O. BOX 66031 - 00800 Nrb. Tel: 0204440101 Fax: 0204440104 Mobile: 0722517067 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/>

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VoiP market dominated by big players
by Alex Gakuru 31 Jul '07

31 Jul '07

BTW/I hope this is not the duo's proactive strategy to lock out interconnection with our upcoming community WiFi telcos? We intent to populate rural areas with IP phones using Licence Free 2.4 and 5.8 GHz band courtesy of CCK. I shall reveal details at my CTO presentation here <http://www.events.cto.int/default.aspx?event=crcafrica07> [Business Daily] <http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2196&Item…> "VoiP market dominated by big players" Okuttah, Mark 31-July-2007 --<snip>-- Recently, the CCK came up with the maximum amount chargeable for voice interconnection. The regulator also asks companies to interconnect with other network providers though it does not state how or how long an interested party should engage the other. Mr Nzioka Waita, the Legal Service Manager at Safaricom, said the company is negotiating with seven ISP providers on the matter and that sealing a deal depends on a number of factors, including the traffic volumes and quality of service. Some of the providers dump low quality VoIP services on consumers, so why go through them if we are able to secure the same deal with an international partner? he asked. Mr Nzioka says Safaricoms capacity cannot allow it to interconnect with all the players and was using a first come first served formula, which is usually on the basis of a nondisclosure agreement. Celtel Kenya CEO David Murray says while a number of the ISPs have shown interest in interconnecting to the companys network, most do not have independent clients and can only act as agents. <snip> ____________________________________________________________________________________Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV. http://tv.yahoo.com/

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Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] It's a new twist for Econet Wireless
by Mike Theuri 31 Jul '07

31 Jul '07

David, These are good questions, and several remain to be unravelled. There are many dimensions to this issue. One party clearly has a public relations scoop over the other as certain reporters who masquerade as 'correspondent' gleefully write about one entity in a one sided manner that borders on glorification. If KNFC's arguments are accurate, it begs the question of how a minority shareholder made a decision on behalf of an entire company without the knowledge of the other shareholders so as to 'withdraw' the case. I doubt that KNFC want to pocket the difference, just the other day none other than Vice President Awori promised to deliver the licence to KNFC/EWK on Ushirika day while addressing members of the Co-operative movement. This was reported in sections of the media (note the lop sided coverage) and KNFC was quoted as stating they were prepared to go it alone (per KT and Capital FM). You are right on the mark, it is imperative to use lawyers to avoid these types of controversies or where token board members (now former) of a company are compromised and terrorize an entire movement. KNFC were brought on board by a well meaning Kenyan who was then an executive at the foreign entity, he was apparently inspired by how Empowerment programs were working in South Africa. KNFC has the capacity to raise the capital. KNFC has been derailed several times by powerful outside forces who continuously meddle in its attempts to progress. This licence is fully capable of being wholly owned by Kenyans and Kenyans alone if need be through a combination of grass root equity through the cooperative movement, private equity,debt financing and a build, operate and transfer arrangement. What KNFC needs is an advisory firm with experience preferably with transactions in South Africa's empowerment models. As to the retention of the funds, it will be interesting to see how the Government handles this debacle. As it is, if the tender rules were to have been followed to the letter the licence ought to have been cancelled over 2 years ago according to the tender rules and the Kenya Communication Regulations. ======== Page 16, Section 4.5 of the Tender document: The pre-qualified mobile operators consortia shall not be allowed to change the character of their composition by either substituting any of the pre-qualified operators' consortia with a new member or by submitting separate bids. ========== Page 90 of the 3rd mobile Tender document regarding cancellation was also appropriately applied in the case of the Second National Operator in cancelling Vtel's bid where VTel was willing to pay but its local partners were not: (iii) if the Applicant, after having notified the Commission of its acceptance of the licence, fails to pay the licence fee fully within 60 (sixty) days after such notice; http://www.telegeography.com/cu/article.php?article_id=16405 The East African reported on November 1, 2004, the following: However, the licence was not awarded as the fee was not raised by the October 17 deadline. But neither did the Communication Commission of Kenya (CCK) invite fresh tenders or award the licence to the second highest bidder as required by the Kenya Communications Act. Instead, it decided to give the Kenya National Federation of Co-operatives another 30 days – beginning October 18 – to raise its share of the amount required. Econet has already paid its share of $15 million of the licence fee. ========= Perhaps VTEL should get a similar deal no matter how unorthodox and get a second shot at the licence now that the regulator has established a precedent?? Well that remains to be seen. Mike Theuri On 7/25/07, David Kiania | Asentric Consulting Ltd <kianiadee(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > Herein lies poignant lessons for anyone looking to partner for whatever > reason. First avoid Farmers and amorphous bodies their interests are as > diverse as their membership. KNFC nees to tell us since EWK will be > settling the legal costs of the suits that they have terminated, what % > of the legal bills will they foot. Secondly can they or can't they raise > their portion of license fee which was a point of contention ab initial. > From what I gather, they are broke and are not in a position to so of > the US$ 27m license fee, Econet International has already paid $12M > being the majority shareholder can KNFC raise $15M or are they seeking > to auction their shareholding and have and pocket the surplus. Me thinks > they want to cash out and pocket something. > > Last but not least, the outcome will also be influenced by their > shareholders' agreement on liquidation and ownership transfer. Herein > lies the other lesson, during incorporation get a good lawyer, not a pal > because they will cost you nothing. From my experience get a lawyer (in > their personal capacity) with one of the big firms (K&S, HHM, etc) they > have great incorporation templates and are thorough not to mention they > know how to get things done right. > > I have a feeling that EW Kenya may carry the day, after all the govt > needs to fund the Kshs 400 billion budget deficit and are in not > position to refund the $12M already paid, it's an election year :) Watch > what happens carefully . > > Kiania D. > > > > Mike Theuri wrote: > > It's a new twist for Econet Wireless as it prepares to roll out its > > services > > Written By:Emmanuel Toili , Posted: Tue, Jul 24, 2007 > > > > It's a new twist for the third mobile service provider Econet Wireless > > International after the Kenya National Federation of Co-operatives > > limited- > > KNFC > > threatened to take a court injunction to stop the rolling out of the > > mobile > > services. > > > > Interim Chairman Stanley Muchiri said the Federation had neither > > withdrawn > > two > > court cases that prevented Econet Wireless International from > > providing the > > mobile services. > > > > The government and Econet Wireless International had last week signed a > > settlement agreement and agreed to settle the contentious issues out of > > court. > > > > KNFC who are allegedly the majority shareholders of Econet Wireless > > Consortium, > > want the Communications Commission of Kenya - CCK, to issue them a > > license > > as a > > partner. > > > > http://www.kbc.co.ke/story.asp?ID=43974 > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > > _______________________________________________ > > skunkworks mailing list > > skunkworks(a)my.co.ke > > http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > > Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com > >

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Fwd: [DigAfrica] CyberTrackers of the Kalahari take out their PDAs in Botswana
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 30 Jul '07

30 Jul '07

I thought I might want to share this with you... (KWS wanafanya nini?) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: yamanjanl <yamanjanl(a)yahoo.com> Date: 15-Jul-2007 17:58 Subject: [DigAfrica] CyberTrackers of the Kalahari take out their PDAs in Botswana To: DigAfrica(a)yahoogroups.com That indispensable electronic tool of every rising young executive, the personal digital assistant (PDA), has been matched to the traditional knowledge of the Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert to give Africa a new profession: digital wildlife tracker. The high-tech wildlife trackers have been used against poachers, in ecotourism, environmental education, research and monitoring. The free software that links up traditional knowledge to electronic data mapping has been applied around the world to social surveys, organic farming, integrated pest management and disaster relief. The new profession sprang from the work of Louis Liebenberg, a South African conservation scientist who learned tracking from bow-and- arrow hunters in Botswana. He recognized the importance of their skills and knowledge for conservation — and how little it was valued by protection authorities, partly because the Bushmen could not read or write. With former University of Cape Town computer scientist Justin Steventon, Liebenberg developed a hand-held computer and software to capture their knowledge. He called the system CyberTracker. The computer displays a palette of symbols representing more than 40 animal species, subspecies and plants. The icons also cover activities such as drinking, feeding, running, fighting, mating and sleeping. Pressing an icon records a sighting or other indications. Each screen allows the user to record increasingly detailed information. They found that one tracker might record up to 300 observations in a day. Connected to a satellite navigational system in 1996, the hand-held computer automatically recorded the details, time, date and exact location. This information was processed on a base-station computer to create maps and charts of animal movements and feeding habits. Today, all the data collection can be done on a PDA and worked on a personal computer. The free software used to turn a tracker into a digital wildlife tracker has now been downloaded over 25,000 times in more than 50 countries. When Liebenberg received a Rolex Award for Enterprise for his work with CyberTracker, the European Union funded work that enabled him to set up a non-governmental organization to develop and distribute the software as part of his effort to establish a worldwide network to monitor wildlife (http://www.cybertracker.org) Mr Liebenberg's plan was to hand over management to someone else and go back to research exclusively, but so far that remains a dream, and he now also spends time evaluating trackers for certification. The scientist's efforts had a social development goal from the start. "I set out to show that there is an alternative for the desperately downtrodden and impoverished Bushmen whose understanding of nature and its rhythms is unparalleled," he says. The illiterate trackers who carried out the first project, a detailed study of the black rhinoceros, were able to publish their findings in a respected scientific journal with the aid of Liebenberg and Steventon. Certified trackers now run into the hundreds. Liebenberg runs tracker certificate programmes in South Africa at the Thorny Bush Nature Reserve, a private reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park, and the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park. Others are now also organized in the United States. (Source: International Trade Centre) __._,_.___ Messages in this topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/message/6147;_ylc=X3oDMTM0MGlnazhwB…>( 1) Reply (via web post) <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJwMGxvN3VnBF9TAzk3M…>| Start a new topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJlbWh1OHA3BF9TAzk3M…> Messages<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/messages;_ylc=X3oDMTJlZDVnOG1rBF9TA…>| Links<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/links;_ylc=X3oDMTJmMjZmMTc5BF9TAzk3…>| Polls<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigAfrica/polls;_ylc=X3oDMTJmcTNya240BF9TAzk3…> Dig Africa site welcomes you to join us at http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/Digafrica on IT in Africa Aids-Africa is a forum for communication and information on AIDS related issues in Africa and all are welcome to join us at http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/aids-africa Join us on hiv/aids forum on Kenya at http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/kenya-aids Join us at a Kenyan networking forum and NGOS at http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/kenyainternational [image: Yahoo! 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Nairobi: 2nd Annual "Connecting Rural Communities Africa" Forum (August)/ICT Africa 2007 (October)
by Janet Feldman 29 Jul '07

29 Jul '07

2ND ANNUAL CONNECTING RURAL COMMUNITIES AFRICA FORUM 2007 21st-24th August 2007, Nairobi, Kenya This international event will bring together African government officials, senior figures from African regulatory authorities and international ICT experts who are leading the private sector connectivity drive. At this forum you have the opportunity to discuss and analyse best practices, share case studies, and debate crucial topics. If you would like to register as a delegate, please contact Marco by email: m.dekock(a)cto.int or telephone: 0044 208834 1577 More Info: 2nd Annual Connecting Rural Communities Africa Forum 2007: Bridging the digital divide through sustainable ICT connectivity Take advantage of the opportunity to attend the forum which will enhance your understanding of connecting rural Africa through ICT. If you would like to participate, please contact Marco by email: m.dekock(a)cto.int or telephone: 0044 208834 1577 The Conference In A Nutshell: Pre-conference workshop day: Tuesday 21st August 2007 Main conference: Wednesday 22nd August to Thursday 23rd August 2007 Rural Services & Applications Focus Day: Friday 24th August 2007 Grand Regency Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya Host Organisation: The Communications Commission of Kenya Website: www.cto.int This international event will bring together African government officials, senior figures from African regulatory authorities and international ICT experts who are leading the private sector connectivity drive. At this forum you have the opportunity to discuss and analyse best practices, share case studies and debate crucial topics such as: * Optimal regulation strategies to promote rural connectivity * Creating the right environment to attract foreign investment * How to best harness and utilise ICT to deliver socio-economic benefits to rural communities * Analyse current projects which seek to bridge the digital divide * The opportunity to advance rural connectivity through mobile, internet and satellite and enhance access to key services, content and applications How You Can Participate: If you would like to participate as a speaker, contact Mani by email ( m.kaur-rai(a)cto.int) to discuss speaker opportunities. Speakers receive FREE admission to the whole forum Interested in sponsoring or exhibiting? We have limited space available for solution providers, if you have services which you would like to highlight to our large delegation, please email Mani at m.kaur-rai(a)cto.int If you would like to register as a delegate, please contact Marco by email: m.dekock(a)cto.int If you would like to help us create a successful event, please email Andrea: a.hooker(a)cto.int or telephone: 0044 208834 1589 for details of becoming a media partner and receiving your press pass. - ICT AFRICA 2007 October 1-5, 2007, Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi, Kenya ICT Africa is an annual continental information and communications technology conference addressing all aspects of ICT development in Africa. The conference is convened by NEPAD council in collaboration with the NEPAD Kenya secretariat. The 2007 event will be organized by Global Conferences, Cape Town, South Africa. For further information contact rjacobs(a)globalconf.co.za

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EU to Open Up Mobile Spectrum
by Alex Gakuru 29 Jul '07

29 Jul '07

[BUSINESSWEEK] <http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/jul2007/gb20070727_798976.htm…> EU to Open Up Mobile Spectrum To encourage innovation in telecommunications, radio spectrum previously reserved for GMS mobile networks may be freed up Tim Ferguson July 27, 2007 The European Commission (EC) has proposed the removal of restrictions on the radio spectrum previously used solely for GSM mobile phone networks. The proposals include the repeal of the 1987 GSM Directive which allocated the 900MHz-1800MHz spectrum to GSM services only. The move is aimed at making it easier and more lucrative for operators to develop innovative wireless technologies such as 3G, mobile data or multimedia services. European telecoms commissioner Viviane Reding said the EU needs to remove regulatory barriers and allow new tech to share the spectrum. This will be a "concrete step" towards a more "flexible market-driven approach" to spectrum management, she said. This should mean a greater choice of wireless services available to European citizens and should also expand the geographical coverage of mobile networks. Another benefit could be reduced network deployment costs for the wireless communications industry as it will remove the need to develop services on other spectrums. It has been estimated that the wireless comms industry could save up to 40 per cent in cumulative capital expenditure over five years if the proposals come to fruition. Mike Grant, head of broadband and media at consultancy Analysys told silicon.com: "This is an interesting move by the Commission. One of the reasons is that technology is now allowing use of spectrum in a way previously not possible." He added the move is "a helpful step forward". Mark Blowers, senior research analyst at the Butler Group, agreed. He said the EC is being more pragmatic: "To my mind, that's a good thing." The European Commission expects the measures to be in place by the end of the year. --- ____________________________________________________________________________________ Got a little couch potato? Check out fun summer activities for kids. http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=oni_on_mail&p=summer+activities+for+kids&…

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Fwd: [ke-internetusers] ALERT! Storm Worm:Worst Virus Attack In 2 Years
by Alex Gakuru 28 Jul '07

28 Jul '07

[Last week I got quite a number of these messages and I got quite suspicious having read, 3 days earlier, how the FBI planted bugs by tricking users to compromised site.YOU MAY AVOID CLICKING FUNNY ENTICING EMAIL LINKS] [WIRED] http://www.wired.com/politics/law/news/2007/07/fbi_spyware FBI's Secret Spyware Tracks Down Teen Who Made Bomb Threats --Excerpts-- FBI agents trying to track the source of e-mailed bomb threats against a Washington high school last month sent the suspect a secret surveillance program designed to surreptitiously monitor him and report back to a government server, according to an FBI affidavit obtained by Wired News. The court filing offers the first public glimpse into the bureau's long-suspected spyware capability, in which the FBI adopts techniques more common to online criminals. The software was sent to the owner of an anonymous MySpace profile linked to bomb threats against Timberline High School near Seattle... ..the spyware program gathers a wide range of information, including the computer's IP address; MAC address; open ports; a list of running programs; the operating system type, version and serial number; preferred internet browser and version; the computer's registered owner and registered company name; the current logged-in user name and the last-visited URL. The CIPAV then settles into a silent "pen register" mode, in which it lurks on the target computer and monitors its internet use, logging the IP address of every computer to which the machine connects for up to 60 days. ---- [WWWhatsup NYC] http://www.informationweek.com/security/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=2012008… Storm Worm Erupts Into Worst Virus Attack In 2 Years Storm worm authors are blasting the Internet with two types of attacks, and both are aimed at building up their botnet. By Sharon Gaudin InformationWeek July 24, 2007 04:19 PM The Storm worm authors are waging a multi-pronged attack and generating the largest virus attack some researchers say they've seen in two years. "We are basically in the midst of an incredibly large attack," said Adam Swidler, a senior manager with security company Postini. "It's the most sustained attack that we've seen. There's been nine to 10 days straight days of attack at this level." Swidler said in an interview with InformationWeek that the attack started a little more than a week ago, and Postini since then has recorded 200 million spam e-mails luring users to malicious Web sites. Before this attack, an average day sees about 1 million virus-laden e-mails, according to Postini. Last Thursday, however, the company tracked 42 million Storm-related messages in that day alone. As of Tuesday afternoon, Postini researchers were predicting they would see that day between 4 million and 6 million virus e-mails -- 99% of them associated with the Storm worm. While the number of spam e-mails has dropped significantly, it's still far above normal levels, so Swidler isn't ready to say the attack is over. The viruses are not embedded in the e-mails or in attachments. The e-mails, many of them otherwise empty, contain a link to a compromised Web site where machines are infected with a generic downloader. This helps pull the computers into the malware authors' growing botnet, while also leaving them open for further infection at a later date. "This is designed to add computers to the botnet," said Swidler. "That's first and foremost their goal." But the Storm worm authors aren't contenting themselves with this one attack vector. Paul Henry, VP of technologies with Secure Computing, said in an interview that the electronic greeting card spam scam that the Storm worm authors launched early in July is stronger than ever. He noted that a friend of his has a company with 100 users and they're being hit with about 300 e-card spams every day. "Back in December, we saw a huge spike in e-card spams because of the holiday," he added. "We are at the levels we were seeing back in December right now Most security professionals thought it would show up for Independence Day and then fade immediately, but it's been escalating for the last few weeks. It's definitely a pain point." Again, the e-card spam message, which install rootkits in the infected computers, are working to build a botnet. Henry could not say if it's the same botnet as the other messages are building. "I have seen thousands of these e-mails since Independence Day. It's got to be working for them or they wouldn't keep doing it," said Henry. Just a few weeks ago, the Storm worm authors began trying to trick users with fraudulent e-mails warning unsuspecting users about virus or spyware infections. Users around the world were receiving spam messages claiming that viruses or spyware had been detected on the users' systems. It was another attempt to lure users to malicious sites where their computers could be infected. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center. http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/

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Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] It's a new twist for Econet Wireless
by Mike Theuri 27 Jul '07

27 Jul '07

Joram, Your intuition is right, there are heavily vested interests, though I believe not in the sense that Econet is coming in late but in the sense that Econet is coming in now. It is apparent that there may be multiple vested and opposing interests gunning for control of the licence, whether true or not, it can be concluded that where there is smoke the likelihood of finding a fire is high: === SPECIAL REPORT | Page 9 SUNDAY STANDARD MARCH 19 2006 No end in sight to Econet intrigues "In April last year, our officers investigating the case were told to stop with immediate effect." says a senior Kacc official. Kacc spokesman Nicholas Simani however declined to comment on the matter." ==== There is a plethora of hundreds perhaps thousands of pages of documents (some attached) on these matters available from courts in Nairobi, London, Lagos, Papua New Guinea, Botswana and Johannesburg including affidavits by the foreign entity's executives that tell a shockingly different story from the often one sided pompous story told in the media. KNFC has a valid case, Econet too had to raise money (there is evidence supporting how this was done and why Econet took their former top level executive (also after he refused to co-operate in disenfranchising KNFC) to court in Johannesburg in a bid to gag him from spilling the beans, beans which a VP of the telecom vendor at the center of the unorthodox financing arrangement feared would rile Vodafone/Safaricom, Celtel, MTN etc). Why would anyone touch KNFC with a long pole when there are vested interests intent on derailing KNFC at every turn and corner while a PR machine touts the other party as the credible and righteous party with stories of "success and triumph" in other countries citing billions of profits in Zimbabwean dollars Z$ ambigiously as touted as $ "US dollars" yet it is no secret that Zimbabwe is a nation of poor millionaires where the average price of a home starts in the billions http://www.fingaz.co.zw/fingaz/2005/February/February24/7816.shtml If you were a financier who would you work with? The hapless KNFC you read about in the press or the over "glorified" entity (minus its unknown mishaps) that you read about in the press? Even then according to the attached advertisement that was published in the Nation on April 12 2004 by KNFC's lead financier, the regulator is said to have refused to accept the replacement bid bond from KNFC and further to that KNFC's financier confirms in the ad as having raised the requisite licence fee but the regulator was not willing to issue the licence to them. The Econet PR machine that has its team of dedicated journalists in various newsrooms went to work to tout KNFC as having no funds or in the alternate of having failed to raise funds for the licence. Those in doubt do not need to look very far, the Co-operative bank is one such example of success from the co-operative sector. As always the PR machinery works overtime to paint KNFC as the impoverished villians and Econet as the righteous party with money overflowing from its pockets. Unfortunately the truth should be told, contrary to what the Kenyan media reports, Econet has not won any of its huge and highly publicized endlessly filed legal battles. Where it was not likely to win it settled. Econet Wireless Nigeria is no more, it is now Celtel and NOT because Econet sold it to Celtel but because the Nigerian shareholders choose to do so. Econet simply got a taste of its own medicine when it was bundled out of Econet Wireless Nigeria and when it seemed Econet could retain its 5% shareholding + more, it was unable to match Celtel's superior offer for the shares at stake. As Business Day in South Africa and other Nigerian media reported on and around 30 June 2006 regarding the saga (contrary to Kenyan media reports indicating the opposite). Thus there is no West African battle that Econet has won except through its disinformation campaign: ---------------- http://mybroadband.co.za/nephp/?m=show&id=3368 ECONET's battle for control of Nigeria's cellular network, V Mobile, has been massively undermined by a court verdict damning Econet for misleading a judge and failing to admit it was $90m short of the cash needed to buy the business. The Nigerian court will be presented with the UK verdict showing that Econet had withheld evidence and failed to raise the cash. Econet CEO Strive Masiyiwa claimed to have raised $1,5bn to buy V-Mobile entirely, but accused the Nigerians of refusing to hand over the documents to conclude the deal. The court found that was not true. When Econet sought an order to block V-Mobile's sale to Celtel, it told the court it had more than enough funds to make the payment. "That was not the true position," Judge Morison said in his ruling. "There was serious nondisclosure or misrepresentation of the true position as to Econet's access to funds." The court was "seriously misled by evidence as to Econet's access to funds," Morison said. He ended the injunction so Celtel could buy V Mobile as Econet lacked cash. Celtel CEO Marten Pieters said the ruling confirmed Celtel's purchase of V- Mobile was a professional and transparent process. ------------------ http://www.pacificmagazine.net/issue/2005/02/01/business-briefs The Papua New Guinea government has terminated the proposed sale of 51 percent of Telikom (PNG) Ltd to African telecommunications giant Econet Wireless Group. Bowing to criticism in Parliament and public outcry, Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare announced the PNG Cabinet's decision and said the sale process would be looked at again this year. "Given the debate from various sectors of the community and the parliamentary resolution not to proceed with the sale under its current structure, the Cabinet has decided the most logical step is to cancel current attempts to sell this important State asset," Sir Michael said. ------------------- Anywhere Econet goes, there are problems, the modus operandi is the same, when they are exposed turn around and sue Governments and their partners for the favored value of $1bn or issue legal threats only later to settle after having succeeded in intimidating the intended victims to agree to their demands or in the event they loose, their PR machine goes to work touting their "victory" or the fact that the matter is far from over. It is a pity that the Kenyan media is far from professionally telling the truth that is already in the public domain in such enormous and overwhelming terms. On 7/25/07, Joram Mwinamo <joram.mwinamo(a)gmail.com > wrote: > > I also have a feeling there could be vested interests in Econet not coming > in as the 4th mobile operator in this country as competition will seriously > harm the mega profits being made right now. Im not saying anything but for > people who couldnt raise the money,i dont see why their case was being heard > even when econet offered to put up the capital. There is definitely more > than meets the eye here and I dont see why things go in favour of the > Cooperative that doesnt have cash.We want competition so that i can call > at 2 bob a minute > > However econet has had a few victories to similar battles in west africa > where they were clearly the underdogs,im holding my breath > > On 7/25/07, David Kiania | Asentric Consulting Ltd < kianiadee(a)gmail.com> > wrote: > > > > > > Herein lies poignant lessons for anyone looking to partner for whatever > > reason. First avoid Farmers and amorphous bodies their interests are as > > diverse as their membership. KNFC nees to tell us since EWK will be > > settling the legal costs of the suits that they have terminated, what % > > of the legal bills will they foot. Secondly can they or can't they raise > > > > their portion of license fee which was a point of contention ab initial. > > > > >From what I gather, they are broke and are not in a position to so of > > the US$ 27m license fee, Econet International has already paid $12M > > being the majority shareholder can KNFC raise $15M or are they seeking > > to auction their shareholding and have and pocket the surplus. Me thinks > > they want to cash out and pocket something. > > > > Last but not least, the outcome will also be influenced by their > > shareholders' agreement on liquidation and ownership transfer. Herein > > lies the other lesson, during incorporation get a good lawyer, not a pal > > because they will cost you nothing. From my experience get a lawyer (in > > their personal capacity) with one of the big firms (K&S, HHM, etc) they > > have great incorporation templates and are thorough not to mention they > > know how to get things done right. > > > > I have a feeling that EW Kenya may carry the day, after all the govt > > needs to fund the Kshs 400 billion budget deficit and are in not > > position to refund the $12M already paid, it's an election year :) Watch > > what happens carefully . > > > > Kiania D. > > > > > > > > Mike Theuri wrote: > > > It's a new twist for Econet Wireless as it prepares to roll out its > > > services > > > Written By:Emmanuel Toili , Posted: Tue, Jul 24, 2007 > > > > > > It's a new twist for the third mobile service provider Econet Wireless > > > > > International after the Kenya National Federation of Co-operatives > > > limited- > > > KNFC > > > threatened to take a court injunction to stop the rolling out of the > > > mobile > > > services. > > > > > > Interim Chairman Stanley Muchiri said the Federation had neither > > > withdrawn > > > two > > > court cases that prevented Econet Wireless International from > > > providing the > > > mobile services. > > > > > > The government and Econet Wireless International had last week signed > > a > > > settlement agreement and agreed to settle the contentious issues out > > of > > > court. > > > > > > KNFC who are allegedly the majority shareholders of Econet Wireless > > > Consortium, > > > want the Communications Commission of Kenya - CCK, to issue them a > > > license > > > as a > > > partner. > > > > > > http://www.kbc.co.ke/story.asp?ID=43974 > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > skunkworks mailing list > > > skunkworks(a)my.co.ke > > > http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > > > Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com > > > > _______________________________________________ > > skunkworks mailing list > > skunkworks(a)my.co.ke > > http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > > Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com > > > > > > -- > Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,but that we are powerful > beyond measure.It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.Thereis nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel > insecure around you.As we let our own light shine, we consciously give > other people permission to do the same. > As we are liberated from our fear,our presence automatically liberates > others.

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KICTANet Institutional Assessment
by Rebecca Wanjiku 26 Jul '07

26 Jul '07

The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder network with members from the private sector, civil society, media, academia and government. It is a network of committed volunteers from organizations, networks and groups, who believe in collaborative policy advocacy activities and the sharing of resources and skills. The advocacy activities are focused on the development and use of ICT to support poverty reduction and the transformation of livelihoods. Recognizing this important role of ICT in our society, KICTANet is conducting two studies. One to assess the network as an institution (institutional assessment) to establish ways to engage the stakeholders more, how it can build on successes and incorporate other issues and methods, the other is a case study of the network , which is being conducted by Muriuki Mureithi. In this respect, the lead consultant for the institutional assessment will be conducting interviews expected to last about 30 minutes. While, Muriuki Mureithi has already sent questionnaires to a number of network members. Because KICTANet is committed to ensuring information-sharing as well as cooperative and collaborative advocacy to maximize outreach and impact, it is hoped that all members in the mailing list will actively participate in the interviews, and will attend the validation of data collected as well as dissemination workshops. The main objective of the assessment is to establish KICTANets organizational strengths and weaknesses, and to develop specific recommendations of areas that will require institutional strengthening, while the case study will assist in collection of lessons learnt in MSP. The lead consultant for the institutional assessment will be meeting with a number of the members for a one on one interview after as well as a questionnaire, which will assist in getting the findings and backing them up with required scientific explanations. The secretariat therefore kindly requests all members to assist the two consultants with the data collection phase. regards Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Yahoo! Travel.

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FW: Your Complimentary Report from Gartner
by Kagwe James 26 Jul '07

26 Jul '07

Good afternoon all. I think you will find the attached interesting reading, enjoy. Best Regards, James Kagwe ************************************************************************ ********** Alexander Forbes Financial Services (EA) Ltd 10th floor, Landmark Plaza Argwings Kodhek Road Opposite Nairobi Hospital P. O. Box 52439 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: (254) 20 - 2710722, 2710775, 2710779, 2710782, 2710751, 2710725 Fax: (254) 20 - 2710721 Confidentiality Warning ======================= The contents of this e-mail and any accompanying documentation are confidential and any use thereof, in what ever form, by anyone other than the addressee is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify actuaries(a)aforbes.co.ke or benefits(a)aforbes.co.ke and delete it immediately from your system.. Alexander Forbes Financial Services (EA) Limited from whom this e-mail originates accepts no responsibility for losses or damage as a result of any viruses and it is your responsibility to check attachments (if any) for viruses.

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Country Business Manager - South Africa
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 25 Jul '07

25 Jul '07

A great opportunity not to be missed! ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Robert Alai <alai.robert(a)gmail.com> Date: 15-Jul-2007 00:19 Subject: Country Business Manager - South Africa To: kaziafrica(a)googlegroups.com *Country Business Manager - South Africa* *Position available in Cape Town or Johannesburg, South Africa* Google is looking for a seasoned professional to lead Google's sales and operations within South Africa. The ideal candidate will have deep sales experience, demonstrated general management capability, and a proven ability to build a team. The country business manager is responsible for developing and executing on the overall market strategy within the country. This responsibility includes determining the appropriate channel strategy, support model, staffing requirements, target advertisers, and coordinating with functional teams to achieve desired goals. The primary focus will be on top tier client and agency opportunities, as well as regional business development. This position will report to the Regional Director. Responsibilities: - General management of South Africa operations including the development and execution of the overall country strategy. - Build a sales organization to call upon leading advertisers within South Africa. - Build a regionalized advertising sales operations capability to provide premium service to Google's top advertisers. - Build and maintain relations with key agencies and Search Engine Marketers (SEMs). - Drive revenue growth across all verticals. - Define the appropriate sales channel for all advertisers. - Build and develop partnerships that will grow the marketplace in South Africa and the Southern Africa region as a whole. - Coordinate closely with centralized sales operations to ensure the needs of the market are being met. - Contribute strategically to the growth and direction of Google products and services. - Ensure new product launches are successfully communicated to the local market. - Collaborate with other Country Business Managers to provide broad support to EMEA sales as a whole. - Provide support to the Regional Director as required. Requirements: - BA/BS or equivalent; MBA preferred. - Minimum 8+ years advertising sales and general management experience. - Proven record of strategic development of Fortune 1000 client base. - 5+ years of Internet sales. - 5+ years sales management experience in a technology related field. - Strong relationships within the advertising and technology spaces in the region. - Experience in building strategic partnerships and track record of growing a market is preferred - Fluency in English required For immediate consideration, please send a text (ASCII) or HTML version of your resume in English to jobs(a)google.com. Important: The subject field of your email must include *Country Business Manager - South Africa.*. -- -------------------------------------------------------------------- Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others? .........Martin Luther King, Jr. -------------------------------------------------------------------- --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "KAZI-AFRICA" group. Email to kaziafrica(a)googlegroups.com Subscribe , send email to kaziafrica-subscribe(a)googlegroups.com Unsubscribe, send email to kaziafrica-unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/kaziafrica?hl=en www.kazi-africa.com kazi-africa.blogspot.com biashara-africa.blogspot.com -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- -- "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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new/please post/forward: Oxford Internet Institute (University of Oxford) Civil Society Practitioners Programme (information society)
by Wanjira, Alice Munyua 25 Jul '07

25 Jul '07

Civil Society Practitioners Programme http://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/microsites/cspp/ Invitation to apply The Oxford Internet Institute (University of Oxford) invites applications from the global South to fill two places in its Civil Society Practitioners Programme. This visitor programme is intended for Civil Society Practitioners of distinction or outstanding promise who wish to visit the Institute for a period of six weeks between February and December 2008, to undertake research concerning the social impact of the Internet and related ICTs. Visitors are expected to reside in Oxford during their stay, and to participate fully in the intellectual life of the Institute. The successful applicants will receive: * A subsistence allowance of 3800 GBP (7500 USD) to cover research expenses and living costs during their stay in Oxford * A travel grant of up to 1000 GBP (2000 USD) for travel to and from the UK Applications will ideally be submitted by Civil Society Practitioners in or from the global South, active in the areas of freedom of expression, media reform, media justice, and communications and information policy in the globalized context of the Internet. You may also request to have this information emailed to you in plain text form. The deadline for completed applications to reach the OII Academic and Student Affairs Officer (by post or email: contact details below) is 26 September 2007. Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Final notification of an award will occur in November 2007. Successful candidates will be expected to take up their six week residency in Oxford at any time between February and December 2008. Contact Laura Taylor Academic and Student Affairs Officer Oxford Internet Institute University of Oxford 1 St Giles, Oxford OX1 3JS United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1865 287222 Fax: +44 (0)1865 287211 Email: recruit(a)oii.ox.ac.uk This programme has been made possible by funding from the electronic media policy portfolio in the Media, Arts and Culture unit of the Knowledge, Creativity and Freedom Program of the Ford Foundation.

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BROADBAND BALONEY
by Alex Gakuru 25 Jul '07

25 Jul '07

[Congratulations Skunkworks for the ongoing visible work "Skunkworks gets African roots as techies bond" http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2110&Item…] ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: WWWhatsup <joly(a)punkcast.com> Date: Jul 25, 2007 5:21 AM Subject: [isoc-ny] BROADBAND BALONEY To: isoc-ny(a)yahoogroups.com, discuss(a)isoc-ny.org BROADBAND BALONEY [SOURCE: Wall Street Journal, AUTHOR: Robert McDowell] [Commentary] Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Robert McDowell writes that American consumers are poised to reap a windfall of benefits from a new wave of broadband deployment. But you would never know it by the rhetoric of those who would have us believe that the nation is falling behind, indeed in free fall. Looming over the horizon are heavy-handed government mandates setting arbitrary standards, speeds and build-out requirements that could favor some technologies over others, raise prices and degrade service. This would be a mistaken road to take -- although it would hardly be the first time in history that alarmists have ignored cold, hard facts in pursuit of bad policy. When it comes to broadband policy, let's put aside flawed studies and rankings, and reject the road of regulatory stagnation. In the next few years, we will witness a tremendous explosion of entrepreneurial brilliance in the broadband market, if the government doesn't micromanage. Belief in entrepreneurs and a light regulatory touch is the right broadband policy for America. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118524094434875755.html?mod=todays_us_opini… (requires subscription) * Are the numbers flawed? See http://www.freepress.net/docs/shooting_the_messenger.pdf ---------------------------------------------------------- WWWhatsup NYC http://pinstand.com - http://punkcast.com http://isoc-ny.org "The Internet is for Everyone!" -- Vint Cerf ____________________________________________________________________________________ Choose the right car based on your needs. Check out Yahoo! Autos new Car Finder tool. http://autos.yahoo.com/carfinder/

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It's a new twist for Econet Wireless
by Mike Theuri 25 Jul '07

25 Jul '07

It's a new twist for Econet Wireless as it prepares to roll out its services Written By:Emmanuel Toili , Posted: Tue, Jul 24, 2007 It's a new twist for the third mobile service provider Econet Wireless International after the Kenya National Federation of Co-operatives limited- KNFC threatened to take a court injunction to stop the rolling out of the mobile services. Interim Chairman Stanley Muchiri said the Federation had neither withdrawn two court cases that prevented Econet Wireless International from providing the mobile services. The government and Econet Wireless International had last week signed a settlement agreement and agreed to settle the contentious issues out of court. KNFC who are allegedly the majority shareholders of Econet Wireless Consortium, want the Communications Commission of Kenya - CCK, to issue them a license as a partner. http://www.kbc.co.ke/story.asp?ID=43974

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kenyan techies headed to jail
by Rebecca Wanjiku 23 Jul '07

23 Jul '07

Kenyan techies headed to jail... By Rebecca Wanjiku If the new Kenya Communications Amendment bill becomes law, all Kenyan techies and computer owners with pay a fine of shs 1 million, or risk a jail term or both. Why? Section 86 of the KCA bill states that... No person shall Operate an electronic Certification system Update a repository Administer a sub-domain in the ccTLD To do the above one requires a license, or face the penalties. Michuki Mwangi, the chief executive officer of KENIC, reckons that there are many Kenyan techies who have been infringing on this rule and will face the full force of the law once its assented. In interrogating these issues, Michuki asks, what is a repository? He argues that a repository could constitute a computer hard disk, mainly because the bill has not defined what a repository is. I have a self signed certificate, I create sub-domains and so many other Kenyans do. The government will have to give 32million potential sub-domain users. Thats a whole load of licenses to issue, said Michuki. Section 87 and 88 provides that: The dot KE registry and the Digital Certificate Registry need a license Michuki reckons that .KE model is globally recognized and in deed South Africa wants to follow up but adds that the new law will open room for subdivision of the registry, provided one can pay the license. For instance in south Africa, the .CO.ZA , .AC.ZA and other domains were operated by different entities and this is the time they are trying to integrate registry operations under one registry. It has the right intentions but just needs a bit of tweaking and rewording. The bill could have captured other areas of IT like local content matters were not well addressed, said Michuki. Ends Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Choose the right car based on your needs. Check out Yahoo! Autos new Car Finder tool.

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Police excuse angry computer user for outburst
by Alex Gakuru 23 Jul '07

23 Jul '07

Humor a cold quiet afternoon! http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=oddlyEnoughNews&storyid… BERLIN (Reuters) - A German man who startled his neighbors when he hurled his computer out of the window in the middle of the night, was let off for disturbing the peace by police who sympathized with his technical frustrations. Police in the northern city of Hanover said they would not press charges after responding to calls made by residents in an apartment block who were woken by a loud crash in the early hours of Saturday. Officers found the street and pavement covered in electronic parts and discovered who the culprit was. Asked what had driven him to the night-time outburst, the 51-year-old man said he had simply got annoyed with his computer. "Who hasn't felt like doing that?" said a police spokesman. While escaping any official sanction the man was made to clear up the debris. © Reuters 2007. All Rights Reserved. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games. http://get.games.yahoo.com/proddesc?gamekey=monopolyherenow

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Fwd: [ke-internetusers] CCK Preaching Wine & Drinking Water
by Alex Gakuru 23 Jul '07

23 Jul '07

--- robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2007 06:37:41 +0100 (BST) > From: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> > To: Internet user group <ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net> > Subject: [ke-internetusers] CCK Preaching Wine & > Drinking Water > > Hi All, > > Here is a trick question, where is the > Communications Commission of Kenya's (CCK) web site > is hosted? > > Wrong it is not at Telkom or at their headquarters, > it seats in a foreign land, from the routing seems > like the UK. Evidence provided below. > > C:\>tracert www.cck.go.ke > > Tracing route to meru1.africaonline.co.ke > [216.251.32.98] > over a maximum of 30 hops: > > 1 <1 ms <1 ms <1 ms 192.168.0.1 > 2 36 ms 37 ms 42 ms 212.49.74.1 > 3 37 ms 36 ms 34 ms 196.202.200.193 > 4 37 ms 37 ms 36 ms 62.24.96.131 > 5 37 ms 37 ms 38 ms 192.168.2.2 > 6 636 ms 607 ms 637 ms > t3a2-h12-0-0.uk-goo.eu.bt.net [166.49.213.137] > 7 602 ms 698 ms 612 ms > t2c1-p3-2.uk-lon2.eu.bt.net [166.49.163.21] > 8 619 ms 699 ms 638 ms > t2c2-ge6-2.uk-lon2.eu.bt.net [166.49.164.170] > 9 1188 ms 1271 ms 706 ms > t2c1-ge5-1.uk-lon1.eu.bt.net [166.49.208.242] > 10 1106 ms 1137 ms 675 ms > t2a5-ge2-1.uk-lon1.eu.bt.net [166.49.135.115] > 11 * 651 ms 648 ms > 166-49-214-130.eu.bt.net [166.49.214.130] > 12 690 ms * 721 ms 217.239.40.78 > > > > So when the regulator has no faith in the > infrastructure he is meant to regulate and monitor > how are the mortals like us supposed to have faith > in the infrastructure. > > > > Robert Yawe > KAY System Technologies Ltd > Phoenix House, 6th Floor > P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 > KEnya > > Tel: +254722511225 > > --------------------------------- > Inbox full of unwanted email? Get leading > protection and 1GB storage with All New Yahoo! Mail.> _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links. http://mobile.yahoo.com/mobileweb/onesearch?refer=1ONXIC _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers

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eGovernment for Development
by Alex Gakuru 22 Jul '07

22 Jul '07

http://www.egov4dev.org/indonesiatender.htm eTransparency Case Study No.8 More Transparent Tendering for Infrastructure Development in Indonesia More Transparent Tendering for Infrastructure Development in Indonesia Case Study Authors Anonymous Application In 2001, the Department of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure in Indonesia introduced an online information system to support the process of tendering. Application Description The Department of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure is responsible for public infrastructure in Indonesia (particularly transport, water and housing infrastructure), with a budget of more than US$100m annually, much of which is dispersed through a system of tenders, bids and contracts. The new information system provides information about all aspects of the procurement process: · Details of projects to be tendered, including their content, duration and budget allocation. · Tendering process details including dates, value, details of the pre-qualification process and information regarding the tender winner. · Contact details for the relevant procurement officer that enable queries or inputs into the process. Armed with this information, citizens and citizen groups could then identify cases where tendering procedures have not been followed properly, or where contractors with close relations to government have received many contracts, or where infrastructural deliverables have not been constructed. Contractors themselves can also benefit from the information provided by the system. It helps them to know what to bid for. They can also use e-tendering components within the system in order to submit their bids online. However, full e-procurement is not yet possible because electronic documents are yet to be given legal status in the Indonesian courts. Thus all key documents must still be handled in the conventional manner. There are no specific technical standards or benchmarks for the transparency of tendering in Indonesia, nor is there any law regarding freedom of information. Normal government regulations apply to the actual tendering/procurement processes. Role of ICT The e-tendering system is Web-based, and made available to citizens and businesses via the Internet in Bahasa Indonesia (the national language). The system uses ASP for scripting, with My-SQL for the underlying database. Application Drivers/Purpose President Suharto ruled Indonesia from 1965 until his resignation in 1998. His rule is typically seen as autocratic and as fostering corruption. The e-tendering application was introduced as part of post-Suharto reform in Indonesia. One main focus of this reform has been good governance, including an attempt to address widespread corruption and to reduce the costs of government. Another has been more balanced regional development, which has sought to redress earlier distortions between the disadvantaged Eastern and better-developed Western parts of the country, and to devolve decision-making powers away from a small Jakarta-based clique. All elements came together in the development of the e-tendering/procurement system, which aims to improve the transparency and efficiency and costs of tendering/procurement. A key driving force for the application in practice is seen to be external pressure from international donor organisations. Stakeholders Senior officials and staff of the Department of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure are key internal stakeholders for this new system. Consultants and businesses are stakeholders since their approach to bidding has been affected. Finally, citizens and NGOs are stakeholders since they have a general interest in improvements in both the efficiency and effectiveness of government infrastructural contracting. Transparency and the Poor There has been no direct support for transparency to the poor, since the service is primarily targeted at government-to-business links. There is also little or no ICT infrastructure in most poor communities, especially outside Jakarta. Impact: Costs and Benefits Project costs are unknown. The main system benefits seem to be: a) Increased awareness about tendering processes among some citizens. There have been a few queries about tenders from members of the public and NGOs. This may have a knock-on impact to make contractors and government officials feel they are under greater scrutiny than previously. It may help to create some groundswell of demand for more freedom of information and greater transparency. b) Benefits of reduced costs for contractors who wish to participate in the bidding process. Although this has no direct transparency benefit, it may help broaden the range of contractors who participate. In general, contractors have been supportive of the system. There is a perception that, before the system's introduction, most tender winners had a close relationship with government officials, whereas perhaps 25% fewer do after system introduction. What is not clear is the extent to which this can be attributed to the e-tendering system, or to broader changes in the post-Suharto era. Other benefits are, at present, more a potential than a reality. For example, there is still confusion about the way in which evidence derived from the Web site could be used in a legal context. Thus, there are no actual cases of the system having been used to seek redress against possible wrongdoing in procurement, and so there is as yet no clear way in which this system can be used to move beyond mere reporting to actual accountability and control of the procurement process. Government officials perceive that the system thus far has had no significant impact on levels of corruption. It is still the norm that contractors would find themselves paying 20-40% of the overall tender value to members of the tender committee and, in some cases, to higher-level officials who have oversight of the committee's work. Some of this corruption can be attributed to greed, but much can be attributed to need: the need to recover money paid out to get project budgets agreed in the first place (see below), and the need to supplement low public sector wages. Breaking this cycle of need, and institutionalised processes of corruption set in place during the Suharto era, is not going to be easy. The system ought to make the tendering process easier and quicker for government officials (indeed, this benefit is identified by the Department's own evaluation). However, informal feedback from government officials is not particularly positive. Those procurement officials who have computer expertise feel that the e-tendering system is creating additional work for them, yet for no additional income. They prefer to use their computing skills and what should be their government work time to earn money undertaking unofficial outside consultancy work; they then pay a small amount to more junior government staff to do the tendering data entry for them. Procurement officials without computer expertise, despite their training, feel the e-tendering system is something they do not understand. In both cases the result coupled with general absence of a culture of transparency has meant officials have little to do with the system, getting more junior staff to actually interact with it. This has tended to undermine both the perceived value and usage of the system. Evaluation: Failure or Success? The system won first prize in 2002 in the e-government category of a competition held by the Indonesian magazine "Warta Ekonomi". A formal evaluation of the project has been conducted by the Department of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure. On the technical side, the main concerns arising from the evaluation were access difficulties, particularly caused by ICT infrastructural constraints. On the non-technical side, contractors supported the system but wanted full e-procurement to be introduced. Issues identified by independent evaluations are described above in the Impact section and below in the Challenges section. Overall, the e-tendering system at present can be given the category of partial success/partial failure overall and as largely unsuccessful so far in addressing corruption, though the Department does appear committed to trying to improve the system. One additional concern remains the fact that, by turning the spotlight on tendering, the system may be reducing the attention paid to a major source of corruption: the budgeting process. In order to get local projects agreed for funding, money passes upwards to bribe both executive and legislative officials at first provincial and then national level. That money has then somehow to be recouped at the local level, which may explain the lack of progress to date against corruption in tendering and procurement. Enablers/Critical Success Factors 1. Political support. Although this e-transparency system has met with indifference or resistance from a number of middle-level officials, it has been pushed along by support from a number of key groups senior officials in the Department of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure who needed to show support for the good governance agenda; public groups who lobby for greater transparency; and some fraction of contractors who felt their business opportunities would be enhanced by a more transparent system. 2. ICT awareness. It only needed a small cadre of staff in the Department to be aware of the potential role of ICTs in supporting transparency to help get the ball rolling on this type of e-transparency project. Constraints/Challenges 1. Lack of legal infrastructure. This e-transparency system is limited in a number of ways by legal constraints. The operation of the e-tendering system is constrained by the absence of "cyber-laws" that would recognise the legitimacy of electronic documents and electronic transactions. The transparency aspects of the system are constrained by the lack of freedom of information and transparency laws that could give legal 'teeth' to attempts to use the system to hold government officials to account. 2. Staff resistance. This arises from a variety of causes. Some officials are resentful or fearful about the potential loss of bribe income the system could entail; they tend to manipulate what data goes into the system to their own advantage. Others lack the skills to use the system and so tend to ignore it. Others still are resentful of what they see as an additional workload without any commensurate additional reward; as noted above, they pay juniors to do that work for them. 3. Lack of broader engagement/awareness. Even as it currently stands, the e-tendering system could be used by citizen groups and other NGOs to maintain pressure on government to deliver on infrastructural commitments, and to reduce corruption in the tendering process. NGOs and academic groups could also help spread awareness about the system, and disseminate information drawn from the system. As yet, though, few NGOs or academic groups are engaged or involved with the e-tendering system. Recommendations 1. Involve citizen groups. Although citizens as individuals can play a role in transparency, that role is better taken on by representative groups such as NGOs or academic organisations. Such groups should be involved in both the design and implementation of e-transparency systems if those systems are credibly to affect the accountability of government officials. 2. Don't just focus on technical skills. Lack of technical skills is still an issue for this e-transparency system, both inside and outside government. However, the 'transparency' aspects of the system are more important than that 'e' aspects, and training and change management should thus also focus on introducing more transparent procedures, systems and culture into government. 3. Don't just focus on digital ICTs. Digital ICTs only penetrate so far. To really reach out to a developing country's citizens, e-transparency systems must either a) make use of more pervasive technologies such as radio or television, and/or b) make active use of ICT-owning intermediaries who can then trickle-down information and services by non-ICT means. Further Information http://www.kimpraswil.go.id/publik/proyek/semieproc/index.asp Case Details Case Editor: Richard Heeks. Author Data Sources/Role: Web Site, Documents and Interviews; No Direct Role. Centrality of Transparency: Mixed. Type: Transaction. Audience: External. Content: Contractual. Sector: Economic Services. Outcome: Largely Unsuccessful. Region: South-East Asia. Start Date: 2001. Submission Date: December 2003. The "eGovernment for Development Information Exchange" project is coordinated by the University of Manchester's Institute for Development Policy and Management. The project is funded and managed by the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation as part of the UK Department for International Development's "Building Digital Opportunities" programme. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Get the free Yahoo! toolbar and rest assured with the added security of spyware protection. http://new.toolbar.yahoo.com/toolbar/features/norton/index.php

