- KICTANet - KICTANet

yote yawezekana na ICTs
by Rebecca Wanjiku 07 Feb '07

07 Feb '07

Yote yawezekana na ICT. In 1982, Kenya was holding a major conference seeking to bridge the missing link in telephone connectivity. Twenty five years down the line, another major conference- seeking to bridge the digital divide between the rural and urban areas. The ongoing expo, dubbed ICTs for Development, is bringing together people from all sectors and is geared towards improving connectivity and business prospects in rural areas. Information and Communication minister … [View More]

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Fwd: [Idlelo2] Permanant Secretary of Kenya speaks about negotiating for cheaper development tools
by Bill Kagai 07 Feb '07

07 Feb '07

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Derek Keats <dkeats(a)uwc.ac.za> Date: Feb 7, 2007 9:44 AM Subject: [Idlelo2] Permanant Secretary of Kenya speaks about negotiating for cheaper development tools To: Idlelo <idlelo2(a)fossfa.net> I am writing this from the 1st International Conference in Computer Science and Informatics (COSCIT 2007), in Nairobi Kenya. In the opening session, Dr. B. Ndemo, Permanant Secretary in the Kenyan Ministry of Information & Communication, … [View More]gave a speech about ICT in Kenya. He spent quite a bit of time talking about negotiating a deal with Microsoft to make their software cheaper for Kenyans, including developer tools so that Kenyans could become software developers. The local Microsoft representative was in the audience, naturally. Members of the Microsoft "technical officer" team follow politicians and policy makers around like flies follow sick dogs. She left when the Permanant Secretary left. Apparently, a meeting of many of the computer scientists in Kenya was not important enough for her; certainly not as important as being visible to the Permanant Secretary. When the Permanant Secretary made this pronouncement about these negotiations, completely ignoring all that is happening in Kenya with respect to FOSS, I was shocked and saddened. I wanted to ask why waste time removing impediments to creating Kenyan software developers, when with FOSS we can start immediately. There is nothing to negotiate, the tools are as good or better than the tools for Windows, and there are no barriers to innovation. Java, C, C++, C# Python, .NET, PHP, BASIC, and most other environments are available on GNU/Linux. Why do Kenyans need to waste their money getting permission from Microsoft to use these languages for training software developers? This mystery that is only explainable by the constant lobbying pressure from the "technical officers" and their like. There is absolutely no rational basis for it. The minister is implicitly saying that it is right for Kenya to pay money to Microsoft and create a long-term dependence on them, thus using the Kenyan taxpayer's money to create development opportunities in Redmond Washington, an area of the world that really needs dollars from Kenya. It is clear that Dr. Ndemo does not understand that innovation happens faster when barriers are as few as they can reasonably be. With Free Software, this is the case. With propriteary tools, barriers have to be negotiated, and this limits and inhibits innovation. I wanted to show the Permanant Secretary my Ubuntu desktop, equipped with Free Software development tools for which I need neither permission nor to pay license fees to use, and which I can use immediately, no negotiation required. The Permanant Secretary clearly just doesn't get it. Unfortunately, the session did not have a question peroid, and he left along with the Microsoft lap dog (er, I mean representative) before I could use my own keynote space to show him what Free Software can do. So Kenyans active in FOSS, you have a responsibility, this man is in need of some educating. Please make an appointment, go see him. Show him what you are accomplishing with software Freedom. We need to find a way to balance the lobbying power of Microsoft, so that truth and logic have a reasonable chance of prevailing. cheers Derek All Email originating from UWC is covered by disclaimer http://www.uwc.ac.za/portal/uwc2006/content/mail_disclaimer/index.htm _______________________________________________ Idlelo2 mailing list Idlelo2(a)fossfa.net http://mailman.dst.gov.za/mailman/listinfo/idlelo2 [View Less]

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Re: [kictanet] Day 10 of 10: Reconciling Stakeholder Interests
by Lucy Kimani 06 Feb '07

06 Feb '07

Walu: "What are the top three things, each Stakeholder (Operators, Regulators, Consumers and Govt) should do in order to provide a win-win situation for everybody in the new OFC dispensation?" In my humble opinion and this is of course from a consumer perspective I would list priorities as follows: 1)As was pointed out the Operators, Regulators and Govt have been working closely for the past 4 years, clearly missing was the consumer in this relationship, and this needs to change. I am glad … [View More]the current discussions have highlighted the need to include the consumer as an important stakeholder in all policy making etc. 2)The consumer association that is yet to be registered for reasons not clear to me needs to be a reality -- The consumer needs a face, so there is an entity to negotiate, partner, and hold the various bodies accountable on behalf of consumers, and the consumers need to know they have an entity that will address their concerns. 3)I am confident I speak for many consumers when I say that we are all looking for quality and affordable telecommunciation services so whatever model the OFC adopts needs to ensure the consumer gets closer to achieving these objectives. LK > <<<I must stay that the previous theme 'Projected Impact of > OFC on Stakeholders' has been quite turbulent. We did > recieve about 20 postings on this theme(during 4 calender > days) and it has been a challenge trying to sieve through > them in order to create a brief and reasonable account of > the issues, proposals and predictions. In the interest of > moving forward, I would wish to introduce the next theme > and but will provide the summary of issues in the final > report.>>>. > > In general, the Operators have an obligation to maximize > profit for their shareholders by virtue of having taken a > risk and committed funds into a particular line of business > (OFC included). The Consumer on the other hand will always > want services at the lowest cost possible (including free > services). The Regulator is mandated - in part - to > provide a level playing field for the Operators and a > protection mechanism for Consumers. Finally, the > Government's main role would be to improve the livelihoods > of its citizens e.g. providing essential services, > conducive policy, legislative and regulatory environment > for all the stakeholders. > > Indeed, the above brings out the automatic tensions that > come to play because each stakeholder wants to pursue their > interests which in most cases would be in conflict. E.g. > Private sector would naturally follow the lowest path to > profit e.g. charge highly, concentrate in high-income zones > and recoup their investments in the shortest time possible. > Nothing illegal with that, but if the Government > intervention is lacking in such a situtation, then certain > parts of society (citizenry) would be excluded from > accessing some of the (essential) services provided by the > Businesses. On the other hand, forcing Business to provide > these services to low income communities, or forcing them > to under-price without compensatory schemes (incentives) > would be the quickest way to run down the business (denying > Govts Tax Revenues). > >>From the previous theme, it was evident that the current > status and relationships, particularly between Consumers > and Operators is not too healthy. Similarly, the existing > relationship between Govt and the Regulator came into > question and various models and frameworks for improving on > these was proposed. Infact, if all things remain constant > and the OFC was delivered tomorrow, I suspect that the > tensions between the stakeholders may go a notch higher, > possibly compouded by intense Operator(with OFC access) vs > Operator(without OFC access) wars. > > How then can these wars be pre-empted? What are the top > three things, each Stakeholder (Operators, Regulators, > Consumers and Govt) should do in order to provide a win-win > situation for everybody in the new OFC dispensation? Two > days on this conclusive phase...start talking along this > theme keeping in mind some Netiquette as recommended by the > list administrator. > > walu. > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > Never Miss an Email > Stay connected with Yahoo! Mail on your mobile. Get started! > http://mobile.yahoo.com/services?promote=mail [View Less]

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Internet Society (ISOC) will be forming Regional Policy Advisory Groups
by alice＠apc.org 06 Feb '07

06 Feb '07

If you are interested, please send an email to: rpag-africa(a)isoc.org ar --------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.isoc.org/pubpolpillar/RPAG.shtml ISOC to form regional policy advisory groups Call for Expressions of Interest The Internet Society (ISOC) will be forming Regional Policy Advisory Groups (RPAGs) to assist realize one of its key goals, that of further internationalizing its public policy work. An RPAG will be created for each region … [View More]

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Fw: Invitation to a Free Public Lecture on "Global Economic Prospects 2007: Managing the Next Wave of Globalization" on 8th February 2007 at KICC, Aberdares Rm @10.am
by alice＠apc.org 06 Feb '07

06 Feb '07

Global Economic Prospects 2007: Managing the Next Wave of Globalization Presented by the Lead Author Richard Newfarmer Economic Advisor, Trade Department, World Bank Thursday, 8th February, 2007, 10.00am ? 12.00noon Aberdares Room, KICC Imagine a world where developing countries are the key drivers behind global economic growth, where … [View More]

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VRFY TST 1
by Odhiambo WASHINGTON 06 Feb '07

06 Feb '07

VRFY TST. cheers - wash +----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------+ Odhiambo Washington . WANANCHI ONLINE LTD (Nairobi, KE) | wash () WANANCHI ! com . 1ere Etage, Loita Hse, Loita St., | GSM: (+254) 722 743 223 . # 10286, 00100 NAIROBI | GSM: (+254) 733 744 121 . (+254) 020 313 985 - 9 | +---------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ "Oh My God! They killed init! You … [View More]

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quick test - 20070206 5.15p.m
by John Walubengo 06 Feb '07

06 Feb '07

plse ignore...if O.K. Otherwise I did send a message 30min ago and it hasn't popped up. walu. ____________________________________________________________________________________ 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: REF: CONTRACT: N°410.2 SUPPORT TO ICT SECTOR IN EAST AFRICA - MAURITIUS, MADAGASCAR AND KENYA
by Bill Kagai 06 Feb '07

06 Feb '07

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Patrice J. Ferriere <pferrier(a)intnet.mu> Date: Feb 6, 2007 3:23 PM Subject: REF: CONTRACT: N°410.2 SUPPORT TO ICT SECTOR IN EAST AFRICA - MAURITIUS, MADAGASCAR AND KENYA To: billkagai(a)gmail.com Sir, Our company has been short-listed by the CDE to carry out the project as referred to above. This project aims at improving the ICT sector of the concerned countries by reinforcing their management capacities, by generalizing the access to … [View More]

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Day 10 of 10: Reconciling Stakeholder Interests
by John Walubengo 06 Feb '07

06 Feb '07

<<<I must stay that the previous theme 'Projected Impact of OFC on Stakeholders' has been quite turbulent. We did recieve about 20 postings on this theme(during 4 calender days) and it has been a challenge trying to sieve through them in order to create a brief and reasonable account of the issues, proposals and predictions. In the interest of moving forward, I would wish to introduce the next theme and but will provide the summary of issues in the final report.>>>. In … [View More]general, the Operators have an obligation to maximize profit for their shareholders by virtue of having taken a risk and committed funds into a particular line of business (OFC included). The Consumer on the other hand will always want services at the lowest cost possible (including free services). The Regulator is mandated - in part - to provide a level playing field for the Operators and a protection mechanism for Consumers. Finally, the Government's main role would be to improve the livelihoods of its citizens e.g. providing essential services, conducive policy, legislative and regulatory environment for all the stakeholders. Indeed, the above brings out the automatic tensions that come to play because each stakeholder wants to pursue their interests which in most cases would be in conflict. E.g. Private sector would naturally follow the lowest path to profit e.g. charge highly, concentrate in high-income zones and recoup their investments in the shortest time possible. Nothing illegal with that, but if the Government intervention is lacking in such a situtation, then certain parts of society (citizenry) would be excluded from accessing some of the (essential) services provided by the Businesses. On the other hand, forcing Business to provide these services to low income communities, or forcing them to under-price without compensatory schemes (incentives) would be the quickest way to run down the business (denying Govts Tax Revenues). >From the previous theme, it was evident that the current status and relationships, particularly between Consumers and Operators is not too healthy. Similarly, the existing relationship between Govt and the Regulator came into question and various models and frameworks for improving on these was proposed. Infact, if all things remain constant and the OFC was delivered tomorrow, I suspect that the tensions between the stakeholders may go a notch higher, possibly compouded by intense Operator(with OFC access) vs Operator(without OFC access) wars. How then can these wars be pre-empted? What are the top three things, each Stakeholder (Operators, Regulators, Consumers and Govt) should do in order to provide a win-win situation for everybody in the new OFC dispensation? Two days on this conclusive phase...start talking along this theme keeping in mind some Netiquette as recommended by the list administrator. walu. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never Miss an Email Stay connected with Yahoo! Mail on your mobile. Get started! http://mobile.yahoo.com/services?promote=mail [View Less]

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Re: [Kictanet] Existing/Appropriate Regulatory Models for OFC (2days)
by joseph kihanya 05 Feb '07

05 Feb '07

The regulatory framework I am afraid has to have its background against what is and has become current over the last 15 years or so globally. It can be viewed both at the national level and at the international arena. It is important to note that regulation in telecommunications is a public policy matter for any country. Governments must design and implement regulation based on the needs of a particular country and its peculiar historical or other circumstances, of course tending towards best … [View More]practices. Telecommunications regulation in the transition from a monopolistic and largely anti- market based approaches to supply of services, to a market based approach in a liberalized era, mandated most governments and hence societies to seek regulatory oversight. This was against an anticipated reduction of oversight given that market forces/ competition was to guide, in the long term, the development of this industry as in others. Consensus appears to be that in the short term-as a guide/ facilitator to liberalization, regulatory bodies were and are required. It is indeed even anticipated that it is in this transitional stage that the regulators will be so busy – for the obvious reasons that the new players may gain dominance very quickly and attain the monopolistic tendencies of the historical operators. Why is regulation in telecommunications important? 1. It authorizes new operators. 2. It removes barriers to entry. 3. It mandates interconnection between players. 4. It oversees the penetration of services in areas that commercial imperatives would not allow or pursue. The objectives of transparent telecommunications regulation are mainly the following; Oversee competitive markets by;  Promoting efficient supply of services.  Ensuring good QOS  Promote advances services  Enable the maintenance of efficient pricing.  Prevent abuse of significant market powers.  Protect consumer rights/privacy rights.  Facilitate interconnection thereby efficient use of telecommunication services.  Oversee the optimal use of the finite radio frequency spectrum. From the foregoing, it is clear that, in the short term at least, most countries, Kenya included have an interest to regulate telecommunications services provision. The question therefore only remains as to whether the OFC is within the ambit of what may be regulated in the industry. Deregulation is a theme that is in play in most jurisdictions that have achieved above optimal competitive markets. The case of the UK under the Communications Act 2003 and the role of OFCOM are in point. Given that there is no direct call for deregulation even under the National ICT policy 2006, it would appear that the strategies suggested at 3.3.1 in relation to information technology infrastructure would entail a fair amount of regulation. This is especially given the fact that despite encouragement of the laying of the infrastructure, only so few options will be available, Indeed, in the OFC case, perhaps 2 will be a lucky option for many for the next 5-10 years or more. Do we then need a regulatory framework? My answer is yes and perhaps for tempering, a hesitant qualifier. Competition laws are likely to be the most fundamental “regulatory framework” for the OFC as indeed for any other services. It is particular to note that even in the UK the Office of Fair Trading and OFCOM share equivalent powers in relation to fostering competition. The CCK will have to; in the very short to medium term translate from the “licenser”- facilitator of entry- primarily- to a serious competition oversight body with sound, quick and efficient determinations. If I am not wrong the only recorded competition determination relates to the cyber-café association- common pricing attempt- I stand to be corrected. Interconnection determinations have been one- Kencell vs TKL ? This will be countered and perhaps also enhanced by an independent competition body- the workings of the anti-monopolies commissioner under the Restrictive Trade Practices Act (Chapter 504 Laws of Kenya), are highly opaque. Other countries, such as Australia have also undergone a transformation from maintaining industry specific competition principles and statutes for the telecommunication sector to an all inclusive co- competition oversight regime in the interim and a sustainable sole competition / regulatory framework for all industries. As such therefore, regulation for the OFC may be through the competition framework under the CA 1998 or the KICT BILL 2006. Complete lack of regulation may therefore not be an option at all. Whatever business model is adopted, the Key question is whether as a country in acute need of the OFC, we would facilitate its provisioning of services within the country without any regard to any oversight of any sort for whatever purpose. At the international level. The WTO and the ITU also anticipate regulatory oversight in telecommunications too and Kenya, being party to these organizations would be hard pressed to provision services without oversight (if that were possible), especially since the OFC will be extra-territorial. I would suggest that a reading of this Reference paper at the WTO would elaborate on this aspect. See www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/serv_e/telecom_e/tel23_e.htm The best regulatory models would for me therefore be within the competition framework. It would be difficult to try and regulate any/the OFC, singularly, as it would also perhaps border on the unconstitutional, there being a bar againts discrimination under our Constitution. Sector specific competition regulation under the CA1998 may work in the meantime but in the long run a clear policy that has a generic definition of what significant market power is, would serve the industry best. Kihanya ----- Original Message ---- From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> To: kihanyajn(a)yahoo.com Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 5:45:10 PM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Day 8 of 10 : - Projected Impact of OFC on the Stakeholders Cool! u r on e-record- we expect something Regulatory from you on or before Day 10. thanx, walu. --- joseph kihanya <kihanyajn(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Thanks Walu for the discussion moderation. > > I am doing something on the regulatory framework and will > post by day 10. > > On operators I would expect that there woulda be a > reciprocation in price and QOS issues. > I would expect that there would be publicly accessible > interconnection agreements under the non-discriminatory > technology-neutral Open Access principles . > I would also expect that there would have to bea busines > realignment to conform with new entrants at the local > lvel who the operators would indeed agree not to want to > "take over" asa soon asa a ROI looks good. > > > On the regulator, the paradigm shift in allowing > competition and enforcing it would be key.Competition > alone despite all that is siad about it is not known to > benefit consumers largely where duopolies or oligopolies > exits. product and price shadowing takes centre stage and > one is not sure that the alternatives are not > exhorbitant. > > The regulator must also enforce QOS. > > The consumer must be ready for a vibrant market and take > up alternatives that make the best "cents".He /She must > be able to walk out..and perhaps to an > ombudsman(regulator) where QOS is not as per SLA or > other "promises.Whining loudly may help(See South > Africans vs Telkom SA in the Daily News recently) > > Kihanya > > > > ----- Original Message ---- > From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > To: kihanyajn(a)yahoo.com > Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 10:11:24 AM > Subject: [Kictanet] Day 8 of 10 : - Projected Impact of > OFC on the Stakeholders > > > I must thank all for your valuable views shared over the > last two days regarding the previous theme :- what are > the > Best Models for Provisioning submarine OFC. > > Three models seem to have persisted throughout the > discussion, namely, Open Access (EASsy), Private-led > (Flag), and our famous Consortium models. Where Mucheru > mentions separation of Cable ownership from Cable > Management fits in squarely with the Open Access > thinking, > whereby, the investors in the cable (Govt, Public, > Private > Companies) appoint an independent management Agent (at a > fee) to Operate the Cable on their behalf on a > cost-recovery, open access basis. i.e Open to current and > future Operators wishing to connect to the landing points > or invest further in the cable on equal basis). The > cable > becomes an essential service or public good, from where > Operators can compete to offer (other) Services at a > Profit. > > Flag- a Private Investment initiative came in with a > variant model where the cable is –privately owned but > promises to open access to the Landing points - but aims > to maximise returns on the investments made on the cable > infrastructure by reselling capacity at market rates. > They > also aim to play only at the Infrastructure level, rather > than at all levels, namely Infrastructure (cable) and > Services (Network and Application), opting to leave that > to ISPs and ASP(Application Service Providers) > > Nobody really pushed the Consortium model, but probably > Badru did hint strongly for such a model when he > mentioned > that Commercial interest should be let loose to play > dynamically with the market forces. The Consortium model > is where a group of Operators get into a private, closed, > commercial agreement aiming to build, own and operate a > submarine cable with aim of maximising their returns > (profit) in the shortest time possible –social > connotation > notwithstanding. > > And this is where the Consumer has suffered. The > short-terms interests of investors must be balanced > against > the long-term social benefits that would accrue from a > affordable bandwidth provisions. Alex and LK seem to be > voice of the consumer here, urging the Regulator to flex > their muscle – probably now and more in future when the > OFC > is laid-out. > > In all this, the various financing options were not so > pronounced as noted by Michael J. Apart from IPO > recommendation from Kai and Bill, the financing models > (Equity, Debt, etc) has not quite come through and I hope > someone could make comment on that within the remaining > three days as we discuss our next theme:- What is the > likely impact of the above models on the existing > stakeholders (Operators, Regulator and Consumers)? That > is, what do we see as the roles of the above stakeholders > in the new dispensation of the Optical Submarine Cable. > The > efloor is again open and we have two days on this one. > > walu. > Nb: a Face2Face meeting will follow up after this online > discussion where all these issues will be streamlined. > ~~~~~000~~~~~~ > Theme Reminder: > 1) Why OFC (1day) > 2) Existing Business Models for OFC provisioning (2days) > 3) Existing/Appropriate Regulatory Models for OFC (2days) > 4) Best Model (Business+Regulatory) for E. Africans > (2days) > <Ongoing-Open> > 5) Projected Impact on Stakeholders (2days) > <Pending> > 6) Reconciling Stakeholder interests/Conclusions (1day) > <Pending> > > > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > Looking for earth-friendly autos? > Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Yahoo! Autos' Green > Center. > http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/ > > _______________________________________________ > 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/kihanyajn%40yahoo.com > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > Looking for earth-friendly autos? > Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Yahoo! Autos' Green > Center. > http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/ > > _______________________________________________ > 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/jwalu%40yahoo.com > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Have a burning question? Go to www.Answers.yahoo.com and get answers from real people who know. _______________________________________________ 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/kihanyajn%40yahoo.com ____________________________________________________________________________________ Cheap talk? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates. http://voice.yahoo.com [View Less]

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Re: [kictanet] [Kictanet] Existing/Appropriate Regulatory ModelsforOFC (Day 8 Cont'd)
by Wainaina Mungai 05 Feb '07

05 Feb '07

Apologies... 1. The correct link to the ICT consumer story is: http://www.madeinkenya.org/forum_files/forum0207.php . 2. Some consumer responses (graphs) on the impact of liberalisation/privatisation are available at http://www.madeinkenya.org/forum_files/forum0107.php > -------Original Message------- > From: Wainaina Mungai <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Kictanet] Existing/Appropriate Regulatory ModelsforOFC (Day 8 Cont'd) > Sent: 05 Feb … [View More]'07 14:49 > > Increased participation by NGOs/not-for-profit would be one way to go for consumer-focused engagement. > > My understanding of the trust issues between consumers and other players is that the private sector rightfully pursue what makes them money. They have also fought for consumers and we are enjoying some of the benefits together. However, there are limits to what we should expect of commercial ventures. On the other hand, the government and the regulator have to delicately balance loyalties to all the players. > > The consumer needs: > 1. Education/information {most consumers do not make informed choices on ICT products/services} > 2. An non-governmental/not-for-profit platform for articulating issues (a consumer association or something in that line). > 3. Greater involvement in all ICT policy and implementation processes throgh both their initiative and deliberate involvement by government, regulator and other players. > > ##By consumer, I mean the mwananchi in a market centre in Bondo aka "Wanjiku" who is usually the final consumer. This definition deliberately leaves out service providers who are at a higher level as "consumers". See http://www.madeinkenya.org/forum0207.php for an example of what a small-scale business consumer thinks of ICTs. > > Regards, > > --- > Wainaina Mungai > http://www.madeinkenya.org/forum.php > > SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. > > > > -------Original Message------- > > From: alice(a)apc.org > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Kictanet] Existing/Appropriate Regulatory ModelsforOFC (Day 8 Cont'd) > > Sent: 05 Feb '07 09:38 > > > > Hi Alex and all > > > > (Please note that my views/contributions to this debate are personal and do > > not in any way reflect the official view of the CCK) > > > > There is normally quite a lot of tension between commitment and flexibility > > that all governments face when creating and implementing communications > > polices and rules. Primarily government is responsible for developing > > policy, which by extension establishes regulatory authorities which works to > > a mandate set by the legislation. The role of regulatory authorities is > > primarily facilitative it is not its role to provide detailed management of > > the sector and major policy issues should still be decided by government ( > > in the interest of the public read consumers) with operators themselves > > taking care of commercial and operational matters. > > Therefore the independence of a regulator cannot be absolute but it can and > > should operate with the sustained support of the government with which rests > > the ultimate responsibility for the health of the sector by the policies > > governments adopt and implement. > > > > Back to Walu's question "how can/should the Consumers as one of the > > > Key stakeholders engage with the others namely, Regulator, Operator, Govt, > > > in the future dispensation (when OFC has > > > been provisioned?)" > > > > >From a consumer perspective what would be ideal would be to get involved in > > development of consumer protection policies and regulations which would > > provide users with all the information required to make informed choices > > thus deriving benefits from competitive service provisioning. > > The regulators should also aim at maintaining public confidence through > > 1. Implementation of suitable consultation mechanisms > > 2.encouraging good practice by providers as well as provision of > > universal high quality service, > > 3. Ensure all providers are treated fairly while assuring consumers if > > fairness in tariffs transparency in billing as well as opportunity to > > redress poor performance and/or misconduct > > > > All the above and more should ideally be developed into a set of consumer > > affairs guidelines applying to all service providers in all categories, be > > it infrastructure etc and end users. > > > > best > > alice > > > > > > > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Alex Gakuru" <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> > > To: <alice(a)apc.org> > > Cc: <ke-intenetusers(a)bdix.net> > > Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 7:14 AM > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Kictanet] Existing/Appropriate Regulatory > > ModelsforOFC (Day 8 Cont'd) > > > > > > > Lucy, > > > > > > >not to mention the fact that "independent" regulator is just but a > > > theory, and government >foot prints are all over the place... > > > > > > It was shocking to hear, in contempt of court, they publicly proclaimed > > > that they were not "independent" but just a part of government (at the > > > World Bank breakfast meeting three weeks ago). As far as I know, this > > > contravenes a recent court ruling to the effect that CCK decisions are not > > > tied to government policy. Thus far, CCK is a not a "regulator", perhaps a > > > vested interests, sound proof glass house where consumer cries cannot > > > reach? > > > > > > But welcome to Kenya, and see how our laws are flouted and court played, > > > but when it comes to LICENSES... it is like "god" speaking to sinners. And > > > all the talk about fresh new laws...? > > > > > > When I learnt the poem "who killed Cock Robin" as a child, I had no idea > > > it would make any sense in my grown life. But with the so many official > > > barriers to affordable communication this robin poem > > > <http://www.garden-birds.co.uk/birds/robin.htm> now makes a lot of sense. > > > > > > Have a laughly day. > > > > > > > > > Alex > > > Lucy Kimani <lkimani(a)comnews.co.ke> wrote: > > > Alex, > > > > > > Just to add to what you say below, my take just by observing the various > > > players in the telecom industry these couple of months, as well as the > > > policy makers and those suppossed to be regulating/implementing these > > > policies is that there is too much "conflict of interest" and no wonder > > > the consumer gets a raw deal! > > > > > > - A regulator that is more concerned with keeping the operators happy > > > rather than looking out for the tax payer paying their salaries not to > > > mention the fact that "independent" regulator is just but a theory, and > > > government foot prints are all over the place... > > > - Operators eager to keep the status quo, but in the meantime trying to > > > out do each other to steal, and or maintain the customer base, fighting > > > dirty comes to mind, or is it capitalism at its best? > > > - A government looking to grow the GDP and hopefully looking to lower the > > > bandwidth price in the process, but being pulled in different directions > > > by the various forces and one can only hope they dont wind up carrying the > > > donkey on their backs!!! > > > > > > LK > > > oops! > > >> > > >> ... but seriously there quite a number of underlying issues. But in > > >> short:- > > >> > > >> 1. Regulator - Should begin by establishing a relationship framework with > > >> consumers and multi-located businesses and facilitate them with their own > > >> fibre rollouts- Remember it is cheap and can pass overhead on electric > > >> poles, riverbeds, hills etc especially where big telcos do not find the > > >> business case to do it. Help change "LICENSE" a facilitative piece of > > >> paper not an intimidating obstacle to consumer - affordable > > >> telecommunication. > > >> > > >> 2. Operators - they assist in the operations/management of > > >> consumer-customer owned last mile fibre and/or mash (2.4 and 5.8 GHz) > > >> networks > > >> > > >> 3 Government - Ministry of Information should ensure the wonderful > > >> consumer protection clauses in the ICT policy (and upcoming Information > > >> laws) do not end as relics. The implementation strategy has to be theirs. > > >> So don't ask me :-) > > >> > > >> 4. Everyone - to be honest. > > >> > > >> Briefest I could get. > > >> > > >> /Alex > > >> > > >> John Walubengo wrote: Alex, > > >> > > >> Plse, to avoid information overload, plse give a preamble > > >> (executive summary) of what your links do elaborate in what > > >> I believe would be much detail. > > >> > > >> It will be much, much more helpful in that you would assist > > >> us in internalising the whole idea/model...so back to > > >> Mucheru's qtn. How can/should the Consumers as one of the > > >> Key stakeholders engage with the others namely, Regulator, > > >> Operator, Govt, in the future dispensation (when OFC has > > >> been provisioned?). > > >> > > >> walu. > > >> NB: we shall start on the Closing phase on Monday. I > > >> remembered Kenyans (and other African users?) are not > > >> active internet users on weekends.. > > >> > > >> --- Alex Gakuru wrote: > > >> > > >>> Glad to: > > >>> > > >>> Loss of internet users affects everyone and economic > > >>> retardation, knowledge society, will be washed away, just > > >>> like we lost fibre cable in 1995 see Vohra Speech < > > >>> http://www.isoc.or.ke/speeches/launch_vohra.pdf> > > >>> > > >>> Thus, read my frustrations in the light of the many > > >>> proposals made officially but nothing has ever been done. > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> Synopsis: > > >>> > > >>> 3 things for now maybe more later (if needed.) > > >>> > > >>> 1. Boost IT confidence for otherwise, there will not be > > >>> any market left for business, no e-government, > > >>> information society.... > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> You can find them on > > >>> http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/2156/a/22411 > > >>> > > >>> The two reports are: > > >>> > > >>> - Policy for the IT society - Recommendations from the > > >>> members of the IT > > >>> Policy Strategy Group > > >>> > > >>> An overall document with recommendations on what the > > >>> government should do. > > >>> It includes information from the 2nd report... > > >>> > > >>> - Broadband for growth, innovation and competitiveness > > >>> > > >>> > In April 2004 the Government´s IT Policy Strategy Group > > >>> set up a > > >>> > working group on IT infrastructure and broadband. The > > >>> primary task of > > >>> > the working group has been to support the Strategy > > >>> Group by working, > > >>> > within the framework of a free market, for futureproof, > > >>> accessible, > > >>> > competitionneutral, technologyneutral and coherent > > >>> electronic > > >>> > communications networks, which are capable of meeting > > >>> the challenges > > >>> > of the future. This report summarises the discussions > > >>> and proposals. > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> 2. Because Regulator apparently never catchup, then > > >>> establish consumer complaints portal (something like > > >>> http://spokane.bbb.org/) > > >>> - ICT policy provides for consumers to frequently > > >>> their concern areas ( a pity all our labored official > > >>> documents were pulled down and replace with a template at > > >>> www.information.go.ke documents. > > >>> - Consumers register complaints against businesses at > > >>> this portal. When the company addresses the issue, the > > >>> complaint is struck off. governments not allowed to > > >>> transact with business above certain complaints ratio - > > >>> Promotes business ethics. > > >>> - Register members=>Consumer make responsible > > >>> complaints not malicious to their competitors > > >>> > > >>> 3. Regulation. > > >>> > > >>> What is self regulation? > > >>> - A corporate basement corner "self-regulation" desk > > >>> or acceptance to complaints, criticism and accepting the > > >>> impact of one's action to others > > >>> - Regulator will have a "regulatory" job in this > > >>> environment > > >>> - Currently consumer complaints collected by CCK just > > >>> accumulate dust in their archives and this would be a > > >>> good way to measure their performance contracts. > > >>> (Business disputes area addressed in a flash) record. So > > >>> in a way consumers, will "regulate" the Regulator. > > >>> > > >>> This is just a synopsis let me know if it suffices > > >>> > > >>> Alex > > >>> > > >>> Joseph Mucheru wrote: Alex, > > >>> > > >>> I may have missed you post, but have you proposed an > > >>> appropriate > > >>> Consumer/Business/Regulatory structure that you believe > > >>> will work? It would > > >>> help to have an idea of what you are proposing as a > > >>> structure. > > >>> > > >>> Thank you > > >>> > > >>> -- > > >>> Joseph Mucheru > > >>> Executive Director > > >>> mucheru(a)wananchi.com > > >>> > > >>> > From: Alex Gakuru > > >>> > Reply-To: Kenya ICT Action Network - KICTANet > > >>> > Date: Fri, 2 Feb 2007 00:36:43 -0800 (PST) > > >>> > To: > > >>> > Cc: > > >>> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Kictanet] Existing/Appropriate > > >>> Regulatory Models for > > >>> > OFC (2days) > > >>> > > > >>> > Kenya has been profusely bleeding internet users. > > >>> > > > >>> > In 2005, we had 1.5 million internet users but in Sept > > >>> 2006, ITU revised the > > >>> > number to 1 million. CCK then urged some of us who > > >>> raised this concern that > > >>> > they disputed the figure and urgently launched an > > >>> Internet users study-census > > >>> > on 01 Nov 2006 at Mbagathi. We were all promised to > > >>> be called back before > > >>> > end December 2006 for study findings. That never > > >>> happened and January just > > >>> > end. > > >>> > > > >>> > Two week ago at the World Bank RCIP meeting at the > > >>> Jacaranda Hotel, the PS in > > >>> > his presentation stated the number of internet users to > > >>> be 1.25 million. > > >>> > > > >>> > Question, Going by the PS data, what could be causing > > >>> internet loss in Kenya? > > >>> > > > >>> > Eight years after CCK was formed and section 23 and 47 > > >>> of the communications > > >>> > act introduced, The Regulator is yet to show 1 > > >>> practical initiative they have > > >>> > ever implemented to protect consumers. Consumer > > >>> protection, it would appear, > > >>> > is petulant and the law is broken without a blink while > > >>> the Regulator embarks > > >>> > on situation containment-management, and life goes on. > > >>> > > > >>> > Is it time for Civil society to divorce itself from > > >>> over engagement on > > >>> > commercial arrangement discussions between government > > >>> and business and > > >>> > re-dedicate itself to serving the voiceless? > > >>> > > > >>> > Will all this fibre talk translate to real consumer > > >>> cost savings or are they > > >>> > just the usual public marketing of the wonderful world > > >>> to come, but as usual > > >>> > just in the future to keep hope high? > > >>> > > > >>> > In the meantime we continue talk on fibre while a third > > >>> of our internet users > > >>> > are lost. > > >>> > > > >>> > Alex Gakuru > > >>> > > > >>> > > > >>> > Rebecca Wanjiku wrote: the question of regulation > > >>> > is tricky but as Kihanya points out, it is going to > > >>> take a lot of > > >>> > consultations and concessions between government and > > >>> other stakeholders if the > > >>> > OFC is to work and serve the intended purposes, > > >>> > > > >>> > True, other countries have deregulated but what do > > >>> you do in a country like > > >>> > say, Kenya where the anti monopolies commissioner is > > >>> not in the fore front of > > >>> > addressing issues, am sure many people on the streets > > >>> may not know the > > >>> > existence of that office. > > >>> > > > >>> > In the article by Roland Alden that Walu has > > >>> recommended, he argues that > > >>> > many African govts have been resistant to change and > > >>> adds that what is needed > > >>> > is regulation liberalization. Maybe thatâ?Ts what is > > >>> needed. > > >>> > > > >>> > But how do we start talking of deregulation when we > > >>> canâ?Tt agree about the > > >>> > Act that will govern some of these issues. > > >>> > > > >>> > I may not be well versed with the law but am sure > > >>> with the technological > > >>> > development, there will arise disputes that were not > > >>> envisaged in our current > > >>> > laws, how do we deal with that within the judicial > > >>> system, we need an ACT > > >>> > Roland further contends that in some cases, > > >>> regulators may have ordered a > > >>> > party to fulfill its part of the bargain, but when it > > >>> failed, the judicial > > >>> > system "rarely provided any meaningful" compensation to > > >>> the aggrieved party. > > >>> > > > >>> > Regulation, deregulation, appropriate law, and am > > >>> sure > > >> === message truncated ===> > > >> _______________________________________________ > > >>> 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/jwalu%40yahoo.com > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> ____________________________________________________________________________________ > > >> Bored stiff? Loosen up... > > >> Download and play hundreds of games for free on Yahoo! Games. > > >> http://games.yahoo.com/games/front > > >> > > >> _______________________________________________ > > >> 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 > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> --------------------------------- > > >> Access over 1 million songs - Yahoo! Music > > >> Unlimited._______________________________________________ > > >> 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/lkimani%40comnews.co.ke > > > > > > > > > > > > ----------------------------------------- > > > This email was sent using Communicatons Solutions LTD WebMail. > > > " " > > > http://www.accesskenya.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/alex.gakuru%40yahoo.com > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta. > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > 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/alice%40apc.org > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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/wainaina%40madeinkenya.org > > > [View Less]

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Re: [kictanet] [Kictanet] Existing/Appropriate Regulatory ModelsforOFC (Day 8 Cont'd)
by Wainaina Mungai 05 Feb '07

05 Feb '07

Increased participation by NGOs/not-for-profit would be one way to go for consumer-focused engagement. My understanding of the trust issues between consumers and other players is that the private sector rightfully pursue what makes them money. They have also fought for consumers and we are enjoying some of the benefits together. However, there are limits to what we should expect of commercial ventures. On the other hand, the government and the regulator have to delicately balance loyalties to … [View More]all the players. The consumer needs: 1. Education/information {most consumers do not make informed choices on ICT products/services} 2. An non-governmental/not-for-profit platform for articulating issues (a consumer association or something in that line). 3. Greater involvement in all ICT policy and implementation processes throgh both their initiative and deliberate involvement by government, regulator and other players. ##By consumer, I mean the mwananchi in a market centre in Bondo aka "Wanjiku" who is usually the final consumer. This definition deliberately leaves out service providers who are at a higher level as "consumers". See http://www.madeinkenya.org/forum0207.php for an example of what a small-scale business consumer thinks of ICTs. Regards, --- Wainaina Mungai http://www.madeinkenya.org/forum.php SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. > -------Original Message------- > From: alice(a)apc.org > Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Kictanet] Existing/Appropriate Regulatory ModelsforOFC (Day 8 Cont'd) > Sent: 05 Feb '07 09:38 > > Hi Alex and all > > (Please note that my views/contributions to this debate are personal and do > not in any way reflect the official view of the CCK) > > There is normally quite a lot of tension between commitment and flexibility > that all governments face when creating and implementing communications > polices and rules. Primarily government is responsible for developing > policy, which by extension establishes regulatory authorities which works to > a mandate set by the legislation. The role of regulatory authorities is > primarily facilitative it is not its role to provide detailed management of > the sector and major policy issues should still be decided by government ( > in the interest of the public read consumers) with operators themselves > taking care of commercial and operational matters. > Therefore the independence of a regulator cannot be absolute but it can and > should operate with the sustained support of the government with which rests > the ultimate responsibility for the health of the sector by the policies > governments adopt and implement. > > Back to Walu's question "how can/should the Consumers as one of the > > Key stakeholders engage with the others namely, Regulator, Operator, Govt, > > in the future dispensation (when OFC has > > been provisioned?)" > > >From a consumer perspective what would be ideal would be to get involved in > development of consumer protection policies and regulations which would > provide users with all the information required to make informed choices > thus deriving benefits from competitive service provisioning. > The regulators should also aim at maintaining public confidence through > 1. Implementation of suitable consultation mechanisms > 2.encouraging good practice by providers as well as provision of > universal high quality service, > 3. Ensure all providers are treated fairly while assuring consumers if > fairness in tariffs transparency in billing as well as opportunity to > redress poor performance and/or misconduct > > All the above and more should ideally be developed into a set of consumer > affairs guidelines applying to all service providers in all categories, be > it infrastructure etc and end users. > > best > alice > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Alex Gakuru" <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> > To: <alice(a)apc.org> > Cc: <ke-intenetusers(a)bdix.net> > Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 7:14 AM > Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Kictanet] Existing/Appropriate Regulatory > ModelsforOFC (Day 8 Cont'd) > > > > Lucy, > > > > >not to mention the fact that "independent" regulator is just but a > > theory, and government >foot prints are all over the place... > > > > It was shocking to hear, in contempt of court, they publicly proclaimed > > that they were not "independent" but just a part of government (at the > > World Bank breakfast meeting three weeks ago). As far as I know, this > > contravenes a recent court ruling to the effect that CCK decisions are not > > tied to government policy. Thus far, CCK is a not a "regulator", perhaps a > > vested interests, sound proof glass house where consumer cries cannot > > reach? > > > > But welcome to Kenya, and see how our laws are flouted and court played, > > but when it comes to LICENSES... it is like "god" speaking to sinners. And > > all the talk about fresh new laws...? > > > > When I learnt the poem "who killed Cock Robin" as a child, I had no idea > > it would make any sense in my grown life. But with the so many official > > barriers to affordable communication this robin poem > > <http://www.garden-birds.co.uk/birds/robin.htm> now makes a lot of sense. > > > > Have a laughly day. > > > > > > Alex > > Lucy Kimani <lkimani(a)comnews.co.ke> wrote: > > Alex, > > > > Just to add to what you say below, my take just by observing the various > > players in the telecom industry these couple of months, as well as the > > policy makers and those suppossed to be regulating/implementing these > > policies is that there is too much "conflict of interest" and no wonder > > the consumer gets a raw deal! > > > > - A regulator that is more concerned with keeping the operators happy > > rather than looking out for the tax payer paying their salaries not to > > mention the fact that "independent" regulator is just but a theory, and > > government foot prints are all over the place... > > - Operators eager to keep the status quo, but in the meantime trying to > > out do each other to steal, and or maintain the customer base, fighting > > dirty comes to mind, or is it capitalism at its best? > > - A government looking to grow the GDP and hopefully looking to lower the > > bandwidth price in the process, but being pulled in different directions > > by the various forces and one can only hope they dont wind up carrying the > > donkey on their backs!!! > > > > LK > > oops! > >> > >> ... but seriously there quite a number of underlying issues. But in > >> short:- > >> > >> 1. Regulator - Should begin by establishing a relationship framework with > >> consumers and multi-located businesses and facilitate them with their own > >> fibre rollouts- Remember it is cheap and can pass overhead on electric > >> poles, riverbeds, hills etc especially where big telcos do not find the > >> business case to do it. Help change "LICENSE" a facilitative piece of > >> paper not an intimidating obstacle to consumer - affordable > >> telecommunication. > >> > >> 2. Operators - they assist in the operations/management of > >> consumer-customer owned last mile fibre and/or mash (2.4 and 5.8 GHz) > >> networks > >> > >> 3 Government - Ministry of Information should ensure the wonderful > >> consumer protection clauses in the ICT policy (and upcoming Information > >> laws) do not end as relics. The implementation strategy has to be theirs. > >> So don't ask me :-) > >> > >> 4. Everyone - to be honest. > >> > >> Briefest I could get. > >> > >> /Alex > >> > >> John Walubengo wrote: Alex, > >> > >> Plse, to avoid information overload, plse give a preamble > >> (executive summary) of what your links do elaborate in what > >> I believe would be much detail. > >> > >> It will be much, much more helpful in that you would assist > >> us in internalising the whole idea/model...so back to > >> Mucheru's qtn. How can/should the Consumers as one of the > >> Key stakeholders engage with the others namely, Regulator, > >> Operator, Govt, in the future dispensation (when OFC has > >> been provisioned?). > >> > >> walu. > >> NB: we shall start on the Closing phase on Monday. I > >> remembered Kenyans (and other African users?) are not > >> active internet users on weekends.. > >> > >> --- Alex Gakuru wrote: > >> > >>> Glad to: > >>> > >>> Loss of internet users affects everyone and economic > >>> retardation, knowledge society, will be washed away, just > >>> like we lost fibre cable in 1995 see Vohra Speech < > >>> http://www.isoc.or.ke/speeches/launch_vohra.pdf> > >>> > >>> Thus, read my frustrations in the light of the many > >>> proposals made officially but nothing has ever been done. > >>> > >>> > >>> Synopsis: > >>> > >>> 3 things for now maybe more later (if needed.) > >>> > >>> 1. Boost IT confidence for otherwise, there will not be > >>> any market left for business, no e-government, > >>> information society.... > >>> > >>> > >>> You can find them on > >>> http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/2156/a/22411 > >>> > >>> The two reports are: > >>> > >>> - Policy for the IT society - Recommendations from the > >>> members of the IT > >>> Policy Strategy Group > >>> > >>> An overall document with recommendations on what the > >>> government should do. > >>> It includes information from the 2nd report... > >>> > >>> - Broadband for growth, innovation and competitiveness > >>> > >>> > In April 2004 the Government´s IT Policy Strategy Group > >>> set up a > >>> > working group on IT infrastructure and broadband. The > >>> primary task of > >>> > the working group has been to support the Strategy > >>> Group by working, > >>> > within the framework of a free market, for futureproof, > >>> accessible, > >>> > competitionneutral, technologyneutral and coherent > >>> electronic > >>> > communications networks, which are capable of meeting > >>> the challenges > >>> > of the future. This report summarises the discussions > >>> and proposals. > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> 2. Because Regulator apparently never catchup, then > >>> establish consumer complaints portal (something like > >>> http://spokane.bbb.org/) > >>> - ICT policy provides for consumers to frequently > >>> their concern areas ( a pity all our labored official > >>> documents were pulled down and replace with a template at > >>> www.information.go.ke documents. > >>> - Consumers register complaints against businesses at > >>> this portal. When the company addresses the issue, the > >>> complaint is struck off. governments not allowed to > >>> transact with business above certain complaints ratio - > >>> Promotes business ethics. > >>> - Register members=>Consumer make responsible > >>> complaints not malicious to their competitors > >>> > >>> 3. Regulation. > >>> > >>> What is self regulation? > >>> - A corporate basement corner "self-regulation" desk > >>> or acceptance to complaints, criticism and accepting the > >>> impact of one's action to others > >>> - Regulator will have a "regulatory" job in this > >>> environment > >>> - Currently consumer complaints collected by CCK just > >>> accumulate dust in their archives and this would be a > >>> good way to measure their performance contracts. > >>> (Business disputes area addressed in a flash) record. So > >>> in a way consumers, will "regulate" the Regulator. > >>> > >>> This is just a synopsis let me know if it suffices > >>> > >>> Alex > >>> > >>> Joseph Mucheru wrote: Alex, > >>> > >>> I may have missed you post, but have you proposed an > >>> appropriate > >>> Consumer/Business/Regulatory structure that you believe > >>> will work? It would > >>> help to have an idea of what you are proposing as a > >>> structure. > >>> > >>> Thank you > >>> > >>> -- > >>> Joseph Mucheru > >>> Executive Director > >>> mucheru(a)wananchi.com > >>> > >>> > From: Alex Gakuru > >>> > Reply-To: Kenya ICT Action Network - KICTANet > >>> > Date: Fri, 2 Feb 2007 00:36:43 -0800 (PST) > >>> > To: > >>> > Cc: > >>> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Kictanet] Existing/Appropriate > >>> Regulatory Models for > >>> > OFC (2days) > >>> > > >>> > Kenya has been profusely bleeding internet users. > >>> > > >>> > In 2005, we had 1.5 million internet users but in Sept > >>> 2006, ITU revised the > >>> > number to 1 million. CCK then urged some of us who > >>> raised this concern that > >>> > they disputed the figure and urgently launched an > >>> Internet users study-census > >>> > on 01 Nov 2006 at Mbagathi. We were all promised to > >>> be called back before > >>> > end December 2006 for study findings. That never > >>> happened and January just > >>> > end. > >>> > > >>> > Two week ago at the World Bank RCIP meeting at the > >>> Jacaranda Hotel, the PS in > >>> > his presentation stated the number of internet users to > >>> be 1.25 million. > >>> > > >>> > Question, Going by the PS data, what could be causing > >>> internet loss in Kenya? > >>> > > >>> > Eight years after CCK was formed and section 23 and 47 > >>> of the communications > >>> > act introduced, The Regulator is yet to show 1 > >>> practical initiative they have > >>> > ever implemented to protect consumers. Consumer > >>> protection, it would appear, > >>> > is petulant and the law is broken without a blink while > >>> the Regulator embarks > >>> > on situation containment-management, and life goes on. > >>> > > >>> > Is it time for Civil society to divorce itself from > >>> over engagement on > >>> > commercial arrangement discussions between government > >>> and business and > >>> > re-dedicate itself to serving the voiceless? > >>> > > >>> > Will all this fibre talk translate to real consumer > >>> cost savings or are they > >>> > just the usual public marketing of the wonderful world > >>> to come, but as usual > >>> > just in the future to keep hope high? > >>> > > >>> > In the meantime we continue talk on fibre while a third > >>> of our internet users > >>> > are lost. > >>> > > >>> > Alex Gakuru > >>> > > >>> > > >>> > Rebecca Wanjiku wrote: the question of regulation > >>> > is tricky but as Kihanya points out, it is going to > >>> take a lot of > >>> > consultations and concessions between government and > >>> other stakeholders if the > >>> > OFC is to work and serve the intended purposes, > >>> > > >>> > True, other countries have deregulated but what do > >>> you do in a country like > >>> > say, Kenya where the anti monopolies commissioner is > >>> not in the fore front of > >>> > addressing issues, am sure many people on the streets > >>> may not know the > >>> > existence of that office. > >>> > > >>> > In the article by Roland Alden that Walu has > >>> recommended, he argues that > >>> > many African govts have been resistant to change and > >>> adds that what is needed > >>> > is regulation liberalization. Maybe thatâ?Ts what is > >>> needed. > >>> > > >>> > But how do we start talking of deregulation when we > >>> canâ?Tt agree about the > >>> > Act that will govern some of these issues. > >>> > > >>> > I may not be well versed with the law but am sure > >>> with the technological > >>> > development, there will arise disputes that were not > >>> envisaged in our current > >>> > laws, how do we deal with that within the judicial > >>> system, we need an ACT > >>> > Roland further contends that in some cases, > >>> regulators may have ordered a > >>> > party to fulfill its part of the bargain, but when it > >>> failed, the judicial > >>> > system "rarely provided any meaningful" compensation to > >>> the aggrieved party. > >>> > > >>> > Regulation, deregulation, appropriate law, and am > >>> sure > >> === message truncated ===> > >> _______________________________________________ > >>> 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/jwalu%40yahoo.com > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> ____________________________________________________________________________________ > >> Bored stiff? Loosen up... > >> Download and play hundreds of games for free on Yahoo! Games. > >> http://games.yahoo.com/games/front > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 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 > >> > >> > >> > >> --------------------------------- > >> Access over 1 million songs - Yahoo! Music > >> Unlimited._______________________________________________ > >> 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/lkimani%40comnews.co.ke > > > > > > > > ----------------------------------------- > > This email was sent using Communicatons Solutions LTD WebMail. > > " " > > http://www.accesskenya.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/alex.gakuru%40yahoo.com > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta. > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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/alice%40apc.org > > > _______________________________________________ > 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/wainaina%40madeinkenya.org > [View Less]