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Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Kenya's state-owned telecoms operator goes mobile
by Mike Theuri 22 Jul '07

22 Jul '07

Telkom is a licenced operator using fixed wireless technology. The key word here is fixed. On the same argument if the 'true mobile' operators want to obtain 3G and 3.5G frequencies the regulator has a duty to ensure that the government is not deprived of much needed revenue by holding a competitive tender or auction for the 3G frequencies which have fetched hundreds of millions of dollars in other African countries. ---------- https://www.ntra.gov.eg/english/News_NewsDetails.asp?PID=36&ID=94 Vodafone Egypt have agreed to pay LE3.34bn (US$584m) + 2.4% of total revenues as a licence fee for 3G spectrum. Vodafone Egypt recently declared an annual turnover of LE6.8bn and revealed that approximately 22% (LE1.5bn) of this will be Free Cash Flow. However, it is not as much as the third player, Etisalat, agreed to pay LE16.7bn (US$2.9bn) for a 2G/3G licence which was equivalent to 3.4% of Egypt GDP. ---------- It is indicative that at least one mobile provider has indicated that it is already using such technology, which per their original GSM license (Annex A) is not catered for. What payment if any has been received by the commission on behalf of the government for these frequencies by the mobile operator and for the issuance of a new 3G licence? I am certain that TKL has met its licence obligations and thus is a bonafide operator, secondly TKL holds a licence that allows it to provide these services nationwide in addition to its basket of licences. If the TKL's competitors want to demand that TKL pay fees for a licence (which it already has) then they should similarly be prepared to pay licence fees after competing in a tender to be able to operate 3G networks. Mike On 7/20/07, Joseph Okech <okechukwu(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > I don't think Telkom goes mobile is a problem & its never about > competition, > the problem is with the regulatory infrastructure in place to be honored, > that is if all mobile operators have to pay a mobile license, then all > have > to pay a mobile license without any exceptions. If all mobile service > providers are to pay VAT and exercise duty, then this has to be across the > board. > > rgds, > Okech > > > > On Thursday July 19 2007 21:38:48 Mike Theuri wrote: > > "Competition is healthy. If other people complain, they should know that > > Kenyans > > now have a choice," Telkom Kenya Chief Market Officer Bernard Rubia told > > Reuters > > in an interview. > > > > Rubia says it was "debatable" whether partnering with an outside > investor > > was > > necessary for Telkom to turn a profit. Job cuts that will downsize > Telkom > > to > > > > 4,000 employees from 18,000 by September are already realising savings > of > > 250 > > million shillings ($3.7 million) a month against 1.2 billion in > billings. > > "We should be given a five-year window to prove ourselves," he said, > adding > > shares should be sold to the public in the meantime. > > > > ================ > > > > http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnL19935122.html > > > > Kenya's state-owned telecoms operator goes mobile > > Thu 19 Jul 2007, 13:40 GMT > > > > By C. Bryson Hull > > > > NAIROBI, July 19 (Reuters) - State-owned Telkom Kenya is making an > > aggressive > > foray into the east African country's wireless mobile and data markets, > > aiming > > for rebirth as a sleek operator before privatisation due to start later > > this > > > > year. > > > > The loss-making state company, which has a monopoly on landlines, > earlier > > this > > month rolled out the lowest mobile phone tariff in Kenya and stepped up > > advertising to bring in customers to its brand-new wireless network. > > > > That has sparked complaints from the other two mobile operators in > Kenya, > > market > > leader Safaricom and Celtel Kenya, who say the state company has an > unfair > > regulatory advantage. > > > > "Competition is healthy. If other people complain, they should know that > > Kenyans > > now have a choice," Telkom Kenya Chief Market Officer Bernard Rubia told > > Reuters > > in an interview. > > > > "And they will choose based on reliability, consistency and > affordability." > > > > Telkom may seem an unlikely choice -- customers have long complained > that > > inefficiency, corruption and monopoly control of landlines have kept > > Telkom's > > prices high and service poor, but it is now in the middle of a major > > restructuring. > > > > And Kenyans are quick to go for the best deal. It is not uncommon for > > someone to > > have multiple phone lines to take advantage of the cheapest rate or to > > avoid the > > steep expense of calling from one network to the other. > > > > On a trial run since September, the company's mobile subsidiary Telkom > > Wireless > > so far has 150,000 subscribers and is adding an average of 1,000 per > day, > > Rubia > > said. > > > > "Our target is by the end of June next year we will have hit our 1 > million > > mark," he said adding the average customers spends 800 Kenya shillings > > ($11.92) > > a month. > > > > That is dwarfed by the 6.8 million Safaricom has out of an estimated 8-9 > > million > > users in the nation of 36 million people. > > > > > > BANKING ON CDMA > > > > Telkom has rolled out a CDMA network to about 70 percent of the country > to > > compete with Safaricom and Celtel, which operate a GSM network like most > > mobile > > companies in Africa. > > > > Rubia says the choice of CDMA was to lure Kenyan customers who get > > irritated by > > congestion on the GSM networks. > > > > "One of our towers is equivalent to four of theirs in terms of > capacity," > > he > > > > said. > > > > A second benefit is to cash in on its data capabilities, which are > faster > > than > > GSM. By September, Rubia says Telkom will offer EVDO, a mobile broadband > > data > > technology. > > > > But like other Internet data providers in Kenya, they will not be able > to > > use > > the maximum capacity until the country gets a fibre optic connection to > the > > Internet backbone. > > > > Currently it gets it via expensive satellite links that limit bandwidth > and > > market growth. Rubia says he expects at least one of two projects to > give > > Kenya > > a wired link to the outside world to be ready by "the back end of next > > year." > > > > Telkom Wireless customers will be able to access EVDO via mobile > handsets > > and > > also wireless desktop phones. > > > > The latter often serve as Internet links in rural areas where there is > > little or > > no infrastructure -- and where mobile operators say there are still huge > > untapped profits in Africa. > > > > The government wants to sell a 51 percent stake in Telkom to a strategic > > partner, with an eye on an IPO that would eventually sell 30 percent to > the > > public. Proposals are due to be opened by early November. > > > > Rubia says it was "debatable" whether partnering with an outside > investor > > was > > necessary for Telkom to turn a profit. Job cuts that will downsize > Telkom > > to > > > > 4,000 employees from 18,000 by September are already realising savings > of > > 250 > > million shillings ($3.7 million) a month against 1.2 billion in > billings. > > > > "We should be given a five-year window to prove ourselves," he said, > adding > > shares should be sold to the public in the meantime. > > >

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Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Kenya's state-owned telecoms operator goes mobile
by Mike Theuri 21 Jul '07

21 Jul '07

As much as I would want to, I cannot tell you when or how Telkom paid the license fees, what I can tell you instead is that upon meeting the requisite requirements, one can seek a license from CCK employing the use of various fixed wireless technologies, however unlike Telkom, coverage would be limited as the applicant would not be licensed as a national operator. Additionally Telkom Kenya is duty bound to pay a revenue based annual license fee to CCK for its licenses. In Kenya there are certain licenses available only through the auction process and several others available 'over the counter'. Telkom licenses are mostly 25 year licenses dated from 1999 and renewable for another 15 years after that period. The most accurate answers to your questions can be best obtained from the regulator or in the alternate the Ministry. Other key references would be the Kenya Communications Act of 1998 which set up the legal framework for the establishment of Telkom Kenya. Regards, Mike On 7/21/07, Joseph Okech <okechukwu(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Please I beg tell me when Telkom paid the license fees and how the bidding > was > done? Simply because their former MD was appointed into CCK does not give > them the right to ALL telco licenses in the country, every single license > has > to be auctioned or awarded openly with full license fees paid. > > rgds, > Okech > > > > On Saturday July 21 2007 02:45:20 Mike Theuri wrote: > > Telkom is a licenced operator using fixed wireless technology. The key > word > > here is fixed. On the same argument if the 'true mobile' operators want > to > > obtain 3G and 3.5G frequencies the regulator has a duty to ensure that > the > > government is not deprived of much needed revenue by holding a > competitive > > tender or auction for the 3G frequencies which have fetched hundreds of > > millions of dollars in other African countries. > > > > ---------- > > https://www.ntra.gov.eg/english/News_NewsDetails.asp?PID=36&ID=94 > > > > Vodafone Egypt have agreed to pay LE3.34bn (US$584m) + 2.4% of total > > revenues as a licence fee for 3G spectrum. Vodafone Egypt recently > declared > > an annual turnover of LE6.8bn and revealed that approximately 22% ( > LE1.5bn) > > of this will be Free Cash Flow. > > > > However, it is not as much as the third player, Etisalat, agreed to pay > > LE16.7bn (US$2.9bn) for a 2G/3G licence which was equivalent to 3.4% of > > Egypt GDP. > > ---------- > > > > It is indicative that at least one mobile provider has indicated that it > is > > already using such technology, which per their original GSM license > (Annex > > A) is not catered for. What payment if any has been received by the > > commission on behalf of the government for these frequencies by the > mobile > > operator and for the issuance of a new 3G licence? I am certain that TKL > > has met its licence obligations and thus is a bonafide operator, > secondly > > TKL holds a licence that allows it to provide these services nationwide > in > > addition to its basket of licences. If the TKL's competitors want to > demand > > that TKL pay fees for a licence (which it already has) then they should > > similarly be prepared to pay licence fees after competing in a tender to > be > > able to operate 3G networks. > > > > Mike > > > > On 7/20/07, Joseph Okech <okechukwu(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > I don't think Telkom goes mobile is a problem & its never about > > > competition, > > > the problem is with the regulatory infrastructure in place to be > honored, > > > that is if all mobile operators have to pay a mobile license, then all > > > have > > > to pay a mobile license without any exceptions. If all mobile service > > > providers are to pay VAT and exercise duty, then this has to be across > > > the board. > > > > > > rgds, > > > Okech > > > > > > On Thursday July 19 2007 21:38:48 Mike Theuri wrote: > > > > "Competition is healthy. If other people complain, they should know > > > > that Kenyans > > > > now have a choice," Telkom Kenya Chief Market Officer Bernard Rubia > > > > told Reuters > > > > in an interview. > > > > > > > > Rubia says it was "debatable" whether partnering with an outside > > > > > > investor > > > > > > > was > > > > necessary for Telkom to turn a profit. Job cuts that will downsize > > > > > > Telkom > > > > > > > to > > > > > > > > 4,000 employees from 18,000 by September are already realising > savings > > > > > > of > > > > > > > 250 > > > > million shillings ($3.7 million) a month against 1.2 billion in > > > > > > billings. > > > > > > > "We should be given a five-year window to prove ourselves," he said, > > > > > > adding > > > > > > > shares should be sold to the public in the meantime. > > > > > > > > ================ > > > > > > > > http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnL19935122.html > > > > > > > > Kenya's state-owned telecoms operator goes mobile > > > > Thu 19 Jul 2007, 13:40 GMT > > > > > > > > By C. Bryson Hull > > > > > > > > NAIROBI, July 19 (Reuters) - State-owned Telkom Kenya is making an > > > > aggressive > > > > foray into the east African country's wireless mobile and data > markets, > > > > aiming > > > > for rebirth as a sleek operator before privatisation due to start > later > > > > this > > > > > > > > year. > > > > > > > > The loss-making state company, which has a monopoly on landlines, > > > > > > earlier > > > > > > > this > > > > month rolled out the lowest mobile phone tariff in Kenya and stepped > up > > > > advertising to bring in customers to its brand-new wireless network. > > > > > > > > That has sparked complaints from the other two mobile operators in > > > > > > Kenya, > > > > > > > market > > > > leader Safaricom and Celtel Kenya, who say the state company has an > > > > > > unfair > > > > > > > regulatory advantage. > > > > > > > > "Competition is healthy. If other people complain, they should know > > > > that Kenyans > > > > now have a choice," Telkom Kenya Chief Market Officer Bernard Rubia > > > > told Reuters > > > > in an interview. > > > > > > > > "And they will choose based on reliability, consistency and > > > > > > affordability." > > > > > > > Telkom may seem an unlikely choice -- customers have long complained > > > > > > that > > > > > > > inefficiency, corruption and monopoly control of landlines have kept > > > > Telkom's > > > > prices high and service poor, but it is now in the middle of a major > > > > restructuring. > > > > > > > > And Kenyans are quick to go for the best deal. It is not uncommon > for > > > > someone to > > > > have multiple phone lines to take advantage of the cheapest rate or > to > > > > avoid the > > > > steep expense of calling from one network to the other. > > > > > > > > On a trial run since September, the company's mobile subsidiary > Telkom > > > > Wireless > > > > so far has 150,000 subscribers and is adding an average of 1,000 per > > > > > > day, > > > > > > > Rubia > > > > said. > > > > > > > > "Our target is by the end of June next year we will have hit our 1 > > > > > > million > > > > > > > mark," he said adding the average customers spends 800 Kenya > shillings > > > > ($11.92) > > > > a month. > > > > > > > > That is dwarfed by the 6.8 million Safaricom has out of an estimated > > > > 8-9 million > > > > users in the nation of 36 million people. > > > > > > > > > > > > BANKING ON CDMA > > > > > > > > Telkom has rolled out a CDMA network to about 70 percent of the > country > > > > > > to > > > > > > > compete with Safaricom and Celtel, which operate a GSM network like > > > > most mobile > > > > companies in Africa. > > > > > > > > Rubia says the choice of CDMA was to lure Kenyan customers who get > > > > irritated by > > > > congestion on the GSM networks. > > > > > > > > "One of our towers is equivalent to four of theirs in terms of > > > > > > capacity," > > > > > > > he > > > > > > > > said. > > > > > > > > A second benefit is to cash in on its data capabilities, which are > > > > > > faster > > > > > > > than > > > > GSM. By September, Rubia says Telkom will offer EVDO, a mobile > > > > broadband data > > > > technology. > > > > > > > > But like other Internet data providers in Kenya, they will not be > able > > > > > > to > > > > > > > use > > > > the maximum capacity until the country gets a fibre optic connection > to > > > > > > the > > > > > > > Internet backbone. > > > > > > > > Currently it gets it via expensive satellite links that limit > bandwidth > > > > > > and > > > > > > > market growth. Rubia says he expects at least one of two projects to > > > > > > give > > > > > > > Kenya > > > > a wired link to the outside world to be ready by "the back end of > next > > > > year." > > > > > > > > Telkom Wireless customers will be able to access EVDO via mobile > > > > > > handsets > > > > > > > and > > > > also wireless desktop phones. > > > > > > > > The latter often serve as Internet links in rural areas where there > is > > > > little or > > > > no infrastructure -- and where mobile operators say there are still > > > > huge untapped profits in Africa. > > > > > > > > The government wants to sell a 51 percent stake in Telkom to a > > > > strategic partner, with an eye on an IPO that would eventually sell > 30 > > > > percent to > > > > > > the > > > > > > > public. Proposals are due to be opened by early November. > > > > > > > > Rubia says it was "debatable" whether partnering with an outside > > > > > > investor > > > > > > > was > > > > necessary for Telkom to turn a profit. Job cuts that will downsize > > > > > > Telkom > > > > > > > to > > > > > > > > 4,000 employees from 18,000 by September are already realising > savings > > > > > > of > > > > > > > 250 > > > > million shillings ($3.7 million) a month against 1.2 billion in > > > > > > billings. > > > > > > > "We should be given a five-year window to prove ourselves," he said, > > > > > > adding > > > > > > > shares should be sold to the public in the meantime. > > >

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Re: [kictanet] Fwd: [Fwd: Safaricom intimidating media...]
by Alex Gakuru 21 Jul '07

21 Jul '07

Further Walubengo, Unlike "political" politicians who regularly complain of being mis-quoted by the media, now telcos intimidate the media, the government will "regulate" the media, consumers love the media for encouraging us that we are not alone in telcos exploitaion. Mexicans are faced by the same problem see attached "Billion Dollar Baby" story. The media respond even to a child's cry but politicians... unless there are votes at stake? The real losers of media gagging by government and corporate intimidation will be consumers. I state that add was totally and properly quoted here http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=363&Itemi… Which is why the ICT Bill must facilitate widespread Community Telcos in the WiFi range to legally reinforce and strengthen this most welcome CCK intervention. It a sure way out of the current high communication costs misery and consumer lock in that affects everybody else except these telcos. Follow the ICT Bill and note anti-media, anti-consumer, anti-expression MPs and "revenge" in December elections. They will know the tariffs pain we suffer as soon as they lose those Parliamentary allowances. ____________________________________________________________________________________Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV. http://tv.yahoo.com/

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Re: [kictanet] Fwd: [Fwd: Safaricom intimidating media...]
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 21 Jul '07

21 Jul '07

Dear Mr. Theuri, Your allegations: "That foreign entity is again in the news as a mysterious deal has been worked out with the regulator and the government disregarding a court ruling" These are sereous allegations implying irregularity on our part when the facts are that it was prudent to extricate the Government out of the many legal battles by Econet that could potentially cost the Kenyan tax payer an enormous amount. There cannot be a court rulling baring the Government from making prudent decisions. In my view you are mixing issues of Econet vs KNFC and Econet vs CCK. FYI there is no matter in court yet this issue continue to hurt our image as an investment destination. What we dealt with yesterday were two cases instituted by Econet against the Government and the then Minister for Communications. If you read carefully the Times story you are referring to, it has nothing to do with the actions we took. Econet still has to contend with the shareholding issue and meet CCK conditions. Whatever the background of Econet, we must follow the law and it cannot be right that we see that law through your lenses. Have a nice day. Regards Bitange Ndemo. which one can > read about > below. > Walu, > > Actually the story came from the Media Institute and was shared on various > Kenyan > discussion groups and I was only passing it on. I'm not related to Alex > Gakuru but > its likely we may find ourselves working on the same or similar issues or > we > may > even have differing views. > > Some of these corporates have been harassing members of the media. It was > only a > year or two ago where a corporate entity was noted by a Minister for > passing > brown > envelopes in return for favorable stories or wielding influence in such a > way that a journalist > who had exposed the entity's activities was summarily dismissed by his > boss > via sms when > he was away on leave. Fortunately the journalist was vindicated when his > boss got the boot > and he was reinstated. > > That foreign entity is again in the news as a mysterious deal has been > worked out with > the regulator and the government disregarding a court ruling which one can > read about > below. It was the ---------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world"

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Vodafone Greece:Death muddies Greek spy probe
by Alex Gakuru 21 Jul '07

21 Jul '07

[In case you missed it last year, below illustrates Privacy dangers underscoring the need for Legal and Privacy Protection to consumers--read everyone! Dr. Ndemo at least assure us the government is safe] "Death muddies Greek spy probe" <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4838552.stm> [BBC] By Richard Galpin BBC News, Athens A senior aide to the Greek prime minister is expected to be the next person to testify before a parliamentary committee investigating what is believed to be the worst espionage scandal in the country's history. Last month, the government admitted that the mobile phones of the prime minister, the most senior members of the cabinet and top security officials had all been tapped in 2004 - the year Athens hosted the Olympic Games. The committee in Athens has been questioning executives from two of the world's leading mobile phone companies, Vodafone and Ericsson, about the scandal. But attention is also increasingly focusing on the alleged suicide of a senior Vodafone manager just after the phone-tapping operation was discovered on the Vodafone network last year. In a serene but cramped graveyard in the western suburbs of Athens, lies the body of Costas Tsalikidis, a network manager for Vodafone Greece. He is buried with other members of his family. But his gravestone shows he died aged just 38. He was found hanged in his apartment on the morning of 9 March last year. The next day, the head of Vodafone Greece walked into the office of one of the prime minister's top aides to inform the government that its phones had been bugged for at least eight months. The official verdict was that Mr Tsalikidis had committed suicide. Suspicions In a statement issued last month, just after the story about the phone-tapping operation first broke, Vodafone categorically denied there was any connection between his death and the scandal. "Any attempt to connect these two is, to say the least, irrelevant," it said. But his family believe his death is suspicious and are calling for his body to be exhumed so a second post-mortem can be carried out by one of the world's leading forensic pathologists, Dr Michael Baden of the United States. "They believe they will find new evidence," says the family lawyer, Themis Sofos. Dr Sofos adds that other parts of the original investigation were weak. "No one went to the house of Costas, no one took photos and to see the circumstances of his death... no one took fingerprints." Official inquiry Mr Tsalikidis' family recently took matters into their own hands, filing a lawsuit against "persons unknown" for complicity in his murder or suicide. They allege that even if he was not murdered, he may have faced threats which left him with no choice but to take his own life. Meanwhile, their lawyer has been handing evidence to a prosecutor in Athens, who is now carrying out an official inquiry into the death of Mr Tsalikidis. The prosecutor is expected to announce his conclusion within the next few weeks. Family and friends of Costas Tsalikidis believe there are strong indications he was the person who first discovered that highly sophisticated software had been secretly inserted into the Vodafone network in 2004, enabling at least 100 phone lines to be constantly tapped. "The end of January or early February (2005) I think is the time Costas had access or took knowledge of the interception system and he (re)searched about its function and origin," says lawyer Themis Sofos. "He was not the kind of man to keep secret about something. He would not have co-operated with criminals or criminal acts." Text messages According to Dr Sofos, Mr Tsalikidis told his fiancee at this time that it was a "matter of life and death" that he leave his job. The lawyer also says they have looked at text messages he received on his mobile from colleagues in early February 2005, including one which apparently urges him to keep working and offers him support. But there is another theory about Costas Tsalikidis: that he was allegedly the person who actually inserted the software setting up the phone-tapping operation. "It is possible," says Themis Sofos. "I cannot exclude anything." The theory is put forward by John Brady Kiesling a former American diplomat who worked at the US embassy in Athens until resigning in 2003 over the US-led invasion of Iraq. He is convinced American intelligence agents were behind the whole bugging operation and he says it is possible they used Mr Tsalikidis to install the software. "I believe he committed suicide to protect his professional honour," says Mr Kiesling. As for why the Americans would tap the phones of the political and security elite of a country regarded as an ally, Mr Kiesling says there is a simple answer. Trust He argues American intelligence agencies would not have trusted the Greeks with the massive security operation surrounding the Athens Olympics in August 2004 set up to counter any potential terrorist threat. "They believe you cannot trust foreigners, that foreigners are incompetent and of dubious trustworthiness," he says. "You owe it to yourself if you have the capability, to have an independent ear listening to them and I think that is what this was." This might also explain why the Greek government kept silent about the scandal for almost a year from March 2005 when it was informed about it, until last month when it finally held a news conference detailing what had happened. The news conference took place shortly after a Greek newspaper had broken the story. Despite repeated requests, no-one from the government was willing to give an interview to the BBC about the scandal. The US embassy also refused to comment and the Vodafone Greece press office would only refer us to statements on its website. ---ends--- ____________________________________________________________________________________ Choose the right car based on your needs. Check out Yahoo! Autos new Car Finder tool. http://autos.yahoo.com/carfinder/

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Fwd: [Fwd: Safaricom intimidating media...]
by Mike Theuri 21 Jul '07

21 Jul '07

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: The Media Institute <mediainst(a)wananchi.com> Date: Jul 18, 2007 2:12 PM Subject: [africa-oped] [Fwd: Safaricom intimidating media...] To: africa-oped(a)yahoogroups.com ---------------------------- Original Message ---------------------------- Subject: [Fwd: Safaricom intimidating media...] From: "Editor" <info(a)eastafricapress.com <info%40eastafricapress.com>> Date: Wed, July 18, 2007 7:02 pm To: kodi(a)kodibarth.com <kodi%40kodibarth.com> ---------------------------------------------------------- We thought you might want to read this... Safaricom intimidating media ahead of IPO http://eastafricapress.net/f.php?sp=81 Also: The price the Aga Khan paid to have NTV back on air http://eastafricapress.net/f.php?sp=85 What Monitor journalist Andrew Mwenda thinks about the Aga Khan and The Monitor http://eastafricapress.net/f.php?s=63 Dar newspaper infuriates government with defense expose http://eastafricapress.net/f.php?s=66 Special Report: Who owns the media in East Africa? http://eastafricapress.net/f.php?sp=88 And many more on the state of East African media and freedom of expression. ___________________ The Media Institute PO Box 46356 00100 Nairobi Kenya Tel: +254 20 253 372 Fax: +254 20 252 373 Cell: +254 720 103 693 Director: +254 722 517 540 ———————— "If I had the choice of knowing the truth or searching for the truth, I'd take the search." — Walker Percy, Writer __._,_.___ Messages in this topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/message/24804;_ylc=X3oDMTM2ZnA0dm…> (1) Reply (via web post) <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJxa3FxczNwBF9TAzk…>| Start a new topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJlbTd1N2llBF9TAzk…> Messages<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/messages;_ylc=X3oDMTJlZ2s0YTI1BF9…>| Files<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/files;_ylc=X3oDMTJmamZvbXMwBF9TAz…>| Photos<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/photos;_ylc=X3oDMTJlMWkzb2ZjBF9TA…>| Links<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/links;_ylc=X3oDMTJmdGQ4MTJqBF9TAz…>| Calendar<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/calendar;_ylc=X3oDMTJkYnFnZ280BF9…> Africa-oped welcomes opinions & analysis on African issues. A short essay of 400-1500 words is preferable: Africa-oped is world readable at http://www.egroups.com/group/africa-oped. Coming soon: www.africa-oped.org that will carry the "best of Africa-Oped" Share and obtain business information: http://www.aganoconsulting.com. Contribute Africa-related business articles and get paid; send your articles to: info(a)aganoconsulting.com. - [image: Yahoo! Groups]<http://groups.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTJkNDhqbmMxBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzc4N…> Change settings via the Web<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/join;_ylc=X3oDMTJmbW1sOXRmBF9TAzk…>(Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest<africa-oped-digest@yahoogroups.com?subject=Email+Delivery:+Digest>| Switch format to Traditional<africa-oped-traditional@yahoogroups.com?subject=Change+Delivery+Format:+Traditional> Visit Your Group <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped;_ylc=X3oDMTJkcDg1NjkyBF9TAzk3MzU5…>| Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>| Unsubscribe <africa-oped-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com?subject=> Recent Activity - 1 New Members<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/members;_ylc=X3oDMTJmczJmdmtwBF9T…> Visit Your Group <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped;_ylc=X3oDMTJlcXJ2ZjhjBF9TAzk3MzU5…> SPONSORED LINKS - African<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads;_ylc=X3oDMTJjZWFiNmlrBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BF9wAzEEZ…> - African american christian dating<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads;_ylc=X3oDMTJjMXAxNDFnBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BF9wAzIEZ…> - African american christian dating single<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads;_ylc=X3oDMTJjaHAwNjNkBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BF9wAzMEZ…> - African american christian single<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads;_ylc=X3oDMTJjc2pva2MwBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BF9wAzQEZ…> - African safari<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads;_ylc=X3oDMTJjNzV1b2pzBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BF9wAzUEZ…> Yahoo! Music Check Who's Next<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=12jej1j0e/M=493064.10729670.11333360.8674578/D=…> Discover new bands before anyone else Y! Messenger Group get-together<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=12jovcf3c/M=493064.10729668.11333359.8674578/D=…> Host a free online conference on IM. Yahoo! Mail You're invited!<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=12jj6vslp/M=493064.10729665.11333356.8674578/D=…> Try the all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta . __,_._,___

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Re: [kictanet] Fwd: [Fwd: Safaricom intimidating media...]
by Mike Theuri 20 Jul '07

20 Jul '07

Dear Bwana Ndemo, Thank you for your and the Ministry's attention to the issue. I hope that it will be resolved soon. A free and responsible media is important to ensure that Kenyans are kept informed and aware of matters affecting the nation. Regards, Mike Theuri On 7/19/07, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> wrote: > > Dear Mr. Theuri, > Thank you for your concern. The Ministry had already taken up this matter > and hopefully we shall have it sorted out. > > > Regards > > > Bitange Ndemo. > > > > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > > From: The Media Institute <mediainst(a)wananchi.com> > > Date: Jul 18, 2007 2:12 PM > > Subject: [africa-oped] [Fwd: Safaricom intimidating media...] > > To: africa-oped(a)yahoogroups.com > > > > > > > > ---------------------------- Original Message > ---------------------------- > > Subject: [Fwd: Safaricom intimidating media...] > > From: "Editor" <info(a)eastafricapress.com <info%40eastafricapress.com>> > > Date: Wed, July 18, 2007 7:02 pm > > To: kodi(a)kodibarth.com <kodi%40kodibarth.com> > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------- > > > > We thought you might want to read this... > > > > Safaricom intimidating media ahead of IPO > > http://eastafricapress.net/f.php?sp=81 > > > > Also: > > > > The price the Aga Khan paid to have NTV back on air > > http://eastafricapress.net/f.php?sp=85 > > > > What Monitor journalist Andrew Mwenda thinks about the Aga Khan and The > > Monitor > > http://eastafricapress.net/f.php?s=63 > > > > Dar newspaper infuriates government with defense expose > > http://eastafricapress.net/f.php?s=66 > > > > Special Report: > > Who owns the media in East Africa? > > http://eastafricapress.net/f.php?sp=88 > > > > And many more on the state of East African media and freedom of > > expression. > > > > ___________________ > > The Media Institute > > PO Box 46356 > > 00100 Nairobi > > Kenya > > Tel: +254 20 253 372 > > Fax: +254 20 252 373 > > Cell: +254 720 103 693 > > Director: +254 722 517 540 > > ———————— > > > > "If I had the choice of knowing the truth or searching for the truth, > I'd > > take the search." — Walker Percy, Writer > > > > __._,_.___ Messages in this topic > > < > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/message/24804;_ylc=X3oDMTM2ZnA0dm… > > > > (1) Reply (via web post) > > < > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJxa3FxczNwBF9TAzk… > >| > > Start a new topic > > < > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJlbTd1N2llBF9TAzk… > > > > Messages< > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/messages;_ylc=X3oDMTJlZ2s0YTI1BF9… > >| > > Files< > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/files;_ylc=X3oDMTJmamZvbXMwBF9TAz… > >| > > Photos< > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/photos;_ylc=X3oDMTJlMWkzb2ZjBF9TA… > >| > > Links< > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/links;_ylc=X3oDMTJmdGQ4MTJqBF9TAz… > >| > > Calendar< > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/calendar;_ylc=X3oDMTJkYnFnZ280BF9… > > > > Africa-oped welcomes opinions & analysis on African issues. A short > essay > > of > > 400-1500 words is preferable: Africa-oped is world readable at > > http://www.egroups.com/group/africa-oped. > > > > Coming soon: www.africa-oped.org that will carry the "best of > Africa-Oped" > > > > Share and obtain business information: http://www.aganoconsulting.com. > > Contribute Africa-related business articles and get paid; send your > > articles > > to: info(a)aganoconsulting.com. > > - > > [image: Yahoo! > > Groups]< > http://groups.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTJkNDhqbmMxBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzc4N… > > > > Change settings via the > > Web< > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped/join;_ylc=X3oDMTJmbW1sOXRmBF9TAzk… > >(Yahoo! > > ID required) > > Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily > > Digest<africa-oped-digest@yahoogroups.com?subject=Email+Delivery:+Digest > >| > > Switch > > format to > > Traditional< > africa-oped-traditional@yahoogroups.com?subject=Change+Delivery+Format:+Traditional > > > > Visit Your Group > > < > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africa-oped;_ylc=X3oDMTJkcDg1NjkyBF9TAzk3MzU5… > >| > > Yahoo! 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Cable Watch
by Alex Gakuru 20 Jul '07

20 Jul '07

[Business Daily] "Battle for optic fibre cable tender starts next week Written by Okuttah Mark 20-July-2007 "The Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), the telecoms sector regulator that is managing the process.." "The East Africa Marine system (TEAMS) is a joint venture of the Kenya government and the government of the United Arab Emirates." "The $110 million project is owned by Kenya government has formed a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) TEAMs Limited through Telkom Kenya Limited, which has a 40 per cent stake while UEA government holds a 20 per cent stake through a telecom company known as Etisalat. The remaining 40 per cent shares have been reserved for private investors in East Africa. Standard Chartered Bank, the lead financial arranger, is working on the modalities of bringing private investors on board." "The team is composed of experts from the Ministry of Finance, the Attorney Generals Office and the Ministry of Information." <http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2028&Item…> ____________________________________________________________________________________ Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell. http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/

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NSE Real-Time Data
by Bill Kagai 20 Jul '07

20 Jul '07

Just to inform you that we are now authorised to stream NSE real-time trading data. Beta tests going on here; http://www.mediacorpafrica.com/live/ If you click on the [+] sign next to the listed stock you should get the bids/asks and settled trades on both the normal and prompt boards. -- -- 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.mediacorp.co.ke --

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Kenya's state-owned telecoms operator goes mobile
by Mike Theuri 19 Jul '07

19 Jul '07

"Competition is healthy. If other people complain, they should know that Kenyans now have a choice," Telkom Kenya Chief Market Officer Bernard Rubia told Reuters in an interview. Rubia says it was "debatable" whether partnering with an outside investor was necessary for Telkom to turn a profit. Job cuts that will downsize Telkom to 4,000 employees from 18,000 by September are already realising savings of 250 million shillings ($3.7 million) a month against 1.2 billion in billings. "We should be given a five-year window to prove ourselves," he said, adding shares should be sold to the public in the meantime. ================ http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnL19935122.html Kenya's state-owned telecoms operator goes mobile Thu 19 Jul 2007, 13:40 GMT By C. Bryson Hull NAIROBI, July 19 (Reuters) - State-owned Telkom Kenya is making an aggressive foray into the east African country's wireless mobile and data markets, aiming for rebirth as a sleek operator before privatisation due to start later this year. The loss-making state company, which has a monopoly on landlines, earlier this month rolled out the lowest mobile phone tariff in Kenya and stepped up advertising to bring in customers to its brand-new wireless network. That has sparked complaints from the other two mobile operators in Kenya, market leader Safaricom and Celtel Kenya, who say the state company has an unfair regulatory advantage. "Competition is healthy. If other people complain, they should know that Kenyans now have a choice," Telkom Kenya Chief Market Officer Bernard Rubia told Reuters in an interview. "And they will choose based on reliability, consistency and affordability." Telkom may seem an unlikely choice -- customers have long complained that inefficiency, corruption and monopoly control of landlines have kept Telkom's prices high and service poor, but it is now in the middle of a major restructuring. And Kenyans are quick to go for the best deal. It is not uncommon for someone to have multiple phone lines to take advantage of the cheapest rate or to avoid the steep expense of calling from one network to the other. On a trial run since September, the company's mobile subsidiary Telkom Wireless so far has 150,000 subscribers and is adding an average of 1,000 per day, Rubia said. "Our target is by the end of June next year we will have hit our 1 million mark," he said adding the average customers spends 800 Kenya shillings ($11.92) a month. That is dwarfed by the 6.8 million Safaricom has out of an estimated 8-9 million users in the nation of 36 million people. BANKING ON CDMA Telkom has rolled out a CDMA network to about 70 percent of the country to compete with Safaricom and Celtel, which operate a GSM network like most mobile companies in Africa. Rubia says the choice of CDMA was to lure Kenyan customers who get irritated by congestion on the GSM networks. "One of our towers is equivalent to four of theirs in terms of capacity," he said. A second benefit is to cash in on its data capabilities, which are faster than GSM. By September, Rubia says Telkom will offer EVDO, a mobile broadband data technology. But like other Internet data providers in Kenya, they will not be able to use the maximum capacity until the country gets a fibre optic connection to the Internet backbone. Currently it gets it via expensive satellite links that limit bandwidth and market growth. Rubia says he expects at least one of two projects to give Kenya a wired link to the outside world to be ready by "the back end of next year." Telkom Wireless customers will be able to access EVDO via mobile handsets and also wireless desktop phones. The latter often serve as Internet links in rural areas where there is little or no infrastructure -- and where mobile operators say there are still huge untapped profits in Africa. The government wants to sell a 51 percent stake in Telkom to a strategic partner, with an eye on an IPO that would eventually sell 30 percent to the public. Proposals are due to be opened by early November. Rubia says it was "debatable" whether partnering with an outside investor was necessary for Telkom to turn a profit. Job cuts that will downsize Telkom to 4,000 employees from 18,000 by September are already realising savings of 250 million shillings ($3.7 million) a month against 1.2 billion in billings. "We should be given a five-year window to prove ourselves," he said, adding shares should be sold to the public in the meantime.

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Useful information on your response to earthquakes
by Fatma Bashir 19 Jul '07

19 Jul '07

You may find this useful. <<TRIANGLE OF LIFE.doc>> ---------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world"

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forum today
by Rebecca Wanjiku 19 Jul '07

19 Jul '07

KICTANet monthly forum takes place today at the Jacaranda at 3pm please plan to attend, see you then, regards Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Luggage? GPS? Comic books? Check out fitting gifts for grads at Yahoo! Search.

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prog.
by Rebecca Wanjiku 18 Jul '07

18 Jul '07

just to remind you of the meeting this thursday at 3pm, jacaranda will be discussing and collecting views on the KCA bill, to fwd just before the second reading, please plan to attend, here is the program on the issues to be discussed, KICTANet MONTHLY FORUM THURSDAY July 19th , 2007 PROGRAMME TIME ACTIVITY 3.00- 3.15pm introduction 3.15-3.45pm consumer issues- Alex Gakuru 3:45-3.50pm Q&A 3.50-4.20pm technical aspects- Michuki Mwangi 4.20-4.25pm Q&A 4.25- 4.50pm legal aspects- Nyokabi Kanyua 4.50- 5:15pm Q&A 5.15 pm Tea GUESTS LEAVE AT THEIR PLEASURE Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more.

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Fwd: [isoc-ny] NEW YORK MUST ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT IN BROADBAND
by Alex Gakuru 18 Jul '07

18 Jul '07

My motivation/FYI --- Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2007 07:22:02 +0300 > From: "Alex Gakuru" <gakuru(a)gmail.com> > To: alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com > Subject: Fwd: [isoc-ny] NEW YORK MUST ENCOURAGE > INVESTMENT IN BROADBAND > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: WWWhatsup <joly(a)punkcast.com> > Date: Jul 17, 2007 10:57 PM > Subject: [isoc-ny] NEW YORK MUST ENCOURAGE > INVESTMENT IN BROADBAND > To: isoc-ny(a)yahoogroups.com, discuss(a)isoc-ny.org > > > > NEW YORK MUST ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT IN BROADBAND > [SOURCE: The Buffalo News, AUTHOR: Mitchell L. Moss, > New York University] > [Commentary] The Internet has emerged into an > essential and ubiquitous > part of life. Yet, in New York, communications > companies are still > being regulated by laws written in another era. > While other states > have adopted policies that spur investment and > expansion of their > broadband infrastructure, New York has yet to face > the future. It's > time for New York to move ahead or its economy will > lag. Albany can > help by fostering private investment in a > next-generation broadband. A > fully operational broadband network is worth > hundreds of millions of > dollars a year to the state's economy. That > translates into more jobs, > better schools, a cleaner environment through > telecommuting and > improved communications for law enforcement and > first responders. It's > time that legislators and policymakers act in > concert with > communications companies to accelerate deployment of > high-speed > broadband technology. Anything less will drive New > Yorkers from the > information highway to the service road. > http://www.buffalonews.com/149/story/118524.html > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > WWWhatsup NYC > http://pinstand.com - http://punkcast.com > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > http://isoc-ny.org > "The Internet is for Everyone!" -- Vint Cerf > ---------------------------------------------- > Yahoo! Groups Links > > <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/isoc-ny/ > > <*> Your email settings: > Individual Email | Traditional > > <*> To change settings online go to: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/isoc-ny/join > (Yahoo! ID required) > > <*> To change settings via email: > mailto:isoc-ny-digest@yahoogroups.com > mailto:isoc-ny-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com > > <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email > to: > isoc-ny-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com > > <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > > > > -- > website: http://www.billowsbpo.co.ke/ > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links. http://mobile.yahoo.com/mobileweb/onesearch?refer=1ONXIC

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is stakeholder forum necessary?
by Rebecca Wanjiku 18 Jul '07

18 Jul '07

Stakeholder forum is ok, but does it work? At Safari park hotel, many stakeholders gathered to give their views. From Safaricom, Celtel to the consumer association, they all had something to say about the KCA bill. ICJ described the bill as unprecedented and the PS Bitange Ndemo assured participants that their views would be incorporated. But if the past process is anything to go by, is there any assurance that the views will be taken on board. Stakeholders wanted an expansion of the constituencies expected to be consulted, and an assurance that the views would be considered no one seemed to answer the question categorically, it was only said that the views would be compiled and forwarded. Others wanted the bill to protect them from any perceived crime because they are carriers while others wanted the bill to conform to other established principles in the commonwealth. It was a productive forum. Those with contentions about the wording of the clauses were also encouraged to help by bringing in the clauses worded in their favourable way. But is this a chance for people to meet, take the tea and lunch or is it going to bear any fruits. I guess the fruits will be manifested by the inclusion of substantial contributions from the cross section of constituencies. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Get the free Yahoo! toolbar and rest assured with the added security of spyware protection.

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Re: [kictanet] Telkom Kenya is not this cheap sign petition.........
by Mike Theuri 18 Jul '07

18 Jul '07

Kyai, If Telkom Kenya is a 'junk corporation', why is there an uproar over its new services by its competitors? What do they have to fear? How has Telkom Kenya managed to sign over 70,000 subscribers for its new fixed wireless service if it has indeed gone to the dogs ? Shouldn't sleeping dogs be left where they lie? Why wake a sleeping dog if TKL couldn't hope to compete against these titans that mint millions of dollars from Kenyans? Surely we didn't expend billions of taxpayer funds so that we could hand taxpayer owned corporations to foreign entities on silver platters, or did we? TKL did not make profits for reasons attributed to fraud, pilferage of funds, gross mismanagement and the list that could go on and on. Do you have an argument supporting or endorsing the non prosecution of these actions as well as the negation of the need to attempt to recover and return these funds to where they rightfully belong? Can we at least locate where the missing Ksh 7bn is before we rush to sell this corporation? An extra 7bn or more in TKL's balance sheet would certainly up the price that ought to be offered. ----- *Daily Nation * *Friday, March 30, 2007 * *Page 38 * *Business * Financial figures for Telkom Kenya do not add up for the year ending June 30, 2005, the Controller and Auditor General has said. More than Sh7 billion has not be accounted for, said Ms P.N. Komora in a report tabled in Parliament yesterday. According to her, the accuracy of bank balances amounting to Sh58 million could not be verified. It was also not possible to verify how overdraft balances of Sh73 million, letters of credit and bills of acceptances amounting to Sh432 million have been accounted for in the absence of adequate records and documentation.[...] -------- We know why there is no infrastructure on the ground, but could we focus on what TKL is doing currently in determining TKL's potential ? The reason there is no infrastructure on the ground is the aforementioned reasons in addition to a bloated workforce. That workforce has recently been trimmed down at considerable tax payer expense, TKL is making strides in turning around and additional tax payer funds have been provided for in the budget for this purpose. Is it too much to ask that TKL be given an opportunity given the recent progressive strides? Wouldn't TKL be more valuable if it were allowed to accumulate the gains of its new strategies and technologies? " In short, the private sector's sweat, speed and effort (and the tax payer) are required to keep the institution alive " Well said and rather accurate, indeed if these are the parties responsible for keeping TKL alive, shouldn't they have the preferential shot at gaining ownership of TKL ? Jaindi Kisero recently wrote in an editorial: -- "As it prepares for privatisation, Telkom Kenya will gobble billions of the tax payers money. Under the budget of the ministry of finance is an allocation of massive Sh 15 billion for Telkoms' tax arrears and Sh 2 billion for preparing the parastatal for privatisation." -- It is ridiculous that Ksh 17bn or US$ 255m will be pumped into TKL at tax payer expense only for foreigners (including a pariah foreign government) to walk in and buy the corporation for a song with taxpayers getting minimal shareholding in the corporation while bearing the burden of debt offloaded on them for generations to come. The belief that taxpayers will be alleviated of the misery of dragging an iron ball is a fallacy. Instead of the new foreign investors dragging the iron ball, the average Kenyan will be paying for generations to come to ensure that a foreign entity reaps a quick profit in the shortest amount of time possible at tax payer expense. It is only equitable that those condemned to dragging the iron ball have the opportunity to have something to show for their tax burden. You cited results of the past 30 years, but didn't in fairness mention what TKL is doing today. --- The national operators' new service, known as Telkom Wireless, will be launched using a CDMA 2000 platform purchased from Chinese company Huawei at a cost of US$22.6 million. The new investment is in a fibre and microwave backbone and has been rolled out across the country. --- How could a brand new national fibre and microwave backbone be worthless or junk? This is in addition to several other infrastructure investments including a $50m fiber optic cable between Nairobi and Mombasa. You may have misunderstood the point on national security. For illustrative purposes, the next time Kenya has a serious diplomatic dispute with Libya (and it has in the past), Libya, if handed TKL on a silver platter, could potentially add pressure to the situation by disabling key telecommunication services which would have an adverse impact on the nation's national security. There are several issues of national security, that cannot be simply expounded on in a concise message but which are the basis world wide for limiting foreign ownership of national telephony entities. There are many types of investors, there are long term investors who are in for the long haul. A short term investor for instance in Kenya Airways would have been very disappointed if they were looking for a quick gain at the time. TKL needs long term investors. Naturally such investors would be informed through a prospectus prior to an IPO. Anyone who jumps into an IPO without reading a prospectus is basically leaving all to chance and market hype. Nobody disputes the fact that TKL's services are far from excellent let alone satisfactory. At least that is something all can agree on. Neither is anyone against the fact that TKL needs to be privatised or turned around, we just want it done correctly, equitably and transparently, the issues at hand just to reiterate are: - TKL should be privatised using a model that allows maximum equity participation by the average Kenyan. The KQ model was cited purely to illustrate possible percentages that are equitable to all parties with a stake in the process. - TKL should be sold at price that reflects an accurate and up to date independent valuation. The government should disclose without further delay the valuation it has arrived at of TKL and how it was arrived at. This is not a private asset for sale but rather a public asset so there is no need to have this shrouded in secrecy. - Judicial action to rectify the pilferage of TKL's coffers needs to be undertaken. This might be wishful thinking considering no major prosecution of corruption cases in the country has taken place to date. - Which independent parties with the requisite expertise and experience are advising the government on this transaction? - Has the government considered a BOT arrangement ie Build - Operate - Transfer ? This would ensure that the investor gets a return on investment but ultimately TKL remains Kenyan owned in the long run ? These processes including the Safaricom IPO should not be rushed purely on the sole basis that an election is looming in the coming months. Mike PS You cited the following examples to name a few which on checking the facts turned out to mismatch the situation they were cited for : ===== Alitalia - A public notification was announced on January 2007. The buyer must acquire at least 30.1% of Alitalia, must guarantee the airline's 18,000 jobs, domestic routes, and the Italian identity of the Alitalia brand, according to the tender document published on the Treasury Web site. Italy has invited bids for at least 30.1% of Alitalia's shares, to be submitted by Jan. 29, 2007. [It is not evident that Alitalia is being sold for a song, neither is a controlling percentage being sold either, it is premature to make a comparison where a process has not concluded ] Telkom SA - Telkom is a semi-privatised, 39% state-owned company. Government sold 30 per cent of Telkom to a US-Malaysian consortium. As part of the service agreement, government required Telkom to roll out 1,9 million new phones to disadvantaged areas. In the three years since then, the price of local calls, which the poor use, has risen by 35 per cent in real terms, while international calls (used by businesses and the rich) have fallen by 40 per cent in real terms. The local call increases have led to disconnections that have almost matched the roll out of new lines. After accounting for disconnections, the reality is that there was a bigger roll out of new lines before Telkom was privatised than after. South Africa privatized it's state utility Telkom by selling a 30% stake to a consortium from the United States and Malaysia for $1.261 billion. [It is not evident that Telekom SA was sold for a song, neither is a significant percentage being sold either to single investor, in addition it underwent a successful IPO that allowed the general public a stake in the company even then the average South African did not benefit in regards to better access to services] Kenya Railways - Kenya Railways was not sold, rather it was concessioned, why don't we concession TKL if service provision and development of the infrastructure is the main objective ? Eurotunnel - Privatisation did not save Eurotunnel from going virtually bankrupt. Amtrak - Has never been privatised. Amtrak is a quasi-governmental agency; all of its preferred stock is owned by the federal government. The members of its board of directors are appointed by the President of the United States, and are subject to confirmation by the United States Senate. Some common stock is held by the private railroads that transferred their passenger service to Amtrak in 1971. Though Amtrak stock does not pay dividends and is not routinely traded, a small number of private investors have purchased Amtrak stock from its original owners. The United States obviously recognizes the national interest in the ownership of this critical service. ==== On 7/17/07, Kyai Mullei <mullei(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Mike - some good points. > > I have a few comments on the issues of national security as a reason why > Telkom shouldn't be sold for pennies. Frankly, I find the argument slightly > myopic. As you reiterated, Telkom Kenya (like most parastatals including > national banks) are technically insolvent. These are dead corporations that > depend on sutained periodic government (tax payer) bailouts to continue > providing sub standard and expensive services. > > The current situation is that (thirty years on) there is no infrastructure > on the ground to speak of. 98% of the country is not covered by our > 'national' provider. A few digital exchanges in the Nairobi and Mombasa > environs just doesn't cut it. And we all know that the only reason Telkom > Kenya has any cash to roll out any of these new services is through bank > loans the collateral of which are govt. shares in Safaricom. In short, the > private sector's sweat, speed and effort (and the tax payer) are required to > keep the institution alive. > > In my view, the faster we sell these insutitutions off, the cheaper it > will be for us in the long run. I would hope that any Kenyan investor > willing to buy Telkom Kenya shares would be doing it purely on speculation > grounds - in the hope that the liscences etc. could be sold to a serious > provider for more money in the future (In fact, this is exactly what the > foreign investors are doing). The privatization of Telkom Kenya and Kenya > Airways cannot be compared. The latter had working planes and landing rights > that could be turned profit-making. For the average Kenyan investor, Telkom > Kenya has nothing worth buying. > > > The world over, the notion that national firms - telecommunications, > aviation, etc. (relics of the 70s when economists and national > planners wrongly thought centralized economies were key for development) - > are key to national security, and therefore should belong to the public, has > been turned on its head. Just look at Alitalia, Vargas, SA Telkom, Amtrack, > Kenya Railways, Eurotunnel. All considered critical to national > security, all of which are nothing more loss-making iron balls dragged along > by the exchequers (taxpayers) in their respective countries. > > I can't see how an institution that is a consistent drain on the exchequer > would be critical to national security. Lets admit it. If sound > communication provision is critical to national security, mobile providers > have given me that - more extensively (see safaricom/celtel network > coverage) and faster (in the last 6 years) and cheaper (the wireless rates i > pay while high do not come close to the price of repeated bailouts in my > name) than the Telkom Kenya has ever been able to. > > If someone else has the money and patience to by the piece of telephony > junk in my back yard and turn it into something, please do so fast, and i'll > sell it for exactly what its worth...pennies. The longer I wait, the less my > junk will be worth. In the meantime, i'll save my money to invest in more > sound privatizations the future - perhaps the Safaricom IPO. > > Regards > > Kyai > >

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forum reminder
by Rebecca Wanjiku 17 Jul '07

17 Jul '07

just to remind you of the monthly forum reminder.. this thursday at Jacaranda at 3pm topic will be contributions on the KCA bill, Alex Gakuru, Michuki Mwangi and Nyokabi Kanyua from ICJ will be there to share with up, please plan to attend, regards Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today!