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email courtesy
by Rebecca Wanjiku 05 Feb '07

05 Feb '07

i am glad that the discussions are passionate, they underline a desire to change and move the industry forward, but some of the emails are bordering on insults and this forum is open to everybody, whether they are right wrong, well-connected, not- so- well- connected and the discconected. whether in government, private sector or academia, everyone is free to contribute to the list without feeling like their comments will make them get crucified or hung out to dry, yes, there … [View More]

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Banking Technology Conference
by Fiona Asonga 05 Feb '07

05 Feb '07

Hi Judy I would like to attend the Banking Conference and get the KICTANET free registration; I hope I am not too late. Fiona Asonga Administrator Telecommunications Service Providers Association of Kenya (TESPOK) P.O Box 27589 – 00506 NAIROBI Tel: +254 20 245036 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- From: Sean Moroney … [View More]

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Celtel VS Safaricom
by Midafarica 03 Feb '07

03 Feb '07

Hello all, We all noticed that piece of article in the Business Nation on Tuesday. Reading throgh, I asked myeslf how will CCK, deal with this matter, and is this one similar to those old days of ISPs vs Telkom Micugu

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Re: [Kictanet] Day 8 of 10 : - Projected Impact of OFC on the Stakeholders
by joseph kihanya 01 Feb '07

01 Feb '07

Thanks Walu for the discussion moderation. I am doing something on the regulatory framework and will post by day 10. On operators I would expect that there woulda be a reciprocation in price and QOS issues. I would expect that there would be publicly accessible interconnection agreements under the non-discriminatory technology-neutral Open Access principles . I would also expect that there would have to bea busines realignment to conform with new entrants at the local lvel who the … [View More]operators would indeed agree not to want to "take over" asa soon asa a ROI looks good. On the regulator, the paradigm shift in allowing competition and enforcing it would be key.Competition alone despite all that is siad about it is not known to benefit consumers largely where duopolies or oligopolies exits. product and price shadowing takes centre stage and one is not sure that the alternatives are not exhorbitant. The regulator must also enforce QOS. The consumer must be ready for a vibrant market and take up alternatives that make the best "cents".He /She must be able to walk out..and perhaps to an ombudsman(regulator) where QOS is not as per SLA or other "promises.Whining loudly may help(See South Africans vs Telkom SA in the Daily News recently) Kihanya ----- Original Message ---- From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> To: kihanyajn(a)yahoo.com Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 10:11:24 AM Subject: [Kictanet] Day 8 of 10 : - Projected Impact of OFC on the Stakeholders I must thank all for your valuable views shared over the last two days regarding the previous theme :- what are the Best Models for Provisioning submarine OFC. Three models seem to have persisted throughout the discussion, namely, Open Access (EASsy), Private-led (Flag), and our famous Consortium models. Where Mucheru mentions separation of Cable ownership from Cable Management fits in squarely with the Open Access thinking, whereby, the investors in the cable (Govt, Public, Private Companies) appoint an independent management Agent (at a fee) to Operate the Cable on their behalf on a cost-recovery, open access basis. i.e Open to current and future Operators wishing to connect to the landing points or invest further in the cable on equal basis). The cable becomes an essential service or public good, from where Operators can compete to offer (other) Services at a Profit. Flag- a Private Investment initiative came in with a variant model where the cable is privately owned but promises to open access to the Landing points - but aims to maximise returns on the investments made on the cable infrastructure by reselling capacity at market rates. They also aim to play only at the Infrastructure level, rather than at all levels, namely Infrastructure (cable) and Services (Network and Application), opting to leave that to ISPs and ASP(Application Service Providers) Nobody really pushed the Consortium model, but probably Badru did hint strongly for such a model when he mentioned that Commercial interest should be let loose to play dynamically with the market forces. The Consortium model is where a group of Operators get into a private, closed, commercial agreement aiming to build, own and operate a submarine cable with aim of maximising their returns (profit) in the shortest time possible social connotation notwithstanding. And this is where the Consumer has suffered. The short-terms interests of investors must be balanced against the long-term social benefits that would accrue from a affordable bandwidth provisions. Alex and LK seem to be voice of the consumer here, urging the Regulator to flex their muscle probably now and more in future when the OFC is laid-out. In all this, the various financing options were not so pronounced as noted by Michael J. Apart from IPO recommendation from Kai and Bill, the financing models (Equity, Debt, etc) has not quite come through and I hope someone could make comment on that within the remaining three days as we discuss our next theme:- What is the likely impact of the above models on the existing stakeholders (Operators, Regulator and Consumers)? That is, what do we see as the roles of the above stakeholders in the new dispensation of the Optical Submarine Cable. The efloor is again open and we have two days on this one. walu. Nb: a Face2Face meeting will follow up after this online discussion where all these issues will be streamlined. ~~~~~000~~~~~~ Theme Reminder: 1) Why OFC (1day) 2) Existing Business Models for OFC provisioning (2days) 3) Existing/Appropriate Regulatory Models for OFC (2days) 4) Best Model (Business+Regulatory) for E. Africans (2days) <Ongoing-Open> 5) Projected Impact on Stakeholders (2days) <Pending> 6) Reconciling Stakeholder interests/Conclusions (1day) <Pending> ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for earth-friendly autos? Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Yahoo! Autos' Green Center. http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/ _______________________________________________ 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/kihanyajn%40yahoo.com ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for earth-friendly autos? Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Yahoo! Autos' Green Center. http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/ [View Less]

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any negative impact?
by Rebecca Wanjiku 01 Feb '07

01 Feb '07

yes, OFC will be a win win situation, there will be investment challenges, regulatory and other challenges yet to come but are there any negative impact that we should be worried about??? any environmental impact??? somebody??????? Rebecca Wanjiku, journalist, p.o box 33515, Nairobi.00600 Kenya. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Get your own web address. Have a HUGE year through Yahoo! Small Business.

2 1

apologies for lack of posts
by Rebecca Wanjiku 01 Feb '07

01 Feb '07

due to technical problems, the list has been down the better part of the day, but am told its ok now, up and running, sorry about that, if you posted, am sure it will come up regards becky Rebecca Wanjiku, journalist, p.o box 33515, Nairobi.00600 Kenya. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta.

1 0

Test 1 @1653
by Odhiambo WASHINGTON 01 Feb '07

01 Feb '07

This a diagnostic test. Please ignore. cheers - wash +----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------+ Odhiambo Washington . WANANCHI ONLINE LTD (Nairobi, KE) | wash () WANANCHI ! com . 1ere Etage, Loita Hse, Loita St., | GSM: (+254) 722 743 223 . # 10286, 00100 NAIROBI | GSM: (+254) 733 744 121 . (+254) 020 313 985 - 9 | +---------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ "Oh … [View More]

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Testing, testing...plse ignore
by John Walubengo 01 Feb '07

01 Feb '07

123, 123,12..this is another test...looks like we went/are off-air...plse ignore. walu. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check. Try the Yahoo! Mail Beta. http://advision.webevents.yahoo.com/mailbeta/newmail_tools.html

1 0

TEST
by evelyne ofwona 01 Feb '07

01 Feb '07

--------------------------------- Any questions? Get answers on any topic at Yahoo! Answers. Try it now.

1 0

test - plse ignore
by John Walubengo 01 Feb '07

01 Feb '07

seems my posts are hanging somewhere...this is a test and if it pops thro' just ignore it. walu. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Music Unlimited Access over 1 million songs. http://music.yahoo.com/unlimited

1 0

Fibre-optic project begins
by alice＠apc.org 01 Feb '07

01 Feb '07

Business News Fibre-optic project begins By Washington Gikunju The Government may use subsidies to lower bandwith costs for outsourcing centres in the country, a minister has said. This would help call centre businesses stay competitive until construction of fibre-optic links forced costs down. Information and Communications minister, Mr Mutahi Kagwe, said this on Wednesday at the signing of a $2.7 million (Sh191 million) contract with Tyco Telecommunications to fund a survey on the … [View More]construction of a fibre-optic link to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The US-based firm is to undertake a four-month mapping of the Indian Ocean to determine where a fibre-optic cable could be laid. The cable will be known as The East African Marine Systems (Teams). The Kenyan government through Telkom Kenya and the UAE government, through Etisalat, have entered into a memorandum of understanding for the construction of Teams. Kagwe argued that the current cost of bandwith is too high and is driving outsourcing companies in the country out of business. It currently costs Kenyan call centres over 30 times more to transmit data than it costs Indian rivals. "We are talking about real jobs here and that is why this measure has to be taken," said Kagwe. He, however, said that this is only a temporary measure as bandwith costs are expected to come down significantly with the coming of the fiber optic cable expected to be completed by early next year. Bandwith costs are the costs incurred to relay information (voice and data) from one point to the other. The high bandwith costs in Kenya are attributed to the fact that the country relies on satellite linkage, which has a lower capacity, as opposed to fiber optic cables (physical connection), which have a higher capacity. The sub-marine survey is scheduled to start in February and will last for about two months after which tendering process for the undersea cable will commence. Mr Jeffrey Stark, Tyco Telecommunications sales and marketing director for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said that his company was ready to commence work in February. "We have a ship, deep sea boats and divers at the ready," Stark said. "The process is going to involve a detailed survey of the underground terrain and establishing the exact passage for the cable." The successful laying of the cable is expected to reduce telecommunication costs in the country significantly. The information minister called on investors to start positioning themselves to take advantage of the telecommunications boom to follow. Permanent Secretary, Dr Bitange Ndemo, explained that a separate company (a "special purpose vehicle") would be created to manage the cable. The government is expected to own 40 per cent of the project. The tender process for procurement of a financing consultant is ongoing. The financing consultant, who will be known as the `lead arranger', will be responsible for promotion of the project to potential private sector investors. Telkom Kenya will hold the Teams project in trust for the Government until the company that will manage the project is registered. Kenya is also involved in the construction of the African East African Submarine Cable System (Eassy) project. [View Less]

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Day 8 of 10 : - Projected Impact of OFC on the Stakeholders
by John Walubengo 31 Jan '07

31 Jan '07

I must thank all for your valuable views shared over the last two days regarding the previous theme :- what are the Best Models for Provisioning submarine OFC. Three models seem to have persisted throughout the discussion, namely, Open Access (EASsy), Private-led (Flag), and our famous Consortium models. Where Mucheru mentions separation of Cable ownership from Cable Management fits in squarely with the Open Access thinking, whereby, the investors in the cable (Govt, Public, Private Companies) … [View More]appoint an independent management Agent (at a fee) to Operate the Cable on their behalf on a cost-recovery, open access basis. i.e Open to current and future Operators wishing to connect to the landing points or invest further in the cable on equal basis). The cable becomes an essential service or public good, from where Operators can compete to offer (other) Services at a Profit. Flag- a Private Investment initiative came in with a variant model where the cable is privately owned but promises to open access to the Landing points - but aims to maximise returns on the investments made on the cable infrastructure by reselling capacity at market rates. They also aim to play only at the Infrastructure level, rather than at all levels, namely Infrastructure (cable) and Services (Network and Application), opting to leave that to ISPs and ASP(Application Service Providers) Nobody really pushed the Consortium model, but probably Badru did hint strongly for such a model when he mentioned that Commercial interest should be let loose to play dynamically with the market forces. The Consortium model is where a group of Operators get into a private, closed, commercial agreement aiming to build, own and operate a submarine cable with aim of maximising their returns (profit) in the shortest time possible social connotation notwithstanding. And this is where the Consumer has suffered. The short-terms interests of investors must be balanced against the long-term social benefits that would accrue from a affordable bandwidth provisions. Alex and LK seem to be voice of the consumer here, urging the Regulator to flex their muscle probably now and more in future when the OFC is laid-out. In all this, the various financing options were not so pronounced as noted by Michael J. Apart from IPO recommendation from Kai and Bill, the financing models (Equity, Debt, etc) has not quite come through and I hope someone could make comment on that within the remaining three days as we discuss our next theme:- What is the likely impact of the above models on the existing stakeholders (Operators, Regulator and Consumers)? That is, what do we see as the roles of the above stakeholders in the new dispensation of the Optical Submarine Cable. The efloor is again open and we have two days on this one. walu. Nb: a Face2Face meeting will follow up after this online discussion where all these issues will be streamlined. ~~~~~000~~~~~~ Theme Reminder: 1) Why OFC (1day) 2) Existing Business Models for OFC provisioning (2days) 3) Existing/Appropriate Regulatory Models for OFC (2days) 4) Best Model (Business+Regulatory) for E. Africans (2days) <Ongoing-Open> 5) Projected Impact on Stakeholders (2days) <Pending> 6) Reconciling Stakeholder interests/Conclusions (1day) <Pending> ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for earth-friendly autos? Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Yahoo! Autos' Green Center. http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/ [View Less]

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Day 6 of 10: Best Business & Regulatory
by A. Wanjira Munyua 31 Jan '07

31 Jan '07

Private sector led ICT infrastructure development/ownership, where they do most of the heavy lifting in terms of investment required is a good staring point. It will lower access costs, etc etc but would this model bring benefits to underseved/unreached rural communities for example??? Given the challenges we have faced and the importance of access to vital public services and locally relevant content, a variety of models must be explored. One that does not give undue favouritism to private … [View More]

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Day 6 of 10: Best Business & Regulatory
by A. Wanjira Munyua 31 Jan '07

31 Jan '07

Yes Kai, you have a point there and indeed government is the largest consumer of ICT services when/if our E-government strategy is implemented. best alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kai Wulff" <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 6:52 AM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Day 6 of 10: Best Business & Regulatory > Dear Alice, > > if the Government becvomes a user of private networks then it is easy to > build a business case … [View More]

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Fwd: Re: [Fibre-for-africa] Join KICTAnet's online discuission: What isthe best model for providing the F
by John Walubengo 31 Jan '07

31 Jan '07

Some interesting insights from Badru and Njorohio... walu.

15 38

Re: [Kictanet] Day 4 of 10: What are the Existing/Sugested
by Eric Osiakwan 30 Jan '07

30 Jan '07

Alan, The specific context here was "regulation" and am sorry you read my explanation to mean money on the cable. That is not the case, however the cable needs to make enough money to keept itself running otherwise we dont have a cable. Ultimately, the objective is to get cheaper prices than the exhaubitant options we cannot curently afford so the end result of my point from the regulatory side joins into John's point. When there is competition on the infrastructure side, because the … [View More]first cable is cheap, others would have to be cheaper and more reliable so the proposition is to assume a certain structure and regulatory as well as financial mechanism that makes the first cable as cheap as possible. Eric here ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Alan Finlay" <alan(a)openresearch.co.za> Reply-To: Kenya ICT Action Network - KICTANet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:17:17 +0200 >Hi Eric > >Earlier John said that the Open Access model put forward that access to the >fibre optic should be at cost, and the money made at the service end only. > >Your version says that access to the cable can be competitive - or that >entities that invest in the cable's infrastructure must be allowed to make a >profit out of the cable. > >Is this correct? Can you elaborate a bit on the differences between these >two 'open access' positions as you understand them? > >Thanks >Alan > > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Eric Osiakwan" <eric(a)afrispa.org> >To: <alan(a)openresearch.co.za> >Sent: Monday, January 29, 2007 11:42 AM >Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Day 4 of 10: What are the Existing/Sugested > > >> Dear All, >> >> The Open Access Model makes two important distinctions which the >regulatory policy >> environment must capture and enforce; >> 1. the distinction between infrastructure and services so that >infrastructure providers are >> NOT allowed to also provide SERVICES and vice versa. >> >> 2. owership of the infrastructure (in layer 1) should not guarantee any >form of fair or unfair >> access to capacity for the provision of service (in layer 2). >> >> 2. that there is no discrimination within and between both camps so that >infrastructure >> providers are able to establish clear and transparent trading >relationships with all service >> providers and vice versa. Within the infrastructure or service layer there >should be no >> restriction on COMPETITION and SERVICE DELIVERY. >> >> This creates an ecosystem of various operators interconnecting seemlessly >and ensuring >> there is interoperability. >> >> Eric here >> >> >> NB: Becuase my preference is for the "first" infrastructure entity to be >owned in a multi- >> stakeholder approach, the financial mechansims that are employed may also >impose some >> regulations from the financial market that can only be detailed on a case >by case basis. >> >> >> ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- >> From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> >> Reply-To: Kenya ICT Action Network - KICTANet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> >> Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 23:33:00 -0800 (PST) >> >> >What form/level of regulation would be required? Eric plse >> >on Open Access, plse elaborate maybe in three paragraphs. >> >And maybe also Kai would have a comment on Regulation with >> >regard to a Private sector submarine OFC provisioning....oh >> >yes, Kihanya (the learned one) may have a point too... >> > >> > >> >walu. >> >nb: Govt officials are also encouraged to say something - >> >members are informed to treat their comments as their >> >personal and not official postions ;-). >> > >> >--- Lucy Kimani <lkimani(a)comnews.co.ke> wrote: >> > >> >> Regulation is definately required as even the big boys of >> >> the west are >> >> regulated, in a capitalistic environment (read >> >> cat-throat) self-regulation >> >> has not worked, and is sure a recipe for disaster. >> >> >> >> LK >> >> > OK. Looks like Fridays are still fridays -even online. >> >> Very >> >> > little activity. Heard from only Harry and Alex...is >> >> there >> >> > anyone out there still logged on to give us their views >> >> b/w >> >> > now and 2morrow. >> >> > >> >> > walu. >> >> > --- Harry Hare <harry(a)aitecafrica.com> wrote: >> >> > >> >> >> Dear Walu, >> >> >> >> >> >> Just checked the dictionary definition of "Regulate" >> >> and >> >> >> got these synonyms >> >> >> - rule, govern, manage, order, adjust, arrange, >> >> dispose, >> >> >> conduct, >> >> >> systematize. Al these sound and are good "English" >> >> words >> >> >> cos they give you >> >> >> the sense of stability, odder and continuity. However, >> >> >> these may not be so >> >> >> good "legal" words because law introduces the concept >> >> of >> >> >> constrain. Then >> >> >> these words become a burden that regulation is >> >> >> (especially to the private >> >> >> sector) and that regulatory frameworks prescribe. >> >> >> >> >> >> On the same breath, I would argue that its not a >> >> simple >> >> >> lets have or no, >> >> >> lets not regulate the OFCs. I think we need to >> >> regulate >> >> >> in the sense of >> >> >> providing continuity by systematizing and managing for >> >> >> the benefit of all, >> >> >> so regulation should only be used to facilitate and >> >> not >> >> >> constrain. >> >> >> Non-regulation to me sounds chaotic and not >> >> sustainable >> >> >> in the long run! >> >> >> >> >> >> Lets have a "facilitative regulatory framework" so >> >> that >> >> >> the private sector >> >> >> can do what they do best...invest and get a return on >> >> >> their investment; and >> >> >> the government collects its taxes while we enjoy >> >> >> efficient and affordable >> >> >> the services! >> >> >> >> >> >> Harry >> >> >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> >> >> From: >> >> >> kictanet-bounces+harry=aitecafrica.com(a)kictanet.or.ke >> >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> >[mailto:kictanet-bounces+harry=aitecafrica.com@kictanet.or.ke] >> >> >> On Behalf Of >> >> >> John Walubengo >> >> >> Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 9:40 AM >> >> >> To: harry(a)aitecafrica.com >> >> >> Subject: [Kictanet] Day 4 of 10: What are the >> >> >> Existing/Sugested legal >> >> >> andregulatory framework for OFC? >> >> >> >> >> >> Thanx Brain, Kai, et al for your contributions on the >> >> >> previous themes, I now wish to introduce today's theme >> >> as >> >> >> shown above. >> >> >> >> >> >> It looks like on the Regulatory theme, there is very >> >> >> little >> >> >> option. The choice is simply between having or NOT >> >> >> having >> >> >> Regulatory environments for the submarine cable. The >> >> >> current practice is simply NO Regulation by virtue of >> >> the >> >> >> fact that most OFC is laid out by Private sector with >> >> >> commercially agreed private contracts. These are kept >> >> >> confidential until or unless a dispute arises in which >> >> >> case >> >> >> it is resolved through existing Company Laws or >> >> >> Competition >> >> >> Laws. None-Regulation has therefore served well in >> >> >> managing >> >> >> Private sector investements. >> >> >> >> >> >> However, in the Case of a Consortium model, where >> >> Public >> >> >> Funds have been committed to build the infrastructure, >> >> >> some >> >> >> argue that Regulation is required to ensure that the >> >> >> Public >> >> >> interest (social benefits) are balanced against the >> >> >> Private (profit) interests. The Consortium operators >> >> >> however find this recommendation not encouraging since >> >> >> they >> >> >> feel that Regulation would tend to frustrate an >> >> otherwise >> >> >> enterprising venture that would excel without >> >> Regulatory >> >> >> constraints. >> >> >> >> >> >> As for the proposed Open Access Model, the Regulatory >> >> >> frameworks suggested seem to range from None, Some, >> >> >> Delayed >> >> >> to Full Regulation. I still don't know how these >> >> >> different >> >> >> variants would apply but would be glad to hear more >> >> from >> >> >> the participants. So lets explore the Pros and Cons >> >> of >> >> >> these options but approaching it in a practical way as >> >> >> follows: >> >> >> >> >> >> What benefits/disadvantages has Non-Regulation brought >> >> to >> >> >> submarine OFC within the the context of the three >> >> models >> >> >> a) Purely Private Provisioning of OFC >> >> >> b) Consortium Provisioning of OFC >> >> >> c) Open Access Provisionig of OFC. >> >> >> >> >> >> 2Days discussion - the eFloor is open to all however. >> >> >> Operators, Lawyers, Regulators, Policy Makers, CSO & >> >> >> Consumers are particularly encouraged to say >> >> something. >> >> >> >> >> >> walu. >> >> >> --- Bill Kagai <billkagai(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >> >> >> >> >> > Brian... >> >> >> > Signs of a good Cabaret Sauvignon over lunch >> >> today!!! >> >> >> > >> >> >> > Anyway, >> >> >> > We are all converted capitalists hosting the World >> >> >> Social >> >> >> > Forum..so I say..a >> >> >> > good model is the one that makes good money for all >> >> of >> >> >> > us. >> >> >> > >> >> >> > >> >> >> > On 1/25/07, Brian Longwe <brian(a)pure-id.com> wrote: >> >> >> > > >> >> >> > > For once I get to make my comment on the day it is >> >> >> due >> >> >> > (good job, Brian - >> >> >> > > keep it up) ....... {I heard that when you start >> >> >> > talking to yourself you >> >> >> > > should get worried..... how about when you start >> >> >> > sending email to yourself?} >> >> >> > > >> >> >> > > HAHAHAHA! >> >> >> > > >> >> >> > > Anyway on a more serious note, some years ago I >> >> had a >> >> >> > v. interesting >> >> >> > > dialog on this issue of submarine infrastructure. >> >> The >> >> >> > people I was talking >> >> >> > > to (don't remember exactly who) {is loss of >> >> memory a >> >> >> > sign of age, senility, >> >> >> > > insanity or all 3 together} hehehe..... >> >> >> > > >> >> >> > > ---as I was saying, the people I was talking to >> >> >> > mentioned that the perfect >> >> >> > > model has existed for the longest time in the oil >> >> & >> >> >> gas >> >> >> > pipelines in >> >> >> > > different parts of Europe. These cross multiple >> >> >> > jurisdictions, are critical >> >> >> > > to the livelihoods and economies of all the >> >> >> > stakeholders, support the >> >> >> > > existence and stability of a wide spectrum of >> >> >> sectors, >> >> >> > and at the end of day >> >> >> > > provide something that an individual or family >> >> pays >> >> >> > for. >> >> >> > > >> >> >> > > Taking all of the above into consideration - these >> >> >> > projects are >> >> >> > > deliberately designed not to make a profit. (In >> >> fact >> >> >> >=== message truncated === >> > >> > >> > >> > >> >>___________________________________________________________________________ >_________ >> >No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go >> >with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started. >> >http://mobile.yahoo.com/mail >> > >> >_______________________________________________ >> >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/eric%40afrispa.org >> > >> >> -- >> Eric M.K Osiakwan >> Executive Secretary >> AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) >> Tel: + 233.21.258800 >> Fax: + 233.21.258811 >> Cell: + 233.244.386792 >> Handle: eosiakwan >> Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North >> Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North >> Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ >> Slang: "Tomorrow Now" >> -- >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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/alan%40openresearch.co.za > > >_______________________________________________ >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/eric%40afrispa.org > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" -- [View Less]

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Re: [Kictanet] Day 6 of 10: Best Business & Regulatory Model
by Eric Osiakwan 30 Jan '07

30 Jan '07

Kai, it depends on how you see regulation however without a certain regulatory mechanism we are all not going anywhere. The private sector leadership by KDN on this is commendable but please lets not use that as a case to define what is and what is not. Open Access as we have known it to be has a layout and it is clear @ http://www.infodev.org/en/Publication.10.html If we all stick to the larger principles, all these other elements would fall in place whether it is private and or public … [View More]sector leadership in the buildout. Eric here ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Kai Wulff" <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke> Reply-To: Kenya ICT Action Network - KICTANet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 19:51:38 +0300 >Let me add something: > >Open Access does not mean regulated. > >A system like Flag will have invested money to build a fiber around the >globe and will make money with it. Pricing on the cable is determined by >open market and not open access. > >Open Access needs to be provided to the Landing Station and with this to any >other system that might be available. > >TEAMS will go to one Monopoly Operator who will connect the TEAMS capacity >to other systems, what is the price for this service, who knows the price of >those systems? > >Unless we build our own Internet or at least a cable that is jointly owned >and peered at an international Internet Exchange (and even there are >commercial charges) we will never escape the need for some commercial >dealings. > >What is important for a region is that not one Operator/Service Provider has >access to cheaper capacity than the others (see TSA!). > >Like TEAMS, I hope that we can have all equal charges from MSA to the rest >of the world. On Flag, this is guaranteed by the contract KDN has signed! > >Rgds > >Kai > > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "John Walubengo" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> >To: <kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke> >Sent: Monday, January 29, 2007 19:37 >Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Day 6 of 10: Best Business & Regulatory Model >forprovisioning OFC(EASsy, TEAMs, etc) > > >> Alan, >> >> I think what Eric meant was that even though the fiber >> cable infrastructure would be operated at cost - it would >> still be open to competition i.e. the Regulatory framework >> should allow for multiple, complimentary as well as >> competing submarine fiber cable. >> >> In other words, lets have the EASsy, TEAMs and Flag running >> accross E.Africa, as long as each one of them Operates >> their cable at cost and allowing other SERVICE/APPLICATION >> providers equal access... >> >> Unfortunately, this model is not quite easy to execute >> because it demands a total overhaul of the existing Telco >> market strutures. The current regulatory and business >> structures in most of the regional countries allow and >> probably encourage Operators to own the backbone >> (essential) infrastructure and still operate accross all >> the service layers. >> >> For example Telkom Kenya, owns the country-wide Backbone >> infrastructure as well as the International Gateway and is >> licensed to compete in all the Service areas i.e through >> its ISP subsidiary, its Wireless Subsidiary, etc. >> >> Safaricom, Celltel (the 2 mobile operators) have also >> joined into the fray along the same-principles i.e. owning >> the Backbone infrastructures and continuing to compete >> accross the SERVICE/APPLICATION layers or sectors. >> >> And the (good/bad?)news is that the prevailing situations >> seem to have served quite well if seen in terms of >> accelerated growth it has brought to the Industry. So the >> question would be, why try and change all that? Why should >> the provisioning of the submarine OFC disrupt the >> comfortable status quo within the national telecoms market >> structures? I see this as the biggest obstacle towards an >> otherwise good Open Access model... >> >> walu. >> >> >> >> --- Alan Finlay <alan(a)openresearch.co.za> wrote: >> >>> Hi Eric >>> >>> Earlier John said that the Open Access model put forward >>> that access to the >>> fibre optic should be at cost, and the money made at the >>> service end only. >>> >>> Your version says that access to the cable can be >>> competitive - or that >>> entities that invest in the cable's infrastructure must >>> be allowed to make a >>> profit out of the cable. >>> >>> Is this correct? Can you elaborate a bit on the >>> differences between these >>> two 'open access' positions as you understand them? >>> >>> Thanks >>> Alan >>> >>> >>> ----- Original Message ----- >>> From: "Eric Osiakwan" <eric(a)afrispa.org> >>> To: <alan(a)openresearch.co.za> >>> Sent: Monday, January 29, 2007 11:42 AM >>> Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Day 4 of 10: What are the >>> Existing/Sugested >>> >>> >>> > Dear All, >>> > >>> > The Open Access Model makes two important distinctions >>> which the >>> regulatory policy >>> > environment must capture and enforce; >>> > 1. the distinction between infrastructure and services >>> so that >>> infrastructure providers are >>> > NOT allowed to also provide SERVICES and vice versa. >>> > >>> > 2. owership of the infrastructure (in layer 1) should >>> not guarantee any >>> form of fair or unfair >>> > access to capacity for the provision of service (in >>> layer 2). >>> > >>> > 2. that there is no discrimination within and between >>> both camps so that >>> infrastructure >>> > providers are able to establish clear and transparent >>> trading >>> relationships with all service >>> > providers and vice versa. Within the infrastructure or >>> service layer there >>> should be no >>> > restriction on COMPETITION and SERVICE DELIVERY. >>> > >>> > This creates an ecosystem of various operators >>> interconnecting seemlessly >>> and ensuring >>> > there is interoperability. >>> > >>> > Eric here >>> > >>> > >>> > NB: Becuase my preference is for the "first" >>> infrastructure entity to be >>> owned in a multi- >>> > stakeholder approach, the financial mechansims that are >>> employed may also >>> impose some >>> > regulations from the financial market that can only be >>> detailed on a case >>> by case basis. >> >> --- John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >> >>> Hi All, following the w/end, it maybe appropriate to >>> recollect and review how far we have gone in this online >>> discussion. >>> >>> Themes Reminder >>> 1) Why OFC (1day) >>> *it is cheaper(than Satellite option), it is faster, more >>> reliable, more secure, has unlimited bandwidth capacity. >>> >>> 2) Existing Business Models for OFC provisioning (2days) >>> *Privately provisioned >>> *Consortium provisioned >>> *Open Access provisioned >>> >>> 3) Existing/Appropriate Regulatory Models for OFC (2days) >>> *No-Regulation >>> *Some Regulation >>> *Full Regulation >>> >>> 4) Best Model (Business+Regulatory) for E. Africans >>> (2days) >>> <Pending> >>> >>> 5) Projected Impact on Stakeholders (2days) >>> <Pending> >>> >>> 6) Reconciling Stakeholder interests/Conclusions (2days) >>> <Pending> >>> >>> So today we start of on Point 4, and wish to hear views >>> on >>> what would be the preferred Business and Regulatory model >>> for provisioning the Optical Fiber Cable on the E.African >>> Coast. Feel free to comment on a previous theme as well. >>> >>> walu. >>> --- Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >>> >>> > Walu, >>> > >>> > I dug this interesting read off google search a while >>> > back (78 page) >>> > >>> > Open Access Models >>> > Options for Improving Backbone Access in Developing >>> > Countries (with a Focus on Sub-Saharan Africa) >>> > Final Draft >>> > August 2005 >>> > An infoDev Technical Report >>> > prepared by >>> > S P I N T R A C K A B >>> > DROTTNINGGATAN 99, >>> > 113 60 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN >>> > PHONE: +46-8-528 00 310 FAX: +46-8-528 00 315 >>> > WWW.SPINTRACK.COM INFO(a)SPINTRACK.COM >>> > >>> > < >>> > >>> >> http://www.infodev.org/files/2569_file_OPEN_ACCESS_REPORT.pdf >>> > > >>> > >>> > /Alex >>> > >>> > John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Found an answer >>> > to my own question < >>> > talked about emailing instead of talking to oneself?>> >>> - >>> > anyway...The proposed regulatory framework for EASsy >>> > (which >>> > purportedly is going the Open Access way) seems to be >>> > covered here.... >>> > >>> > ~~~~00-copied below--- >>> > >>> > East Africa: EASSy Project Model Approved >>> > Thursday, 22 June 2006 >>> > All countries participating in the development of the >>> > East >>> > African Sub Marine Cable System (EASSy) have now agreed >>> > to >>> > implement the project on an 'open access basis,' >>> > overcoming >>> > a hurdle that had initially threatened to derail the >>> > project. >>> > The Policy and Regulatory Adviser of Nepad e-Africa >>> > Commission, Dr Edmund Katiti said that the South >>> African >>> > government and Nepad's ICT experts had persuaded the >>> > countries that were objecting to the change in the >>> > project >>> > to realise the limitations of the consortium model >>> which >>> > they had preferred. >>> > >>> > The EASSy project involves laying of a fibre optic >>> cable >>> > from Mtunzini north of Durban, through landing stations >>> > along East Africa to Port Sudan. The cable will link >>> with >>> > the countries' national networks at the landing >>> stations. >>> > Others would subsequently be interconnected through the >>> > networks of landlocked countries like Uganda, Rwanda, >>> > Burundi and D.R Congo. >>> > >>> > When the project was first conceived, it was to be >>> > primarily a private sector project. The core investors >>> in >>> > the cable infrastructure would determine the retail >>> > prices >>> > of bandwidth. The project was to be owned and operated >>> by >>> > a >>> > group of companies that would generate financing; an >>> > arrangement known as the consortium model. The South >>> > African government and Nepad have recently argued that >>> > the >>> > consortium model would not achieve the objective of the >>> > project bringing down the costs of >> communication in >>> > the region. They suggested that the model be altered to >>> > "open access", where any operator or institution in the >>> > participating countries would be allowed to acquire >>> > equity >>> > if it can afford the agreed contribution. >>> > >>> > In the open access model, the cable would be owned and >>> > operated by the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a >>> company >>> > created to manage the network and establish the price >>> of >>> > bandwidth. An Intergovernmental Assembly is to be >>> formed >>> > to >>> > regulate the costs that the SPV would charge operators. >>> > Rwanda will host the headquarters of the SPV in part as >>> > recognition of their commitment to the development and >>> > promotion of ICTs in the country. >>> > >>> > After the agreement reached earlier in June, the Nepad >>> > e-Africa Commission is working towards the signing of a >>> > protocol that would form the legal framework of the >>> EASSy >>> > project. The Commission has already prepared a project >>> > plan, which it has sent to the member governments to >>> > review >>> > and comment, a process that take until August, when the >>> > protocol signing is anticipated. Construction is >>> expected >>> > to commence by the end of 2006. >>> > >>> > Katiti said they hope to raise a quarter of the funding >>> > from equity acquisition payments by companies from the >>> > region and then raise the remainder from African >>> > financial >>> > institutions: African Development Bank, Comesa's PTA >>> > Bank, >>> > East African Development Bank and others. >>> > >>> > Source: The Monitor - WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News >>> > >>> >> http://www.regulateonline.org/index.php? option=content&task=view&id=780&Itemid=32&relaItemid=877 >>> > >>> > walu. >>> > >>> > --- John Walubengo wrote: >>> > >>> > > What form/level of regulation would be required? Eric >>> > > plse >>> > > on Open Access, plse elaborate maybe in three >>> > paragraphs. >>> > > And maybe also Kai would have a comment on Regulation >>> > > with >>> > > regard to a Private sector submarine OFC >>> > > provisioning....oh >>> > > yes, Kihanya (the learned one) may have a point >>> too... >>> > > >>> > > >>> > > walu. >>> > > nb: Govt officials are also encouraged to say >>> something >>> > - >>> > > members are informed to treat their comments as their >>> > > personal and not official postions ;-). >>> > > >>> > > --- Lucy Kimani wrote: >>> > > >>> > > > Regulation is definately required as even the big >>> > boys >>> > > of >>> > > > the west are >>> > > > regulated, in a capitalistic environment (read >>> > > > cat-throat) self-regulation >>> > > > has not worked, and is sure a recipe for disaster. >>> > > > >>> > > > LK >>> > > > > OK. Looks like Fridays are still fridays -even >>> > > online. >>> > > > Very >>> > > > > little activity. Heard from only Harry and >>> > Alex...is >>> >> === message truncated === >> >> >> >> >> ____________________________________________________________________________________ >> Don't pick lemons. >> See all the new 2007 cars at Yahoo! Autos. >> http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> > > >_______________________________________________ >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/eric%40afrispa.org > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" -- [View Less]

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Re: [Kictanet] Day 6 of 10: Best Business & Regulatory Model for
by Eric Osiakwan 30 Jan '07