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Diasporan Investors Team Up to Buy Ghana Telecom
by Mike Theuri 17 Jul '07

17 Jul '07

It is noteworthy to see the GoK rush to sell a controlling stake in Telkom Kenya to foreigners while indigenous Ghanians battle to secure a stake in Ghana Telecom: http://allafrica.com/stories/200707161541.html Diasporan Investors Team Up to Buy GT Public Agenda (Accra) NEWS 16 July 2007 Posted to the web 16 July 2007 Accra A Ghanaian Diaspora professional group, called the Ghana Leadership Union (GLU) has announced plans to pool resources to buy a controlling stake in one of the country's biggest assets, Ghana Telecom. GLU, a non-partisan NGO with membership based in the U.S.A, U.K., the E.U., Australia and Asia, says Ghanaian professionals based aboard have been shut out of the process of participating in the investment and management of divested State Owned Enterprises for too long; hence the decision to join the race for GT. In furtherance of that, GLU has created a novel investment framework to attract financial and human capital to formally express interest in the acquisition of a controlling stake in Ghana Telecom Ltd. In a statement copied to Public Agenda, the President of GLU, Dr. Kwaku A. Danso, stated, "the founders of our nation Ghana did not use taxpayers' funds to set up State-owned enterprises (SOEs) only to be sold to foreigners, or to insiders of the government who use proxies to buy these SoE's and leave the real stakeholders with the debts. This practice must be stopped, by any means necessary". The statement said the GLU members are seasoned professionals with more than 20 years of telecommunications and information systems management and will bring investment capital in excess of US$500M to this venture. This unprecedented investment approach facilitated by the GLU will also enable the participation of accredited investors within Ghana and abroad with as little as $1,000 per unit. Asked about the investment strategy, the initiative's lead promoter in the UK, lawyer George Asomaning responded, "It is our intention to ensure that as much of the actual investment received gets channeled into the infrastructural development of Ghana Telecom, so as to position the company to deliver on its promise and to return a sizeable profit for the shareholders, the citizens of Ghana". Nifa Bankroh, the organizer of the "Lets buy Ghana Telecom" initiative stated, "If Ghanaians do not get involved in the acquisition, ownership and management of significant state owned enterprises that are being divested, the likelihood of Ghanaian nationals being able to control the factors that affect their economic future will be marginal at best, and probably negligible. Many Ghanaian businessmen and professional groups are of the opinion that conditions imposed by so-called development partners or financiers, opening Ghana's markets to so-called globalization, has not proven economically beneficial over the last three decades. Professor Mintzberg of Canada has described globalization with respect to development as "a sham". Whilst foreign investors and competition are necessary and welcome tools in Ghana, this global inequity, coupled with a comparative lack of openness and transparency has led to an unequal playing field in the world of business dealings and negotiations. The result is the massive brain drain, high accumulated debt burden, and high unemployment and underemployment in Ghana, which call for new development strategies. Commenting on the sale of state-owned enterprises and the ongoing telecoms divestiture process, Michel Bowman-Amuah, an ICT entrepreneur resident in the United States,Stated that; "there are certain strategic national assets that must be safeguarded and placed above the drive for investment capital and chief among those is our national information and communications infrastructure. There has to be more regulatory oversight into corporate takeovers, mergers or acquisitions of these strategic national assets, if we are to maintain our sovereignty and protect our security interests". Industry watchers say, Ghana's wireless phone networks are dominated by foreign- owned and controlled entities that were granted these franchises at a fraction of prevailing market rates, creating a very lopsided playing field which places the fixed network carriers at a significant competitive disadvantage. Recently, the largest operator (by subscriber base), Spacefon™ /Scancom™ was acquired in a multi-billion dollar transaction by Areeba™, another foreign concern without as much as public hearings into the process and we the general public are yet to be briefed about the details or benefits that the citizens of Ghana have realized in this sale. The above transaction has been clouded by a shareholder proxy battle between the Lebanese operators of Scancom™ and the Ghanaian founder of Spacefon™, who was allegedly forced out with political support of the previous administration. Though the matter is pending in the courts, the government administration and regulatory agency, the National Communication Agency (NCA), has been eerily silent on the matter which begs the question about what investment protections exist for indigenous investors within Ghana's corporate regulatory system. Also recently, the Government of Ghana settled a shareholder dispute with the former minority shareholder in Ghana Telecom, Telecom Malaysia, who had purchased the rights to increase their shareholding to a controlling stake, but were unceremoniously expelled when the current administration assumed power in 2001. This dispute has shaken foreign investor confidence in the long term viability of the divestiture process and its stability. Investors need to be certain that their multi million dollar investments are secure regardless of ruling regime. It must be noted that a Ghanaian-owned and controlled investor group is no different and would require that specific safeguards are in place to protect the interests of their shareholders. It is envisioned that this investment framework created by the GLU shall be reused by other industry sector professionals as other State owned enterprises are divested by the Government of Ghana in the near future. "It is our intent to safeguard the national interest by facilitating the participation of Ghanaians everywhere in the Nation-building process." Mama Brenya Twumasi, a legal scholar and interested investor with many years of stock ownership experience writing from San Antonio, Texas, warned that "our nation cannot continue to ignore the views of the people, and that in essence, governmental transparency and accountability is a must in all present and future dealings if we, as a Nation State, wish to beviewed as credible by our allies and other Sovereign States." It is the general agreement of most Ghanaians surveyed on the issue that Ghana has too many skilled, experienced and competent Ghanaian professionals, educated as part of the initial plan of Ghana's first President, who are willing and able to own and manage our strategic assets. It is therefore unconscionable to simply stand by while foreign corporate raiders are ushered in on the red carpet and given the keys to our National treasure troves.

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why amend instead of a new Act??
by Rebecca Wanjiku 16 Jul '07

16 Jul '07

Am sure people are expecting a convoluted reason as to why the AG decided amend KCA (98) instead of coming up with a brand new Act. Well, dont wait for a huge explanation, its simple- the AG just thought it was easier to amend instead of coming up with a new Act that may be changed or be altered by insertion of new issues including typing errors. At least that is what we were told at the stakeholders meeting. For George Kegoro, ICJ-K head, the present bill is terribly confusing for lawyers and parliamentarians. Kegoro felt that it would have been procedurally easier in terms of practice to bring a brand new statute (through an original Act). He added that the government can be accused of lack of good faith in this case because it could have been done better. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.

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at the stakeholder workshop
by Rebecca Wanjiku 16 Jul '07

16 Jul '07

faced with growing criticism, the ministry of information and communication is meeting stakeholders at Safaripark hotel to get their views on the proposed bill. here are some highlights of the bill.... a general overview of what ICJ elaborated. One, as drafted the Bill seeks to converge all sectors of communication (broadcasting, telecommunications and information technologies/internet) under one regulatory body i.e. the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) and thus, purportedly, streamline the licensing procedures and management of frequency spectrum, through numerous fundamental amendments to an existing principal Act and other incidental laws. At a glance, this style of law making is clumsy, without precedent in Kenya and indeed the whole Commonwealth. It is the form of law making process that will most likely convolute issues and end up with bad law. Would it not have been tidier to come up with a new law that retains all the required provisions and repeals the existing law? Since the principal Act, the Kenya Communications Act, 1998, is merely a skeletal legislation that only establishes the CCK, provides for licensing and regulation of telecommunications services, radio communications and postal Services, it is difficult to comprehend the wisdom of using it as the building block towards a law that will incorporate all aspects of broadcasting and information technology. Again whether having a converged regulatory regime is the most ideal situation or having separate regulatory frameworks for the various communication sectors is to be preferred is a big question and one not easy to resolve without elaborate and structured consultations with all stakeholders and consumers of information i.e. the general population. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase.

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Re: [kictanet] [SPAM] [Skunkworks] Telkom Kenya is not this cheap sign petition.........
by Mike Theuri 16 Jul '07

16 Jul '07

Jean, I appreciate your response. I would hope that more Kenyans would participate in constructive debates over matters of national importance particularly those that affect them and future generations of Kenyans. It does not take rocket science to figuratively determine why TKL which in the past charged some of the highest tariffs in the world has not made a profit. To date no one has been prosecuted and ultimately convicted for pilfering public funds generated by this very viable corporation. TKL represents a classic example of gross mismanagement, attempts to turn around the corporation have encountered several avoidable obstacles and the status quo has remained. In contrast other publicly owned corporations such as KCB have been turned around and turned into very profitable entities without being sold to alien companies while transitioning to minimal governmental ownership and ensuring maximum equity participation by the Kenyan public. One must wonder if this cheap sale is intended to clean the slate of the years of pilferage and mismanagement while conducting a well though out public relations exercise to show that the current administration is engaged in doing something "good for the country" as opposed to doing something good for foreigners. TKL has turned around a corner and has revamped its infrastructure at great expense. Several exchanges have been upgraded and digitized and so has its domestic digital network. It has retrenched the unnecessary and redundant workers who were a drag on its ability to be profitable (again paid for by the Kenyan taxpayer). Just when TKL is on its home stretch to launching several new and revolutionary services, there is a sudden and urgent need to dispose of it to foreigners or combat it by companies that have been making millions of dollars from Kenyans (read foreign companies). Can these companies explain how they may have acquired 3G frequencies from the regulator without paying a cent when similar frequencies have been sold in other African countries for hundreds of millions of dollars? Can the Exchequer let the Kenyan public know the amount that it received from the companies that are now complaining about TKL's new services in return for this finite 3G public resource that should not be handed out for free ? When were licenses for 3G technology publicly tendered for in Kenya ? Is it a good thing for Kenya that the exchequer be deprived of much needed revenue? If TKL is not viable why are these competitors complaining? Indeed it was patriotism that was the foundation of my comments but not the single one driving factor. The government is by the people for the people. The people here happen to be Kenyan taxpayers and voters. What is unpatriotic or misguided about asking for accountability as to why a corporation that is publicly owned is being sold for pennies on the dollar ? or asking that prosecutions be undertaken for those guilty of the prior pilferage of public funds from the same corporation? There is nothing absolutely misguided about questioning why the government appears to have disregarded national security and the public's interest in attempting to sell TKL. I'm certain that if the decision to sell TKL under the current status quo to foreigners were put to a public referendum, that it would be soundly defeated. Below is an article that sums up the concerns of many Kenyans who have come to know about the illusionary effect of corporations that are Kenyan by name but foreign in all other aspects. Contrary to what many belief, Kenya's wealth is in the hands of foreigners and the attempt to sell TKL is another step in the same direction. The best that could happen would be to follow the KQ model of privitisation which some are advocating and which has ensured that the ordinary Kenyan has an opportunity to benefit, no matter how small from the millions of dollars in profits generated in profits and without forgetting to correct the harm cause by those guilty of the pilferage of public funds and revenue. The government's intentions may be noble but those in Government must not forget that they are in the government for and on behalf of Kenyans who have entrusted them with the public's wealth. Thus Kenyans must come first before foreigners, after all it is their country and their corporation that is at stake. Mike http://www.eastandard.net/archives/sunday/hm_news/news.php?articleid=18216 Kenya's wealth in foreign hands By Kamau Ngotho The bulk of Kenya's wealth is in foreign hands, according to statistics obtained exclusively by The Sunday Standard. If Kenya were a cake to be shared out, Kenyans would only lay claim to 31 per cent of the country's total wealth. The rest would go to foreigners. Agriculture, tourism and banking, which combined bring in the country's largest earnings, are in foreign hands. Last year, tea, tourism, flowers and coffee earned the country Sh140 billion, nearly half of the annual national budget. Of this money, only 31 per cent ended up in the country — as tax and real earnings to the nationals. And shareholding in the richest 20 companies that trade at the Nairobi Stock Exchange is foreign. The skewed distribution of wealth between foreigners and Kenyans puts paid to all efforts since independence to hand control of the country to its citizens. Tea growing, which earned the country Sh43.5 billion last year, is concentrated in the hands of six leading agricultural companies whose shareholding is largely foreign. Up to 78 per cent of earnings from tea went, therefore, to foreigners — leaving the balance for Kenyans. The Big Six in the tea sector are Unilever Tea Kenya, Kakuzi Ltd, Williamson Tea Company, Kapchorua Tea, Limuru Tea Company and Sasini Coffee and Tea. The British-owned Brooke Bond Group holds 43.1 million shares of the total 48.8 million shares issued in Univeler Tea Kenya. The same group owns 54 per cent of the total 3.9 million shares issued in Limuru Tea Company. In Kakuzi Ltd, foreigners have a total shareholding of 68.3 per cent of the total 19.6 million shares issued. They hold the shares through Bordure Ltd and Lintak Investment Ltd, with 35.1 and 33.2 per cent shareholding, respectively. Britain's Williamson family has a controlling majority shareholding in both Williamson Tea and Kapchorua Tea companies. In Williamson Tea, it holds 67.2per cent of the total 8.8 million shares issued through their company, Ngong Tea Holding PLC. In Kapchorua tea, they hold 40 per cent of the 3.9 million shares issued. Sasini Tea and Coffee Ltd is 87.3 per cent owned by business magnate Naushad Merali, a Kenyan. Merali's companies hold his shares in these businesses: Legend Investments Ltd (51.7 per cent), East African Batteries (18.7 per cent), Yana Towers (15.9 per cent) and Swan Estates (1.04 per cent). The reinvigorated tourism sector, which earned Sh42 billion last year, is also foreign-owned. And just as the Sh43.5 billion earnings from tea sector ended up in foreign pockets, so did the Sh42 billion that came from tourism. Tourism earnings went into three directions: Hotels, airlines, and travel/booking agents, in that order. Of Kenya's 290,000-plus tourist hotel bed spaces, foreign hoteliers own 74.3 per cent of it. Tour flights to Kenya are entirely in the hands of foreign airlines. It is all the more foreign-dominated in the traditional tourist peak periods of Easter and Christmas, when there are no scheduled flights to Kenya's tourist hub of Mombasa. During the two seasons, tourists arrive in Mombasa in chartered jets arranged by European tour operators. Foreign companies stationed in European and American capitals also entirely control hotel bookings and transfers. Where internal travel is concerned, foreigners too, dominate by owning 7 of the 11 leading local tour travel firms. At the end of the day, tourism in Kenya remains a foreigners' enclave with indigenous Kenyans left to scratch the surface on petty trades like selling curios and prostitution. After years of lobbying, last year the European Union set aside Sh250 million to economically empower indigenous Kenyans to get a fair share of the lucrative industry. Seven projects were targeted to tilt the balance in a programme called Tourism Diversification and Empowerment Project. But a spokesman at the Nairobi EU office said the money is yet to be released as project proposals submitted are still under evaluation. The only hotel chain listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange is the TPS Serena. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development holds the company's majority shareholding through its company, TPS Holdings Limited. Horticulture, which earned Kenya Sh28.2 billion last year, is the country's third largest foreign exchange earner. It, too, is a foreigners' affair. Indigenous Kenyans mainly come in as casual labourers on the flower farms. Of the 44 certified companies dealing with horticulture products, 26 are foreign-owned. But an even bigger irony is that the leading 10 players in the industry — all foreign-owned — bag 83 per cent of the total income from the sector. Flower farming (floriculture) is the key plank in Kenya's agriculture sector. Seventy six per cent of Kenya's total flower production is concentrated in foreign-owned flowers farms around the Naivasha area. The big three are Homegrown, Sulmac and Oserian. Late last year, Kenya overtook Israel and Columbia as leading exporters of cut flowers. But you would not know that from the world's leading flower auctions in Amsterdam and London. Why? Foreign flower exporters in Kenya have registered their companies abroad — mainly in Amsterdam — and sell flowers they have grown in Kenya under a foreign label. In that case, while flowers from a local company are sold in Amsterdam as flowers from Kenya, Dutch companies growing their flowers in Naivasha sell theirs as flowers from Holland. The consequence of it is that flowers owned by Dutch companies receive preferential treatment at the auction, including exemption from the strict EU- imposed export rules. Flower auctions in Amsterdam and London account for 65 and 25 per cent of Kenya flower sales respectively. Of the approximate 60,000 tonnes of flowers exported from Kenya last year, 37,000 tonnes were sold in Amsterdam and London auctions as flowers from Holland. The statistics can make it look like the entire flower industry in Kenya is one big conspiracy against indigenous people. Foreign air charters, the only ones used in flower transport, charge the highest rates in Nairobi. Freight charges on flowers from Kenya are twice those in the capitals of Kenya's nearest competitors Israel, Columbia and Costa Rica. There are also 40 to 45 per cent higher than in Egypt and South Africa, Kenya's two biggest competitors on the continent. At $400 a day, inspection and storage charges at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport are the highest in the world. So is the freight charge of $1.85-$2.2 per stem. Flowers sold in Kenya's name are inspected stem by stem at the JKIA at the cost of 12 Euro cents a stem. Those grown in Kenya but marketed by overseas- accredited companies are only inspected in bulk. On average, it costs upwards of $1 million to set up a typical flower farm on a half acre spread , which in turn brings in a $50,000 a year. Kenya's fourth leading export earner, coffee, is equally depressing on the ownership scale. The majority of small-scale coffee growers in Kenya sell coffee raw from the farm, earning less than 10 per cent of what the finished end product earns in foreign markets and in a foreign label. Though touted as an agricultural country, the other large-scale agricultural activities in Kenya are also foreign-owned. Rea-Vipingo Plantations, which deals mainly in sisal and dairy farming is 77 per cent owned by the Robinson family of England. They hold the shares through REA Holdings PLC, Unibuckle Holdings Ltd and REA Trading Ltd. Del Monte, world famous for pineapple products, is entirely a French affair and sells its products with the label "Made-in-France". The question of who owns Kenya's wealth sticks out like a sore thumb in the banking sector. The leading two banks with a combined market share of 71.4per cent are Barclays Bank of Kenya and the Standard Chartered. They are foreign-owned. Barclays Bank plc of London owns 68 per cent stake in Barclays Bank of Kenya. Standard Bank Africa, a London outfit, in turn owns 81 per cent shareholding in Standard Chartered Bank. To avoid domination by foreign banks, Nigeria and South Africa enacted laws on percentages of shareholding a foreign bank could own. Foreign ownership is also the same cord that runs through key blue chip companies listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange. At the East African Breweries, British-owned Guinness plc holds 63.5 per cent of the total equity, leaving Kenyans to scramble for the rest. Guinness shares are held in the names of Diageo Kenya Ltd and Diageo Netherlands B.V. In the Nation Media Group, the Aga Khan holds 28.2 million shares of the 35.6 million shares issued. The Aga Khan's shares are held in the names of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development and Amin Nanji Juma. In Kenya Airways, Dutch company, KLM, holds 40.6 per cent equity. In Total Kenya Ltd, French companies Total Outre-mer and Elf Oil Kenya Ltd, own 77 per cent of the total shareholding, while in BAT Kenya Ltd, Molensteegh Investment BV of London, holds 68 per cent of the total shareholding. The question of who owns Kenya's wealth generated a national debate in 1968 when the National Council of Churches of Kenya published a paper entitled: "Who Owns Kenya's Industry?" In the paper, the late Anglican Bishop, the Rev Henry Okullu, regretted that five years into independence, "the compass needle had not moved in the direction of indigenous ownership of Kenya's wealth." Thirty-seven years later, the Rev Okullu would turn in his grave to note that the needle has drifted even further away. On 7/11/07, Jean-Antoine BORD <ja_bord(a)yahoo.fr > wrote: > > Hi, > > > > With due respect, I am not convinced that you asked all the good > questions. > > > > To what I have heard so far, Telekom has succeeded neither commercially > nor technically in the few past years. A significant part of its > infrastructure is considered obsolete if not out of order. I heard many > times that the service was quite poor and that one should wait several years > to get a land line. Telkom seems to have given up long ago its leadership in > Kenya to cell phone operator and successful ISP like Access Kenya, KDN, etc. > So, in a certain way, because of possible debts or potential expenses which > do not appear in the asset sheet, the valuation of Telkom might be less than > its licences. > > > > When you consider the status of Telecom national historical operators in > other countries, you should first ask the government why Telekom Kenya has > so poorly achieved in the last 5 years. > > > > When a company decide to go for an IPO (particularly when this is a > government-owned company), the non-professional investors should have a > minimum insurance that the price is fair and the company is sustainable. > Here is a second question. > > > > Another issue is the transparency of the process. In many countries, > private companies backed by Venture Capital Funds ran in parallel an IPO and > a trade sale. For instance, Kelkoo, Skype, etc, have been acquired > respectively by Yahoo and eBay instead of going public, because it was more > interesting for the existing shareholders. So, an IPO is not always the best > way (many companies experienced a crash of their stock a short time after > their IPO; investors who could sell some stock where considered as thieves). > > > > > Last but not least, the service level in Kenya is still poor and to turn > Telkom Kenya into a company leading the progress of this industry (instead > of trying to slow down the competition) would probably have a better impact > on the economy (and what you call Telkom's shareholders) than the loss > inducted by the sale of 40% at a price you consider too low. > > > > Finally, Kenyan Government has demonstrated with the Safaricom deal (and > probably many others) that it is able to defend the best interest of all > Kenyans, so that one should not consider it is guilty without an equitable > judgement. > > > > I could have developed some more arguments, concerning the role paid by > Safaricom, Celtel (which are partially owned by foreigners) and many other > foreign owned companies which create wealth in Kenya, concerning > protectionism and its consequences, etc. > > > > In conclusion, the mail written by Mike seems biased by a misplaced > patriotism and many issues have not been considered. > > > > With Kind Regards, > > > > Jean > > > ------------------------------ > > *De :* skunkworks-bounces(a)my.co.ke [mailto: skunkworks-bounces(a)my.co.ke] *De > **la part de *Dorcas Muthoni > *Envoyé :* 10 July 2007 20:21 > *À : *skunkworks(a)my.co.ke > *Objet :* [SPAM] [Skunkworks] Telkom Kenya is not this cheap sign > petition......... > > > > http://www.petitionspot.com/signature/TELKOMKENYA > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- >

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Updates on ICT Bill workshop?
by John Walubengo 16 Jul '07

16 Jul '07

anybody willing to blog about what transpired at the above workshop? or must we wait until tomorrow for probably some biased view of the events... walu. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center. http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/

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Memorandum of Views ::attached::
by Alex Gakuru 15 Jul '07

15 Jul '07

[Following our meetings with Human Rights groups find attached views on the ICT Bill. -- AlexG] <excerpts> I hereby circulate the memorandum of views and initial draft critique in as far as the Bill as drafted threatens free expression and introduces really novel legal issues that have the potential of taking away constitutional rights. We had an urgent media stakeholders meeting on 12th July in which we discussed the Bill and were shocked by its implications. The ICT Bill comes in as the Kenya Communications (Amendment) Bill, 2007 - also a rather novel way of enacting a new law completely different from the original version. This particular amendment bill is very ambitious as it even amends other laws (including some constitutional issues!). This Bill has already been tabled in Parliament for 1st reading on 4th July and is speculated to go for second reading the week of 23rd - 27th July! Clearly there is need for more time for consultation on the Bill and the issues - kindly go through the Bills and raise more issues. Please read the critique and react ASAP - from the rooftops if possible! We need all pairs of eyes reading this Bill. (The Bill is also available on www.kenyalawreports.or.ke) There is a stakeholders forum to discuss the ICT Bill on Monday 16th July 2007 at the Safari Park Hotel convene by the PS and Ministry of Information. Kindly purpose to attend and raise issues of concern. Section 149 in the 2006 (repeated in Section 134 of published Bill 2007) is anti-FOI!!!! In relation to offences is there a jurisprudential reason to treat ICT offences differently and have them outside the penal code - forgery is forgery, fraud is fraud, theft is theft even with new technology. Are e-commerce offences different? The issues of recognition of electronic evidence are proposed to be addressed in the Evidence Act by the Bill - Offences should probably be addressed in the same way by amending the Penal code not writing ICT Offences part VIA. So far we have only been able to look at the provisions that relate to the regulator (CCK) media, broadcasting, free expression and free flow of information together with the legislative drafting issues. The Bill is largely concerned with licensing and regulations and it puts all issues of information and communication under one regulator. In our view this may not achieve the objectives of the Bill as far as enabling devt of ICT in Kenya and making as an ICT hub is concerned. One of the participants, Dr. Mary Muiruri also shared that the e-transactions law should be separate as is the case in countries that we need to compete with e.g. Singapore. The ICT Bill as is will not help us attract investors, BPOs - create jobs etc yet it seriously threatens broadcasters and freedom of media and expression for the people. (See FYI separate communications on this issue - so we don't appear to be fighting ICT devt in Kenya) Regulation of broadcasting media is allowed as the frequencies are a rare public good to be shared and broadcasting media is also more pervasive than print media - TVs and radios are in our sitting rooms but be that as it may and we support the regulation as should happen in a democratic society as per international standards the punishments and penalties for any breach must be proportional and not draconian - Loss of Broadcasting License and Seizure of equipment punishments and others in the Bill are far too much especially as the legal safeguards are weak and the independence of the all powerful CCK is questionable. A quasi judicial body like CCK cannot have as wide powers as the courts of law in meting out hefty punishments prescribed by the Bill. The Bill is really intent on creating crimes - is broadcasting uncomfortable content criminal? Putting together so many varied issues in one law not only makes the law hard to read but it mixes up principles and underpinning democratic ideals and international standards. In the case of the broadcasting there maybe need to have a separate broadcasting law and an amendment of the KBC Act to make it a proper public broadcaster with an independent board and editorial independence. We still need advise on other provisions of the Bill, so please help in this. Further if you are aware of any other critiques that have been done please share them. Something we also found interesting is the change of the Bill from the Original Version of the Communications Bill and The published Bill which has various far reaching provisions that are not found in the earlier Bill raising the question - why the draconian sections were introduced especially 129, 130 and 131. It is interesting and worrying that Minister in the Bill is very powerful and busy - as busy as the regulator. The Bill as we note in the memo threatens to bring back sedition law days. <ends> ____________________________________________________________________________________ Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games. http://get.games.yahoo.com/proddesc?gamekey=monopolyherenow

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[Fwd: [DigAfrica] Telkom Kenya’s wireless service is really ‘mobile service’ for tax purposes]
by alice 15 Jul '07

15 Jul '07

Mobile companies complain that Telkom Kenya's wireless service is really `mobile service' for tax purposes The reverberations of Telkom's official launch of its wireless service last week has resurrected a growing dispute within the telecommunications industry. The war of words between telephone operators intensified this week as Celtel once again appealed for clarification on the role of the national operator, saying Telkom's recently launched wireless service is acting in direct competition with its own. "All we ask for is fair play," said David Murray, Celtel's CEO. "Telkom Wireless is a mobile service and should be treated as such." The launch of Telkom Wireless has brewed dissent amongst mobile telephone players who are protesting against what they term unfair business practice. Both Safaricom and Celtel have appealed to the industry regulator, the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), to clarify Telkom's status. The firms say the national fixed line operator is now acting like a mobile service provider and has not paid for a license to operate. "It is a clear contravention of the regulations. They have a competitive advantage over us," said Michael Joseph, Safaricom's CEO. Celtel has now asked that Telkom either pay for a license to offer wireless services or be charged taxes like other mobile operators. Currently, mobile operators are taxed 16 per cent VAT and 10 per cent excise while Telkom just pays VAT. Mobile companies say they would be able to pass on lower calling costs to consumers if the taxes were lowered. But a fierce lobbying campaign started late last year by both providers failed to induce the government to reduce or remove the excise tax in this year's budget. The mobile players hope to meet the Minister of Finance to revisit the tax issue and to ask for definitive action to be taken on Telkom's status. The industry regulator has said that Telkom is merely leveraging existing technology to launch its wireless service, which it maintains is still a `fixed' telephony product. CCK's Director-General has maintained Telkom Wireless is the natural evolution of the national operator's fixed line service and is the result of the operator upgrading its equipment. "CDMA will fuel the growth of this industry. Telkom is merely upgrading its Instafon service, which was fixed line service, to the CDMA platform, which is wireless product," said CCK's John Waweru. 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Top 10 mobile Markets in Mid-East and Africa: Kenya knocks out Tunisia
by alice 15 Jul '07

15 Jul '07

Top 10 mobile Markets in Mid-East and Africa: Kenya knocks out Tunisia Tunisia has been in and out of the ranking of the top 10 MEA markets by customer base over the past year. It was pushed out by Iraq in Q2 2006, only to be reinstated three months later as Kenya failed to register any growth as a result of mass disconnections by Celtel. Having held its tenth place in December, a resurgent Kenya has once again ousted Tunisia, which falls to 11th place in the ranking for March 2007. In so doing, Kenya also bumps Israel down to tenth, a place which we expect Tunisia to take once more in the near future - in fact it is possible that it has already has with the end of Q2 2007 just over a week ago. For Q1 2007, at least, Israel's 7.8m customers marked the barrier for entry into the top 10. Kenya was a little way ahead with 8.4m and Iraq the same distance in front of Kenya with 9.0m customers. From eighth placed Iraq up to first placed South Africa the ranking remains as it was three months ago in the review for the fourth quarter of 2006, although the relative positioning of the occupants of the places has changed. At the head of the table, Nigeria is catching South Africa, reducing a deficit of 5.4m at the end of 2006 to only 3.4m customers at the end of Q1 2007. We expect Nigeria to become the Middle East & Africa's largest market by connections before the third quarter is out, although this does not necessarily signify that the number of real mobile users is higher. In fourth place, Saudi Arabia got to within 350k customers of Algeria and may well already have taken its third place, whilst fifth placed Egypt closed the gap on both of them. Morocco's sixth place is also under threat from Iran, which cut the gap by 80% from 1.68m to just 0.33m during Q1 2007. Three months ago, Mobile World looked at the size of the mobile markets in the ten largest countries in the MEA region, since four of this list are not in the current top ten ranking by customers shown in the chart above. The most likely member of this group to claim its rightful place is Tanzania, which lay in 12th place with 6.2m customers at the end of Q1 2007 but is in fact the continent's eighth most populous country. The most likely casualty will once again be Tunisia, which is likely to have taken back tenth place from Israel in the meantime. Next to enter the top ten could be either Sudan or the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Democratic Republic of Congo is the larger country, with a population of 64.1m to Sudan's 42m, but it was Sudan which stood further ahead in the ranking by customer numbers, with a base of 5.6m to Congo's 5.1m at the end of Q1 2007. The fourth rightful member of the top 10 is Ethiopia, MEA's third largest country by population, although it will most likely be several years before this market enters the top 10, finishing Q1 2007 as it did with a customer base of 1.4m. In the long run, by implication, Algeria, Saudi Arabia and Iraq should all lose their top 10 places (in addition to the aforementioned Israel) although if penetration rates follow the European model - and there is no reason to believe they won't - the situation is unlikely to prove to be this simple. (Source: Mobile World) Balancing Act

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Fwd: ICT Bill - wish list, Day 4 of 4.
by Alex Gakuru 15 Jul '07

15 Jul '07

[For some reason mail sent to <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> now appears not to get through. Could others be having my problem?, change your kictanet list email address to <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>] --- Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Date: Sun, 15 Jul 2007 03:29:38 -0700 (PDT) > From: Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: ICT Bill - wish list, Day 4 of 4. > To: Kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> > > [eICT Bill download pointer courtesy of the Freedom > of > Information Network run by International Commission > of > Jurists - Kenya Chapter -- AlexG] > > http://www.kenyalaw.org/Downloads/Bills/communications_bill_2007.PDF > > see other eBills: > http://www.kenyalaw.org/Bills/ > > eKenyaGazette: > http://www.kenyalaw.org/KenyaGazette/ > > Alex > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > 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 > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV. http://tv.yahoo.com/

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ICT Bill - wish list, Day 4 of 4.
by Alex Gakuru 15 Jul '07

15 Jul '07

[eICT Bill download pointer courtesy of the Freedom of Information Network run by International Commission of Jurists - Kenya Chapter -- AlexG] http://www.kenyalaw.org/Downloads/Bills/communications_bill_2007.PDF see other eBills: http://www.kenyalaw.org/Bills/ eKenyaGazette: http://www.kenyalaw.org/KenyaGazette/ Alex ____________________________________________________________________________________ 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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Draft recommendations of the national task force on transition to digital broadcasting call for comments/input
by alice 15 Jul '07

15 Jul '07

(Apologies for cross posting) Not sure how many of you have seen/saw the public notice call for comments on the draft recommendations of the national task force on transition to digital broadcasting? see: http://www.cck.go.ke/html/publicnotices.asp?newsid=222&area=&type= the notice is calling for comments/input on the draft report on or before the 24th of July 2007 The switch to digital broadcasting systems will allow us to enjoy multiple broadcasting services, improved video and audio quality as well as greater spectrum efficiency, the notice says in part. For those interested especially media sector, please have a look and ensure that our views/comments and input are submitted. best alice

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ICT Bill - wish list, Day 4 of 4
by Alex Gakuru 13 Jul '07

13 Jul '07

Dear Listers and Listeners, Thank you for stating a wish or two, online or off line and your unending passion of technology, communication, and information. We are concluding this matter today to compile our Monday's presentation. Unless there is a burning wish still unsaid, permit Walu and I to compile the Wish List. Sincerely, Alex & Walubengo(shortly logging out off the Wish Listing session) ____________________________________________________________________________________ Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debate in the Yahoo! Answers Food & Drink Q&A. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545367

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ICT Bill - wish list, Day 4 of 4.
by John Walubengo 13 Jul '07

13 Jul '07

here's another gem from the past on the ICT bill...a summary of proceedings. KICTANET ICT BILL ANALYSIS WORKSHOP HELD ON FRIDAY, 16TH JUNE 2006 AT THE JACARANDA HOTEL walu. ...and with that I have officially ran down on ICT wishes. Probably not, one more, I finally wish that wishes were horses then we could all fly {-by the way I have never understood what the Englishman had in mind with this phrase, but i like the way it sounds ;-)} ____________________________________________________________________________________ Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more. http://mobile.yahoo.com/go?refer=1GNXIC

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link to KC amendment bill
by Rebecca Wanjiku 13 Jul '07

13 Jul '07

here is the link to the documents and a critique follows below http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=he_1&x=5077882 Communications ( Amendment ) Bill 2007 This section changes the name of the Act, introduces new definitions, ICT policy development and promulgation , governance of the sector and constitution of the regulator , fines for contravention of the act Some areas that warrant attention are - policy formulation in the ICT sector . ICT stakeholders participated in the ICT formulation process for the first time in 2006 and now have a sense of ownership to that policy. This is as should be because the government strategy is to use the private sector to drive growth . The proposed clause 5 fails to take into account the lessons learned from the policy formulation process and locks out all other stakeholders in policy formulation - governance - Minister can appoint unlimited number of the board members to the CCK board because the operative language for all appointments in clause 6 is .. at least one --- . No advantage can be demonstrated. All other regulators have an upper limit on the board members who range from 5 to 9 members. Secondly , almost all others have no government officers to avoid conflict of interest where government has shareholding in operators and in any case the regulator implements policy promulgated by the government thirdly all the board appointments are heavily tilted to the supply side and only one appointee will represent the consumer side These concerns were pointed out by KICTANET but have not taken on board Muriuki Mureithi Colleagues As you are aware the Kenya Government has at last published the Kenya Communications (Amendment) Bill 2007 . The purpose of the Bill published on May 17th , 2007 ( world telecommunications day) is to amend Kenya Communications Act 1998 . The structure of the bill as a follows; Clause 1 - 14 - change of name, new definitions, ICT policy development and promulgation , governance of the sector and constitution of the regulator , fines for contravention of the act Clause 15 - introduces part IVA on broadcasting services - regulation , licensing and revocation , and promotion of local content Clause 16 -29 - enhances penalties of the contravention of the Act, reduce the duration of notice of a grant of licence, refusal to grant or modification, exclude certain classes in the notice of grant of licence Clause 30 . introduces part VIA on information technology - legal recognition of electronic communications, electronic records and electronic transactions , offences . introduces part VIB universal service fund - establishment and operationalisation . introduces part VIC Fair competition and equal treatment - definition of dominant operator , investigation of unfair treatment clause 31 introduces miscellaneous provisions on National communications secretariat, establishment of the advisory councils ( content and universal service), action in the occurrence of an emergency, use of information by an operator, service to CCK etc clause 33 introduces two schedules . fourth schedule - operation of advisory councils - content and advisory . fifth schedule - transitional provisions and proposes to repeal other acts - Kenya broadcasting act, penal code, evidence act , part VII electronic records To understand the implication of the Bill , you need to study the Kenya Communications Act 1998 which is being repealed and the Bill itself . Once enacted the governing law will be information and Communications Act and will have far reaching implications in the sector for the next decade or so. it is therefore important for stakeholders to study the document. KICTAnet facilitated a review of the Kenya Communications Act 1998 last year using the a draft bill prepared by the Ministry of Infocom and developed a report supported by the stakeholders. This document made a number of proposals which were presented to the Permanent Secretary Dr Bitange Ndemo. Some of the proposals have been included in the Bill As this Bill awaits discussion in parliament , KICTANet wants to facilitate an informed debate on the Bill , these comments are intended to support the evolution of a law to make Kenya effective user of ICT for development .I invite you to read the Kenya Communications Act 1998, the Kenya Communications ( Amendment) Bill 2007 and the proposals by KICTANET as a resource for your comments . The Act and the Bill are available at the government printer and meanwhile we are making arrangements to scan have all documents hosted in a website for ease of access by end of Wednesday . We start the online discussion on Thursday 7th and will start with Clause 1-14 and follow the sequence . In the meantime , we welcome any comments on the structure and the process of online discussion between today and Wednesday 6th Regards Muriuki Mureithi From: Harry Hare [mailto:harry@africanedevelopment.org] Sent: 12 June 2007 12:09 To: mureithi(a)summitstrategies.co.ke Cc: 'KICTanet Committee' Subject: RE: [committee] KC amendment bill Dear MM, You know how we operate in terms of reading documents! I would propose that you pick out the contentious clauses and sections of the bill and invite debate on the same. This way you would probably generate interest. Some of these clauses were outlined in Mucherus email of last weekdefinition of broadcasting, licensing of domain names etc. My interest however is in section 89-98 of the bill is was partly *borrowed* from the UNCITRAL Model Law on eCommerce of 1998. There are significant changes in the text that the said law has undergone through the various UNCITRAL Conventions and the UNCITRAL Model Law on eSignatures of 2001. It would be interesting to benchmark that section with the available text. I notice that they have left out some sections of the 1998 model law and this could pose danger in terms of interpretation of the law if it was a quick cut and paste job. One of the notable omissions (as far im concerned) for instance is the definition of electronic signatures which is found in the model law. The draft bill does recognize electronic signatures but is silent on what they are, this could cause serious interpretation problems. In the model law, the electronic signatures are defines and goes ahead to specify the validity of electronic signatureswhat I dont understand is why the drafters left out this crucial section of the law. Kindest regards Harry Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more. _______________________________________________ committee mailing list committee(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/committee Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Choose the right car based on your needs. Check out Yahoo! Autos new Car Finder tool. _______________________________________________ committee mailing list committee(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/committee

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monthly forum on july 19th, Jacaranda
by Rebecca Wanjiku 13 Jul '07

13 Jul '07

the monthly forum will take place next week on thursday at jacaranda, 3pm please plan to attend and add your voice, regards Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games.

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[Fwd: [governance] the Apple iPhone rort]
by alice 13 Jul '07

13 Jul '07

Not sure how many of you have been following the Apple iPhone hype. This message is from the global civil society Internet governance list that is discussing the same issue re; mobile phone companies and locking consumers. Note the iPhone is only available through AT&T best alice -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [governance] the Apple iPhone rort Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:56:42 -0700 (PDT) From: David Goldstein <goldstein_david(a)yahoo.com.au> Reply-To: governance(a)lists.cpsr.org,David Goldstein <goldstein_david(a)yahoo.com.au> To: Governance Mailing List <governance(a)lists.cpsr.org> Hi all, I'd put this posting below on my website - http://technewsreview.com.au/ - and thought I'd post it here and see what the response was. It's based on an article in The Guardian today that makes a few more points on the new must-have iPhone. Well, must have only for those who are slaves to marketing hype. It makes points that have been made before. To have an iPhone one must agree to a contract with AT&T, previously described as one of the worst mobile phone service providers in the US. So if you want an iPhone, and you are already contracted to another company, you have to terminate that contract with the related fees that involves. Ben Scott’s article also notes “if you are on a family plan, you may have to pay a separate fee to terminate all of your family's phones.” And there’s the point that that AT&T doesn’t offer full coverage in more than a dozen states. Now, the real point the article makes I’d not thought of, and relevant to this list, is that the “practice of tying users to one provider is unique to the wireless world. Cable TV providers can't tell you what kind of TV to buy. And regular phone service will work on any phone you can find at your favorite electronics store. In the latter case, that's because there is a longstanding set of laws that guarantee consumer choice.” In the USA, at least, this is “called the ‘Carterfone’ rules, these laws make it so you can use any device you want - phone, headset, fax machine or dial-up modem - on your telephone network, so long as it doesn't harm the network.” The article then says, “But it gets worse: phone companies don't just hold the iPhone captive; they also routinely cripple features on handsets (like Wi-Fi, games, audio and video) so that you can only access their ‘preferred’ content. They also limit access to the network, despite marketing ‘unlimited access’. And they reserve the right to boot you off the network if you do almost anything they don't like.” “This kind of ‘blocking and locking’ behavior doesn't stop you from accessing the internet, but it does shape your experience and undermine the open, level playing field that consumers have come to expect online. The iPhone is simply the highest-profile example of a wireless internet market that is drifting further and further away from the free and open internet we've all come to expect. “The only solution to this problem is a political one. Decisions that legislators and regulators in Washington make now will determine what the internet looks like in the future. The US Congress is holding a hearing this week - call it the iPhone hearing - to discuss the new technology and its impact on consumer choice.” So all this, and combined with the rort of having to send your phone to Apple just so you can exchange the battery, and other lock-ins, I’d hope smart people would boycott the iPhone. Even if it’s just to somehow enable consumer choice and stop the drift away from a “free and open internet”. For the article that got me thinking about this post, see http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/ben_scott/2007/07/free_the_iphone.html Cheers David --------- David Goldstein address: 4/3 Abbott Street COOGEE NSW 2034 AUSTRALIA email: Goldstein_David @yahoo.com.au phone: +61 418 228 605 (mobile); +61 2 9665 5773 (home) "Every time you use fossil fuels, you're adding to the problem. Every time you forgo fossil fuels, you're being part of the solution" - Dr Tim Flannery ____________________________________________________________________________________ Yahoo!7 Mail has just got even bigger and better with unlimited storage on all webmail accounts. http://au.docs.yahoo.com/mail/unlimitedstorage.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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Telkom’s growth is stifled by fraudsters colluding with staff
by Mike Theuri 12 Jul '07

12 Jul '07

This article appeared in 2005, but it becomes very relevant when it appears that there is a sudden and urgent rush to quietly privatize TKL by selling it to foreigners, while "restructuring and preparing" TKL for that process at taxpayers expense, a tax burden that future generations of Kenyans will still be paying with nothing to show for. The problems that TKL has are self created, they can be fixed and TKL should not be sold at such a throw away price that is hardly sufficient to cover the debt that has been and which additionally is likely to be transferred to the taxpayer. For those reading it is now 4 years to date since the secret dossiers mentioned in the article were written and no prosecution or conviction has taken place: http://www.eastandard.net/archives/sunday/hm_news/news.php?articleid=14743 Self-inflicted woes Telkom's growth is stifled by fraudsters colluding with staff as competition bites, writes Gordon Opiyo. Top officials of Telkom Kenya are involved in fleecing the cash-strapped company of billions of shillings, according to independent investigations by the Communications Commission of Kenya. According to confidential reports prepared by the regulator, Telkom Kenya failed to take advantage of the five-year local and international fixed line calls monopoly due to collusion between the employees and an international syndicate of phone companies. In the estimation of then Transport and Communications minister John Michuki, Telkom had lost over Sh120 billion in the previous seven years due to these leakages. Yet the minister failed to stop the syndicates, and appeared to have acquiesced to them or become hostage. The company now has to grapple with tough competition after the end of the exclusivity status in June, last year, with about 10,000 employees set to lose their jobs through an impending retrenchment exercise. While Telkom Managing Director John Waweru says the company has nothing to hide and is willing to co-operate with any investigators, indications are that there are still too many untouchables fleecing the parastatal. Information and Communications Permanent Secretary, Mr James Rege, plays the same refrain: "We have an open-door policy and will ensure that any official found to be involved in any improper deal takes responsibility for his or her action." Yet both officials have before them detailed reports of how the company lost the opportunity to take full control of the local and international calls market, despite having the advantage of being a monopoly. The decline was rapid, with countrywide subscriptions to Telkom Kenya's switchboard falling by 14.7 per cent to 280,000 lines in June 2004 from 328,358 the year before. And whereas international calls used to generate 80 per cent of the total revenue a decade ago, the figure has dropped to about 30 per cent. Investigation After the raid on Data Global Limited Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Kiraitu Murungi ordered the CCK to investigate the magnitude of the fraud and how it was perpetrated. The Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission also requested a similar brief. According to the reports, Telkom Kenya's revenue declined because of fraudsters adopting new technologies for transmitting international calls, and its failure to change fast enough. Fraudsters, with the help of Telkom Kenya employees, managed to get into the lucrative international call market by offering cheaper calls. Among the methods identified by the regulator's investigators were Voice Over Internet Protocol and the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT). These technologies make it possible to make calls at a fraction of the cost of the traditional methods that Telkom Kenya used. Apart from the technology, Telkom entered into suspicious contracts with three companies – CDR, N-Tel and Zantel – which, according to the CCK, have the equipment to compress call traffic so that a small transmission capacity can handle more telephone lines than a normal Telkom system. The companies entered into agreements with the parastatal to terminate international calls from other countries at a much lower cost — obviously to the detriment of Telkom. For instance, a call that comes to the Telkom network from abroad is terminated at $0.2 per minute, but those that come through the other companies are terminated at $0.06 cents per minute. Worse for Telkom when the calls come to mobile phones because it loses Sh14.50 per minute. "Going by the statistics of the previous financial year (2002), where Telkom Kenya terminated over 17 million international call minutes, this amounts to a loss of over Sh178 million," says the CCK report to the Kenya Anti Corruption Authority. The CCK questions the manner in which Telkom awarded the contracts to the three companies, contravening three conditions laid down in its licence – condition 18 on fair trading, condition 25 of informing the regulator of joint ventures and condition 26 that gave it exclusivity in the provision of international calls. In other words, Telkom gave up its exclusive rights to operate international calls to the three companies through the backdoor. Although the regulator says that they have not been able to get the real owners of the companies, investigations by The Sunday Standard have established that the firms were all owned by influential members of the previous administration and a former director of Telkom. What is interesting is that although the file on the fraud investigation in Telkom has been open at the Kenya Anti Corruption Authority since 2003, no action has been taken to stop the illegal operations. Instead, most of the officers investigating the have either been transferred or recalled to the Criminal Investigation Department. In December, last year, Dr John Mutonyi, assistant director in charge of investigations told The Sunday Standard that that his men were still investigating the matter. However, when contacted for the past two weeks, Dr Mutonyi failed to respond to our calls. The CCK report to Kiraitu says: "The kind of defense Telkom Kenya is giving to agreements, which are one of the biggest contributors towards the decline in its international revenue shows that individuals from Telkom Kenya are gaining from it." In an earlier interview with The Sunday Standard, Waweru had said that the contracts were signed before his management came into office and that the new team was reviewing them. The investigations also revealed that billions of shillings were lost through illegal satellite dish operators who, according to the briefs, were supported by Telkom Kenya staff to get telephone lines fixed to the local exchanges. "We suggest that an independent investigator be sought to address the problem of decline in Telkom Kenya's revenue including the illegal international traffic termination by Data Global at Lonrho House. Telkom Kenya cannot investigate itself on this matter because they appear to be abetting culprits," concludes the report. However, two years after the secret dossiers were written, no major change action has been seen.

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Morality Policing>>Censorhip Precursor
by Alex Gakuru 12 Jul '07

12 Jul '07

"Govt plans countrywide ban on smoking in public_" says http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgindex.asp. Following "trial" Urban Councils implementation success. Do such actions require City councils to give public Notice because EasyFM spoke of several arrested yesterday at Landhies Road. These guys probably do not have the luxury of radio or TV to know of snap bylaws. What will be next? Filtering your internet to "protect" you from pornography or illegalise carrying more than 1,000/= because thugs my rob you? Fishy.... ____________________________________________________________________________________ Got a little couch potato? Check out fun summer activities for kids. http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=oni_on_mail&p=summer+activities+for+kids&…

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is IGF a castrated version of ICANN???
by Rebecca Wanjiku 12 Jul '07

12 Jul '07

makes good reading??? ICANN San Juan 2007 After a crazed American federal prosecutor wreaked havoc on the Puerto Rican roads by wiping out on his motorcycle at 3am doing 105 mph, immobilizing traffic for ten hours on a major highway, I walked four miles on Thursday morning along the beach to the site of the ICANN meeting. I made it just in time to the Caribe Hilton for the internet governance workshop. Sure glad I caught this one. if (document.getElementById('MidArticleSlot')) document.write('\x3Cscript src="http://ad.uk.doubleclick.net/adj/reg.management.4159/itdirector;'+RegExCats+GetVCs()+'pid='+RegId+';'+RegKW+'maid='+maid+';test='+test+';pf='+RegPF+';dcove=d;sz=336x280;tile=3;ord=' + rand + '?" type="text/javascript">\x3C\/script>'); In the beginning ... uh, were the critical...uh... internet resources... ahm well... we'll get back to that at the Rio conference in November. Sort of like Adam wandering around the garden labeling things, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is still working on its reason for being here. The IGF was created out of whole cloth by the UN as a kind of internationalized counterweight to perceived excessive American influence at ICANN, and yet no one in attendance, even those who participate in the IGF, are quite sure what the IGF even does - apparently it's still defining its fundamentals. A good chunk of this mercifully short session consisted of participants half-heartedly trying to define what constitute "critical internet resources" - the protection of which they've decided is essential to their core mission, and which is topic numero uno at the upcoming Rio event. The truth is really out there, right? This session in theory was about more than the IGF, but in practice it consisted mostly of a discussion about the extent to which the IGF and ICANN serve overlapping or even contradictory purposes. There seemed to be a rather diplomatic consensus that the two institutions complement each other, but after sitting through an hour of discussion on the subject, this correspondent still has absolutely no idea what the IGF actually does - or if it even has the power to do anything at all. Is it a gripe forum, kind of like those bitter websites American trademark attorneys are always trying to shut down? Is it just a glorified networking event? Who knows? If I make it to the Rio forum, I'll be sure to let everyone know. Although this topic looked appetizing on the schedule, it's clear that the IGF has a lot of work to do if it is to be considered anything more than a highly vocal yet castrated version of ICANN. Indeed, the IGF bares an uncanny resemblance to that other impotent, internationalized and highly vocal institution, the UN General Assembly. That's not to say that it does not have value - it's just the political equivalent to a visit to the therapist's office. We all need to get stuff off our chest from time to time. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Got a little couch potato? Check out fun summer activities for kids.