30 Jan '07

John, you are like the Baptist, well said concerning the explaining. However i beg to differ on the last paragraph. The current situation has made communication in Africa, the poorest continent more EXPENSIVE than the rest of the world and this is due to a lot of factors most of which are triggered by your DOMESTIC CAPACITY. Please check how many people have telephones, internet, computer etc against population The question should rather be that if the prevailing situation has not made … [View More]that much impact over such a longtime, why should we not CHANGE it. Please when you read the Open Access study @ http://www.infodev.org/en/Publication.10.html we made clear some of these. Let me add that Open Access is adaptable to the local conditions in terms of "strategic implementation" however the principles are essentially the same. Also it is important to know that Open Access may not work in certain situations and therefore we do not claim "the ONLY ANSWER" to the problem. Eric here ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Reply-To: Kenya ICT Action Network - KICTANet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:37:23 -0800 (PST) >Alan, > >I think what Eric meant was that even though the fiber >cable infrastructure would be operated at cost - it would >still be open to competition i.e. the Regulatory framework >should allow for multiple, complimentary as well as >competing submarine fiber cable. > >In other words, lets have the EASsy, TEAMs and Flag running >accross E.Africa, as long as each one of them Operates >their cable at cost and allowing other SERVICE/APPLICATION >providers equal access... > >Unfortunately, this model is not quite easy to execute >because it demands a total overhaul of the existing Telco >market strutures. The current regulatory and business >structures in most of the regional countries allow and >probably encourage Operators to own the backbone >(essential) infrastructure and still operate accross all >the service layers. > >For example Telkom Kenya, owns the country-wide Backbone >infrastructure as well as the International Gateway and is >licensed to compete in all the Service areas i.e through >its ISP subsidiary, its Wireless Subsidiary, etc. > >Safaricom, Celltel (the 2 mobile operators) have also >joined into the fray along the same-principles i.e. owning >the Backbone infrastructures and continuing to compete >accross the SERVICE/APPLICATION layers or sectors. > >And the (good/bad?)news is that the prevailing situations >seem to have served quite well if seen in terms of >accelerated growth it has brought to the Industry. So the >question would be, why try and change all that? Why should >the provisioning of the submarine OFC disrupt the >comfortable status quo within the national telecoms market >structures? I see this as the biggest obstacle towards an >otherwise good Open Access model... > >walu. > > > >--- Alan Finlay <alan(a)openresearch.co.za> wrote: > >> Hi Eric >> >> Earlier John said that the Open Access model put forward >> that access to the >> fibre optic should be at cost, and the money made at the >> service end only. >> >> Your version says that access to the cable can be >> competitive - or that >> entities that invest in the cable's infrastructure must >> be allowed to make a >> profit out of the cable. >> >> Is this correct? Can you elaborate a bit on the >> differences between these >> two 'open access' positions as you understand them? >> >> Thanks >> Alan >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Eric Osiakwan" <eric(a)afrispa.org> >> To: <alan(a)openresearch.co.za> >> Sent: Monday, January 29, 2007 11:42 AM >> Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Day 4 of 10: What are the >> Existing/Sugested >> >> >> > Dear All, >> > >> > The Open Access Model makes two important distinctions >> which the >> regulatory policy >> > environment must capture and enforce; >> > 1. the distinction between infrastructure and services >> so that >> infrastructure providers are >> > NOT allowed to also provide SERVICES and vice versa. >> > >> > 2. owership of the infrastructure (in layer 1) should >> not guarantee any >> form of fair or unfair >> > access to capacity for the provision of service (in >> layer 2). >> > >> > 2. that there is no discrimination within and between >> both camps so that >> infrastructure >> > providers are able to establish clear and transparent >> trading >> relationships with all service >> > providers and vice versa. Within the infrastructure or >> service layer there >> should be no >> > restriction on COMPETITION and SERVICE DELIVERY. >> > >> > This creates an ecosystem of various operators >> interconnecting seemlessly >> and ensuring >> > there is interoperability. >> > >> > Eric here >> > >> > >> > NB: Becuase my preference is for the "first" >> infrastructure entity to be >> owned in a multi- >> > stakeholder approach, the financial mechansims that are >> employed may also >> impose some >> > regulations from the financial market that can only be >> detailed on a case >> by case basis. > >--- John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > >> Hi All, following the w/end, it maybe appropriate to >> recollect and review how far we have gone in this online >> discussion. >> >> Themes Reminder >> 1) Why OFC (1day) >> *it is cheaper(than Satellite option), it is faster, more >> reliable, more secure, has unlimited bandwidth capacity. >> >> 2) Existing Business Models for OFC provisioning (2days) >> *Privately provisioned >> *Consortium provisioned >> *Open Access provisioned >> >> 3) Existing/Appropriate Regulatory Models for OFC (2days) >> *No-Regulation >> *Some Regulation >> *Full Regulation >> >> 4) Best Model (Business+Regulatory) for E. Africans >> (2days) >> <Pending> >> >> 5) Projected Impact on Stakeholders (2days) >> <Pending> >> >> 6) Reconciling Stakeholder interests/Conclusions (2days) >> <Pending> >> >> So today we start of on Point 4, and wish to hear views >> on >> what would be the preferred Business and Regulatory model >> for provisioning the Optical Fiber Cable on the E.African >> Coast. Feel free to comment on a previous theme as well. >> >> walu. >> --- Alex Gakuru <alex.gakuru(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >> >> > Walu, >> > >> > I dug this interesting read off google search a while >> > back (78 page) >> > >> > Open Access Models >> > Options for Improving Backbone Access in Developing >> > Countries (with a Focus on Sub-Saharan Africa) >> > Final Draft >> > August 2005 >> > An infoDev Technical Report >> > prepared by >> > S P I N T R A C K A B >> > DROTTNINGGATAN 99, >> > 113 60 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN >> > PHONE: +46-8-528 00 310 FAX: +46-8-528 00 315 >> > WWW.SPINTRACK.COM INFO(a)SPINTRACK.COM >> > >> > < >> > >> >http://www.infodev.org/files/2569_file_OPEN_ACCESS_REPORT.pdf >> > > >> > >> > /Alex >> > >> > John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Found an answer >> > to my own question < >> > talked about emailing instead of talking to oneself?>> >> - >> > anyway...The proposed regulatory framework for EASsy >> > (which >> > purportedly is going the Open Access way) seems to be >> > covered here.... >> > >> > ~~~~00-copied below--- >> > >> > East Africa: EASSy Project Model Approved >> > Thursday, 22 June 2006 >> > All countries participating in the development of the >> > East >> > African Sub Marine Cable System (EASSy) have now agreed >> > to >> > implement the project on an 'open access basis,' >> > overcoming >> > a hurdle that had initially threatened to derail the >> > project. >> > The Policy and Regulatory Adviser of Nepad e-Africa >> > Commission, Dr Edmund Katiti said that the South >> African >> > government and Nepad's ICT experts had persuaded the >> > countries that were objecting to the change in the >> > project >> > to realise the limitations of the consortium model >> which >> > they had preferred. >> > >> > The EASSy project involves laying of a fibre optic >> cable >> > from Mtunzini north of Durban, through landing stations >> > along East Africa to Port Sudan. The cable will link >> with >> > the countries' national networks at the landing >> stations. >> > Others would subsequently be interconnected through the >> > networks of landlocked countries like Uganda, Rwanda, >> > Burundi and D.R Congo. >> > >> > When the project was first conceived, it was to be >> > primarily a private sector project. The core investors >> in >> > the cable infrastructure would determine the retail >> > prices >> > of bandwidth. The project was to be owned and operated >> by >> > a >> > group of companies that would generate financing; an >> > arrangement known as the consortium model. The South >> > African government and Nepad have recently argued that >> > the >> > consortium model would not achieve the objective of the >> > project bringing down the costs of >communication in >> > the region. They suggested that the model be altered to >> > "open access", where any operator or institution in the >> > participating countries would be allowed to acquire >> > equity >> > if it can afford the agreed contribution. >> > >> > In the open access model, the cable would be owned and >> > operated by the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a >> company >> > created to manage the network and establish the price >> of >> > bandwidth. An Intergovernmental Assembly is to be >> formed >> > to >> > regulate the costs that the SPV would charge operators. >> > Rwanda will host the headquarters of the SPV in part as >> > recognition of their commitment to the development and >> > promotion of ICTs in the country. >> > >> > After the agreement reached earlier in June, the Nepad >> > e-Africa Commission is working towards the signing of a >> > protocol that would form the legal framework of the >> EASSy >> > project. The Commission has already prepared a project >> > plan, which it has sent to the member governments to >> > review >> > and comment, a process that take until August, when the >> > protocol signing is anticipated. Construction is >> expected >> > to commence by the end of 2006. >> > >> > Katiti said they hope to raise a quarter of the funding >> > from equity acquisition payments by companies from the >> > region and then raise the remainder from African >> > financial >> > institutions: African Development Bank, Comesa's PTA >> > Bank, >> > East African Development Bank and others. >> > >> > Source: The Monitor - WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News >> > >> >http://www.regulateonline.org/index.php? option=content&task=view&id=780&Itemid=32&relaItemid=877 >> > >> > walu. >> > >> > --- John Walubengo wrote: >> > >> > > What form/level of regulation would be required? Eric >> > > plse >> > > on Open Access, plse elaborate maybe in three >> > paragraphs. >> > > And maybe also Kai would have a comment on Regulation >> > > with >> > > regard to a Private sector submarine OFC >> > > provisioning....oh >> > > yes, Kihanya (the learned one) may have a point >> too... >> > > >> > > >> > > walu. >> > > nb: Govt officials are also encouraged to say >> something >> > - >> > > members are informed to treat their comments as their >> > > personal and not official postions ;-). >> > > >> > > --- Lucy Kimani wrote: >> > > >> > > > Regulation is definately required as even the big >> > boys >> > > of >> > > > the west are >> > > > regulated, in a capitalistic environment (read >> > > > cat-throat) self-regulation >> > > > has not worked, and is sure a recipe for disaster. >> > > > >> > > > LK >> > > > > OK. Looks like Fridays are still fridays -even >> > > online. >> > > > Very >> > > > > little activity. Heard from only Harry and >> > Alex...is >> >=== message truncated === > > > > >____________________________________________________________________________________ >Don't pick lemons. >See all the new 2007 cars at Yahoo! Autos. >http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html > >_______________________________________________ >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/eric%40afrispa.org > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" -- [View Less]

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Re: [Kictanet] Day 4 of 10: What are the Existing/Sugested
by Eric Osiakwan 29 Jan '07

29 Jan '07

Dear All, The Open Access Model makes two important distinctions which the regulatory policy environment must capture and enforce; 1. the distinction between infrastructure and services so that infrastructure providers are NOT allowed to also provide SERVICES and vice versa. 2. owership of the infrastructure (in layer 1) should not guarantee any form of fair or unfair access to capacity for the provision of service (in layer 2). 2. that there is no discrimination within and between both … [View More]camps so that infrastructure providers are able to establish clear and transparent trading relationships with all service providers and vice versa. Within the infrastructure or service layer there should be no restriction on COMPETITION and SERVICE DELIVERY. This creates an ecosystem of various operators interconnecting seemlessly and ensuring there is interoperability. Eric here NB: Becuase my preference is for the "first" infrastructure entity to be owned in a multi- stakeholder approach, the financial mechansims that are employed may also impose some regulations from the financial market that can only be detailed on a case by case basis. ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Reply-To: Kenya ICT Action Network - KICTANet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 23:33:00 -0800 (PST) >What form/level of regulation would be required? Eric plse >on Open Access, plse elaborate maybe in three paragraphs. >And maybe also Kai would have a comment on Regulation with >regard to a Private sector submarine OFC provisioning....oh >yes, Kihanya (the learned one) may have a point too... > > >walu. >nb: Govt officials are also encouraged to say something - >members are informed to treat their comments as their >personal and not official postions ;-). > >--- Lucy Kimani <lkimani(a)comnews.co.ke> wrote: > >> Regulation is definately required as even the big boys of >> the west are >> regulated, in a capitalistic environment (read >> cat-throat) self-regulation >> has not worked, and is sure a recipe for disaster. >> >> LK >> > OK. Looks like Fridays are still fridays -even online. >> Very >> > little activity. Heard from only Harry and Alex...is >> there >> > anyone out there still logged on to give us their views >> b/w >> > now and 2morrow. >> > >> > walu. >> > --- Harry Hare <harry(a)aitecafrica.com> wrote: >> > >> >> Dear Walu, >> >> >> >> Just checked the dictionary definition of "Regulate" >> and >> >> got these synonyms >> >> - rule, govern, manage, order, adjust, arrange, >> dispose, >> >> conduct, >> >> systematize. Al these sound and are good "English" >> words >> >> cos they give you >> >> the sense of stability, odder and continuity. However, >> >> these may not be so >> >> good "legal" words because law introduces the concept >> of >> >> constrain. Then >> >> these words become a burden that regulation is >> >> (especially to the private >> >> sector) and that regulatory frameworks prescribe. >> >> >> >> On the same breath, I would argue that its not a >> simple >> >> lets have or no, >> >> lets not regulate the OFCs. I think we need to >> regulate >> >> in the sense of >> >> providing continuity by systematizing and managing for >> >> the benefit of all, >> >> so regulation should only be used to facilitate and >> not >> >> constrain. >> >> Non-regulation to me sounds chaotic and not >> sustainable >> >> in the long run! >> >> >> >> Lets have a "facilitative regulatory framework" so >> that >> >> the private sector >> >> can do what they do best...invest and get a return on >> >> their investment; and >> >> the government collects its taxes while we enjoy >> >> efficient and affordable >> >> the services! >> >> >> >> Harry >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> >> From: >> >> kictanet-bounces+harry=aitecafrica.com(a)kictanet.or.ke >> >> >> > >> >[mailto:kictanet-bounces+harry=aitecafrica.com@kictanet.or.ke] >> >> On Behalf Of >> >> John Walubengo >> >> Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 9:40 AM >> >> To: harry(a)aitecafrica.com >> >> Subject: [Kictanet] Day 4 of 10: What are the >> >> Existing/Sugested legal >> >> andregulatory framework for OFC? >> >> >> >> Thanx Brain, Kai, et al for your contributions on the >> >> previous themes, I now wish to introduce today's theme >> as >> >> shown above. >> >> >> >> It looks like on the Regulatory theme, there is very >> >> little >> >> option. The choice is simply between having or NOT >> >> having >> >> Regulatory environments for the submarine cable. The >> >> current practice is simply NO Regulation by virtue of >> the >> >> fact that most OFC is laid out by Private sector with >> >> commercially agreed private contracts. These are kept >> >> confidential until or unless a dispute arises in which >> >> case >> >> it is resolved through existing Company Laws or >> >> Competition >> >> Laws. None-Regulation has therefore served well in >> >> managing >> >> Private sector investements. >> >> >> >> However, in the Case of a Consortium model, where >> Public >> >> Funds have been committed to build the infrastructure, >> >> some >> >> argue that Regulation is required to ensure that the >> >> Public >> >> interest (social benefits) are balanced against the >> >> Private (profit) interests. The Consortium operators >> >> however find this recommendation not encouraging since >> >> they >> >> feel that Regulation would tend to frustrate an >> otherwise >> >> enterprising venture that would excel without >> Regulatory >> >> constraints. >> >> >> >> As for the proposed Open Access Model, the Regulatory >> >> frameworks suggested seem to range from None, Some, >> >> Delayed >> >> to Full Regulation. I still don't know how these >> >> different >> >> variants would apply but would be glad to hear more >> from >> >> the participants. So lets explore the Pros and Cons >> of >> >> these options but approaching it in a practical way as >> >> follows: >> >> >> >> What benefits/disadvantages has Non-Regulation brought >> to >> >> submarine OFC within the the context of the three >> models >> >> a) Purely Private Provisioning of OFC >> >> b) Consortium Provisioning of OFC >> >> c) Open Access Provisionig of OFC. >> >> >> >> 2Days discussion - the eFloor is open to all however. >> >> Operators, Lawyers, Regulators, Policy Makers, CSO & >> >> Consumers are particularly encouraged to say >> something. >> >> >> >> walu. >> >> --- Bill Kagai <billkagai(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >> >> >> > Brian... >> >> > Signs of a good Cabaret Sauvignon over lunch >> today!!! >> >> > >> >> > Anyway, >> >> > We are all converted capitalists hosting the World >> >> Social >> >> > Forum..so I say..a >> >> > good model is the one that makes good money for all >> of >> >> > us. >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > On 1/25/07, Brian Longwe <brian(a)pure-id.com> wrote: >> >> > > >> >> > > For once I get to make my comment on the day it is >> >> due >> >> > (good job, Brian - >> >> > > keep it up) ....... {I heard that when you start >> >> > talking to yourself you >> >> > > should get worried..... how about when you start >> >> > sending email to yourself?} >> >> > > >> >> > > HAHAHAHA! >> >> > > >> >> > > Anyway on a more serious note, some years ago I >> had a >> >> > v. interesting >> >> > > dialog on this issue of submarine infrastructure. >> The >> >> > people I was talking >> >> > > to (don't remember exactly who) {is loss of >> memory a >> >> > sign of age, senility, >> >> > > insanity or all 3 together} hehehe..... >> >> > > >> >> > > ---as I was saying, the people I was talking to >> >> > mentioned that the perfect >> >> > > model has existed for the longest time in the oil >> & >> >> gas >> >> > pipelines in >> >> > > different parts of Europe. These cross multiple >> >> > jurisdictions, are critical >> >> > > to the livelihoods and economies of all the >> >> > stakeholders, support the >> >> > > existence and stability of a wide spectrum of >> >> sectors, >> >> > and at the end of day >> >> > > provide something that an individual or family >> pays >> >> > for. >> >> > > >> >> > > Taking all of the above into consideration - these >> >> > projects are >> >> > > deliberately designed not to make a profit. (In >> fact >> >=== message truncated === > > > > >____________________________________________________________________________________ >No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go >with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started. >http://mobile.yahoo.com/mail > >_______________________________________________ >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/eric%40afrispa.org > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" -- [View Less]

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FW: http://www.londonstockexchange.com/LSECWS/IFSPages/MarketNewsPopup.aspx?id= 1393039&source=RNS
by Joseph Mucheru 26 Jan '07

26 Jan '07

Many thanks for all your support people. ------ Forwarded Message From: Teresa Miles Walsh <teresa(a)accessmediaadvisory.com> Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:42:49 -0000 To: 'Richard Bell' <Richard.Bell(a)Wananchi.Com>, 'Mark Schneider' <Mark(a)schneidermedia.net>, 'Joseph Mucheru' <mucheru(a)wananchi.com>, 'Richard Essex' <richard.essex(a)pobox.com> Cc: <tarek(a)accessmediaadvisory.com>, 'James Gachui' <gachui(a)wananchi.com> Subject: RE: http://www.… [View More]londonstockexchange.com/LSECWS/IFSPages/MarketNewsPopup.aspx?id=1 393039&source=RNS In case anyone has trouble with the link above, here is the text of the announcement Company Africa Telecoms Company Limited TIDM Headline Revised Offer Update Released 14:25 26-Jan-07 Number 2251Q RNS Number:2251Q Africa Telecoms Company Limited 26 January 2007 This announcement is not for release, publication or distribution in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or any other jurisdiction where it would be unlawful to do so. 26 January 2007 AFRICA TELECOMS COMPANY LIMITED INCREASED CASH OFFER FOR THE AFRICAN LAKES CORPORATION LIMITED Summary The board of Africa Telecoms Company Limited ("ATC") today announces its intention to make an increased cash offer ("the Revised Offer") to acquire the whole of the issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of The African Lakes Corporation Limited ("TALC"). The Revised Offer of £18.50 in cash per TALC Share values the existing issued ordinary share capital of TALC at approximately £5.04 million. Certain TALC shareholders have irrevocably undertaken to accept the Revised Offer in respect of 143,426 TALC Shares in aggregate, representing approximately 52.66 per cent. of the issued ordinary share capital of TALC. Commenting on the Revised Offer, Richard Bell, Director of ATC said, "The revised offer of £18.50 per share in cash represents a significant increase over our original offer and I am delighted that it has won the support of African Lakes' major institutional shareholder. We are looking forward to implementing our exciting plans for building a pan-African ICT infrastructure". This summary should be read in conjunction with the full text of this announcement. Terms used but not defined in this announcement shall have the meanings given to them in the announcement by ATC on 28 December 2006 of an offer for TALC ("the Original Announcement"). Enquiries ATC Richard Bell 07772 251 772 Smith & Williamson Corporate Finance Limited, Adviser to ATC Nicola Horton 020 7131 4000 Access Media Advisory Limited, Adviser to ATC Teresa Miles Walsh 020 7659 5525 REVISED CASH OFFER BY AFRICA TELECOMS COMPANY LIMITED FOR THE AFRICAN LAKES CORPORATION LIMITED 1. Introduction The board of ATC today announces the terms of an increased cash offer ("the Revised Offer"), to be made by ATC, to acquire the whole of the issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of TALC. The Revised Offer will be subject to certain conditions set out or referred to in Appendix I. 2. The Revised Offer ATC will offer to acquire, on the terms and subject to the conditions set out or referred to in Appendix I and to be set out in the document containing the Revised Offer ("the Revised Offer Document") and the related Form of Acceptance, the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of TALC on the following basis: £18.50 in cash for each TALC Share The Revised Offer values the existing issued ordinary share capital of TALC at approximately £5.04 million. The Revised Offer will extend to all TALC Shares unconditionally allotted or issued on the date of the Revised Offer together with any further such shares which are unconditionally allotted or issued while the Revised Offer remains open for acceptance or until such earlier date as, subject to the Code, ATC may determine. The TALC Shares to be acquired by ATC pursuant to the Revised Offer will be acquired fully paid and free from all liens, equities, charges, encumbrances, rights of pre-emption and other third party rights and interests of any nature whatsoever and together with all rights now or hereafter attaching thereto, including the right to receive and retain all dividends and other distributions (if any) declared, paid or made on or after the date of this announcement. 3. Financing The cash payable under the Revised Offer will be provided by ATC from its existing cash resources. Schneider Media & Holding Group LLC and The African Technology Media & Telecommunications Investment Company Limited have irrevocably undertaken to accept the Revised Offer but have also irrevocably undertaken to set off their entitlement to receive cash under the Revised Offer against an existing debt (in relation to subscription monies for their shares in ATC) owed by them to ATC. Smith & Williamson confirms that it is satisfied that resources are available to ATC sufficient to satisfy acceptance of the Revised Offer by all TALC Shareholders other than Schneider Media & Holding Group LLC and The African Technology Media & Telecommunications Investment Company Limited. 4. Information on ATC ATC is a newly incorporated company, which has been formed for the purpose of making the Offer. Since incorporation, it has not traded or entered into any material obligations other than in connection with the Offer, the Revised Offer and the financing thereof. The sole director of ATC is Richard Bell, who was until 10 August 2006 a non-executive director of TALC. ATC is currently owned by the following entities and individuals, in the following shares: Schneider Media & Holding Group LLC, approximately 58.3 per cent. Wananchi Online Limited (a Kenyan Internet Service Provider), approximately 28.5 per cent. The African Technology Media & Telecommunications Investment Company Limited (which is majority owned by Richard Bell and managed by East Africa Capital Partners, a private equity fund manager, of which Richard Bell is the Managing Partner), approximately 11.4 per cent. Philadelphia Investors, Limited (Ltd.), approximately 1.8 per cent. 5. Revised Offer Document A Revised Offer Document making the Revised Offer and containing the full terms and conditions of the Revised Offer will be posted as soon as practicable to TALC Shareholders. 6. Disclosure of interests ATC's shareholders' interests in TALC are as follows: Schneider Media & Holding Group LLC holds 39,080 TALC Shares, representing approximately 14.35 per cent. of the Company's issued share capital. The African Technology Media & Telecommunications Investment Company Limited (which is majority owned by Richard Bell and managed by East Africa Capital Partners, a private equity fund manager, of which Richard Bell is the Managing Partner), holds 35,000 TALC Shares, representing approximately 12.85 per cent. of the Company's issued share capital. Smith & Williamson Investment Management Limited, a 100 per cent. subsidiary of Smith & Williamson Holdings Limited, Smith & Williamson's parent company, manages funds on a discretionary basis on behalf of 5 clients who hold, in aggregate, 16 TALC Shares and on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of 6 clients who hold, in aggregate, 113 TALC Shares. Save for these interests, neither ATC, nor the ATC Director, nor any party acting in concert with ATC owns or controls any TALC Shares or holds any options or rights to acquire or subscribe for any TALC Shares or any derivative referenced to TALC Shares. 7. Undertakings in relation to the Revised Offer Schneider Media & Holding Group LLC, The African Technology Media & Telecommunications Investment Company Limited and Credit Suisse Client Nominees (UK) Limited have given irrevocable undertakings to ATC to accept, or procure the acceptance of, the Revised Offer in respect of, in aggregate, 143,426 TALC Shares, representing approximately 52.66 per cent. of TALC's issued ordinary share capital. These irrevocable undertakings will continue to be binding even in the event of a competing offer being made for TALC. Each of the irrevocable undertakings will cease to be binding if the Revised Offer is not made, is withdrawn or lapses. Save for these irrevocable undertakings, neither ATC nor any persons acting in concert with ATC has any arrangement in relation to TALC Shares, or any securities convertible or exchangeable into TALC Shares or options (including traded options) in respect of, or derivatives referenced to, TALC Shares. For these purposes "arrangement" includes an indemnity or option arrangement, any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, of whatever nature, relating to relevant securities which is, or may be, an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing in such securities. 8. TALC Share Option Scheme The Revised Offer extends to any shares unconditionally allotted or issued fully paid (or credited as fully paid) pursuant to the exercise of options under the TALC Share Option Scheme prior to the date on which the Revised Offer closes (or such earlier date as ATC, subject to the Code, may determine). ATC will make appropriate proposals to participants in the TALC Share Option Scheme in due course which would take effect after the Revised Offer has become or has been declared wholly unconditional, to the extent that their options have not been exercised. 9. Settlement and compulsory acquisition The consideration will, in relation to TALC Shareholders who validly accept the Revised Offer up to the time the Revised Offer becomes or is declared unconditional in all respects, be despatched not later than 14 days after the Revised Offer becomes or is declared unconditional in all respects, or thereafter within 14 days of receipt of acceptance of the Revised Offer. If ATC receives acceptances under the Revised Offer in respect of, and/or otherwise acquires 90 per cent. or more of the TALC Shares to which the Revised Offer relates and assuming all other conditions of the Revised Offer have been satisfied or waived (if they are capable of being waived), ATC will exercise its rights pursuant to the provisions of sections 428 to 430F (inclusive) of the Companies Act 1985 to acquire compulsorily the remaining TALC Shares to which the Revised Offer relates. 10. General This announcement does not constitute, or form part of, any offer for, or any solicitation of any offer for, securities. Any acceptance or other response to the Revised Offer should be made only on the basis of information referred to in the Revised Offer Document and the Form of Acceptance. The Revised Offer is not being made, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or any other jurisdiction where it would be unlawful to do so. The Revised Offer will be on the terms and will be subject to the conditions which are set out or referred to in Appendix I hereto and in addition to those terms which will be set out in the formal Revised Offer Document and the Form of Acceptance in respect thereof. Smith & Williamson, which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority, is acting exclusively for ATC and for no one else in connection with the Revised Offer and the matters described herein and will not be responsible to anyone other than ATC for providing the protections afforded to its customers or for giving advice in relation to the Revised Offer or any other matter referred to herein. The ATC Director accepts responsibility for the information contained in this announcement save that the sole responsibility accepted by the ATC Director in respect of information relating to TALC, the directors of TALC and persons connected with them has been to ensure that it has been correctly compiled from published resources and is fairly reproduced and presented. Subject as aforesaid, to the best of the knowledge and belief of the ATC Director (who has taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case) the information contained in this announcement for which he accepts responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information. This announcement may contain certain forward-looking statements concerning the Revised Offer, ATC and TALC. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements often use words such as "anticipate", "target", "expect", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "goal", "believe", "will", "may", "should", "would", "could" or other words of similar meaning. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty, and the factors described in the context of such forward-looking statements in this announcement could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialise, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this document. ATC assumes no obligation to update or correct the information contained in this announcement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent legally required. 11. Dealing disclosure requirements Under the provisions of rule 8.3 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the "Code"), if any person is, or becomes, ''interested'' (directly or indirectly) in one per cent. or more of any class of ''relevant securities'' of TALC, all ''dealings'' in any ''relevant securities'' of TALC (including by means of an option in respect of, or a derivative referenced to, any such ''relevant securities'') must be publicly disclosed by no later than 3.30 p.m. (London time) on the London business day following the date of the relevant transaction. This requirement will continue until the date on which the Revised Offer becomes, or is declared, unconditional as to acceptances, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn or on which the ''offer period'' otherwise ends. If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire an ''interest'' in ''relevant securities'' of TALC, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of rule 8.3. Under the provisions of rule 8.1 of the Code, all ''dealings'' in ''relevant securities'' of TALC by ATC or TALC, or by any of their respective ''associates'', must be disclosed by no later than 12.00 noon (London time) on the London business day following the date of the relevant transaction. A disclosure table giving details of the companies in whose ''relevant securities'' ''dealings'' should be disclosed and the number of such securities in issue can be found on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk. ''Interests in securities'' arise, in summary, when a person has long economic exposure, whether conditional or absolute, to changes in the price of securities. In particular, a person will be treated as having an ''interest'' by virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by virtue of any option in respect of, or derivative referenced to, securities. Terms in quotation marks are defined in the Code, which can also be found on the Panel's website. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are required to disclose a ''dealing'' under rule 8, you should consult the Panel. Terms used but not defined in this announcement shall have the meanings given to them in the announcement by ATC on 28 December 2006 of an offer for TALC. APPENDIX I CONDITIONS OF THE REVISED OFFER The Revised Offer will be subject to the same conditions as set out or referred to in the Original Announcement other than a reduction in the minimum acceptance level in condition (a) as set out below: (a) valid acceptances of the Revised Offer being received (and not, where permit ted, withdrawn) by 1.00 p.m. on the first closing date of the Revised Offer (or such later times and/or dates as ATC may, subject to the rules of the Code, decide) in respect of not less than 50 per cent. in nominal value of the TALC Shares to which the Revised Offer relates plus one TALC Share, provided that this condition will not be satisfied unless ATC and/or any of its associates shall have acquired or agreed to acquire, whether pursuant to the Revised Offer or otherwise, TALC Shares carrying in aggregate more than 50 per cent. of the voting rights then exercisable at a general meeting of TALC including, to the extent (if any) required by the Panel, any voting rights attaching to any TALC Shares which are unconditionally allotted before the Revised Offer becomes or is declared unconditional as to acceptances pursuant to the exercise of any outstanding conversion or subscription rights or otherwise. For the purposes of this condition: (i) TALC Shares which have been unconditionally allotted shall be deemed to carry the voting rights which they will carry upon issue; and (ii) the expression "TALC Shares to which the Revised Offer relates" and "associates" shall be construed in accordance with sections 428 to 430F of the Companies Act 1985. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange END -----Original Message----- From: Teresa Miles Walsh [mailto:teresa@accessmediaadvisory.com] Sent: 26 January 2007 14:42 To: 'Richard Bell (Richard.Bell(a)Wananchi.Com)'; 'Mark Schneider'; 'Joseph Mucheru'; 'Richard Essex' Cc: 'tarek(a)accessmediaadvisory.com'; 'James Gachui (gachui(a)wananchi.com)' Subject: http://www.londonstockexchange.com/LSECWS/IFSPages/MarketNewsPopup.aspx?id=1 393039&source=RNS Congrats! See attached revised offer announcement declaring you have received 52.66% of the votes T ------ End of Forwarded Message [View Less]

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Fw: [Fibre-for-africa] Join KICTAnet's online discuission: What isthe best model for providing the Fiber Optic Submarine Cableto East Africans?
by alice＠apc.org 25 Jan '07

25 Jan '07

Badru, i could pay a dollar for that if you had some resonance on the other side of the coin where the private sector due to a lot of the factors we know cannot do this ALONE? Eric here On 24 Jan 2007, at 19:16, Badru Ntege wrote: > I think we all know "who shot EASSY". it was politics and egos > which have never been good bed fellows. The guilty parties that > pulled the trigger are kenya and South Africa though the jury is > still out on this. Then along the way came some … [View More]other characters > who used the impasse to get some free publicity (we all know who > they are ). when time to pay up came they all disappeared and guess > who is suffering. > > If government's and Nepad want to be in please consult the > community, lay the law and rules of engagement and stay away. then > next should be those who have the pockets to come in and build the > fiber. > > I mean at the end of the day business rules will kick in and > eventually the price will come down. If government wants to > intervene to bring costs down then give the businesses an incentive > to offer good pricing, maybe tax waivers etc. > > Lets forget the nice world in the clouds where everyone has access > and buys at the same price etc. Some things need to be given time > to develop naturaly. > > Many things and services in all our walks of life are built by > private entities some are closed clubs and others are open. that is > a business decision. > > Forget open access and all that baloony, all those consultants who > were singing all this nice to the ears stuff are back sitting > behind there 10mB links costing them a few dollars while we are > sitting on our 16k 32k links moaning EASSY. > > Bottom line allow the operators to build the cable > Set operating criteria and acceptable pricing levels > Government concentrates on facilitating internal networks to Rural > communities > Encourage the production of local content > Put in measures that will create demand and thus market forces to > bring the prices down. > > my 2 cents > > > gathuri njorohio wrote: >> Hi All >> The EASSY cable implementation seems to be stalling due to >> disagreement on financing and the way to operate and manage it. >> The Eastern african countries will continue being overcharged for >> their international traffic when they pass through satellite due >> to lack of this cheap way of carrying traffic through the >> submarine cable. >> We are aware of the regional economic bodies that are mandated to >> promote trade between the countries and I suggest that they should >> also invest in ICT .COMESA and SADC are the bodies catering for >> trade in south and eastern Africa.Why can't they take the >> opportunity to invest in this cable so that it can benefit the >> countries they are serving. >> A company can be formed answerable to these two bodies for the >> installation , maintenance and operation of this cable. >> The western africa and central africa can do the same for the >> western cable link. >> The existing cables can continue to give redundancy for the new >> cables. >> The e commission of the NEPAD could facilitate these intiatives as >> a neutral body for the development of Africa. >> Eng. Njorohio >> */alice(a)apc.org/* wrote: >> >> (Apologies for Cross positing) >> >> >> >> Attn: Telco Operators, Regulators, Academia, Media, Civil >> Society, >> Consumers >> >> The Last Frontier: The East African Coast remains the last region >> in the >> world that is yet to connect to the cheaper and more reliable >> Global >> Submarine Optical Fiber Network. EASSy, TEAMS and others promise >> to change >> that by providing this crucial link. >> >> EASSy, TEAMS, etc,: What is the best model for providing the >> Fiber >> Optic >> Submarine Cable to East Africans? >> >> Join the Online Discussion: Starting Monday Jan 22nd – Sat Feb >> 3rd >> 2007 and >> make your views be known regarding this historic development. >> >> to subscribe: http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> Please send your details to jkimiti(a)email.kictanet.or.ke >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Fibre-for-africa mailing list >> Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org >> http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa >> >> >> --------------------------------------------------------------------- >> --- >> Never Miss an Email >> Stay connected with Yahoo! Mail on your mobile. Get started! >> <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=43909/*http://mobile.yahoo.com/ >> services?promote=mail> >> --------------------------------------------------------------------- >> --- >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Fibre-for-africa mailing list >> Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org >> http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa >> > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > Eric M.K Osiakwan ICT Consultant and Journalist Tel: + 233.21.258800 ext 2031 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa > [View Less]

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Re: [Kictanet] Safaricom must improve or lose to a better option
by joseph kihanya 25 Jan '07

25 Jan '07

I have sent mail on the agreement/, disclaimer...to evelyne/ smail address? kihanya ----- Original Message ---- From: Judy kimiti <jkimiti01(a)yahoo.co.uk> To: kihanyajn(a)yahoo.com Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 10:11:12 AM Subject: [Kictanet] Safaricom must improve or lose to a better option Safaricom must improve or lose to a better option By Andrew Odete Dear Mr Michael Joseph, I tried calling you for a chat, but the network was down, so I fell back to the old ink and pen. … [View More]It never lets you down, which is more than I can say for the postal service. That is why I have taken the liberty to write to you through the media, for which I beg your understanding and forgiveness. It is not because I am a cheapskate. Greetings from many readers who have asked me to relay their heartfelt congratulations to you for dragging Safaricom, biting and kicking, into the Sh12 billion-profit mark. The readers are also your subscribers and they have exhorted me to relay their concerns relating on your service to your doorstep. You are top in business First, your customers appreciate that achieving such an unprecedented subscription as you have in the proverbial blink of an eye is worthy of accolades. Many say, and rightly so, that you have come top of the business stakes in the region for listening to and understanding your customers. What is more impressive is that you achieved this in the hitherto unexplored terrain of mobile telephony in Kenya. However, your customers hope that this year, the company will outdo itself and improve on last year's performance. Oh yes, sir, they seem to believe that there is room for improvement on your part. Some even reckon that it is pretty easy to be the "Better Option" in a field where there are not too many service providers to challenge you on the quality of the product. Cheap but clogged While they appreciate that you have increased coverage in the country, they wish you could also increase the quality of telephone service. Clarity of phone calls and reliability of the service is all they want. For instance, when you so very kindly offered cheap calling rates during the festive season, the relentless crush of callers ensured that nobody could get through the network at various times of the day. Your network crashed, as happened increasingly often in the course of last year. Moreover, sir, you know we have such diverse accents and dialects that it helps to have a clear line; otherwise, we could as well be insulting one another over the phone. That would be uncivilised and, if I may say so, unChristmas! When Kananu calls from Imenti, Muli from Masinga or Jaoko from Mbita next to the lake, I want to hear the phonetic innocence of their respective dialects and interpret them accordingly. No reason to toast And when Akinyi jets back to Kenya, and tries out her full-on Texan- cum-Siaya drawl on my ears, it would help to, at least, hear some of her words. This year, Safaricom may need to ratchet it up a notch higher if your subscribers are to see the sense of continuing to top up so that you, in turn, may continue to top the profit league. I am sure you have the savoir-faire to remain the toast of East Africa. Already, your subscribers cannot stop thanking you for the reduced call charges. But I fear that unless you give your customers a new year present in the way of better quality services, an even better option might come along and make toast of you. And now that I cannot get through to you on the phone, sir, I take this opportunity to wish you a happy New Year and to request that you please call me back when the network is back to normal. Thank you. odeteac(a)yahoo.com http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143963704 Yahoo! Messenger - with free PC-PC calling and photo sharing. _______________________________________________ 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/kihanyajn%40yahoo.com ____________________________________________________________________________________ Have a burning question? Go to www.Answers.yahoo.com and get answers from real people who know. [View Less]

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Agreement
by joseph kihanya 25 Jan '07

25 Jan '07

Judy/Evelyne Whereas the (winner_______________ ) of the logo cretaion competition (___________) (name)of the competition is not in a contract of service with KICTANET and was commissioned to create the logo, and hereby confirms receipt of the sum of Kshs--------in full and final settlement of that commission, the winner_____________ does hereby confirm that all copyright vests with KICTANET as per section 31(1)(a) of The Copyright Act 2001, (No 12 of 2001, Laws of Kenya ),and hereby … [View More]

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Re: [Kictanet] Why do we need International Optical Fiber Connectivity?- 1 Day Discussion
by joseph kihanya 25 Jan '07

25 Jan '07

Walu. If you can sell a good thing in few words it is a good thing. here goes... Fibre is simply demonstrably an economically and environmentally "good" thing! Capacity- wise and futuristic use is guaranteed. Lets just say,its very hard to argue against, given the options. QED Kihanya ----- Original Message ---- From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> To: kihanyajn(a)yahoo.com Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 2:57:00 PM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Why do we need International … [View More]Optical Fiber Connectivity?- 1 Day Discussion Also, Satellites will remain around because they do have their unique applications mainly in intelligence gathering (e.g for Weather Predictions, Geographical Mappings, Space Research, Military intellegence, etc). These things, Bill, you will agree cannot be done by optical fiber and that is why the rich nations shall continue investing in satellite technologies. However on the communication side of things, the satellite route is a distant 2nd to Optical fiber. walu. --- Kanja Waruru <kanjawaruru(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > on a light note, satellites pollute the atmosphere > since they are junked in outer space after their short > and unreliable life span. someone ought to report > satellite owners to nema. > cheers > Kanja > > --- John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > > Hey! > > > > 12hrs are ending without an input on the 1st and > > easier > > theme! The silence is too loud! to reduce it, here > > is why I > > think we need international optical submarine > > connectivity > > (as opposed to Satellite). > > > > 1. It is more reliable than satellite connectivity > > 2. It is much more faster (i.e) delay time from one > > continent to the other is less. > > 3. It has unlimited bandwidth capabilities and by > > extension > > 4. It tends (should) be cheaper to buy per Megabit. > > > > Anything I may have left out? Brian, Mucheru and > > others? > > Plse clarify, object or add. > > > > walu. > > > > --- John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > > > > Greetings All, > > > > > > As announced the previous week(s) on this list, we > > wish > > > to > > > kick-off the discussion on this important > > submarine cable > > > developments. > > > > > > The general program is listed below and I would > > like us > > > to > > > get started. But 2 ground rules. > > > > > > ***Keep your contributions brief and to the point. > > (2-3 > > > paragraphs, otherwise members may not have time to > > read > > > through, if you have lengthy additions, just give > > us the > > > url) > > > ***Summary contributions shall be provided at the > > end of > > > each discussion theme. Leading contributions shall > > be > > > acknowledged and rewarded by sponsorship to a > > subsequent > > > face-2-face meeting on the same topic. > > > > > > So the floor is open and the question for the next > > 12hrs > > > is:Why do we need International Optical Fiber > > > Connectivity?- > > > Plse contributed by showing the advantages, > > > opportunities, > > > etc of undersea fiber cable... > > > > > > ~~~~~000~~~~~ > > > The other Questions/Issues that will follow. > > > > > > 1) Why do we need International Optical Fiber > > > Connectivity? > > > (1day) > > > 2) What are the existing (and possible) > > > Business/Financial > > > models for Optical Fiber Submarine Cables?(2days) > > > 3) What are the existing (and possible) Regulatory > > models > > > for Optical Fiber Submarine Cables?(2days) > > > 4) What would be the ideal model for East > > Africans? > > > (2days) > > > 5) How will this (ideal) model impact on the > > existing > > > stakeholders(Consumers, Operators, > > Regulators,etc)(2days) > > > 6) How can conflicting stakeholder interest be > > > resolved?(2days) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > > > The fish are biting. > > > Get more visitors on your site using Yahoo! Search > > > Marketing. > > > > > > http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/arp/sponsoredsearch_v2.php > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > > 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/jwalu%40yahoo.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > > Don't pick lemons. > > See all the new 2007 cars at Yahoo! Autos. > > http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 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/kanjawaruru%40yahoo.com > > > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > The fish are biting. > Get more visitors on your site using Yahoo! Search > Marketing. > http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/arp/sponsoredsearch_v2.php > > _______________________________________________ > 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/jwalu%40yahoo.com > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Cheap talk? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates. http://voice.yahoo.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/kihanyajn%40yahoo.com ____________________________________________________________________________________ We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love (and love to hate): Yahoo! TV's Guilty Pleasures list. http://tv.yahoo.com/collections/265 [View Less]

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Day 3 of 10: What are the existing Business Models for OFC provisioning
by John Walubengo 25 Jan '07

25 Jan '07

Haven't heard much much from the Consumers...but here is what Consumers in S.A are doing with regard to Telkom S.A and their high communications charges. walu. btw. Telkom SA is a leading sharholder in the SAT3 Consortium model. We hope, that Telkom Kenya will not force similar reactions - 5yrs after implementing EASsy. --- Ashraf Patel <AshrafP(a)osisa.org> wrote: > Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:48:06 +0200 > From: "Ashraf Patel" <AshrafP(a)osisa.org> > To: <idlelo2(a)… [View More]fossfa.net> > Subject: [Idlelo2] Telecoms Action Group (TAG) lambasts > Telkom SA on high > Internet prices in full page ad in M&G > > Consumer group fires salvo at Telkom > LESLEY STONES > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > -------- > E-Mail article Print-Friendly > > > > STINGING criticism from the world-renowned Reuters news > agency, evidence > from numerous analysts and a verbal lashing by President > Thabo Mbeki himself have failed to penetrate Telkom's impervious skin and force it > to cut its prices. > > So what impact will come from 200 despondent consumers > moaning about the > high cost of a phone call? > > Probably very little, but a full-page advert they placed > in the Mail & > Guardian this week is a piece of public activism that > just may make > Telkom's price-fixing executives squirm in momentary > discomfort. > > The advert placed by the Telecoms Action Group (Tag) was > funded by > individual consumers including a sprinkling of lawyers, > journalists and > representatives of a couple of hi-tech companies. > > It is big, bold and aims straight for the jugular. Under > the headline, > "The more of this you read, the more infuriated you'll > become", the > advert says: "Last year, Telkom recorded a staggering > R9,3bn in profit. > At your expense. Don't expect the government to step in. > They couldn't > give a hoot. They've got a 38% shareholding." > > It points out that South Africans pay five times more for > a local call > now than in 1996, and that our internet access is among > the most > expensive in the world. Telkom has laid off 35000 staff > in seven years, > so its profits sky-rocket while consumers wait up to six > months to get a > line, it says. > > The action group was set up by journalists Richard Frank > and Alastair > Otter, who run the tectonic.co.za newsletter. > > Frank admits that Telkom is unlikely to react. "We are > not naive enough > to think our one advert is going to make Telkom slash its > prices by 50% > and neither is government or the regulator going to do > much," he says. > "The main purpose is to show that consumers have a voice > in SA." > > > > In reply, Telkom issued a statement on Friday saying it > was committed to > adjusting its pricing model consistently in order to make > telecommunications more affordable and accessible to > business as well as > the broader public. > > Its last price revision saw an overall cut of 2,1% on a > basket of > products, while high-speed internet access line rental > fell an average > of 24%, it said. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Sponsored links > > Software > > Treasury services > > Trading > > Unit Trusts > > Residential Property > > Commerical Property > > Business Directory > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > -------- > > BDFM Publishers (Pty) Ltd disclaims all liability for any > loss, damage, > injury or expense however caused, > arising from the use of or reliance upon, in any manner, > the information > provided through this service > and does not warrant the truth, accuracy or completeness > of the > information provided. > > Copyright (c) 2005 BDFM Publishers (Pty) Ltd. All Rights > Reserved > Site Feedback | Privacy Policy > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > -------- > > > > _______________________________________________ > Idlelo2 mailing list > Idlelo2(a)fossfa.net > http://mailman.dst.gov.za/mailman/listinfo/idlelo2 > ____________________________________________________________________________________ Finding fabulous fares is fun. Let Yahoo! FareChase search your favorite travel sites to find flight and hotel bargains. http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097 _______________________________________________ Idlelo2 mailing list Idlelo2(a)fossfa.net http://mailman.dst.gov.za/mailman/listinfo/idlelo2 [View Less]

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Day 2 of 10: What are the existing Business Models for Optical Fiber Provision?
by John Walubengo 24 Jan '07

24 Jan '07

I want to thank all those who contributed (in writing and in silence) during yesterdays 1st day of discussions. Becky will be giving us the summaries in due course. Indeed it was a warm-up to what I believe is going to be a lot more of a complex issue and hence the following long and necessary background information on the Business Models for Provisioning submarine Optical Fiber Cables (OFCs plse not the abbreviation, we shall use it frequently). I stand to be corrected but from what I … [View More]gather, there seems to be two distinct Business Models for providing OFC, namely, Purely Commercial and Partly Commercial. A third approach, which is yet to be tried (implemented) but is highly acclaimed in Donor and Academic communities, is known as the Open Access approach. Now, in a Purley Commercial Setup, Private Data Communications Companies, usually the top level IBPs Internet Backbone Providers such as Cable&Wireless, BT, France Telecom, MCI, would establish a business need to build an OFC b/w continents in order to exchange traffic between their (ISP) customers that exists on both ends of the OFC. Please note that IBPs are not ideally selling bandwidth directly to the regular you and me, but rather to the ISPs Internet Service Providers who will eventually resale this Internet Access (bandwidth) to you and me. Option I: Purely commercial Model Basically, the IBPs use their own money to put up (down?) the cable and they independently decide who connects to the cables landing (exchange) points and at what rate per month. These private companies are run on a purely commercial basis with the aim of maximising profit at the shortest times possible. Indeed ISPs would not mind the potentially high-prices arising from these model as long as you and me can meet this cost when it is eventually slapped on us. This is the prevailing model for OFCs between America/Europe as well as America/Asia-Pacific but with the advantage that the OFCs in these two realms are abundant to point of having driven the costs extremely down. Option II: Partly Commercial Model. This is what has occurred with the OFC running from Portugal, across the Western Coast of Africa through to S.Africa. The so called SAT3 Cable has been provisioned through a (currently) contentious model that has given the term Consortium a suspicious connotation. At its simplest level, a group of mainly government owned (Public) Telco companies across the affected coast-line get together to form a consortium with a view to seek funds and build the OFC. Thereafter, they retain the privilege of independently deciding who connects to the cable and at what rate per month. From the SAT3 experience, the OFCs monthly rates charged are nowhere near the ones enjoyed currently being enjoyed in the developed economies for various reasons. Their high costs of OFC bandwidth has attracted pressure from Civil Society, Academia and other groups who argue that since (largely) Public Funds were used to build the cable, the Consortium Profit-motive should be moderated (regulated?) to strike a balance with the Public interest (read very cheap rates). The Consortium has ofcourse resisted this thinking arguing that their bandwidth charges are dictated by market forces specifically, Africa has over the years generated little internet traffic volumes that would have made it possible for them to drastically drop down the charges. Circumstances have therefore forced them into a High-cost, Low Volume business model. Furthermore, their Bandwidth charges are incidentally 5-10 times lower than Satellite Bandwidth costs and that should be appreciated. Option III: Open Access Model. And so, in comes the proponents of Open Access Model. In the simplest terms, they argue that Africas socio-economic renaissance hangs on the availability of cheap bandwidth or communication costs. As such, the OFC presents a historic opportunity that should not be left to prevail under short-term, commercial arrangements either within the Private or Consortium models. Open Access Models proposes radical changes at all levels (Political, Legal, Regulatory, Economical, etc) in order to provision international OFC with an alleged bias towards socio-economic development. In particular, they claim that the OFC should be co-owned by both Government and Private sector but should NOT be operated for profit; that is, it should be run at Cost by a body agreed upon. Further, access or connection to the cable should be Open to current and future stakeholders wishing to connect to it AT COST not profit. The fundamental point is that money should NOT be made out of the cable, money and lots of it, should be made out of services (BPO, eCommerce, etc) that would arise from the presence of the cable. Open Access model, foresees a Low-Cost, High Volume Business Model for the Cable. Its biggest limitation is the fact that it remains a fairly academic topic that is yet to be tested particularly in an environment whose political, regulatory and legal structures are not entirely matured. It chances of successful implementations are deemed low. Furthermore, even if it was to succeed, the sceptics are wondering:- of what use is cheap international bandwidth without African (local) Content and an equally developed domestic digital network? Might this not be just another avenue of opening up the emerging African e-markets to be exploited by the developed economies? The Question. So back to the question:- What are the existing Models for provisioning OFC? Plse voice your support, objection, correction or comments on any of the above Models giving reasons why. In addition, feel free to suggest other existing models out there or still under construction. We have only 2days on this theme so let the views start flowing. References/Acknowledgements http://www.fibreforafrica.net/ http://www.africafocus.org/docs06/apc0612.php http://www.fibreforafrica.net/ http://www.diplofoundation.org/poolbin.asp?IDPool=127 ____________________________________________________________________________________ Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes from people who know. Ask your question on www.Answers.yahoo.com [View Less]

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Re: [Kictanet] Day 2 of 10: What are the existing Business Modelsfor Optical Fiber Provision?
by jmunsaka 24 Jan '07

24 Jan '07

Hello John Maybe what we should be addressing here are the issues of Technology to be deployed or Economic models What lessons have we learnt from other similar projects that have taken place on the continent such that we do not fall into the same traps or problems experienced What are the good practices to follow on this prject Maybe this will start the roll of infor Thanks John ---- Original Message ---- From: jwalu(a)yahoo.com To: jmunsaka(a)zamnet.zm Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Day 2 … [View More]of 10: What are the existing Business Modelsfor Optical Fiber Provision? Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 04:15:09 -0800 (PST) >Aih! this Day 2 is too quiet. I have copied the the last >paragraph hoping it will kickstart this thread... > >>> > >The Question. >So back to the question:- What are the existing Models >for provisioning OFC? Plse voice your support, objection, >correction or comments on any of the Models below giving >reasons why. In addition, feel free to suggest other >existing models out there or still under construction. >We have only 2days on this theme so let the views start >flowing... > >walu. > >>> >--- John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > >> I want to thank all those who contributed (in writing and >> in silence) during yesterdays 1st day of discussions. >> Becky will be giving us the summaries in due course. >> Indeed >> it was a warm-up to what I believe is going to be a lot >> more of a complex issue and hence the following long and >> necessary background information on the Business Models >> for >> Provisioning submarine Optical Fiber Cables (OFCs plse >> not the abbreviation, we shall use it frequently). >> >> I stand to be corrected but from what I gather, there >> seems >> to be two distinct Business Models for providing OFC, >> namely, Purely Commercial and Partly Commercial. A third >> approach, which is yet to be tried (implemented) but is >> highly acclaimed in Donor and Academic communities, is >> known as the Open Access approach. >> >> Now, in a Purley Commercial Setup, Private Data >> Communications Companies, usually the top level IBPs >> Internet Backbone Providers such as Cable&Wireless, BT, >> France Telecom, MCI, would establish a business need to >> build an OFC b/w continents in order to exchange traffic >> between their (ISP) customers that exists on both ends of >> the OFC. Please note that IBPs are not ideally selling >> bandwidth directly to the regular you and me, but rather >> to >> the ISPs Internet Service Providers who will eventually >> resale this Internet Access (bandwidth) to you and me. >> >> Option I: Purely commercial Model >> Basically, the IBPs use their own money to put up (down?) >> the cable and they independently decide who connects to >> the >> cables landing (exchange) points and at what rate per >> month. These private companies are run on a purely >> commercial basis with the aim of maximising profit at the >> shortest times possible. Indeed ISPs would not mind the >> potentially high-prices arising from these model as long >> as >> you and me can meet this cost when it is eventually >> slapped >> on us. This is the prevailing model for OFCs between >> America/Europe as well as America/Asia-Pacific but with >> the advantage that the OFCs in these two realms are >> abundant to point of having driven the costs extremely >> down. >> >> Option II: Partly Commercial Model. >> This is what has occurred with the OFC running from >> Portugal, across the Western Coast of Africa through to >> S.Africa. The so called SAT3 Cable has been provisioned >> through a (currently) contentious model that has given >> the >> term Consortium a suspicious connotation. At its >> simplest level, a group of mainly government owned >> (Public) >> Telco companies across the affected coast-line get >> together >> to form a consortium with a view to seek funds and build >> the OFC. Thereafter, they retain the privilege of >> independently deciding who connects to the cable and at >> what rate per month. From the SAT3 experience, the OFCs >> monthly rates charged are nowhere near the ones enjoyed >> currently being enjoyed in the developed economies for >> various reasons. >> >> Their high costs of OFC bandwidth has attracted pressure >> from Civil Society, Academia and other groups who argue >> that since (largely) Public Funds were used to build the >> cable, the Consortium Profit-motive should be moderated >> (regulated?) to strike a balance with the Public interest >> (read very cheap rates). The Consortium has ofcourse >> resisted this thinking arguing that their bandwidth >> charges >> are dictated by market forces specifically, Africa has >> over the years generated little internet traffic volumes >> that would have made it possible for them to drastically >> drop down the charges. Circumstances have therefore >> forced >> them into a High-cost, Low Volume business model. >> Furthermore, their Bandwidth charges are incidentally >> 5-10 >> times lower than Satellite Bandwidth costs and that >> should >> be appreciated. >> >> Option III: Open Access Model. >> And so, in comes the proponents of Open Access Model. In >> the simplest terms, they argue that Africas >> socio-economic >> renaissance hangs on the availability of cheap bandwidth >> or >> communication costs. As such, the OFC presents a >> historic >> opportunity that should not be left to prevail under >> short-term, commercial arrangements either within the >> Private or Consortium models. Open Access Models >> proposes >> radical changes at all levels (Political, Legal, >> Regulatory, Economical, etc) in order to provision >> international OFC with an alleged bias towards >> socio-economic development. >> >> In particular, they claim that the OFC should be co-owned >> by both Government and Private sector but should NOT be >> operated for profit; that is, it should be run at Cost by >> a >> body agreed upon. Further, access or connection to the >> cable should be Open to current and future stakeholders >> wishing to connect to it AT COST not profit. The >> fundamental point is that money should NOT be made out of >> the cable, money and lots of it, should be made out of >> services (BPO, eCommerce, etc) that would arise from the >> presence of the cable. Open Access model, foresees a >> Low-Cost, High Volume Business Model for the Cable. Its >> biggest limitation is the fact that it remains a fairly >> academic topic that is yet to be tested particularly in >> an environment whose political, regulatory and legal >> structures are not entirely matured. It chances of >> successful implementations are deemed low. Furthermore, >> even if it was to succeed, the sceptics are wondering:- >> of >> what use is cheap international bandwidth without African >> (local) Content and an equally developed domestic digital >> network? Might this not be just another avenue of >> opening >> up the emerging African e-markets to be exploited by the >> developed economies? >> >> The Question. >> So back to the question:- What are the existing Models >> for >> provisioning OFC? Plse voice your support, objection, >> correction or comments on any of the above Models giving >> reasons why. In addition, feel free to suggest other >> existing models out there or still under construction. >> We >> have only 2days on this theme so let the views start >> flowing. >> >> References/Acknowledgements >> http://www.fibreforafrica.net/ >> http://www.africafocus.org/docs06/apc0612.php >> http://www.fibreforafrica.net/ >> http://www.diplofoundation.org/poolbin.asp?IDPool=127 >> >> >> >> >> >> >_____________________________________________________________________ >_______________ >> Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes from people who >> know. >> Ask your question on www.Answers.yahoo.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/jwalu%40yahoo.com >> > > > > >_____________________________________________________________________ >_______________ >Looking for earth-friendly autos? >Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Yahoo! Autos' Green Center. >http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/ > >_______________________________________________ >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/ma >ilman/options/kictanet/jmunsaka%40zamnet.zm [View Less]

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ITWeb comment on AfricaOnline deal
by Brian Longwe 23 Jan '07

23 Jan '07

All of a sudden it seems everyone wants a piece of AfricaOnline - this telco gets some criticism about their ambitions.... .....although the Uganda Telecom deal provokes some interest - would Telkom SA really add value? Regards, Brian ------------------ Telkom mum on Africa move By Damaria Senne and Nicola Mawson Posted: 22 January 2007 Telkom has refused to say whether it has bid for Kenya-based pan- African Internet company Africa Online, owned by African Lakes Corporation (… [View More]ALC), a London-based group. “The reports linking Telkom SA as a bidder for Africa Online are speculative and Telkom will not comment on media speculation,” says the fixed-line operator. Media reports indicate that, two weeks ago, Kenyan-based group Africa Telecoms announced plans to offer £15.50 a share in cash for all African Lakes' shares, valuing the ordinary shares held by Africa Online's parent at £4.2 million, Balancing Act reports. However, soon after the cash offer was reportedly made, ALC confirmed that it was in discussion with interested parties for the sale of the ALC group or of Africa Online separately. Other media reports indicate Telkom is one of the interested parties bidding for the shareholding of Africa Online. Strange move An analyst, who asked that his name be withheld, says a move by Telkom to bid for an Internet service provider (ISP) would be “strange”. He says he cannot understand why the fixed-line operator would buy into an ISP rather than other, more lucrative, operations such as mobile or fixed-line communications. “If Telkom does move into Africa, adding IT to a telecoms portfolio would be the way to go, but, I'm not sure that it would add any significant value to their business,” he says. Instead, the analyst argues, the addition of an ISP may subtract value from Telkom because of low penetration rates and a lack of sophisticated technology on the continent. “Telkom has far more serious issues to sort out at this stage,” he says, referring to impending competition as Neotel enters the market and Telkom's bid for Business Connexion comes before the Competition Tribunal. Back door entry BMI-TechKnowledge senior analyst Tertia Smit says buying into an ISP would be another way for Telkom to enter the African market, with the idea of establishing a presence in African countries where Africa Online has operations, before making a bid for larger players like fixed-line and mobile operators. The ISP has operations in Cote D'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Telkom, however, would not discuss whether it has put such a strategy in place. The group, which has previously expressed its intention to explore investment opportunities internationally, has unsuccessfully bid on a number of telecoms companies, including Nitel in Nigeria. CEO Papi Molotsane also previously said the fixed-line operator plans to explore joint opportunities in Africa with Vodacom, of which Telkom holds 50%. Last year, Telkom confirmed its interest in buying into Ugandan Telecom. [View Less]

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Why do we need International Optical Fiber Connectivity?- 1 Day Discussion
by John Walubengo 23 Jan '07

23 Jan '07

Greetings All, As announced the previous week(s) on this list, we wish to kick-off the discussion on this important submarine cable developments. The general program is listed below and I would like us to get started. But 2 ground rules. ***Keep your contributions brief and to the point. (2-3 paragraphs, otherwise members may not have time to read through, if you have lengthy additions, just give us the url) ***Summary contributions shall be provided at the end of each discussion theme. … [View More]

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Re: [Kictanet] Why do we need International OpticalFiberConnectivity?- 1 Day Discussion
by jmunsaka 23 Jan '07

23 Jan '07

Dear All The opportunities that exist in rollling our fibre in the region should not be underestimated. Here is one chance we have to have reliable service in the region whose impact will make the satellite people rethink their pricing to the region as they will have competition..ie we shall have a choice at least unlike the case now Nice day John ---- Original Message ---- From: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com To: jmunsaka(a)zamnet.zm Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Why do we need International … [View More]OpticalFiberConnectivity?- 1 Day Discussion Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 01:54:23 -0800 (PST) >The long lifespan of optic fibres viz a viz satellite, should be a >good for cost/benefit in the long run for our country so long as >ownership is right and to our advantage. > > Second, we don't have satellite up 'there' so this gives us another >opportunity to 'kujivunia kuwa wakenya' -)) > > > > > >charles nduati <charlesnduati2002(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > Hi Walu, > >The fact that we are the only ones in the whole world >who are not connected is enough justification. Unless >we want to continue to be refered to as the darkest >part of the globe. > >Charles Nduati > >--- Kagwe James wrote: > >> 1.Based on fiber optic cables which are harder to >> tap or eavesdrop thus >> more secure. >> 2. Possible to have voice, data and video ride on >> without significant >> quality deterioration. >> >> >> -----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 John Walubengo >> Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 8:27 AM >> To: Kagwe James >> Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Why do we need International >> Optical >> FiberConnectivity?- 1 Day Discussion >> >> Hey! >> >> 12hrs are ending without an input on the 1st and >> easier >> theme! The silence is too loud! to reduce it, here >> is why I >> think we need international optical submarine >> connectivity >> (as opposed to Satellite). >> >> 1. It is more reliable than satellite connectivity >> 2. It is much more faster (i.e) delay time from one >> continent to the other is less. >> 3. It has unlimited bandwidth capabilities and by >> extension >> 4. It tends (should) be cheaper to buy per Megabit. >> >> Anything I may have left out? Brian, Mucheru and >> others? >> Plse clarify, object or add. >> >> walu. >> >> --- John Walubengo wrote: >> >> > Greetings All, >> > >> > As announced the previous week(s) on this list, we >> wish >> > to >> > kick-off the discussion on this important >> submarine cable >> > developments. >> > >> > The general program is listed below and I would >> like us >> > to >> > get started. But 2 ground rules. >> > >> > ***Keep your contributions brief and to the point. >> (2-3 >> > paragraphs, otherwise members may not have time to >> read >> > through, if you have lengthy additions, just give >> us the >> > url) >> > ***Summary contributions shall be provided at the >> end of >> > each discussion theme. Leading contributions shall >> be >> > acknowledged and rewarded by sponsorship to a >> subsequent >> > face-2-face meeting on the same topic. >> > >> > So the floor is open and the question for the next >> 12hrs >> > is:Why do we need International Optical Fiber >> > Connectivity?- >> > Plse contributed by showing the advantages, >> > opportunities, >> > etc of undersea fiber cable... >> > >> > ~~~~~000~~~~~ >> > The other Questions/Issues that will follow. >> > >> > 1) Why do we need International Optical Fiber >> > Connectivity? >> > (1day) >> > 2) What are the existing (and possible) >> > Business/Financial >> > models for Optical Fiber Submarine Cables?(2days) >> > 3) What are the existing (and possible) Regulatory >> models >> > for Optical Fiber Submarine Cables?(2days) >> > 4) What would be the ideal model for East >> Africans? >> > (2days) >> > 5) How will this (ideal) model impact on the >> existing >> > stakeholders(Consumers, Operators, >> Regulators,etc)(2days) >> > 6) How can conflicting stakeholder interest be >> > resolved?(2days) >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> >_____________________________________________________________________ >___ >> ____________ >> > The fish are biting. >> > Get more visitors on your site using Yahoo! Search >> > Marketing. >> > >> >http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/arp/sponsoredsearch_v2.php >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > 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/jwalu%40yahoo.com >> > >> >> >> >> >> >_____________________________________________________________________ >___ >> ____________ >> Don't pick lemons. >> See all the new 2007 cars at Yahoo! Autos. >> http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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/charlesnduati2002%40ya >hoo.co.uk >> > > >CHARLES N. NDUATI >BUSINESS MANAGER >JKUAT ENTERPRISES LTD >JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY >JUJA MAIN CAMPUS, THIKA >P. O. BOX 79324-00200 >NAIROBI, KENYA >TEL: 254-067-52420 OR 254-067-52711 FAX: 254-067-52438 >MOBILE:254-722728815 >EMIAL:charlesnduati2002@yahoo.co.uk >www.jkuat.ac.ke > > > >___________________________________________________________ >Now you can scan emails quickly with a reading pane. Get the new >Yahoo! Mail. http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html > >_______________________________________________ >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/mleonardo%40yahoo.com > > > > > > > > > > > >--------------------------------- >Check out the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta - Fire up a more powerful >email and get things done faster. [View Less]

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Re: [Kictanet] Why do we need International Optical FiberConnectivity?- 1 Day Discussion
by Kagwe James 23 Jan '07

23 Jan '07

1.Based on fiber optic cables which are harder to tap or eavesdrop thus more secure. 2. Possible to have voice, data and video ride on without significant quality deterioration. -----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 John Walubengo Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 8:27 AM To: Kagwe James Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Why do we need International Optical FiberConnectivity?- 1 … [View More]Day Discussion Hey! 12hrs are ending without an input on the 1st and easier theme! The silence is too loud! to reduce it, here is why I think we need international optical submarine connectivity (as opposed to Satellite). 1. It is more reliable than satellite connectivity 2. It is much more faster (i.e) delay time from one continent to the other is less. 3. It has unlimited bandwidth capabilities and by extension 4. It tends (should) be cheaper to buy per Megabit. Anything I may have left out? Brian, Mucheru and others? Plse clarify, object or add. walu. --- John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Greetings All, > > As announced the previous week(s) on this list, we wish > to > kick-off the discussion on this important submarine cable > developments. > > The general program is listed below and I would like us > to > get started. But 2 ground rules. > > ***Keep your contributions brief and to the point. (2-3 > paragraphs, otherwise members may not have time to read > through, if you have lengthy additions, just give us the > url) > ***Summary contributions shall be provided at the end of > each discussion theme. Leading contributions shall be > acknowledged and rewarded by sponsorship to a subsequent > face-2-face meeting on the same topic. > > So the floor is open and the question for the next 12hrs > is:Why do we need International Optical Fiber > Connectivity?- > Plse contributed by showing the advantages, > opportunities, > etc of undersea fiber cable... > > ~~~~~000~~~~~ > The other Questions/Issues that will follow. > > 1) Why do we need International Optical Fiber > Connectivity? > (1day) > 2) What are the existing (and possible) > Business/Financial > models for Optical Fiber Submarine Cables?(2days) > 3) What are the existing (and possible) Regulatory models > for Optical Fiber Submarine Cables?(2days) > 4) What would be the ideal model for East Africans? > (2days) > 5) How will this (ideal) model impact on the existing > stakeholders(Consumers, Operators, Regulators,etc)(2days) > 6) How can conflicting stakeholder interest be > resolved?(2days) > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ ____________ > The fish are biting. > Get more visitors on your site using Yahoo! Search > Marketing. > http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/arp/sponsoredsearch_v2.php > > _______________________________________________ > 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/jwalu%40yahoo.com > ________________________________________________________________________ ____________ Don't pick lemons. See all the new 2007 cars at Yahoo! Autos. http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html _______________________________________________ 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 [View Less]

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JKUAT CERTIFICATE IN IT SECURITY
by Bill Kagai 23 Jan '07

23 Jan '07

JKUAT CERTIFICATE IN IT SECURITY - [NOW INCORPORATING PERSPECTIVES FROM THE INDUSTRY] DATES - 12 - 16 February 2007 [Full-Time - 8.30am to 5.00pm] VENUE JKUAT e-Government Academy- Juja Campus http://www.jkuategovacademy.ac.ke/ COURSE CONTENT This is a pioneer industry driven executive course with real life experiences in the Kenya ICT Industry. In this executive course, Mr. Edwin Wambugu will deliver lectures on how KREP Bank, Celtel and PacketStream have managed to overcome security issues … [View More]in launching the SokoTele system that allows transfer of money through the Celtel network. Over and above the industry perspectives, this is a unique, authoritative, high-value, hands-on practical course which will provide participants with essential understanding of the tools, methodologies and vulnerabilities that hackers/intruders could employ to exploit the IT systems of their organisations. Most organisations now realise that in order to defend themselves against the threat of attack by hackers, crackers, and indeed any individual intent on causing disruption to their IT systems, IT staff must have an informed and current understanding of the present-day methodologies, tools, and vulnerabilities which allow these exploits to happen. During this course, participants will learn about the hacker mindset and become familiar with the tools and methodologies that are used to attack systems. Using state-of-the-art classroom setups, delegates work with LINUX/UNIX and Windows systems, and associated server software. A wide range of hacking tools and security auditing tools are used during the course. COURSE OBJECTIVES This course fulfills two vital objectives for anyone working in IT systems administration, IT security or IT support roles: 1.The course builds a strong awareness of the wide range of risks and threats now faced even by organisations which believe they have strong security solutions in place. 2.The course provides delegates with a solid understanding of the control measures that need to be put in place in order to limit an organisation's vulnerabilities and risk of attack. By the end of this course, the participant will have learnt about: -The tools, techniques and methodologies employed by hackers in a dedicated lab environment. -How hackers can collect and assimilate information about an organisation's infrastructure whilst avoiding detection. -How information may be used to assess your IT systems' weaknesses and subsequently launch an attack against target systems. -The techniques that are typically used to gain access into a system. -The types of tools that are used to elevate access on a system. -The techniques used by hackers to conceal their tracks and the methods via which access to a target system may be maintained. -The limitations of security firewall systems and the tools used to bypass them. -How hackers bypass Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). -Measures that you can employ to secure and protect information against hacker attacks. COURSE SPECIAL FEATURES -Targeted Tracks: You will benefit from the expertise of industry front-runners, learn from real-world case studies and leave with everything you need to know to safeguard your wireless networks and devices -Tangible Take-Aways will be given to you including useful documents, guidelines and checklists that you can use as a springboard to your own initiatives. -Optimum networking opportunities are available through breaks, receptions, and luncheons. You will have the opportunity to talk shop with information security professionals and you will return to the office with new ideas and fresh contacts. -Obtain materials in 2 easy ways: -At the Training you will receive bound volumes of the conference materials -After the Training: download the materials you want from the web with a special access code and burn on your CDs WHO SHOULD ATTEND Information Security Officers, Directors and Managers; Information Technology Auditors, Managers and Staff Network Security Managers and Administrators; Local Area Network Administrators Technical Support Staff; System Administrators; Others charged with mobile and wireless security responsibilities COST – Kshs 45,000 inclusive of Transport, Lunch and Teas TRANSPORT - JKUAT e-Government Academy will avail transport from KICC at 7.20am and from the JKUAT e-Government Academy at 5.20pm. HOW TO REGISTER - Please register by 2nd February 2007. Application forms can be obtained from the contacts provided below. Joel Kimilu Training Manager JKUAT e-Government Academy Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology P. O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi Tel: 067-52420 /0736 524200/ 0724 256 696 Email. jkuates(a)jkuates.jkuat.ac.ke Edith Mbaya Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd P. O. Box 20311-00200, Nairobi Tel: 20-2728332 Email. info(a)circuitspackets.co.ke [View Less]

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Re: [Kictanet] Broadband over power
by m 22 Jan '07

22 Jan '07

Is KPLC aware of it's potential of being a leading internet access provider using it's national grid of powerlines with this technology-broadband over power? -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+emutua=ngocouncil.org(a)kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+emutua=ngocouncil.org@kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of kictanet-request(a)kictanet.or.ke Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2007 12:00 PM To: mutua Subject: kictanet Digest, Vol 23, Issue 19 Send kictanet mailing list submissions to … [View More]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: Consumers Again Left Out (alice(a)apc.org) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 15:40:57 +0300 From: <alice(a)apc.org> Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Consumers Again Left Out To: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Message-ID: <00cb01c73c90$3d6ba350$adb3fea9@AliceViaio> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; reply-type=original Dear Alex Greetings. The invitation that was sent out to the KICTAnet mailing list was addressed to ALL stakeholders. Our assumption is that if you are still on the mailing list you should have received it. best regards alice ----- Original Message ----- From: <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Saturday, January 20, 2007 9:38 AM Subject: [Kictanet] Consumers Again Left Out > > > Dear Alex, > It is not our intention to leave out anyone in all our functions. If you > read the materials I sent out carefully, everybody was invited including > media whom we presume will pass the message to Kenyans. The invitations > were done jointly with the World Bank. > > I need addresses of consumer groups such that in future we do not make > such errors. I also trust that you could help in such occassions to point > out those who have not been invited. I was certain that you will have > access to the invitation being a member of kictanet and buy extension you > should have sent the same mail to as many consumers as possible. I always > have an open door policy and with that you should have pointed this to > either me or the World Bank. > > Nevertheless, we still have time to invite everybody. Thank you and I > hope to see you at the meeting. > > > Regards > > > Ndemo. > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Please unsubscribe or change your options at > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alice%40apc.org ------------------------------ _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet End of kictanet Digest, Vol 23, Issue 19 **************************************** [View Less]

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Consumers Again Left Out
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 20 Jan '07

20 Jan '07

Dear Alex, It is not our intention to leave out anyone in all our functions. If you read the materials I sent out carefully, everybody was invited including media whom we presume will pass the message to Kenyans. The invitations were done jointly with the World Bank. I need addresses of consumer groups such that in future we do not make such errors. I also trust that you could help in such occassions to point out those who have not been invited. I was certain that you will have access to … [View More]

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Press Release (Senior U.S. Diplomat Helps Open New Joint Venture in Kakamega) US Embassy]
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 20 Jan '07

20 Jan '07

Attached please find the US Ambassador's speach at Masinde Muliro University at the officiallaunch of the a new joint venture between G7 Systems of Tampa, Florida and the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kakamega. This innovative new business, called G7 Systems Kenya Ltd., has hired 30 Kenyan engineers to provide Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) services to G7's global clients, which include a number of Fortune 500 corporations in the United States. G7 Kenya's … [View More]

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APC at the World Social Forum
by alice＠apc.org 19 Jan '07

19 Jan '07

The most impressive gathering of civil society and social movements is roaring. It starts tomorrow in Nairobi, Kenya and as many of you know, it's called the World Social Forum. Follow the event, read the interviews, articles and to-the-minute updates direct from East Africa. APC members Alternatives (Canada), Arid Lands Information Network (Kenya), Enda Tiers Monde (Senegal), Instituto del Tercer Mundo (Uruguay), Japan Computer Access and VOICE (Bangladesh) are attending. Expect the … [View More]

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Introducing Becky Wanjiku
by alice＠apc.org 18 Jan '07

18 Jan '07

Dear All Becky Wanjiku, a journalist with Highway Africa, will be working with the KICTAnet to produce our monthly E-bulletins as well as working on other communication and events related tasks. These projects are supported by the Open Society Institute Eastern Africa (OSIEA), Wananchi online, KENET and the Embassy of Finland in Kenya. Thank you and best regards alice

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Invitation and Registration Form -RCIP
by Judy kimiti 18 Jan '07

18 Jan '07

Dear Member, Aplologies for cross posting. ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Judy kimiti <jkimiti01(a)yahoo.co.uk> To: kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke Sent: Thursday, 18 January, 2007 4:05:31 PM Subject: Fw: [Kictanet] Monday forum please attend - Invitation and Registration Form Dear Member, Please find attached the Invite Letter, Agenda and Registration Form for the Regional Communications Infrastructure Program Workshop. Interested members are requested to return the completed … [View More]registration form to rcip(a)worldbank.org or faxed on 315147 by Friday, 19 January 2007. Please submit one registration form for each person attending. Thank you. Yours Faithfully, Judy Kimiti KICTANet ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Rebecca Wanjiku rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com To: jkimiti01@yah oo.co.uk Sent: Thursday, 18 January, 2007 1:59:00 PM Subject: [Kictanet] Monday forum please attend PROPOSED REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (RCIP) STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION WORKSHOP Hope you are planning to attend the stakeholder workshop on the proposed regional Communication Infrastructure Program (RCIP) on Monday. The consultation workshop organized jointly by the ministry of Information and Communication and the World Bank. The forum will address issues relating to connectivity, lowering costs and the environmental implications of the infrastructure. The World Bank claims that Economic development in Eastern and Southern Africa (E&SA) is held back by prohibitive telecommunications and ICT costs due to incomplete liberalization and lack of infrastructure. The proposed Regional Communications Infrastructure Program (RCIP) is a joint World Bank Group effort to leverage private sector participation along side efforts by eight other development partners (AfDB, AFD, DBSA, DFID, EIB, EU, KfW and SIDA). It will be a chance for you to interrogate the project and find out what it will cost the country in terms of WB demands. The minister, the PS and other senior WB officials will be present to answer any questions regarding the project. It will also be a forum where stakeholders in the ICT industry can find out more about the position of the ICT bill and whether the priority should be making the process transparent or putting in place an Act that can safeguard against any excesses by procuring entities. The PS has forwarded the registration and background documents but if you require any assistance, just email me. alice(a)apc.org wrote: Dear All Becky Wanjiku, a journalist with Highway Africa, will be working with the KICTAnet to produce our monthly E-bulletins as well as working on other communication and events related tasks. These projects are supported by the Open Society Institute Eastern Africa (OSIEA), Wananchi online, KENET and the Embassy of Finland in Kenya. Thank you and best regards alice _______________________________________________ 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 Rebecca Wanjiku, journalist, p.o box 33515, Nairobi.00600 Kenya. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ The fish are biting. Get more visitors on your site using Yahoo! Search Marketing. _______________________________________________ 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/jkimiti01%40yahoo.co.uk What kind of emailer are you? Find out today - get a free analysis of your email personality. Take the quiz at the Yahoo! Mail Championship. ___________________________________________________________ What kind of emailer are you? Find out today - get a free analysis of your email personality. Take the quiz at the Yahoo! Mail Championship. http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/evt=44106/*http://mail.yahoo.net/uk [View Less]

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Fw: Monday forum please attend - Invitation and Registration Form
by Judy kimiti 18 Jan '07

18 Jan '07

Dear Member, Please find attached the Invite Letter, Agenda and Registration Form for the Regional Communications Infrastructure Program Workshop. Interested members are requested to return the completed registration form to rcip(a)worldbank.org or faxed on 315147 by Friday, 19 January 2007. Please submit one registration form for each person attending. Thank you. Yours Faithfully, Judy Kimiti KICTANet ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Rebecca Wanjiku rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com … [View More] To: jkimiti01@yah oo.co.uk Sent: Thursday, 18 January, 2007 1:59:00 PM Subject: [Kictanet] Monday forum please attend PROPOSED REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (RCIP) STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION WORKSHOP Hope you are planning to attend the stakeholder workshop on the proposed regional Communication Infrastructure Program (RCIP) on Monday. The consultation workshop organized jointly by the ministry of Information and Communication and the World Bank. The forum will address issues relating to connectivity, lowering costs and the environmental implications of the infrastructure. The World Bank claims that Economic development in Eastern and Southern Africa (E&SA) is held back by prohibitive telecommunications and ICT costs due to incomplete liberalization and lack of infrastructure. The proposed Regional Communications Infrastructure Program (RCIP) is a joint World Bank Group effort to leverage private sector participation along side efforts by eight other development partners (AfDB, AFD, DBSA, DFID, EIB, EU, KfW and SIDA). It will be a chance for you to interrogate the project and find out what it will cost the country in terms of WB demands. The minister, the PS and other senior WB officials will be present to answer any questions regarding the project. It will also be a forum where stakeholders in the ICT industry can find out more about the position of the ICT bill and whether the priority should be making the process transparent or putting in place an Act that can safeguard against any excesses by procuring entities. The PS has forwarded the registration and background documents but if you require any assistance, just email me. alice(a)apc.org wrote: Dear All Becky Wanjiku, a journalist with Highway Africa, will be working with the KICTAnet to produce our monthly E-bulletins as well as working on other communication and events related tasks. These projects are supported by the Open Society Institute Eastern Africa (OSIEA), Wananchi online, KENET and the Embassy of Finland in Kenya. Thank you and best regards alice _______________________________________________ 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 Rebecca Wanjiku, journalist, p.o box 33515, Nairobi.00600 Kenya. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ The fish are biting. Get more visitors on your site using Yahoo! Search Marketing. _______________________________________________ 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/jkimiti01%40yahoo.co.uk ___________________________________________________________ To help you stay safe and secure online, we've developed the all new Yahoo! Security Centre. http://uk.security.yahoo.com [View Less]

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PROPOSED REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (RCIP) STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION WORKSHOP
by alice＠apc.org 18 Jan '07

18 Jan '07

Dear all For those who did not recive docs for the Ministry InfoCom and World Bank meeting, pelase find them attached. best alice ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROPOSED REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (RCIP) STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION WORKSHOP Hope you are planning to attend the stakeholder workshop on the proposed regional Communication Infrastructure Program (RCIP) on Monday. The consultation … [View More]workshop organized jointly by the ministry of Information and Communication and the World Bank. The forum will address issues relating to connectivity, lowering costs and the environmental implications of the infrastructure. The World Bank claims that Economic development in Eastern and Southern Africa (E&SA) is held back by prohibitive telecommunications and ICT costs due to incomplete liberalization and lack of infrastructure. The proposed Regional Communications Infrastructure Program (RCIP) is a joint World Bank Group effort to leverage private sector participation along side efforts by eight other development partners (AfDB, AFD, DBSA, DFID, EIB, EU, KfW and SIDA). It will be a chance for you to interrogate the project and find out what it will cost the country in terms of WB demands. The minister, the PS and other senior WB officials will be present to answer any questions regarding the project. It will also be a forum where stakeholders in the ICT industry can find out more about the position of the ICT bill and whether the priority should be making the process transparent or putting in place an Act that can safeguard against any excesses by procuring entities. The PS has forwarded the registration and background documents but if you require any assistance, just email me. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Rebecca Wanjiku, journalist, p.o box 33515, Nairobi.00600 Kenya. Tel. 254 720 318 925 ----- Original Message ----- From: <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 2:19 PM Subject: [Kictanet] World Bank/MOIC > > > > > > > Dear All, > Attached please find an invitation to a consultative breakfast meeting to > be held at the Jacaranda Hotel, Westlands. The meeting is to explore how > World Bank-financed Regional Communication Infrastructure Program > (RCIP)would fit into our existing programs. In a nut shell, they are > considering providing bandwidth subsidy to public institutions. We need > your participation. > > The Stakeholder consultation is open to civil society organizations, > private sector, academia, parliamentarians, Government and Local > Authorities. Registration Details can be found in the attached documents. > > > 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)kictanet.or.ke > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Please unsubscribe or change your options at > http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alice%40apc.org [View Less]

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Econet fails to stop new rival
by alice＠apc.org 18 Jan '07

18 Jan '07

Econet fails to stop new rival By Judy Ogutu ECONET Wireless Kenya Limited has lost an attempt to block Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) from issuing Vtel Consortium with a Second National Operator licence. The company had gone to court last December, asking for an injunction restraining CCK from issuing the licence to Vtel that won the SNO bid last October. Vtel won the bid at $169 million (about Sh11.8 billion). On Wednesday, High Court Judge, Justice Alnashir Visram said … [View More]

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Re: [Kictanet] Monday forum please attend
by joseph kihanya 18 Jan '07

18 Jan '07

Dear Rebecca, I am yet to receive the documents in question. At what location and time is the meeting? J. Kihanya ----- Original Message ---- From: Rebecca Wanjiku <rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com> To: kihanyajn(a)yahoo.com Sent: Thursday, January 18, 2007 1:59:00 PM Subject: [Kictanet] Monday forum please attend PROPOSED REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (RCIP) STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION WORKSHOP Hope you are planning to attend the stakeholder workshop on the proposed … [View More]regional Communication Infrastructure Program (RCIP) on Monday. The consultation workshop organized jointly by the ministry of Information and Communication and the World Bank. The forum will address issues relating to connectivity, lowering costs and the environmental implications of the infrastructure. The World Bank claims that Economic development in Eastern and Southern Africa (E&SA) is held back by prohibitive telecommunications and ICT costs due to incomplete liberalization and lack of infrastructure. The proposed Regional Communications Infrastructure Program (RCIP) is a joint World Bank Group effort to leverage private sector participation along side efforts by eight other development partners (AfDB, AFD, DBSA, DFID, EIB, EU, KfW and SIDA). It will be a chance for you to interrogate the project and find out what it will cost the country in terms of WB demands. The minister, the PS and other senior WB officials will be present to answer any questions regarding the project. It will also be a forum where stakeholders in the ICT industry can find out more about the position of the ICT bill and whether the priority should be making the process transparent or putting in place an Act that can safeguard against any excesses by procuring entities. The PS has forwarded the registration and background documents but if you require any assistance, just email me. alice(a)apc.org wrote: Dear All Becky Wanjiku, a journalist with Highway Africa, will be working with the KICTAnet to produce our monthly E-bulletins as well as working on other communication and events related tasks. These projects are supported by the Open Society Institute Eastern Africa (OSIEA), Wananchi online, KENET and the Embassy of Finland in Kenya. Thank you and best regards alice _______________________________________________ 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 Rebecca Wanjiku, journalist, p.o box 33515, Nairobi.00600 Kenya. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ The fish are biting. Get more visitors on your site using Yahoo! Search Marketing. _______________________________________________ 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/kihanyajn%40yahoo.com ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for earth-friendly autos? Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Yahoo! Autos' Green Center. http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/ [View Less]

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Safaricom must improve or lose to a better option
by Judy kimiti 16 Jan '07