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monthly forum on july 19th
by Rebecca Wanjiku 12 Jul '07

12 Jul '07

KICTANet will be holding the monthly forum next thursday july 19th the theme will be the contribution to KCA bill, the contributions will be expected to be presented to the PS before the second reading which is expected to be between 23 and 27th july, please plan to attend and fwd your contributions, which will constitute "KICTANet version" see you then... regards Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Choose the right car based on your needs. Check out Yahoo! Autos new Car Finder tool.

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Fw: Re: [kictanet] KENYA �S ECONOMY HELD BACK BY LACK OF ONLINE PAYMENT AUTHORISA TION SYSTEMS
by Wainaina Mungai 11 Jul '07

11 Jul '07

--- Wainaina Mungai Made in Kenya Network P. O. Box 72031 - 00200 Nairobi. Kenya. Tel: +254-20-780669 Cell: + 254-722-811171 http://www.madeinkenya.org/ > -------Original Message------- > From: Wainaina Mungai <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] KENYA S ECONOMY HELD BACK BY LACK OF ONLINE PAYMENT AUTHORISA TION SYSTEMS > Sent: 11 Jul '07 08:48 > > Dear Dr. Ndemo > > Thanks for the optimistic view and kudos to Treasury for the pilot project. The industry however still believe your Ministry has not done enough to develop a clear framework on e-money and e-commerce. For instance, the government has significant influence in several banks in which Treasury and InfoComm may drive the case for government motivated change. Preferential support for such banks that will be first-movers in setting-up the necessary systems would be justified by the benefits to Kenyans. > > So far, the banks use their fear of fraud to explain lack of action. The market for such services has grown enough to justify investment in related security solutions. Apart from security and privacy concerns, the lack of clear guidelines on e-commerce in Kenya seems to trigger cost concerns that a revamped law can address. The cheaper it is for the providers to set-up, the better it may be for the consumers in say, Mandera, to transact. As Vodafone stated, there is need to optimise the M-transactions through better policy & regulation. > > Below are some of the points that Vodafone made in their report: > > - the amount allowed to be transferred on phones is usually too small to make economic sense > - money laundering rules need to be adapted to local conditions > - providers of mobile phone financial services need to have some level of access to clearing systems > - the customer data held by mobile operators could, for example, offer an alternative to existing forms of regulation to counter money laundering > - guarantee the inter-operability of M-transactions to ensure that both providers and clients reap the benefits of synergy > - existing structure of retail banking regulation and financial supervision could impose high fixed costs and significant compliance problems > > We believe your Ministry can make it much easier for the private sector to innovate. > > --- > Wainaina Mungai > > > > -------Original Message------- > > From: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] KENYA S ECONOMY HELD BACK BY LACK OF ONLINE PAYMENT AUTHORISA TION SYSTEMS > > Sent: 11 Jul '07 06:47 > > > > Dear Lucy/Alice, > > Treasury is piloting electronic payment system in three Ministries. It is > > not the Government that should tell Banks and other investors to develop a > > payment gateway. The Government is fulfilling its role by by providing > > the policy and regulatory environment. This is the very reason why you > > should paticipate in Monday's meeting at Safari Park. > > > > Safaricom is doing a great job trail blazing in e-momey. In one of the > > conferences this year I asked Bankers to embrace technology before it is > > too late for them. Perharps when they wake up they will all be > > Mpesharing. > > > > Regards > > > > > > Bitange Ndemo. > > > > > > > > > > > Alice, > > > > > > The ICT community is ready with the technology for payment gateways, but I > > > dont see any movement on the Kenya Banking Law that needs to be revised to > > > enable this to become a reality. > > > > > > Perhaps Bw. Ndemo can have a word with his counter-part in finace so they > > > get ontop of this issue. I would hate for TEAMS/eSSAY/Flag etc to become > > > realities and find us as a country not ready to take full advantage, who > > > knows perhaps the East African Integration will happen at about the same > > > time, and we need to be ready to take advantage of a new 120+ million > > > customers(and a whole lot more if Rwanda joins). > > > > > > So its just not the tourism industry that has a stake in this, we do too, > > > question is how to get organized into a lobby group to make this a > > > reality. > > > > > > LK > > > > > > > > > > > >> KENYAS ECONOMY HELD BACK BY LACK OF ONLINE PAYMENT AUTHORISATION > > >> SYSTEMS > > >> _____________________________________________________________________ > > >> > > >> The Kenyan Government is putting its country forward as a place that is > > >> open for business. It is moving to privatise both Telkom Kenya and > > >> divest itself of Safaricom. It has moved with considerable speed to put > > >> in place its own fibre project TEAMS. But parts of the private sector > > >> are having difficulty keeping up with the idea of Kenya having an open, > > >> modern economy. > > >> > > >> Although there are a couple of new entrants in the countrys banking > > >> sector, it is largely dominated by international banks whose managements > > >> defer to head office on innovation. This is going to cause the country a > > >> problem if it wants to continue to remain competitive. It needs to be > > >> able to offer its visitors the ability to pay for flights, hotels and > > >> safaris online. If you book a Kenyan hotel, you still cannot pay online > > >> for the booking. > > >> > > >> Sadly things have only moved on a little since Kenya Airways launched > > >> its very successful online payment system using a South African bank. > > >> Although many banks can issue credit cards, only a limited number can > > >> authorise transactions and they have not shown any interest in setting > > >> up the back-end payment authorisation systems required for onl > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > > 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: wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org > > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wainaina%40madeinkenya… > > >

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Of monkeys and loaded guns
by Rebecca Wanjiku 11 Jul '07

11 Jul '07

The last one week has been preoccupied with talk of the media bill (Media Council bill) and the implications it has on the media. i will therefore not dwell on the details about monkeys and loaded guns because the slogan-loaded tirades were traded in public. Beyond the media bill, there is the KCA (98) amendment bill which went through first reading last week. But what are we hearing? Its all about the media and cross ownership. The grievances the media has and how the government wants to regulate or gag it. What about other aspects of ICT? Is the media council bill wholly wrong? How comes the KCA is not receiving as much attention as it should? Is there anything good in KCA that can be preserved or worked on? What about the voice of ICT stakeholders who may have a divergent opinion. The media prides itself as the agenda setter and gate keeper in the society; they say that whatever is written or aired is the wish of the people, that thats all that you want to read. But is it the case? The next stop for the media is the high court, challenging the government on the bill. They have consulted a law firm to file the suit. But is the KCA all about media? What is your take? Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Building a website is a piece of cake. Yahoo! Small Business gives you all the tools to get online.

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KENYA’S ECONOMY HELD BACK BY LACK OF ONLINE PAYMENT AUTHORISATION SYSTEMS
by alice 11 Jul '07

11 Jul '07

KENYA’S ECONOMY HELD BACK BY LACK OF ONLINE PAYMENT AUTHORISATION SYSTEMS _____________________________________________________________________ The Kenyan Government is putting its country forward as a place that is open for business. It is moving to privatise both Telkom Kenya and divest itself of Safaricom. It has moved with considerable speed to put in place its own fibre project TEAMS. But parts of the private sector are having difficulty keeping up with the idea of Kenya having an open, modern economy. Although there are a couple of new entrants in the country’s banking sector, it is largely dominated by international banks whose managements defer to head office on innovation. This is going to cause the country a problem if it wants to continue to remain competitive. It needs to be able to offer its visitors the ability to pay for flights, hotels and safaris online. If you book a Kenyan hotel, you still cannot pay online for the booking. Sadly things have only moved on a little since Kenya Airways launched its very successful online payment system using a South African bank. Although many banks can issue credit cards, only a limited number can authorise transactions and they have not shown any interest in setting up the “back-end” payment authorisation systems required for online transactions. Speaking at last week’s e-tourism conference in Mombasa, Kenya’s Tourist Trust Fund CEO Dr Dan Kagagi said that the industry and Government were lobbying the banking sector to allow online payments. Whereas once the credit card companies were the obstacle, the point of “no change” has moved to being the banks. According to Kagagi: "Already a number of credit card companies are willing to work with us to ensure that online payments become a reality." Tourism and Wildlife Assistant minister, Raphael Muriungi, speaking at the same conference urged the industry to utilise online technologies:"We are all learning of the rapid and unprecedented changes that ICT is creating in global tourism and have realised if all players fail to embrace the web and new technologies then we stand to lose our ability to communicate and do business in a changing market," he said. Perhaps his comments should have been directed at the banking sector that are now proving to be the obstacle to change. The banks fear fraud but this seems a rather lame excuse as in the first instance most of the potential buyers will be tourists coming from developed countries where fraud rates are considerably lower. Close to 70 per cent of travellers regard the Internet as their primary and in many cases only source of information on tourism. About 100 million travellers now use the web to book holidays and travel thus making it vital for Kenyan tourism to be visible on the Internet. Kenya undoubtedly competes with South Africa for visitors, particularly in the wildlife safari sector, and there is no difficulty booking and paying online for a wide range of products in South Africa. Despite being repositories of citizens’ money, the banks have been remarkably slow to react to the signs that there is an emergent middle class. It is projected that by June 2007 there will be around 100,000 credit card users. It sounds small but it is considerably more than in many other African countries. In addition, there are more than 1 million debit cards that can only be used if the card holder has cash in his or her own account. Surely the latter can provide a fairly low-risk way of introducing online payment for Kenyan citizens. When TEAMS and the other international fibre connections arrive at Mombasa, the price of international bandwidth will go down. This should be one of the building blocks for creating new services and applications that users can begin to start to use. Another building block must surely be the ability to authorise online transactions and Kenya’s banking sector needs to wake up to the changes that are happening in the country. However, this is not purely a Kenyan problem as there are other countries on the continent like Ghana where a similar lack of online payment authorisation is holding back the development of local global businesses. ____________________________________________________________________ From Balancing Act

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Re: [kictanet] [africa-oped] Telkom Kenya is not this cheap sign petitin......... http://www.petitionspot.com/signature/TELKOMKENYA
by Mike Theuri 10 Jul '07

10 Jul '07

TKL is being sold for pennies on the dollar, unfortunately this is a phenomenon that keeps repeating itself over and over again with telecom licencing in Kenya. Investors in several other Africa countries pay hundreds of millions of dollars to secure licences but in Kenya it appears to be ok to sell a 15 year term licence for $50m and 6-7 years down the road the companies are making annual profits in the hundreds of millions that major western corporations would envy. In this particular case, TKL is being sold with its basket of licences which alone should cost hundreds of millions of dollars more, its exclusivity as a existing and the only current nationwide provider should also factor in. Interestingly enough the paltry valuation of TKL at $205m is a slap in the face and an affront to taxpayers who have a stake in TKL by virtue of it being a government owned entity, not forgetting the TKL owned infrastructure that is already in place. Not factored into the equation seems to be the undersea cable which TKL has a key stake in. The sale of TKL to foreigners should not take place as a matter of key national security and interest. Countries such as Canada and the US have well established laws that state that their telecom companies should not be foreign controlled because they understand the implications this has on their sovereignty and interests. In 1999 in part : 24 September 1999 Africa Confidential Vol 40, No, 19 "If the politicians prevail on CCK over the cellular licence, more questions will be raised about the sell-off of the state's land-based telephone network, Telkom Kenya. Continuing delays in its sale due to political interference have lost the government over $300 mn. in revenues, according to industry sources. Kenya's telecommunications sector was valued at some $1.2 billion in 1997 by Rothschilds, the government's then financial advisors on the privatisation, but would be unlikely to fetch much more than $800 mn." ----- Original Message ----- From: Robert Alai Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2007 4:35 PM Subject: [africa-oped] Telkom Kenya is not this cheap sign petitin......... http://www.petitionspot.com/signature/TELKOMKENYA Dear Members The Kenyan government is in the process of looking for an investor to buy off 40% of Telkom Kenya shares. The current bidders which they say is the highest is giving 5.6Billion Kenya Shillings. This is an amount which we, stakeholders in the IT sector in Kenya feel is less than the amount the corporation can fetch when privatised. This makes us think that the best way the Kenyan government can sell the corporation at the right price is by listing it in NSE. It would be good for the strategic National interest for Telkom Kenya to remain in the hands of Kenyans and only around 8% shares be sold to a foreign investor or a maximum of 10%. Why should we be selling all our state corporations to foreigners. We cannot allow this and must stand up to this. Telkom Kenya is a very vital corporation which must either remain in the hand of Kenyans or be sold to individual of corporate Kenyan investors but not what is currently happening. Why is the government not ready to list telkom Kenya in the bourse? What is the rush to sell to an outsider. We must never allow this. Please click the following link and sign the petition. We must never allow Telkom Kenya to be owned that much by foreigners. 40% is just too much. Please sign the petition http://www.petitionspot.com/signature/TELKOMKENYA . Please dont let your country down. We must never allow Telkom Kenya to go that far at that less amount. Its just too cheap. Robert Alai Onyango IT Stakeholder Kenya On 7/8/07, yamanjanl < yamanjanl(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > BT EMERGES FRONTRUNNER IN RACE TO BUY TELKOM KENYA, ACCORDING TO GOVT > OFFICIAL > > A consortium that includes British Telecoms and Libyan investors has > emerged as the only strong contender to acquire a strategic 40 per > cent shareholding in Telkom Kenya. People close to the matter told > the Business Daily that senior officials from BT and Libyan investors > on Friday met top Treasury and Ministry of Communication officials to > work out the deal's finer details. Treasury estimates the stake to be > worth Sh5.6 billion —meaning that Telkom Kenya is now valued at Sh14 > billion. > > The British firm is said to have tabled a number of proposals, > including a strong financial bid as commitment to finance the > turnaround of Telkom Kenya, in the meeting that ended at 11.30 pm. > Such a high level leak means that the Government is doing its best to > talk up the price that will be paid for Telkom Kenya. > > "The consortium led by BT is the team to beat. They have a credible > technical group and have the finances," an official, who attended the > meeting, said. It is the second time that the Government is trying to > sell a significant portion of its stake in Telkom Kenya, the first > attempt having flopped after bidders placed financial bids that they > ultimately could not back up with real money. > > The Government had this time around included a condition that > required bidders to have an annual revenue of $200 million (Sh14 > billion), more than 500,000 voice subscribers and demonstrated > experience in the deployment of broadband to avoid similar flops. > > In recent months, Libyan firms, loaded with petrodollars, have been > clinching lucrative deals in Kenya mainly on the infrastructure front > including the upgrade of Kenya Petroleum Refineries. This has > cemented close trade ties between Kenya and Libya that was recently > pushed by President Kibaki's official visit to Tripoli. > > The Government intends to sell its 40 per cent stake to a strategic > investor who is expected to come on board before the end of the year. > Analysts say that BT has been desperate to get a foothold in the > lucrative Eastern African market through an acquisition, a pointer > that the Telkom deal would turn their dream true. > > Already, BT is well represented in the rest of the continent with its > regional headquarters in South Africa to the Southern part of the > continent. For the North African market, it has the Libyan office and > the Nigerian office to serve the West African market. > > "Safaricom has shown there is money to be made in this part of the > world and everyone is now looking at getting a share of the market," > James Rege, chairman, Capital Real Time, a telecommunication > consulting firm. > > Safaricom broke its earlier record to emerge as the most profitable > firm in the East Africa posting Sh17.7 billion in profits, an > increase of 39 per cent recorded a year earlier. > > With Telkom already in the wireless voice market through their new > service offering dubbed Telkom Wireless, which is set to be > officially launched this Thursday, this could be big opportunity for > BT to take a stab at a growing market. > > Rege, a former permanent secretary in the information ministry, said > BT looked the most credible firm to clinch the deal should it come > through. This is not the first time the British telecommunications > giant has made a bid at Telkom Kenya. Six years ago it indicated its > interest in acquiring the state firm but it was disqualified during > the preliminaries. > > Other firms that are in the race to buy the stake include Indian > mobile service providers Bharti Airtel, Reliance Communication, Tata > Holdings and Vtel communication, who had won the licence to become > the country's Second National Operator but were disqualified after > failing to raise the required license fee. > > American telecommunication giant AT&T pulled out of the race after > the Government failed to buy into its demand where it indicated it > would only buy a stake in the state firm if they were given a 51 per > cent stake. This, they noted, was the only way they could get a free > hand to turnaround the loss-making company. > > South Africa-based Econet is also making a second attempt to enter > the Kenyan telecommunications industry having won a licence for the > third mobile phone operator that is subject of litigation. The recent > attempt has seen potential bidders demand that the Government > increases the 26 per cent stake it had initially planned to sell for > them to consider the offer. But this has since changed as the stake > to be bought by the strategic partners has been increased to 40 per > cent and the government holding will stand at 49 per cent. > > The remaining 11 per cent will be reserved to be sold to the public > through the Nairobi Stock Exchange. Telkom is currently deemed to be > unable to pass the Capital Market Authority (CMA) listing test. CMA > regulations require that any firm keen on listing at the NSE must > have posted profits for at least three in the five years to the > listing. > > But Telkom Kenya has been making losses for years, weighed down by > huge staffing levels and growing competition from the wireless voice > market. > Figures sent to the potential investors show that Telkom financial > performance has been declining over the last four years. > > Its turnover has been declining at an annual rate of 10.5 per cent > over the last three years as competitors eat into its market share to > settle at Sh16.3 billion in 2006 from Sh20.9 billion in 2003. > > The firm notes that it expects to make a loss of Sh1.18 billion, > which is a reduction from last year's figure of Sh2.7 billion. > While the special shares reserved for the public will be held in > trust by the Government, dividend payouts from Telkom Kenya will > stream straight into the State coffers. > > According to Dr Bitange Ndemo, permanent secretary Ministry of > Information, the revision had been informed by the need to go around > the State Corporation Act in a move that was aimed at making the deal > more suitable to strategic investors. > > Had the strategic investor held a minority holding at 26 per cent and > the Government holding a 64 per cent stake, Telkom Kenya would not > run as a private company, but under the Act which guides the > operation of parastatals. > > At the moment the government is racing to clean Telkom debt ridden > balance sheet as it prepares to bring the strategic partner on board > as well as strike a better deal in the sale of the 40 per cent stake. > The Government has already committed Sh26 billion to fix the pension > and tax arrears with pensions taking Sh10 billion and the remaining > Sh16 billion being taken by Kenya Revenue Authority. To keep the > state firm afloat, the firm is set to complete a massive staff layoff > that will reduce its work force to 3, 200 members down from 17, 000 > by the end of August. > > According to Permanent Secretary Bitange Ndemo, BT have also > expressed interest in investing in the TEAMS fibre project. > (SOURCE: Telegeography) > > > -- -------------------------------------------------------------------- Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others? .........Martin Luther King, Jr. -------------------------------------------------------------------- [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Post message: kenyaclub(a)yahoogroups.com Subscribe: kenyaclub-subscribe(a)yahoogroups.com Unsubscribe: kenyaclub-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com List owner: kenyaclub-owner(a)yahoogroups.com Yahoo! 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A short essay of 400-1500 words is preferable: Africa-oped is world readable at http://www.egroups.com/group/africa-oped. Coming soon: www.africa-oped.org that will carry the "best of Africa-Oped" Share and obtain business information: http://www.aganoconsulting.com. Contribute Africa-related business articles and get paid; send your articles to: info(a)aganoconsulting.com. - Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity a.. 2New Files Visit Your Group SPONSORED LINKS a.. African b.. African american christian dating c.. African american christian dating single d.. African american christian single e.. African safari Yahoo! Music Hot music videos Check our Top 10, and many more. Yahoo! Mail Get it all! With the all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta Y! Messenger All together now Host a free online conference on IM. . __,_._,___

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Moses Geneology
by Alex Gakuru 10 Jul '07

10 Jul '07

This is an interesting one; We are having an argument whether or not Moses was of Kenyan origins! Some say Yes -with Queen of Sheba, General Mathenge, et. al. from next door. The others say "No way" What do you think? Thanks, Alex ____________________________________________________________________________________ Choose the right car based on your needs. Check out Yahoo! Autos new Car Finder tool. http://autos.yahoo.com/carfinder/

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[Fwd: Satellite Wireless Broadband & Voip Forum 12-13 July 2007]
by alice 09 Jul '07

09 Jul '07

AITEC Africa, in collaboration with leading suppliers of these technologies, is hosting SatWiBB East Africa and the African VoIP Forum to provide marketing and education platforms to promote effective roll-out of satellite and wireless technology throughout Africa. The theme for this year's event is **/" Broadband Bridges Across /****/Africa: First & Last Mile Solutions". /**These conference follow the highly successful WiMAX & CDMA Forum held in Johannesburg in April 2006 (see http://new.aitecafrica.com/WiMAX_CDMA_Forum) and Wireless Broadband East & West Africa in Nairobi and Lagos in December 2006 (see http://new.aitecafrica.com/node/432) **Introduction****** Satellites still provide a communications lifeline for a large proportion of Africa’s internal and external traffic. And wireless broadband technologies are increasingly providing the continent’s intermediate and last mile links. SatWiBB Africa is the first conference to cover both ends of this increasingly integrated and converging communications paradigm. SatWiBB East & West Africa will provide practical business and technology briefings to empower resellers, service providers and users to maximize their returns on the increasing investment that they will be making in satellite and wireless broadband technology over the coming years. By providing a platform for vendors, service providers and users to network and share knowledge, the conference will act as a catalyst to stimulate take-up of the right technologies to multiply connectivity across the region. In addition, to usher in the conference there will be a */Wireless Security Preview Masterclass/* on the 31^st May 2007 to be presented by Maiendra Moodley, Security Advisor, South Africa Reserve Bank (*/attached find his profile/*). **Who is Satellite and Wireless Broadband aimed at?** SatWiBB has several key audiences: * ICT Managers & network administrators in major corporates & public institutions * Telecom Operators: senior managers and planners, engineering managers and staff, network managers * Telecommunication policy-makers & regulators * ISPs & Cyber Cafe operators * NGOs/ Civil society organizations directly involved with connectivity * Media representatives * Senior telecommunication engineering students * Service providers, consultants and suppliers serving the telecommunication industry Regards**** **John Mwangi** Operations Manager In-Sync Ltd Dik Dik Gardens| Kileleshwa PO Box 63103-00619, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 2011233/44 | Tel/Fax: +254 20 4451655 Mobile: +254 721 860 228 | Email: johnm(a)aitecafrica.com <mailto:johnm@aitecafrica.com> Web:www.aitecafrica.com <http://www.aitecafrica.com/>

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EuroAfrica-ICT Workshop: Links (to ppts) and More Info
by Janet Feldman 09 Jul '07

09 Jul '07

http://www.euroafrica-ict.org/awareness_workshops.html The fourth EuroAfrica-ICT awareness workshop will be held on July 26 & 27 at the Hilton Hotel (Nairobi, Kenya). This 2 day event is a key component of the EuroAfrica-ICT initiative since it is aiming at connecting sub-Saharan African and European organisations for ICT partnerships in the framework of the FP7 and to develop scientific and technological cooperation between the two regions. Workshop attendees will be able to: 1) Receive updated information on the EuroAfrica-ICT initiative and the opportunities it offers 2) Collect updated and comprehensive data on the ongoing FP7/ICT call for proposals (for those interested in submitting a project proposal to the EC for funding) 3) Network with their peers in the field. The event will gather the main stakeholders in the field (universities, ICT entrepreneurs, public stakeholders, NGOs, EC representatives, international or regional organisations dealing with ICT, etc.), both from sub-Saharan African and European Union countries, and all interested in Research and Development in ICT or involved in S&T cooperation between the two regions. This workshop is supported by the African e-Development Resource Centre (AeDRC), Kenya, the Science and Technology -Europe Africa Project (ST-EAP) consortium partners, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa and the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), Kenya. Registrations (attendance is free but pre-registrations are compulsory): http://www.euroafrica-ict.org/awareness_workshops_formulaire.html Agenda: http://www.euroafrica-ict.org/downloads/Awareness_Workshops/Nairobi/Program… You can download from the url listed above, if you have a powerpoint program: Proposal idea template l Expression of interest template Please visit http://www.euroafrica-ict.org/index.html and click on "Awareness Workshops" for the PowerPoint templates and draft agenda. Should you require a template be emailed to you, please do not hesitate to contact me. The deadline for submission of your presentation will be July 12 and should be returned to rnaidoo(a)csir.co.za. Selection will be made on a "first come first serve" basis. Rebecca Naidoo Research & Development Initiatives Coordinator Meraka Institute Ph: +27-12-841 2948 Fax: +27-12-841 4720

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Fw: eLearning Africa 2007 News Service - Post-Conference edition
by Fatma Bashir 09 Jul '07

09 Jul '07

----- Original Message ----- From: newsservice(a)elearning-africa.com To: fbashir(a)cyberschooltech.com Sent: Monday, July 09, 2007 5:03 PM Subject: eLearning Africa 2007 News Service - Post-Conference edition To unsubscribe, please scroll to the end of this message. News & Information on the eLearning Africa - eLA conference, an annual event for building eLearning capacities in Africa www.elearning-africa.com Content 1. eLA 2007 Post-Conference Report Online Now 2. What Participants Say About eLearning Africa 2007 3. Ghana to Host eLearning Africa 2008 4. Coming up with Inventive Solutions - Solar PCs in Uganda 5. Progress Towards Development Targets Is Mixed, UN Finds 6. Harambee - Just Get Started! 7. Voices of Africa - Talking about African "Silver Surfers" 8. Shelter for Africa: Establishing a Radio Station for Distant Education 1. eLA 2007 Post-Conference Report Online Now 1406 participants from 88 countries attended eLearning Africa 2007 in Nairobi, Kenya. Over 77% of the participants were from African countries which reflects the vital interest in eLearning on the continent. It became clear that there exist a great diversity of approaches in dealing with the challenges of ICT deployment and education in the different regions. Read the post-conference report for more information ... [more...] 2. What Participants Say About eLearning Africa 2007 The conference was attended by eLearning experts from universities, schools, companies, the health sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) engaged in capacity development and education, major development bodies, as well as by government representatives. Each participant arrived with different views, opinions and hopes - we asked some of them during the conference about their first and spontaneous impressions... [more...] 3. Ghana to Host eLearning Africa 2008 Ghana has made good progress in preparing the ground for further proceedings in eLearning, and eLearning Africa takes great pride in the country's willingness to host the next edition of the Conference in 2008. Delighted with the result of eLearning Africa 2007, Ghanaian presenters like Daniel Nettey, International Institute for Information Technology (INIIT), have already signalled their enthusiasm in contributing to the upcoming event: "eLearning Africa 2007 has been a step in the right direction for Africa. Keep up the good work, and you can count on my team anytime to assist in any way to bring ICT to a complete realization in the African continent." eLearning Africa will convene again from May 28 - 30 2008 in Accra, Ghana, under the patronage of the Ghanaian Ministry of Education, Science and Sports. [more...] 4. Coming up with Inventive Solutions - Solar PCs in Uganda Thinking about the hardships many African PC users have to face, Uganda's ICT State Minister John Nsambu and his partners have been seeking inventive and sustainable solutions that go beyond merely buying expensive equipment. eLA editor Nina Wittrock asked him about his activities in the fields of cheap and energy saving PCs, as well as his ideas concerning Uganda's overall access to ICT technology. [more...] 5. Progress Towards Development Targets Is Mixed, UN Finds Halfway to the 2015 deadline, there has been clear progress towards implementing the Millennium Development Goals, a set of global commitments to lift millions of people out of extreme poverty. However, their overall success is still far from assured, a progress report by the United Nations has found. [more...] 6. Harambee - Just Get Started! In Kiswahili, Harambee means "Let's all pull together!" It was Kenya's first President, Jomo Kenyatta, who introduced an informal self-help movement based on this concept. His shouts of 'haaa-ramm-bee' motivated many people to undertake community action. eLearning Africa 2007 wanted to continue with the original idea - to provide conference attendants with a flexible, interesting, and hassle-free platform to get things started. [more...] 7. Voices of Africa - Talking about African "Silver Surfers" Abishag W. Waugombe, a retired Kenyan teacher, knows a lot about the needs and necessities of the elderly people in her community. Long committed to community work, she and her friends have made use of the Internet in a rather unique way. eLA's Nina Wittrock spoke with Ms. Waugombe about her experience and future plans regarding eLearning, story telling, and the delivery of cultural memory. [more...] 8. Shelter for Africa: Establishing a Radio Station for Distant Education Shelter for Africa, situated in Hamburg, Germany, is a non-government organisation that carries out non-profit projects for the people of the Republic of Sierra Leone in West Africa. The foundation is currently in the process of establishing a new radio station in Freetown - 'Culture Radio' - to provide distance education programmes for people who would otherwise not be able to receive educational support. Young girls and boys without schools education and their families are addressed, as well as school dropouts and young illiterate adults. [more...] ==================================== Please send any feedback, comments or suggestions to the eLearning Africa newsletter team at press-service(a)icwe.net. For more information, please contact: ICWE GmbH Leibnizstrasse 32 D - 10625 Berlin Tel.: +49 (0)30 310 18 180 Fax: +49 (0)30 324 98 33 www.icwe.net, www.elearning-africa.com E-Mail: info(a)elearning-africa.com ==================================== Click here to unsubscribe or to change your settings. ---------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world"

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ICT-Enabled Entrepreneurship - Seminar
by Rebecca Wanjiku 09 Jul '07

09 Jul '07

Hi! You are invited to this very useful Seminar on Entrepreneurship & SME Development. Please see attachments. Best, Amadi ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ www.africasbraingain.org : abg(a)africasbraingain.org ~~~~~~ ... putting Africa on the path to development is tough but it is also our responsibility ... ~~~~~~ --- Submitted by: namadi(a)africasbraingain.org 2007-07-09 06:07:09 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com] To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist-cl-102279M(a)lyris.idrc.ca Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more.

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jwalu@yahoo.com has sent you an article from PCWorld.com
by jwalu＠yahoo.com 09 Jul '07

09 Jul '07

This story, which was originally posted at PCWorld.com, has been recommended to you by jwalu(a)yahoo.com. Belgian ISP Held Responsible for File Sharing Belgian court has ruled that an ISP is responsible for blocking illegal file sharing on its network, could set precedent. The complete story can be found here: http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,134159/article.html We hope you will find this story interesting and informative. PC World, an IDG publication, has been providing independent, unbiased, reviews, news, and information about technology since 1983.

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BT EMERGES FRONTRUNNER IN RACE TO BUY TELKOM KENYA, ACCORDING TO GOVT, OFFICIAL
by alice 09 Jul '07

09 Jul '07

BT EMERGES FRONTRUNNER IN RACE TO BUY TELKOM KENYA, ACCORDING TO GOVT OFFICIAL A consortium that includes British Telecoms and Libyan investors has emerged as the only strong contender to acquire a strategic 40 per cent shareholding in Telkom Kenya. People close to the matter told the Business Daily that senior officials from BT and Libyan investors on Friday met top Treasury and Ministry of Communication officials to work out the deal's finer details. Treasury estimates the stake to be worth Sh5.6 billion —meaning that Telkom Kenya is now valued at Sh14 billion. The British firm is said to have tabled a number of proposals, including a strong financial bid as commitment to finance the turnaround of Telkom Kenya, in the meeting that ended at 11.30 pm. Such a high level leak means that the Government is doing its best to talk up the price that will be paid for Telkom Kenya. "The consortium led by BT is the team to beat. They have a credible technical group and have the finances," an official, who attended the meeting, said. It is the second time that the Government is trying to sell a significant portion of its stake in Telkom Kenya, the first attempt having flopped after bidders placed financial bids that they ultimately could not back up with real money. The Government had this time around included a condition that required bidders to have an annual revenue of $200 million (Sh14 billion), more than 500,000 voice subscribers and demonstrated experience in the deployment of broadband to avoid similar flops. In recent months, Libyan firms, loaded with petrodollars, have been clinching lucrative deals in Kenya mainly on the infrastructure front including the upgrade of Kenya Petroleum Refineries. This has cemented close trade ties between Kenya and Libya that was recently pushed by President Kibaki's official visit to Tripoli. The Government intends to sell its 40 per cent stake to a strategic investor who is expected to come on board before the end of the year. Analysts say that BT has been desperate to get a foothold in the lucrative Eastern African market through an acquisition, a pointer that the Telkom deal would turn their dream true. Already, BT is well represented in the rest of the continent with its regional headquarters in South Africa to the Southern part of the continent. For the North African market, it has the Libyan office and the Nigerian office to serve the West African market. "Safaricom has shown there is money to be made in this part of the world and everyone is now looking at getting a share of the market," James Rege, chairman, Capital Real Time, a telecommunication consulting firm. Safaricom broke its earlier record to emerge as the most profitable firm in the East Africa posting Sh17.7 billion in profits, an increase of 39 per cent recorded a year earlier. With Telkom already in the wireless voice market through their new service offering dubbed Telkom Wireless, which is set to be officially launched this Thursday, this could be big opportunity for BT to take a stab at a growing market. Rege, a former permanent secretary in the information ministry, said BT looked the most credible firm to clinch the deal should it come through. This is not the first time the British telecommunications giant has made a bid at Telkom Kenya. Six years ago it indicated its interest in acquiring the state firm but it was disqualified during the preliminaries. Other firms that are in the race to buy the stake include Indian mobile service providers Bharti Airtel, Reliance Communication, Tata Holdings and Vtel communication, who had won the licence to become the country's Second National Operator but were disqualified after failing to raise the required license fee. American telecommunication giant AT&T pulled out of the race after the Government failed to buy into its demand where it indicated it would only buy a stake in the state firm if they were given a 51 per cent stake. This, they noted, was the only way they could get a free hand to turnaround the loss-making company. South Africa-based Econet is also making a second attempt to enter the Kenyan telecommunications industry having won a licence for the third mobile phone operator that is subject of litigation. The recent attempt has seen potential bidders demand that the Government increases the 26 per cent stake it had initially planned to sell for them to consider the offer. But this has since changed as the stake to be bought by the strategic partners has been increased to 40 per cent and the government holding will stand at 49 per cent. The remaining 11 per cent will be reserved to be sold to the public through the Nairobi Stock Exchange. Telkom is currently deemed to be unable to pass the Capital Market Authority (CMA) listing test. CMA regulations require that any firm keen on listing at the NSE must have posted profits for at least three in the five years to the listing. But Telkom Kenya has been making losses for years, weighed down by huge staffing levels and growing competition from the wireless voice market. Figures sent to the potential investors show that Telkom financial performance has been declining over the last four years. Its turnover has been declining at an annual rate of 10.5 per cent over the last three years as competitors eat into its market share to settle at Sh16.3 billion in 2006 from Sh20.9 billion in 2003. The firm notes that it expects to make a loss of Sh1.18 billion, which is a reduction from last year's figure of Sh2.7 billion. While the special shares reserved for the public will be held in trust by the Government, dividend payouts from Telkom Kenya will stream straight into the State coffers. According to Dr Bitange Ndemo, permanent secretary Ministry of Information, the revision had been informed by the need to go around the State Corporation Act in a move that was aimed at making the deal more suitable to strategic investors. Had the strategic investor held a minority holding at 26 per cent and the Government holding a 64 per cent stake, Telkom Kenya would not run as a private company, but under the Act which guides the operation of parastatals. At the moment the government is racing to clean Telkom debt ridden balance sheet as it prepares to bring the strategic partner on board as well as strike a better deal in the sale of the 40 per cent stake. The Government has already committed Sh26 billion to fix the pension and tax arrears with pensions taking Sh10 billion and the remaining Sh16 billion being taken by Kenya Revenue Authority. To keep the state firm afloat, the firm is set to complete a massive staff layoff that will reduce its work force to 3, 200 members down from 17, 000 by the end of August. According to Permanent Secretary Bitange Ndemo, BT have also expressed interest in investing in the TEAMS fibre project. (SOURCE: Telegeography)

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EuroAfrica-ICT Workshop: Response by JULY 12th (for meeting in Nairobi)
by Janet Feldman 08 Jul '07

08 Jul '07

From:Rebecca Naidoo <RNaidoo(a)csir.co.za> To: Subject: Registration: EuroAfrica-ICT Workshop Attachments: Template_EoI_Kenya.ppt Template_Proposal_Idea_Kenya.ppt Template_Open Consultation.doc ** High Priority ** Thank you for your interest in the EuroAfrica-ICT (START) initiative. Kindly confirm your participation in the Awareness Workshop to be held in Nairobi at the Hilton Hotel by return email. This confirmation assists us in determining our numbers in preparation for the workshop. In order to facilitate contacts between European and sub-Saharan African organisations interested in the development of cooperation projects in the ICT field, you are invited to present a Proposal Idea (10 min on an ICT project idea you or your organisation may have) at the workshop or an Expression of Interest (10 min about your organisation, expertise, experience, etc) . Please visit http://www.euroafrica-ict.org/index.html for the PowerPoint templates and draft agenda. Should you require a template be emailed to you, please do not hesitate to contact me. The deadline for submission of your presentation will be July 12 and should be returned to rnaidoo(a)csir.co.za. Selection will be made on a "first come first serve" basis. Attendance at the workshop is free and participants will need to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements if required. Should you wish to stay at the Hilton hotel, a negotiated rate at US $90 has been secured for workshop participants. Hotel details are: Contact person: Caroline Owira Hilton Hotel Mama Ngina Street; Nairobi, Kenya 00100 Tel: +254-20-250000 Fax: +254-20-226477 E-mail: caroline.owira(a)hilton.com Website: http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=NBOHIT We also ask that you take a few minutes to complete the attached Open Consultation questionnaire. The purpose of this questionnaire is to take into consideration the experience, visions and suggestions of the European and sub-Saharan African ICT communities at large. The input received will form part of the document EU-Africa S&T Cooperation on ICT under FP7 - Status & Perspectives to be presented to the European Commission as a manifest. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any queries, We look forward to meeting you in Nairobi, With thanks, Rebecca Naidoo Research & Development Initiatives Coordinator Meraka Institute Ph: +27-12-841 2948 Fax: +27-12-841 4720 "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~Margaret Mead~

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Fwd: Parliament-in-a-box
by Alex Gakuru 08 Jul '07

08 Jul '07

Wish List! Parliament-in-a-box Have a look at www.bungeni.org and www.parliaments.info On 7/6/07, Frederick Noronha [à¥à¤°à¥à¤¦à¤°à¤¿à¤ à¤¨à¥à¤°à¥à¤¨à¤¯à¤¾] <fred(a)bytesforall.org> wrote: Basically, a whole lot of office tools that make governance accountable to the citizen. Easy-to-create websites for so many departments (opensourcecms.com is a good source). How to place online the tonnes of parliamentary information that is churned out, but seldom reaches the commonperson. All those PDF and other tools for sharing information. I think parliamentary officials need to think of transparency above every thing else. Many of us have 'representative' types of democracies, following the Westminister model,because it was British colonialism that ruled our countries. There is the assumption that the citizen would vote for his or her representative, once every five years or whatever. And the rep would then represent the citizen. What happens when the citizen doesn't have a clue as to what the representative is doing in his or her name? This may be on account of wider problems like illiteracy. Or the lack of transparency, disinterest, and the fact that the poor (the largest section in many of our countries) are too busy struggling with their lives to be able to focus on such esoteric matters. We need to look at how free software can make a real difference here. I guess it would be a mix of many existing solutions, from diverse fields. FN/ Goa, India On 06/07/07, Cecilia Matanga <cmatanga(a)sadcpf.org <cmatanga%40sadcpf.org>> wrote: We are planning a FOSS workshop for IT staff of Parliament and was just wondering what sort of tools are available and could be included in a Parliament-in-a- box. Also if someone has had training for Parliaments, could they share their training programme and materials with me. Regards, Cecilia Matanga ICT Officer SADC Parliamentary Forum ____________________________________________________________________________________ Need Mail bonding? Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396546091

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Fwd: Kenya Communications Bill (ICT Bill)
by Alex Gakuru 06 Jul '07

06 Jul '07

To: The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications Teleposta Towers Nairobi Re: Invitation to one day meeting at Safari Park Hotel on 16th July 2007; stakeholder and consumer reactions Dear Dr. Bitange Ndemo, I confirm attendance representing the ICT Consumer Consumers Association of Kenya and if allowed make a short presentation. Our consumer welfare society's vision is "enlightened consumer enjoying high quality and best priced ICT Services". By participating we foresee an opportunity to strengthen and enhance consumer protection along National ICT Policy provisions. Clause 9.6 Role of Consumers and Users Consumers and users will be expected to participate in ensuring: (a) Universal Access and afforadbility of ICT services (b) Quality of service is maintained (c) Continued review of Government policy in accordance with technological and consumer trends We appreciate this opportunity to play our meaningful role in Kenya's liberalised, self-regulatory industry environment. Sincerely, Alex Gakuru Chairman, ICT Consumers Association of Kenya --- bitange(a)jambo.co.ke wrote: > Date: Fri, 6 Jul 2007 09:15:13 +0300 (EAT) > From: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > Subject: [kictanet] Kenya Communications Bill (ICT > Bill) > CC: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > To: alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com > > Dear All, > The Kenya Communications (Amendment) Bill (to be > ammended to amended as > "Information and Communication Bill") went through > the first reading on > Wednesday 4th July 2007 (Media gave it a blackout). > As I promised, we > shall have one last meeting to incorporate things we > may have left out in > our earlier engagements. We shall therefore have a > one day meeting at > Safari Park Hotel on 16th July 2007 to get > stakeholder and consumer > reactions. I have also invited members of the > Energy and Communications > Committee of Parliament. Please confirm your > attendance via > info(a)information.go.ke. Your presence will be > highly appreciated. > > Wishing you a great day. > > > Regards > > > Bitange 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)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alex.gakuru%40yahoo.com > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase. http://farechase.yahoo.com/

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workshop on KCA bill
by Rebecca Wanjiku 06 Jul '07

06 Jul '07

KICTANet is organising a workshop to discuss the KCA bill which went through first reading last week, buried under the huge debate surrounding the media bill, KCA may go through un noticed. industry stakeholders should voice their concerns before committee stage so that changes can be incorporated it may be a ploy to push the KCA under the radar and engage every one in the media debate, then before you know it, KCA is law..... if you have any issues to raise, please share them, regards Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Choose the right car based on your needs. Check out Yahoo! Autos new Car Finder tool.

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parliament to incorporate changes at comm. stage
by Rebecca Wanjiku 06 Jul '07

06 Jul '07

threatened with a lawsuit and with legislators making all the noises, the government yesterday pledged to incorporate changes to the media bill at committee stage. there was a live debate on whether the bill is meant to gag the media or not. it seems that with some pressure, something can be done regards Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more.

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Just Google....
by John Walubengo 05 Jul '07

05 Jul '07

I always have this (addictive?) habit of googling my name...I have to keep monitoring my digital reputation. So here is what I found out about myself after googling. http://www.diplomacy.edu/ig/Activities/display.asp?Topic=JWalubengo%20IGF%2… or http://www.diplomacy.edu/IG/ Not bad so far. I met a friend who once told me she googled her name and discovered she was listed on a "lonely hearts" website, complete with her snap and CV and yet she could not recall being lonely :(. So make sure u google your name tonite... walu. nb: Mucheru, u will owe me a big one for this free commercial :). ____________________________________________________________________________________ Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links. http://mobile.yahoo.com/mobileweb/onesearch?refer=1ONXIC

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Looking for web designers/content managers
by Carole K 05 Jul '07

05 Jul '07

Hello All, This discussion forum is very lively. Keep it up guys. Afew months ago i knew very little about ICT but now I am well informed. Thank you Alex Gakuru and team. My name is Carole Kimutai, I am a journalist - writer/editor. I was the former editor of Sokoni magazine (MSK) and Petroleum Insight Magazine (PIEA). I am currently writing for various publications in Kenya and abroad - http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/410/16/15854.html I am looking for web designers or people who can manage content electronically. Kindly get in touch with me on this address or call me on 0722 560 241. PS: Anyone with news items/articles or story ideas please share it with me Nice evening! CK On 7/5/07, Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Bravo! - what a delightful deed saving us envisaged set-up headaches. > > Please convey very special thanks to Google. > > On 7/5/07, mucheru(a)wananchi.com <mucheru(a)wananchi.com> wrote: > > > > Hi Alex, > > > > You may not be aware, but Google is setting up shop and we already > provide > > free hosting services for anyone with a domain. This means not only can > > you get a free website hosted, but that you can also add mail for all > > users, branded under your domain etc .... Many people in Kenya are > already > > using the service. > > > > We intend to peer at the KIXP this means the quality of service will be > > great and you don't have to pay for International bandwidth! We are > local! > > > > Try it out and see > > > > http://www.google.com/a or http://www.google.co.ke/a - even better, here > > you will see the wealth of services we provide. > > > > Sorry to shamelessly plug Google here - The service is free so maybe am > > allowed. > > > > Sorry guys > > > > Joe Mucheru > > > > > > > Nothing frustrates small business than "simple" > > > websites design and hosting services. Turning to ISPs > > > they are told hosting are "valueadd services" only > > > offer "bundled" with other products. Many thus never > > > go online. > > > > > > Who is interested in partnering on "community > > > servers"? If we get a sufficient number we could > > > approach e.g. WB TCIP/RCIP, etc. give business case > > > maybe get a share of those ears-boggling billions > > > flying about in the media to setup server warehouse. > > > Michuki Mwangi shareholder No. 2, Walu 3? > > > > > > Could write a tight business case,other takers?(Before > > > moderator *bans* me for starting a local,non-Barb > > > hosting business online...). Unless we sort this out, > > > looks like they may never. > > > > > > > > > --- Michuki Mwangi <michuki(a)kenic.or.ke> wrote: > > > > > >> > > >> > > >> mucheru(a)wananchi.com wrote: > > >> > Walu/Alex, > > >> > > > >> > I the issue is not with CCK. They contracted local > > >> providers to provide > > >> > services here are the results .... I think the > > >> regulator did the right > > >> > thing. > > >> > > > >> > > >> And its worth noting that CCK is not the only > > >> victim, i could point to > > >> quite a number of other sites that face similar > > >> predicaments which boils > > >> down to cost of hosting. > > >> > > >> For there to be a shift in preference there are two > > >> things that need to > > >> happen > > >> > > >> 1) Affordable collocation/data center facilities > > >> need to be built ASAP. > > >> 2) International fiber. > > >> > > >> There are good 'signs' on point 2, however more > > >> could be done on point > > >> 1. After all land along Mombasa road is still within > > >> reach of most. > > >> > > >> > > >> Walu - your pension may tripple as a result :) > > >> > > >> Regards, > > >> > > >> -- > > >> Michuki Mwangi > > >> KENIC > > >> _______________________________________________ > > >> ke-internetusers mailing list > > >> ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > > >> > > > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > > > Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile search > > > that gives answers, not web links. > > > http://mobile.yahoo.com/mobileweb/onesearch?refer=1ONXIC > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > ke-internetusers mailing list > > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > > > > -- > website: http://www.billowsbpo.co.ke/ > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > >

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[Fwd: [DigAfrica] Access Kenya buys Internet firm]
by alice 05 Jul '07

05 Jul '07

Access Kenya buys Internet firm Story by NATION Reporter and REUTERS Publication Date: 7/5/2007 AccessKenya Group yesterday announced the acquisition of a broadband leased line Internet Service Provider, Todays Online, subject to approval from the Monopolies Commission. Todays Online's acquisition, marks a significant step for the company which listed at the Nairobi Stock Exchange early last month. The Managing Director of the Group, Mr Jonathan Somen, said that the purchase clearly showed the market that the company was keen to invest funds raised from the IPO. "Unlike many previous IPOs, AccessKenya Group went public to raise capital to fund our expansion, and we had specifically told the market that making acquisitions would be an important part of our strategy," commented Jonathan Somen, Managing Director of the Group. Milton Njanja, Managing Director of Today's Online commented further: " Following discussions with AccessKenya, the Board of Todays felt that the interests of our customers would be best served by transferring their connections to AccessKenya's network, giving them access to better speeds and higher value for money." As part of the transaction, Todays' Online, will work with AccessKenya to migrate the customers onto the AccessKenya Group's network. Todays' Online will also continue to sell internet services for AccessKenya for at least the next nine months as agents. The exact value of the transaction consisted of an initial undisclosed fee and a future payment based on the successful migration of the customer base to AccessKenya's network. In the financial markets, the Kenya shilling weakened against the US dollar in the week, dragged down by dollar demand from corporates and bank players squaring their positions, dealers said. The local unit traded at Sh66.70/80 to the dollar, compared with last Wednesday's close of Sh66.20/30. "There was a lot of dollar demand towards the end of last month as, which seems to have spilled over to this week. This made the shilling to lose almost 40 cents," said Jeremiah Kendagor, head of foreign exchange at the Kenya Commercial Bank. "Basically it was from corporates and there was also squaring off by interbank players," he added. <http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?> __,_._,___

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FOIA- the most important law for openness and transparency in government.
by Alex Gakuru 05 Jul '07

05 Jul '07

[Business Daily] "Treasury opens lid on secrecy in military purchase contracts" Written by Steve Mbogo 05-July-2007: The Kenya military machine will undergo a radical shake-up that will see the the veil of secrecy lifted on its multi-million shilling procurement deals, that have sometimes been labelled as classified. Officials at the Treasury told the Business Daily that discussions are going on with the military to work out how the latter can increase its level of accountability in its defence procurement to the public. In the more strategic procurement that could legitimately be classified as official secrets, the Treasury seems to favour a plan where a Parliamentary committee would have an oversight role without compromising national security. For many years the Kenya military, the Police and the intelligence services have been bogged down by single-sourced secret purchases that have often turned into shaddy deals between politicians, high ranking government officials and briefcase contractors.... ...Mr Mwaimu Mati, the head of Mars Group Kenya, said security related procurement should not be left to the absolute discretion of the military or the Executive. We have elected MPs who can be trusted with the responsibility of scrutinizing security procurement and budgets. This conforms to our Constitution which requires that the security forces be subject to civilian control, said Mati. It is unlikely that exposing procurement of security items to public scrutiny will compromise national security, in view of the massive information brought to the public domain by the internet. http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1794&Item… --------- [WIRED] Bittersweet Sunshine: Four Decades of FOIA Wins and Losses Ryan Singel, 04 July 2007 U.S. government documents used to be considered secret unless individual agencies decided to release them. But on July 4, 1966, that presumption was inverted when the Freedom of Information Act was signed into law, declaring that in a government of, by and for the people, government records must be released to the public upon request, unless those records meet a handful of defined exemptions. Over the last four decades, FOIA (pronounced "foy-ya") has become one of the most important laws creating openness and transparency in government. It's a key tool for journalists and nonprofit groups investigating the workings of the federal government. It has been used to reveal the FBI's Vietnam-era surveillance of American dissidents, CIA drug experiments on American citizens, and government inspectors turning a blind eye to the sale of contaminated meat, among many other things. But as a just-released report from the National Security Archive showed, bureaucracies still resist the law's openness imperative. They will ignore requests, take decades to process them or redact embarrassing information. A bill that would penalize agencies for foot-dragging was set to be voted on earlier this year by the full Senate, but was stalled by Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Arizona), who put a secret hold on the bill. There will be no progress until he removes the hold. Despite these obstacles, persistent reporters and public-interest organizations have been able to crack the veil of secrecy that bureaucrats and politicians use to hide their motivations and machinations. In honor of the law's 41st birthday, Wired News presents five of the best technology-focused FOIA wins and five that are still outstanding. Top Five Technology and Civil Liberties Sunshine Requests [1.] Carnivore Documents: In the 1990s, the FBI developed software, dubbed Carnivore, that was installed at internet service providers[ISPs] to track what targeted individuals did online. Though the FBI claimed Carnivore was not an untargeted dragnet, the Electronic Privacy Information Center, or EPIC, pried documents loose from the FBI showing the software was capable of capturing all traffic across a server, and that the software was not as accurate in practice as the FBI claimed. Little is known about successors to Carnivore, but ISPs have been configuring their networks to make them surveillance-friendly. [2.]Airline Data Dumps and No-Fly Lists: EPIC filed a file cabinet full of sunshine requests to learn more about terrorist watch lists and post-9/11 airline data dumps to the government. Highlights included proof that Northwest Airlines turned over data to the government despite public statements to the contrary. Also revealed were no-fly-list mismatches, including a long-running screwup that snagged one of the nation's most high-profile nuns, who was only cleared for flying after her boss called presidential adviser Karl Rove. [3.]Mercury Contamination in Fish: Successive sunshine requests by environmental activists revealed that certain fish, including popular canned albacore tuna, contained higher levels of mercury than the government had previously acknowledged. While canned tuna was never put on the list of fish that pregnant women should avoid, the data has proved important in an ongoing debate about the risks of eating seafood. [4.] Domestic Military Spy Databases: The American Civil Liberties Union successfully uncovered a Department of Defense database, dubbed Talon, that was supposed to include reports on terrorist threats to military bases in the United States. Instead, the secret database soon became filled with reports on legitimate antiwar protesters whose activities were protected under the First Amendment. The program was shuttered following the ensuing publicity, but the full extent of the spying is unknown since the Pentagon deleted many of the records before an audit was complete. [5.] Encryption Wars: Though it may seem like ancient history to some, civil liberties groups spent much of the 1990s fighting the government over encryption, which had previously been used almost exclusively by secret government agencies and the military. The government claimed that any public use of encryption, including such now-commonplace standards used to secure online purchases and banking, needed to have a backdoor for law enforcement. FOIA requests revealed that the government knew its proposals were flawed. It also showed the government intended to use requirements that digital telephone switches must be wiretap-friendly as a way to force encryption products to have backdoors. The government eventually lost "the war," and encryption now helps lock down internet e-mail, online purchases and commercial DVDs, though few use encrypted e-mail. Five Unanswered Technology and Civil Liberties FOIA Requests [1.] Warrantless Wiretapping Documents: A wide array of media and activist groups are attempting to get information on the government's warrant-free spying on Americans' phone and e-mail communications. So far, none have succeeded, though a Senate committee has just subpoenaed the Bush administration for some of the sought-after documents. [2.] Automated Targeting System: For years, the Department of Homeland Security has been assigning threat levels to individual foreigners and citizens alike as they enter and leave the country. However, little is known about the algorithms or data used. So far, Homeland Security has failed to release documents in response to open-government requests. [3.] Total Information Awareness Program: Nearly four years ago, Wired News filed a request for documents about the testing and privacy protections of a program intended to sift through a massive database of Americans' private lives in order to find terrorists. Instead of filling the request, Darpa, the Pentagon's advanced research arm, looked into this reporter's prior stories and questioned his motives. [4.] Patriot Act Abuse Documents and Telecom Contracts: In March, an internal Justice Department report found the FBI had massively misused a key Patriot Act power that allows investigators to get financial and communication records on anyone relevant to an investigation without getting a judge's approval. The FBI also inked secret contracts with three large telecommunications companies to speed up the process. A judge recently ruled that the agency will begin releasing 2,500 pages a month starting July 5 to the Electronic Frontier Foundation. [5.] FBI's Investigative Data Warehouse: Post-9/11, the FBI created a massive search engine that indexes a bunch of different bureau databases, including investigative files and phone records obtained through the above Patriot Act abuse. Little is known of the technology, which a representative compared to Google's, or the scope of the databases searched. Wired News and the Electronic Frontier Foundation have each filed sunshine requests. http://www.wired.com/politics/onlinerights/news/2007/07/sunshinelawat40 -- ____________________________________________________________________________________ Need Mail bonding? Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396546091

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FW: {EuroAfrica-ICT} - Awareness workshops, Kenya and Ghana, July / Last chance to register
by Harry Hare 04 Jul '07

04 Jul '07

Thought this would interest some of you. Kindest regards Harry _____ From: EuroAfrica-ICT workshops [mailto:awareness_workshops@euroafrica-ict.org] Sent: Wednesday, July 04, 2007 3:27 PM To: EU-Africa S&T Cooperation Subject: {EuroAfrica-ICT} - Awareness workshops, Kenya and Ghana, July / Last chance to register Dear colleagues, As you probably already know, the EuroAfrica-ICT initiative is organising its third and fourth awareness workshops respectively in Ghana and Kenya in July in order to promote and facilitate the involvement of sub-Saharan African organisations in the ICT field within the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development of the European Commission. By attending one of these workshops you will: :: Learn about the European Commission (EC) research funding programme in the ICT field (FP7) :: Learn about the EuroAfrica-ICT initiative: objectives and activities :: Be able to present your ideas of EU-Africa S&T cooperation projects in the ICT field :: Be able to introduce yourself: your organisation, your expertise, your experience :: Network with EC representatives, the EuroAfrica-ICT team and the most advanced local organisations active in the ICT field Accra, Ghana :: Date: July 20 & 21 :: Venue: Coconut Grove Regency Hotel :: Location: Accra, Ghana :: Organiser: PIWA (Panos Institute West Africa), Senegal :: Supported by: the African Network Operators Group (AFNOG), Ghana / Busy Internet, Ghana Nairobi, Kenya :: Date: July 26 & 27 :: Venue: Hilton Hotel :: Location: Nairobi, Kenya :: Organiser: The Meraka Institute of the CSIR, South Africa :: Supported by: the African eDevelopment Resource Centre (AeRC), Kenya / the ST-EAP consortium members: the African Academy of Sciences (AAS, Kenya) and the CSIR (South Africa) If you have not registered yet, register asap through <http://www.euroafrica-ict.org/awareness_workshops.html>. Important notice Participants in the workshop can submit Expression of Interest (EoI) or Proposal Ideas (PI). Templates are available at <http://www.euroafrica-ict.org/awareness_workshops.html>. :: EoI in Euro-Africa S&T cooperation on ICTs: if your presentation is selected by the organisers you will have the opportunity to present to the workshop audience your expertise and experience in the field (in the perspective of being selected by a Euro-Africa consortium) :: PI: if your presentation is selected you will have the opportunity to present to the audience the idea you have in mind in terms of proposal project to be submitted to the EC. :: Deadline to submit EoI and PI: July 10 To be noted :: Given time constraints and the limited number of seats, we warmly thank you in advance to register before July 10 :: Admission to the workshops is free but pre-registrations are compulsory :: Accommodation and travel expenses are the responsibility of the participants Do not hesitate to disseminate this information to your colleagues/contacts. We are looking forward to meeting you soon, With very best regards, The EuroAfrica-ICT Team <awareness_workshops(a)EuroAfrica-ICT.org> <http://www.EuroAfrica-ICT.org> --- START (also called the EuroAfrica-ICT initiative) is a project supported by the European Commission through its IST programme. The project is implemented by a consortium led by Sigma Consultants, specialised - through its Orionis division - in support services devoted to S&T international cooperation in the ICT field. The consortium includes two key African institutes specialising in the ICT field, the Meraka Institute of the CSIR (South Africa) and the Panos Institute West Africa (Senegal). This email was brought to you as we felt its content would be of interest to you. However, if you would prefer not to receive such information, please reply to this email with "remove" as a subject and we will take care to cease communication immediately. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

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more on the cable
by Rebecca Wanjiku 04 Jul '07

04 Jul '07

Private sector begins mapping for seabed cable Lesley Stones http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/technology.aspx?ID=BD4A503649 WHILE progress on a government-backed undersea cable to boost Africa's bandwidth remains embroiled in political bickering, private investors constructing a rival cable have begun mapping out the ocean bed ready to start installation. Work has begun on the Seacom cable connecting SA to Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania and Kenya. It will then be linked to global networks in India, the Middle East and Europe. The marine surveying is being carried out by Tyco Telecommunications, a pioneer in undersea communications technology that has designed and installed more than 80 undersea systems. Tyco's survey vessel, the Fugro Gauss, arrived in Durban on June 17 and was due to set off yesterday to begin assessing the 13000km route along the east coast of Africa. The $300m project is being led by Herakles Telecom, but its vice- president, Brian Herlihy, has declined to identify other private investors backing the venture. "The arrival of the Fugro Gauss in the Durban harbour to start the marine survey, which precedes the construction of the Seacom cable, is a reassurance to the African communities which we serve of our commitment to construction deadlines," said Herlihy. Seacom's fibreoptic link is due to go live early in 2009 and promises cheap, high-capacity bandwidth for national carriers, broadcasters, and education and research networks. "East and South African user demand for international bandwidth, whether for business, institution or individual use, has greatly surpassed the existing supply," said Herlihy. "Seacom, as an international submarine cable system, will provide significant supply at affordable prices. "The system will deliver infrastructure support for the growth of the information and communication technology sector, in particular business process outsourcing, call centres, pharmaceutical research industries and education networks." The Indian Ocean's African seabed is the only one in the world without a fibreoptic cable, forcing Africa to rely heavily on expensive satellite links and to route calls between neighbouring countries via Europe. Earlier this year, Associated Press quoted Herlihy as saying: "We think that the high price of satellite communication is creating an artificially low demand market and, because of that, we think there is pent-up demand." Less progress has been made with the East African Submarine System (Eassy), a 9900km fibreoptic line supposed to link SA to Sudan. Last week, Parliament ratified the broadband protocol of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad), effectively imposing political power over the Eassy project, even though the $300m cable is being funded by the private sector. The Democratic Alliance voted against ratification, with spokeswoman Dene Smuts opposing the move to hijack Eassy and fold it into the Nepad initiative. This will give the government representatives a golden share and veto rights. The Eassy project has been held up since 2002 by wrangling over its funding and ownership, and by political intervention to make sure its bandwidth is not kept artificially expensive by the telecom operators investing in it. -- Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell.

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Questions??
by Alex Gakuru 03 Jul '07

03 Jul '07

[Huh! More deals when Kenyans have the money to pay twice the value of Telkom's 14 billion worth. Logic would have expected they be given the first option to buy Telkom, sack political appointees that have run it down and return excellent profits using cheap mobile CDMA than Safaricom subsidiary. BTW: How does Safaricom take billions to its ghost shareholders? Curious deals coming at election years, Who knows maybe they privatised the government a long time ago? Perhaps also to expect more bizzareness on "Rural Connectivity" because it sounds "government caring"?] ---- [Business Daily] "BT emerges frontrunner in race to buy Telkom" 03-July-2007: Written by Michael Omondi People close to the matter told the Business Daily that senior officials from BT and Libyan investors on Friday met top Treasury and Ministry of Communication officials to work out the deals finer details. Treasury estimates the stake to be worth Sh5.6 billion meaning that Telkom Kenya is now valued at Sh14 billion. <http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1749&Item…> ----- "Success of KenGen IPO boost to capital markets" By KARIUKI NDUNGU The Ken-Gen initial public offering (IPO) has been oversubscribed by more than Sh18.2 billion, the government said last week. The IPO, which has ignited Kenyas capital markets, will somewhat disappoint thousands of investors who will have their money refunded. The government was expecting to raise Sh7.8 billion, but Kenyans proved that they had what it takes to raise equity and offered the government more than what it bargained for. ...... The response to the IPO was overwhelming, attracting an estimated 280,000 applications representing more than Sh2 billion shares worth an estimated Sh26 billion as per the data processed to date.... http://www.timesnews.co.ke/02may06/business/buns2.html Where is Parliamentary select Committee on telecommunications? Please do not wait to "investigate" years later when it is already too late? ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545469

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Lighter bread now 150 per cent of pre-NARC prices
by Alex Gakuru 02 Jul '07

02 Jul '07

Jeez! It's worse that I thought about bread. "Price of bread goes up as its weight falls" <http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=3&ne…> Making one ask why "The State will in addition use Sh70 million to spur the growth of business processing and outsourcing (BPO) and another Sh140 million to set up an ICT advisory board." This Board is twice as important at the work that will be done (by the usual suspects?) <http://www.eastandard.net/archives/index.php?mnu=details&id=1143970432&cati…> Internet cost will not drop much even after the cable connect Kenya. Private interest will ensure high prices remain. Brace yourselves for expensive internet for the next 20 years (lifespan of fibre cable) Despite Kimunya's 600 billion annual budget, government cannot afford TEAMS US$ 100 million (shs 7 billion) and they are looking for private investors under "PPP". GoK can/should construct the whole cable and ask CCK to determine "Open Access" tariffs to save 20-year price Kenyans will pay to these private entities. It does not add up! But you see, Kimunya can afford a paltry 1 billion to the project 1 billion to the youth and 2 billion to women? (with UN's, total package for women 7 billion and thanks all now men also want an equal 5 billion to maintain gender parity) TEAMS could end up "the long cable lie" and costly to future commissions of inquiry. Have I provoked why consumer protection threatens National(s) interests? Rattling mean anti-consumer protection "over-dogs" is serious business deserving innovative advocacy. Haki Kenya kuna matata mingi. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today! http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7

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Noam Chomsky and the Struggle Against Neoliberalism
by Alex Gakuru 30 Jun '07

30 Jun '07

Taking a break from ICT websites.... http://www.chomsky.info/onchomsky/19990401.htm Neoliberalism is the defining political economic paradigm of our time - it refers to the policies and processes whereby a relative handful of private interests are permitted to control as much as possible of social life in order to maximize their personal profit. Associated initially with Reagan and Thatcher, neoliberalism has for the past two decades been the dominant global political economic trend adopted by political parties of the center, much of the traditional left, and the right. These parties and the policies they enact represent the immediate interests of extremely wealthy investors and less than one thousand large corporations. Aside from some academics and members of the business community, the term neoliberalism is largely unknown and unused by the public at large, especially in the United States. There, to the contrary, neoliberal initiatives are characterized as free market policies that encourage private enterprise and consumer choice, reward personal responsibility and entrepreneurial initiative, and undermine the dead hand of the incompetent, bureaucratic, and parasitic government, which can never do good (even when well intentioned, which it rarely is). A generation of corporate-financed public relations efforts has given these terms and ideas a near-sacred aura. As a result, these phrases and the claims they imply rarely require empirical defense, and are invoked to rationalize anything from lowering taxes on the wealthy and scrapping environmental regulations to dismantling public education and social welfare programs. Indeed, any activity that might interfere with corporate domination of society is automatically suspect because it would impede the workings of the free market, which is advanced as the only rational, fair, and democratic allocator of goods and services. At their most eloquent, proponents of neoliberalism sound as if they are doing poor people, the environment, and everybody else a tremendous service as they enact policies on behalf of the wealthy few. The economic consequences of these policies have been the same just about everywhere, and exactly what one would expect: a massive increase in social and economic inequality, a marked increase in severe deprivation for the poorest nations and peoples of the world, a disastrous global environment, an unstable global economy, and an unprecedented bonanza for the wealthy. Confronted with these facts, defenders of the neoliberal order claim that the spoils of the good life will invariably spread to the broad mass of the population - as long as the neoliberal policies that exacerbated these problems are not interfered with by anyone! In the end, proponents of neoliberalism cannot and do not offer an empirical defense for the world they are making. To the contrary, they offer - no, demand - a religious faith in the infallibility of the unregulated market, drawing upon nineteenth century theories that have little connection to the actual world. The ultimate trump card for the defenders of neoliberalism, however, is that there is no alternative. Communist societies, social democracies, and even modest social welfare states like the United States have all failed, the neoliberals proclaim, and their citizens have accepted neoliberalism as the only feasible course. It may well be imperfect, but it is the only economic system possible. Earlier in the twentieth century some critics called fascism "capitalism with the gloves off," meaning that fascism was pure capitalism without democratic rights and organizations. In fact, we know that fascism is vastly more complex than that. Neoliberalism, on the other hand, is indeed "capitalism with the gloves off." It represents an era in which business forces are stronger and more aggressive, and face less organized opposition than ever before. In this political climate they attempt to codify their political power and enact their vision on every possible front. As a result, business is increasingly difficult to challenge, and civil society (nonmarket, noncommercial, and democratic forces) barely exists at all...... ____________________________________________________________________________________ Sick sense of humor? Visit Yahoo! TV's Comedy with an Edge to see what's on, when. http://tv.yahoo.com/collections/222

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Looking for Vision 2030..??
by Bill Kagai 29 Jun '07

29 Jun '07

If you have been searching for this document on the net, then look no further, it is now available in Nigeria and they are discussing it in blogs. Scroll down to the bottom where the duscussion is posted after the Nairobi fotos we take for granted!!! http://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-51356.0.html -- -- 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.mediacorp.co.ke --

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report, re-sent
by Rebecca Wanjiku 29 Jun '07

29 Jun '07

i have re sent the report just incase it did not open first time regards becky Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Be a PS3 game guru. Get your game face on with the latest PS3 news and previews at Yahoo! Games.

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Fw: [gu-new] (06/26/07) ICT-Learn2007 Conference in Cairo, Egypt and our final paper
by Florence Etta 29 Jun '07

29 Jun '07

fyi sorry for crossposting. FE Florence Etta P.O. Box 14285,00800 Westlands-Nairobi, Kenya Tel: Mobile + 254-733-621851 Terrestrial: + 254-20-7121506 Fax: + 254-20-7125732 Alternative Email:florence.etta@gmail.com ___________________________________________________________ Copy addresses and emails from any email account to Yahoo! Mail - quick, easy and free. http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/trueswitch2.html

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Communication Tariffs
by Alex Gakuru 29 Jun '07

29 Jun '07

> --- Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >its in order to give CCK and the rest of the Mobile >Sector players a pat on the back the tariffs have >reduced considerably in the last months. there is >increased competition due to Introduction of new Value >added Services, so far i guess CCK is doing fine [not quite so and beware of telcos' reinvigorated PR campaigns and advertisement assault. Only comparative, data based (NOT perception oriented) regulatory intervention can ensure "fair play". Remember the absence of war does not mean "prevailing peace and harmony". Thank though the democratic space lending consumer complaints an ear. The more consumers complain the less hilly and more flat the world gets.] [EASTANDARD] "Mobile telephone charges likely to fall again, PS says" By Tom Mogusu [snip] The Government has commissioned a study on mobile telephone industrys tariff and taxation levels in what is hoped would trigger a decline in the cost of calling. Permanent Secretary for Information and Communication, Dr Bitange Ndemo said this was response to public demand that taxes on use of mobile telephones be lowered. He said Treasury is under pressure to lower tariff levels for mobile calls. "We are expecting more changes in this sector over the coming year because Government will launch a taskforce to investigate the costs of mobile calls." "There is an expectation that the tariff levels will drop further," he said. http://eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143970580&catid=14 [snip] ------------ [DAILY NATION] Cutting edge Story by Watchman Publication Date: 6/27/2007 One report says Kenyans are becoming poorer. Another says the economy is booming, and companies are announcing profits in billions of shillings, notes Morrison Muleri. But ironically, he says, the banks, oil companies, Safaricom and others serve a wide spectrum of Kenyans, millions of whom survive on less than Sh100 a day. His biggest grouse is that Kenyan firms charge more than what is paid for similar services in wealthy America. He poses: Is it morally right to make huge profits from the poor who have no choice? <http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?premiumid=0&cate…> --------- LETTERS Safaricom can do more for the poor Publication Date: 6/27/2007 Safaricoms huge Sh17 billion profit for last year is good news to the owners but ordinary subscribers have nothing to smile about. The profit should have been ploughed back into the economy for citizens to benefit. CEO Michael Joseph should not boast of hefty profits when the firm is not doing enough to uplift the lives of Kenyans. Safaricom must come up with initiatives to help the Government eradicate poverty and boost health and education projects. It should launch programmes to spur development. Small reductions in call and SMS rates are not enough. DENNIS ODHIAMBO, Kisumu. <http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?premiumid=0&cate…> ____________________________________________________________________________________Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV. http://tv.yahoo.com/

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Another 'IGADD' plans bringing broadband to everyone
by Alex Gakuru 28 Jun '07

28 Jun '07

Investor Group Against Digital Divide (IGADD) is conceived as a global coalition of investor institutions, now in formation, whose purpose is to close the Digital Divide. It aims to recruit onto its advisory board the chairmen of the worlds major global technology corporations operating in emerging markets. On top of its agenda is high-speed internet: to reduce the alarming disparity in broadband penetration. Some countries give their citizens full access to the powerful learning experiences made possible by fast internet. Other countries isolate themselves and their citizens by making the internet unavailable, too expensive and unreliable. Broadband, increasingly, is the precondition of anyones empowerment in todays global age. It could be called a fundamental human right for the 21st Century. http://www.digitaldivide.org/dd/igadd.html ____________________________________________________________________________________ Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today! http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7

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Re: [kictanet] Is 999 a local BPO opp?-beyond the BPO
by John Walubengo 28 Jun '07

28 Jun '07

Actually am for the idea...and understand perfectly well the front-end (customer-focus) capability the local BPO (call center) would offer these utilities. However, the moral of my story was that an efficient front-end would be quickly be frustrated by an in-efficient and sometimes non-existent back-end (supplier of services). In other words, all our BPO strategies must recognise our inadequacies precisely in some of the services u mention (the value chain) and ugrade them accordingly...preferably before the famous fiber-cables hit our shores. I think it was KenCall or another local BPO that said how their Operational Expenditure is increased simply because they have to meet the extra cost of security(guards), transport(taxi) and power (generators) - thinks that investors in other economies rarely bother to think about. walu. --- Michuki Mwangi <michuki(a)kenic.or.ke> wrote: > Walu, > > > In addition, its not just about reporting crime. How > about domestic > accidents and incidents that require either ambulances, > directions on > first aid/CPR to save a life, fire brigade services etc. > > In essence, i dont think all functions of the 'emergency > services' > should be crippled based on the 'non-responsive' nature > of one > supporting element (i.e police). > > Just an opinion. > > Regards, > > John Walubengo wrote: > > Michuki, > > > > the problem with our 999 is complex. Apart from the > fact > > that it rarely works (goes thro), i suspect that if it > did > > go thro' it may not make a difference. > > > > Imagine u r being attacked by Mungikis at your > residence, u > > pick up your phone, dial 999 or 911 and the local BPO > > provider efficiently links to your nearest police > station. > > > > Its only early evening (8.30pm) and you feel lucky as > the > > Policeman at the other end picks up the phone...but > then > > you realise your luck is out because he says, he has no > > fuel and/or a car to bring his 'mboys' to your > rescue...u > > suddenly realise your problem was much bigger than the > BPO > > - local or otherwise. > > > > walu. > > > > --- Michuki Mwangi <michuki(a)kenic.or.ke> wrote: > > > >> There has always been complains and concerns raised on > >> the emergency > >> service numbers 999. As a result, the enterprising > >> Kenyan's amongst us > >> have opted to provide similar emergency numbers that > come > >> at a fee to > >> its subscribers i.e the 911 service. > >> > >> On the other hand, we are seeking to provide BPO for > >> multi-nationals and > >> others at significant investment costs. While i > support > >> the initiative > >> and its opportunities, i believe we also need to > review > >> the local > >> opportunities for outsourcing that may come with a > less > >> 'investment > >> price tag'. With this in mind is the 999 service which > is > >> a national > >> service to 32M plus Kenyans ... that would probably be > >> the largest call > >> center. > >> > >> If this was to work am would be certain most of the > other > >> call center > >> requiring service providers would follow suit. > >> > >> Regards, > >> > >> -- > >> Michuki Mwangi > >> KENIC > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> kictanet mailing list > >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > >> This message was sent to: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > >> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> > > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com > > > > > > > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > > Building a website is a piece of cake. Yahoo! Small > Business gives you all the tools to get online. > > http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/webhosting > > > > > > -- > Michuki Mwangi > KENIC > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Choose the right car based on your needs. Check out Yahoo! Autos new Car Finder tool. http://autos.yahoo.com/carfinder/

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NSE Authorised Information Vendor
by Bill Kagai 27 Jun '07

27 Jun '07

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce that we have today been appointed 'Authorised Information Vendors for the Nairobi Stock Exchange'. This means that we are now authorised to stream 14 realtime data feeds on the internet. -Instrument -Bid Price -Bid Quantity -Ask Price -Ask Quantity -High Price -Low Price -Trade Price -Trade Quantity -Close Price -Change: Up or Down -Total Trade -Total Turnover -Total Volume This service will be available at no cost to MediaCorp Premium Subscribers on our websites. Premium Subscribers will be availed a password to access the live data feed as the market trades in the coming days. www.mediacorp.co.ke -- -- Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited Authorised Information Vendor - Nairobi Stock Exchange [NSE] Suite B2 Tetu Apartments StateHouse Avenue P. O. Box 20311-00200 Tel. 254 20 272 8332 Fax. Rendered Obsolete URL. www.mediacorp.co.ke --

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Wireless Technology { with a light touch ;-) }
by Wainaina Mungai 27 Jun '07

27 Jun '07

After digging to a depth of 100 meters last year, Russian scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 1000 years, and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network one thousand years ago. So, not to be outdone, in the weeks that followed, American scientists dug 200 meters and headlines in the US papers read: " US scientists have found traces of 2000 year old optical fibers, and have concluded that their ancestors already had advanced high-tech digital telephone 1000 years earlier than the Russians." One week later, the Ken yan newspapers proudly reported the following: "After digging as deep as 500 meters, Ken yan scientists have found absolutely nothing. They have concluded that 5000 years ago, their ancestors were already using wireless technology. Na ndio maana najivunia kuwa Mkenya!!! --- Wainaina Mungai Made in Kenya Network P. O. Box 72031 - 00200 Nairobi. Kenya. Tel: +254-20-780669 Cell: + 254-722-811171 http://www.madeinkenya.org/

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Is 999 a local BPO opp?
by Michuki Mwangi 27 Jun '07

27 Jun '07

There has always been complains and concerns raised on the emergency service numbers 999. As a result, the enterprising Kenyan's amongst us have opted to provide similar emergency numbers that come at a fee to its subscribers i.e the 911 service. On the other hand, we are seeking to provide BPO for multi-nationals and others at significant investment costs. While i support the initiative and its opportunities, i believe we also need to review the local opportunities for outsourcing that may come with a less 'investment price tag'. With this in mind is the 999 service which is a national service to 32M plus Kenyans ... that would probably be the largest call center. If this was to work am would be certain most of the other call center requiring service providers would follow suit. Regards, -- Michuki Mwangi KENIC

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Solar Powered computers
by Fatma Bashir 27 Jun '07

27 Jun '07

Dear Listers, Check this out http://allafrica.com/stories/200703300217.html Countries that have implemented this solar powered computer solutions successfully include - Rwanda, Ghana, Mali, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau. For more on this go to http://www.inveneo.org/?q=mission Couldnt help but think of rural healthcare and relief, monitoring and reporting and yes ofcourse EDUCATION institutions in far flung areas . Such renewable energy options can make these things a reality Apologies if this is not breaking news to some as it was for me :) Fatma A Bashir Chief Marketing Officer Cyber School Technology Solutions Ltd. P.O. Box 14636-00100 Nairobi, Kenya. T: 4452870/1 ; 0726/0734 880864 F: 4452873 M: 0722 5070 50 www.cyberschooltech.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"

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Communication Tariffs
by Ochola, Atieno 27 Jun '07

27 Jun '07

Dear Alex, Kindly be informed that the tariff structures for the respective operators are published on their individual websites. Kind regards, Atieno J. Ochola (Ms) Director /Licensing Compliance & Standards Communications Commission of Kenya P.O Box 14448-00800 Nairobi, Kenya Tel. Office: +254-20-4242000 Mobile: +254-722-516262 Fax: +254-20-4348135 Email: ajochola(a)cck.go.ke Website: http://www.cck.go.ke Disclaimer: This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use by the individual(s) or entity to whom it is addressed to. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. Additionally, if you have received this email in error please notify the sender immediately by a reply e-mail. -----Original Message----- From: ke-internetusers-bounces(a)bdix.net [mailto:ke-internetusers-bounces@bdix.net] On Behalf Of Alex Gakuru Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2007 2:28 PM To: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke; ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net Subject: [ke-internetusers] Communication Tariffs Hello All, The consumer network has a problem and we are wondering if you may be able to assist. We are aware that consumers do not have tariffs information sufficiently; permanently, readily and freely available and they end up incurring communication costs they could have avoided had that information existed. In addressing this problem, last week we wrote to Safaricom, Celtel and Telkom asking them to provide us with their current comprehensive tariffs to enable us compare contrast and independently and freely advice consumers on the best priced offerings, and on regular basis. We intend(ed) to publish the comparative analysis at a website, print brochures post to mailing list among other dissemination avenues. We copied that email to CCK to observe protocol However, only Safaricom sent us this data(on the same day), but Telkom and Celtel have continue ignoring ou request even declined to reply the email. We requested CCK to assist us but we are yet to receive, if at all, the help. We are further questioning the urgency, need and importance CCK gav to purchasing their shs 50 million call drop monitoring equipment and wondering if really it was no just meant to "assist" consumers stay connected to exorbitant calls cost, considering that when we ask then to help consumers with a simple cost-free support they fail us. We need your ideas on how we can arrest renegade pricing cost in Kenya because it appears those legally tasked to protect consumers are not doing as much as they should. All ideas and suggestion on what we should do are most welcome. Alex Gakuru ICT Consumers Association of Kenya (now refused certificate) ________________________________________________________________________ ____________ Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center. http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/ _______________________________________________ ke-internetusers mailing list ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers

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"KEEP THE CORE NEUTRAL: Civil Society Workshop on Freedom of Expression and Domain Name Policy: ICANN Meeting
by Wanjira, Alice Munyua 27 Jun '07

27 Jun '07

Civil Society Workshop on Freedom of Expression and Domain Name Policy: "KEEP THE CORE NEUTRAL" Wednesday 27 June 2007 (13:00 - 15:30) at the ICANN Board Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico in the San Geronimo Ballroom Civil societys "Keep the Core Neutral" workshop will explore freedom of expression issues in the policy development process to introduce new generic top-level domains (gtlds). As the ICANN community debates policy options to allow new top-level domains, it must consider important issues that impact what ideas may be expressed in a domain name. The NCUC/ALAC workshop aims to provide a public discussion point in the ICANN policy development process for new top-level domains. The workshop will address new gtld policy issues such as: * should ICANN remain 'content neutral' in national policy debates when evaluating applications for domains? * how can ICANN protect freedom of expression rights in domain name policy? * what is the proper role for governments in approving or rejecting top-level domains? * what is the appropriate balance between trademarks and free expression rights in domain names? * who should decide which ideas are too controversial to be allowed in a top-level domain? * how to balance competing rights to use the same words in domain names? * should trademark owners be given prior registration privileges before other rights holders? * should a controversial domain name be rejected or delayed? Workshop Speakers: * Joichi Ito, ICANN board member and Creative Commons board member * Christine Haight Farley, Law professor at American University * Michael Palage, Attorney and ex-board member of ICANN * Milton Mueller, Chairman of ICANNs Non-Commercial Users Constituency, professor at Syracuse University and founding partner of Internet Governance Project * Wendy Seltzer, Visiting professor at Northeastern University Law School and Fellow at Harvard Laws Berkman Center for Internet & Society * Wolfgang Kleinwaechter, Professor at University of Aarhus * Tan Tin Wee, Professor at National University of Singapore * Ram Mohan, Vice President of Business Operations and Chief Technology Officer at Afilias Limited * Moderator: Robin Gross, IP Justice Executive Director "Keep the Core Neutral" workshop is organized by ICANNs Non-Commercial Users Constituency (NCUC) and the At-Large-Advisory Committee (ALAC) The workshop will be webcast live from ICANN's website and a video of the workshop will be posted to http://www.ipjustice.org Webpage for the workshop: http://www.ipjustice.org/wp/2007/06/12/06272007workhsop/ More Info: ICANN San Juan Board Meeting: http://sanjuan2007.icann.org/ Non-Commercial Users Constituency (NCUC): http://www.ncdnhc.org/ At-Large-Advisory Committee (ALAC): https://st.icann.org/alac/index.cgi?at_large_advisory_committee IP Justice New gtld info page: http://ipjustice.org/wp/campaigns/icann/gtlds/

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ICANN's 29th International Meeting Opens Monday in San Juan
by Wanjira, Alice Munyua 26 Jun '07

26 Jun '07

ICANN's 29th International Meeting Opens Monday in San Juan 25 June 2007 SAN JUAN , Puerto Rico: The future of the Internet will be front and center as the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) opens its 29th International Public Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Monday, 25 June 2007. "If you are interested in the domain names that can be used on the Internet, if you want to make sure there are enough numbers to allow the Internet to expand, if you care about how the Internet evolves and want to have a say, ICANN meetings are the place for you," said Dr Paul Twomey, President and CEO of ICANN. "The San Juan meeting gives us an opportunity to talk face to face within the global Internet community, listen to ideas and input, and make sure policies promote the Internet's security and stability. Even if you can't be here in person, you can be part of the meeting with our remote participation website, meeting blogs, and webcasts." 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. "ICANN's task is unique and these meetings help us make sure we're on the correct path and continue to move forward," Dr Twomey added. The San Juan meeting is the second of the three public ICANN meetings in 2007. These meetings are crucial to because ICANN's polices are created through a bottom-up, transparent process involving Internet Community. Some issues and events at the meeting include: * Progress on a creating a policy to introduce new generic top-level domains (the part of web addresses after the dot -- like .com or .info) * Update on the testing process of introducing Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) to the Internet. * A tutorial on IPv6 -- a major expansion of the Internet Protocol address space so that the number unique addresses available globally is increased dramatically (from about 4.3 billion available with the current IPv4 to about 340 trillion trillion trillion). * Further discussions of ICANN's Registrar Accreditation Agreements (RAA) and the Accreditation process, arising out of the RegisterFly collapse. * The completion of the creation of the global Regional At Large Organization (RALO) structure with the signing of the fifth and final RALO agreement -- this one with the North American region. RALOs are the main forum and coordination point for public input to ICANN on a regional basis. * The first General Assembly of the Latin American and Caribbean RALO, which was formed at the ICANN meeting in Lisbon, Portugal in March. "We are all looking forward to a successful meeting in San Juan and thank the local hosts, the .PR top-level domain of Puerto Rico, and the event sponsors, for their efforts," Dr Twomey said. The complete schedule for ICANN's San Juan meeting, as well as links to webcast sessions and our public participation website, can be found at: http://sanjuan2007.icann.org/ ICANN Maps 25 June 2007 In further improvements to transparency and accountability, ICANN has commenced the process of illustrating some basic data in geographical maps. The data includes: * the number of accredited registrars there are and the countries in which they are located; * board and staff representation by nationality; * ccTLD agreements; * ccTLD financial contributions; * the countries in which the 29 ICANN meetings have been held so far; * the global areas that the Regional Internet Registries cover; * the general location of root servers based on publicly available information; * root zone Whois information; * support for IDNs at TLD registries; * registrations for the current San Juan meeting. "This is a further example of making information about ICANN more accessible so that people can understand clearly how, why and what we do." said Paul Levins, Executive Officer and Vice President Corporate Affairs. "Accessibility and transparency measures help people to hold us accountable." "It joins the list of initiatives that ICANN has introduced to assist accountability and transparency including better board minutes, comprehensive Strategic, Operating and Budget plans, an annual report, a community blog, an improved website that clearly explains our processes, an independent review of transparency and accountability, newsletters and the posting of all in-bound and out-bound correspondence, amongst other things." "We have also released a set of frameworks and principles for accountability and transparency that is open for consultation with the community and we look forward to feedback" Mr Levins said. Protecting Registrants Focus of ICANN Workshop Session discusses ideas on data escrow, revising Registrar Accreditation Agreements 25 June 2007 SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico: Strengthening the protection of registrants and their domain names was the focus of a key workshop at the 29th International Public Meeting of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in San Juan today. "In March I said that there must be comprehensive review of major review of our Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA) and the Accreditation process. The results of that review are driving this workshop," said Dr Paul Twomey, President and CEO of ICANN. "We are going to keep this discussion going, get input from the wider community, and then we will make the changes needed to protect registrants and domain names." Some of the topics discussed in the workshop include: * The implementation of the registrar data escrow program for generic top-level domains by the end of 2007, * Potential amendments to the RAA and a process for implementing changes, * Development of registry failover plan, which lays out ICANN response plan if a registry suffers a financial, technical or business failure, or is prevented from operating by outside factors like a natural disaster, * Recent work done by ICANN's Contractual Compliance function. "When ICANN introduced competition to the domain name market in 1998, there was one registrar. Today there are more than 890 so it's obvious that a lot has changed since the first Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA) was introduced in a much smaller and radically different marketplace," Dr Twomey added. "We also learned valuable lessons from the RegisterFly situation and ICANN is turning those lessons into plans and policies to protect registrants and their domain names." One change to the RAA being looked at is introducing graduated enforcement tools. Right now, ICANN's only tool is to terminate accreditation a step that has been avoided in the past for anything other than flagrant, repeated failures to cure material breaches of the RAA, because termination is viewed as an extreme remedy, with negative consequences to registrants. A graduated sanctions scheme based on the nature and seriousness of alleged breaches will give ICANN more tools to effectively enforce the agreements. Another change being examined deals with resellers businesses that sell domain name registrations on behalf of Registrars, who act as wholesalers. ICANN has no contractual relationship with resellers, and cannot directly address consumer complaints about reseller practices. ICANN is discussing changing the RAA so Registrars have specific responsibilities with regard to their relationships with resellers. 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.

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Re: [kictanet] Fwd: Employment Opportunity - Systems Administrator
by David Sparrow Malaba 26 Jun '07

26 Jun '07

Note: forwarded message attached. Dear All, The following company has advertized for jobs and require immediate responses as per message forwarded. Respond as appropritae David Sparrow Malaba Computer Society of Kenya ____________________________________________________________________________________ Get the Yahoo! toolbar and be alerted to new email wherever you're surfing. http://new.toolbar.yahoo.com/toolbar/features/mail/index.php

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Communication Tariffs
by Alex Gakuru 26 Jun '07

26 Jun '07

Hello All, The consumer network has a problem and we are wondering if you may be able to assist. We are aware that consumers do not have tariffs information sufficiently; permanently, readily and freely available and they end up incurring communication costs they could have avoided had that information existed. In addressing this problem, last week we wrote to Safaricom, Celtel and Telkom asking them to provide us with their current comprehensive tariffs to enable us compare contrast and independently and freely advice consumers on the best priced offerings, and on regular basis. We intend(ed) to publish the comparative analysis at a website, print brochures post to mailing list among other dissemination avenues. We copied that email to CCK to observe protocol However, only Safaricom sent us this data(on the same day), but Telkom and Celtel have continue ignoring ou request even declined to reply the email. We requested CCK to assist us but we are yet to receive, if at all, the help. We are further questioning the urgency, need and importance CCK gav to purchasing their shs 50 million call drop monitoring equipment and wondering if really it was no just meant to "assist" consumers stay connected to exorbitant calls cost, considering that when we ask then to help consumers with a simple cost-free support they fail us. We need your ideas on how we can arrest renegade pricing cost in Kenya because it appears those legally tasked to protect consumers are not doing as much as they should. All ideas and suggestion on what we should do are most welcome. Alex Gakuru ICT Consumers Association of Kenya (now refused certificate) ____________________________________________________________________________________ Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center. http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/

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worlds first solar mobile
by Badru Ntege 26 Jun '07

26 Jun '07

Chinese firm claims solar powered mobile http://www.htwchina.com/htwtE/index.jsp

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FW: Shortage of IT staff in SA------------Standard Bank
by Kagwe James 26 Jun '07

26 Jun '07

Please check it out.....Would someone tell them to and recruit in Kenya... ________________________________ Business Day (Johannesburg) 21 June 2007 Posted to the web 21 June 2007 Johannesburg THE Standard Bank is expanding its recruitment campaigns to suck in talent from India because it cannot find enough information technology staff locally. It has up to 100 vacancies to fill instantly and will need 300 recruits by the end of the year, including programmers, project managers and business analysts. Last year it hired 600 IT staff, and its total of 2500 means its in-house IT department eclipses many of SA's specialist IT groups. "The shortage isn't breaking us," says its chief information officer, Jorg Fischer, but he is tired of postponing new IT projects because of a staff shortage. "We want to try to complement our IT shop with Indian resources. We are always looking at the South African market, and we need to look beyond our borders," he says. "It will give me another option for how to solve IT or business issues, instead of saying I don't have the people to do it. I want to make us more flexible and nimble so IT doesn't become a bottleneck in delivering." As some technologies approach the end of their life, the bank will request proposals from Indian companies to maintain and support those applications. That will let the in-house technicians be reassigned to develop new applications to take the bank forward. It should also give them a better career path and more interesting work, so they do not seek brighter prospects elsewhere. The first tenders should be issued in the third or fourth quarter of this year and will target companies including Tata Consulting and Satyam, which already have operations in SA. One example is the testing and integration of new software, which demands a large staff complement. That could be outsourced to Indian workers who could either be brought into SA or could conduct the testing processes remotely. If projects to develop new systems also run into local skills shortages, technicians could be recruited from India. As part of the job description they would be expected to train South Africans working alongside them. No-go areas for outsourcing will be designing the bank's IT architecture, project management and business analysis. The idea was inspired by what is becoming a common practice for financial services organisations in the US and Europe. Although they mainly outsource to cut their costs, the Standard Bank will do it "because we don't have the people and the skills available," Fischer says. He expects many other local firms will follow suit to combat the skills crunch. The number of students studying IT at universities in SA, Europe and the US has decreased for three years, so the skills base is depleting. In comparison, India pumps out about 400000 IT graduates a year. The bank hires many temporary contractors from the personnel provider Paracon, but Paracon has told Fischer it needs another 1000 technicians to fill all the vacancies facing its customers. Its chief financial officer, Mireille Levenstein, says: "We have never been in such a situation where there is so much demand for IT skills, and the supply isn't there." Paracon also looks to India for relief, and is flying in technicians after acquiring 34,6% of India's Nihilent Technologies last year. Growth consultancy Frost & Sullivan analyst Lindsey McDonald says SA's skills shortage is reaching chronic proportions and fuelling the trend for outsourcing. Yet the third-party service providers are also struggling to attract and retain skilled staff. "In order to build a reserve of skilled personnel, service providers should show higher levels of commitment to skills development," she says. A report by the Economic Intelligence Unit shows that India's quality of service and low costs make it the destination of choice for outsourcing application development and management. Countries such as Brazil and Russia are ramping up their outsourcing capabilities to become more attractive to foreign customers, but research by Accenture says the cost benefits and experience to be found in India are often too large to ignore -- -------------------------------------------------------------------- Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others? .........Martin Luther King, Jr. -------------------------------------------------------------------- --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "KAZI-AFRICA" group. To post to this group, send email to kaziafrica(a)googlegroups.com To subscribe , send email to kaziafrica-subscribe(a)googlegroups.com To unsubscribe, send email to kaziafrica-unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/kaziafrica?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- ________________________________ No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=43910/*http:/mobile.yahoo.com/mail> with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started. <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=43910/*http:/mobile.yahoo.com/mail>

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final report
by Rebecca Wanjiku 25 Jun '07

25 Jun '07

following the report summary released earlier on the CCK internet study, here is the full report, (annexed) hope it will make good reading, regards becky Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.

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Techdirt: Net Neutrality Debate Again Descends Into Shouting, Farce
by Alex Gakuru 24 Jun '07

24 Jun '07

[farber] http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20070622/093628.shtml from the par-for-the-course dept Net neutrality is a complex issue, but as tends to happen with most things these days, it gets boiled down into easily consumable, though not wholly accurate, ideological soundbites from both sides. And even when people try to have an open, even-keeled discourse about the issue, they still run into problems explaining things well. For the most part, debate on net neutrality has glossed over the fundamental, but perhaps less incendiary issues, and been characterized by intellectual dishonesty and propagandizing from activist groups on both sides. It was hardly surprising, then, to read about a panel at the Supernova conference descending into a shouting match between a Commerce Department official (ie the "anti-regulation" guy) and "pro-net neutrality" supporters in the audience. Really, it's an apt characterization of the whole debate: a bunch of yelling, very little exchange of useful information, and nobody really moves from their previously established ideology. All this means is that, in the end, it's very unlikely for the right, or even a good, solution to emerge. Instead, it will just come down to whichever side can muster the most political clout -- which is pretty much how things have gone in telecom regulation anyway ---------------------------------------------------------- WWWhatsup NYC http://pinstand.com - http://punkcast.com ---------------------------------------------------------- [Reading Provocative Comment No 4 at http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20070622/093628.shtml] # by Stu on Jun 23rd, 2007 @ 8:29am "political clout -- which is pretty much how things have gone in telecom regulation anyway." The problem is that political clout has become a function of money, rather than votes. It's much too difficult to replace an incumbent elected politician - also a function of money. Just listen to the news reporting about elections - it's all about the money. Out goes legislation for the common good - in comes legislation for big money interests. "The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it comes stronger than their democratic state itself. That, in its essence, is fascism - ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or any controlling private power." Franklin D. Roosevelt ____________________________________________________________________________________ Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games. http://get.games.yahoo.com/proddesc?gamekey=monopolyherenow

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Call for Papers-2nd Internet Governance Forum (IGF)
by John Walubengo 22 Jun '07

22 Jun '07

For those wishing to contribute towards the 2nd IGF meeting in Rio de Janeiro on 12 - 15 November 2007. Plse checkout http://www.intgovforum.org/ walu. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games. http://get.games.yahoo.com/proddesc?gamekey=monopolyherenow

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Kibaki names ombudsman to hear complaints
by Alex Gakuru 22 Jun '07

22 Jun '07

[Complaint No.1 ICT Consumer Protection. we shall surely turn up as soon as they assume office] Story by NATION Reporter Publication Date: 6/22/2007 President Kibaki yesterday appointed an ombudsman to deal with public complaints. The Public Complaints Standing Committee will be chaired by Mr James Simani, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya. The President also appointed Mr Peter Migwi Karingu, Ms Grace Barbara Ngele Madoka and Ms Nafisa Abdirahman Abass as members of the committee. The appointments will run for three years. Mr Karingu and Ms Madoka are advocates of the High Court of Kenya while Ms Abass is a holder of Masters of Business Administration (MBA). A Kenya Gazette notice issued later said the committee will have a chairman appointed by the President and a vice-chairman by the committee. It shall also have not more that three members appointed by the President following recommendations from Justice minister. It shall also have a director appointed by the minister and who shall be its secretary. The committee is required to promote alternative dispute resolution through mediation. It is further mandated to publish quarterly reports on complaints received and action taken. The committee is answerable to the President and could use previous investigation reports in its work. The establishment of the public complaints committee is geared towards enhancing good governance, management and administration in public institutions, a statement from the Presidential Press Service said. The functions of the committee include receiving, registering, sorting, classifying and documenting all complaints against public officials in ministries, parastatals, statutory bodies and other public institutions, it added. In some jurisdictions, including West Australian State, the ombudsman is referred to as the Parliamentary Commissioner. http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=2&ne… ____________________________________________________________________________________ Sick sense of humor? Visit Yahoo! TV's Comedy with an Edge to see what's on, when. http://tv.yahoo.com/collections/222

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promoting the ccTLDs
by Rebecca Wanjiku 22 Jun '07

22 Jun '07

while its good to have a .ea, i think in the intervening period we can promote the .ke, .tz etc i have met people who think that having a .ke domain restricts you to kenya or you are not seen as "modern" enough some have .biz, .net and see it as more "global" than .ke in my opinion, if people appreciate their ccTLDs, then they will not need much convincing when the new regional ones come up.. for instance, the .tz is free yet their registration is not much, if there is no proper awareness, then we might have all the domains and still the uptake is low, yes people in the industry will understand, but we need others to on the same page, regards Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> wrote: I had specified "Top Level Domain" Sponsorship" but you see they threw me to ccTLDs. Figured this would assist as foundation for relevant Kiswahili content. Could there be other Kiswahili speakers interested we run with it next year? Michuki Mwangi <michuki(a)kenic.or.ke> wrote: Did you request for a .SWA ccTLD or a .SWA TLD?. There is no open window for sponsored TLD's submission. I think this will probably open up in 2008. Regards, Alex Gakuru wrote: > After I requested to sponsor .swa for Kiswahili speaking community of > interest, ICANN/IANA 18 May 2007 reply referred me to ccTLDs as follows: > > ---snip--- > Please see the following for information on how new country code top-level > domains (ccTLDs) are created: > > http://www.iana.org/cctld/cctld-establishment-procedures-19mar03.htm > > > Best regards, > > Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) > ---snip--- > > Michuki is quite right on "The process will require intense collaboration > from the community and its stakeholders to be successful." > > Alex > */ > Michuki Mwangi /* wrote: > > Bill et al, > > Bill Kagai wrote: > > > > Michuki...I therefore see [.eac] as an aggressive business strategy > > complimenting [.ke], [.tz] etc and not as competition. > > > > Competition is healthy, it is an instigator of creativity and innovation > and i welcome such incentives. For your information, there are > interested parties evaluating submissions to ICANN for a TLD for Africa > i.e .africa. Hence this will make the African scene alot more > interesting in my opinion. > > Any addition into the Root zone outside the ccTLD category will be > considered under the Sponsored/Unsponsored TLD category. There are > procedures to this as evidenced in the following URL: > > http://www.icann.org/tlds/new-tld-application-instructions-15aug00.htm > > ICANN has published guidelines for applying for a TLD under the > following URL and i would wish to invite the members to read through > this document. > > http://www.icann.org/tlds/application-process-03aug00.htm > > > Alice...If KICTANET knows some influential people at the East Africa > > Community Secretariat in Arusha, maybe they can help get things into > > second gear with ICANN?? > > > > ICANN will not just insert a TLD in the Root zone. The process will > require intense collaboration from the community and its stakeholders to > be successful. The case studies for .asia and .eu are well documented on > their webiste www.dotasia.com and www.doteu.com - also from the ICANN > website. It will be interesting to have the community read through their > experiences in order to have a deeper understanding of the issues faced > in the process. > > I would recommend a start of by identifying the need for the regional > TLD (i think we have interest based on this threads), then convening a > regional working group that is inclusive of stakeholders to drive the > process to its logical conclusion. > > Notably resources are critical in the process as it somewhat tends to > drag on in trying to ensure inclusion of all stakeholders. More of the > social engineering than the technical. > > Its is however possible to achieve this and we should probably aim for > the next ICANN window on TLD applications - which i think happens ever 4 > years. > > Regards, > -- > Michuki Mwangi > KENIC > > _______________________________________________ > 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/alex.gakuru%40yahoo.com > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Get the Yahoo! toolbar and be alerted to new email > wherever > you're surfing. > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > 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/michuki%40kenic.or.ke -- Michuki Mwangi KENIC _______________________________________________ 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/alex.gakuru%40yahoo.com --------------------------------- Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. _______________________________________________ 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/rebeccawanjiku%40yahoo.com Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Get the free Yahoo! toolbar and rest assured with the added security of spyware protection.