16 Jan '07

Safaricom must improve or lose to a better option By Andrew Odete Dear Mr Michael Joseph, I tried calling you for a chat, but the network was down, so I fell back to the old ink and pen. It never lets you down, which is more than I can say for the postal service. That is why I have taken the liberty to write to you through the media, for which I beg your understanding and forgiveness. It is not because I am a cheapskate. Greetings from many readers who have asked me to relay their heartfelt … [View More]congratulations to you for dragging Safaricom, biting and kicking, into the Sh12 billion-profit mark. The readers are also your subscribers and they have exhorted me to relay their concerns relating on your service to your doorstep. You are top in business First, your customers appreciate that achieving such an unprecedented subscription as you have in the proverbial blink of an eye is worthy of accolades. Many say, and rightly so, that you have come top of the business stakes in the region for listening to and understanding your customers. What is more impressive is that you achieved this in the hitherto unexplored terrain of mobile telephony in Kenya. However, your customers hope that this year, the company will outdo itself and improve on last year's performance. Oh yes, sir, they seem to believe that there is room for improvement on your part. Some even reckon that it is pretty easy to be the "Better Option" in a field where there are not too many service providers to challenge you on the quality of the product. Cheap but clogged While they appreciate that you have increased coverage in the country, they wish you could also increase the quality of telephone service. Clarity of phone calls and reliability of the service is all they want. For instance, when you so very kindly offered cheap calling rates during the festive season, the relentless crush of callers ensured that nobody could get through the network at various times of the day. Your network crashed, as happened increasingly often in the course of last year. Moreover, sir, you know we have such diverse accents and dialects that it helps to have a clear line; otherwise, we could as well be insulting one another over the phone. That would be uncivilised and, if I may say so, unChristmas! When Kananu calls from Imenti, Muli from Masinga or Jaoko from Mbita next to the lake, I want to hear the phonetic innocence of their respective dialects and interpret them accordingly. No reason to toast And when Akinyi jets back to Kenya, and tries out her full-on Texan- cum-Siaya drawl on my ears, it would help to, at least, hear some of her words. This year, Safaricom may need to ratchet it up a notch higher if your subscribers are to see the sense of continuing to top up so that you, in turn, may continue to top the profit league. I am sure you have the savoir-faire to remain the toast of East Africa. Already, your subscribers cannot stop thanking you for the reduced call charges. But I fear that unless you give your customers a new year present in the way of better quality services, an even better option might come along and make toast of you. And now that I cannot get through to you on the phone, sir, I take this opportunity to wish you a happy New Year and to request that you please call me back when the network is back to normal. Thank you. odeteac(a)yahoo.com http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143963704 ___________________________________________________________ To help you stay safe and secure online, we've developed the all new Yahoo! Security Centre. http://uk.security.yahoo.com [View Less]

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Interesting trend with African-led ICT investments
by Brian Longwe 15 Jan '07

15 Jan '07

I am extremely impressed and encouraged to see Wananchi online's bid to takeover African Lakes and all their holdings which include all of Africa Online's branches as well as a number of infrastructure and internet licenses across the continent. Could this be the emergence of a truly African Mega-ISP? Considering the attrition that the ISP industry is facing continent- wide, which was very aptly commented on by Russell Southwood in his article "The African ISP is dead - Long live … [View More]the African ISP" where he spoke of the encroachment of the mobile operators into internet services and the threat that this posed to the ISP as we know it today. In this article he clearly indicated some of the survival strategies that ISPs would have to consider, including consolidation, divestiture into other revenue generating areas e.g. content production and regional expansion. It is interesting to note that Wananchi seem to have taken the prescription wholesale and are aiming to act on almost all of these areas. For me on a personal basis I am very happy to see an indigenous African-led transaction of such magnitude in the ICT sector - which has in the past been dominated by "foreigners" who didn't really understand african markets. I can't wait to see what else Wananchi have up their sleeves! Regards, Brian Begin forwarded message: > From: Joseph Mucheru <mucheru(a)wananchi.com> > Date: January 15, 2007 9:23:47 AM GMT+03:00 > To: "brian(a)inhand.co.ke" <brian(a)inhand.co.ke> > Subject: FW: Press Announcement > > From: Wananchi Online Ltd <announcements(a)wananchi.com> > Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2007 00:42:06 +0300 > To: <All_Wananchi_Online_Ltd_Customers(a)wananchi.com> > Subject: Press Announcement > > > Wananchi Online creates a new Group Structure > > On 28th December 2006, Wananchi Online together with a group of > Kenyan, > British and American investors announced its intention to acquire the > entire issued and to be issued share capital of the African Lakes > Corporation (TALC). TALC is the holding company of Africa Online > Limited > and UUNET Africa. The success of the acquisition will see the creation > of Africa's largest consumer broadband company and goes a long way in > achieving Wananchi's vision of being "Africa's leading Internet > Communications Provider". The bid is being made through a special > purpose vehicle registered for this purpose in the UK, The African > Telecoms Company Limited. > > The full text of the announcement can be found at this url: > > Short Url: > http://urlx.org/londonstockexchange.co.uk/fd1e5 > > Long URL: > http://www.londonstockexchange.co.uk/LSECWS/IFSPages/ > MarketNewsPopup.aspx?id > =1372930&source=RNS > > The conclusion of the transaction will see the creation of a group > holding company of which I shall become Chairman and Joseph Mucheru > will become Deputy CEO. We will be joined on the board by amongst > others Mark Schneider, a seasoned American Media Entrepreneur who will > become Vice Chairman and Richard Bell, a seasoned East African ICT > Entrepreneur who will become Chief Executive Officer. Going forward > the company will implement a strategy to create the largest wireless > ADSL broadband network in Africa delivering consumer broadband > services > to Wananchi across the continent. > > As part of this process and in order to allow Joseph to focus on this > ambitious project, we are restructuring elements of the existing > Wananchi > Online operations to align them with this strategy. To this end I am > pleased to announce that with immediate effect Sandeep Mangat will be > taking over the day to day operations of Wananchi Online and Hamish > Govani > will be assisting him as Chief Financial Officer. > > I am also pleased to inform you that Richard Bell has been > appointed to > the board of Wananchi Online to assist in making sure that the > companies > strategies are aligned with the bigger picture which I have already > outlined. Richard is a former director of TALC, founder of Swift > Global > Kenya and Uganda, founder of Kenya Data Networks, founding Chairman of > TESPOK, KIXP and KENIC. He is currently the Managing Partner of > East Africa > Capital Partners a private equity firm which specializes in > Technology, > Media and Telecoms investments. He became a Sloan Fellow of the London > Business School in 2005. > > We are please to tell you that limited broadband coverage is already > available in parts of Nairobi and Mombassa and we will be providing > special > offers and a limited amount of free equipment to existing customers > when > the full rollout begins. So I do encourage you to renew your dial- > up and/or > email subscriptions now so that you can take advantage of these > offers when > the time comes. Those whose subscriptions have lapsed or who fail to > become WOL customers in time will be time barred from these special > customer > loyalty offers. > > We will continue to keep you informed as our plans develop. For > further > information you can contact Sandeep Mangat on 020 329 2000 or email > sunny.mangat(a)wananchi.com > > -- > > James Gachui, > Chairman > Wananchi Online Limited > > [View Less]

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Postponed to Next Mon 22nd: Re: What Model for EASsy, TEAMS, et al?-(2weeks Online Discussion)
by John Walubengo 15 Jan '07

15 Jan '07

Apologies to all, This session has had to be postponed and will commence next week...any inconviniences highly regreted but we shall be on air next monday 22nd starting from 12:00GMT. walu. --- John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Greetings all, > > I have been given the un-enviable task by KICTAnet to > lead > an online discussion on the type of model we in East > Africa > would prefer for our long awaited submarine fiber > cable(s). > > The … [View More]

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Fw: EASSy Project Dispute Takes New Twist
by alice＠apc.org 12 Jan '07

12 Jan '07

----- Original Message ----- From: "Binaifer Nowrojee" <bnowrojee(a)osiea.org> Eassy Project Dispute Takes New Twist by Elias Biryabarema 729 words Kampala, Jan 09, 2007 (The Monitor/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- THE protracted wrangle between the NEPAD's e-Africa Commission and a consortium of companies that initially conceived the Eastern Africa Submarine Cable System (EASSy) project now looks set to result in the construction of two competing submarine cables, Daily … [View More]Monitor has learnt. What is still unclear is to what extent this new development will affect the pace of development of the cable project and how it will impact its ability to meet its overriding objectives, mainly bringing down the costs of communication and spurring the Information, Communication and Information (ICT) industry in the region. EASSy is an ambitious initiative to connect countries of eastern Africa via a high bandwidth fibre optic cable system to the rest of the world. It was first mooted by a group of about 15 telecom companies meeting in Nairobi, Kenya in 2003. They included Uganda's MTN and UTL, Telecom S. Africa, Kenya Telecom and others. They planned to lay a fibre optic cable along the East African coast that would offer a direct connection to the world's information superhighway. It was to enable the region have access to a broadband network which would permit ultra-fast transmission of digital traffic and at cheaper prices. Mr Donald Nyakairu, UTL's Legal Counsel and Chairman of EASSy Finance committee asserted in a recent interview that the e-Africa Commission's hijacking of the cable was unfair and opportunistic and that its actions were being totally disregarded. The consortium has repeatedly rebuffed entreaties from the commission to stop their plans and join in the NEPAD project. "While the e-Commission is busy making everybody believe that they're in charge of the project, for us we are advancing pretty fast and real construction is starting soon," Mr Nyakairu said. He said the original companies that conceived the idea later signed an understanding and constituted themselves into a consortium that was supposed to develop, own and operate the cable. The e-Commission was invited in the subsequent meetings, as an observer but to the astonishment of the consortium, it soon started to show deep interest in the project's details and even demanded active involvement. "We thought they were attending to see the progress, but all of a sudden they started to make demands which shocked us," Nyakairu said. Right now, the e-Commission is pursuing its own project in concert with the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the governments of South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, DR Congo, Rwanda and others which are also signatories to the EASSy protocol. The conflict between the two sides principally stems from the mode of the project implementation. NEPAD e-Africa Commission insists that a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) develops, owns, and operates the cable while the consortium wants companies to take charge exclusively. Mr Nyakairu said if the commission wants to construct a parallel cable, then it must find its own name and stop encroaching on the intellectual property of the consortium (EASSy). However, the Commission's regulatory advisor, Dr Edmund Katiti dismissed claims that it was hijacking the EASSy name. "The regional network is currently referred to as the NEPAD ICT Broadband Infrastructure Network" he said, adding that it consists of two interconnected segments - a submarine cable and a terrestrial network (intra-country cable). He said the shareholders in the SPVs are the ones who will decide what name(s) to give to the network and its segments. As a way of attempting to defuse the differences and accommodate the concerns of the Commission, Mr Nyakairu said the Consortium members had decided to also have an SPV that would act as a collective investment vehicle for all smaller telecom concerns in the region. This SPV will then buy shares in the cable as a single investor. "We really think we have done everything to address all these accusations," he said. Even then, the two sides seem to be far from striking any agreement. Dr Katiti said the Nepad ICT Broadband Infrastructure Network Protocol is scheduled to go into effect in the first quarter of 2007, which would also mark the commencement of construction. On the other hand, the consortium has already awarded the construction contract to Alcatel and work is beginning early this year. [View Less]

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Apple "reinvents the phone," unveils iPhone
by Brian Longwe 12 Jan '07

12 Jan '07

Talk about convergence! This phone is a real handheld computer! View this article at: http://www.macnn.com/articles/07/01/09/ apple.unveils.iphone/ Tuesday, January 9,2007 @ 12:55pm Apple "reinvents the phone," unveils iPhone [u] Apple today unveiled the iPhone (site not updated), a wide-screen iPod with touch controls that also functions as a mobile phone and an internet communication device. The company chief Steve Jobs revealed the new device during his keynote speech at the … [View More]Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco. "This is a day I've been looking forward to for two and a half years," Jobs said on stage in front of the keynote attendees. "Every once in a while a product comes along to change the industry. Apple has been fortunate to introduce a few of these: the Mac in 1984; the iPod in 2001. Apple will introduce three revolutionary products of this class. Wide-screen iPod with touch controls. The second is a mobile phone. The third is a break-through internet communication device. All of those in a single device. Not separate devices, but a single device called iPhone. Apple reinvents the phone." [updated] iPhone development began with a revolutionary user interface that leverages hardware as well as software, overcoming the problem of fixed controls that cannot change as applications change. The iPhone utilizes a touch sensitive screen with "multi-touch" technology that does not require a stylus pen to operate, and is far more accurate than other touch displays, according to Jobs. The touch pad allows multi-finger gestures that Jobs says is "at least five years ahead of any other." The iPhone runs Mac OS X with power management, networking, security, applications, Core Animation, and audio/video support. Users can also create desktop-class applications, according to Apple's chief. The iPhone includes a 3.5-inch screen with 160 pixels per inch, as well as a single "home" button. The phone is thinner than any other phone at 11.6mm, and offers volume controls alongside a two megapixel camera built-in on the back. The phone also features a 3.5mm headphone jack, a sleep/wake button on top, a speaker microphone, and an iPod connector on the bottom. A proximity sensor turns off the screen as well as the touch sensor when the phone passes close to the head, and an ambient light sensor turns down the screen brightness as necessary. An accelerometer determines whether to capture a landscape or portrait orientation when taking photos, and the phone includes coverflow technology similar to that used in the company's iTunes software. Apple's iPhone has a dashboard- like interface to each module and function, allowing users to scroll using a finger. The home button returns users back to the dashboard, and the coveflow technology supports scrolling through album art with the touch of a finger. Jobs demonstrated the iPhone's video capability by playing "The Office" TV show, and began playing a wide- screen movie using on-screen controls. The iPhone -- which includes more than 200 patents for inventions used in the device -- offers visual voicemail that allows random access voicemail for direct access, and functions as a quad-band GSM/Edge phone. iPhone includes WiFi and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity, providing users with SMS functionality alongside various applications such as a calendar, contacts, and more. An iChat-like interface enables users to send as well as receive SMS messages, and the iPhone supports error correction via a visual keyboard that allows users to type messages. The phone includes built-in photo management that can scroll through photos with the touch of a finger, and a 'pinch' motion zooms in or out while viewing images. Further iPhone features include rich HTML email capability that works with any POP/IMAP email service, and a fully usable copy of Apple's Safari Web browser with support for Google Maps. The phone includes widgets for weather and stocks, and automatically locates WiFi networks when they are available -- switching to the network to maintain internet connectivity. Additionally, Yahoo is offering all iPhone users free push IMAP email service with inline photos and rich text email support. Apple's iPhone also automatically parses out phone numbers with a simple touch-to-call option. Finger gestures navigate Web pages in Safari when browsing the Web, and pinching gestures zoom in on a particular area of a page. Double tapping on a page zooms to that area, while a Cingular menubar displays an AirPort-like signal indicator for WiFi strength. Users can also quickly move to portions of a Web page before it is finished downloading. Steve Jobs introduced Cingular Wireless CEO, saying that features like visual voicemail required help from the carrier. Cingular entered into a multiyear exclusive contract with Apple without ever having seen the phone. Jobs said Apple hopes to grab 1 percent market share (10 million units) in 2008 following the iPhone's introduction into the existing mobile phone market, which consists of nearly 1 billion phones. iPhone accessories include standard headphones that feature a button to answer calls, as well as a new Bluetooth headset with a single button that automatically goes to sleep. Jobs promises five hours of battery life for talking time or video playback, as well as 16 hours of audio playback time. The iPhone will ship in June for $499 (4GB model) and $599 (8GB model), both with a 2 year contract. Copyright ©1995-2005 Macintosh News Network, Inc. All rights reserved. [View Less]

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FW: [Idlelo2] Fw: ADVERT: PROJECT COORDINATOR - LINUXCHIX AFRICA
by Harry Hare 08 Jan '07

08 Jan '07

Apologies for cross posting. Harry -----Original Message----- From: idlelo2-bounces+harry=aitecafrica.com(a)fossfa.net [mailto:idlelo2-bounces+harry=aitecafrica.com@fossfa.net] On Behalf Of Anna Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 7:49 PM To: idlelo2(a)fossfa.net Subject: [Idlelo2] Fw: ADVERT: PROJECT COORDINATOR - LINUXCHIX AFRICA ---------- Forwarded Message ----------- From: "Anna" <anna(a)cs.wits.ac.za> To: africasource2-l(a)lists.tacticaltech.org, africasource-l(a)lists.tacticaltech.… [View More]org Sent: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 18:44:17 +0200 Subject: Fw: ADVERT: PROJECT COORDINATOR - LINUXCHIX AFRICA LinuxChix Africa (LCA) Programme Coordination LinuxChix Africa seeks to appoint a Project Coordinator. The Project Coordinator will be based at the LinuxChix Africa offices in Johannesburg, South Africa. This position includes both administrative responsibilities and programme management responsibilities, and an opportunity to make a substantive contribution to the growth of LCA. LinuxChix Africa is an African continental organisation that aims to build technical GNU/Linux and Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) skills among African women. We have a presence in over 26 African countries and we are one of the fastest growing networks. We actively encourage and facilitate the active participation of African women in FOSS software development projects. Key areas of responsibility are: 1. Coordinate the following projects: - Capacity Development for LCA in Open Source Software, Production of Training Kits and LCA e-Learning initiatives. - Advocacy and Policy recommendations. - Awareness, Publicity and Software Freedom Day celebration planning and activities. - Communications and Newsletters. - Marketing and Public Relations Strategies. - Conference Planning and Logistics - Policies and Governance coordination. - Develop strategic partnerships with key regional, continental and local organizations. 2. Coordinate LCA website enhancements, lists and newsletters. Manage the online communication with Council, Board, and the membership lists (chix and femme). 3.Convene key meetings with core regional and continental educational institutions and related organizations. 4. Manage the project budget according the objectives and plans agreed to with the Board. 5. Report to the Board meetings and prepare reports as requested by the Board, Council and Funders. 6. Manage Office Staff 7. Any other duties as assigned. Requirements: - Postgraduate qualification. A postgraduate qualification in ICT will be an advantage, - Experience in women and ICTs issues and a passion for women's development in ICT and FOSS - Excellent written and oral presentation skills in English - Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research and project management - Willingness to travel in Africa and occasionally outside the continent, as required - Strong computer and organisational skills, attention to detail, ability to prioritize, and resourcefulness in problem-solving - Ability to listen and communicate clearly and effectively with people from diverse cultures - Ability to work independently but also as a team member (with staff of LCA, the Board, Council and the general membership). The job is offered on a one-year contract. Interested and qualified candidates who match the profile are invited to submit their CV and a letter of interest to: The Chairperson LinuxChix Africa The School of Computer Science University of the Witwatersrand Private Bag 3 Wits 2050 Email: anna(a)cs.wits.ac.za Closing Date for applications is 10th January 2007. Only short-listed candidates will receive a response from LinuxChix Africa. Althouhg LinuxChix Africa does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender or creed, preference will be given to a female candidate. ------- End of Forwarded Message ------- Anna _______________________________________________ Idlelo2 mailing list Idlelo2(a)fossfa.net http://mailman.dst.gov.za/mailman/listinfo/idlelo2 -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.5/616 - Release Date: 1/4/2007 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.7/619 - Release Date: 1/7/2007 ---------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world" [View Less]

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E-COMMERCE THE WAY FORWARD FOR KENYA and other articles on Kenya from Balancing Act
by alice＠apc.org 07 Jan '07

07 Jan '07

* E-COMMERCE THE WAY FORWARD FOR KENYA (from Balancing Act) > > The way we do things has changed in the last few years mobile phones > became more affordable. > > Take, for example, the short message service, or SMS as it is popularly > known. It is now the medium of interaction in popular radio and TV > programmes or season's greetings and invitations. There is an addition to > our vocabulary - smsing. > > Our lives have been tremendously changed by technology.… [View More] This is a perfect > illustration of the magnitude of change. > > A local beer company once held a competition that required participants to > send entries of bottle tops by post. A story is told of a gentleman who > went ballistic when he woke up one morning from a night of heavy drinking > to find his little son scattering his treasured collection of > "prize-wining" tops. > > Today such a humiliating quarrel over bottle tops would not arise since > all the old fellow needs to do is instantly SMS the details of entry to > the company server, and he will be notified of the outcome by SMS. > > And if this is what the simple SMS can do, what revolution would computers > and the internet cause if they were made accessible to more people? > > Advertisements along the road from a country's major airport to the city > centre is said to reflect its core economic activity. > > And what do we see from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Kenyatta > Avenue in Nairobi? An array of what the world calls ICT (information and > communication technology) messages are lined up to entice us - from mobile > phone handsets and wireless service providers, computers, TVs and so on to > radio stations. > > They are the gadgets and services that matter, and what George Gilder > calls "the vectors of growth, the sweet spots of finance" (Telescom: The > World After Bandwidth Abundance, Touchstone, 2002). So if the information > age is where the money is, who does not want to be there? > > One sector that is going to drive the next phase of the internet boom, or > Web 2.0, is e-commerce, which is doing business electronically without the > seller and the buyer being in physical contact. > > Lower communication costs is enabling people to reach wider markets and > making it possible for goods and services to be traded in a whole new way. > > For example, some women's groups in Tabaka, Gucha district, now sell their > soapstone artifacts to the world by simply taking digital pictures of > their new products and posting offers on their Web ite, > www.soapstoneafrica.com > > A firm in Eldoret that spins yarn and makes woollen products cannot > imagine business without the e-mail, which has made it easy for them to > reach the sophisticated western market at the click of the mouse. > > There are many more Kenyans making innovative efforts in the e-business, > especially in the service industries of consultancy and outsourcing. > People used to believe in duty-free shops as real bargains, but they now > say they are as cheap as the internet. > > Although e-commerce is the future of enterprise, consumer protection, > intellectual property rights, privacy and security are issues of grave > concern. For instance, on the internet you do not know whom you are > dealing with; it could be a robber or a con man. > > Thus, for e-business to grow, people must trust the technology. People are > not only buying and selling cars, computers and kiondos and other "brick > and mortar" goods online, but they are also dealing in information, music > and software, which are now categorised as products. There is an urgent > need to enact e-commerce laws. The law shoulddeal with if electronic > evidence is admissible in the court. > > Kenyans would do more business if there was legislation and the right > infrastructure for electronic transactions, and more tourists would be > happy to come and see the new wonder of the world at the Maasai Mara and > make payments online. > > Although it may be difficult to tame the Internet because of its > cross-border nature, all is not lost as there are tools of control. Recent > efforts by the Government and development partners to tackle reforms in > e-transaction and e-commerce laws are commendable, but more needs to be > done. > (SOURCE: The Nation) * KENYA GOVT MAY LET VTEL OFF 30% LOCAL STAKE AS IT CONSIDERS RULE CHANGE > > The government of Kenya is considering abolishing the rule that stipulates > that foreign companies investing in the telecommunication sector must > allocate at least 30 per cent shares to nationals. > > It is the government's response to the perennial disputes between local > and foreign investors that have frustrated the conclusion of major > telecommunications projects in the country, especially of late. > > The East African has learnt that the Ministry of Information and > Communication has already drafted a document with proposals for a more > liberal regime for foreign investors. The developments come in the wake of > a major falling out between the shareholders Vtel Holding Ltd - the > company that only recently won the bid for a major telecommunications > licence combining mobile and landline services - that has now plunged what > was regarded as the most promising deal in the telecommunications sector > in recent years into uncertainty. > > V-tel won the highly contested licence, for which it bid an impressive > Ksh12 billion ($169 million) - the single largest foreign direct > investment in Kenya in decades. Well-placed sources told The East African > that the government wants an arrangement where the 30 per cent local > shareholding rule will be made optional, on the understanding that foreign > investors have to sell the 30 per cent stake to the public through an IPO > after a stipulated period. > > Before the Dubai firm won the bid, the licensing of the second national > operator to compete with the lacklustre Telkom Kenya - the country's sole > fixed-line operator - had proved to be a messy affair mired in court cases > leading to several postponements. > > But hopes that the Vtel will hit the ground running seem to be fading > after it turned out that its local partners are unable to raise their > portion of the financial commitment. > In a development that is eerily reminiscent of the woes plaguing Kenya's > third operator Econet Wireless, the dispute between Vtel and its Kenyan > partners seems destined for the courts, where it is likely to take years > to resolve. > > Legal experts who spoke off the record to The East African trace the > origins of the problem to a policy statement made by the government in > 1997. In November of that year, the government published the "postal > telecommunications sector policy statement," spelling out a new structure > for the industry. It was this document that introduced the threshold for > equity participation by local investors in privatised telecommunications > companies. > > Specifically, the document stipulated that "any company licensed to > provide telecommunications services in the liberalised market should have > at least 70 per cent of its equity owned by Kenyans." In subsequent years, > to make the regime more friendly to foreign investors, the rule was > revised to 60 per cent for foreigners and 40 for locals. > > In the year 2002, then Minister for Information and Telecommunications > Musalia Mudavadi published a gazette notice in which he changed the local > equity threshold to 70 per cent for foreign investors and a minimum of 30 > per cent for locals. > > Another condition that has come to affect the process and which Vtel will > have to deal with is the requirement that the shareholding structure of > the winning bid's tender cannot be changed before the licence is issued. > This, say experts, is what has seen the South African-based Econet > Wireless Ltd locked in one case after another. > > Sources tell The East African that Vtel was facing a crisis that emerged > barely a fortnight after it won the tender, when it failed to formally > submit its licence application. > > It is believed that Vtel, a $1 billion holding company registered in the > United Arab Emirates, which serves as the investment arm of the > Palestinian Telecommunications Company (Paltel) in the Middle East, North > Africa and Asia, could easily pay its share of the licence fees, but was > being held back by its local partners. > > Sources say the firm stated as much in a letter to the Communications > Commission of Kenya (CCK) in which it sought an extension of the December > 8, 2006 deadline for formally applying for the licence. > > Subsequently, one of the local partners, Unitel, denied in a press > statement that they were unable to raise their share of the licence fee. > > Unitel's managing director Francis Makanga, insisted that the firm has the > required funds. He said the company's documents were completed on time and > are filed with the CCK and that it will have all financing ready for its > shares by the time the licence fee is to be paid. > > Vtel Holdings, the consortium's bid leader for the second national > operator, had written to the Communications Commission of Kenya notifying > their intention to drop its local partner owing to its inability to meet > its share of financial obligations. > > A profile of Vtel's local partners makes for intriguing reading. They > comprise Kirinyaga Construction, a leading road builder in Kenya > associated with tycoon Ephraim Maina; Unitel, which is said to be owned by > the family of former District Commissioner Ben Makanga; Kusco, the > umbrella body of more than 3,000 co-operatives; and businessman Michael > Kirui, Nairobi lawyer Fred Ngatia and Fairacres Ltd coming in as minority > shareholders. Loita Capital Partners International is the lead transaction > advisor. > > Sources say Vtel, in its letter to the CCK, was seeking the nod to drop > its partners on the grounds that they were facing difficulties coming up > with their share of the licence fees. The firm says it will not be able to > submit its application with Unitel as its partner, raising fears that the > matter could be headed for the courts. > > Econet, has been involved in damaging feud with its local partners, the > Federation of Co-operatives of Kenya and Corporate Africa after the two > failed to raise their share of the licence fees, which saw the matter end > up in court, where it is still stuck. > > Vtel's imminent falling out with its partners has put paid to a > declaration by its Chief Executive Officer Nour Atout that the consortium > will roll out both fixed line and mobile telephony networks at the same > time, making a record of sorts. > > The pledge saw Telkom, Vtel's principal competitor as a national operator, > declare it will also venture into the highly profitable cellphones sector, > drawing immediate protests from its partner Safaricom, the region's most > successful cellular phone company. > (SOURCE: The East African) > > > WEB AND MOBILE DATA NEWS > _____________________________________________________________________ > * KENYAN PUPILS GET SCHOOL RESULTS THROUGH THE INTERNET AND MOBILE PHONES > > For the first time in KCPE history, candidates and their parents yesterday > received details of their results directly on their cellphones and through > the Internet. The results were accessible through the Kenya National > Examination Council (Knec) website www.examscouncil.org.ke or on the > cellphone after sending a prescribed short text message (sms) to 7070. > > Last February, Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education candidates were > able to access their results by logging on to the council website, but > yesterday was the first time the short text message was used to relay > examination results. This year's top candidate David Wamugi got a > breakdown of his results on the sms service. > > His father, James Wamugi, sat for his primary school examination 27 years > ago at Gathathiini primary school in Nyeri. But it took him a day to > receive his results from the school, unlike the instant services his son's > generation is enjoying. Last week, the senior Wamugi told the Nation: "I > didn't know that they had received the breakdown until I saw it on the > mobile phone. "In our days, it took a day to receive the results and then > one had to see the result slip to get a breakdown." > > The website appears to have been inundated with visitors and it often > failed to download the results, unlike the first instance in February this > year when KCSE candidates used it. The public also expressed concern that > strangers could access the results of any candidate whose index number > they held and suggested that a security measure be put in place to protect > the candidates. > > The tradition has been that provincial directors of education attend the > news conference where the Education minister was releasing examinations. > They were then expected to physically transport the results to their > respective offices where their juniors from the districts and head > teachers would collect them. Students in Nairobi would receive their > results the same day while those in other parts of the country would have > to wait for a day or more, depending on how far the school was from > Nairobi. > > > In Mombasa, hundreds of parents jammed cyber cafes trying to know how > their children had performed but left frustrated as the Knec website was > yet to be updated. > Boniface Otieno, who wanted to know how his sister had performed, said: "I > have spent three hours trying to refresh this website but there are no > KCPE results." > (SOURCE: The Nation) . > To see a copy of our new rate card for 2006, e-mail a request to: > (info(a)balancingact-africa.com) Don't get left behind. Be seen and known > through advertising in our e-letter and on our web-site. > ____________________________________________________________________________ > All material printed in Balancing Act's News Update is subject to > copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the > express permission of the publisher. > ____________________________________________________________________________ > > > > > > [View Less]

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Kictanets Planning minutes
by Judy kimiti 06 Jan '07

06 Jan '07

Dear Member, We at the secretariate would like to begin by wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Attached are the minutes and presentation of the last Kictanet meeting on December 21st 2006. Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. Thank you Judy Kimiti KICTANet Tel: 4453671 / 2 Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

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[Fwd: Present from the ITU]
by Michuki Mwangi 03 Jan '07

03 Jan '07

FYI -------- Original Message -------- http://www.dailypayload.com/2006/1221.html ITU to Distribute Standards Free of Charge December 21, 2006 Many people in the telecommunication industry have pressed for the ITU to make its standards documents available free of charge. Well, the long wait is over. Starting January 2, 2007 the ITU will make its standards documents available to the public free of charge. The same kind of change in policy took place at ETSI several years ago. Reportedly, … [View More]

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Fw: KICTANET CLOSING DATES
by Judy kimiti 21 Dec '06

21 Dec '06

Dear Members, Please Note Opening Date will be Monday 8th January 2007 and not Thursday as earlier indicated. Thank you and have Merry Christmas. Judy Kimiti ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Judy kimiti <jkimiti01(a)yahoo.co.uk> To: kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke Sent: Thursday, 21 December, 2006 10:14:32 AM Subject: KICTANET CLOSING DATES Dear members, partners, colleagues and friends Greetings. Please note that the KICTANet secretariat will be closed for the christmas holidays … [View More]

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KICTANET CLOSING DATES
by Judy kimiti 21 Dec '06

21 Dec '06

Dear members, partners, colleagues and friends Greetings. Please note that the KICTANet secretariat will be closed for the christmas holidays from Thursday 21st, 2006 to Thursday 8th, January 2007. We thank you all for your support this year and look foward to continued collaboration in the years to come. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a fabulous 2007. Best wishes Alice Munyua Evelyne Majale Judy Kimiti Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

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Brain drain is a myth so don�t shed tears for it
by Wainaina Mungai 19 Dec '06

19 Dec '06

Brain drain is a myth so dont shed tears for it By Angeyo Kalambuka ( SOURCE: http://www.eastandard.net ) It has become fashionable to lament the brain drain. On the surface, the loss of professionals to the West or other progressive countries looks gloomy. In academic and research circles, there is a concerted raid by overseas groups on our scientific talent. There is an overall feeling of gloom and despair in medicine and engineering about our ability to recruit and retain talented … [View More]professionals. But the brain drain concept is misleading if not plain wrong. It is a myth. It is bogus to debate it in modern times. Some economists have even calculated how many billions Africa has lost and the West gained from brain drain. That if it costs $5,000 (Sh350,000) to train an engineer in Africa and $100,000 (Sh7 million) in America, there is a drain of $95,000 (Sh6.65 million) when an engineer moves from Africa to the US. This logic makes no sense. First, it assumes that the true value of goods or services is the cost of producing it in the importing country, not the exporting country. The West supplies aeroplanes and weapons that we do not make. So, does it make sense to say there is a huge aeroplane and weapons drain from the West to Africa? Does it matter if highly skilled Africans leave? The genuine answer is No. There is no reason for anyone to agonise over the loss of our best and brightest. There is probably more brain drain from Europe to America, and from elsewhere to Africa, than there is from Africa to the rest of the world combined. But Europeans and Americans are not anxious because they know that economics usually prevails over protectionist sentiments. I celebrate the success of a Kenyan engineer in the Silicon Valley. The global labour market and entrepreneurial capital is just as competitive as any other business. Most talented people go where there is opportunity for growth, meritocracy, peaceful life, order in political and public life and a reasonable chance of prosperity. Even conservative societies such as Japan and Germany have acknowledged the need for qualified foreign work force, and they issue thousands of green cards. It is easy to note that skilled talent is the scarcest commodity in the world and competition for it is stiff. Realism should be the crying need. We are not desperate for quality work force and entrepreneurial talent. Why do we agonise losing our best and at the same time passionately pretend to believe in free trade? Why should we demur when it comes to globalisation of labour? Western experts have provided technology to Africa for generations. Does it follow, therefore, that there is an infinitely large technology drain from abroad to Africa? When a foreign technical expert comes to Kenya, we pay for his services. But when an African doctor migrates to the West, Africa gets no payment. Is that a drain? It is not because huge flows of brainpower in the reverse direction are free too. The overwhelming bulk of brainpower used in our universities is from research done in the West. No Kenyan pays for Albert Einstens knowledge or the huge flow of knowledge in scientific journals. Let us concede that much of the flow of free knowledge is from the rich to poor countries. Yes, we lose brainpower in form of engineers and academics among others. And, yes, we enjoy a huge import of free brainpower in a multitude of forms. But on balance, we get far more than we supply. We should stop being fixated with the brain drain for there are flows of global brainpower, ideas and creativity. The biggest flow is of brainpower in goods and services made with the latest technology. On balance, such technology constitutes a massive net flow of brainpower from rich to poor countries. The reverse in the so-called brain drain is tiny compared to the huge flow of goods and services. Most research development and academic is done in rich countries. Research budgets in the West for producing entertainment, books and other products are huge. Much of it results in not just superior, but also cheaper goods. The low cost of production reflects enormous brainpower that went into cost reduction. Innovation in technology is extremely expensive. To progress, rich countries spend enormous resources on research and development. But poor and extremely disorganized countries such as Kenya leapfrog from traditional, craft technology to modern technologies quickly and at little cost, with little research effort of their own. This gives us a huge advantage: Catching up with technology leaders is easier and faster than developing it. Rapid catch up possibilities have enabled developing countries to grow much faster than rich ones. China or the South-East Asian tigers now register eight to 10 per cent economic growth for using Western technical and managerial input. But the main sources of innovation, including the US, cannot average more than three per cent annual growth. We ought to also bear in mind that not only are our best and brightest going overseas, but the mediocre and the average, too, and earn money in low skill jobs such as sales, building and cleaning. Further, the majority of the so-called talented Africans who go to the West do not engage in any work that requires the best of their brains per se. Finally, the brain drain we waste locally constitutes a far bigger loss than we are ready to admit. Africa gets a net inflow of brainpower. The question is whether our gain would be greater if we did not lose many skilled people to the West. It is a difficult one to answer. --- The writer is a lecturer at the University of Nairobi --- [View Less]

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Fw: [AU-Monitor] Fahamu conference on mobile technology
by alice＠apc.org 19 Dec '06

19 Dec '06

----- Original Message ----- From: "Binaifer Nowrojee" <bnowrojee(a)osiea.org> To: "Kevin Ombajo" <kombajo(a)yahoo.com>; "A. Wanjira Munyua" <alice(a)apc.org> Cc: "Juliana Osodo" <josodo(a)osiea.org>; "Mugambi Kiai" <mkiai(a)osiea.org> Sent: Monday, December 18, 2006 10:54 PM Subject: FW: [AU-Monitor] Fahamu conference on mobile technology FYI -----Original Message----- From: au-monitor-bounces(a)fahamu.org [mailto:au-monitor-bounces@fahamu.org] On Behalf Of … [View More]Patrick Burnett Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 8:57 AM To: au-monitor(a)fahamu.org Subject: [AU-Monitor] Fahamu conference on mobile technology Dear All, I thought you might be interested in this workshop/conference that Fahamu is developing on the use of mobile technology in Africa. Please let us know if you are interested, feel free to pass the information on to your networks and do let us know if you know of any interesting mobile technology initiatives in your country or region. Please reply to fahamumobile(a)gmail.com and not to the list. Best, Patrick Patrick Burnett Contributing Editor Fahamu www.fahamu.org >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Pambazuka News www.pambazuka.org >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mobile phones for social justice: Calls for expressions of interest Fahamu www.fahamu.org Mobile phone technologies have taken Africa by storm. The technology has raised new possibilities for activism by human rights and social justice organisations and for service delivery in fields such as health care, banking and agricultural information. In 2007, Fahamu and Tactical Tech will hold a conference in Nairobi, Kenya, that will aim to enable those using mobile phone technologies in activism or service delivery work to exchange their experiences of using the technology in the African context and plan strategies to support their work. The conference will explore areas related to the use of mobile technology in the African context, future trends, best practice and available tools and resources. The conference will establish an African regional network of those who use mobile phone technologies and facilitate an ongoing support network. The meeting will also lead to the development of a toolkit on mobile phones put together by an international team of practitioners with relevant expertise. As part of the development of this initiative, Fahamu is conducting research to consult widely and involve as many interested parties as possible in the network and 2007 conference. Fahamu would like to hear from you if you have: - Used, are currently using, or planning to use, mobile phone technology in human rights and social justice work in Africa; - Used or are currently using mobile phones in service delivery work in Africa; - Developed or are in the process of developing technologies related to mobile phones; - Plan to use mobile phone technologies in the future in Africa. Interested individuals and organisations are asked to send an expression of interest not longer than one page to fahamumobile(a)gmail.com with the following information: - Name of organisation or individual - Contact Details - Country - Nature of past, existing or planned work involving mobile technology, including a description of the project, the problem it sought to address and its successes or failures. Alternatively, we would welcome seeing any reports you may have produced (any such information will be treated confidentially if that is your preference). If you would like to discuss this on the phone (preferably using something like Skype) please let us know. It is envisaged that the conference will be held in May 2007. Funds will be available for travel, accommodation and limited expenses of invited participants. Further information about Fahamu can be found at www.fahamu.org and www.pambazuka.org _______________________________________________ Au-monitor mailing list Au-monitor(a)fahamu.org http://lists.fahamu.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/au-monitor African Union Monitor list managed by Fahamu - Networks for Social Justice (http://www.fahamu.org) Subscribe to Pambazuka News (http://www.pambazuka.org) [View Less]

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VISION 2030 Meeting Agenda
by Judy kimiti 18 Dec '06

18 Dec '06

Dear Member, Please find attached the Agenda for the Vision 2030 Meeting on 21st December 2006 at the Jacaranda Hotel , 3:00pm. For logistics purposes, please RSVP to the undersigned your attendance. Thank You Yours Faithfully Judy Kimiti KICTANet ___________________________________________________________ The all-new Yahoo! Mail goes wherever you go - free your email address from your Internet provider. http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

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Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Access to learning Award: applications 2007
by alice＠apc.org 18 Dec '06

18 Dec '06

See attached the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Access to Learning Award (ATLA) 2007 Award. >The Award recognizes excellence in providing >public access to information through computers, >at no cost to the user. The focus is on >libraries and other information centers. The >recipient will receive an award of up to US $1 >million. Have to stress that the award for work >already completed or in progress, it is not a >grant. > >Application form attached. More … [View More]

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CTO Funding
by alice＠apc.org 18 Dec '06

18 Dec '06

Dear Members, The Commonwealth Secretariat is inviting governments, NGOs and academic institutions to submit project proposals that can help bridge the digital divide. For details and application form, please see: http://www.commonwealthfoundation.com/news/news/detail.cfm?id=277 The deadline is Jan 05, 2007

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Autoreply: Job opening at APC: Africa ICT policy advocacy coordinator
by eadera＠idrc.or.ke 16 Dec '06

16 Dec '06

I am on Leave from 18th December 2006 to 7th January 2007. For any urgent matters, please contact Gladys Githaiga ggithaiga(a)idrc.or.ke) or Nancy Ndungu (nndungu(a)idrc.or.ke)

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Job opening at APC: Africa ICT policy advocacy coordinator
by alice＠apc.org 16 Dec '06

16 Dec '06

Job opening at APC: Africa ICT policy advocacy coordinator BERLIN, Germany -- Job opening at APC: Africa ICT policy advocacy coordinator APC has played a role with other stakeholders in advocacy for the reduction of the cost of international connectivity in Africa. This regional strategy has focused on the East and Southern African Submarine Cable System (EASSy) and the SAT3/SAFE/WASC cable for West Africa. The advocacy work focuses on bringing a civil society perspective to bear on the … [View More]policy and regulatory structure of these initiatives. It requires tracking the issues, engaging regional policy institutions and stakeholders in government, NEPAD, international institutions, regulators, the private sector, civil society, research centres and the media. It also involves disseminating research and information on the issues at stake as well as scanning the horizon for emerging issues related to information and communications for development and internet governance in Africa, and making connections with global policy forums like the Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID) and the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The Africa information and communication technology (ICT) policy advocacy coordinator is responsible for the coordination and tracking of all ICT advocacy issues within the region and engaging all stakeholders. Application deadline: Tuesday, 31 January 2007, 15:00 UTC Start date: As soon as possible. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES . Develop and implement the APC regional ICT policy advocacy strategy with regard to information and communication technology and development, and internet governance . Work closely with the Africa ICT policy monitor coordinator and the Africa ICT policy researcher to jointly develop research and information dissemination strategies . Network and participate in regional ICT policy processes and with key regional policy institutions and stakeholders in government, NEPAD, international institutions, the private sector, civil society, research centres, regulators and the media in Africa . Report and document regional advocacy initiatives . Participate in the global APC policy programme strategy regarding the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and the Global Alliance on ICT and Development (GAID) JOB REQUIREMENTS . Excellent project management skills . Knowledge of ICT policy advocacy issues in the region, as well as globally . Experience of working in networks and managing partnerships . Experience in information management and dissemination . Work experience in an international context . Online work experience . Good presentation skills . Ability to work as part of a team . Ability to communicate in English and French (written and verbal) . Live in Africa Additional desirable qualities include: . Familiarity with ICT-based civil society networks like the APC ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS The Africa ICT policy advocacy coordinator reports to the communication and information policy programme manager and works closely with other members of the team. Most of the work will take place in online discussion spaces, email groups and mailing lists. LOCATION AND WORK CONDITIONS The successful applicant is expected to provide his/her own computer, have access to the internet and a fax machine and work during normal office hours. While much of the work will take place online, some travel to meetings, conferences and workshops, within Africa and internationally, is expected. REMUNERATION This is a full time, one year fixed term/renewable contract. Remuneration is based on APC's salary scale for the position and includes an adjustment that will reflect the cost of living of the successful applicant's country of residence. For more information on the salary range, contact jobs(a)apc.org. ABOUT APC The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is an international network of civil society organisations dedicated to empowering and supporting groups and individuals working for peace, human rights, development and protection of the environment, through the strategic use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), including the internet. For more information about APC, visit: http://www.apc.org HOW TO APPLY Send a covering letter and detailed CV (as an attachment) which include the following information: . A description of your interest in working with APC in this position . Your experience related to the job requirements listed above . Where you live . A rating of the languages you speak and write . A description of your computer skills . Experience of working in networks and managing partnerships . Work experience in an international context . Online work experience . Other information you think might be of importance to our assessment of your application . Three (3) references: names, relationship and their contact details. Please send this information via email to jobs(a)apc.org with the subject line: "Africa ICT policy advocacy coordinator". Application deadline: Tuesday, 31 January 2007, 15:00 UTC Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted. Any applications received with viruses will be disqualified automatically. http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=5047031 [View Less]

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IP - the Future of Intellectual Property
by John Walubengo 13 Dec '06

13 Dec '06

For those who may want to move from IP (Internet Protocols) into Intellectual Property (another IP), check this out... http://www.re-public.gr/en/?p=93 walu. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Have a burning question? Go to www.Answers.yahoo.com and get answers from real people who know.

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Vision 2030 Discussion - Date Correction
by Judy kimiti 13 Dec '06

13 Dec '06

Dear Member, Please Note this meeting will be on 21st December, 3:00pm Jacaranda Hotel and not 21st November as earlier indicated. My apologies for this and hope to see you on the said date. Thank you Yours Faithfully Judy Kimiti ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Judy kimiti <jkimiti01(a)yahoo.co.uk> To: kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke Sent: Monday, 11 December, 2006 12:47:50 PM Subject: Vision 2030 Discussion Dear Member, We wish to invite you for a discussion and broader … [View More]

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Re: [Kictanet] Vision 2030 Discussion
by Judy kimiti 13 Dec '06

13 Dec '06

Greetings Mucheru, My apologies for that, yes it is 21st Dec, see you then Thanks and best regards Judy ----- Original Message ---- From: Joseph Mucheru <mucheru(a)wananchi.com> To: jkimiti01(a)yahoo.co.uk Sent: Tuesday, 12 December, 2006 6:19:16 AM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Vision 2030 Discussion See you then! I take it it is 21st December and not November? -- Joseph Mucheru Chief Executive mucheru(a)wananchi.com Wananchi Online Ltd Voted ISP of the Year 2006 Computer Society of … [View More]Kenya Annual Awards 30th November 2006 Panari Hotel, Nairobi Are you hosting your domain name with the leaders??: See http://webhosting.info/webhosts/tophosts/Country/KE > From: Judy kimiti <jkimiti01(a)yahoo.co.uk> > Reply-To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> > Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2006 09:47:50 +0000 (GMT) > To: <mucheru(a)wananchi.com> > Subject: [Kictanet] Vision 2030 Discussion > > Dear Member, > > We wish to invite you for a discussion and broader understanding on how we can > work together and contribute to the development of the Vision 2030. The > discussion will be VISION 2030 : Catalyzing the Vision through ICT by Mr. > Francis Mwaura, E-gov Directorate and will take place on 21st November 2006, > 3:00pm, Jacaranda Hotel at the KICTANET Monthly meeting. The presentation is > meant to give members first hand information and provide a platform for > members to give input. > > We look forward having you join us at for this presentaion and also request > that you please RSVP your attendance to the undersigned for logistics purpose. > > Thank You > > Yours Faithfully, > Judy Kimiti > KICTANET > Tel: 4453671 / 2 > > Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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/mucheru%40wananchi.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/jkimiti01%40yahoo.co.uk ___________________________________________________________ All new Yahoo! Mail "The new Interface is stunning in its simplicity and ease of use." - PC Magazine http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html [View Less]

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Vision 2030 Discussion
by Judy kimiti 12 Dec '06

12 Dec '06

Dear Member, We wish to invite you for a discussion and broader understanding on how we can work together and contribute to the development of the Vision 2030. The discussion will be VISION 2030 : Catalyzing the Vision through ICT by Mr. Francis Mwaura, E-gov Directorate and will take place on 21st November 2006, 3:00pm, Jacaranda Hotel at the KICTANET Monthly meeting. The presentation is meant to give members first hand information and provide a platform for members to give input. We look … [View More]

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ICT bill .....does it fit the bill?
by frank＠ace-media.net 11 Dec '06

11 Dec '06

I'd like to support Rebecca's point of view. A while back one lister asked to know what are the actual contents of the draft presented to the AG. Are listers in agreement with the version hosted on www.information.go.ke? Dated Feb 2006? Has the bill incorporated the recommendations by KIF and do we know that for a fact? Unless I have overlooked something, the version on information.go.ke, dated feb 06, does not expressly or comprehensively cover data protection, copyright and intellectual … [View More]property issues - issues which I think are to e-commerce (and BPO and IT Outsourcing) what spark plugs and fuel are to an automobile engine. I hear that media owners are not in agreement with the proposed restrictions on cross-ownership and ownership of newspapers by radio and TV licence holders (Ahead of an election year, coupled with an anti-media stance from various quarters in government, perhaps some more questions should be raised to this as well). Thus, to expect a bill to be passed in record time may not necessarily be an indicator of parliament's competence. The debate envisaged on issues of broadcasting will only serve to delay its enactment, to the detriment of the ICT sector. Francis Hook From: Rebecca Wanjiku <rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com> Subject: [Kictanet] eCommerce Legislation, so near and yet so far. To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Message-ID: <291576.79333.qm(a)web57710.mail.re3.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Walu, strong as it maybe, it has taken ten years, i may have used strong words but in my opinion, the government hasnt shown much commitment apart from singing how ICTs can improve our lives and you are right, some bills have been passed in record time, yet one maybe tempted to think the government is very committed, but to what extent, thats just the way i see it!! Rebecca John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Rebecca, Your comment ''...Kenya has no ICT law, doesn?t seem to care much about e-commerce whether in country or between Kenya and other countries''...may be abit on the stronger side. I believe the relevant Kenyan agencies both in Govt, Private Sector and Civil society do care and have made and continue to make effort towards a legalised eCommerce environment. The current Kenyan ICT policy does take cognisance of the significance that eCommerce has and the draft ICT Bill (2006) does make attempts to legalise this e-environment. What could be lacking is a mechanism for fast-tracking the issues i.e. escalating the time frame between Policy, Bill and Law. Indeed, the last bit - enacting law is the trickiest since it lies at the mercy of Parliamenterians (MPs)... Nevertheless, there could be interventions tailored to gain Parliamentary 'buy-in'. After all, they have been known to pass some Bills in record-time, why not the e-Bills? walu. -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ . [View Less]

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Fwd: [Stock-Detective News] Research Unit Launched
by Bill Kagai 09 Dec '06

09 Dec '06

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: info(a)circuitspackets.co.ke <info(a)circuitspackets.co.ke> Date: Dec 7, 2006 12:29 PM Subject: [Stock-Detective News] Research Unit Launched To: news(a)stock-detective.co.ke Following numerous requests by our readers for detailed analysis of various listed companies, stock-detective will now be offering our subscribers a customised package comprising price movement alerts as well as detailed analysis of the companies' performance, strategy … [View More]

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Re: [Kictanet] IS ICANN IMPORTANT?
by Florence Etta 07 Dec '06

07 Dec '06

Thanks Becky for this valuable and insightful piece. I would ask what can KICTANEt and or similar networks do about this. This is for me ois the bigger question. 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@gmail.com ----- Original Message ---- From: Rebecca Wanjiku <rebeccawanjiku(a)yahoo.com> To: feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk Sent: Tuesday, 5 … [View More]December, 2006 9:36:41 PM Subject: [Kictanet] IS ICANN IMPORTANT? PLAYING THE CATCH UP GAME- AFRICAN STYLE By Rebecca Wanjiku Paul Odhiambo is an ICT officer at the Ministry of Education in Kenya . He is used to the technical jargon and all issues relating to the information society. But attending the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) meeting is not that easy for Odhiambo. In some of the sessions, he finds himself in unfarmiliar territory. Why ? afterall he is a techie ! Because at the meetings, participants discuss about ICT laws and how they can be made responsive to people´s demands and privacies. For instance, during discussions on WHOIS, participants discuss issues on how much information should be available to the public and whether such information should be shared accross the sectors. Then there are other issues on the menu like security concerns and the usual business aspect of e-commerce. Legal issues are also discussed regarding applicable laws in case of cross country trade. For example, if importing a car from Dubai , if it’s damaged at sea and you bought it online, which courts can you seek redress? Kenyan court or Dubai . Odhiambo may find himself in unfamiliar territory because Kenya has no ICT law, doesn’t seem to care much about e-commerce whether in country or between Kenya and other countries. Odhiambo´s story is probably the story of many African participants at ICANN meetings. Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia seem to be operating on a different level compared to Africa . While the rest are discussing progressive issues, African delegates can only watch and say, we have our issues- access, and policy formulation. But for how long will Africa cling on to the problems as an excuse? Take for example the issue of access, those who were in the ICT industry will maybe confirm that some African heads have sang this song of the digital divide, lack of access and lack of money. But the leaders have gyrated and swung their hips at the prospect of development that ICT holds. Whilst the question of infrastructure and finance maybe understood, what about policy formulation, can that be understood too? Many of us stay home and wonder why ICANN meetings are important. Some may view it as a travel club or a playground for techies. While you wonder what label to give them, these guys are making policies that could affect you. What are you doing about it? Ends Rebecca Wanjiku, journalist, p.o box 33515, Nairobi.00600 Kenya. Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ Want to start your own business? Learn how on Yahoo! Small Business._______________________________________________ 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/feanywhere%40yahoo.co.uk Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com [View Less]

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KICTANets Monthly Minutes and KDN Presentation
by Judy kimiti 07 Dec '06

07 Dec '06

Dear Member, Please find attached the minutes of the Planning Meeting that took place on 9th November 2006 and the KDN Presentation by Kai Wulff . Thank You. Yours Faithfully Judy Kimiti KICTANet Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com … [View More]

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Women in ICTs in South Africa - final reports released
by A. Wanjira Munyua 04 Dec '06

04 Dec '06

A comprehensive study on the status of women in high-level ICTs in South Africa has recently been completed. A separate Manual of Possible Interventions has been produced alongside the status report - this maps out six possible programmes with a breakdown of activities and possible role players to take these actions forward. A third report shares international experiences, with particular emphasis on Finland. This has provided useful insights for consideration in addressing South Africa's … [View More]

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TAKE BACK THE TECH! Reclaiming ICTs to End Violence Against Women
by A. Wanjira Munyua 04 Dec '06

04 Dec '06

Please help disseminate. Apologies for crossposting *********************************************************** TAKE BACK THE TECH! Reclaiming ICTs to End Violence Against Women www.takebackthetech.net 25 November - 10 December *********************************************************** Day 8: Digital Storytelling be heard - tell your story --------------------------- Listen to survivors of violence against women take up multimedia technology, and tell their own powerful and transformative … [View More]stories. Digital storytelling by Silence Speaks [www.silencespeaks.org] is an initiative that makes it possible for survivors and witnesses of violence to come together in small groups, reflect on their gender training and experiences of abuse, and tell their stories in their own words, sounds and images. Few opportunities exist for survivors to tell their stories in their own words. Silence Speaks fills this gap by connecting survivors and witness of abuse with their creativity and making their voices the centerpiece of violence prevention and social justice efforts. Bearing witness to these stories moves the issue from the individual to the collective, and offers hope for ending the violence. Twelve powerful stories are showcased on Take Back The Tech!, in partnership between Silence Speaks and APC Women's Programme. Listen deeply. [www.takebackthetech.net/actions/storytelling.htm] ************* Action Day 8 ************* A study [http://www.stopvaw.org/Prevalence_of_Domestic_Violence.html] based on 50 surveys from around the world shows that at least 1 in every 3 women has been beaten, coerced into sex, or abused in her lifetime. Depressing statistics. But at the same time, think of all the women that you know. Grrls and women that you have chatted with on the bus, at some party, waiting for the elevator, at a work function, distant relatives, their partners.. There are so many survivors amongst us. 1 in every 3 women whom we come across has experienced targeted and senseless violence; and they are just. fine. We walk amongst unnamed sheroes; with stories of tenacity, courage and everyday survival. Action begins from reality. Tell your story. Use technology to amplify your voice. If the rabble is loud in its protest, if 1 in 3 women speak their case, then reality might start to look a little less ridiculous. . Go to "Talk Tech & VAW" [http://www.takebackthetech.net/talktech.htm] . Click on "Share Your Story" . Start telling yours! -- Take Back The Tech Day 8: Digital Storytelling be heard - tell your story www.takebackthetech.net _______________________________________________ Grace mailing list Grace(a)lists.apcwomen.org http://lists.apcwomen.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grace [View Less]

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Re: [Kictanet] [Fibre-for-africa] Whats i have being talking of as a public private partnership in ownership of the critical infrastructur
by Eric Osiakwan 04 Dec '06

04 Dec '06

Dear All, In my rush to attend to some emergency yesterday i did not read over so ended up with french (not good enough french for Bill to read.....:-) instead of english so please allow me to come again. Also this is being monitored on the KICTANET list so i have made an extension to them as well as to the AfrISPA list on which this is taking space. Anriette, The principle is the same however since EASSy was spanning multiple jurisdictions, it waranted multiple platforms for the … [View More]stock market activity but the Kenyan one (TEAMS) is a single domain so in my mind the question should be "would it make sense for it to trade on one exchange or the multiple approach would generate much scale in terms of the financial lifting that is expected and the activities thereoff?" In someway Brian seems to suggest a multiple approach but i have a knowledge deficit of the East African Stock markets co- operatin and how this may work. Am aware that SWOPNET in Tanzania is similar to KICTANET and iNETWORK in Uganda also has the same semblance so if KICTANET liases with those camps we could get some country info on the dynamics at play or someone from the lists could feed us with some knowledge (at least am interested in knowing.....:-) YES, it looks like a race (NOT A RAT RACE...:-) but the precedent of very low cost bandwidth and non-discriminatory practise must be a guiding light. Eric here NB: Bill, thanks for the heads up. For those who are seeing this for the first time, below is MY french version of the english rendition above so if you dont understand the french dont worry, just stick to the english and you would not have missed anything at all.....:-) On 27 Nov 2006, at 20:06, Eric M.K Osiakwan wrote: > Anriette, > > The principle is the same however since EASSy was spanning multiple > jurisdictions then it warantted multiple platforms for the stock > market activity but the Kenyan one is a single domain so in my mind > should be that would is make sense for it to trade on one exchange > or the multiple approach would generate much scale in terms of the > financial lifting the expected activities? > > YES, it looks like arade but the precedent of very low cost and non- > discriminatory practise must be a guiding light. > > Eric here > > > On 27 Nov 2006, at 22:19, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > >> Dear Eric >> >> A group of us APC people actually discussed your idea quite >> intensively a >> while ago. >> >> The one difference between what is happening here, and what you >> propose, >> is that the Kenyan initiative will involve only one stock >> exchange.... so, if the >> IPO continues, it will be listed in Kenya... as far as I know. >> >> Your proposal would have involved the 'entity' listing on multiple >> stock >> exchanges.... that would have been much more complicated. >> >> Seeing these new financial models emerge is very interesting. And >> it does >> feel a bit like a race... whose cable will light up first? Who >> will sell the >> cheapest bandwidth? Any bets? >> >> Anriette >> >> >>> Folks, >>> >>> Below is exactly what i have being chanting as a way forward in the >>> ownership of the infrastructure; The Kenya Government will have a 40 >>> per cent holding in the project, Etisalat 20% and the remaining 40% >>> will go to investors in the East African region. The Government has >>> said it will organise an IPO on the Kenyan Stock Exchange. Several >>> Kenyan companies have expressed interest and one said that the >>> Government had told them it would "guarantee their loan". The >>> details of the finance package have not yet been settled but it is >>> unclear where the Kenyan Government will raise its 40% from. Will >>> the >>> World Bank simply shift a portion of its EASSy funding to the new >>> project as many think likely? >>> >>> NB; From this week's Balancing Act, full story below for your >>> pleasure. >>> >>> Thank God the Kenya are experimenting with this approach where >>> government owns part, private sector owns part, educational >>> institutions should also own part, CSO owns part through IPO on the >>> stock market. >>> >>> The Kenya government can actually raise the 40% from government >>> bonds >>> and am not an expert on the stock market discipline of shares or >>> bonds but this is where the financial experts need to come out with >>> innovative solutions that can help raise much of this money locally >>> and it is possible. >>> >>> In the attached paper which is an output of the great work Rahul >>> Tongia did with some colleagues and little input from me, it is >>> clear >>> that we could actually wire Africa up with fiber to the most >>> population densed centres for a billion dollars whcih means if every >>> African put a dollar on the table we could wire Africa up with fiber >>> and 50 percent of that dark fiber already exist - what does that >>> mean >>> to you as an African? >>> >>> >>> You Kenyans are showing the way and even it it does not work you >>> would be know for showing us how this model is not workable and then >>> we can try another. We Africans must try new ways of doing these >>> things and make our own mistakes and find our own solutions to our >>> problems but learn to avoid the mistakes of the Americans, Europeans >>> and Asians. Thank God for this BOLD move, it is commendable. >>> >>> >>> TOP STORY: KENYA BEGINS THE COUNTDOWN TO CHEAP INTERNATIONAL FIBRE >>> ____________________________________________________________________ >>> _ >>> >>> It´s like waiting for a matatu. You wait for ages and none come >>> along. But just when you´re about to give up hope, three come along >>> at the same time, all trying to come to a screaming halt in front of >>> you. Kenya now has three (or more) potential international fibre >>> projects that could be complete within 12 months. Each one is loudly >>> proclaiming that it will deliver cheap international bandwidth. >>> Russell Southwood took the temperature in the market last week about >>> what the impact of this bandwidth will be upon the market. >>> >>> The Kenya Government has signed an MOU to build a fibre link to >>> Fujairah >>> in the UAE currently costed at Ksh5.7 billion. The construction and >>> supply contract will be awarded early next year and the project, >>> dubbed The East African Marine System (Teams), will be ready by >>> November, according to a joint statement issued by both parties from >>> Dubai. Many in the sector believe that it will be more like 19 >>> months >>> or more before completion. >>> >>> The Kenya Government will have a 40 per cent holding in the project, >>> Etisalat 20% and the remaining 40% will go to investors in the East >>> African region. The Government has said it will organise an IPO >>> on the >>> Kenyan Stock Exchange. Several Kenyan companies have expressed >>> interest and one said that the Government had told them it would >>> "guarantee their loan". The details of the finance package have >>> not yet been settled but it is unclear where the Kenyan Government >>> will raise its 40% from. Will the World Bank simply shift a >>> portion of >>> its EASSy funding to the new project as many think likely? >>> >>> The Government´s commitment to a 12 month schedule is a bold move >>> but one that must lay them open to a certain amount of >>> scepticism. The >>> tender for expressions of interest was only issued 2 weeks ago and >>> Government timetabling is notoriously slow compared to the private >>> sector. Apparently the Private Secretary has been telling interested >>> parties that the Government wants prices comparable to those to be >>> found in India in 12 months time. This benchmark has been set in >>> order >>> that Kenya will be able to compete in the international outsourcing >>> market. >>> >>> Apparently a number of interested parties said that they would >>> put up >>> all the money to build it if they could have a monopoly and he sent >>> them away disappointed. But more worryingly one interested party >>> told >>> us that it could only get involved if it also allowed Telkom >>> Kenya to >>> be a shareholder. >>> >>> The next international fibre project is KDN´s and it has now signed >>> its contract with Flag Telecom. Its link from Mombasa will terminate >>> in an undersea junction in international waters off of the Yemen. It >>> says the link will be fully operational in the first quarter of >>> 2008, >>> just 15 months away. The company believes that it will come to >>> market >>> with capacity at $500 per mbps pm but that the price of bandwidth >>> will >>> go up to those wanting to invest as time passes. In other words, for >>> those who commit early prices will be lowest and for those who >>> come in >>> late, prices will go higher. It also stresses that its landing >>> station >>> at Mombasa will allow other carriers to co-locate there charging >>> only >>> electricity and services at cost. >>> >>> So this leaves the third project EASSy looking as if it will be the >>> third runner. NEPAD appears to have made little more progress on >>> persuading more African Governments to sign its political protocol. >>> And whilst the members of the EASSy consortium (that still includes >>> KDN and Telkom Kenya) are still moving things forward, there >>> remains a >>> disconnect between the political and commercial ends of the project. >>> If both of the above projects go ahead, there is clearly much less >>> need to build the Mombasa-Djibouti section of the route and it >>> has to >>> be said that both of the above projects have better international >>> connection points. >>> >>> As if three were not enough, Ethiopia´s ETC has now had its >>> international fibre connection working effectively for two months >>> via >>> Port Sudan and Saudi Arabia. But because it is landlocked and it had >>> endless fruitless arguments with Djibouti Telecom over control of a >>> possible fibre link, it wants to find a second international fibre >>> connection. Therefore it is in serious conversations with both of >>> Kenya´s fibre network operators about connecting to the Mombasa >>> links when they are ready. If this goes ahead, both it and Kenya >>> will >>> then have two international fibre links. >>> >>> Because the process of getting the international fibre to Kenya has >>> been both confusing and "on-off", everyone in the market >>> (including customers) have understandably not really grasped the >>> impact of its arrival on their businesses. Until now ISPs and >>> satellite resellers have largely been in the businesses of living on >>> the margin they make between buying and selling bandwidth. >>> >>> These margins have been kept high as they have concentrated on >>> selling >>> to comparatively few customers. Ironically it has been a high-price, >>> low volume business where their primary commodity - bandwidth - >>> has always been in short supply, not least because some of them >>> increased their margin by contending it as much as possible. This >>> has >>> meant that bandwidth quality is often variable at best for those not >>> paying "top dollar" for a premium service. >>> >>> If you argue that international fibre prices should be low price, >>> high >>> volume, then the national business model changes: what´s sauce for >>> the goose is sauce for the gander. Bandwidth becomes cheap and >>> plentiful at a sub $1000 threshold. The margins that can then be >>> charged make it difficult for those who are not operating at >>> volume to >>> stay in business. >>> >>> However it does now open up opportunities for new services, content >>> and applications that can be sold to customers who should now be >>> paying European prices for real broadband connections (1-2 meg >>> upwards) rather than the paltry 64 kbps they are currently >>> receiving. >>> There are at least 500,000 households in Kenya that are at an income >>> level that make them potential targets for broadband. It would take >>> only half of those households to sign up for there to be the >>> beginnings of a very different market. >>> >>> The real sign that the market has not "got it" is that some key >>> ISPs are not passing on the information about these soon-to-be cheap >>> prices but are seeking to protect their high margins by telling >>> customers higher prices. A heads-up, guys. The sector is a >>> village and >>> news will get round quickly and we´ll encourage the circulation of >>> this price information. The market´s about to change, get ready to >>> change with it. >>> >>> At the national level, there is now a third source of fibre >>> capacity. >>> Jamii Telecommunications has signed an agreement with the Kenya >>> Light >>> and Power Company (KPLC) to sell an STM1´s worth of its fibre >>> capacity in Nairobi and Mombasa, with KPLC saying that it will >>> triple >>> its capacity shortly. Two other companies - CTN and Cable Vision - >>> have been granted a licence to sell KPLC´s capacity and it is >>> telling (in terms of the argument above) that both are in the video >>> download and pay-TV business. Not so far afield, Tanzanian power >>> utility TANESCO is currently building out fibre capacity and has >>> invited bids to sell this capacity. Again KDN is poised to make a >>> fibre connection to Tanzania. >>> >>> However a recent ping on the Kampala-Nairobi route shows that >>> neither >>> KDN nor Telkom Kenya has got its fibre route operational. KDN is >>> promising it will be operational by the end of first quarter 2007 >>> and >>> that prices will be 20% cheaper. >>> >>> Elsewhere in the market, the new VoIP operators are finding it >>> difficult >>> to get interconnection agreements and to get proper service from >>> interconnect service providers. Telkom Kenya is charging absurdly >>> high >>> prices but has at least reached interconnect agreements. >>> Nevertheless >>> the new fixed wireless operators - Flashcom and Popote - are >>> having difficulties: customers are unable to receive or make >>> calls to >>> certain countries. Apparently anyone who calls a customer number of >>> these fixed wireless operators from Germany gets a number >>> unobtainable. >>> >>> Access Kenya´s Yello VoIP service has been aimed at corporates and >>> has attracted 250 customers who generate 120,000 minutes a month. >>> But >>> it has had difficulty getting interconnection agreements with the >>> mobile operators. It made a complaint to regulator CCK in April and >>> became so frustrated that it said it would run an advertisement >>> publicising the position. Safaricom came back to the table but >>> Celtel >>> refuses to enter discussions, saying that it will do so in its own >>> time. >>> >>> Kenyan ISPs are under heavy pressure from all the new operators. >>> Flashcom and Popote are taking more money from data than voice at >>> the >>> moment as customers are primarily signing up for cheaper Internet >>> access. Also the introduction of EDGE services by Safaricom is >>> eating >>> into their high-end customers: one ISP´s CEO admitted privately that >>> he was losing hundreds of customers a month to these new >>> competitors. >>> The challenge for everyone in the market will be whether they can >>> take >>> the soon-to-arrive cheaper international bandwidth and use it to >>> transform the market. >>> >>> >>> Eric M.K Osiakwan >>> Executive Secretary >>> AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) >>> Tel: + 233.21.258800 >>> Fax: + 233.21.258811 >>> Cell: + 233.244.386792 >>> Handle: eosiakwan >>> Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North >>> Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North >>> Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ >>> Slang: "Tomorrow Now" >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> >> ------------------------------------------------------ >> Anriette Esterhuysen, Executive Director >> Association for Progressive Communications >> anriette(a)apc.org >> http://www.apc.org >> PO Box 29755, Melville, South Africa. 2109 >> Tel. 27 11 726 1692 >> Fax 27 11 726 1692 >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Fibre-for-africa mailing list >> Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org >> http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa >> > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > ICT Consultant and Journalist > Tel: + 233.21.258800 > Fax: + 233.21.258811 > Cell: + 233.244.386792 > Handle: eosiakwan > Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North > Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ > Slang: "Tomorrow Now" > > > _______________________________________________ > Fibre-for-africa mailing list > Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org > http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" [View Less]

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Infrastructure Financing for TEAMS through the Capital Markets
by Bill Kagai 30 Nov '06

30 Nov '06

[Summary of TEAMS financing discussion on www.stock-detective.co.ke] At a recent seminar hosted by the Nairobi Stock Exchange, options for infrastructure financing through the capital markets were comprehensively discussed by various financial experts. It is worthwhile to consider various financing options for the East African Marine System or Teams project, a fiber optic line linking Mombasa to Fujaira, in the context of various options for infrastructure financing through the capital … [View More]markets discussed at the seminar. A strong case was put forward for funding for infrastructure projects in Kenya through the NSE. Among the experts who made a pitch for the idea were NSE chairman Jimnah Mbaru, NSE CEO Chris Mwebesa, Suntra Investment Bank chairman James Murigu, and IFC Operations Officer for Financial Markets, Ndiritu Muriithi. Infrastructure financing through the capital markets is still in its infancy stages in Kenya. Yet there is a huge opportunity for companies and government agencies to raise money cheaply to build roads and power dams through bonds and shares at the Nairobi Stock Exchange given that the current government development budget stands at around Ksh. 70 billion. The cost of completing the Machakos-Limuru dual carriage section of the Mombasa-Busia highway alone is estimated to cost Ksh. 108 billion. This means that the government has to find alternative sources of funding (other than donor funding) to meet the massive shortfall in funding for infrastructure projects. The government has indicated that it will consider raising money through an IPO to finance the Teams project. It recently signed an MOU with Etisalat of Dubai to implement the Ksh. 5.7 billion project. The government will hold a 40 per cent stake in the project, Etisalat 20 per cent and the remaining 40 per cent will be offered to investors in the East African region. The government has set an ambitious date for the completion of the project by November next year. If the government proceeds with the IPO as indicated, the project is certain to generate considerable interest among investors given the potentially high returns and profits from the link once activated. But the question still begs an answer: why has infrastructure financing through the capital markets been slow to develop in Kenya even with the recent expansion of the stock market? In other words, why haven't institutions like Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Pipeline, National Housing Corporation, to mention just a few, been issuing to the public? Experts cite bureaucracy and lack of concise policy as the main bottlenecks to infrastructure financing through the domestic capital market. Mr. Muriithi is of the view that although the demand for infrastructure financing is huge, policy questions on issues like the role of the capital market in the process are not fully settled. He added that discussions are still on-going and that technical issues such as the financing structure, type of instruments and so on, were yet to be refined. He further noted that state owned enterprise have to obtain approval from Treasury to borrow money from the capital. Where such approval is not forthcoming especially considering red-tape and other internal bottlenecks, the opportunity to source funds cheaply from the investing public is squandered. Mr. Mbaru gave the example of East African Portland Cement which wanted to raise Ksh 2 billion through the capital markets to extend its line to Western Kenya and Uganda but shelved the plan after it failed to get Treasury approval. Mr. Murigu on his part argued that many SOEs went shopping abroad for financing while they could raise funds for infrastructure projects locally and at a cheaper cost. If the government is to successfully push through an IPO by mid-2007, Treasury approval will then have to come fast. Otherwise, the project could end up in the bog of red-tape as Treasury mandarins dillydally over approval. In seeking to raise financing for the project through the capital market, the government has a variety of options to consider. And critical here will be the manner in which the government structures the deal for investors. Mr. Mwebesa said of the market's ability to absorb infrastructure-backed instruments, that "if properly conceptualized and structured with detailed information on the specific infrastructure project, the capital markets will absorb the same". If the government chooses the IPO way, then it will have to create a special purpose vehicle whose shares it will then offer to the public. According to Mr. Mwebesa once such government-driven SPVs are listed in the NSE, bonds for specific infrastructure projects can then be issued by the SPV. Kenyans can then invest in such bonds through various vehicles such as pension funds, co-operative societies, insurance companies and collective investment schemes (companies or trusts created to mobilize investment funds from individuals). Pension funds are a good way of mobilizing investment in infrastructure bonds since the long-term financing needs of infrastructure projects match the long-term liability profiles of pension/retirement benefit schemes. Infrastructure or asset-backed bonds can provide income for retirees a few years down the line and are thus a viable investment option for pension fund managers. However, the law needs to be changed to facilitate such initiatives. In addition certain policy and tax incentives are needed to boost private sector participation. Mr. Mbaru proposes that income derived by investors from infrastructure-backed instruments be exempted from withholding tax to make them more attractive. He also proposes a 2-3 year grace period before interest payments to investors or alternatively the issue of zero-coupon bonds (bonds issued at a discount to the price and principal and interest paid lump-sum upon maturity) to finance such deals. There is no doubt that the Teams project can be financed through the NSE. It is up to the government to speed up the creation of an SPV as well as Treasury approval and also give investors an attractive value proposition. This is not to mention that public awareness of the viability of the Teams project and its importance to Kenya's ICT sector and the economy as a whole is very vital and a condition precedent to the success of the project. The government may also want to consider a cross-listing of the SPV once put in motion now that integration of the three stock exchanges is well under way. -- With Kind Regards, Bildad Kagai MD - Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd Content & Training Partner - JKUAT E-Government Academy Suite B2, Tetu Apartments, State House Avenue P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel. 254 20 2728332 Fax. 254 20 2726965 Cell. 254 724 226600 URL. www.circuitspackets.co.ke URL. www.JKUATEgovAcademy.ac.ke [View Less]

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Fwd: [Stock-Detective News] Investing in the Teams Project
by Bill Kagai 29 Nov '06

29 Nov '06

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: info(a)circuitspackets.co.ke <info(a)circuitspackets.co.ke> Date: Nov 29, 2006 12:01 PM Subject: [Stock-Detective News] Investing in the Teams Project To: news(a)stock-detective.co.ke Posted by Admin on www.stock-detective.co.ke Investing in the Teams Project On 6th November, 2006, the Government of Kenya through the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) advertised an 'Expression of Interest' (EOI) for a 'Lead Financial Arranger' for the … [View More]'East Africa Marine System' (TEAMS) project. The EOI further read that ICT sector growth is limited by inadequate international connectivity and over-reliance on expensive satellite connectivity. After exploring other international connectivity alternatives with no tangible results realized to date, the situation compelled the Government to consider facilitating the construction of a submarine cable system with a landing port in Mombasa to be established through a special purpose vehicle (SPV). The 'Lead Financial Arranger' is thus required to facilitate an elaborate financing mechanism for this project. On 18th November 2006, the Government announced that Telkom Kenya had signed a Sh5.7 billion pact with Etisalat of Dubai paving the way for the construction of an undersea cable linking Mombasa to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. The construction and supply contract will be awarded early next year and the project, dubbed The East African Marine System (Teams), will be ready by November, according to a joint statement issued by both parties from Dubai. Kenya will have a 40 per cent holding in the project, Etisalat 20 and the remaining will go to investors in the East African region. There is no doubt that this will be a good investment with good returns for those who invest in the Teams project. The project will also open up opportunities such as business process outsourcing and electronic commerce for other sectors such as tourism. A significant chunk of the financing is expected to be realized through the stock market making it a first where capital to finance a project is generated from the investing public. As part of our 'Intelligent Investor Series' we invite you to submit your comments by clicking on the comment button on the home page of www.stock-detective.co.ke . We would like to know your opinion on the project and the fundamentals that might compel you to put in funds in this kind of a venture. The Stock-Detective will then develop a comprehensive report that will be shared on this website. www.stock-detective.co.ke _______________________________________________ News mailing list News(a)stock-detective.co.ke http://www.stock-detective.co.ke:8080/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/news -- -- With Kind Regards, Bildad Kagai MD - Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd Content & Training Partner - JKUAT E-Government Academy Suite B2, Tetu Apartments, State House Avenue P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel. 254 20 2728332 Fax. 254 20 2726965 Cell. 254 724 226600 URL. www.circuitspackets.co.ke URL. www.JKUATEgovAcademy.ac.ke [View Less]

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Re: [Kictanet] [Fibre-for-africa] Whats i have being talking of as a public private partnership in ownership of the critical infrastructur
by Eric Osiakwan 29 Nov '06

29 Nov '06

Thanks for the feed-in, Bill. You raise a very genuine and important concern, which is how would the populace react to an IT stock which they are not familiar with given the track record of similar stocks? Was African Lakes on NSE as well or only on LSE? Eric here On 28 Nov 2006, at 15:38, Bill Kagai wrote: > > Trading in one stock exchange does not complicate matters because > institutional/foreign investors can still buy shares through the > NSE. One good thing is … [View More]

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DOT Capacity Building Training in Nairobi
by Joseph Maruti 28 Nov '06

28 Nov '06

DOT is running a youth and ICT capacity building program. See attached flyer. Those that have young friends/relatives that fit this profile and are available for the January intake should have them apply. Regards Maruti -- Joseph Maruti Country Director Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) Kenya <http://www.kenya.globalnetcorps.org> www.kenya.globalnetcorps.org <http://www.dotrust.org> www.dotrust.org p: +254 20 6751385 m: +254 725 153971 e: <mailto:jmaruti@… [View More]

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CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR ICT PROJECTS FOR FUNDING BY THE DIGITAL SOLIDARITY FUND
by alice＠apc.org 28 Nov '06

28 Nov '06

Dear All, This was advertised on the papers, but for those who did not see it, here goes! best regards alice -------------------------------------- CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR ICT PROJECTS FOR FUNDING BY THE DIGITAL SOLIDARITY FUND The Global Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF) is a financing foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland. The objective of the fund is to transform the digital divide into digital opportunities to promote peace, sustainable development, democracy, transparency … [View More]and good governance. The Government of Kenya, through the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), is one of DSF’s founding members. .DSF PROJECTS: As a financing foundation, DSF does not establish large infrastructure, but subsidizes community-based projects, within the framework of a given national policy with a view to creating new activities, new jobs and, in the long term, new markets. The DSF works in partnership with institutions and programmes, thus capitalizing on their networks and know how in responding to local development needs pertaining to the ICT sector. Based on clearly defined criteria, the DSF supports three main areas of activity: i. Education, professional training and health ii. ICT support services to local administration iii. Creation of new activities, new employment, new revenue and new markets The DSF, through the CCK, is inviting interested organizations to submit ICT related project proposals, for funding consideration. To be eligible for DSF funding, the projects must: i. aim at developing good use of ICTs within local communities excluded from information and communication networks; ii. be a community development project making use of information technology, amounting to less than 500,000 euros, over one or several years, in the framework of Kenya’s national policy and addressing the insolvent demand; iii. be adapted to the real needs of the population and conditions in the field, respectful to local know-how and readily replicable in other communities. iv. be based on public sector/private sector/civil society partnerships, ensure traceability of its financial backing and benefit from at least one other source of financing. v. Target in priority women’s associations or groups with groups with specific needs (youth, people with disabilities, etc) ; vi. involve south-south cooperation; vii. Not entail the acquisition or creation of large and expensive infrastructures; viii. Operate and be supervised by recognized organizations in the field of development management; ix. Already have been subject to a feasibility study evaluating the project’s risks and opportunities; x. Develop local content to meet the needs of local populations; xi. Make use, when possible, of micro-credit strategies in order to promote local entrepreneurial spirit; Interested organizations with projects that meet the specified requirements are invited to download the DSF application forms from the CCK website www.cck.go.ke or collect the forms from the Competition, Tariffs and Market Analysis (CTMA) Division of the Commission on weekdays during official working hours. . Duly completed forms should be submitted together with the relevant documents in a plain sealed envelope, clearly marked – ‘ICT Project Proposal for DSF Funding’ – through the address below or placed in the Tender Box situated on the ground floor of the CCK Headquarter building so as to reach on or before 30th November 2006. The Commission will subsequently forward the proposals to the Digital Solidarity Fund for consideration. DSF will contact the selected firms directly. The Director-General Communications Commission of Kenya P.O. Box 14448 Nairobi 00800 Tel: +254 20 4242000 Fax: +254 20 4451866 Email: info(a)cck.go.ke For more details about DSF please visit their website: www.digital-solidarity.org A. Wanjira Munyua National Coordinator, Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA) Association for Progressive Communications (APC) alice(a)apc.org http://www.apc.org http://www.catia.ws [View Less]

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Re: [Kictanet] [Fibre-for-africa] Whats i have being talking of as a public private partnership in ownership of the critical infrastructur
by Bill Kagai 28 Nov '06

28 Nov '06

Trading in one stock exchange does not complicate matters because institutional/foreign investors can still buy shares through the NSE. One good thing is that the NSE is the dominant exchange in EA with 51 listed companies and 3 or so cross listed in Dar and Kampala. Kampala has only 8 quoted companies and about a similar number in Dar which will soon be trading under one exchange in a couple of years. The other interesting challenge will be how the stock is embraced considering that the only … [View More]

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Fw: [Fibre-for-africa] Whats i have being talking of as a publicprivate partnership in ownership of the critical infrastructur
by alice＠apc.org 27 Nov '06

27 Nov '06

Hi all, Interesting discussions on the APC EASSY list see below. For those not subscribed to this list and would like to participate in the ongoing discussions please let me know best regards alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Anriette Esterhuysen" <anriette(a)apc.org> To: "APC - Private list for use by EASSY Workshop Participants" <fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org> Sent: Monday, November 27, 2006 10:19 PM Subject: Re: [Fibre-for-africa] Whats i have being talking of … [View More]as a publicprivate partnership in ownership of the critical infrastructur Dear Eric A group of us APC people actually discussed your idea quite intensively a while ago. The one difference between what is happening here, and what you propose, is that the Kenyan initiative will involve only one stock exchange.... so, if the IPO continues, it will be listed in Kenya... as far as I know. Your proposal would have involved the 'entity' listing on multiple stock exchanges.... that would have been much more complicated. Seeing these new financial models emerge is very interesting. And it does feel a bit like a race... whose cable will light up first? Who will sell the cheapest bandwidth? Any bets? Anriette > Folks, > > Below is exactly what i have being chanting as a way forward in the > ownership of the infrastructure; The Kenya Government will have a 40 > per cent holding in the project, Etisalat 20% and the remaining 40% > will go to investors in the East African region. The Government has > said it will organise an IPO on the Kenyan Stock Exchange. Several > Kenyan companies have expressed interest and one said that the > Government had told them it would "guarantee their loan". The > details of the finance package have not yet been settled but it is > unclear where the Kenyan Government will raise its 40% from. Will the > World Bank simply shift a portion of its EASSy funding to the new > project as many think likely? > > NB; From this week's Balancing Act, full story below for your > pleasure. > > Thank God the Kenya are experimenting with this approach where > government owns part, private sector owns part, educational > institutions should also own part, CSO owns part through IPO on the > stock market. > > The Kenya government can actually raise the 40% from government bonds > and am not an expert on the stock market discipline of shares or > bonds but this is where the financial experts need to come out with > innovative solutions that can help raise much of this money locally > and it is possible. > > In the attached paper which is an output of the great work Rahul > Tongia did with some colleagues and little input from me, it is clear > that we could actually wire Africa up with fiber to the most > population densed centres for a billion dollars whcih means if every > African put a dollar on the table we could wire Africa up with fiber > and 50 percent of that dark fiber already exist - what does that mean > to you as an African? > > > You Kenyans are showing the way and even it it does not work you > would be know for showing us how this model is not workable and then > we can try another. We Africans must try new ways of doing these > things and make our own mistakes and find our own solutions to our > problems but learn to avoid the mistakes of the Americans, Europeans > and Asians. Thank God for this BOLD move, it is commendable. > > > TOP STORY: KENYA BEGINS THE COUNTDOWN TO CHEAP INTERNATIONAL FIBRE > _____________________________________________________________________ > > It´s like waiting for a matatu. You wait for ages and none come > along. But just when you´re about to give up hope, three come along > at the same time, all trying to come to a screaming halt in front of > you. Kenya now has three (or more) potential international fibre > projects that could be complete within 12 months. Each one is loudly > proclaiming that it will deliver cheap international bandwidth. > Russell Southwood took the temperature in the market last week about > what the impact of this bandwidth will be upon the market. > > The Kenya Government has signed an MOU to build a fibre link to > Fujairah > in the UAE currently costed at Ksh5.7 billion. The construction and > supply contract will be awarded early next year and the project, > dubbed The East African Marine System (Teams), will be ready by > November, according to a joint statement issued by both parties from > Dubai. Many in the sector believe that it will be more like 19 months > or more before completion. > > The Kenya Government will have a 40 per cent holding in the project, > Etisalat 20% and the remaining 40% will go to investors in the East > African region. The Government has said it will organise an IPO on the > Kenyan Stock Exchange. Several Kenyan companies have expressed > interest and one said that the Government had told them it would > "guarantee their loan". The details of the finance package have > not yet been settled but it is unclear where the Kenyan Government > will raise its 40% from. Will the World Bank simply shift a portion of > its EASSy funding to the new project as many think likely? > > The Government´s commitment to a 12 month schedule is a bold move > but one that must lay them open to a certain amount of scepticism. The > tender for expressions of interest was only issued 2 weeks ago and > Government timetabling is notoriously slow compared to the private > sector. Apparently the Private Secretary has been telling interested > parties that the Government wants prices comparable to those to be > found in India in 12 months time. This benchmark has been set in order > that Kenya will be able to compete in the international outsourcing > market. > > Apparently a number of interested parties said that they would put up > all the money to build it if they could have a monopoly and he sent > them away disappointed. But more worryingly one interested party told > us that it could only get involved if it also allowed Telkom Kenya to > be a shareholder. > > The next international fibre project is KDN´s and it has now signed > its contract with Flag Telecom. Its link from Mombasa will terminate > in an undersea junction in international waters off of the Yemen. It > says the link will be fully operational in the first quarter of 2008, > just 15 months away. The company believes that it will come to market > with capacity at $500 per mbps pm but that the price of bandwidth will > go up to those wanting to invest as time passes. In other words, for > those who commit early prices will be lowest and for those who come in > late, prices will go higher. It also stresses that its landing station > at Mombasa will allow other carriers to co-locate there charging only > electricity and services at cost. > > So this leaves the third project EASSy looking as if it will be the > third runner. NEPAD appears to have made little more progress on > persuading more African Governments to sign its political protocol. > And whilst the members of the EASSy consortium (that still includes > KDN and Telkom Kenya) are still moving things forward, there remains a > disconnect between the political and commercial ends of the project. > If both of the above projects go ahead, there is clearly much less > need to build the Mombasa-Djibouti section of the route and it has to > be said that both of the above projects have better international > connection points. > > As if three were not enough, Ethiopia´s ETC has now had its > international fibre connection working effectively for two months via > Port Sudan and Saudi Arabia. But because it is landlocked and it had > endless fruitless arguments with Djibouti Telecom over control of a > possible fibre link, it wants to find a second international fibre > connection. Therefore it is in serious conversations with both of > Kenya´s fibre network operators about connecting to the Mombasa > links when they are ready. If this goes ahead, both it and Kenya will > then have two international fibre links. > > Because the process of getting the international fibre to Kenya has > been both confusing and "on-off", everyone in the market > (including customers) have understandably not really grasped the > impact of its arrival on their businesses. Until now ISPs and > satellite resellers have largely been in the businesses of living on > the margin they make between buying and selling bandwidth. > > These margins have been kept high as they have concentrated on selling > to comparatively few customers. Ironically it has been a high-price, > low volume business where their primary commodity - bandwidth - > has always been in short supply, not least because some of them > increased their margin by contending it as much as possible. This has > meant that bandwidth quality is often variable at best for those not > paying "top dollar" for a premium service. > > If you argue that international fibre prices should be low price, high > volume, then the national business model changes: what´s sauce for > the goose is sauce for the gander. Bandwidth becomes cheap and > plentiful at a sub $1000 threshold. The margins that can then be > charged make it difficult for those who are not operating at volume to > stay in business. > > However it does now open up opportunities for new services, content > and applications that can be sold to customers who should now be > paying European prices for real broadband connections (1-2 meg > upwards) rather than the paltry 64 kbps they are currently receiving. > There are at least 500,000 households in Kenya that are at an income > level that make them potential targets for broadband. It would take > only half of those households to sign up for there to be the > beginnings of a very different market. > > The real sign that the market has not "got it" is that some key > ISPs are not passing on the information about these soon-to-be cheap > prices but are seeking to protect their high margins by telling > customers higher prices. A heads-up, guys. The sector is a village and > news will get round quickly and we´ll encourage the circulation of > this price information. The market´s about to change, get ready to > change with it. > > At the national level, there is now a third source of fibre capacity. > Jamii Telecommunications has signed an agreement with the Kenya Light > and Power Company (KPLC) to sell an STM1´s worth of its fibre > capacity in Nairobi and Mombasa, with KPLC saying that it will triple > its capacity shortly. Two other companies - CTN and Cable Vision - > have been granted a licence to sell KPLC´s capacity and it is > telling (in terms of the argument above) that both are in the video > download and pay-TV business. Not so far afield, Tanzanian power > utility TANESCO is currently building out fibre capacity and has > invited bids to sell this capacity. Again KDN is poised to make a > fibre connection to Tanzania. > > However a recent ping on the Kampala-Nairobi route shows that neither > KDN nor Telkom Kenya has got its fibre route operational. KDN is > promising it will be operational by the end of first quarter 2007 and > that prices will be 20% cheaper. > > Elsewhere in the market, the new VoIP operators are finding it > difficult > to get interconnection agreements and to get proper service from > interconnect service providers. Telkom Kenya is charging absurdly high > prices but has at least reached interconnect agreements. Nevertheless > the new fixed wireless operators - Flashcom and Popote - are > having difficulties: customers are unable to receive or make calls to > certain countries. Apparently anyone who calls a customer number of > these fixed wireless operators from Germany gets a number > unobtainable. > > Access Kenya´s Yello VoIP service has been aimed at corporates and > has attracted 250 customers who generate 120,000 minutes a month. But > it has had difficulty getting interconnection agreements with the > mobile operators. It made a complaint to regulator CCK in April and > became so frustrated that it said it would run an advertisement > publicising the position. Safaricom came back to the table but Celtel > refuses to enter discussions, saying that it will do so in its own > time. > > Kenyan ISPs are under heavy pressure from all the new operators. > Flashcom and Popote are taking more money from data than voice at the > moment as customers are primarily signing up for cheaper Internet > access. Also the introduction of EDGE services by Safaricom is eating > into their high-end customers: one ISP´s CEO admitted privately that > he was losing hundreds of customers a month to these new competitors. > The challenge for everyone in the market will be whether they can take > the soon-to-arrive cheaper international bandwidth and use it to > transform the market. > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Executive Secretary > AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) > Tel: + 233.21.258800 > Fax: + 233.21.258811 > Cell: + 233.244.386792 > Handle: eosiakwan > Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North > Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ > Slang: "Tomorrow Now" > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------ Anriette Esterhuysen, Executive Director Association for Progressive Communications anriette(a)apc.org http://www.apc.org PO Box 29755, Melville, South Africa. 2109 Tel. 27 11 726 1692 Fax 27 11 726 1692 _______________________________________________ Fibre-for-africa mailing list Fibre-for-africa(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fibre-for-africa [View Less]