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Kimathi Information Centre reaches out again
by Jose' 21 Jun '07

21 Jun '07

With the rescent symposium that was held on 24th March 2007,Kimathi Information Centre had purposed to follow up on the delegates who had participated in the symposium. Having invited Ministry of youth,Kenya Women Finance Trust,Faulu Kenya,IFC and Edith Adera of IDRC we saw up to 185 youth delegates attend the March 24th symposium and listen to the speakers on how to be ICT empowered. Thanks to Cyberschool who lent us a projector on the Sunday 17th June 2007 and we were able to gather up to 51 youths who were eager to tell us how the symposium was beneficial to them and how they have been able to network professionally. Kimathi Information Centre made a presentation on how one can grow your enterprise one step at at time,how to prepare business proposals and grant proposals.Having made sure all participants had email adresses from the previous symposium,we enrolled them into the kimathi Information Centre mailing list using the yahoo groups.Thanks to KICTANET mailing list effective idea.Through this mailing list Jobs shall be advertised,workshops announced and anything that the youth need to communicate to each other addressed. Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss an email again! Yahoo! Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail arrives. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/toolbar/features/mail/

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Alexander Forbes Financial Services (EA) Limited donates computers
by Jose' 21 Jun '07

21 Jun '07

Through the Kictanet forum,Mr.James Kagwe of Alexander Forbes came into contact with Kimathi Information Centre "DIGITAL VILLAGE" and has been following the organizational performance with great interest. Mr.Kagwe wrote an email and suggested that he would love to donate some few working computers to the centre to be used for training and bridging the digital divide as is always evidently stressed at the centre. The main core activity of the centre is not only to bridge the digital gap by training but also ensuring that the whole community gets a glimpse on how computers will ease their daily lives and enhance there business productivity. Four working computers were donated on Monday 18Th,June,2007.We purpose to use them for training.On the ground we had 13 computers for which 12 are being used to train 12 students per two hours.Now we shall increase the number to 16 students per two hours. Mr.James Kagwe has emphasized on the PPP(Public Private Partnership) that Dr.Bitange Ndemo always emphasizes apron.The four computers donated will be serviced at the computers for Schools Kenya(CFSK) if they get to break down. We cannot forget to mention our mentor Ms.Edith Adera of IDRC who has worked tirelessly to see us(K.I.C) to the position we are in today.Having networked us to Kictanet-Ms.Alice,Ministry of Information-Dr.Bitange Ndemo and Computers for schools-Mr.Tom Musili.Just to mention a few. With this thank you very much Mr.James Kagwe for reaching out to our vision of "BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE THROUGH ICT" Best Regards, Jose' Njuki-Imwe Ngunjiri || +254 722 336754 || ____________________________________________________________________________________ Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check. Try the Yahoo! Mail Beta. http://advision.webevents.yahoo.com/mailbeta/newmail_tools.html

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[Fwd: {EuroAfrica-ICT Initiative} Upcoming events - July 2007]
by alice 21 Jun '07

21 Jun '07

Hi All Some of you may wish to attend the Kenya version workshop. See below. best alice -------- Original Message -------- Subject: {EuroAfrica-ICT Initiative} Upcoming events - July 2007 Date: Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:21:30 +0200 From: EU-Africa S&T Cooperation <info(a)euroafrica-ict.org> To: <alice(a)apc.org> CC: EuroAfrica-ICT workshops <awareness_workshops(a)euroafrica-ict.org> Dear Ms Munyua, I contact you today to inform you about the upcoming events organised in the framework of the EuroAfrica-ICT initiative. Launched in September 2006, the EuroAfrica-ICT initiative is implemented by a consortium of three partners: Orionis (France, project coordinator), the Meraka Institute of CSIR (South Africa) and the Panos Institute West Africa (Senegal). The initiative - funded by the European Commission - specifically aims at enabling a better representation of sub-Saharan African organisations in EU funded projects addressing R&D in the field of ICT (within the 7th framework programme of the European Union, or FP7). As you may already know, the EuroAfrica-ICT initiative is organising its third and fourth awareness workshops in sub-Saharan Africa (Accra, Ghana, July 20 & 21 and Nairobi, Kenya, July 26 & 27). These workshops specifically aim at supporting the development of a deeper and broader Scientific and Technological cooperation between the European Union and sub-Saharan Africa in the ICT sector. Detailed information on these workshops is available at the following link: <_http://www.euroafrica-ict.org/awareness_workshops.html_>. We think that this information could be relevant for KICTANet (taking into account that one of these events will take place in Kenya). In this respect, I attach to this email a short press release concerning these upcoming events. We would be really grateful if you could send it to your contacts and database should you find it useful. We really thank you in advance and really look forward to hearing from you soon, Kind regards, Roseline Favresse --- The EuroAfrica-ICT/START initiative <_info(a)euroafrica-ict.org_> <_http://www.euroafrica-ict.org_>

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ICT Events to Look out for.
by Rebecca Wanjiku 21 Jun '07

21 Jun '07

* EURO-AFRICA-ICT WORKSHOP IN GHANA AND KENYA The EuroAfrica-ICT initiative will organise its third and fourth awareness workshops in Africa: in Accra, Ghana (July 20 & 21) and in Nairobi, Kenya (July 26 & 27). The workshop in Ghana is supported by the African Network Operators Group (AFNOG) and Busy Internet, Ghana and the workshop in Kenya is supported by the African eDevelopment Resource Centre, Kenya, the consortium partners of the Science & Technology - Europe Africa Project (ST-EAP), the African Academy of Sciences, Kenya and the Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa. The EuroAfrica-ICT initiative has also developed a set of services dedicated to European and African organisations willing to develop S&T cooperation in the field of ICT: search for partners service, helpdesks, open consultation, etc. For further information, please visit the project dedicated website (http://www.euroafrica-ict.org) or contact us (info(a)euroafrica-ict.org) ICTS FOR CIVIL SOCIETY CONFERENCE June 2007 South Africa The conference and exhibition organised by SANGONeT will be aimed at increasing NGOs awareness of the strategic importance of their websites and the online environment in general. For further information visit http://sangonet.org.za - HIGH SPEED ACCESS TECHNOLOGIES CONFERENCE 19-21 June 2007, Gallagher Estate, Johannesburg, South Africa IQPC's 2nd Annual High Speed Access Technologies conference is perfectly positioned giving you answers at a critical time offering an objective platform for you to hear case studies on current obstacles and successes of Broadband. You will also be able to join us for a Site Visit To the Eskom Test Site. This site visit will show you what progress has been made over the past few years and what MainNet is doing to promote broadband over Power Lines. For more information please contact Susan Theron on +27 (0) 11 669 5019 or visit our website http://www.iqpc.com/za/highspeed - SATWIBB AFRICA: AFRICAN SATELLITE & WIRELESS BROADBAND CONFERENCE & VOIP FORUM EAST AFRICA: Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, 11-13 July 2007 WEST AFRICA: Muson Centre, Lagos, 21-23 August 2007 Theme: Broadband bridges across Africa: First and last mile solutions Local and international industry leaders will make presentations on the following topics: Efficient bandwidth delivery mechanisms Next Generation Networks: Selecting the right migration path Building wireless communities Fiber optic vs. satellite-based connectivity: Do they compete or do they complete? DVBS2: Its role in trunking Rural Wireless: The role of WiMAX, WiFi, CDMA and hybrid technologies VoIP survival strategies for telcos, ISPs and cyber cafes Build vs. buy: VoIP solutions for Africa Providing a VoIP service over a WiMAX network Maximising international VoIP services The event also includes a Masterclass on Building Wireless Communities by Paul Munnery, CEO, Wireless Digital Cities, UK To request full details, email info(a)aitecafrica.com or log on to www.aitecafrica.com - TELECOMS WORLD AFRICA 31st July - 2nd August 2007, Johannesburg, South Africa Key decision-makers in South Africa and leading international players will share their expertise and forge invaluable business relationships in a highly interactive environment. For further information visit www.terrapinn.com/2007/telecomza - WI-WORLD AFRICA 2007 27 30 August 2007, Michelangelo Hotel, Johannesburg, South Africa. In Africa, fixed-line infrastructure is lacking and there is a major problem with copper wire theft. Wireless communication is therefore a great alternative. For further information visit www.terrapinn.com/2007/telecomza - ICT AFRICA 2007 October 1-5, 2007, Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi, Kenya ICT Africa is an annual continental information and communications technology conference addressing all aspects of ICT development in Africa. The conference is convened by NEPAD council in collaboration with the NEPAD Kenya secretariat. The 2007 event will be organized by Global Conferences, Cape Town, South Africa. For further information contact rjacobs(a)globalconf.co.za - INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERSHIPS FOR AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT (IPAD) CENTRAL AFRICA 3rd - 5th October, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo iPAD Central Africa 2006 provides an opportunity to network directly with key partners. The event aims to facilitate regional planning and collaborations under one roof between government, the public sector and business. iPAD Central Africa 2006 is a one-stop-shop for investigating investment opportunities in DRC and the Central African region as a whole. For further information visit http://www.spintelligent-events.com/ipad-central2006/en/ --------------------------------- Yahoo! Mail is the world's favourite email. Don't settle for less, sign up for your free account today._______________________________________________ Hanastaff-l mailing list Hanastaff-l(a)listserv.ru.ac.za http://listserv.ru.ac.za/mailman/listinfo/hanastaff-l Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Get the Yahoo! toolbar and be alerted to new email wherever you're surfing.

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Changing the Mindset
by CommunicArt | Lusiola 21 Jun '07

21 Jun '07

Have a look at this HYPERLINK "http://wesonga.peupe.net/"http://wesonga.peupe.net/ Lusiola No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.9.1/857 - Release Date: 6/20/2007 2:18 PM ---------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world"

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Sh1bn allocated to fibre optic cable project
by Mr President 21 Jun '07

21 Jun '07

Hi Alljust wanted to give my 2 cents on the budget and the 1 Billion for the Optical Fiber cable project,Now Now, what is the cost of the entire cable ?Is the amount allocated not a drop in the ocean ?Would an IPO, Bill Kagai has investment and stock figures, cant money be raised from the stock exchange? Or via Long term bonds?Reason for asking ??We allocate a drop hoping to fill an ocean, the funds have been allocated and put in whose bank? Earning interest for who ?Who will own the cable ? My concern when we last met, was ownership, management, cost to the user, Fatma Bashir was in Rwanda and she has some interesting news, they have a PLAN, do we ??We have some who as Kanja Waruru says, know not what an ipod is, yet we HOPE thet shall allocate funds forn CDF ??Now now , Guys lets get serious about things, what comes first the egg or the chicken ??The allocation of funds or rules, regulations, agreements on ownership etc, Bwana Ps Walu, made an impresive pion about different options, let me recapsulate for allPrivate ownership and fundingGovt owned or TelcosUniverasal access for allThe west african module, which is a scam, or the East African module that is know only by a few ? My humble suggestion would be1: Waive all duty on Optical fiber passive and active components.2: Formulate a PLAN either using KICTANET, as non partisan, none players3: Organise workshops to create second tier awareness- from� Govt Ps 's� down- Bwana� Bitenge can lead by example.4: Prior to Digital Villages and� Submarine, Terrestrial� cabling, form a� PLAN that would harmonise the digitalisation to the benefit of all5: The world bank has given funding for digital villages, yet organisations are being asked to sponsor? Kwani funds from world bank, had not feasibility study done? Even they don't PLAN ??Conclusion ?? If the 1 Billion allocated is 5 % of the total value allocated per annum, when will Kenya get the cable, not to mention the INLAND one, the lowering of costs to consumers, the polytechnics, the BPOs and outsourcing and the much hyped but yet to be realised E Government, Learning, Medicine and everything E apart from the E which in this case stands for Electronic............Point to ponder as you all enjoy and have a blessed week end, and to Kagai Bill i feel you pain about the NSE rules, the according to the MD of Keroche Ms Tabitha, the current rgime seemds to favour foreigners/ Multinationals and sugar Importers who KNEW ther would be a waiver prior to the budget, to the detriment of the local sugar companies..WashindweRegards Njenga M.Pthose who fear to fail.will never try to succeded,for to fail to plan is to plan to FAIL _______________________________________________ No banners. No pop-ups. No kidding. Make My Way your home on the Web - http://www.myway.com

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[Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] PRIVACY/SECURITY] Whats in a Laptop?
by alice 20 Jun '07

20 Jun '07

---- What's in a Laptop? Court Ponders Legality of Border Searches Is your laptop a fancy piece of luggage or an extension of your mind? The question, before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, arose from the prosecution of Michael Timothy Arnold, an American citizen whose laptop was randomly searched in July 2005 at Los Angeles International Airport as he returned from a three-week trip to the Philippines. Agents booted the computer and began opening folders on the desktop, where they found a picture of two naked women, continued searching, then turned up what the government says is child pornography. _http://www.sdnp.undp.org/perl/news/articles.pl?id=9511&do=gpage_ <http://www.sdnp.undp.org/perl/news/articles.pl?id=9511&do=gpage> _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Re: [kictanet] kictanet Digest, Vol 28, Issue 40
by Barrack Otieno 20 Jun '07

20 Jun '07

Interesting idea bill, Michuki what does it take to have .ea? Regards On 6/20/07, kictanet-request(a)kictanet.or.ke <kictanet-request(a)kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > > Send kictanet mailing list submissions to > kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > kictanet-request(a)kictanet.or.ke > > You can reach the person managing the list at > kictanet-owner(a)kictanet.or.ke > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of kictanet digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: www.east-africa.ea (Bill Kagai) > 2. OpenSource society (judy okite) > 3. Re: www.east-africa.ea (Badru Ntege) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2007 10:00:25 +0300 > From: "Bill Kagai" <mediacorp.research(a)mediacorp.co.ke> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] www.east-africa.ea > To: "Kenya ICT Action Network - KICTANet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> > Message-ID: > <5c0c81830706200000t53f6ef9cy5321d20ffe743f2(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > > Perhaps what is important is to ensure we do not get tangled in > logistics and endless debate over the [.ea] domain with Melila and > Ceuta. An alternative can be an ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 extension [.eac] > for [.EastAfricaCommunity] which I have checked is still unclaimed. > > I do not hold any copyright to the [.eac] or [.ea] idea so if KICTANET > or any of its members can run with it, it will be beneficial to > me...because I will reach a bigger market for my stock information > subscription without the public fret that [.ke] is taking all the > business in East Africa. > > Michuki...I therefore see [.eac] as an aggressive business strategy > complimenting [.ke], [.tz] etc and not as competition. > > Alice...If KICTANET knows some influential people at the East Africa > Community Secretariat in Arusha, maybe they can help get things into > second gear with ICANN?? > > Bill > > On 6/20/07, Michuki Mwangi <michuki(a)kenic.or.ke> wrote: > > Dear All, > > > > It has taken the .EU over 4 years to have it in place. Its taken > > similary .ASIA the equivalent to have theirs in place. > > .EA is entered into the IS0-3166-1 standards table and reserved as the > > country code for Ceuta and Melilla. > > > > Hence for ICANN to issue a two letter code, it has to be in the > > ISO-3166-1 table. > > > > There are other requirements that also have to be met for the process to > > be completed. It requires intense collaboration amongst members of the > > community to see the application approved by ICANN. > > > > For whats it worth its some discussions that we have been having amongst > > ourselves and there are challenges to this effect. > > > > First line of thought is are we at a point ready to thrown in > > competition to our national ccTLDs?. > > > > If to compare with the EU, most ccTLD's within the region are well > > established with over 100,000 domain names - hence very financially > > stable. In our region, none of the 3 ccTLDs are above 10,000 domains. > > Can the ccTLDs compete with the .EA or its equivalent?. > > > > Or is the thinking line that we may eventually move to a political > > federation and hence no need of the .KE, .TZ, .UG, .RW, .BI et al. > > > > Regards, > > > > > > Kagwe James wrote: > > > Anything can change I guess and with the current waves of regional > > > integrations ICANN may have to reconsider its hard stance on this and > > > create another classification of regional top level domains (RTLD) > just > > > like the CCTLD's, or something like that. > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > > From: kictanet-bounces+jkagwe=aforbes.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke > > > [mailto:kictanet-bounces+jkagwe=aforbes.co.ke@kictanet.or.ke] On > Behalf > > > Of Kai Wulff > > > Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 6:58 AM > > > To: Kagwe James > > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] www.east-africa.ea > > > > > > Well, > > > > > > there is .EU .. And take it from me, they are not very organized .. > > > > > > Kai > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > From: <jmanthi(a)gmail.com> > > > To: <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke> > > > Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 23:00 > > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] www.east-africa.ea > > > > > > > > >> This would be a very good thing and would very popular with those > > >> businesses that need to do businesses within EA. > > >> > > >> But at those time I think it would be very impossible because ICANN > > > rules > > >> basicaaly say that country extensions (EA) can only be given to > > >> politically organized countries. > > >> > > >> My 2 cents. > > >> > > >> Joe > > >> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry > > >> > > >> -----Original Message----- > > >> From: "Bill Kagai" <mediacorp.research(a)mediacorp.co.ke> > > >> > > >> Date: Tue, 19 Jun 2007 22:03:29 > > >> To:Joseph Manthi <jmanthi(a)gmail.com> > > >> Subject: [kictanet] www.east-africa.ea > > >> > > >> > > >> For those in the know, how feasible is introducing a dot [EA] domain. > > >> With a lucrative market population of 109 million after adding Rwanda > > >> and Burundi into East Africa Community...is it possible to have one > > >> website with a [.ea] domain instead of having 5 websites for [.ke], > > >> [.ug], [.tz], [.rw] and [.bi]?? And may be soon [.southsudan]?? > > >> > > >> -- > > >> With Kind Regards, > > >> Bildad Kagai > > >> MD - MediaCorp Limited > > >> Suite B2, Tetu Apartments > > >> StateHouse Avenue > > >> P. O. Box 20311-00200 > > >> Tel. 254 20 272 8332 > > >> URL. www.mediacorp.co.ke > > >> -- > > >> > > >> _______________________________________________ > > >> 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/jmanthi%40gmail.com > > >> _______________________________________________ > > >> 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/kai.wulff%40kdn.co.ke > > >> > > >> -- > > >> This message has been scanned for viruses and > > >> dangerous content by MailScanner, and is > > >> believed to be clean. > > >> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > -- > > Michuki Mwangi > > KENIC > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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/mediacorp.research%40mediaco… > > > > > -- > -- > With Kind Regards, > Bildad Kagai > MD - MediaCorp Limited > Suite B2, Tetu Apartments > StateHouse Avenue > P. O. Box 20311-00200 > Tel. 254 20 272 8332 > URL. www.mediacorp.co.ke > -- > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2007 01:05:26 -0700 (PDT) > From: judy okite <judyokite(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: [kictanet] OpenSource society > To: kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > Message-ID: <20070620080526.64393.qmail(a)web53907.mail.re2.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 > > Listers, for those in the opensource society and may > wish to showcase their expertise and network with > other experts worlwide .....www.linux.conf.au is where > its all happening. Kind Regards, > > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > Don't pick lemons. > See all the new 2007 cars at Yahoo! Autos. > http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2007 11:08:55 +0300 > From: Badru Ntege <ntegeb(a)one2net.co.ug> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] www.east-africa.ea > To: Kenya ICT Action Network - KICTANet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> > Message-ID: <4678E097.90008(a)one2net.co.ug> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > > Michuki Mwangi wrote: > > > > Or is the thinking line that we may eventually move to a political > > federation and hence no need of the .KE, .TZ, .UG, .RW, .BI et al. > > > > Regards, > > > > > Michuki I think that's the idea I also do believe that we are in the > early days for all the cctld's and looking at the low penetration > accross the board i do think they will be able to co-exist. > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > End of kictanet Digest, Vol 28, Issue 40 > **************************************** > -- Barrack O. Otieno Project Manager Project Discovery P.o. Box 21386 Nairobi 00100 Tel:+254721325277 www.projectdiscovery.or.ke

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Re: [kictanet] www.east-africa.ea
by Kagwe James 20 Jun '07

20 Jun '07

Anything can change I guess and with the current waves of regional integrations ICANN may have to reconsider its hard stance on this and create another classification of regional top level domains (RTLD) just like the CCTLD's, or something like that. -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+jkagwe=aforbes.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+jkagwe=aforbes.co.ke@kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Kai Wulff Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 6:58 AM To: Kagwe James Subject: Re: [kictanet] www.east-africa.ea Well, there is .EU .. And take it from me, they are not very organized .. Kai ----- Original Message ----- From: <jmanthi(a)gmail.com> To: <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke> Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 23:00 Subject: Re: [kictanet] www.east-africa.ea > This would be a very good thing and would very popular with those > businesses that need to do businesses within EA. > > But at those time I think it would be very impossible because ICANN rules > basicaaly say that country extensions (EA) can only be given to > politically organized countries. > > My 2 cents. > > Joe > Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry > > -----Original Message----- > From: "Bill Kagai" <mediacorp.research(a)mediacorp.co.ke> > > Date: Tue, 19 Jun 2007 22:03:29 > To:Joseph Manthi <jmanthi(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [kictanet] www.east-africa.ea > > > For those in the know, how feasible is introducing a dot [EA] domain. > With a lucrative market population of 109 million after adding Rwanda > and Burundi into East Africa Community...is it possible to have one > website with a [.ea] domain instead of having 5 websites for [.ke], > [.ug], [.tz], [.rw] and [.bi]?? And may be soon [.southsudan]?? > > -- > With Kind Regards, > Bildad Kagai > MD - MediaCorp Limited > Suite B2, Tetu Apartments > StateHouse Avenue > P. O. Box 20311-00200 > Tel. 254 20 272 8332 > URL. www.mediacorp.co.ke > -- > > _______________________________________________ > 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/jmanthi%40gmail.com > _______________________________________________ > 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/kai.wulff%40kdn.co.ke > > -- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > > -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. _______________________________________________ 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/jkagwe%40aforbes.co.ke

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OpenSource society
by judy okite 20 Jun '07

20 Jun '07

Listers, for those in the opensource society and may wish to showcase their expertise and network with other experts worlwide .....www.linux.conf.au is where its all happening. Kind Regards, ____________________________________________________________________________________ Don't pick lemons. See all the new 2007 cars at Yahoo! Autos. http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html

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www.east-africa.ea
by Bill Kagai 20 Jun '07

20 Jun '07

For those in the know, how feasible is introducing a dot [EA] domain. With a lucrative market population of 109 million after adding Rwanda and Burundi into East Africa Community...is it possible to have one website with a [.ea] domain instead of having 5 websites for [.ke], [.ug], [.tz], [.rw] and [.bi]?? And may be soon [.southsudan]?? -- With Kind Regards, Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited Suite B2, Tetu Apartments StateHouse Avenue P. O. Box 20311-00200 Tel. 254 20 272 8332 URL. www.mediacorp.co.ke --

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CCK Internet Study- Online Deliberation Week1 Summaries
by John Walubengo 19 Jun '07

19 Jun '07

Dear Listers, We are now concluding the report on the previously held online discussions. Plse go through the summarised comments and we welcome and corrections, modifications or additions before end of day Wed 20th June 2007. Below Week 1 Summaries. Week 1 Summary. Day 1:Background Concepts/Overview Mr. J. Walubengo gave an overview of the Internet Study report saying that it aimed to establish the status of Internet Infrastructure, Internet Affordability and Internet Use & Dispersion in Kenya. He reported that the study had various recommendations aimed at improving on the above internet indicators. This included amongst others; getting the government intervention in extending the domestic internet infrastructure, introducing further competition both within the Fixed Line and Mobile subsectors, utilizing the Universal access fund to extend Internet reach, promoting creation and use of local content as well as supporting Consumer Awareness initiatives. Mr. A. Gakuru lauded the study as well as its ecommendations but noted that a similar study would be required that focused on the demand-side rather than the Supply-side of the internet market. He was glad that the Regulator was finally making deliberate efforts to support consumer awareness initiatives. He wondered if naming and shaming those ISPs that failed to route traffic through the local internet exchange point (KIXP) would help in enhancing the use of KIXP. Day 2: International & Domestic Bandwidth Usage In his opening remarks, Mr. Walubengo said that the report indicated that the International Internet Traffic was skewed (90%) towards external sources (content). Kenya was a net importer of Internet content and was therefore a consumer rather than a creator of Internet content. Value (economic or otherwise) goes to the creators of Internet Content and Kenya should aim to be a generator rather than just consumers of Internet Content. Mr. M. Michuki observed that most Kenyans visited external sources due to lack of local content. He suggested that ISPs should come up with pricing smodels that encouraged the creation of and access to local content. For example, geo-specific tariffs could be designed that would deliberately make it cheaper to access local (.KE) conent i.e. users could be charged less if and when they accessed or used local services(local websites, emails, etc) as opposed to foreign services. In addition, ISPs could come up with time-based tariffs that took advantage of the traffic models registered on the KIXP i.e. provide even lower rates for local content during evenings and weekends.He however conceded that Online Government Services, eHealth, eBanking, eLearning, etc would have to be in place in order to make such pricing models successful. Mr. J. Ngunjiri added that training or capacity building initiatives must also be supported to further gaurantee the success of the initiative. Day 3: Hierarchy of Internet Service Providers (IGO,ISP) The Internet Study Report recommended that the seperation between Internet Gateway Operators (IGO) and Internet Service Providers be dissolved with expected results being cheaper and higher quality services. In his opening remarks, Mr. Walubengo asked members to react to this recommendation. Lucy Kimani wondered if IGO would be able to cope with the technical and administrative overheads experienced by ISPs such as a larger number of customer accounts, increased need for support services, etc. She added that the cost of services may not come necessarily come down as expected due to the need to cover such overheads. Mr. Walubengo cited the case of TKL (Telkom Kenya) who are currently operating at both the Gateway and the ISP level without significant cost reductions in their Internet Service. Mr. S. Buruchara felt that historically, ISPs have had a rough time in trying to set up their own Internet Gateway Operations - having been forced by regulation to route their traffic through expensive and monopolistic Internet Gateways. He argued that if the upstream providers (IGO) were expensive, it was only natural that these costs would be passed downstream to the consumers. In addition, he noted that even todate the Licensing requirements were still prohibitive (expensive) for ISPs to move into the IGO level and if they did, they may need to recoup their (Licensing & other) investments at the expense of offering cheaper Internet Access rates. Mr. Kai Wulff commented that giving ISPs the IGO facilities may not necessarily reduce prices, citing case of Uganda where internet costs are still high despite many ISPs having IGO facilities. Day 4: Statistics on Infrastructure The report indicated that ISPs (internet services) were only operating in 30% of the districts in Kenya. The leased line services were mainly concentrated in urban centers (NRB & MSA) meaning that Internet Infrastructure was clearly challenged and the Report urges Government to intervene by leading the build-up of Internet/Network infrastructure accross the country. In her reaction, Alice Munyua, said that a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach must be made to avoid having infrastructure that would eventually serve no purpose. Aggressive infrastructure build up without content would be an exercise in futility since the internet pipes would be idle and underutilised most of the time. She added that additional initiatives such as Construction and Supply of Electrical Power, Literacy Initiatives, Local Content and 'Demand-side' Internet Requirements must move side by side with the infrastructure roll-out. ==Ends==== walu. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check. Try the Yahoo! 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Yahoo! News Story - Google' s breakneck changes stoke privacy fears - Yahoo! News
by John Walubengo 19 Jun '07

19 Jun '07

John Walubengo (jwalu(a)yahoo.com) has sent you a news article. (Email address has not been verified.) ------------------------------------------------------------ Personal message: mmmmHhhh.... looks like Mucheru has truly jumped into the deep-end of the information society. walu. Google's breakneck changes stoke privacy fears - Yahoo! News http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070618/wr_nm/privacy_google_dc_4 ============================================================ Yahoo! News http://news.yahoo.com/

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Safaricom lowers call charges]
by alice 19 Jun '07

19 Jun '07

Safaricom lowers call charges ------------------------------------------------------------------------ By Brian Adero Just days after the Government ignored calls to lower excise tax on mobile airtime, Safaricom has announced major reductions in its calling rates. The changes, which take effect immediately, affect all of the mobile firm's tariffs and include cuts for calls to other networks. They come two weeks before a Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) deadline for telecommunications firms to lower their base charges for calls across networks (interconnect charges). Subscribers using prepaid services will now save up to 38 per cent, while those on post-paid plans will spend 20 per cent less for calls to other Safaricom subscribers. Charges for calls to other networks are down up to 50 per cent. The changes are the single most significant step in lowering calling rates since rival network Celtel Kenya introduced a tariff offering a flat rate of Sh16 to all networks. Chief Executive Officer, Mr Michael Joseph, said the lower rates were introduced in response to customers' demands. "We want to make sure that everybody can afford to use a mobile phone," Joseph said. Safaricom said it has reduced the cost of calls to rival networks from a high of Sh50 per minute on one tariff, to Sh25 during off peak periods and Sh30 during peak periods. The company has also reduced the cost of text messages within the network from Sh5 per message to Sh3.50 during peak periods and Sh2.50 during off peak periods. Call set up fees and daily access fees have also been scrapped as the firm shoots for "simpler and more affordable tariffs". * No effect on revenue * A Celtel Kenya communications officer says the firm is also planning further cuts. "Safaricom has just reacted to the deadline given by CCK directing them to reduce the interconnect charges by June 30," he said. "We are working on our study and strategy and will unveil them to our customers soon." Joseph said the reductions would not affect Safaricom's revenue because the company expects an increase in its subscriber base, which was 5.5 million as at February 1. The six-year-old mobile operator last year reported a 45 per cent increase in pre-tax profits to Sh12.2 billion, making it the region's most profitable company. The profits were made off 3.9 million subscribers, about 1.5 million fewer than the company has today. Joseph attributes Safaricom's growth to a significantly increased network rollout in rural areas as well as the popularity of its low-denomination airtime credit voucher, 'Bamba 50'. On June 5, Safaricom and its sole competitor, Celtel Kenya, asked the Government to remove or cut a 10 per cent excise duty charged on airtime for mobile phones in the annual budget presented by Finance minister, Mr Amos Kimunya, on June 14. Kimunya neither reduced nor abolished the tax. "We are still going to continue lobbying for reduction in excise tax because as both our competitor and ourselves have said, taxes on airtime are very high," Joseph said. In addition to the excise duty, the Government levies a value added tax of 16 per cent on the cost of mobile phone calls. Analysts say mobile airtime is a relatively 'price inelastic' good (demand remains the same for a range of prices), so Government can raise taxes off it without significantly hindering growth. Vodafone effectively owns 35 per cent of Safaricom, while the Government holds 60 per cent through Telkom Kenya. A five per cent stake is held by Mobitelea Ventures, a Guernsey-registered company whose ownership is unknown. 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Fwd: EFF: Court Protects Email from Secret Government Searches
by Alex Gakuru 19 Jun '07

19 Jun '07

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: WWWhatsup <joly(a)punkcast.com> Date: Jun 19, 2007 3:36 AM Subject: [isoc-ny] EFF: Court Protects Email from Secret Government Searches To: isoc-ny(a)yahoogroups.com, discuss(a)isoc-ny.org Electronic Frontier Foundation Media Release For Immediate Release: Monday, June 18, 2007 Contact: Kevin Bankston Staff Attorney Electronic Frontier Foundation bankston(a)eff.org +1 415 436-9333 x126 Court Protects Email from Secret Government Searches Landmark Ruling Gives Email Same Constitutional Protections as Phone Calls San Francisco - The government must have a search warrant before it can secretly seize and search emails stored by email service providers, according to a landmark ruling Monday in the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The court found that email users have the same reasonable expectation of privacy in their stored email as they do in their telephone calls -- the first circuit court ever to make that finding. Over the last 20 years, the government has routinely used the federal Stored Communications Act (SCA) to secretly obtain stored email from email service providers without a warrant. But today's ruling -- closely following the reasoning in an amicus brief filed the by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and other civil liberties groups -- found that the SCA violates the Fourth Amendment. "Email users expect that their Hotmail and Gmail inboxes are just as private as their postal mail and their telephone calls," said EFF Staff Attorney Kevin Bankston. "The government tried to get around this common-sense conclusion, but the Constitution applies online as well as offline, as the court correctly found. That means that the government can't secretly seize your emails without a warrant." Warshak v. United States was brought in the Southern District of Ohio federal court by Steven Warshak to stop the government's repeated secret searches and seizures of his stored email using the SCA. The district court ruled that the government cannot use the SCA to obtain stored email without a warrant or prior notice to the email account holder, but the government appealed that ruling to the 6th Circuit. EFF served as an amicus in the case, joined by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Democracy & Technology. Law professors Susan Freiwald and Patricia Bellia also submitted an amicus brief, and the case was successfully argued at the 6th Circuit by Warshak's counsel Martin Weinberg. For the full ruling in Warshak v. United States: http://eff.org/legal/cases/warshak_v_usa/ 6th_circuit_decision_upholding_injunction.pdf For EFF's resources on the case, including its amicus brief: http://www.eff.org/legal/cases/warshak_v_usa/ For this release: http://www.eff.org/news/archives/2007_06.php#005321 About EFF The Electronic Frontier Foundation is the leading civil liberties organization working to protect rights in the digital world. Founded in 1990, EFF actively encourages and challenges industry and government to support free expression and privacy online. EFF is a member-supported organization and maintains one of the most linked-to websites in the world at http://www.eff.org/ ---------------------------------------------------------- WWWhatsup NYC http://pinstand.com - http://punkcast.com ---------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------- Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games. --------------------------------- It's here! Your new message! Get new email alerts with the free Yahoo! Toolbar.

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CCK Internet Study- Online Deliberation Week2&3 Summaries
by John Walubengo 18 Jun '07

18 Jun '07

Dear Listers, We are now concluding the report on the above previously held Online discussion. Plse go through the summarised comments and we welcome any corrections, modifications or additions before end of day Wed 20th June 2007. Below Week 2&3 Summaries. Theme-Hierarchy of Providers Joseph Mucheru felt that the Internet Market Structure had not been sufficiently regulated to ensure the players (ISP & IGO) kept to the terms and conditions of their licence. He pointed out that whereas the current licensing regime stipulates that IGO do not do direct retail to consumers, this was not the case in practice. ISPs were also not expected to build their infrastructure since they were expected to lease capacity from the PDNOs but this was not the case in practise. Mucheru said that the industry had deteriorated to a level where all players are doing everything and anything to for profit gain and it was costing the country in terms of failure to leverage on the economies of scale had the licensing terms and conditions been adopted. Basically, Trust between IGOs, PDNO & ISP has been lost, making it very difficult to build economically efficient Internet Networks. Eric Osiakwan agreed by adding that the duplication of effort by the players results in enormous costs that are eventually dropped onto the Consumers. Theme- Statistics on Affordability Mucheru said that the main obstacles towards affordable internet services included the costs of the equipment, namely Modems, Satellite dishes, the PC and Installation Costs. However, given more users, these costs are likely to come down. Kai Wulff felt that the key thing to bringing down internet costs lay in developing local content- thus reducing the need to rely on international (external) content which in turn implied buying international bandwidth. Joan Walumbe said that awareness of Internet benefits particularly for the rural communities was necessary to create demand. Fatma Bashir agreed with Joans observation and added that there was a need to build information centers in the rural sector that could informally train users on the Internet. She commended KDNs initiative to link secondary schools to the Internet, saying that it would create a virtuous cycle where parents, their children and entrepreneurs can simultaneously benefit from the Internet. However, James Rege cautioned that Fiber alone could not address the Access component and other technologies will need to adopted for the last mile, such as WiMax, Wifi, Satellite amongst others. Florence Etta said that last mile solutions had a complex web of actors, services and possibilities and should be well planned and provisioned preferably with support from cheap sources of funding such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) Njenga MP said that considering most rural families lacked significant disposable incomes, it would be better to serve them using the Universal Service Fund which would subsidise their communication costs. But Wainaina Mungai argued that the rural community is actually not so financially indisposed particularly if their uptake for mobile telephony was anything to go by. He said that given the right access that focused on value-adding activities for their rural lifestyles, their Internet uptake will easily exceed expectations - along the same lines as their uptake for mobile telephony has. Dr. Bitange Ndemo felt that one way of making services available was by government providing the infrastructure on Open Access basis. He cited the case of the domestic link between the two Cities of Nairobi and Mombasa saying that the cost of bandwidth on this route was exorbitant despite the existing competition. Kai Wulff argued that the cost of the service was a function of usage and prices would essentially go down once usage picks up. But Brian Longwe interjected by saying usage was also a function of price, thus presenting what Eric Osiakwan referred to as the classic chicken and egg problem. In such a case, Eric said, it is always better for the Private Sector to take the business risk of adopting what Dr. Ndemo referred to as the concept of low prices high volume business models. Michael Joseph reminded members that it was worth noting that pricing was not the only key factor but service delivery, reliability, availability need to be considered. In general, industry standard Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that would encourage Operators to lease more bandwidth capacity from the upstream providers were critical. As Operators, he said, they will be needing more and more transmission capacity both within and outside the country and were therefore looking seriously at all the various proposals that are evolving. In particular, he said, they were looking forward to reviewing the detailed plans for the Regional FiberOptic network, including dates or termination points, pricing etc so as make their plan accordingly. Theme Statistics on Dispersion. Kai felt that the recent push by Government with the World Bank assistance in building internet infrastructure was presenting unfair competition to the private sector. He gave the example of the obvious failure by Government in providing fixed line services to the citizens through their public utility company Telkom Kenya. He argued that using the same approach in building domestic optical fiber infrastructure may lead to similar experiences, namely, little or no access, expensive and unreliable services. He strongly felt that Government should let the Private sector drive the build-up of the domestic fiber and furthermore, he expected that Government should be the largest consumer of the Private Sector build infrastructure. Becky Wanjiku, wondered if the Government could work in partnership with the Private Sector, by way of having MOUs that enabled Government to fund the communications projects while the private sector implemented and operated them. But Wanaina Mungai preferred that World-Bank type of Funding would be best accorded to Community Based Organisations (CBOs) but if given to Private Sector, then there would be need to ensure that the Profit motive is moderated. Lucy Kimani felt that both Government and Private Sector had a role in developing infrastructure. She said that both may however have different but justifiable reasons for getting involved. Private Sector may be keen in focusing in the urban (quicker return) areas whereas the Government had an obligation to ensure communication services reached all areas including more often than not, the non-economic, rural areas. Fatma said that the Government should however take on the key role of building capacity by way of providing roaming-digital-kiosks that would enlighten the users and stimulate demand for the Internet Services. Alice Munyua said that there was nothing wrong in the Government taking the lead in providing or building domestic fiber backbones. She cited the case of the Malaysian Government which built the Malaysian Super Corridor (MSC) which is a national information superhighway at cost of USD40 Billion. She added that Private sector would still have a role to play, particularly at the content, application and tech-skill levels. Eric Osiakwan said that it would be wrong to outrightly discourage Government intervention in Infrastructure development because it has had different results in different countries. He cited Turkey where he said that the Government intervention through the Turkish public utility company lead to massive expansion of Internet Services, but acknowledged that the same could not be said in the case for Kenya. Dr. Bitange Ndemo said that the purpose of the World Bank Loan was to stimulate demand a head of cheap bandwidth from the fibre cable. Areas that needed this type of stimulation include Rural ICT Centres, the Government, Universities and Colleges and BPOs. He added that the procurement of subsidized bandwidth will be done openly where all operators would have a chance. This does not in anyway compromise any Private sector initiatives because they would be paid the market rate of bandwidth. He explained that the participation of Government in construction of Terrestrial fibre networks and the undersea cable was to fast track availability of cheap bandwidth that would in turn help the economy to grow faster. Secondly, he said that Kenya needed an Open Access model that would help SMEs in the country to compete with the big Operators, like Jamii Telecom, KDN and the rest.. He added that the Private sector had failed to provide the necessary infrastructure for economic development and no Private Operator had shown interest in rural Kenya until the Government made the business case for rural ICTs. He however assured the Private Sector that Government had no interest in competing with them. Government role was to facilitate development. Infrastructure in the ICT Sector had lagged behind and what the Government was doing was simply to facilitate its development and leave the Private Sector to compete in an Open Access platform. He reiterated that Government had the obligation to enable every Kenyan citizen to play a role in economic development especially the SMEs that constitute 95% of businesses in the country. He concluded by saying that there was absolutely nothing wrong with borrowing from the WB to stimulate demand for the investment Government was making in the ICT sector. Some of the funds would be used to develop capacity to utilize ICTs and development of local content. Essentially, Government was simply stimulating demand that would become consumers of Private Sector products. Alex Gakuru gave a general reaction that touched on both Affordability and Dispersion Issues. On local content, he suggested that all government departments should now be having web content while KENIC should be encouraged to bring down their domain registrations fees. On the demand issue, he urged Operators to think outside their traditional markets and start enlisting new communities such as Church Ministries amongst others. On Education, he said there maybe need to seek for trust funds to continuously educate Users while on Infrastructure, he commended the Government on their move to facilitate a national reach for communications. Harry Hare added that ICT Infrastructure development should actually be elevated to the same level as National Road or Power Infrastructure. Infact, he suggested, that all the three, ICT, Road and Power Infrastructure should be planned in sync to avoid duplication of effort where the ICT people are often seen digging up through roads that were constructed with little or no provision for Data-ducts. Theme - Impact of the Recommendations Alex Gakuru supported most of the recommendations but cautioned against any Government takeover of the KIXP. Eric wondered why the Regulator would be building the Infrastructure but Professor Meoli Kashorda corrected the misconception by saying that it was the Government that had been tasked with that exercise. He further elaborated what was meant by a National Information Infrastructure (NII). He said that a NII was actually an ICT strategy that was aligned to the national strategic economic plans (ref Singapore, Mauritius, China NII ). That is, NII aligns the national economic/development strategy with the national ICT strategy (rather than just policy). He added that, that was the only way to translate infrastructure to traffic and therefore revenue for the operators. Brain Longwe also supported most of the recommendations with cautions on a few. In particular, on the issue of dissolving the separation between ISPs and IGOs, he was of the idea that it would be better to start a fresh licensing regime subsequent to a stakeholders meeting that discussed what the future internet market would look like. The new licensing regime should then aim at structuring the critical areas within such a vision while being fairly open with the non-crtical areas On SLAs, he felt that it was easier to stipulate the Internet standard but it maybe quite a challenge to monitor the same for enforcement. ====Ends==== walu. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Luggage? GPS? Comic books? Check out fitting gifts for grads at Yahoo! Search http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=oni_on_mail&p=graduation+gifts&cs=bz

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Vacancy: Chief Executive Officer for UbuntuNet Alliance
by Tiwonge Msulira Banda 18 Jun '07

18 Jun '07

Dear Colleagues, ** *Vacancy: C**hief Executive Officer for UbutuNet Alliance* ** The UbuntuNet Alliance wishes to appoint an enthusiastic and self motivated person as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This is a full-time senior post, with a competitive salary package. The CEO will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. The Alliance is a registered non-profit association of African National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), established in the latter half of 2005 with the vision of delivering very high speed – gigabits (Gbps) connectivity between research and education institutions throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The CEO, who reports to the Management Board, will fulfill the vision of the Alliance by carrying out the following duties: - Develop and implement the UbuntuNet Alliance's strategy - Support governance processes - Manage operations - Develop and sustain relations with the research and education networking community throughout sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide - Sustain relations with donor foundations - Sustain and develop relations with suppliers - Establish the Alliance's head office and secretariat in Nairobi. The applicant should have the ability to work independently and as part of a team in building the African Research and Education Backbone. Applicants with strong academic credentials and 3 years experience in senior network management will have an added advantage. Full details about The Alliance and the post can be obtained from the website, *www.ubuntunet.net* or contact Margaret Ngwira, email: * mengwira(a)kcn.unima.mw.* If you are interested in applying for this position, send your CV and a covering letter to Margaret Ngwira, Secretary, Ubuntunet Alliance, email: * mengwira(a)kcn.unima.mw*. cc *ceo(a)tenet.ac.za* or fax +265 1 756 090. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 6 July 2006. Kind regards, Tiwonge -- Tiwonge Msulira Banda UbuntuNet Alliance Secretariat University of Malawi Private Bag 1, Lilongwe, Malawi. http://www.ubuntunet.net Cell: 265 9 340740 Fax: 265 1 756090

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National e-Government Strategies: Designing for Success - 19 June 2007
by Harry Hare 18 Jun '07

18 Jun '07

Dear Colleagues, The World Bank office in Nairobi has kindly availed their facility for those interested in participating in a videoconference is titled "National e-Government Strategies: Designing for Success" which is to take place tomorrow June 19th at 9:00 - 11:30 am EST, which is 4pm here. This VC is organized in partnership with USAID/USTTI and Development Gateway Foundation. The event will feature several leading experts from India, Singapore, U.S., Kenya and World Bank who will engage in a discussion with country clients. The event description is below and more information is available at: http://go.worldbank.org/KYLN3DZF40 A great number of governments have now developed e-Government strategies and are at various stages of implementation. While a significant amount of attention has been given in the past to identifying the key components of e-Government strategies and identifying best practices, little attention has been given to the processes involved in the design of such strategies. Recognizing that the process of designing an e-Government strategy is perhaps as important if not more important than the resulting document, this event will be an opportunity to learn from three different country perspectives. The speakers will address the process of designing successful national e-Government strategies, focusing on the following questions: Why is it important to have well-designed e-Government Strategies? Why might the process be as important as the final document? What constitutes successful e-Government strategies? What are the key ingredients? How should governments go about designing e-Government strategies? What are the steps and processes that are essential not only to the elaboration of the strategy, but also to its successful implementation? The VC room at the Bank can accommodate just a few people, and we have been given about 15 spaces which shall be allocated on a first come first served basis. Due to security issues at the Bank's offices, we have to submit the names of those interested by 1pm tomorrow. So if you are interested in participating, pls send me an email by 1pm tomorrow 19th June 2007. My apologies for the short notice and we look forward to your participation! Best regards, Harry Hare African eDevelopment Resource Centre

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is your website relevant?
by Rebecca Wanjiku 18 Jun '07

18 Jun '07

only 10% of kenyan websites have relevant content- Michuki Having a website maybe the most fashionable thing for many Kenyan companies, but how many websites are relevant? How many have content that is important to local people? Michuki Mwangi, Chief Executive Officer at KENIC reckons that 90% of the websites in Kenya are irrelevant and user unfriendly. The 10% are under construction, and remain so for a long time. At the monthly forum, Michuki indicted many organizations of developing websites that dont give visitors reason to come back, because they have same information after three years. Less than 50 % of the content of the web is irrelevant and does not address the core functions of the organizations, said Michuki. For instance, Nakumatt Holdings website; it has a slide show of buildings, information about the company and very little about the products available and the prices. Uchumi website has information about products and the prices but is limited to products on special offer. Compared to Tesco super market in the UK- all the walkways are listed, groceries, finance, media information occupies less space, and maximizes on their core business. The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) website is equally incapable of providing flight information, parking costs and directions to and from the airport. The website does not load up easily and has more information on tourism compared to its core functions. With the website being labeled as off the mark, one participant commented that even the boards at the airport do not work. compare to the British Airports Authority website- it has flight information, how to leave from one airport to the next, car park direction and fees, security alerts among other features. Telkom scored higher marks, had all the information about their services, loads fast but there is no way to purchase the services online, one has to fill forms and visit agents to get services. Michuki argued that the main problem lies in the fact that websites have been labeled as IT jobs and are only there, not to help in marketing. In this respect, many organizations leave website management to their IT departments and do nothing to improve on the content available. To redress this, organizations need to identify right target group, build online social networks, and collaborations between academia, media and government to ensure that content is generated. ends Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Need Mail bonding? Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users.