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Call for Participation: AITEC's Wireless Broadband Africa conference 29Nov-1Dec 2006 Hilton Hotel
by alice＠apc.org 27 Nov '06

27 Nov '06

Dear KICTAnet members KICTAnet member, AITEC Kenya has made available some spaces for KICTAnet's participation at the wireless broadband conference taking place at the Hilton Hotel in Nairobi from 29th November to 1st December 2006. The theme of the conference is "Technologies and strategies to evolve optimised networks" and brings together world leading experts on wireless technologies to share their knowledge and expertise with ICT professionals. . The conference aims at updating … [View More]

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ITU IG Resolution
by alice＠apc.org 24 Nov '06

24 Nov '06

For those who follow the ITU processes. Find attached the Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-06) Antalya, 6-24 November 2006 resolution Analysis of the text needed! best alice

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Free delegate spaces for Kictanet members at AITEC Conferences
by Sean Moroney 23 Nov '06

23 Nov '06

Hi Alice, Following our meeting today, I'm pleased to confirm our agreement to provide up to 20 free delegate spaces at all AITEC conferences in Kenya for KICTAnet members from NGOs, development projects, other non-profit organisations and academia. Members who wish to apply for these places should do so through the KICTAnet secretariat and then you send us a list of the nominated delegates 48 hours before the start of the conference. This should be sent to Grace Gathoni in our Kenya office.… [View More]

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CALL FOR RESEARCHERS: "SAT-3/WASC Cable Research Project: Country Case Studies
by alice＠apc.org 22 Nov '06

22 Nov '06

Apologies for cross-posting. Please forward to suitable candidates in your contact list. CALL FOR RESEARCHERS: "SAT-3/WASC Cable Research Project: Country Case Studies" The Association for Progressive Communications is currently looking to engage four ICT policy researchers to conduct detailed country studies of the SAT-3/WASC submarine cable in the following countries: Angola, Cameroon, Ghana, and Senegal. The specific context of the research will be on the areas that Open Access (as … [View More]

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Ethiopia on International Optical Fibre!!!!!
by Brian Longwe 21 Nov '06

21 Nov '06

Hi all, You may not believe this but I am sitting in Addis right now and seeing latency of 120ms on a ping to BBC in the UK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Apparently the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) did a deal with Sudan to get access by extending the national fibre optic between two towns close to the border. Interestingly enough this came about after another project to link Ethiopia via Eritrea stalled due to cross-border negotiations. At an estimated project cost of approx US$… [View More]

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KENYA BEGINS THE COUNTDOWN TO CHEAP INTERNATIONAL FIBRE
by alice＠apc.org 20 Nov '06

20 Nov '06

TOP STORY: KENYA BEGINS THE COUNTDOWN TO CHEAP INTERNATIONAL FIBRE from Balancing Act _____________________________________________________________________ It’s like waiting for a matatu. You wait for ages and none come along. But just when you’re about to give up hope, three come along at the same time, all trying to come to a screaming halt in front of you. Kenya now has three (or more) potential international fibre projects that could be complete within 12 months. Each one is loudly … [View More]proclaiming that it will deliver cheap international bandwidth. Russell Southwood took the temperature in the market last week about what the impact of this bandwidth will be upon the market. The Kenya Government has signed an MOU to build a fibre link to Fujairah in the UAE currently costed at Ksh5.7 billion. The construction and supply contract will be awarded early next year and the project, dubbed The East African Marine System (Teams), will be ready by November, according to a joint statement issued by both parties from Dubai. Many in the sector believe that it will be more like 19 months or more before completion. The Kenya Government will have a 40 per cent holding in the project, Etisalat 20% and the remaining 40% will go to investors in the East African region. The Government has said it will organise an IPO on the Kenyan Stock Exchange. Several Kenyan companies have expressed interest and one said that the Government had told them it would “guarantee their loan”. The details of the finance package have not yet been settled but it is unclear where the Kenyan Government will raise its 40% from. Will the World Bank simply shift a portion of its EASSy funding to the new project as many think likely? The Government’s commitment to a 12 month schedule is a bold move but one that must lay them open to a certain amount of scepticism. The tender for expressions of interest was only issued 2 weeks ago and Government timetabling is notoriously slow compared to the private sector. Apparently the Private Secretary has been telling interested parties that the Government wants prices comparable to those to be found in India in 12 months time. This benchmark has been set in order that Kenya will be able to compete in the international outsourcing market. Apparently a number of interested parties said that they would put up all the money to build it if they could have a monopoly and he sent them away disappointed. But more worryingly one interested party told us that it could only get involved if it also allowed Telkom Kenya to be a shareholder. The next international fibre project is KDN’s and it has now signed its contract with Flag Telecom. Its link from Mombasa will terminate in an undersea junction in international waters off of the Yemen. It says the link will be fully operational in the first quarter of 2008, just 15 months away. The company believes that it will come to market with capacity at $500 per mbps pm but that the price of bandwidth will go up to those wanting to invest as time passes. In other words, for those who commit early prices will be lowest and for those who come in late, prices will go higher. It also stresses that its landing station at Mombasa will allow other carriers to co-locate there charging only electricity and services at cost. So this leaves the third project EASSy looking as if it will be the third runner. NEPAD appears to have made little more progress on persuading more African Governments to sign its political protocol. And whilst the members of the EASSy consortium (that still includes KDN and Telkom Kenya) are still moving things forward, there remains a disconnect between the political and commercial ends of the project. If both of the above projects go ahead, there is clearly much less need to build the Mombasa-Djibouti section of the route and it has to be said that both of the above projects have better international connection points. As if three were not enough, Ethiopia’s ETC has now had its international fibre connection working effectively for two months via Port Sudan and Saudi Arabia. But because it is landlocked and it had endless fruitless arguments with Djibouti Telecom over control of a possible fibre link, it wants to find a second international fibre connection. Therefore it is in serious conversations with both of Kenya’s fibre network operators about connecting to the Mombasa links when they are ready. If this goes ahead, both it and Kenya will then have two international fibre links. Because the process of getting the international fibre to Kenya has been both confusing and “on-off”, everyone in the market (including customers) have understandably not really grasped the impact of its arrival on their businesses. Until now ISPs and satellite resellers have largely been in the businesses of living on the margin they make between buying and selling bandwidth. These margins have been kept high as they have concentrated on selling to comparatively few customers. Ironically it has been a high-price, low volume business where their primary commodity – bandwidth – has always been in short supply, not least because some of them increased their margin by contending it as much as possible. This has meant that bandwidth quality is often variable at best for those not paying “top dollar” for a premium service. If you argue that international fibre prices should be low price, high volume, then the national business model changes: what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. Bandwidth becomes cheap and plentiful at a sub $1000 threshold. The margins that can then be charged make it difficult for those who are not operating at volume to stay in business. However it does now open up opportunities for new services, content and applications that can be sold to customers who should now be paying European prices for real broadband connections (1-2 meg upwards) rather than the paltry 64 kbps they are currently receiving. There are at least 500,000 households in Kenya that are at an income level that make them potential targets for broadband. It would take only half of those households to sign up for there to be the beginnings of a very different market. The real sign that the market has not “got it” is that some key ISPs are not passing on the information about these soon-to-be cheap prices but are seeking to protect their high margins by telling customers higher prices. A heads-up, guys. The sector is a village and news will get round quickly and we’ll encourage the circulation of this price information. The market’s about to change, get ready to change with it. At the national level, there is now a third source of fibre capacity. Jamii Telecommunications has signed an agreement with the Kenya Light and Power Company (KPLC) to sell an STM1’s worth of its fibre capacity in Nairobi and Mombasa, with KPLC saying that it will triple its capacity shortly. Two other companies – CTN and Cable Vision – have been granted a licence to sell KPLC’s capacity and it is telling (in terms of the argument above) that both are in the video download and pay-TV business. Not so far afield, Tanzanian power utility TANESCO is currently building out fibre capacity and has invited bids to sell this capacity. Again KDN is poised to make a fibre connection to Tanzania. However a recent ping on the Kampala-Nairobi route shows that neither KDN nor Telkom Kenya has got its fibre route operational. KDN is promising it will be operational by the end of first quarter 2007 and that prices will be 20% cheaper. Elsewhere in the market, the new VoIP operators are finding it difficult to get interconnection agreements and to get proper service from interconnect service providers. Telkom Kenya is charging absurdly high prices but has at least reached interconnect agreements. Nevertheless the new fixed wireless operators – Flashcom and Popote – are having difficulties: customers are unable to receive or make calls to certain countries. Apparently anyone who calls a customer number of these fixed wireless operators from Germany gets a number unobtainable. Access Kenya’s Yello VoIP service has been aimed at corporates and has attracted 250 customers who generate 120,000 minutes a month. But it has had difficulty getting interconnection agreements with the mobile operators. It made a complaint to regulator CCK in April and became so frustrated that it said it would run an advertisement publicising the position. Safaricom came back to the table but Celtel refuses to enter discussions, saying that it will do so in its own time. Kenyan ISPs are under heavy pressure from all the new operators. Flashcom and Popote are taking more money from data than voice at the moment as customers are primarily signing up for cheaper Internet access. Also the introduction of EDGE services by Safaricom is eating into their high-end customers: one ISP’s CEO admitted privately that he was losing hundreds of customers a month to these new competitors. The challenge for everyone in the market will be whether they can take the soon-to-arrive cheaper international bandwidth and use it to transform the market. ____________________________________________________________________ [View Less]

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ITU appoints first African Secretary General ....
by alice＠apc.org 15 Nov '06

15 Nov '06

Dear all http://allafrica.com/stories/200611130952.html An African, Mali's Hamadoun Toure, Friday became the new Secretary-General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) after polling 95 votes over Germany's Mr. Mathias Kurth, who got 60 votes for the exalted position. Member states of the ITU elected Mr Touré of Mali as Secretary-General for a four-year term. The election took place in Antalya, Turkey during the 17th ITU Plenipotentiary Conference. -------------------------… [View More]------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Francis and all I also congratulate Mr Touré for his election as Secretary general of ITU, and I'm happy for my African friends for them to have one of theirs at the head of this oldest UN Agency. However I'd be less enthusiastic as Francis for at least three reasons : - Mr Touré was the Director of the Development Bureau of ITU (ITU-D) during eight years, and during his mandate most of the insiders and observers admit that telecom development in Africa has got more "asymmetric" than ever. Whereas the mobile "market" grew substantially, especially in large metropolitan areas, managing even new generation wireless (so called 3G wireless) services to be deployed in these privileged areas, the villages and largest country areas of the continent still are waiting for their hypothetical connection to the ICT/telecom network. What’s more, some African countries have even declined in terms of telecom services to their population ( Central African Republic, DR Congo, etc) during these years. At last, the pan-African network Panaftel, established in the eighties for interconnecting African countries, steadily declined as did most of the fixed terrestrial networks in a large number of African countries. - Instead of network development, the priority of ITU-D during Mr Touré’s mandate was telecom sector “reform”, i.e. deregulation following –and in some cases even exceeding- the Worldbank credo and demand. So far this “sector reform” didn’t prove its efficiency. Moreover, it left some African countries in a more critical situation and demonstrated large collapses (Guinea, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, …). Who will ever try to appraise the huge amount of money lost in this process ? - As far as recent African network development is concerned, ITU is remarkably absent from both the design devising and the decision making processes. This is largely demonstrated in the SAT-3/WASC sub-marine cable, the EASSy project, Infinity project, EADTS, etc, but also in major countries’ ICT/telecoms Master Plans design (Cameroon, DR Congo, …). Here is the true place for ITU-D for proving its commitment and its competence for actual African telecoms development. Should I add that during the entire WSIS process, ITU wasn’t very “SC friendly” and failed to keep the leadership in large debates on how to bridge actually the digital divide and how to finance this profound injustice. Therefore; let’s keep cool and let the new SG take the most urgent and still awaited decisions such as real and concrete actions on bridging the “digital divide” ; more than twenty years after the Maitland’s Report it is highest time to awake in the (ITU) “ tower” ! And second, let the new SG take the appropriate decisions as soon as possible on an actual CS inclusive ITU, especially in the view of implementing the WSIS Action plan objectives and its follow-up on a real muliti-stakeholder basis. For both these issues, I simply recall the three proposals CSDPTT submitted to the ITU Council in January (in the view of the Plenipotentiary Conference), without any reaction nor response of ITU-D since then despite it was in the very centre of these proposals. Best Jean-Louis Fullsack CSDPTT - France > Message du 13/11/06 20:08 > De : "Dr. Francis MUGUET" > A : plenary(a)wsis-cs.org > Copie à : > Objet : [WSIS CS-Plenary] Mali's Hamadoun Toure, new Secretary-General of > the ITU > > [Please note that by using 'REPLY', your response goes to the entire list. > Kindly use individual addresses for responses intended for specific > people] > > Click http://wsis.funredes.org/plenary/ to access automatic translation of > this message! > _______________________________________ > > Dear friends > > ( un msg en français suit ) > > Since this excellent piece of news has not been seemingly posted > on the plenary list. > Congratulatiions to first African Secretary-General of the ITU, > who, coincidence or fate, belongs to the same country > as Adama Samassékou to whom WSIS Civil Society owes so much. > > --------------------- > http://allafrica.com/stories/200611130952.html > > An African, Mali's Hamadoun Toure, Friday became the new > Secretary-General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) > after polling 95 votes over Germany's Mr. Mathias Kurth, who got 60 > votes for the exalted position. > > Member states of the ITU elected Mr Touré of Mali as Secretary-General > for a four-year term. The election took place in Antalya, Turkey during > the 17th ITU Plenipotentiary Conference. Mr Touré won the position with > 95 votes with 155 countries present and voting, and thus the required > majority for election was 78 votes. > > The majority emerged in the third round of voting, with Mr Mathias Kurth > of Germany receiving 60 votes. > > The election showed the deft diplomacy of Toure who had come to the ITU > conference last year in Abuja with one message from the Malian > government: "To support the country to run for the highest position at > the ITU." Every country-delegate present pledged to support Mali, and by > implication, Toure. But that development effectively killed the spirit > of every person who would have been eyeing that position and vouchsafed > it for Toure. Last weekend, he triumphed. > > Addressing the Conference after the results of the vote, Mr Touré told > the 1500 delegates from around the world that he would work with > transparency, objectivity and vigour to realize the two main objectives > that were central to his campaign: to eliminate the digital divide and > to ensure that cyberspace would become more secure. He said, "The > Millennium Development Goals that were endorsed by all the world's > leaders as well as the WSIS resolutions are the ingredients we need to > get down to work." > > Mr Hamadoun Touré holds a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from > the Technical Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications of > Leningrad and Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) from the University of > Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics of Moscow. After six > years at the Office des Postes et Télécommunications du Mali (OPT) Mali, > he joined Intelsat as Group Director & Regional Director in 1985 until > he became Director-General, Africa, of ICO Global Communications in > 1996. Elected Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau in > 1998, he was elected for a second term in 2002. > > In the election, Houlin Zhao of China was elected Deputy > Secretary-General in the first round with 93 votes. Carlos SÃ¡nchez of > Spain obtained 34 votes while T. Ayhan Beydoan of Turkey received 28. > John Ray Kwabena Tandoh of Ghana had announced the withdrawal of his > candidature prior to the start of the election. > > Thanking the members and, in particular, the People's Republic of China, > for placing their confidence in him, Houlin Zhao remarked that the post > of Deputy Secretary-General holds a strategic importance in the Union. > He said that he would do his best to assist the Secretary-General elect > and the three Directors as well as the membership to make ITU a more > dynamic organization that would contribute to the emerging global > Information Society. As outgoing Director of TSB, he said he was > confident that "ITU-T will meet the future challenges of ICT > standardization this century." > > Graduated from Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China > in 1975, Mr Zhao received a Master degree of Science in telematics, > University of Essex (United Kingdom) in 1985. From 1975 to 1986, he held > various engineering positions at Ministry of Posts and > Telecommunications, China. In 1986, he joined ITU as a staff member of > the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB) until his election as > Director of the TSB in 1998. He was re-elected in his position at the > 2002 Marrakesh Plenipotentiary Conference. > > Outgoing Secretary-General Yoshio Utsumi leaves behind him a more > efficient and effective organization, offering a wider portfolio of more > relevant services that led to a 19 per cent increase in private sector > membership and a recommitment of the private sector to the work of ITU. > His tenure was characterized by efficiency measures that led to savings > equivalent to CHF 75 million out of a total budget of CHF 335 million on > average per biennium as well as the introduction of operational > planning, results-based budgeting and time-tracking across the > organization, resulting in a substantial overhaul of the organization. > Along with cost recovery, these measures created new sources of revenue > that led to a reduction in the contributions to be paid by members, > despite growing demands and cost increases. > > From a strategic perspective, Mr Utsumi successfully refocused ITU as a > policy-oriented organization by introducing new issues to ensure its > continuing relevance, with the successful organization of the World > Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) which provides a common > understanding and vision as well as a clear roadmap to building the > Information Society by 2015. He also strengthened the role of ITU in the > coordination of policy issues among Member States. Through this process, > ITU has asserted its leading role in the broader domain of the > Information Society. > > > > -- > > ------------------------------------------------------ > Francis F. MUGUET Ph.D > > MDPI Foundation Open Access Journals > Associate Publisher > http://www.mdpi.org http://www.mdpi.net > muguet(a)mdpi.org muguet(a)mdpi.net > > ENSTA Paris, France > KNIS lab. Director > "Knowledge Networks & Information Society" (KNIS) > muguet(a)ensta.fr http://www.ensta.fr/~muguet > > World Summit On the Information Society (WSIS) > Civil Society Working Groups > Scientific Information : http://www.wsis-si.org chair > Patents & Copyrights : http://www.wsis-pct.org co-chair > Financing Mechanismns : http://www.wsis-finance.org web > > UNMSP project : http://www.unmsp.org > WTIS initiative: http://www.wtis.org > ------------------------------------------------------ > _______________________________________________ > Plenary mailing list > Plenary(a)wsis-cs.org > http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/plenary > [View Less]

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Re: [Kictanet] [Fibre-for-africa] Re: [AfrISPA.Discuss] Ethiopia on Internatio nal Optical Fibre!!!!!
by Brian Longwe 13 Nov '06

13 Nov '06

On Nov 13, 2006, at 4:30 PM, Mark J Elkins wrote: > Brian Longwe wrote: >> Hi all, >> >> You may not believe this but I am sitting in Addis right now and >> seeing latency of 120ms on a ping to BBC in the UK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! > How about a Traceroute? Traceroute from Germany to Ethiopia Traceroute www.inka.de -> 213.55.93.57 traceroute to 213.55.93.57 (213.55.93.57), 30 hops max, 40 byte packets 1 fe2-gw-user.z2.cix.ka-ip.net (193.197.184.18) 0.723 … [View More]

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Final Reminder - JKUAT IT SECURITY CERTIFICATE
by Bill Kagai 13 Nov '06

13 Nov '06

JKUAT CERTIFICATE IN IT SECURITY ETHICAL HACKING: SECURITY VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT, DETECTION AND PREVENTION – 20th November – 1st December 2006 [Full-Time - 8.30am to 5.00pm] VENUE JKUAT e-Government Academy- Juja Campus http://www.jkuategovacademy.ac.ke/itsecurity COURSE CONTENT This is a unique, authoritative, high-value, hands-on practical course which will provide participants with essential understanding of the tools, methodologies and vulnerabilities that hackers/intruders could … [View More]employ to exploit the IT systems of their organisations. Most organisations now realise that in order to defend themselves against the threat of attack by hackers, crackers, and indeed any individual intent on causing disruption to their IT systems, IT staff must have an informed and current understanding of the present-day methodologies, tools, and vulnerabilities which allow these exploits to happen. This Ethical Hacking course is designed to educate IT professionals in order to allow them to defend systems against hacking attacks. During this course, participants will learn about the hacker mindset and become familiar with the tools and methodologies that are used to attack systems. Using state-of-the-art classroom setups, delegates work with LINUX/UNIX and Windows systems, and associated server software. A wide range of hacking tools and security auditing tools are used during the course. COURSE OBJECTIVES This course fulfils two vital objectives for anyone working in IT systems administration, IT security or IT support roles: 1.The course builds a strong awareness of the wide range of risks and threats now faced even by organisations which believe they have strong security solutions in place. 2.The course provides delegates with a solid understanding of the control measures that need to be put in place in order to limit an organisation's vulnerabilities and risk of attack. By the end of this course, the participant will have learnt about: -The tools, techniques and methodologies employed by hackers in a dedicated lab environment. -How hackers can collect and assimilate information about an organisation's infrastructure whilst avoiding detection. -How information may be used to assess your IT systems' weaknesses and subsequently launch an attack against target systems. -The techniques that are typically used to gain access into a system. -The types of tools that are used to elevate access on a system. -The techniques used by hackers to conceal their tracks and the methods via which access to a target system may be maintained. -The limitations of security firewall systems and the tools used to bypass them. -How hackers bypass Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). -Measures that you can employ to secure and protect information against hacker attacks. COURSE SPECIAL FEATURES -Targeted Tracks: You will benefit from the expertise of industry front-runners, learn from real-world case studies and leave with everything you need to know to safeguard your wireless networks and devices -Tangible Take-Aways will be given to you including useful documents, guidelines and checklists that you can use as a springboard to your own initiatives. -Optimum networking opportunities are available through breaks, receptions, and luncheons. You will have the opportunity to talk shop with information security professionals and you will return to the office with new ideas and fresh contacts. -Transport (From KICC in Nairobi to the Academy in Juja and Back, Lunch and Teas -Obtain materials in 2 easy ways: -At the Training you will receive bound volumes of the conference materials -After the Training: download the materials you want from the web with a special access code and burn on your CDs WHO SHOULD ATTEND Information Security Officers, Directors and Managers; Information Technology Auditors, Managers and Staff Network Security Managers and Administrators; Local Area Network Administrators Technical Support Staff; System Administrators; Others charged with mobile and wireless security responsibilities COST – Kshs 35,000 inclusive of Transport, Lunch and Teas TRANSPORT - JKUAT e-Government Academy will avail transport from KICC at 7.20am and from the JKUAT e-Government Academy at 5.20pm. HOW TO REGISTER - Please register by 15th November 2006. Application forms can be obtained from the contacts provided below or from the JKUAT e-Government Website www.jkuategovacademy.ac.ke Ngahu Kanyingi Technical Manager Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd P. O. Box 20311-00200, Nairobi Tel: 20-2728332 Fax: 20-2726965 Email. info(a)circuitspackets.co.ke Joel Kimilu Training Manager JKUAT e-Government Academy Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology P. O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi Tel: 067-52420 /0736 524200/ 0724 256 696 Email. jkuates(a)jkuates.jkuat.ac.ke [View Less]

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Read This! Does High Tech Require High Fiber? (TIME Europe magazine)
by Brian Longwe 12 Nov '06

12 Nov '06

http://www.time.com/time/europe/magazine/article/ 0,13005,901061023-1546311,00.html

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Fw: [DigAfrica] Stop infighting over EASSY
by alice＠apc.org 11 Nov '06

11 Nov '06

Hi all Is this a case of a good private sector initiative gone bad because of government interference or is it the other way round? best alice http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/14/531243 Stop infighting over EASSY Thursday, 9th November, 2006 THE arrival of an underwater optic fibre cable in East Africa has been delayed by infighting between governments and telecom companies. Yet the East African Submarine System's proposed 9,900 km of underwater cable between Port Sudan and Mtunzini in … [View More]

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Wireless Broadband Africa - Discount Rate for KictanetMembers
by A. Wanjira Munyua 11 Nov '06

11 Nov '06

Dear Sean and all Thank you for the 25% offer to KICTAnet members. However, I would like to request some free slots for KICTAnet members (at least 6 ) interested in attending especially those coming from the public sector and civil society. Any member wishing to use this mailing list to announce commercial events should have given KICTAnet slots/chance to have a role that does not require any payments. Given that network is not for profit. This is not targeted at AITEC but we do need to set … [View More]a policy/ precedence to ensure that members can advertise for events that benefit KICTAnet and its members as a network. Thank you and best regards alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sean Moroney" <seanm(a)aitecafrica.com> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 7:36 PM Subject: [Kictanet] Wireless Broadband Africa - Discount Rate for KictanetMembers > Dear Colleagues, > > > > AITEC is pleased to offer Kictanet members a 25% discount on the delegate > fee for the Wireless Broadband Conference we are holding at Hilton Hotel > over 29- Nov - 1 Dec. In addition, the first 50 delegates that register for > the main conference qualify to attend practical implementation workshops on > wireless technologies and CDMA free of charge. > > > > See our web site for the full programme - www.aitecafrica.com > <http://www.aitecafrica.com/> > > > > Please phone AITEC Kenya on 020-675-0802/020-2011233 to register. > > > > I look forward to seeing you at the conference. > > > > Regards, > > > > > > > > > > Sean Moroney > > AITEC Africa > > <mailto:seanm@aitecafrica.com> seanm(a)aitecafrica.com > > UK Tel: +44-(0)1480-880774 > > UK Fax: +44-(0)1480-880765 > > UK Mobile: +44(0)7973-499224 > > SA Mobile: +27(0)72-610-7153 > > Kenya Mobile: +254(0)721-845674 > > Skype: seanmoroney > > <http://www.aitecafrica.com/> www.aitecafrica.com > > > > > > > > > > > > For the detailed programme and to register as a delegate, log on to > www.aitecafrica.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/ki -- A. Wanjira Munyua National Coordinator, Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA) Association for Progressive Communications (APC) alice(a)apc.org http://www.apc.org http://www.catia.ws Cell: +254 733 731074 [View Less]

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Re: [Kictanet] Re: India's Weaknesses
by Eric Osiakwan 11 Nov '06

11 Nov '06

Please permit me to send through Prof. Wilson's response since he is not on the list but he gives some insighful directions to the discussion. Point of correction, i meant "Quad" not "Squad". ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Ernest Wilson" <ewilson(a)cidcm.umd.edu> Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2006 15:59:15 -0400 >Eric- > >Excellent idea! > >There is an initiative with the World Bank Institute, led by their VP Frannie Leautier (a Tanzanian), … [View More]and the Mandela Foundation to launch a series of Sci & Tech institutes in Africa. They've been fund raising etc etc. Might be worth refering to that. > >But it isnt clear that the WBI initiative has really seized the necessity of co-locating good firms and good universities and good govt support together. I think the first project for a 'ctr of excellence' is in Arusha. The indian IIT's are also involved in that project. > >Close cooperation across govt-pri-research-ngo is certainly much of the reasons for success, as you know, in Silicon Valley, plus Cambridge, Beijing, Sao Paulo, and of course Bangalore. (SEE new study by Harry Broadman "The New Silk Road: Chinese and Indian Initiatives in Africa", available on line thru the World Bank, where HB works.) > >Now it's Africa's turn to accelerate cross sector partnerships, and start co-locating and >developing these "Quad" relationships. > >cheers > > >Ernie > >Dr. Ernest J. Wilson III >Center for International Development and Conflict Management >University of Maryland >0145 Tydings Hall >College Park, MD 20742 >Tel: (301) 314-7711 >Fax: (301) 314-9256 >Email: ewilson(a)cidcm.umd.edu >http://www.cidcm.umd.edu >>>> "Eric Osiakwan" <eric(a)afrispa.org> 10/25/06 1:10 PM >>> > >Waudo said "Perhaps something could be done now before we find ourselves in India's >position" > >We all know that one of the demons that has held back Africa's rise is the DE-LINK between >industry and academia (research) and also with governments. Prof. Ernest Wilson's (of >Maryland University) squad model makes the argument that you need a constant interaction >between these constituencies for growth and innovation to take place. He argues that Silicon >Valley is a clear example. > >My proposition therefore as a way to answer the question above is to leverage the BPO >opportunity. Most African governments are at least on board the BPO wagon so my idea is, >lets establish the BPOs in the University environment given the current public policy >favouring. The BPO companys can take advantage of cheap but good student labour whiles >they build the real estate for their operations using university land on a "build operate and >handover basis". > >The Universities then get real estate which they use for their long term expansion of physical >infrastructure. The BPO companies get their work done cheaply and when they migrate in the >long term, much value would have being gained. The University students get work >experience for the long term job market entry and also interim cash to support their >University education. This also gives the non-computer related students some basic skills >and exposure and for the CS, EE etc students, they build their internal capacity not only to >take calls and do word processing but more technical stuff. They would soon be writing >software for those BPO companies. Mostly importantly this becomes the nucleus of the >government/academia/private sector LINKINING which would grow into other areas. > >Hence the value proposition of the BPO banwagon is, it gives us a foot into the door but we >must move up the value chain very quickly or we would end up doing the low end jobs which >would make us less competitive in the Knowledge economy. > >When I proposed this to my Ghana Cyber Group friend (Yaw Owusu, leading the way with a >private TechPark in Ghana) whom i have cced on this mail, he said, then the Tech Parks (BPOs >+ more) should be in the University/Research Environment and his example of been able to >acquire land from the Ghana CSIR which is close to the University of Ghana would be a good >prototype. > >This is the story am going to be telling at the the first University Leaders Forum in Cape >Town to which governments, academic leadership, private sector and Civil Society has being >convened. > >Eric here > > >---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- >From: waudo(a)signet.co.ke >Reply-To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> >Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2006 09:53:47 -0400 (Eastern Daylight Time) > >>Thanks to PS Ndemo for bringing this out. As for Wafula's question, the >>work force survey undertaken by the CSK earlier this year revealed that >>there is very little linkage between what the ICT training institutions >>(including Universities) are producing and the requirements of the >>industry either now or in the foreseeable future. Certainly there appear >>to be no mechanisms to facilitate such linkage. Perhaps something could be >>done now before we find ourselves in India's position. >> >> >>Kind Regards >>Waudo Siganga >> >>On Wed, October 25, 2006 9:22 am, TONY WAFULA wrote: >>> Good lesson , though wonder whether as a country we are ready to address >>> manpower shortage in this area. Just the other day Safaricom's Micheal >>> Joseph was lamenting about the same...are we checking what our >>> Universities are offering in relation to our projected needs? >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> Wafula >>> >>> bitange(a)jambo.co.ke wrote: >>> Hi Edith, >>> You must have been blogging. >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> >>> Ndemo. >>> >>> >>>> Certainly, a great lesson to learn from. >>>> >>>> Thanks for sharing the article! >>>> >>>> At / * 12:56 PM 10/24/2006, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke wrote / a *crit: >>>>>Dear All, >>>>>I think there are good lessons to learn from the article below. >>>>> >>>>>Regards >>>>> >>>>>Ndemo. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>October 17, 2006 >>>>>Skills Gap Hurts Technology Boom in India >>>>>By SOMINI SENGUPTA >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>TIRUCHENGODE, India >>>>> >>>>> As its technology companies soar to the outsourcing skies, India is >>>>>bumping up against an improbable challenge. In a country once regarded >>>>> as >>>>>a bottomless well of low-cost, ready-to-work, English-speaking >>>>> engineers, >>>>>a shortage looms. >>>>> >>>>>India still produces plenty of engineers, nearly 400,000 a year at last >>>>>count. But their competence has become the issue. >>>>> >>>>>A study commissioned by a trade group, the National Association of >>>>>Software and Service Companies, or Nasscom, found only one in four >>>>>engineering graduates to be employable. The rest were deficient in the >>>>>required technical skills, fluency in English or ability to work in a >>>>> team >>>>>or deliver basic oral presentations. >>>>> >>>>>The skills gap reflects the narrow availability of high-quality college >>>>>education in India and the galloping pace of the country's >>>>> service-driven >>>>>economy, which is growing faster than nearly all but China's. The >>>>> software >>>>>and service companies provide technology services to foreign companies, >>>>>many of them based in the United States. Software exports alone expanded >>>>>by 33 percent in the last year. >>>>> >>>>>The university systems of few countries would be able to keep up with >>>>> such >>>>>demand, and India is certainly having trouble. The best and most >>>>> selective >>>>>universities generate too few graduates, and new private colleges are >>>>>producing graduates of uneven quality. >>>>> >>>>>Many fear that the labor pinch may signal bottlenecks in other parts of >>>>>the economy. It is already being felt in the information technology >>>>>sector. >>>>> >>>>>With the number of technology jobs expected to nearly double to 1.7 >>>>>million in the next four years, companies are scrambling to find fresh >>>>>engineering talent and to upgrade the schools that produce it. >>>>> >>>>>Some companies are training faculty members themselves, offering courses >>>>>tailored to industry needs and improving college labs and libraries. >>>>> They >>>>>are rushing to get first choice of would-be engineers long before they >>>>>have completed their course work. And they are fanning out to small, >>>>>remote colleges that almost no one had heard of before. The country's >>>>> most >>>>>successful technology concerns can no longer afford to hire only >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>_______________________________________________ >>>>>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/eadera%40idrc.or.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/bitange%40jambo.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/twaf78%40yahoo.com >>> >>> >>> >>> WITH COMPLIMENTS OF ANTHONY WAFULA >>> >>> --------------------------------- >>> All-new Yahoo! Mail - Fire up a more powerful email and get things done >>> faster._______________________________________________ >>> 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/waudo%40signet.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/eric%40afrispa.org >> > >-- >Eric M.K Osiakwan >Executive Secretary >AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) >Tel: + 233.21.258800 >Fax: + 233.21.258811 >Cell: + 233.244.386792 >Handle: eosiakwan >Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North >Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North >Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ >Slang: "Tomorrow Now" >-- > > > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" -- [View Less]

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AfNOG 2007 Workshop on Network Technology - Application for Admission
by Dorcas Muthoni 10 Nov '06

10 Nov '06

AfNOG 2007 Workshop on Network Technology - Application for Admission Please see <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2007/workshop/> for information about the AfNOG 2007 Workshop on Network Technology. If you have questions regarding this announcement and application, they may be addressed to: <workshopinfo(a)afnog.org <http://mail.openworld.co.ke/src/compose.php?send_to=workshopinfo%40afnog.org>> Where to Apply - You can you can fill in an application on line, at <… [View More]http://www.afnog.org/afnog2007/workshop/online-application.html> - You can download a copy of the application form from <http://www.afnog.org/afnog2007/workshop/application-form.txt>, or request a copy via email to <applications(a)afnog.org <http://mail.openworld.co.ke/src/compose.php?send_to=applications%40afnog.org>>. Then fill it in off-line, and email it to <workshop-apply(a)afnog.org <http://mail.openworld.co.ke/src/compose.php?send_to=workshop-apply%40afnog.…>>. The "Subject" line of the message should contain your surname or family name in the following format: Subject: AfNOG Workshop Application: <your-family-name> When to Apply Application forms must be submitted no later than 30 November 2006. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance to the program and the amount of financial aid available (if any) on or about 8th January 2007. Information to be included on your application Please ensure that all of the contact information you submit is and accurate, or we will not be able to contact you. Please give detailed answers to the questions about your work and your experience. If your are applying for financial assistance from AfNOG, please do not forget to answer the questions about other funding sources available to you. A. Personal data FAMILY NAME (LAST NAME, SURNAME) ONLY: Full Name: Employer/Organization: Position/Title: Business Address: Business Telephone: Alternate Telephone: E-mail address: Fax: Date of birth: Nationality: Name as it appears on passport or other travel document: Passport number: Country issuing passport: Date passport was issued: Date of passport expiration: Knowledge of English: Please rate your knowledge in these categories: Listening/comprehension: minimal / fair / good / excellent Reading: minimal / fair / good / excellent Speaking: minimal / fair / good / excellent Writing: minimal / fair / good / excellent Please indicate with an asterisk (*) the most reliable addresses and telephone/fax numbers above which can be used to reach you. B. Course of Instruction Instructional track applied for (Please select only one track; the tracks will run concurrently): [ ] Track E0 - UNIX SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION [ ] Track E1 - SCALABLE INTERNET SERVICES [ ] Track E2 - SCALABLE NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE [ ] Track F2 - INFRASTRUCTURE RESEAUX (French Track - equivanent to E2) Please indicate your specific interests within the area you have chosen: C. Technical Skills 1. Are you a UNIX user? How much have you used it? 2. Have you been a UNIX system administrator? Describe your experience (length of time, versions, etc.). 3 Have you used/administered TCP/IP networks? Describe. 4. Have you set up and/or administered any of the following? Please give details. - bind or any other nameservers - sendmail/smail/exim/postfix - majordomo/mailman or other list manager - apache/IIS web systems 5. Have you configured or otherwise managed any of the following? Details, please. - routers - switches - network monitoring - noc D. Description of Role in National Networking Activities Bearing in mind that this information will be used to determine whether to admit you to the workshop, please provide in the format of your choice the following information about yourself. Please be sure that it is sufficiently clear, well organized and adequate for this purpose. 1. A description of your current employer, your position, your duties and responsibilities, and how they relate to current and future data networking activities in your country. 2. A brief description of your computing and networking environment (operating systems, networking software, modems, etc.), including the connectivity of your organization to the Internet and your country's connectivity to the international Internet. 3a. Scope of your institution (check all categories that apply): [ ] Commercial Network Provider [ ] Academic Network Provider [ ] NGO Network Provider [ ] Other (Specify)______________ 3b. Approximate number of full time staff at your institution:________ 4. How your training and current work prepare and qualify you for the track you wish to attend. 5. How you expect to use the knowledge you gain at the workshop after you return to your country. 6. If you have previously attended AfNOG/INET Workshops for Developing Countries, a. Year and track you attended: b. A precise description of how you have used the training you have received in the past: c. The significant advances in networking which have occurred in your country specifically because of your knowledge and effort: E. Financial Information ------------------------- Your application must contain the following complete information if you wish to be considered for financial support to attend the workshop. The Workshop fee is US$1,600. This includes accommodation and meals. Applicants are usually expected to provide their own funding (from whatever sources). However AfNOG or its sponsors may make a limited financial assistance available to deserving candidates. Even if you request financial assistance you might not receive any, and your acceptance into the Workshop will be conditional on your ability to provide all or most of the funding yourself. Although you may be well qualified and in great need of financial assistance, the maximum funds AfNOG or its sponsors may provide is US$1,000 in financial assistance for BOTH WORKSHOP FEES AND AIRFARE. Payment for the workshop may be made by funds transfer, bank / certified cheque or in cash. Further details will be provided in the admission letter to successful candidates. NOTE : YOUR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE WORKSHOP MAY BEPEND ON YOUR ABILITY TO PROVIDE SOME OR ALL THE WORKSHOP FEES. 1. Are you are requesting financial aid from the AfNOG Workshop for attending the workshop and meetings? [ ] Yes [ ] No 2. If you are requesting financial aid to cover the workshop fee, please provide a complete list of funding sources in the following form. The list should contain all sources of funds that are available to you for payment of the workshop fee. The amounts should total U.S.$1,600. 1. Your Institution -- U.S.$ __________ 2. Your Government -- U.S.$ __________ 3. From international organizations -- U.S.$ __________ 4. Your personal contribution -- U.S.$ __________ 5. Amount you ask from AfNOG -- U.S.$ __________ (less than $1,000) _________________________________ TOTAL Income = U.S.$1,600.00 (PLEASE SELECT ONLY ONE - WORKSHOP FEES OR AIRFARE) 3. Will you need financial assistance for airfare? If so, how much will you or your institution be contributing? [ ] No, assistance for airfare not needed. [ ] Yes, assistance needed. (less than $1,000) Amount of your contribution: U.S.$_________ 4. If you are requesting financial support for airfare, please provide a good estimate of round trip, lowest economy excursion airfare between your place of residence and Abuja, Nigeria, in April 2007. 1. Airfare: 2. Airline: 3. Type of fare: 4. City of departure: 5. Source of your estimate: Signature (your name as you would sign it): __________________________ Date:___________________ -- DRAFT - Issued by the AfNOG 2007 Programme Committee 17 August 2006 [View Less]

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"Fiber Optics: What is the way forward for KENYA"
by Judy kimiti 09 Nov '06

09 Nov '06

Dear Member, The debate on the construction of an undersea fiber-optic cable to connect Kenya to the rest of the world has been on going for a while now. The speedy construction and importance of this cable cannot be over-emphasized. Several initiatives are on the table from different stakeholders. We wish to invite you for a 30 minutes presentation on Fiber Optics: What is the way forward for Kenya by Mr Kai Wulff Managing Director, KDN. The presentation will take place on 9th November … [View More]