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[Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Warnings of 'internet overload']
by alice 17 Jun '07

17 Jun '07

BBC NEWS Warnings of 'internet overload' By Spencer Kelly Click presenter As the flood of data across the internet continues to increase, there are those that say sometime soon it is going to collapse under its own weight. But that is what they said last year. Back in the early 90s, those of us that were online were just sending text e-mails of a few bytes each, traffic across the main US data lines was estimated at a few terabytes a month, steadily doubling every year. But the mid 90s saw the arrival of picture-rich websites, and the invention of the MP3. Suddenly each net user wanted megabytes of pictures and music, and the monthly traffic figure exploded. For the next few years we saw more steady growth with traffic again roughly doubling every year. But since 2003, we have seen another change in the way we use the net. The YouTube generation want to stream video, and download gigabytes of data in one go. "In one day YouTube sends data equivalent to 75 billion e-mails, so it's clearly very different," said Phil Smith, head of technology and corporate marketing at Cisco Systems. "The network is growing up, is starting to get more capacity than it ever had, but it is a challenge. "Video is real-time, it needs to not have mistakes or errors. E-mail can be a little slow. You wouldn't notice if it was 11 seconds rather than ten, but you would notice that on a video." Spending our inheritance Perhaps unsurprisingly, every year someone says the internet is going to collapse under the weight of the traffic. Looking at the figures, that seems a reasonable prediction. "Back in the days of the dotcom boom in the late 90s, billions of dollars were invested around the world in laying cables," said net expert Bill Thompson. "Then there was the crash of 2000 and since then we've been spending that inheritance, using that capacity, growing services to fill the space that was left over by all those companies that went out of business." Router reliability Much more high-speed optic fibre has been laid than we currently need, and scientists are confident that each strand can be pushed to carry almost limitless amounts of data in the form of light. But long before a backbone wire itself gets overloaded, the strain may begin to show on the devices at either end - the routers. "If we take a backbone link across the Atlantic, there's billions of bits of data arriving every second and it's all got to go to different destinations," explained Mr Thompson. The real issue that people are going to face, and are already noticing at home, is that ISPs are starting to cut back on the bandwidth that is available to people in their homes Bill Thompson, net expert "The router sits at the end of that very high speed link and decides where each small piece of data has to go. That's not a difficult computational task, but it has to make millions of decisions a second." The manufacturer of most of the world's routers is Cisco. When I pushed them on the subject of router overload, they were understandably confident. "Routers have come a long way since they started," said Mr Smith. "The routers we're talking about now can handle 92 terabits per second. "We have enough capacity to do that and drive a billion phone calls from those same people who are playing a video game at the same time they're having a text chat." Congestion Even if the routers can continue to take what the fibre delivers, there is another problem - the internet is not all fibre. A lot of the end connections, the ones that go to our individual home computers, are made of decades-old copper. "The real issue that people are going to face, and are already noticing at home, is that ISPs are starting to cut back on the bandwidth that is available to people in their homes," said Mr Thompson. "They call it bandwidth shaping." "They do this because they have a limited capacity to deliver to 100 or 200 homes, and if everybody's using the internet at the same time then the whole thing starts to get congested. Before that happens they cut back on the heavy users." Obstacles But digital meltdown is not the only threat facing the net. There are other, more sudden, real world hazards which the net has to protect against. Anything from terror attacks to, would you believe it shark bites, can and have taken out major links and routers. It only takes an earthquake, as we saw at the end of last year, to take out a significant segment of internet infrastructure Paul Wood, MessageLabs "There's a perception that the internet is very resilient," said Paul Wood, senior analyst of security firm MessageLabs. "The way it was designed means that if any particular part of it is disrupted then the traffic will find another route. "It only takes an earthquake, as we saw at the end of last year, to take out a significant segment of internet infrastructure. Then the traffic finds another route, but it goes over a very slow route, which then becomes saturated and can't handle the bandwidth. Then you lose the traffic and that part of the world goes dark for a while." For decades the internet has kept pace with our demands on it. And demand continues to grow. And the service providers will continue to insist that the net will survive, and the doomsayers will continue to insist that it is just about to collapse. Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/programmes/click_online/6756899.stm Published: 2007/06/15 14:25:46 GMT (c) BBC MMVII _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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from pirate radio to community radio...
by Rebecca Wanjiku 16 Jun '07

16 Jun '07

when power goes, the radio goes off air.... inspired by a pirate radio in Brazil, Koch Fm started operation as a pirate radio two years ago. last year, the radio got a licence to operate within 2km radius in Korogocho slums. just like many other sectors that depend on the erratic power, the station is in need of a generator. the volunteers have raised money and bought a generator but have not installed it. a company profile with the history and programs will be availed, here is the breakdown of what is needed. 1 piece 3 safe automatic change over = 80,000 24 metres , 10mm twin width earth @140 = 3,360 4 piece roll bolts 8mm @130 each = 520 1 piece concrete earth dip @2000 =2000 1 piece earth rod 4inch @ 550 =550 4bags of cement @ 400 =1,600 1 tonne concrete each = 1,100 1 tonne of sand @1,300= 1,300 4 pieces box iron/ion tube 2x2 each @ 1200= 4,800 3 pieces box iron/ion tube 1x2 @ 950 - 2,850 4 pieces iron sheets 21/2m @ 550 each = 2,200 4 pieces wire mesh @ 1400 = 5,600 2kg hood iron @ 180 =360 3 pieces inches @ 85 = 255 exhaust system @ 7,000 labour and transport = 45,000 testing and communication = 3000 VAT @ 16% = 25, 839 GRAND TOTAL 187,334 Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.

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Govt Opens Kshs 79 Billion Investment Opportunities
by Bill Kagai 16 Jun '07

16 Jun '07

From: MediaCorp.Research(a)mediacorp.co.ke <MediaCorp.Research(a)mediacorp.co.ke > Date: Jun 16, 2007 2:24 PM Subject: Govt Opens Kshs 79 Billion Investment Opportunities To: MediaCorp.Research(a)mediacorp.co.ke Cc: info(a)mediacorp.co.ke Please find attached the NSE Weekly Analytics and our brief précis on the 2007/2008 Budget, where the Government has opened enormous investment opportunities. We shall cover the details next week in our Weekly Analytics. Bildad Kagai MD - MediaCorp Limited 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

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[Fwd: The Drum Beat - 399 - Mobile Telephony]
by alice 16 Jun '07

16 Jun '07

This issue of the Drum Beat takes a closer look at trends, strategies, and initiatives centred around one particular information and communication technology (ICT): the mobile (cellular) telephone. It provides a snapshot of a few of the summaries available on The Communication Initiative website that explore to what extent - and to what end - this ICT is being used in various locales around the world to address a variety of needs and issues. *** CONTEXT & TRENDS 1. Mobile 2007 According to this report from ENTER [Centro de Análisis de la Sociedad de la Información y las Telecommunicaciones], the number of mobile customers throughout the world reached 2.6 billion by the end of 2006, with two-thirds of these customers in a developing country (compared with 50% at the end of 2003). Meanwhile, fixed telephony continues along the downward trend that started in 2002; in 2005, there was a decrease of 2.1% in value terms in the world market as a whole. http://www.comminit.com/redirect.cgi?r=http://www.enter.es/enter/file/espan… 2. Pocket Answer to Digital Divide by Jo Twist According to this article from the BBC, much of the debate about the digital divide centres on finding ways to get computers to individuals in developing countries, but some people argue that existing mobile phone technologies are the way to connect the world. The article states that mobile technology has, for some time, been making a difference in remote, underdeveloped areas where it is difficult and costly to build fixed-line infrastructure and net access. One reason for its success is ease of use and ability to conveniently overcome language and literacy issues. In addition, while internet access requires some level of know-how, such as typing and reading skills, the mobile, in its simplest form, requires voice only. This technology is being used in local communities to find out market prices and other vital information. For example, in Bangladesh, mobiles are being extensively used for e-learning, e-commerce, and e-government. http://www.comminit.com/strategicthinking/st2006/thinking-1513.html 3. Telecommunications: A Dynamic Revolution by David White This November 2006 article traces trends in telephone use in Africa. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), between 2000 and 2005 the number of mobile phone lines in Africa rose from 15.6 to 135 million - a compound annual growth rate of almost 54%, compared with 24% globally. Mobile users account for 83% of Africa's telephone subscribers, a higher proportion than any other region in the world; the World Bank estimates that in most African countries, more than 90% of mobile custom is prepaid. However, mobile network coverage on the continent, averaged at 15%, is still the lowest in the world, varying from 72% in South Africa to 1% in Eritrea, and expansion is expected to be slow. Furthermore, White explains that the rise of the mobile may be masking a number of problems in the continent's communications infrastructure. For instance, Africa's landlines are said to be in a crippled state; main telephone lines have expanded, but at a much slower rate of l! ess than 7% a year, achieving a penetration rate of just 3%; Chad, for instance, has 1 fixed line for 700 people. http://www.comminit.com/trends/ctrends2006/trends-327.html 4. New Trends in Mobile Communications in Latin America by Judith Mariscal and Eugenio Rivera According to this October 2005 paper, Latin America's mobile telephony sector "has experienced a growth pattern that vastly surpassed all expectations." The authors note that, after 1998, the average annual growth of mobile telephony users during the 2000-2003 period was 33% in the region, whereas growth in the case of traditional telephony was only 7%. In fact, "Today, mobile telephony provides the only source of access to some of the poorest segments of the population." For instance, many members of rural Mexican families have migrated to larger cities within Mexico or abroad looking for better salaries, employment, and educational opportunities; increased capacity to communicate is key. http://www.comminit.com/trends/ctrends2006/trends-277.html 5. UK Children Go Online: Final Report of Key Project Findings by Sonia Livingstone and Magdalena Bober This April 2005 report indicates that one key finding from a survey of children and youth aged 9-19 in the United Kingdom (UK) is that the mobile phone is their preferred method of communication - over email, text or instant messaging - for a range of reasons - whether it is passing time, discussing logistics, seeking advice, or gossiping or flirting. http://www.comminit.com/trends/st2005/thinking-1271.html 6. From Matatu to the Masai via Mobile by Paul Mason As part of his journey through Kenya using a map of the country's mobile phone networks as his guide, BBC Newsnight correspondent Paul Mason here traces trends in the use of this ICT to foster economic and social development. Mason explains that today 1 in 3 adults carry a cellphone in Kenya; in the past 5 years the number of mobiles in Kenya has grown from 1 million to 6.5 million. In contrast, the number of landlines remains at about 300,000, mostly in government offices. "About 80% of Kenyans are covered by mobile networks and while it would be easy to find a place off the network, finding people there would be difficult." One new specific development Mason describes is the ability to transfer funds via one's cell phone. http://www.comminit.com/trends/ctrends2007/trends-340.html 7. Wireless Communication and Development in the Asia-Pacific: Institutions Matter by Rohan Samarajiva This paper traces regional trends related to the growth of wireless technologies, including telephones, and explores the regulatory and policy environment that is needed to continue to support these technologies' "enormously important role in extending access to voice and data communications by hitherto excluded groups in society." The Asia-Pacific is also "a major player in mobile data. One consultancy firm calculated that 77% of the world's estimated 100 million mobile data subscribers in 2003 came from the Asia-Pacific, principally Japan and South Korea. The region was making significant progress on 3G mobile services as well, with over 10 million subscribers in 2004. However, "there remain many institutional barriers..." http://www.comminit.com/trends/ctrends2006/trends-280.html 8. The Real Digital Diversity by Seán Ó Siochrú In this article, Ó Siochrú agrees that mobile phones have proven to be very successful, offering examples of community-owned and community-driven networks in Argentina, Peru, Poland, and India - where wireless technologies are offering small-scale, low-cost, low-maintenance data and voice networks. However, he argues that mobile phones are not necessarily the least expensive or best way to bring telephone services to economically poor and rural areas. He points to a particular one-size-fits-all project based in Bangladesh that failed in Nigeria, attributing the failure to significant differences related to factors such as population density, availability of micro-credit, and cost of interconnections. Ó Siochrú makes reference to the private sector's unwillingness to commit to long-term investment needs when it comes to bandwidth. He also believes that widespread applications are not occurring primarily because of the absence of a supportive regulatory and institutional envir! onment. http://www.comminit.com/strategicthinking/st2005/thinking-1179.html MOBILES IN TIMES OF CRISIS & CONFLICT 9. Must Haves: Cellphones Top Iraqi Cool List by Damien Cave According to this news article, in July 2006 there were 7.1 million cellphone subscribers in Iraq, up from 1.4 million 2 years prior. The author suggests that it is the violence in this country that seems to have spawned the growing use of this ICT. For instance, insurgents are using phones to communicate with each other about such issues as detonation of bombs, while Iraqis of all sects are relying on their phones to avoid danger and/or to communicate their safety (or lack thereof) to family members. In addition, human rights workers often receive pictures of men tortured or killed by death squads, many of them taken with the cellphones of witnesses or the victims' relatives. Brig. Gen. Jaleel Khalaf Shwayel of the Iraqi Army said that he gives cellphone number to people in the neighbourhoods, and receives calls every day. "In the el-Adil district, I received a call that people there had put mines in the road...I gave an order to investigate, and we discovered it was right.! " In addition to use of this medium to exchange news and/or information, Iraqis - especially young people - are reportedly using text messages and images on their cellphones as a "safe" form of self-expression, and as a way to tap into a source of resilience and local sense of humour as a way of coping with pervasive violence. http://www.comminit.com/trends/ctrends2007/trends-334.html 10. Internews Creates Text Messaging Service for Indonesian Journalists After Earthquake This article explores trends in the use of short message service (SMS) technology by journalists seeking to share crucial information with the general public in the aftermath of a natural disaster. In response to the May 27 2006 earthquake on the Indonesian island of Java, which killed over 5,000 and left 1.6 million homeless, mobile phones "quickly became mobile news services for journalists covering the recovery efforts." As part of the Java Earthquake Emergency Media Project, Internews worked with more than 180 Indonesian journalists to establish a quick, low-cost emergency communication network that enabled local radio stations to report on humanitarian relief. Outgoing messages ranged from warnings of aftershocks and reports on emergency services such as vaccinations, to stories of protests by communities that had not received any government aid after the disaster. http://www.comminit.com/trends/ctrends2006/trends-329.html 11. Donate a Phone, Save a Life National Cell Phone Collection Campaign - United States In 2005, the Body Shop, an international retailer of skin, hair, and body care products, asked members of the United States public to donate used wireless phones to support the effort to stop family violence. The Body Shop is sharing information on its website and using this and other media channels to stimulate donation of used phones to be sold, refurbished, or recycled, with proceeds going to partnering organisations whose programming works to raise public awareness about domestic violence and to support survivors. The goal of the campaign is to "break the silence around this issue and bring support, awareness, and education" to the Body's Shop's customers and employees. http://www.comminit.com/experiences/pds2005/experiences-3325.html Contact http://www.comminit.com/redirect.cgi?r=http://www.thebodyshop.com/bodyshop/… 12. Greenpeace Uses SMS To Monitor Forest Destruction According to this article, Greenpeace is using mobile phone technology to support environmental activism in Argentina. This includes using SMS in campaigns and activities, both to receive information from local activists on the ground and also to mobilise supporters in the cities. Greenpeace has provided indigenous people with mobile phones so that they can text for help when their lands are under attack from developers; this strategy is based on the belief that SMS is the most accessible method for indigenous people, as in most cases they don't have landlines or access to electricity. http://www.comminit.com/strategicthinking/st2006/thinking-1500.html 13. Cell Phones for Soldiers - United States and Global This is a grassroots effort to help active duty military members communicate with their families through funds raised from recycled cell phones. Initiated in April 2004 by a (then) 13-year-old United States resident and her 12-year-old brother, this programme involves galvanising community members to donate used mobile phones to support the purchase of prepaid phone cards for American troops overseas. Inspired by a news story on television about a Massachusetts soldier struggling to pay off more than US$7,000 in charges for cellphone calls home from the Persian Gulf, the brother and sister team collected money from classmates and other local sources to help pay that soldier's phone bill. Their plan broadened when the pair heard that recyclers paid for used cell phones. Working with their parents, the siblings persuaded local shops, police stations, and government offices to set out cell phone recycling bins. With the recycling proceeds and some cash donations, the siblings b! uy phone cards worth up to 60 minutes each in international calls. They send the cards to service members and their families or military units that place requests through the charity's website. http://www.comminit.com/experiences/pds2007/experiences-4209.html Contact Brittany and Robbie Bergquist kids(a)cellphonesforsoldiers.com OR cellphonesforsoldiers(a)recellular.com 14. Ratification of the Protocol Campaign - African Union This communication campaign uses advocacy as a tactic to urge African governments to ratify the protocol of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa. Thirteen civil society organisations that have been working on the protocol - along with Oxfam GB, Equality Now, African Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), CREDO for Freedom of Expression and Associated Rights, and Fahamu - formed a coalition. These campaigners joined efforts by preparing a petition to be presented to the Heads of States and Government of the African Union (AU) and then putting out a call for articles and an SMS campaign known as "text now 4 women's rights." This part of the campaign was aimed to enable cell phone users across the world to send text messages from their cell phones to sign an online petition in support of the campaign. http://www.comminit.com/africa/experiences/pds12006/experiences-3519.html Contact Zeinab Kamil Ali zeinab70(a)yahoo.com OR Hannah Forster acdhrs(a)acdhrs.org OR Dr. Morissanda Kouyate morissanda(a)yahoo.fr OR Anne Gathumbi info(a)covaw.or.ke OR Soyata Maiga cabinetsoya(a)afribone.net.ml OR Muchimba Sikumba Dils fdc(a)fdc.org.mz OR Liz Frank sister(a)iafrica.com.na OR Elize Delport illisd(a)mweb.co.za OR Adjamambo Johnson wildaf(a)cafe.tg OR Lynette Matima lynette(a)wildaf.org.zw *** PULSE POLL http://www.comminit.com/pulse.html Media reform is a free-standing social movement. Do you agree or disagree? [For context, see http://www.comminit.com/drum_beat_397.html] Please VOTE and COMMENT! - http://www.comminit.com/pulse.html *** Please participate in a DISCUSSION on the above topic through June 28 2007 within the Drum Beat Chat forum. See http://forums.comminit.com/viewforum.php?f=49& *** MOBILES FOR HEALTH 15. Using Cell Phones to Teach Pandemic Flu Preparedness According to this article, a team from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) has developed an interactive tool using mobile phones to educate the public about pandemic flu. The free, interactive media, called Mobile PanFlu Prep, can be downloaded to a cell phone as one would download an interactive game. A series of menu items and audio provide the user with information on flu symptoms, advice on avoiding the flu, and a checklist to prepare for pandemic flu. Mobile PanFlu Prep is available in English and Spanish and contains rich graphics, animations, voice-overs, branching, scrolling text, and record-keeping. http://www.comminit.com/avianinfluenza/st2006/thinking-1618.html 16. Phones-for-Health - Global This is a public-private partnership facilitating access to and use of cell phones for health efforts in the developing world. The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Emergency Plan/PEPFAR) is working along with the several mobile phone industry companies and other private-sector partners to leverage technology to connect health systems in PEPFAR-supported countries. The programme provides health workers in the field with a Motorola-made phone that is equipped with an application that lets them enter health data on patients. That information is then sent by way of general packet radio services (GPRS) to a central database. (If a GPRS network is not available, it can be sent via SMS.) The data is analysed and mapped by the system and then made available to health officials through a real-time internet database. PEPFAR will provide initial support for system roll-out in Rwanda and Nigeria in 2007, with a plan to eventually extend the partnership to at least 8 addi! tional countries on this continent and then expand into Asia as well. While initially focused on HIV/AIDS, the goal is to use the system to address infectious diseases like tuberculosis and malaria. http://www.comminit.com/experiences/pds2007/experiences-4208.html Contact PughKA(a)state.gov 17. Polio Tunes on Phones A January 2007 anti-polio campaign in India included the use of polio eradication messages on landline and cell phones to raise awareness about polio among phone users. http://www.comminit.com/strategicthinking/st2007/thinking-2026.html 18. La Sante au Bout du Fil (Health On Line) - Mali Launched by Population Services International (PSI)/Mali and the Mali-based telecommunications carrier Ikatel, this social marketing campaign uses information and communication technologies (ICTs) - namely, cellular technology and a website designed specifically for young people - in an effort to combat HIV/AIDS and malaria in Mali. The project sends text messages with PSI/Mali-created health slogans twice a month to 350,000 clients, free of charge. HIV/AIDS and malaria prevention slogans are also being printed on one million pre-paid phone cards. Specifically, simple, concrete messages such as "Anyone can get HIV - everyone can prevent it" and "Protect your family against malaria - use an insecticide-treated mosquito net" are part of the campaign's aim to raise awareness and promote PSI's products: Protector brand condoms, BLOC insecticide net retreatment kits, and Super Moustiquaire Famille Protégée treated nets. http://www.comminit.com/africa/experiences/pds122004/experiences-2828.html Contact psimali(a)psimali.org 19. TeleDoc - India This initiative provides handheld mobile phone devices to village health workers in India, permitting them to communicate with doctors who use a web application to help diagnose and prescribe for patients. The process of creating TeleDoc began in 2001, when the India-based Jiva worked closely with community heads of villages in Haryana to identify healthcare priorities and test appropriate health solutions. The result is a system that uses Java-enabled mobile telephones to provide village-based healthcare workers with real-time ability to record and transmit diagnostic information. Custom database applications, which synchronise with record-management systems at Jiva's clinic, enable doctors to analyse the data and then prescribe medication and treatment. Medicines are compounded at a regional office, picked up by field workers, and delivered to patients in their homes - a network of pharmacies and delivery people supports this process. The approximate cost of the entire Tel! eDoc process is 70 rupees (US$1.50) per consultation. http://www.comminit.com/experiences/pds12004/experiences-469.html Contact contact(a)jiva.com 20. Mobiles To Track Bird Flu and AIDS Spread by Jo Best Mobile phones are being used to help doctors in Rwanda track the spread of diseases such as avian influenza and HIV/AIDS. Created by the GSM Association and Voxiva, the system allows medical and government staff to report on disease outbreaks and patient treatment status, as well as to order medicine. http://www.comminit.com/trends/st2006/thinking-1924.html MOBILES TO FIGHT POVERTY 21. Phones for the Poor by Syed Mohammad Ali Drawing on examples from Africa and South Asia, this article shows that the "growing profusion of cell phones can have a direct impact on the lives of [economically] poor people," for example, changing the lives of economically poor women whose personal mobility is constrained by socio-cultural barriers. In describing projects to alleviate the digital divide, the author cites the telecommunications strategy of the Grameen Bank, an approach characterised here as "vital for development and poverty alleviation." To take advantage of this potential, the author urges more innovative approaches which are relevant to the needs of the economically poor; also, providers and governments need an "integrated approach going beyond simply providing cheaper phones..." http://www.comminit.com/strategicthinking/st2007/thinking-2093.html 22. Mobile Telecommunications and Economic Growth by Leonard Waverman, Meloria Meschi, and Melvyn Fuss In October 2005, the Annenberg Research Network on International Communication (ARNIC) at the University of Southern California, or USC (USA) held a workshop - "Wireless Communication and Development: A Global Perspective" - as part of a multi-disciplinary effort to study the emergence of new communication infrastructures, examine the transformation of government policies and communication patterns, and analyse the social and economic consequences. In this paper, one of 12 delivered at the event, the authors share research that found the economic impact of mobiles around the world to be significant. For instance, doubling mobile penetration from its average level of 8% leads to 10% increase in output. They point, in particular, to the growth potential of mobiles in African countries, noting that South Africa and Morocco have exceptional performance in mobiles rollout and that faster growth is expected here, especially if political stability is maintained. Pointing to busines! s success stories like Celtel and Orascom, they argue that locally run and owned mobile companies can thrive even in the economically poorest of nations, but that a good investment climate, solid rule of law, and less corruption need to be in place. http://www.comminit.com/trends/ctrends2006/trends-283.html 23. Wireless Technologies and Development in Africa by Catherine Nyaki Adeya In this paper from the October 2005 "Wireless Communication and Development: A Global Perspective" workshop, Nyaki Adeya examines the growth in mobile networks in Africa - stressing the "considerable variation between different African countries' adoption and use of these technologies, ranging from the fairly advanced status of South Africa to the relatively under-developed status of Somalia." In the second section of the paper, Adeya examines various strategies for bringing mobile telephony to low-income groups in Africa. To cite one example she points to, Simu ya Jamii is a community-based mobile telecommunication in Kenya that is tailored to satisfy the communication needs of the economically poor, especially those who do not have personal mobile phones. This system "has not only created jobs in low income areas but has given greater access to communication facilities for the poor." There is a specially designed Simu ya Jamii for those on wheelchairs (though able bodied p! eople use it as well), and mostly run by one of their own. As Adeya notes, the popularity of Simu ya Jamii has increased because it can be used even where there is no electricity; charging can be done using solar or car batteries. http://www.comminit.com/trends/ctrends2006/trends-281.html 24. Mobile Banking As Aid Tool by Shihoko Goto According to this article, as mobile phone use has expanded, the ways in which the technology can be used have, too. Even in regions where electric supply and phone connections are sporadic, mobile phones are increasingly being used as a tool for microfinance, as they provide access to bank accounts and allow the transfer of funds and payment of bills. As many people in countries like the Philippines and South Africa own cell phones, mobile banking improves access to credit: "they can be part of a society that depends less on actual cash and more on credit information, which is more convenient and safer, by using a tool that they already have and are familiar with." Further, such services may be particularly convenient in locations where the nearest local bank might be miles away. http://www.comminit.com/trends/ctrends2006/trends-302.html *** This issue was written by Kier Olsen DeVries. *** The Drum Beat is the email and web network of The Communication Initiative Partnership - ANDI, BBC World Service Trust, Bernard van Leer Foundation, Calandria, CFSC Consortium, CIDA, DFID, FAO, Fundación Nuevo Periodismo Iberoamericano, Ford Foundation, Healthlink Worldwide, Inter-American Development Bank, International Institute for Communication and Development, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Communication Programs, MISA, PAHO, The Panos Institute, The Rockefeller Foundation, SAfAIDS, Sesame Workshop, Soul City, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNICEF, USAID, WHO, W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Chair of the Partners Group: Garth Japhet, Soul City garthj(a)soulcity.org.za Executive Director: Warren Feek wfeek(a)comminit.com *** The Drum Beat seeks to cover the full range of communication for development activities. Inclusion of an item does not imply endorsement or support by The Partners. Please send material for The Drum Beat to the Editor - Deborah Heimann dheimann(a)comminit.com To reproduce any portion of The Drum Beat, see http://www.comminit.com/help.html#copyright for our policy. To subscribe, see http://www.comminit.com/subscribe_drumbeat.html To unsubscribe, reply to this message with "unsubscribe" as the subject. -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.

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Matatu to the Masai via Mobile
by alice 16 Jun '07

16 Jun '07

>From Matatu to the Masai via Mobile by Paul Mason As part of his journey through Kenya using a map of the country's mobile phone networks as his guide, BBC Newsnight correspondent Paul Mason here traces trends in the use of this ICT to foster economic and social development. Mason explains that today 1 in 3 adults carry a cellphone in Kenya; in the past 5 years the number of mobiles in Kenya has grown from 1 million to 6.5 million. In contrast, the number of landlines remains at about 300,000, mostly in government offices. "About 80% of Kenyans are covered by mobile networks and while it would be easy to find a place off the network, finding people there would be difficult." One new specific development Mason describes is the ability to transfer funds via one's cell phone. http://www.comminit.com/trends/ctrends2007/trends-340.html

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FW: DANGEROUS VIRUS WARNING ALERT
by Kagwe James 16 Jun '07

16 Jun '07

Was sent the below email by someone... I thought it was a joke but guess what there's a virus by the name Raila odinga. Check it out on the following link http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp?id=description&virus_k=142420 Regards, James Kagwe ________________________________ VIRUS WARNING If you get any mail with the names Raila Odinga OR Kibaki or any photos of Raila or Kibaki Please do not Open. We are trying to contain the attack to the workstations that have been infected. We just had a virus attack by the name of Raila Odinga. Its coming in form of a photo (JPEG) and self installs in the computer. Once in inside, a slide on Raila for presidency comes on the screen and won't get out no matter what you do. Once in the flash disk or diskette, it duplicates all the documents and sooner the documents won't open!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No antivirus can't cure it coz its not yet classified. It's made by local hackers calling themselves hackers for Raila campaign and then gives the website www.raila2007.com <http://www.raila2007.com%20> . It seems to be moving quite fast as a number of organizations have been attacked in Nairobi. Regards IT Service Desk ########################################### This message has been scanned by F-Secure Anti-Virus for Microsoft Exchange. For more information, connect to http://www.f-secure.com/

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John Kerry - Broadband should be in every home
by Alex Gakuru 16 Jun '07

16 Jun '07

[Incidentally, this has been the law in Kenya since KCA 1998 was enacted. "Under sections 23 and 47 of the Kenya Communications Act of 1998, the Commission is required to ensure that communications services are provided throughout Kenya and that the interests of all users of these services are protected with respect to prices charged for and the quality and variety of those services among other responsibilities" http://www.cck.go.ke/consumer_center/ Q: Could the law have been violated? Nairobi with 90% of all internet, GSM duo, tariffs above the roof, consumer complaints handling procedures, consumer associations support... The sum total points to "not so democratic" telecommunications sector. Beyond public relations spins, there is a need study what leaders and people in authority are practically doing to ensure the law is not broken any further] ----- BROADBAND SHOULD BE IN EVERY HOME [SOURCE: The Hill, AUTHOR: Sen John Kerry (D-MA)] [Commentary] very important piece of public property is about to be auctioned off. You won't find it on a map, but it is prime real estate. And the sale of this property has profound implications for schools, businesses, emergency first responders, rural communities and the future of wireless communication and innovation in America. In the upcoming 700 MHz spectrum auction, the Federal Communications Commission will auction off an important slice of our airwaves. The FCC has a choice: It can either provide extraordinary benefits to millions of Americans or tilt bandwidth policy to line the pockets of a privileged few. The airwaves belong to the American people -- and their use should serve the public interest, not corporate interests. In recent auctions, the big communications companies actively used their bidding power to shut out new providers. As a result, these new companies faced near impossible barriers to entry in the wireless communications industry. What does this mean for us? Consumers don't enjoy the lower prices and better service that would result from more choice in the communications marketplace. The upcoming auction presents a real opportunity to promote economic competitiveness and address affordability and availability of important wireless services. The Internet and our airwaves are public property. All Americans should benefit from and be able to access it -- not just in revenues the government earns from selling spectrum to corporations, but also in expanded access to revolutionary new technology for every American. Our economy, our schools, our families and our first responders are counting on the FCC and conduct a fair auction in the spirit of competition and innovation that drives the Internet today. Previous generations ushered in new eras of economic progress with electricity for rural areas and a car in every driveway. In 2007 to stay competitive, we should strive to do the same with broadband in every home. http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/broadband-should-be-in-every-home-2007-… --------------------------------- Sick sense of humor? Visit Yahoo! TV's Comedy with an Edge to see what's on, when.

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Re: [kictanet] Google favours Kenya over SA | My Broadband ADSL Blogs - Sent Using Google Toolbar
by evelyne ofwona 15 Jun '07

15 Jun '07

> Google favours Kenya over SA > > > /Share This > / /June > 11th, 2007/ /Cara/ > > Google are looking to crack the African market but instead of making a > beeline for SA, one of the most developed countries on the continent, > they are setting up camp in Kenya. > > They have advertised for South African personnel so the chances are > good that they will also establish an office in SA but the fact > remains that Kenya was their first choice. > > One must wonder what made Kenya a more attractive alternative than SA? > > I would hazard a guess that Google want to build their own > infrastructure and after investigating the situation in SA decided > that it would be easier for them to achieve their aims in Kenya. > > Whilst Kenya also has an incumbent operator that holds things back > somewhat, one gets the feeling that things are still happening over > there in the fixed line sector with companies like Kenya Data Networks. > > Perhaps Google have identified the Kenyan market as being more open > for competing forces or perhaps the country is politically more > favourable, whatever the case it is a sad day when SA starts to loose > out to rival African players. > > See http://mybroadband.co.za/nephp/?m=show&id=6695 > for the full story. > > Entry Filed under: General > > --------------------------------- Never miss an email again! Yahoo! Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail arrives. Check it out.

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Zimbabwe Legalises ICT Censorship?
by Alex Gakuru 15 Jun '07

15 Jun '07

... Meanwhile, the lower house of Zimbabwes parliament passed a bill yesterday allowing the government to monitor phones, mail and the Internet to protect national security. While conceding the country needed to protect itself against terrorism, opposition members said they feared the bill would pave the way for President Mugabes government to curtail freedom of speech and breach privacy. The Interception of Communications bill sailed through the lower house without amendments and will now be sent to the upper house, where it is expected to face little opposition. Mr Mugabes ruling party has a majority in both houses.... http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?premiumid=0&cate… --------------------------------- Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us.

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Re: [kictanet] FW: [www.eThinkTankTz.org] Tanzania Govt Budget Speech
by Maliti, Tom 15 Jun '07

15 Jun '07

Hi, Actually, the Kenyan minister's speech was on the treasury website www.treasury.go.ke within an hour of his delivering it. I think the problem is that the Kenya National Assembly's web site is poorly served. We have lots to learn from Tanzania's and Uganda's parliaments. Kenya's national assembly does not even have an up to date order paper on the web site, whereas you will get loads of information on Tanzania's bunge website, up to date info, bills going backing 10 years and more. Tom Maliti Correspondent East Africa Bureau The Associated Press Nairobi Kenya Mobile: +254 733 641 984 Tel: +254 20 285 9109 Fax: +254 20 272 4726 ________________________________ From: kictanet-bounces+tmaliti=ap.org(a)kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+tmaliti=ap.org@kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Harry Hare Sent: Friday, June 15, 2007 12:29 PM To: Maliti, Tom Subject: [kictanet] FW: [www.eThinkTankTz.org] Tanzania Govt Budget Speech Just checked the National Assembly website and the Budget Speech which was read by the Finance Minister, Hon Kimunya yesterday has not been posted yet...probably we need to learn a few things from our southerly neigbours! See below Harry ________________________________ From: eThinkTankTz(a)yahoogroups.com [mailto:eThinkTankTz@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of David Sawe (eTTTz) Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2007 6:16 PM To: 'eThinkTankTz' Subject: [www.eThinkTankTz.org] Tanzania Govt Budget Speech Hello eThinkers, Please be aware that barely minutes after the Honourable Minister of Finance had finished reading it, our colleagues at the Speaker's Office made her Budget Speech available in English at: http://www.parliament.go.tz/bunge/docs/MAinBudgetEng.pdf <http://www.parliament.go.tz/bunge/docs/MAinBudgetEng.pdf> And the Minister of Planning's speech on the state of the economy, which was read this morning, is also available at: http://www.parliament.go.tz/bunge/docs/HOTUBANgasongwa.pdf <http://www.parliament.go.tz/bunge/docs/HOTUBANgasongwa.pdf> Regards, DS. __._,_.___ Messages in this topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/message/10418;_ylc=X3oDMTM2M mlwMTFkBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BG1zZ 0lkAzEwNDE4BHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA3Z0cGMEc3RpbWUDMTE4MTgzNDY4MQR0cGNJZAMxMDQxO A--> (1) Reply (via web post) <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJxZDRtbDlxBF 9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BG1zZ0lkAzEwND E4BHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA3JwbHkEc3RpbWUDMTE4MTgzNDY4MQ--?act=reply&messageNum= 10418> | Start a new topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJlbDFtYmZwBF 9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdHIEc2 xrA250cGMEc3RpbWUDMTE4MTgzNDY4MQ--> Messages <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/messages;_ylc=X3oDMTJlajZsdm 9xBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdH IEc2xrA21zZ3MEc3RpbWUDMTE4MTgzNDY4MQ--> | Files <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/files;_ylc=X3oDMTJmcjcyMzg2B F9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdHIEc 2xrA2ZpbGVzBHN0aW1lAzExODE4MzQ2ODE-> | Photos <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/photos;_ylc=X3oDMTJlZW81bHJo BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdHIE c2xrA3Bob3QEc3RpbWUDMTE4MTgzNDY4MQ--> | Links <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/links;_ylc=X3oDMTJmZnY4OWdlB F9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdHIEc 2xrA2xpbmtzBHN0aW1lAzExODE4MzQ2ODE-> | Database <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/database;_ylc=X3oDMTJjcjZnMz JrBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdH IEc2xrA2RiBHN0aW1lAzExODE4MzQ2ODE-> | Polls <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/polls;_ylc=X3oDMTJmb3Y2c3ZpB F9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdHIEc 2xrA3BvbGxzBHN0aW1lAzExODE4MzQ2ODE-> | Members <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/members;_ylc=X3oDMTJlY2s4MXR rBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdHI Ec2xrA21icnMEc3RpbWUDMTE4MTgzNDY4MQ--> | Calendar <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/calendar;_ylc=X3oDMTJkNW1hZj FjBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdH IEc2xrA2NhbARzdGltZQMxMTgxODM0Njgx> Anyone who would like to join eThinkTankTz is welcome to do so by sending a blank email to: eThinkTankTz-subscribe(a)yahoogroups.com Yahoo! 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Sh1bn allocated to fibre optic cable project
by John Walubengo 15 Jun '07

15 Jun '07

Sh1bn allocated to fibre optic cable project Story by JUSTUS ONDARI Publication Date: 6/15/2007 The Government yesterday showed its resolve to go ahead with its fibre optic project ahead of the regional initiative by factoring in Sh1 billion for The East Africa Marine System (TEAMS) project. The project could get Kenyans hooked onto the international fibre system mid next year. TEAMS is different from the first initiative, the Eastern Africa Submarine Cable Systems (EASSy) project that has been held up because of negotiations over its ownership and funding. >>>snip story continues @ http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=1&ne… ____________________________________________________________________________________ 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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Re: [kictanet] monthly forum June 14
by Sandy 15 Jun '07

15 Jun '07

Any exciting updates on yesterday's forum? Please do share. Ahsante, Sandy Sandra Ndonye Media Manager Internews Network Tel (DL): 253249 Nairobi, Kenya www.internews.org ----- Original Message ----- From: Sheila Amdany To: sandy(a)internews.co.ke Cc: 'carol wanjiru' Sent: Friday, June 08, 2007 2:35 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] monthly forum June 14 Becky Radio SIMBA 102.7 promotes and develops both local talent and content, we are interested to hear more on local content and one of our staff will attend this forum Regards Sheila "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win" Mahatma Gandhi Sheila Amdany Radio SIMBA 102.7 Magic Radio Limited P O Box 43929-00100 NAIROBI Telephone +254 20 3877904 or +254 20 3877916 Fax +254 20 3877908 Cell +254 722 526 364 samdany(a)radiosimba.co.ke This email, any attachment and response string are confidential and may be legally privileged. Any opinions or suggestions expressed in this mail do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Radio Simba 102.7/ Magic Radio Limited. If you are not the intended recipient, please call or email the sender and delete this message and any attachments immediately. Please do not copy or forward this message or attachment. Internet communications are not secure and therefore, Radio Simba 102.7/Magic Radio Limited does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this message as it has been transmitted over unsecured public network. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: kictanet-bounces+samdany=radiosimba.co.ke(a)kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+samdany=radiosimba.co.ke@kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Rebecca Wanjiku Sent: 08 June 2007 14:20 To: samdany(a)radiosimba.co.ke Cc: carol wanjiru Subject: [kictanet] monthly forum June 14 you are invited to the monthly forum on June 14th, the theme for this month is Local Content. Michuki Mwangi, from Kenic will give a presesntation on how to promote local content, the various ways, he will also demystify the term local content and show how we can contribute to local content development, Carol Wanjiru will from KOCH Fm will be present to share with us how they are trying to develop content at Koch FM and how its different from other FM stations that contain substantial amount of Hollywood gossip and other foreign programs, the forum will be at Jacaranda starting at 3pm welcome becky Rebecca Wanjiku, journalist, p.o box 33515, Nairobi.00600 Kenya. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sick sense of humor? Visit Yahoo! TV's Comedy with an Edge to see what's on, when. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ 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/sandy%40internews.co.ke

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FW: [www.eThinkTankTz.org] Tanzania Govt Budget Speech
by Harry Hare 15 Jun '07

15 Jun '07

Just checked the National Assembly website and the Budget Speech which was read by the Finance Minister, Hon Kimunya yesterday has not been posted yet.probably we need to learn a few things from our southerly neigbours! See below Harry _____ From: eThinkTankTz(a)yahoogroups.com [mailto:eThinkTankTz@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of David Sawe (eTTTz) Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2007 6:16 PM To: 'eThinkTankTz' Subject: [www.eThinkTankTz.org] Tanzania Govt Budget Speech Hello eThinkers, Please be aware that barely minutes after the Honourable Minister of Finance had finished reading it, our colleagues at the Speaker's Office made her Budget Speech available in English at: http://www.parliame <http://www.parliament.go.tz/bunge/docs/MAinBudgetEng.pdf> nt.go.tz/bunge/docs/MAinBudgetEng.pdf And the Minister of Planning's speech on the state of the economy, which was read this morning, is also available at: http://www.parliame <http://www.parliament.go.tz/bunge/docs/HOTUBANgasongwa.pdf> nt.go.tz/bunge/docs/HOTUBANgasongwa.pdf Regards, DS. __._,_.___ Messages <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/message/10418;_ylc=X3oDMTM2MmlwM TFkBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BG1zZ0lkAzEwN DE4BHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA3Z0cGMEc3RpbWUDMTE4MTgzNDY4MQR0cGNJZAMxMDQxOA--> in this topic (1) <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJxZDRtbDlxBF9TAz k3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BG1zZ0lkAzEwNDE4BHNlYw NmdHIEc2xrA3JwbHkEc3RpbWUDMTE4MTgzNDY4MQ--?act=reply&messageNum=10418> Reply (via web post) | Start <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJlbDFtYmZwBF9TAz k3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA250cG MEc3RpbWUDMTE4MTgzNDY4MQ--> a new topic Messages <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/messages;_ylc=X3oDMTJlajZsdm9xBF 9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA2 1zZ3MEc3RpbWUDMTE4MTgzNDY4MQ--> | Files <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/files;_ylc=X3oDMTJmcjcyMzg2BF9TA zk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA2Zpb GVzBHN0aW1lAzExODE4MzQ2ODE-> | Photos <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/photos;_ylc=X3oDMTJlZW81bHJoBF9T Azk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA3Bo b3QEc3RpbWUDMTE4MTgzNDY4MQ--> | Links <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/links;_ylc=X3oDMTJmZnY4OWdlBF9TA zk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA2xpb mtzBHN0aW1lAzExODE4MzQ2ODE-> | Database <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/database;_ylc=X3oDMTJjcjZnMzJrBF 9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA2 RiBHN0aW1lAzExODE4MzQ2ODE-> | Polls <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/polls;_ylc=X3oDMTJmb3Y2c3ZpBF9TA zk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA3Bvb GxzBHN0aW1lAzExODE4MzQ2ODE-> | Members <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/members;_ylc=X3oDMTJlY2s4MXRrBF9 TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA21 icnMEc3RpbWUDMTE4MTgzNDY4MQ--> | Calendar <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eThinkTankTz/calendar;_ylc=X3oDMTJkNW1hZjFjBF 9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIyOTM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA2 NhbARzdGltZQMxMTgxODM0Njgx> Anyone who would like to join eThinkTankTz is welcome to do so by sending a blank email to: eThinkTankTz-subscribe(a)yahoogroups.com <http://groups.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTJkZ2ZoMWd2BF9TAzk3NDc2NTkwBGdycElkAzIyO TM4NTQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MTEwMjY2BHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA2dmcARzdGltZQMxMTgxODM0Njgx> Yahoo! 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a chance for you to help
by Rebecca Wanjiku 15 Jun '07

15 Jun '07

Koch Fm needs a generator It is not every day that Kenyan journalists commit their money to the community but Nganga Mbugua had a noble idea- to contribute towards Koch Fms acquisition of a generator. Mbugua, a journalist with the Nation wanted had learnt that Koch Fm was fundraising to buy a generator and wanted to contribute to the cause. So he sent sms to all his friends. He asked for whatever they had, shs 100, 500, 1,000 or 10,000. Now, Koch Fm has a generator but has no money to install it. They got estimate costs of about shs 120,000. KICTANet members have been invited to pledge their contribution towards this worthy cause. Whether monetary or in kind, all are welcome to contribute. We are drawing a list of those interested in contributing. Andrew Limo was the first to pledge. Please add your name to this list. Ideally, Kenya ICT Action Network would like to help, and make sure the ACTION part is more prominent. It is such acts that will bridge the digital divide Do I hear the names??? Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links.

2 1

a chance for you to help
by Rebecca Wanjiku 15 Jun '07

15 Jun '07

Koch Fm needs a generator It is not every day that Kenyan journalists commit their money to the community but Nganga Mbugua had a noble idea- to contribute towards Koch Fms acquisition of a generator. Mbugua, a journalist with the Nation wanted had learnt that Koch Fm was fundraising to buy a generator and wanted to contribute to the cause. So he sent sms to all his friends. He asked for whatever they had, shs 100, 500, 1,000 or 10,000. Now, Koch Fm has a generator but has no money to install it. They got estimate costs of about shs 120,000. KICTANet members have been invited to pledge their contribution towards this worthy cause. Whether monetary or in kind, all are welcome to contribute. We are drawing a list of those interested in contributing. Andrew Limo was the first to pledge. Please add your name to this list. Ideally, Kenya ICT Action Network would like to help, and make sure the ACTION part is more prominent. It is such acts that will bridge the digital divide Do I hear the names??? Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase.

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Radio Simba to train Koch Fm presenters
by Rebecca Wanjiku 15 Jun '07

15 Jun '07

Simba Fm to train presenters at Koch Fm When Carol Wanjiru agreed to make a presentation at KICTANets monthly forum, she did not expect the response to be that overwhelming. I knew good things would come, but this is more than good. Thank you KICTANet! she said. Apart from having an operational website, Radio Simba invited Koch Fm presenters for a hands-on training at their offices in Lavington. Nicola Munene, from Radio Simba, confirmed that the station would be delighted to expose the volunteers at Koch Fm to the rigors of a commercial radio station and how they make presentation beneficial to the community. We will arrange when they can come over to our offices. I think it will be mutually beneficial, said Munene. Koch Fm is operated by youth at Korogocho slums on voluntary basis. Ends Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links.

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Kenic, Communicart, send smiles back to Korogocho slums
by Rebecca Wanjiku 15 Jun '07

15 Jun '07

KICTANet members make a difference at Koch FM When Carol Wanjiru and Hellen Wanjiku gave their presentation about Koch Fm, the challenges and successes, the crowd was delighted. It was a capacity crowd of Kictanet members who turned up probably to listen to the opportunities and challenges to development and maintenance of local content in local radio stations and websites. For a station that started as a pirate radio at the Korogocho slums in Nairobi, Koch Fm officially launches tomorrow (Saturday June 16th) The station broadcasts at 99.9 at a radius of 2km, incidentally, the same frequency is licensed to Ghetto Fm at Majengo slums. If they exceed the radius, then they interfere with each others frequencies. In this respect, Koch Fm would like to stream online so that even those living beyond Korogocho can listen to them. But they have no website. That was made history yesterday by KENIC and Communicart. KENIC will organise for them to get a domain while Communicart will develop their website and ensure its interactive. Because Koch Fm wants to encourage qualified youth to abandon crime and seek employment or entrepreneurship, the website will allow organizations and individuals to post employment and training opportunities which will be broadcast at the station. Ends Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Choose the right car based on your needs. Check out Yahoo! Autos new Car Finder tool.

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Radio Simba to train Koch Fm presenters
by Rebecca Wanjiku 15 Jun '07

15 Jun '07

Simba Fm to train presenters at Koch Fm When Carol Wanjiru agreed to make a presentation at KICTANets monthly forum, she did not expect the response to be that overwhelming. I knew good things would come, but this is more than good. Thank you KICTANet! she said. Apart from having an operational website, Radio Simba invited Koch Fm presenters for a hands-on training at their offices in Lavington. Nicola Munene, from Radio Simba, confirmed that the station would be delighted to expose the volunteers at Koch Fm to the rigors of a commercial radio station and how they make presentation beneficial to the community. We will arrange when they can come over to our offices. I think it will be mutually beneficial, said Munene. Koch Fm is operated by youth at Korogocho slums on voluntary basis. Ends 6 Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV.

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Kenic, Communicart, sends smiles back to Korogocho slums
by Rebecca Wanjiku 15 Jun '07

15 Jun '07

KICTANet members make a difference at Koch FM When Carol Wanjiru and Hellen Wanjiku gave their presentation about Koch Fm, the challenges and successes, the crowd was delighted. It was a capacity crowd of Kictanet members who turned up probably to listen to the opportunities and challenges to development and maintenance of local content in local radio stations and websites. For a station that started as a pirate radio at the Korogocho slums in Nairobi, Koch Fm officially launches tomorrow (Saturday June 16th) The station broadcasts at 99.9 at a radius of 2km, incidentally, the same frequency is licensed to Ghetto Fm at Majengo slums. If they exceed the radius, then they interfere with each others frequencies. In this respect, Koch Fm would like to stream online so that even those living beyond Korogocho can listen to them. But they have no website. That was made history yesterday by KENIC and Communicart. KENIC will organise for them to get a domain while Communicart will develop their website and ensure its interactive. Because Koch Fm wants to encourage qualified youth to abandon crime and seek employment or entrepreneurship, the website will allow organizations and individuals to post employment and training opportunities which will be broadcast at the station. Ends Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Get the free Yahoo! toolbar and rest assured with the added security of spyware protection.

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forum at palm room
by Rebecca Wanjiku 14 Jun '07

14 Jun '07

just to let you know the forum will be held at the Palm room in Jacaranda at 3 pm hope to see you there regards Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Need Mail bonding? Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users.

4 3

Re: [kictanet] Apology for non attendance
by Innovative Lawyering 14 Jun '07

14 Jun '07

Hi all, I will not be able to attend the forum at the Jacaranda hotel today due to earlier engagements. However I will send a representative. Regards Ben Sihanya ____________________________________________________________________________ Dr Ben Sihanya, Ph.D. (Stanford) Teacher, Intellectual Property Attorney, Author, Advocate, CPS (K), Consultant Intellectual Property, Constitutionalism, and Communication Law University of Nairobi Law School & ©opyright Africa & Innovative Lawyering Trainer on TRIPs, WTOs Regional Trade Policy Course, University of Namibia Parklands Law Campus, Room B10 Box 1313, Sarit Centre, 00606 Nairobi, Kenya Telefax (254-20) 3741769 (O); +4343259 (H); Cell: +722897825 email: copyrightafrica(a)innovativelawyering.com; sihanya(a)innovativelawyering.com; innovativelawyering(a)wananchi.com; url:www.innovativelawyering.com

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citizens' rights to a nondiscriminatory Internet
by Alex Gakuru 14 Jun '07

14 Jun '07

Telco lobbyists thwarted as Net Neutrality resolution passes MAINE IS FIRST STATE IN NATION TO PASS NET NEUTRALITY RESOLVE [SOURCE: maineinternetfreedom.com press release] A diverse coalition of Mainers applauded the enactment today of the first net neutrality resolve in the nation. The resolution, LD 1675, recognizes the importance of full, fair and non-discriminatory access to the Internet and instructs the Public Advocate to study what can be done to protect the rights of Maine Internet users. "Maine is the first state in the nation to stand up for its citizens' rights to a nondiscriminatory Internet," said Senator Ethan Strimling, the original sponsor of LD 1675. "The rest of the nation should follow suit and study what can be done to protect net neutrality." Maine is once again leading the way in protecting the rights of its citizens, said Shenna Bellows, Executive Director of the Maine Civil Liberties Union. This resolution will help re-establish the Internet as the free and open arena of democracy it was always intended to be. Advocates say that restoring net neutrality is essential to protecting the right of Internet users to access the information they choose. "Net neutrality principles are key to keeping control of the Internet in the hands of the people," said Chellie Pingree. "With this resolution, the Legislature has put the needs of Mainers before the needs of the telecom companies." http://www.maineinternetfreedom.com/node/57 * Links to coverage at: \u003cbr\>\n\u003cbr\>\n----------------------------------------------------------\u003cbr\>\n WWWhatsup NYC\u003cbr\>\n\u003ca href\u003d\"http://pinstand.com\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>http://pinstand.com\u003c/a\> - \u003ca href\u003d\"http://punkcast.com\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>http://punkcast.com\u003c/a\>\u003cbr\>\n---------------------------------------------------------- \u003cbr\>\n\u003cbr\>\n\u003c/p\>\n \u003c/div\> \n\n \n \u003cspan width\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"color:white\"\>__._,_.___\u003c/span\>\n \n \u003cdiv\>\n \u003cspan\>\n \u003ca href\u003d\"http://groups.yahoo.com/group/isoc-ny/message/1647;_ylc\u003dX3oDMTM0dTRoNj…" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\n Messages in this topic \u003c/a\> (\u003cspan\>1\u003c/span\>)\n \u003c/span\>\n \u003ca href\u003d\"http://groups.yahoo.com/group/isoc-ny/post;_ylc\u003dX3oDMTJwMjNobG9iBF9TAz…" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\n \u003cspan\>\n Reply \u003c/span\> (via web post)\n \u003c/a\> | \n \u003ca href\u003d\"http://groups.yahoo.com/group/isoc-ny/post;_ylc\u003dX3oDMTJla2tobmRzBF9TAz…" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\n Start a new topic \u003c/a\>\n \u003c/div\> \n \n \n \u003cdiv\>\n \u003ca href\u003d\"http://groups.yahoo.com/group/isoc-ny/messages;_ylc\u003dX3oDMTJlOWU0Zjg3BF…" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>Messages",1] ); //-->http://www.mainewebreport.com/2007/06/12/telco-lobbyists-thwarted-as-net-ne… ---------------------------------------------------------- WWWhatsup NYC http://pinstand.com - http://punkcast.com ---------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------- Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more.

1 0

programme
by Rebecca Wanjiku 13 Jun '07

13 Jun '07

KICTANet MONTHLY FORUM THURSDAY June 14th , 2007 PROGRAMME TIME ACTIVITY 3.00- 3.15pm introduction 3.15-3.45pm local content issues- M. Mwangi 3:45-3.50pm Q&A 3.50-4.20pm Promoting local content- Simba Fm- N. Munene 4.20-4.25pm Q&A 4.25- 4.50pm Koch Fm- what do we address? C. Wanjiru 4.50- 5:15pm Q&A 5.15 pm Tea GUESTS LEAVE AT THEIR PLEASURE Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today!

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REPORT on Completion of KICTANET Server.
by Odhiambo WASHINGTON 13 Jun '07

13 Jun '07

Hello Alice, I have finally completed (I did it a few days ago) the server installation and testing. And I have put it online at Wananchi's co-location house. I do know that you are still awaiting word from Joe about hosting of the server by Wananchi. Let's just say I have used my position to get the server co-located on the strength of the fact that Wananchi Online Ltd had offered to host KICTAnet's services for free, and I had volunteered to be the systems administrator for those. I hope Joe will be able to resolve any issues when they arise, but I am almost 99% sure Wananchi will not love the shame of bringing the server offline just because the management changed. The next step for me will be to setup the e-mail accounts for all KICTAnet members that you'd think of, starting with the initial five:-) Once the e-mail accounts are working, I will migrate the mailing lists the way we had discussed before - LISTNAME(a)kictanet.or.ke will work, and so is LISTNAME(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke - thus making the move transparent to list members. From that point, all that I will be left to do is the maintenance of the server. We do not have a maintenance contract, but I guess that can be handled later. I will simply continue performing my role to ensure the services continue running. Technically, the job is finished. What remains is showing the secretariat how they will interact with the server. This will then be followed by the website! Now about the website, I am already working with two groups of people whom I have informed that I MUST have a website up and running by end of this week. I am having a meeting with them tomorrow and will update you on the progress. At the moment, www.kictanet.or.ke shows "under konstruction" (sorry for that:-)) I do believe I will break the Jinx. PS: Evelyne, do you need anything else other than the above writeup as being the report? If I need to include some details I have missed, please let me know. You may not be knowing this, but the new management of Wananchi Online decided that I should be looking at other things, so they have laid me off through redundancy. I am having my exit interview with Mr. Richard Bell tomorrow morning. I will be able to know why he decided to take this step (although I feel I know why, but what I know might be different than what he had in mind). Everyone else has left. Why not me? :-) As such, my last official date of work was 7Th June 2007. This week is mainly for clearance with the company, and I believe I should be done by Friday, and gone.... I will still have considerable influence at Wananchi, especially with the technical staff, because there are alot of things they still need my help with, and that can only work by reciprocal arrangement. So you should rest easy I will be able to handle matters with them. Lastly, there is one request I need to make regarding the server: When it was bought, it came with a monitor as well, but the monitor is not at all required for the co-location of the server since the server can run without any peripherals. I wanted to request you to allow me keep the monitor. I only used it when I was doing the installation and testing. I took the server to the co-location facility and moved the monitor to my house, since I am already moving anything that "belonged to me" away from the Wananchi's office in preparation for the exit. If this request might complicate any matters, then I am just too glad to bring the monitor to KICTAnet's offices. Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON.

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forum reminder..
by Rebecca Wanjiku 12 Jun '07

12 Jun '07

just a reminder-- KICTANet's monthly forum on Thursday June 14 at Jacaranda at 3pm Michuki Mwangi from Kenic will be speaking about local content, Simba, KOCH Fm will also share, plan to be there.. see you there, Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games.

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EAC RICTSP Incubator Project: Open Call for Proposals, Deadline 9 July 2007]
by alice 12 Jun '07

12 Jun '07

Apologies for Cross Posting ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EAC RICTSP Incubator Project: Open Call for Proposals, Deadline 9 July 2007 http://www.wougnet.org/Events/projectnews07.html#RICTSP The overall objective of the Regional ICT Support Programme (RICTSP) is to contribute to the Eastern and Southern Africa regional integration agenda through an effective and efficient Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) environment. The primary purpose of the RICTSP is to achieve a reduction in the "digital divide" by removing some of the constraints to the efficient use of ICT. The EAC RICTSP Incubators Project is established to support small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and private entrepreneurs in initiatives where ICTs are used to boost business or which are regarded as ICT service businesses. The aim of the Incubators Project is that the entrepreneurs integrate ICT tools in their daily business, create new business opportunities using modern ICT solution or create new type of business or services using ICT as vehicle for the business and for cross-sectoral solutions or having impact in the development of the society. Special attention, although not exclusive, will be given to enterprises run by women. For more information, visit: www.eac.int/advertisements.htm <http://www.eac.int/advertisements.htm>

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Sprint Systems
by Kagwe James 12 Jun '07

12 Jun '07

Dear all, A company called sprint Systems is sending letters and calling companies saying that they want to come in and audit Microsoft systems for licenses. Does anyone know of the company and whether Microsoft has really given them this role or it's another blackmail of sorts. Please enlighten me if you have the information. Kind Regards, James Kagwe ************************************************************************ ********** Alexander Forbes Financial Services (EA) Ltd 9th floor, Nation Centre, Kimathi Street P. O. Box 52439 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: (254) 20 - 216 986 Fax: (254) 20 - 221 470 Confidentiality Warning ======================= The contents of this e-mail and any accompanying documentation are confidential and any use thereof, in what ever form, by anyone other than the addressee is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify actuaries(a)aforbes.co.ke or benefits(a)aforbes.co.ke and delete it immediately from your system.. Alexander Forbes Financial Services (EA) Limited from whom this e-mail originates accepts no responsibility for losses or damage as a result of any viruses and it is your responsibility to check attachments (if any) for viruses.

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[Fwd: [APC Forum] Job opening: Interactive Campaigner Vacancy at Oxfam GB]
by alice 12 Jun '07

12 Jun '07

Oxfam Great Britain campaigns unit is a new team and will work with campaigners across all of Oxfam’s campaign issues, in order to engage and inspire the general public to be informed and put pressure on key campaign targets. looking for a dynamic, interactive campaigner with strong online communication skills, knowledge on online campaign techniques and understanding of communicating to multiple audiences and much more. Location: Oxford Closing date 22 June 2007 - Interviews during week of 02/07/07 Full details and application process are available online http://www.i-grasp.com/fe/tpl_oxfam.asp?newms=jj&id=25000 Please pass on to people who you think would be interested and sorry for any cross postings you might receive. ======================================= 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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Policing the Media
by Wainaina Mungai 12 Jun '07

12 Jun '07

Interesting articles on Media and other stories http://www.madeinkenya.org/forum/

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discussing the bills, holding leaders accountable,
by Rebecca Wanjiku 12 Jun '07

12 Jun '07

i hope we have all accessed the bills from the doc. link provided earlier, i believe that these bills may come to parliament soon, you never know, for us to be prepared of any eventuality, i think its good if shared our opinions, which can be considered by the MPs the comments can begin, regards Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Sick sense of humor? Visit Yahoo! TV's Comedy with an Edge to see what's on, when.

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training opportunities-in case of interest....
by Rebecca Wanjiku 12 Jun '07

12 Jun '07

for those interested in training, here are some, just in case you had not seen... regards Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today!

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Holding our Leaders Accountable(delay in response)
by Mr President 12 Jun '07

12 Jun '07

Hi All First of all my apologies to you all, as am unsure wether this debate is over, but my reson for wanting to input my ideas is because i agree with ceryain sentiments. The chai concept, is polite and a means to an end, it was utilised by Njoki Ndungu and, i agree that to have a workshop, seminar for MPs would be ideal. Guys get real, HOW do we talk about E-govt and members of parliament are ICT illiterate ?? How do we drive demand, with the puiblic when those who represent them need mail and not E-mails ?? I consistently say, that we sahould borrow a leaf from Rwanda, The Head of state, conducts Govt online, bunge there uses electronic voting, the state is divided into four regions and all Hqs are served via a WAN. What is the state of our E-govt and the use of the same? Tho Mps may not be ICT lerned, then they should get assistants/ interns- tho not Lewinsky- to assist them in ResearchBills before the houseNational and constituency issuesICT and its benefits We agreed to lead by example, let us invite the Waheshimiwas and enlighten them and better still form and ICT lobby forum for use now and later, Example ? the media and ICT bills these would be the same MPs we would invite for informal then formal talks and for those who understand Govt like in the US we as KICTANET should learn to lobby, to me that is being Pro active as opposed to being Re active Have a thoughtful and blessed week end Njenga M.Pthose who fear to fail.will never try to succeded,for to fail to plan is to plan to FAIL _______________________________________________ No banners. No pop-ups. No kidding. Make My Way your home on the Web - http://www.myway.com

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Cisco Systems opens IT training centre in Kibera
by Alex Gakuru 12 Jun '07

12 Jun '07

[Business Daily] 12-June-2007 Author : Kui Kinyanjui A unique educational programme in Kibera slums of Nairobi will see residents learn to build personal computers and connect them to local area networks. Technology solutions provider Cisco Systems Incorporated has opened an information technology (IT) training centre in the informal settlement, aimed at providing training opportunities for disadvantaged peoplemany who may have never used a computer before. The Kibera Academy is about improving IT skills and boosting local peoples prospects for the future and elevating their standard of living, said Hital Muraj, Ciscos area academy manager for East Africa. Cisco is one of a growing number of global technology giants to create specialised solutions for the Kenyan market. Increasingly, more international technology firms are shifting focus away from purely commercial interests in developing countries to more social ventures that allow them to enrich the technology skills of target population. http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1399&Item… --------------------------------- Got a little couch potato? Check out fun summer activities for kids.

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why member profile
by Rebecca Wanjiku 11 Jun '07

11 Jun '07

kictanet would like to encourage members to know each other, this is a network of networks and would like to feature the organisations represented or individuals, it will be a way of members knowing each other and what we do... if you feel your organisation or individual is doing a good job to promote ICTs, please feel free to contact me, regards Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Sucker-punch spam with award-winning protection. Try the free Yahoo! Mail Beta.

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forum reminder..
by Rebecca Wanjiku 11 Jun '07

11 Jun '07

just a reminder-- KICTANet's monthly forum on Thursday June 14 at Jacaranda at 3pm Michuki Mwangi from Kenic will be speaking about local content, Simba, KOCH Fm will also share, plan to be there.. see you there, Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase.

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doc link
by Rebecca Wanjiku 11 Jun '07

11 Jun '07

just to let you know that the media council bill and the KC amendment bill are available on the APC Africa website, once the Kictanet website is done, we will have them there.... http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=he_1&x=5077882 --------------------------------- Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

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doc link
by Rebecca Wanjiku 11 Jun '07

11 Jun '07

just to let you know that the media council bill and the KC amendment bill are available on the APC Africa website, once the Kictanet website is done, we will have them there.... http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=he_1&x=5077882 --------------------------------- Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games.

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[Fwd: [Fibre-for-africa] EASSy breaks fresh ground]
by alice 11 Jun '07

11 Jun '07

EASSy breaks fresh ground By Wairagala Wakabi CIPESA/ Fibre for Africa Kampala, June 11, 2007 The East African Submarine Cable System (EASSy) has concluded interconnection agreements with three cable systems to carry traffic between Africa, Europe and Asia. It has also included the Comoros in its planned fibre network, to which 29 African entities are party. The cables are SAFE/SAT3, SEA ME-WE and FLAG, according to John Sihra, the coordinator of EASSy and a director with Tanzanian operator ZANTEL. The SAT3/WASC cable runs from Portugal, through Spain, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Angola to South Africa. SAFE begins from South Africa, to La Reunion, Mauritius, on to India and Malaysia. FLAG covers the Indian sub-continent and is extending to the Middle East and North Africa, while SEA ME-WE runs in the Middle East and North Africa. Sihra and other members of the EASSy steering committee ended a three-day meeting in Kampala, Uganda last Friday June 8 to finalise legal paperwork for the interconnection deals and the inclusion of the Comoros, among others. They also harmonised the various legal documents they had drawn up since they signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in December 2003. Open Access Sihra and other parties to the EASSy MoU told Fibre for Africa that the EASSy project cost remained $235 million, and reiterated that the cable would be operated along open access principles. Even 10 years from now other operators who come on board will get capacity at the same price as existing operators, said Sihra. We have had some pressure from NEPAD (the New Partnership for African Development) to make sure the project takes into account the expectation of regional governments, namely that capacity pricing should be competitive and cost based, and that new companies have non-discriminatory access to it. We have addressed these concerns. But at exactly what price shall EASSy bandwidth come? We cannot give exact prices now, he said. There are many competing cables coming up; everyone now wants to build a cable round east Africas coast. They were sleeping but EASSy woke them up, he added, suggesting that revealing at what price EASSy would lease out its bandwidth could play into the hands of competitors. Completion date With EASSy expected to be ready for commercial operations in the fourth quarter of 2008, signatories to the MoU said they were certain to be the first cable on the eastern coast of Africa. They promised competitive prices and high quality services, which they believed would make EASSy the most viable marine cable in the region. The actual laying of cables, which will be done by Alcatel Lucent Submarine Networks of France with whom a contract was signed on March 9 2007, will take 6-7 months. A detailed feasibility study was concluded, so has an environment impact assessment which the operators said found the cable would not negatively impact on the marine ecosystem. A marine survey is due to start, to map the cable route, and ascertain whether the findings of earlier studies are accurate regarding best route and length of the fibre system. Landing points Under the new arrangement there will be landing points at Grand Comoro and at Mayotte, and these will be funded by the Comoros government. Their inclusion will bring to 10 the number of EASSy landing points the others being at Mtunzini in South Africa, Maputo (Mozambique), Toliary (Madagascar), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Mombasa (Kenya), Mogadishu (Somalia), Djibouti (Republic of Djibouti) and Port Sudan (Sudan). The operators said because EASSy is regional in nature with shareholders from 17 countries, and because these shareholders are not in EASSy to make money from bandwidth sales but to use the cable to improve their services, EASSy bandwidth would be competitively priced and the cable would be especially viable. We shall be the first cable to go into water, and for that we shall have an advantage, said Sihra, adding that operators who will lease from third parties who will be in the business of selling bandwidth will end up with high costs and low capacity. The operators said the interconnection agreements they had concluded with other cables would enable EASSy to offer the public and other operators services from the point of origin of the call to any part of the world. International carriers like BT, France Telecom, and Sauditel are part of EASSy and we will have multiple choices for accessing the international system, which will also make us competitive, one official said. Funding Donald Nyakairu, chairman of the EASSy finance committee, said their funding was all in place, with parties such as MTN and Vodacom having contributed directly, while others would contribute through the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) known as the Western Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC) which MoU partners have set up. He said the maximum amount of loans EASSy could accept was $170 million but it was likely that borrowed money would not exceed $110 million. The Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) announced early in June that it was ready to commit up to $40 million to EASSy but promoters say they might not need all of DBSAs kitty. Backhaul system Nyakairu, also chair of the East African Backhaul System (EABS) and corporation secretary of uganda telecom, said by the time EASSy is completed, there will be a fibre system running from Mombasa, through Nairobi, the Uganda-Kenya border town of Malaba and all the way to the Ugandas capital Kampala. The network will also have extended from Kampala through the Uganda-Rwanda border town of Kabale, to Kigali (Rwanda), through to Bujumbura, to the Tanzanian border and mainland, and onto the landing point at the Tanzanian capital Dar es Salaam. From the Uganda-Rwanda perspective, we see no problem of hooking up from Mombasa all the way to Rwanda, said Noel Meier, chief executive of MTN Uganda. Telkom Kenya is this year extending the fibre to Malaba from where Ugandan operators will pick it up. MTN currently has fibre from Kampala to the town of Bugiri not far from Malaba; while uganda telecom leases Uganda Electricity Transmission Company capacity that carries fibre to Tororo town, also near the border. On the western side, MTN has fibre to the Ugandan town of Mbarara, and uganda telecom is due to build fibre from there to the Rwandan border where it will link to the fibre that MTN Rwandatel is erecting to that point. Within Uganda, the EABS is expected to be hooked to a national fibre backbone which government is building with Chinese funding of up to $110 m. A backhaul system similar to EABS will be developed by operators in southern Africa. Parties to the MoU Parties to the EASSy MoU comprise of 11 operators who are 100% government owned and 18 who are either partially government owned or fully private sector-owned. They are: 1) Botswana Telecom 2) Onatel (Burundi) 3) Telecel (Burundi) 4) Comoro Telecoms 5) Djibouti Telecoms 6) Ethiopia Telecoms Corporation 7) Kenya Telkom 8) Kenya Data Networks 9) Lesotho Telecom Authority 10) Telcom Malagasy (Madagascar) 11) France Telecom (Mayotte) 12) Mauritius Telecom 13) Telecom de Mozambique 14) Vodacom (Mozambique) 15) MTN Rwanda 16) Dalkon (Somalia) 17) MTN South Africa 18) Telkom South Africa 19) Vodacom (South Africa) 20) Neotel (South Africa) 21) Canartel (Sudan) 22) Sudatel (Sudan) 23) Satcom Tanzania 24) Vodacom Tanzania 25) ZANTEL (Tanzania) 26) Tanzania Telecoms Company (TTCL) 27) MTN Uganda 28) ZAMTEL (Zambia_ 29) Tel.One (Zimbabwe) The non-African members are: BT (UK), Saudi Telecom, VSNL/Teleglobe (India), AT&T (USA), Verizon/ ex MCI (USA), France Telecom, and Etisalat (United Arab Emirates). Ends _______________________________________________ Fibre-for-africa mailing list Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa

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Opportunity - ICT in Education Prize: call for nominations]
by alice 11 Jun '07

11 Jun '07

For all those engaging in e-learning etc -------------------------------------------------------- ICT in Education Prize: call for nominations Open Access to Education is the theme of the 2007 UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICTS in Education. Funded by the Kingdom of Bahrain, the US$50,000 Prize is divided between two winners. The deadline for submissions is 31 July 2007. Launched in 2005, the prize aims to reward the projects and best practices of individuals, institutions and NGOs in using information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance learning, teaching and overall educational performance. Winners will be celebrated at an award ceremony to be held on 19 December 2007 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Candidatures must be presented by the government of a Member State of UNESCO or an international non-governmental organization, maintaining formal consultative relations with UNESCO and active in the relevant fields covered by the Prize. Each government or international non-governmental organization is entitled to nominate only two candidates per year. A self-nomination cannot be considered. For further details about the application procedure please consult the PDF file below: How to Apply - Guidelines and Checklist http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php-URL_ID=24691&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECT…

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Kenya E-Commerce
by Alex Gakuru 11 Jun '07

11 Jun '07

Break from "Hyde" park, our consumers network is currently holding a "HOW-TO" realise e-commerce in Kenya discussion at http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers and you are most welcome to contribute examples, successes, failures, ideas and suggestions on-list. Alternatively, if you do not wish to register on the consumers e-list, you may send your comment to me directly. Thank you. Alex Gakuru --------------------------------- Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more.

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member profile
by Rebecca Wanjiku 11 Jun '07

11 Jun '07

hi, this is a reminder to all Kictanet members who would like to be featured in our bulletin, please send us your profile, send to me directly, not to the list, regards becky --------------------------------- Choose the right car based on your needs. Check out Yahoo! Autos new Car Finder tool.

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Kenyan Ministry Joins Push for Telcoms Tax Cuts
by alice 10 Jun '07

10 Jun '07

KenyaN Ministry Joins Push for Telcoms Tax Cuts The ministry of Information and Communications is backing efforts by mobile companies to have taxes levied on the industry reduced. peaking during the ITU's Forum on Telecommunications Regulation in Africa, Information and Communication Minister, Mutahi Kagwe, said there is need for a tax cut. "I think there is a case for it. But of course, you have to balance the need for the reduction and the Government's need for revenue," he said. The forum, hosted by the Communication Commission of Kenya (CCK) and attended by other Africa regulators, was convened to discuss ways of raising access to telecommunication services, by making it possible for service providers to share network and other common infrastructure. obile telephone operators want tax on mobile calls reduced and excise duty removed. "I am negotiating with my colleague in Treasury to see what can be reduced," he said, but declined to disclose whether the pleas will be factored in this year's budget. That, I will leave to the minister (Finance) but I hope he will consider the proposal," Mr Kagwe said. The idea to encourage sharing of infrastructure is borne out of the realisation that it could lower entry costs for new companies to participate in the telecommunication industry, increasing competition and lowering access costs to users. Infrastructure sharing holds tremendous promise for Africa, where investment in ICT development is yet to match market demand," CCK Director-General John Waweru said. he commission, he disclosed, is in the process of developing a framework to facilitate harmonious infrastructure sharing, and will be out in three weeks. (SOURCE: The Nation )

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TOP STORY FROM BALANCING ACT: GOOGLE APPOINTS WANANCHI'S MUCHERU TO HEAD UP ITS NEW OPERATION
by alice 10 Jun '07

10 Jun '07

TOP STORY: GOOGLE APPOINTS WANANCHI'S MUCHERU TO HEAD UP ITS NEW OPERATION _____________________________________________________________________ Google is moving outside of the continental comfort zones for most global investors, North and South Africa, and is opening its first operation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Kenya has been chosen as the base camp for what is likely to turn into a sub-regional business. It has chosen Joseph Mucheru, former CEO of Wananchi to be its Site Lead- Kenya and although he has barely got his feet under the desk, Russell Southwood spoke to him about what Google might be doing, infrastructure initiatives and Kenya's media and communications bills. Q: With more competitive markets in Kenya, it's an exciting time for anyone in the telecoms and Internet markets there. So why did you leave Wananchi? Strategically, Wananchi is going into building infrastructure. There's no denying there's a huge need for it but I've always had a passion for content and applications. In the past, I've always been dragged into infrastructure to support my web business. Also this is the first time an international content player like Google has entered this market and it's very exciting. And this is another reason I've chosen to work with them. Q: So what's Google want to do? Initially there will be three big things. Firstly, we want to optimise the use of Google applications in the region. We already have a lot of customers in the region but further development of the market is hindered by the absence of an international cable offering cheap bandwidth. Google understands that this is an impediment and is willing to go to the extent of buying international bandwidth that locals don't have to pay the current considerable premium they are. The second thing they want to develop is their Maps product to make sure it has local information that is searchable and useful. The third thing is using Google advertising in ways that can help monetize local content. Lots of people have done local content but most times it's flopped. We hope to show that there's a way of doing advertising that can support content. If we can do this, it will generate jobs and work. But I should say clearly that I've only been with the company a week.. Q: So what's your role? I'll be the Site Lead - Kenya and will lead a whole team. I'll be involved in facilitating all the initiatives going on in the area. The company is massive but works in small teams. So I'll help determine what can be done and be pro-active about making it happen which means I'll be acting in an entrepreneurial way. Q: I hear that Google is also interested in policy issues? Google has an interest in what's happening in terms of policy and has a policy team and they want to have someone in every region. Their concern is to ensure that when policy is made that it benefits all of mankind. So it is willing to support someone who will participate in policy debates. So for example, here in Kenya, that person might look at the media and communications bills and Google would be able to lend its support and bring in its experience of these issues from elsewhere. Q: So as a Kenyan what do you personally make of these two pieces of legislation? I've looked at the Communications Bill and I think that there are certain things that would be disastrous, particularly for e-commerce. For example, it says that you will need to get a licence to get a sub-domain and this cuts right across existing global practice. The second thing is that the Bill says that certification authorities must have licences. In effect, it's saying that for Verisign to be recognised it must get a licence from CCK. Q: What issues are there with the media bill? There's an issue in terms of the registration and deregistration of journalists. I'm happy that's what being suggested would work with the current Government but it would be a great deal less good under a bad Government. Q: How will journalists be registered? The Government will decide on the basis of qualifications and writing if an individual will get a licence to practice as a journalist. There must be a way of monitoring standards but something more like a Media Council needs to be set up to monitor the licensing. Something more like the Law Society of Kenya in relation to lawyers. This would have an independent board but the Government might have a single seat but would be equal to everybody else on that board. Q: I understand that there are also some definitional difficulties with the legislation? Yes, it defines broadcasting as anything that is broadcast speech like radio and moving pictures like television. Currently whether this applies to something like You Tube is very vague. Also on a separate issue, the regulator is required to determine the content of the programming code. We can't expect CCK to do that. We need to be able to review these issues so they don't become monumental.

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monthly forum June 14
by Rebecca Wanjiku 08 Jun '07

08 Jun '07

you are invited to the monthly forum on June 14th, the theme for this month is Local Content. Michuki Mwangi, from Kenic will give a presesntation on how to promote local content, the various ways, he will also demystify the term local content and show how we can contribute to local content development, Carol Wanjiru will from KOCH Fm will be present to share with us how they are trying to develop content at Koch FM and how its different from other FM stations that contain substantial amount of Hollywood gossip and other foreign programs, the forum will be at Jacaranda starting at 3pm welcome becky Rebecca Wanjiku, journalist, p.o box 33515, Nairobi.00600 Kenya. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Sick sense of humor? Visit Yahoo! TV's Comedy with an Edge to see what's on, when.

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[Fwd: KShs 670 Million for Digital Villages Start-up Capital]
by alice 08 Jun '07

08 Jun '07

_Subject: KShs 670 Million for Digital Villages Start-up Capital_ The Government of Kenya and the World Bank signed an agreement on 23 May 2007 to create a KShs. 670 million Digital Village Fund. This revolving fund will be used to support entrepreneurs (individual and/or group) to establish and manage digital villages countrywide starting from July/August 2007 through the following programs: · Training in business and ICT, · Finance for set-up costs and equipment, · Provision of ICT support services, · Finance for internet connectivity. In addition to the KShs. 670 million start-up capital, more funds are expected from constituency development funds (CDF), government institutions, development partners, and ICT multinationals to create and support more digital village projects throughout the country. Expect the total amount available for digital village facilities to double or triple by end of 2008. In light of all these developments, ICTVillage.com invites and welcomes all ICT and other organizations to support the rapid and successful implementation of Digital Villages throughout the country via the following initiatives; · *Advertise in the Digital Village Directory*, a special section in the next issue of the ICT Village Magazine available in July 2007. Display your products and/or services for only KShs. 36,250/- (half page) or KShs. 72,500/- (full page) to potential digital village entrepreneurs all over the country. · *Exhibit in the ICT Roadshow* which will be visiting Kisumu from 28^th to 30^th June 2007. Showcase your products and services to potential digital village entrepreneurs in Nyanza Province for only KShs. 36,250/- (without shell) or KShs. 72,500/- with 3x3m shell scheme. (All prices VAT Inclusive). Do not miss out on any of these great opportunities to market your ICT-related products and services all over Kenya. Become a Digital Village Supplier and benefit from the KShs. 670 million revolving fund. Please contact us immediately to book an advert in the Digital Village directory and/or to exhibit at the Kisumu ICT Roadshow. Best Regards, Anne Mutugi, General Manager. ------------------------------------ ICTvillage.com - Idea Factory Ltd, The Office Park, Riverside Drive. P O Box 12, Sarit Centre 00606, Nairobi, Kenya. Tel: 254-020-4449277/020-4447655. Fax: 254-020-4449210. www.ictvillage.com

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ICANN Meeting in San Juan - 25-29 June 2007
by alice 08 Jun '07

08 Jun '07

ICANN Meetings in San Juan, Puerto Rico <http://www.icannsanjuan.pr/> *ICANN Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico* *25 - 29 June 2007* *IMPORTANT INFORMATION:* ICANN's 29th International Public Meeting will be held 25-29 June in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The meeting is free to attend, and open to any interested person. ICANN encourages broad participation in its bottom-up consensus-development process. You can take part in these meetings by attending in person, by taking part in the webcast and remote participation opportunities, and/or by joining one of the various ICANN-related mailing lists. The Local Host's Website <http://icannsanjuan.pr/> contains more information about the venue, transportation and hotels. * *Travel Visa Information* <http://icannsanjuan.pr/visa.php> * *Safety Tips* <http://icannsanjuan.pr/personalsafe.php> * *Schedule and Agenda* <http://www.icann.org/meetings/sanjuan/#ScheduleandAgenda> * *Pre-Registration* <http://www.icann.org/meetings/sanjuan/#preregistration> * *Internet Access* <http://www.icann.org/meetings/sanjuan/#InternetAccess> * *Webcast & Remote Participation* <http://www.icann.org/meetings/sanjuan/#webcast> * *Press & Media* <http://www.icann.org/meetings/sanjuan/#press> * *Sponsorship Opportunities* <http://www.icann.org/meetings/sanjuan/#sponsors> *TRAVEL AND VISA INFORMATION* Information relating to Visa's can be obtained from the Local Host's Website <http://icannsanjuan.pr/>. Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States. U.S. citizens do not need a passport or visa to enter Puerto Rico. For non-U.S. citizens, entry requirements are the same as for the U.S. mainland. To obtain a Formal Letter of Invitation <http://icannsanjuan.pr/invitation.php> to attend the meeting, please visit the Local Host's Website <http://icannsanjuan.pr/>. *SCHEDULE AND AGENDA* Details will be posted as they become available. *PRE-REGISTRATION* Registration for this meeting is now open. Pre-Register Now <http://register.icann.org/> (Pre-registration is not required to attend the meeting.) *SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES* ICANN appreciates the support of the community in providing financial sponsorship for ICANN meetings. This sponsorship is a vital part of enabling ICANN to provide quality programs for meeting attendees. In particular, such generous sponsorship allows ICANN to hold its meetings in geographically diverse locations that allows broader participation across the world's Internet community. ICANN reserves the right not to accept sponsorships from organisations whose missions and activities conflict with ICANN policies. More information about sponsorship opportunities can be found on the Local Host's Website <http://icannsanjuan.pr/sponsors.php>. *WEBCAST AND REMOTE PARTICIPATION INFORMATION* Details will be posted as they become available. Saturday, 23 June 2007 *Time* *Event* 08:00 - 12:00 San Juan ccTLD Policy Workshop - Caribbean ccTLD Community 13:30 - 18:00 San Juan ccTLD Policy Workshop - Caribbean ccTLD Community Sunday, 24 June 2007 *Time* *Event* 09:00 - 11:00 ICANN Board / GAC Joint Working Group (CLOSED) 09:00 - 17:00 North American Region RALO Meeting 09:30 - 17:00 LAC Regional RALO General Assembly 11:15 - 13:00 GAC Working Group on IDN (CLOSED) 13:30 - 14:30 ICANN Roundtable Orientation 14:00 - 15:45 GAC Working Group on IDN (CLOSED) 15:00 - 16:30 Tutorial: IPv6 16:00 - 17:00 ICANN Fellowship Participants Meeting 16:00 - 18:00 GAC Working Group 1: Joint Session with GNSO on WHOIS and New gTLDs (CLOSED) 17:30 - 19:00 Tutorial: Domain Tasting Monday, 25 June 2007 *Time* *Event* 09:00 - 09:45 Welcome Ceremony 10:30 - 11:30 ICANN Public Forum (1) President's Report (2) Report on Budget & Planning Process (3) Comments on President's Report, Budget and Planning Process 11:30 - 13:00 Workshop: Internet Governance 13:30 - 16:00 Workshop: Protection of Registrants 14:00 - 15:45 SSAC Briefing (GAC and ccTLD Operators in Closed Session) 16:00 - 18:00 GAC and ccNSO Joint Meeting on IDN in cc Space 16:30 - 18:00 SSAC Open Meeting 16:00 - 17:00 ICANN Fellowship Participants Meeting 16:00 - 18:00 ICANN Public Forum: GNSO Improvements Tuesday, 26 June 2007 *Time* *Event* 09:00 - 10:45 GAC Working Group on IPv6 (CLOSED) 09:00 - 17:00 gTLD Registries Constituency Meeting 09:00 - 18:00 Registrars Constituency Meeting 09:00 - 17:00 Non-Commercial Users Constituency 09:30 - 17:00 ccNSO Members Meeting 10:00 - 12:00 Cross Constituency Meeting 11:00 - 13:00 GAC Working Group on Reform and Methods of Work (CLOSED) 12:30 - 14:30 Workshop: New GEO-TLDs - More Consumer Choice or More Consumer Confusion? (Co-sponsors: NCUC, At-Large) 14:00 - 16:30 GAC Plenary (CLOSED) 14:00 - 17:00 Intellectual Property Interests Constituency Meeting 14:00 - 17:00 Internet Service and Connectivity Providers Constituency Meeting 14:00 - 16:00 Commercial and Business Users Constituency 14:00 - 17:00 ICANN Fellowship Participants Meeting 14:45 - 18:00 GAC Meeting with the ICANN Board (OPEN SESSION) Wednesday, 27 June 2007 *Time* *Event* 09:00 - TBD ccNSO Members Meeting 17:30 - 19:00 ccNSO Council Meeting 08:30 - 09:00 GAC Program Committee Meeting (CLOSED) 08:30 - 10:30 GNSO Public Forum 09:00 - 13:00 GAC Plenary (CLOSED) 10:30 - 12:30 GNSO Council Meeting 13:00 - 15:30 Workshop: NCUC - gTLDs - Freedom of Expression 14:00 - 16:00 GAC Plenary (CLOSED) 16:00 - 17:00 ICANN Fellowship Participants Meeting 16:00 - 18:00 Workshop: Internationalised Domain Names (IDNs) 19:00 - 23:00 Gala Event Thursday, 28 June 2007 *Time* *Event* 08:00 - 17:00 ccTLD Technical Meeting 08:30 - 13:00 ICANN Public Forum 13:00 - 16:00 Outreach Event at University of San Juan 13:00 - 13:15 North American Region RALO Signing 14:00 - 18:00 At-Large Advisory Committee Meeting 16:00 - 17:00 ICANN Fellowship Participants Meeting Friday, 29 June 2007 *Time* *Event* 08:30 - 13:00 Meeting of the ICANN Board *INTERNET ACCESS* There will be an Internet Lounge. Wireless Internet connectivity (802.11b) will also be available in the main meeting, public areas and in the participant's rooms (only those in the hotel where the conference will be held). *PRESS AND MEDIA INFORMATION* Register with ICANN <http://www.icann.org/press/media-registration.htm> and receive via email a regular report on the ICANN meeting. Information about press and media is also available at the local host's website <http://www.icannsanjuan.pr/pressinform.php>. _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Media Bill 2007.
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 08 Jun '07

08 Jun '07

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"

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Google names first African Employee]
by alice 07 Jun '07

07 Jun '07

Congratulations Mucheru http://whiteafrican.com/?p=620 Joseph Mucheru has been named the new site lead for Google Kenya. This was whispered to be happening, but at today’s Google lunch at TEDGlobal the position was made official by Francoise Brougher, Director of Google Business Opportunities. This is great news for East Africa and Google. They’re getting one of the true leaders in the ISP space, and someone who has a great deal of experience navigating the many difficult situations that arise in the African IT sector. Congratulations Joseph! (Note: This is Google’s first sub-Saharan Africa employee, not counting a couple sales guys in SA)

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Fw: Greetings
by Florence Etta 07 Jun '07

07 Jun '07

Hi KICTANet list manager/s, Below FYI and action please. Cheers, FE ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: John Matogo <JMatogo(a)strathmore.edu> To: Florence Etta <feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk> Sent: Thursday, 7 June, 2007 3:05:34 AM Subject: RE: Greetings Greetings Florence I would like to join KICTANet, I believe I joined the mailing list sometime back but I am not sure if I get all the emails. Kindly let me know where I register, to the mailing list. Regards John From: Florence Etta [mailto:feanywhere@yahoo.co.uk] Sent: 07 June 2007 11:06 To: John Matogo Subject: Re: Greetings Thanks a million John. I hope we will keep in contact. I wonder if you will consider it useful to join a network which discusses ICT issues in the country called KICTANet. Cheers, FE Florence Etta P.O. Box 14285 ,00800 Westlands-Nairobi , Kenya Tel: Mobile + 254-733-621851 Terrestrial: + 254-20-7121506 Fax: + 254-20-7125732 Alternative Email: florence.etta(a)gmail.com ----- Original Message ---- From: John Matogo <JMatogo(a)strathmore.edu> To: florence.etta(a)gmail.com Sent: Thursday, 7 June, 2007 10:03:14 AM Subject: Greetings Greetings Florence I trust that you are well. Just a note to greet you and pass my contact information. Kindly find my contact information below. Regards John Matogo Faculty of Information Technology Strathmore University Email: jmatogo(a)strathmore.edu Web: www.strathmore.edu New Yahoo! Mail is the ultimate force in competitive emailing. Find out more at the Yahoo! Mail Championships. Plus: play games and win prizes. ___________________________________________________________ Inbox full of unwanted email? Get leading protection and 1GB storage with All New Yahoo! Mail. http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

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Controversial Media Bill is Amended
by Alex Gakuru 07 Jun '07

07 Jun '07

I just heard it on Nation radio. Waruru and Dr. Ndemo enlighten us on the deal reached. I sure hope the clause on registering journalists was struck off. I stand my ground in support of "Registering journalists is a code word for censorship", because we cannot trust future regimes to be as democratic as the current. Genuine risk of use to suppress "non-journalists" opinions (like me, sometimes). http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?premiumid=0&cate… Gakuru --------------------------------- Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV.

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Autoreply: Controversial Media Bill is Amended
by kfourati＠idrc.ca 07 Jun '07

07 Jun '07

I am currently away from the office. Will reply to your email upon my return on Monday 12 june je suis absent du bureau actuellement. je répondrai à votre message à mon retour le lundi 12 juin

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Re: [kictanet] Google names first African Employee]
by Njeri Rionge 06 Jun '07

06 Jun '07

CONGRATULATIONS MUCHERU, THIS IS GREAT NEWS.... WELL DONE! THE SKY IS NOT EVEN THE LIMIT.... Njeri, -----Original message----- From: alice alice(a)apc.org Date: Wed, 6 Jun 2007 04:50:00 +0300 To: njeri.rionge(a)igniteconsulting.co.ke Subject: [kictanet] Google names first African Employee] > Congratulations Mucheru > > http://whiteafrican.com/?p=620 > > > Joseph Mucheru has been named the new site lead for Google Kenya. This > was whispered to be happening, but at today’s Google lunch at TEDGlobal > the position was made official by Francoise Brougher, Director of Google > Business Opportunities. > > This is great news for East Africa and Google. They’re getting one of > the true leaders in the ISP space, and someone who has a great deal of > experience navigating the many difficult situations that arise in the > African IT sector. > > Congratulations Joseph! > > (Note: This is Google’s first sub-Saharan Africa employee, not counting > a couple sales guys in SA) >

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is FOI a milestone for freedom of expression in Kenya?
by Rebecca Wanjiku 06 Jun '07

06 Jun '07

the MPs are in Mombasa discussing the FOI, i know we are following discussions keenly but here is an analysis by a kenyan journalist which i hope will help shed some light, please read and comment FOI: A MILESTONE FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION By Vincent Lempaa Freedom of Information Policy, if finally becomes a law or a statutory instrument in Kenya will be a big millstone for not only the freedom of expression but freedom to know as well. From the outset it is worth noting that our former colonial masters- United Kingdom published its White Paper on freedom of information in 1997 which eventually became a law in the year 2000 but was fully implemented 2005. The government for the first time in the history of the United Kingdom intended that the citizens should have a legal right to information and the records in which that information is contained. In addition an independent Information commissioner was appointed who is answerable not to parliament but the court. Just like the Kenyan Legal System has been substantively influenced by the English Legal System so is the Kenyas policy document is influenced by the freedom of information act 2000. If the document, as prepared by the Information Ministry becomes a law or a statute it will resemble the English 2000 Act not only in form but also in content. It is expected that if it becomes a statutory instrument, it will supersede the existing documents related to the information in Kenya such as the National Archives and Documentation Act, the Records Disposal Act and the Official Secrets Act. In its preamble, the Access to Information Policy ( 3.1.1) the document is couched in very liberal terms like facilitating citizens with greater communication with public bodies and increasing participation in the Democratic Processes and Nation Building. Indeed citizens will have wider access to information subject to harm test. The document, if it sees the light of parliamentary calendar will definitely open up the processes of government but the harm test as it is applied in the so called liberal democracies is likely to be more strict in Kenya for obvious reasons that ours is a nascent democracy unlike the West. By way of an introduction s. (3.2) states that: There will be some consultation that will not be accessible not to fetter the operation of those institutions. How narrow or wide such clauses will be interpreted can have an equally high degree of fettering the freedom to know. It is to be assumed the meaning to be accorded to such words as public bodies will be as wide as the one used in determining what they really are in the judicial review given the document chooses judicial review remedies as the best to vindicate any infringement on freedom to know. S. (3.6) provides for the procedure of handling application but it is cast in such general terms: application for access to documents shall be handled promptly. How prompt is prompt will be the underlying question is this situation. This is to be compared and contrasted with the specific terms that characterize the English Freedom of Information Act 2000. Request must be in writing and the authority is under duty to respond to the request within 20 working days of its receipt. The provision of s. (3.10.1) is specifically express that private bodies that carry out statutory functions and those that are contracted out by the public organizations are within the bill. This distinction is crucial given the type of problems of interpretation it has continuously created in courts for the purposes of the judicial review remedies. By s (3.11) - The reuse of Public Information. The minister, guessing it is the information minister is given discretion to - issuing regulations regarding access to public information for the purposes of commercial exploitation. How reasonable such discretion will be exercised by the minister is everybodys guess. It would also be better if the bill stated expressly under which circumstances do records become value- less and non current as per the provisions of s (3.13.1) for the purposes of destruction. The provisions on National Security, Defense and International Relations are cut and paste of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and critics and scholars have been at pains with its wide and ambiguity. They have argued that such terms are prone to abuse by the executive arm of the government. In our situation, the Bill does not try to define them and it can only be concluded that parliament will be creating an assailable discretion on the executive to decide on the remits of such words. By s (3.14.4) the freedom of Information Act shall uphold the right of personal privacy. This is to be welcomed as it will protect the vulnerable members of the societies from the excesses of the media in the behest of freedom of expression. On Review and Appeal the Bill is also a copy cut of the FIA 2000. The proposed office of information commissioner is and his powers and functions are akin to those of the same institution as it abstains in England. The Bill, by s. (4.3.4) attempt to oust any parliamentary or executive power upon the commissioner. The provision, good as it sound, raises some constructional questions. The provision that the commissioner will only be answerable to Court hence judiciary ousts the power of the people expressed through elected representative. The judiciary will have control of such an important office and it is not an elected body and in theory they are not answerable to the electorate. On the rights of appeal as per the provision of s (5.4). This section is somewhat ambiguous. It bars individual from appealing against the decision of the information commissioner in Court. One is left wondering whether representative groups are also barred. Besides, Freedom of information is about interests that are normally christened as fundamental rights. Much as judicial review procedures are thorough they have their inherent limitations like the standing locus standi Public and private law exclusivity rules and other strictures as time limitation. As a fundamental right- freedom of expression, the bill would have not limited review to judicial review. Individuals rights and those of representative groups will be better protected if they had several ways of accessing justice like constitutional reference that are not fettered by excessive procedures. By and large Freedom of information Bill as drafted is an ambitious project and when it eventually becomes an act it will a big steps towards much cherished freedom of expression. This will be more so for the so called forth estates that works for gain from processing and disseminating information. There will be more accurate reporting as journalist and editors will base their reports on facts and not speculations. This will in turn reduce the high number of defamation suits that have crippled some of the media houses. However the experience in the United Kingdom shows that this is not likely to happen quickly as the media would like it to be. In the United Kingdom a Bill that was published in 1997 was implemented eights years later 2005. This delay attracted more criticisms that overshadowed the discussion of the content of the Bill Ends Rebecca Wanjiku, journalist, p.o box 33515, Nairobi.00600 Kenya. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love (and love to hate): Yahoo! TV's Guilty Pleasures list.

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online discussion on The Kenya Communications ( Amendment ) Bill 2007 - introduction
by Muriuki Mureithi 06 Jun '07

06 Jun '07

Colleagues As you are aware the Kenya Government has at last published the Kenya Communications (Amendment) Bill 2007 . The purpose of the Bill published on May 17th , 2007 ( world telecommunications day) is to amend Kenya Communications Act 1998 . The structure of the bill as a follows; Clause 1 - 14 - change of name, new definitions, ICT policy development and promulgation , governance of the sector and constitution of the regulator , fines for contravention of the act Clause 15 - introduces part IVA on broadcasting services - regulation , licensing and revocation , and promotion of local content Clause 16 -29 - enhances penalties of the contravention of the Act, reduce the duration of notice of a grant of licence, refusal to grant or modification, exclude certain classes in the notice of grant of licence Clause 30 . introduces part VIA on information technology - legal recognition of electronic communications, electronic records and electronic transactions , offences . introduces part VIB universal service fund - establishment and operationalisation . introduces part VIC Fair competition and equal treatment - definition of dominant operator , investigation of unfair treatment clause 31 introduces miscellaneous provisions on National communications secretariat, establishment of the advisory councils ( content and universal service), action in the occurrence of an emergency, use of information by an operator, service to CCK etc clause 33 introduces two schedules . fourth schedule - operation of advisory councils - content and advisory . fifth schedule - transitional provisions and proposes to repeal other acts - Kenya broadcasting act, penal code, evidence act , part VII electronic records To understand the implication of the Bill , you need to study the Kenya Communications Act 1998 which is being repealed and the Bill itself . Once enacted the governing law will be information and Communications Act and will have far reaching implications in the sector for the next decade or so. it is therefore important for stakeholders to study the document. KICTAnet facilitated a review of the Kenya Communications Act 1998 last year using the a draft bill prepared by the Ministry of Infocom and developed a report supported by the stakeholders. This document made a number of proposals which were presented to the Permanent Secretary Dr Bitange Ndemo. Some of the proposals have been included in the Bill As this Bill awaits discussion in parliament , KICTANet wants to facilitate an informed debate on the Bill , these comments are intended to support the evolution of a law to make Kenya effective user of ICT for development .I invite you to read the Kenya Communications Act 1998, the Kenya Communications ( Amendment) Bill 2007 and the proposals by KICTANET as a resource for your comments . The Act and the Bill are available at the government printer and meanwhile we are making arrangements to scan have all documents hosted in a website for ease of access by end of Wednesday . We start the online discussion on Thursday 7th and will start with Clause 1-14 and follow the sequence . In the meantime , we welcome any comments on the structure and the process of online discussion between today and Wednesday 6th Regards Muriuki Mureithi

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resources for Kenya Communications ( Amendment ) Bill 2007 - online discussion
by Muriuki Mureithi 06 Jun '07

06 Jun '07

Colleagues The relevant resources for the online discussion are at http://www.kictanet.or.ke/documents/ [Muriuki Mureithi]

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Faster registration of firms boosts Kenya
by Alex Gakuru 06 Jun '07

06 Jun '07

[Business Daily] 06-June-2007: Author Abyssinia Lati Most welcome! <snip> At the State Law Office, RRI initiative is aimed at improving the work environment and raise the level of customer satisfaction by 80 per cent in 100 days. Analysts reckon that improvement of efficiency in key areas of the public service such as the registration of companies and in courts, is critical to the realisation of the Government-driven Vision 2030 that aims at tranforming the country into a middle income economy. Mr Muchemi said installation of an e-filing system that will enable the public to access files on-line was underway at the company registry. The office will host a website that will provide downloadable forms, and also provide an on-line name search facility, he said. <snip> <http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1336&Item…> To eliminate ghost companies, we wish the State Law Office even comes up with something even better than UK's http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/ and then this year they will truly deserve No.1 position Public Service Award from the President. Have a laughly online day ;-) Gakuru --------------------------------- Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us.

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