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Wireless Broadband Africa - Discount Rate for Kictanet Members
by Sean Moroney 08 Nov '06

08 Nov '06

Dear Colleagues, AITEC is pleased to offer Kictanet members a 25% discount on the delegate fee for the Wireless Broadband Conference we are holding at Hilton Hotel over 29- Nov - 1 Dec. In addition, the first 50 delegates that register for the main conference qualify to attend practical implementation workshops on wireless technologies and CDMA free of charge. See our web site for the full programme - www.aitecafrica.com <http://www.aitecafrica.com/> Please phone AITEC Kenya … [View More]

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Invitation to the Engineering Students' Exhibition
by kevit 08 Nov '06

08 Nov '06

Dear Members, Please find below the details on an important invitation for the regional Engineering Students Exhibition 13.11.2006, Sarit Centre (Nairobi) Engineering Students Exhibition 2006 Showing Kenya's innovative powers Nairobi, 6th November 2006 - The 9th edition of the annual ICT and Engineering Students Exhibition 2006 of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) will be held on 13th November 2006 in Nairobi. This exhibition brings together academia, … [View More]industries and government to realize the vital opportunity of creating linkages and collaboration. There are 120 entries from nine countries in the region. The event is supported by the Ministry of Information and Communications, Kenya Private Sector Alliance and the Kenya ICT Federation. 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. An Innovation System for Kenya The Engineering Students Exhibition proofs there is a need and opportunity for Kenya to organise an Innovation System in which academia, private sector and public sector collaborate. The Government can play a facilitating role through an independent Science Technology and Innovation (SCTI) council, tasked to create an Innovation System that takes full advantage of Kenya's comparative advantages. Local industry cannot fund research and development on its own. However, Kenya's vibrant private sector will be able to take full advantage of such an Innovation System. The Innovation System will also help universities and higher education to emerge from isolation and integrate their curriculum with industry requirements. Due to the introverted nature of many institutions, research has limited relevance towards the socio-economic needs of the country and our creative talents remain under-utilised. The IEEE through its East African Section encourages all to explore the impressive creative engineering power we have in our students population. Sarit Centre Expo hall doors open at 10.00am, followed by hourly speeches and with a prize giving ceremony at 6.30pm. Free admission. Information: Kevit Desai Chairperson IEEE East Africa Governor - KEPSA Director of Engineering - Centurion Systems Ltd. Nairobi, Kenya Office tel: +254 20 4440102/3 Cell: +254 0722 517067 Email: <mailto:kevit@centurionsystemsltd.com> kevit(a)centurionsystemsltd.com [View Less]

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Fw: Final Reminder: Invitation to BusinessXchange Forum - Tuesday 31st October 2006.
by alice＠apc.org 06 Nov '06

06 Nov '06

FYI those interested in attending the KENGEN talk...... ----- Original Message ----- From: <events(a)c4idea.com> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Monday, October 30, 2006 10:37 AM Subject: Final Reminder: Invitation to BusinessXchange Forum - Tuesday 31st October 2006. > Dear Alice Munyua, > > NB: If you have confirmed your participation please forward it to your > friends. > > This month we are privileged to have Mr. Eddy Njoroge, Managing Director > of KENGEN, … [View More]

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Fw: Kictanet Planning Meeting - 9th November Jacaranda Hotel
by Judy kimiti 06 Nov '06

06 Nov '06

Dear Member, The next planning meeting is on 9th November 3:00pm at The Jacaranda Hotel. There will be a Fibre Presentation from Mr. Kai Wulff Managing Director KDN. Please RSVP your attendance to the undersigned for logistics purposes. Thank you. Yours Faithfully, Judy Kimiti KICTANet ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Judy kimiti <jkimiti01(a)yahoo.co.uk> To: kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke Sent: Friday, 27 October, 2006 11:20:11 AM Subject: Kictanet Planning Meeting - 9th November … [View More]

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OPEN ACCESS SAT3
by Eric Osiakwan 06 Nov '06

06 Nov '06

OPEN ACCESS SAT3 By Eric M.K Osiakwan Visiting Fellow and Scholar DV Program, Stanford University http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Since publishing the Open Access EASSy paper @ http:// blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ (you must read it to understand this paper), I have being challenged on the viability of Open Access to SAT3 and questioned on the need to institute the same standrards for both cables though we all know that SAT3 is already established and EASSy is yet to be. In … [View More]this thesis I make an attempt at upholding the same Open Access structure and principles of EASSy to SAT3 – this is possible because both cables lie in the same realm but the context of their execusion are different. This is ONLY possible because of the window of opportunity presented by the end of exclusivity by the historic operators on SAT3 in April 2007 so I also suggest a process approach. For the records, SAT3 was established with an exclusivity period to recoup investment by the historic operators and this is due in April 2007 at which the SAT3 country governments can either entrench the exclusivity of the historic operators or consider other mechanisms such as what an proposing. SAT3 stands both as a pillar of hope and despair for the African continent; hope because it was the first cable and there is an opportunity for it to significantly change bandwidth prices based on it’s non-performance, despair because we may decide to keep things the way they are currently and continue with the incumbency and high bandwidth prices. The reasons for the non-renewal of the exclusivity range from, the historic operators haven recouped their investment in the cable at high cost since the inception of the cable and yet made fiber bandwdith more expensive than satellite capacity. Secondly we know that the loan granted by the WorldBank to the historic operators for their contribution to the SAT3 cable was guaranteed by their respective governments hence the onus lies with the government after supporting the private interest of the historic operators to now consider the public interest of providing cheap and affordable bandwidth for socio-economic development. If the SAT3 goverrnments and regulators collectively or individually decide to end the exclusivity in April 2007 then the question to me is, what steps should they take towards Open Accessing SAT3? I don’t hold monopoly on the steps and process because national and or regional relationships coupled with on the ground details must be taken into consideration but I would proceed to outline what I see as the larger framework of what is possible in terms of structure, principles and processes – same as for the EASSy cable. Hopefully other cables or subsequent ones would adopt or follow the same strucure, principles and process to have the desired impact. For the records again, I applaud the work done by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA @ www.osiwa.org) and other institutions for not only holding two (2) workshops to discuss the SAT3 issues but bringing a community of engagement, culture of awareness of the issues at stake and channelling internal capacity within the various constituencies ie governments, regulators, private sector, educational institutions and Civil Society to understand whatever decisions they make regarding the cable. My effort in this paper is to compliment such efforts with an adoption that considers some elements and layout a general framework based on the several discussions and engagements. Declaring SAT3 an “essential facility” would mean that it holds much in the public interest so must be treated with the public good as primary and other consideration as secondary. Private consideration would be first on the secondary ladder because that is important for the running of the public entity. Am not for once suggesting a move from an extreme private position to an extreme public consideration, but rather my suggestion is to use minimal public holding as a temporal measure to move from an exteme private interest to a balance between the private and public consideration. Open Access is about balance and consideration of the various interests. The governments holding the essential facility in trust after declaring it so is only a temporary measure which must be seeded quickly to a multi-stakeholder institution which would work in the interest of the various constituency and ensure that there is a clear reflection of equity. Regulatory and public policy must recognise the establishment of the essenttial facility which in this case would be “infrastructure provider” – providing infrastructure for the other service providers wthin the value chain. In some cases the regulatory and public policy environment must create the structural change from a vertical to a horizontal layering communication system and that enables the change process. Whatever the case may be, the first fundamental step is the re-alignment of the communication paradigm where there is a distinction between infrastructure and services. This means a move from the vertical to the horizontal communication system. The essential facility in this case, the SAT3 country segment would constitute the infrastructure provider which DOES NOT provide services on the value chain. Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and Senegal has hinted that they are going to adopt this approach post April 2007. In the case of Ghana, the government has also contracted the Chinese to finalise the nationwide fiber network which was owned by the Volta River Authority called Voltacom. Voltacom would be merged with the SAT3 country segment to form an “infrastructure provider” which would provider international and national bandwidth infrastructure. Owership of the infrastructure provider is the next consideration, enjoining a multi-stakeholder ownership model ensures that there is balance of power, money and interest. It is in the interest of the government to ensure that this happens so that they are not labeled as “corrupting” the entity. The mechanism is for the government through an initial private and or public offering to invite the private sector, educational institutions, civil society, investors, PTTs and the consumer to own a part of this entity through a transparent and neutral process. Enlisting the infrastructure provider on the stock exchange would ensure that it is subject to the dictates of that environment ensuring access and commonality on ownership. SAT3 at this point would have adhered to Open Access in terms of the structural change below; Within the structural framework, the cable would have differentiated “Infrastructure” from “Services” where Infrastructure is seen more in the “Ownership” realm whiles Service is seen in “Access to capacity”. The most distinguishing feature of the Open Access approach is that, ownership of the infrastructure DOES NOT GUARANTEE any access (discriminatory or not) to capacity on the value chain for the provision of service to the market. The respective country capacity would be on the money here. A set of principles would hold for the ownership of the cable and those principles would be different from those for access to capacity. Infrastructure ownership principles for the SAT3 cable would include; The ownership of the cable must be in a public private partnership involving Government, PTTs, ISPs, Educational Institutions, Civil Society and Consumers. A fair distribution of these constituencies from the member countries in an equal sub-regional distribution leading up to the Board of Directors of the enterprise in case a regional approach is adopted like EASSy. The same set of rules must be established to identifying the various shareholders from the various countries in the different constituencies, again this applies to regional. For the purposes of this exercise a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) or a legal entity with an African wide structure and majority Africa ownership should be considered The essential facility must have a public interest combined with a private sector approach in it’s business model in order to ensure cheap and affordable bandwidth to the end-user. Value Chain access to capacity for service delivery principles are; The essential facility must sell capacity to all entities who meet the legal and regulatory requirements in each country directly and non-discriminatorily. Service Providers shall be offered Transport Infrastructure Layer access to different capacities depending on their requirements. End Users shall be free to choose any local Service Provider connected to the National and or Regional Network. The essential facility shall not compete with Service Providers (its customers) by offering services at the Service Layers directly to End Users. All countries must create a regulatory structure that recognizes the essential facility. The essential facility shall be formed, owned and operated in such a way as to facilitate competition and to foster innovation at the Services Layer, and where practical and commercially viable at all levels, with a view to maximizing usage of the network and benefits to the End Users. Once these are in place the market structure would align such that the infrastructure cost which is almost always duplicated several times by service providers is consolidated. That reduces the barrier to uptake on the service side and makes the service providers focus on services and competition in the market place for innovation and customer service delivery at cheaper or affordable cost. Ultimately the customer benefits and the uptake of ICTs as a sector and cross sectorial enabler would be enhanced. This sets out the framework for Open Access as it relates to the SAT3 cable but I must admit that this is not the ONLY approach in terms of process but structurally and principles wise, the above is not far from wrong. The devil as they say is always in the details, though. NB: These principles and structure are drawn from the Open Access study conducted by Anders Comstedt, Eric Osiakwan and Russell Southwood for InfoDEV @ the WorldBank – http://www.infodev.org/en/ Project.80.html Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" [View Less]

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Phoney finance - Mobile telephony and banking
by alice＠apc.org 05 Nov '06

05 Nov '06

Our Safaricom we understand is about to roll out money transfer system using mobile phones. Will phone now turn into banking instruments setting pace for mobile commerce? For people in rural where Bank branches have high operational costs due to lack of infrastructure (Electricity is in short supply, as are safe, passable roads), are clearly not the solution. Yet this is where most potential micro finance patrons still live. If we are looking at ways to fill a need and to by pass … [View More]infrastructure problems for bank branches, then the opportunities are abundant for mobile phone holders who are able to transact banking through their mobiles. Not to say that infrastructure is not important but that micro finance clients no longer have to wait. However, there are many challenges (policy and regulatory related) in forging these types of partnerships (mobiles and banking) and proving that mobile banking can work even in the most remote areas and protect vulnerable users...... alice ----- Original Message ----- From: <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Sunday, November 05, 2006 1:47 PM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Fw: Final Reminder: Invitation to BusinessXchange Forum - Tuesday 31st October 2006. Dear All, Do you see opportunities in the Economist article below: Ndemo. Phoney finance - Mobile telephony and banking 875 words 28 October 2006 The Economist ECN 381 English (c) The Economist Newspaper Limited, London 2006. All rights reserved Banking the unbanked, by mobile phone Most South Africans do not have bank accounts. But most do have mobile phones LIFE is now easier for Andile Mbatha, who owns a hair salon in Soweto. Gone are his days of trekking to his bank, which could take two hours by minibus, to send money to relatives. Nor does he keep piles of cash in his salon any more. Last year, he opened a bank account with Wizzit, an innovative provider of financial services. He now sends money to his sister in Cape Town whenever he wants, from wherever he wants, using a simple menu on his mobile phone. Half his customers no longer pay cash for their haircuts. They use their phones to move money from their accounts to his, in a few seconds. "This has taken out a lot of stress," says Mr Mbatha. About half a million South Africans now use their mobile phones as a bank. Besides sending money to relatives and paying for goods, they can check balances, buy mobile airtime and settle utility bills. Traditional banks offer mobile banking as an added service to existing customers, most of whom are quite well off. But Wizzit, and to some extent First National Bank (FNB) and MTN Banking (a joint venture between Standard Bank and a mobile-phone network), are chasing another market: the 16m South Africans, over half of the adult population, with no bank account. Significantly, 30% of these people do have mobile phones. Wizzit hired and trained over 2,000 unemployed people, known as Wizzkids, to drum up business. It worked: eight out of ten Wizzit customers previously had no bank account and had never used an ATM. Mobile banking is just one example of a wider phenomenon in South Africa. With its odd mix of advanced capitalism and developing-world economics, the country is successfully luring people who hitherto dealt only in cash or barter to the world of formal finance. A simplified kind of account called Mzansi was launched in 2004 to reach the unbanked, and portable banks and ATMs have been rolled out in townships and in the countryside. To this fast-changing scene, mobile-phone banking looks to be a promising addition. Millions of South Africans send money to their relatives in other parts of the country. And most of these sums, which add up to about 12 billion rand ($1.5 billion) each year, still move informally. South Africa is not the first place to use mobile-phone banking: countries such as Japan, South Korea and the Philippines have had it for a while. But the potential is probably bigger in the developing world, and in countries in which migrants remit money to their families in relatively poor homelands. In Greece, a European Union member that is now awash with migrant labour, Albanians or Bulgarians often send money home by putting crumpled banknotes in the hands of a trusted compatriot, who takes a cut. If they could do it all by pressing buttons, they would. In most of Africa, meanwhile, only a fraction of people have bank accounts-but there is huge demand for cheap and convenient ways to send money and buy prepaid services such as airtime. Many Africans, having skipped landlines and jumped to mobiles, already use prepaid airtime as a way of transferring money. They could now leap from a world of cash to cellular banking. In Kenya, a pilot scheme called M-Pesa is being used to disburse and pay micro-loans by phone. Meanwhile Celpay, which FNB bought last year from Celtel, a mobile-phone company, is offering platforms for banks and phone companies in Zambia and Congo. In countries like Somalia, with chaotic conditions at home and a huge diaspora, cash transfers by phone would be a boon. For banks, persuading people not to use branches for simple transactions such as balance enquiries or transfers should reduce operating costs. So far, they charge the same for mobile as for traditional banking, though Wizzit says its services are at least a third cheaper than those of a traditional bank. But drawing the unbanked into the joys of cell-finance isn't always easy. Many think banking too expensive and complicated, and helping new customers become financially literate takes time. The technology remains clunky in some cases, with downloads requiring dozens of text messages. Several rival platforms are still in the fight, but so far those that emphasise simplicity and ease-of-use over state-of-the-art technology and security have made the greatest strides. A lot also hangs on putting in place the right laws and regulations. They need to be tight enough to protect vulnerable users and discourage money laundering, but open enough to allow innovative mobile banking to grow. If the transfer of money by mobile phone-between countries as well as within them-takes off, it could have implications far beyond the salons of Soweto. In 2005, according to the United Nations, global migrants remitted $232 billion, of which up to 20% was lost on the way, mostly in bank charges or fraud. If cellular transfers could slash that figure, mobile banking would prove to be a good call. -- 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/alice%40apc.org _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Please unsubscribe or change your options at A. Wanjira Munyua National Coordinator, Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA) Association for Progressive Communications (APC) alice(a)apc.org http://www.apc.org http://www.catia.ws [View Less]

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Re: [Kictanet] v2030 and ICT
by Eric Osiakwan 03 Nov '06

03 Nov '06

Edith, permit me to emphasis your point "keep our eyes on the ball" and be active in that process - this is what i meant by write ICT in the 2030 document as much as possible and send it to them as KICTANET. This must be done so much and through many ways that they accept what input you guys have. When we did this in Ghana, i made the ICT community aware that if we dont get ICT into that vision, then we have failed as a constituency and we cant blame the government for not listening to us … [View More]so that it is more our responsibility to ensure it is there than the government to accept it in there. I hope am not TOO OPTIMISTIC.......:-) ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Edith Adera <eadera(a)idrc.or.ke> Reply-To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Date: Fri, 03 Nov 2006 09:02:24 +0300 >Thanks for sharing this Bill. > >There's need to ensure this gets attention at the Strategy development >stage as well (as a cross-cutting theme and as a sector in itself...so lets >"keep our eyes on the ball" and be active in that process. > >cheers! > > >At / À 01:08 PM 11/2/2006, Bill Kagai wrote / a écrit: >>SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY HON. MWAI KIBAKI, C.G.H., M.P., PRESIDENT AND >>COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA ON THE >>OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE VISION 2030, KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE >>CENTRE, NAIROBI, 30TH OCTOBER, 2006 >> >>http://www.statehousekenya.go.ke/speeches/kibaki/oct06/2006301001.htm >> >>The ICT sector is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, >>with highest potential for Kenya's prospects in tapping global >>markets. This follows the total liberalisation of this sector in >>Kenya. We will soon have a second national operator, which will bring >>greater dynamism to the telecommunications sector. More importantly, >>we are investing in fibre optic connectivity nationally and >>internationally to leverage our global competitiveness in this sector, >>which offers our educated youth extensive opportunities for >>employment. Therefore, the strategies that you are developing for the >>next five years should leverage this competitive advantage, especially >>with regard to business process outsourcing, which is the world's >>fastest growing global market. The economic performance of any country >>is closely tied to the application of science and technology. This is >>why Kenya is investing considerably in higher education, research >>institutions, and universities. >> >>However, there still remain serious limitations in application of >>technology between research, industry, and agriculture. This is a >>serious weakness in our development strategy, which requires urgent >>attention. We have recently created the Ministry of Science and >>Technology, which is developing a national policy for science, >>technology, and innovation. It is important that the Vision Strategy >>that is being developed, is geared towards enhancing Kenya's >>scientific and technological capacity, inculcating a scientific >>culture, and integrating science and technology into our production >>and service sectors. >> >>_______________________________________________ >>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/eadera%40idrc.or.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/eric%40afrispa.org > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" -- [View Less]

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Re: [Kictanet] v2030 and ICT
by Edith Adera 03 Nov '06

03 Nov '06

Thanks for sharing this Bill. There's need to ensure this gets attention at the Strategy development stage as well (as a cross-cutting theme and as a sector in itself...so lets "keep our eyes on the ball" and be active in that process. cheers! At / À 01:08 PM 11/2/2006, Bill Kagai wrote / a écrit: >SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY HON. MWAI KIBAKI, C.G.H., M.P., PRESIDENT AND >COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA ON THE >OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE VISION 2030, … [View More]KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE >CENTRE, NAIROBI, 30TH OCTOBER, 2006 > >http://www.statehousekenya.go.ke/speeches/kibaki/oct06/2006301001.htm > >The ICT sector is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, >with highest potential for Kenya's prospects in tapping global >markets. This follows the total liberalisation of this sector in >Kenya. We will soon have a second national operator, which will bring >greater dynamism to the telecommunications sector. More importantly, >we are investing in fibre optic connectivity nationally and >internationally to leverage our global competitiveness in this sector, >which offers our educated youth extensive opportunities for >employment. Therefore, the strategies that you are developing for the >next five years should leverage this competitive advantage, especially >with regard to business process outsourcing, which is the world's >fastest growing global market. The economic performance of any country >is closely tied to the application of science and technology. This is >why Kenya is investing considerably in higher education, research >institutions, and universities. > >However, there still remain serious limitations in application of >technology between research, industry, and agriculture. This is a >serious weakness in our development strategy, which requires urgent >attention. We have recently created the Ministry of Science and >Technology, which is developing a national policy for science, >technology, and innovation. It is important that the Vision Strategy >that is being developed, is geared towards enhancing Kenya's >scientific and technological capacity, inculcating a scientific >culture, and integrating science and technology into our production >and service sectors. > >_______________________________________________ >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/eadera%40idrc.or.ke [View Less]

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v2030 and ICT
by Bill Kagai 02 Nov '06

02 Nov '06

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY HON. MWAI KIBAKI, C.G.H., M.P., PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA ON THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE VISION 2030, KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, NAIROBI, 30TH OCTOBER, 2006 http://www.statehousekenya.go.ke/speeches/kibaki/oct06/2006301001.htm The ICT sector is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, with highest potential for Kenya's prospects in tapping global markets. This follows the total liberalisation … [View More]

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Fwd: Re: Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for growth
by John Walubengo 02 Nov '06

02 Nov '06

Wash, I think your KICTANet list is having serious hiccups. Attached is what i sent on Tuesday morning. Today is Thrs and am yet to see it pop-out.. Maybe Alice can forward the comments - now that I see she seems to be the lucky one with her 'posts' going through. walu. --- John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Date: Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:27:47 -0800 (PST) > From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki > … [View More]launches vision for growth > To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> > > How tragic indeed. Huge oversight if ICT has no central > role in this Vision 2030....further more it seems to > focuse on Industrialisation (halloo! that used to be the > target for economies in the 1950s). > > Now people talk about a Knowledge economy. Indeed > Industrialisation per-se no longer provides a competitive > advantage. The advantage lies in leveraging Information > Technologies to create value beyond Industrialisation. > > Vision 2030 might be targeting the future - but using the > 'side' mirror i.e driving into the future but relying too > much in the previous, economical fundamentals. We need > to > refocus it into the right direction. I don't know how > and > if there is room and a role for KICTANet here. > > walu. > > > --- Nation Media <news(a)nationmedia.com> wrote: > > > --------------------------------- > > eadera(a)idrc.or.ke has sent you this article from > Nationmedia.com with this message: > Colleagues,It is TRAGIC! that vision 2030 has not given > prominence to the role of ICTs as an enabler - it's not > highlighted in the article, maybe in the document > itself?. > Who's working on the strategy to deliver this vision? and > what role can we play as KICTANET to change this? This is > a > challenge I throw to all of us! We must do something! The > countries mentioned in this article have been > fundamentally > transformed by ICTs. your views on practical steps we can > take to ensure ICTs are well integrated in the strategy? > EdithKibaki launches vision for growth Published: > 10/31/2006By: MUGO NJERU > --------------------------------- > > President Kibaki yesterday launched an ambitious economic > programme aimed at transforming Kenya into an economic > powerhouse with a sustainable growth rate of 10 per cent > by > 2030. > The President told leaders to keep politics out of the > project dubbed Kenya Vision 2030. > > President Kibaki greets Nation CEO Wilfred Kiboro and > other > members of the National Economic and Social Council > yesterday before officially launching Vision 2030 at KICC > in Nairobi. The vision is expected to transform Kenya > into > a prosperous nation. Photo/William Oeri. > > He said: "Vision 2030 goes beyond any single government, > party, political persuasion or religion. It is a call to > all Kenyans to make it possible for us to wipe out from > our > land absolute poverty, famine, mass unemployment and > preventable deaths from malaria and water-borne > diseases." > > Although President Kibaki said he was optimistic that the > development goal would be achieved, it will depend on how > the country manages its affairs in the next five years. > High quality of life > "Under Vision 2030, we see ourselves becoming a > middle-income, prosperous country, providing a high > quality > of life for all our people," the President said at the > launch of the initiative at the Kenyatta International > Conference Centre in Nairobi. > To realise the goal, he said Kenyans must build on the > competitive advantages in key sectors of the economy to > expand the country's share of the global market. > Besides the 10 per cent growth over 25 years, another > pillar of the programme will be building a just and > cohesive society with equitable social development and a > clean and secure environment. > The initiative also aims at building a democratic > political > system that nurtures issue-based politics, the rule of > law > and protects the rights and freedoms of every individual > and society. > Several leaders at the meeting described the vision as > noble and said it should be supported by all Kenyans. ODM > Kenya secretary-general Anyang Nyong'o said the vision > was > good but its success would depend on the goodwill of > successive governments. "The Government and the > opposition > are united on this vision," he said. > Finance minister Amos Kimunya said its success depended > on > people working together as one nation. > He and other speakers said it was possible to propel the > country to the levels of economies like Malaysia, > Singapore, Indonesia, Chile and South Korea, most of > which > which were in the same economic footing with Kenya in the > 1970s. > Trade and Industry minister Mukhisa Kituyi said the > vision > is achievable if it is not held hostage by any government > and if it receives support from the media and the private > sector. > President Kibaki said for the country to realise the > success of the vision, it was important to put in place a > clear strategy detailing what needed to be achieved for > each of the pillars of the programme for the next five > years. > He said that over the years, coffee production has been > declining from over 120,000 tons a year to less than > 50,000 > this year, which had a devastating effect on farmers' > incomes and employment opportunities. > "We need to make sure that under Vision 2030, the > strategies that will be developed will not repeat the > mistakes of the past and avoid imposing a costly burden > on > the people of this country," he said. > On manufacturing, the President said the sector had > barely > grown in the last 20 years. "The textile industry which > was > very vibrant in 1970s and 1980s has virtually been wiped > out while the EPZ-based enterprises are experiencing > serious competition in the global market," he said. > Leather and other livestock-related industries have also > not made significant breakthroughs in the global market > although these are sectors in which Kenya could have > competitive advantage and growth if the right strategies > and policies were applied. > "I challenge the experts who are developing the > strategies > to pay special attention to these sectors for the next > five > years, because they have the greatest potential for > delivering widely shared economic and social benefits for > the Kenyan people," President Kibaki said. > On tourism, he noted that although the number of tourists > visiting Kenya had increased over the last few years, > income from the sector was far below that of small > European > countries, the Caribbean and North Africa. > With proper planning and investment, the country should > be > able to attract and accommodate five million tourists by > 2012, the President said. > He said the economic performance of any country was > closely > tied to the application of science and technology and > that > was why the country was investing considerably in higher > education and research institutions. > The vision strategy, he said, should be geared towards > enhancing Kenya's scientific and technological capacity, > promoting a scientific culture and integrating science > and > technology into the production and service sectors. > There was also need to expand, upgrade and sustain health > facilities while ensuring that they remain accessible and > affordable to all Kenyans. > President Kibaki said rapid urban population growth had > resulted in serious unemployment, growing slums and an > increase of hawkers. It was also causing a severe strain > on > the provision of services such as maintenance of law and > order, water supply, sewerage and sanitation, education > and > health facilities. > The President said: "Effective planning of and ability to > enforce compliance for the proper administration of our > cities and major towns requires to be accorded high > priority in the strategies that will be developed to meet > the challenges of urbanisation." > He directed that measures to wipe out slums and replace > them with well-planned, low-cost houses in all major > towns > be implemented without delay. > > > > --------------------------------- > to view this article on the web click here > --------------------------------- > > Are you receiving daily news headlines from the Daily > Nation? Sign up today and receive headlines andweekly > articles from your favorite magazine delivered to your > email inbox. > To sign up: Registered users click here New members > click here. > > Interested in advertising in our emails? Contact > internetsales(a)nation.co.ke or read about our advertising > opportunities > herehttp://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/advertise.asp > > > > --------------------------------- > > You have received this email because someone thought you > might be interested in our article. Please be assured > that > we have not saved your email address for any purpose. To > read our Privacy Policyclick here > > > > > Nation Media Group all rights reserved 2004 > Website: www.nationmedia.com > For querries or info: comments(a)nation.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/jwalu%40yahoo.com > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > We have the perfect Group for you. Check out the handy > changes to Yahoo! Groups > (http://groups.yahoo.com) > > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com [View Less]

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Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for growth
by Nation Media 02 Nov '06

02 Nov '06

5 6

Re: [Kictanet] Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for
by Eric Osiakwan 02 Nov '06

02 Nov '06

KICTANET whiles following my earlier posting should also request a sitting with the President if possible to make a case for why ICT should be the central element of the countries vision. We have gone through this in Ghana and this was the process. Now ICTs are an integral part of the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS) which is many cases should not be but we pushed for it to happen. We are now pushing for the national plan to have ICTs as the engine, though this is being TOUGH. … [View More]Eric here ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Reply-To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Date: Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:27:47 -0800 (PST) >How tragic indeed. Huge oversight if ICT has no central >role in this Vision 2030....further more it seems to >focuse on Industrialisation (halloo! that used to be the >target for economies in the 1950s). > >Now people talk about a Knowledge economy. Indeed >Industrialisation per-se no longer provides a competitive >advantage. The advantage lies in leveraging Information >Technologies to create value beyond Industrialisation. > >Vision 2030 might be targeting the future - but using the >'side' mirror i.e driving into the future but relying too >much in the previous, economical fundamentals. We need to >refocus it into the right direction. I don't know how and >if there is room and a role for KICTANet here. > >walu. > > >--- Nation Media <news(a)nationmedia.com> wrote: > > >--------------------------------- > >eadera(a)idrc.or.ke has sent you this article from >Nationmedia.com with this message: >Colleagues,It is TRAGIC! that vision 2030 has not given >prominence to the role of ICTs as an enabler - it's not >highlighted in the article, maybe in the document itself?. >Who's working on the strategy to deliver this vision? and >what role can we play as KICTANET to change this? This is a >challenge I throw to all of us! We must do something! The >countries mentioned in this article have been fundamentally >transformed by ICTs. your views on practical steps we can >take to ensure ICTs are well integrated in the strategy? >EdithKibaki launches vision for growth Published: >10/31/2006By: MUGO NJERU >--------------------------------- > >President Kibaki yesterday launched an ambitious economic >programme aimed at transforming Kenya into an economic >powerhouse with a sustainable growth rate of 10 per cent by >2030. >The President told leaders to keep politics out of the >project dubbed Kenya Vision 2030. > >President Kibaki greets Nation CEO Wilfred Kiboro and other >members of the National Economic and Social Council >yesterday before officially launching Vision 2030 at KICC >in Nairobi. The vision is expected to transform Kenya into >a prosperous nation. Photo/William Oeri. > >He said: "Vision 2030 goes beyond any single government, >party, political persuasion or religion. It is a call to >all Kenyans to make it possible for us to wipe out from our >land absolute poverty, famine, mass unemployment and >preventable deaths from malaria and water-borne diseases." > >Although President Kibaki said he was optimistic that the >development goal would be achieved, it will depend on how >the country manages its affairs in the next five years. >High quality of life >"Under Vision 2030, we see ourselves becoming a >middle-income, prosperous country, providing a high quality >of life for all our people," the President said at the >launch of the initiative at the Kenyatta International >Conference Centre in Nairobi. >To realise the goal, he said Kenyans must build on the >competitive advantages in key sectors of the economy to >expand the country's share of the global market. >Besides the 10 per cent growth over 25 years, another >pillar of the programme will be building a just and >cohesive society with equitable social development and a >clean and secure environment. >The initiative also aims at building a democratic political >system that nurtures issue-based politics, the rule of law >and protects the rights and freedoms of every individual >and society. >Several leaders at the meeting described the vision as >noble and said it should be supported by all Kenyans. ODM >Kenya secretary-general Anyang Nyong'o said the vision was >good but its success would depend on the goodwill of >successive governments. "The Government and the opposition >are united on this vision," he said. >Finance minister Amos Kimunya said its success depended on >people working together as one nation. >He and other speakers said it was possible to propel the >country to the levels of economies like Malaysia, >Singapore, Indonesia, Chile and South Korea, most of which >which were in the same economic footing with Kenya in the >1970s. >Trade and Industry minister Mukhisa Kituyi said the vision >is achievable if it is not held hostage by any government >and if it receives support from the media and the private >sector. >President Kibaki said for the country to realise the >success of the vision, it was important to put in place a >clear strategy detailing what needed to be achieved for >each of the pillars of the programme for the next five >years. >He said that over the years, coffee production has been >declining from over 120,000 tons a year to less than 50,000 >this year, which had a devastating effect on farmers' >incomes and employment opportunities. >"We need to make sure that under Vision 2030, the >strategies that will be developed will not repeat the >mistakes of the past and avoid imposing a costly burden on >the people of this country," he said. >On manufacturing, the President said the sector had barely >grown in the last 20 years. "The textile industry which was >very vibrant in 1970s and 1980s has virtually been wiped >out while the EPZ-based enterprises are experiencing >serious competition in the global market," he said. >Leather and other livestock-related industries have also >not made significant breakthroughs in the global market >although these are sectors in which Kenya could have >competitive advantage and growth if the right strategies >and policies were applied. >"I challenge the experts who are developing the strategies >to pay special attention to these sectors for the next five >years, because they have the greatest potential for >delivering widely shared economic and social benefits for >the Kenyan people," President Kibaki said. >On tourism, he noted that although the number of tourists >visiting Kenya had increased over the last few years, >income from the sector was far below that of small European >countries, the Caribbean and North Africa. >With proper planning and investment, the country should be >able to attract and accommodate five million tourists by >2012, the President said. >He said the economic performance of any country was closely >tied to the application of science and technology and that >was why the country was investing considerably in higher >education and research institutions. >The vision strategy, he said, should be geared towards >enhancing Kenya's scientific and technological capacity, >promoting a scientific culture and integrating science and >technology into the production and service sectors. >There was also need to expand, upgrade and sustain health >facilities while ensuring that they remain accessible and >affordable to all Kenyans. >President Kibaki said rapid urban population growth had >resulted in serious unemployment, growing slums and an >increase of hawkers. It was also causing a severe strain on >the provision of services such as maintenance of law and >order, water supply, sewerage and sanitation, education and >health facilities. >The President said: "Effective planning of and ability to >enforce compliance for the proper administration of our >cities and major towns requires to be accorded high >priority in the strategies that will be developed to meet >the challenges of urbanisation." >He directed that measures to wipe out slums and replace >them with well-planned, low-cost houses in all major towns >be implemented without delay. > > > >--------------------------------- >to view this article on the web click here >--------------------------------- > >Are you receiving daily news headlines from the Daily >Nation? Sign up today and receive headlines andweekly >articles from your favorite magazine delivered to your >email inbox. >To sign up: Registered users click here New members >click here. > >Interested in advertising in our emails? Contact >internetsales(a)nation.co.ke or read about our advertising >opportunities >herehttp://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/advertise.asp > > > >--------------------------------- > > You have received this email because someone thought you >might be interested in our article. Please be assured that >we have not saved your email address for any purpose. To >read our Privacy Policyclick here > > > > >Nation Media Group all rights reserved 2004 >Website: www.nationmedia.com >For querries or info: comments(a)nation.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/jwalu%40yahoo.com > > > > >____________________________________________________________________________________ >We have the perfect Group for you. Check out the handy changes to Yahoo! Groups >(http://groups.yahoo.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/eric%40afrispa.org > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" -- [View Less]

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[fwd] Re: Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for growth
by Odhiambo WASHINGTON 02 Nov '06

02 Nov '06

----- Forwarded message from alice(a)apc.org ----- It is such a pity that the fastest moving sector has not been given the attention and prominence it deserves, what with Safaricom's and other's contribution to the economy! Anyway we have been accused of moaning! The draft vision was created by NESC, and from what I see the ICT "sector" cuts across the 3 main pillars Economic, social and political they have presented.They have outlined the project's approach which will take three phases, I … [View More]see an immediate entry point for ICTs during phase one where they will "identify priority sectors with possibilities of quick wins" The plan also mentions creation of ministerial committee headed by P.S from various ministries and involving stakeholders to identify sector specific visions/constraints, etc This is good for all stakeholders and we should take the opportunity to work with our ministry and P.S. Perhaps KICTAnet could work with the IC master plan team to ensure that links between the IC plan and the 2030 vision are created in all phases. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Nation Media" <news(a)nationmedia.com> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 9:22 PM Subject: [Kictanet] Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for growth > > eadera(a)idrc.or.ke has sent you this article from >Nationmedia.com with this message: > Colleagues, It is TRAGIC! that vision 2030 has not >given prominence to the role of ICTs as an enabler - it's not highlighted >in the article, maybe in the document itself?. Who's working on the >strategy to deliver this vision? and what role can we play as KICTANET to >change this? This is a challenge I throw to all of us! We must do >something! The countries mentioned in this article have been fundamentally >transformed by ICTs. your views on practical steps we can take to ensure >ICTs are well integrated in the strategy? Edith > Kibaki launches vision for growth > Published: 10/31/2006 > By: MUGO NJERU > >-------------------------------------------------------- > > President Kibaki yesterday launched an >ambitious economic programme aimed at transforming Kenya into an economic >powerhouse with a sustainable growth rate of 10 per cent by 2030. > > The President told leaders to keep politics >out of the project dubbed Kenya Vision 2030. > > > President Kibaki greets Nation CEO Wilfred >Kiboro and other members of the National Economic and Social Council >yesterday before officially launching Vision 2030 at KICC in Nairobi. The >vision is expected to transform Kenya into a prosperous nation. >Photo/William Oeri. > > > He said: "Vision 2030 goes beyond any single >government, party, political persuasion or religion. It is a call to all >Kenyans to make it possible for us to wipe out from our land absolute >poverty, famine, mass unemployment and preventable deaths from malaria and >water-borne diseases." > > Although President Kibaki said he was >optimistic that the development goal would be achieved, it will depend on >how the country manages its affairs in the next five years. > > High quality of life > > "Under Vision 2030, we see ourselves becoming >a middle-income, prosperous country, providing a high quality of life for >all our people," the President said at the launch of the initiative at the >Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi. > > To realise the goal, he said Kenyans must >build on the competitive advantages in key sectors of the economy to >expand the country's share of the global market. > > Besides the 10 per cent growth over 25 years, >another pillar of the programme will be building a just and cohesive >society with equitable social development and a clean and secure >environment. > > The initiative also aims at building a >democratic political system that nurtures issue-based politics, the rule >of law and protects the rights and freedoms of every individual and >society. > > Several leaders at the meeting described the >vision as noble and said it should be supported by all Kenyans. ODM Kenya >secretary-general Anyang Nyong'o said the vision was good but its success >would depend on the goodwill of successive governments. "The Government >and the opposition are united on this vision," he said. > > Finance minister Amos Kimunya said its >success depended on people working together as one nation. > > He and other speakers said it was possible to >propel the country to the levels of economies like Malaysia, Singapore, >Indonesia, Chile and South Korea, most of which which were in the same >economic footing with Kenya in the 1970s. > > Trade and Industry minister Mukhisa Kituyi >said the vision is achievable if it is not held hostage by any government >and if it receives support from the media and the private sector. > > President Kibaki said for the country to >realise the success of the vision, it was important to put in place a >clear strategy detailing what needed to be achieved for each of the >pillars of the programme for the next five years. > > He said that over the years, coffee >production has been declining from over 120,000 tons a year to less than >50,000 this year, which had a devastating effect on farmers' incomes and >employment opportunities. > > "We need to make sure that under Vision 2030, >the strategies that will be developed will not repeat the mistakes of the >past and avoid imposing a costly burden on the people of this country," he >said. > > On manufacturing, the President said the >sector had barely grown in the last 20 years. "The textile industry which >was very vibrant in 1970s and 1980s has virtually been wiped out while the >EPZ-based enterprises are experiencing serious competition in the global >market," he said. > > Leather and other livestock-related >industries have also not made significant breakthroughs in the global >market although these are sectors in which Kenya could have competitive >advantage and growth if the right strategies and policies were applied. > > "I challenge the experts who are developing >the strategies to pay special attention to these sectors for the next five >years, because they have the greatest potential for delivering widely >shared economic and social benefits for the Kenyan people," President >Kibaki said. > > On tourism, he noted that although the number >of tourists visiting Kenya had increased over the last few years, income >from the sector was far below that of small European countries, the >Caribbean and North Africa. > > With proper planning and investment, the >country should be able to attract and accommodate five million tourists by >2012, the President said. > > He said the economic performance of any >country was closely tied to the application of science and technology and >that was why the country was investing considerably in higher education >and research institutions. > > The vision strategy, he said, should be >geared towards enhancing Kenya's scientific and technological capacity, >promoting a scientific culture and integrating science and technology into >the production and service sectors. > > There was also need to expand, upgrade and >sustain health facilities while ensuring that they remain accessible and >affordable to all Kenyans. > > President Kibaki said rapid urban population >growth had resulted in serious unemployment, growing slums and an increase >of hawkers. It was also causing a severe strain on the provision of >services such as maintenance of law and order, water supply, sewerage and >sanitation, education and health facilities. > > The President said: "Effective planning of >and ability to enforce compliance for the proper administration of our >cities and major towns requires to be accorded high priority in the >strategies that will be developed to meet the challenges of urbanisation." > > He directed that measures to wipe out slums >and replace them with well-planned, low-cost houses in all major towns be >implemented without delay. > > > > > >-------------------------------------------------------- > > > to view this article on the web click here > >-------------------------------------------------------- > > Are you receiving daily news headlines from the >Daily Nation? Sign up today and receive headlines andweekly articles from >your favorite magazine delivered to your email inbox. > > To sign up: Registered users click here New >members click here. > > Interested in advertising in our emails? Contact >internetsales(a)nation.co.ke or read about our advertising opportunities >herehttp://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/advertise.asp > > > > >-------------------------------------------------------- > > You have received this email because someone >thought you might be interested in our article. Please be assured that we >have not saved your email address for any purpose. To read our Privacy >Policyclick here > > > > Nation Media Group all rights reserved 2004 > Website: www.nationmedia.com > For querries or info: comments(a)nation.co.ke > > > > > > >-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- End forwarded message ----- -Wash -- +======================================================================+ |\ _,,,---,,_ | Odhiambo Washington <wash(a)wananchi.com> Zzz /,`.-'`' -. ;-;;,_ | Wananchi Online Ltd. www.wananchi.com |,4- ) )-,_. ,\ ( `'-'| Tel: +254 20 313985-9 +254 20 313922 '---''(_/--' `-'\_) | GSM: +254 722 743223 +254 733 744121 +======================================================================+ Anarchy may not be the best form of government, but it's better than no government at all. [View Less]

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[fwd] VISION 2030..our collective role
by Odhiambo WASHINGTON 02 Nov '06

02 Nov '06

Hello Everyone, Please note - FWDed msg. ----- Original Message ----- [snip] ********************************************************************* Dear Colleagues, I wish to respond to the very apt challenge thrown to us by Edith. From where i sit at the e-Government Directorate, it is of great interest to us to explore ways in which we can leverage ICTs and e-Government to deliver on the broad goals of the 2030 vision. As indicated by the Head of state, the 2030 vision is NOT a … [View More]Government project but trancends all players across the political divides, sectors and socio-economic classes including electoral calendars. That's why the challenge by Edith is very timely. What can we as Kenyans and core stakeholders bring to the table to ensure that existing opportunities are leveraged effectively? My colleague Andrew Limo is in the technical team that was working on the vision and i believe he will also comment on this. I would like to throw the challenge back to KICTANET to bring to bear your very impressive arsenal of intellectual and lobbying might to open this debate far and wide. Lets all remember that the vision is a broad statement of intent and the way it all turns out will depend on how we interpret this statement and break it down to manageable pieces. We should not get discouraged but instead bring to light ways in which ICTs CAN hasten the attainment of the vision. Edith mentioned that the countries mentioned as success cases in national visioning leveraged ICTs..can we get more concrete information publicized and brought to the attention of decision makers? what specific learning examples can we immediately tap into to start demonstrating success? I believe together we can pull this off..for the good of all of us Kenyans Kind regards Gakiria Andrew Senior Policy Analyst & Information security Administrator e-Government Directorate Office of the President Harambee House 10th Floor Tel: +254 20 341582 Cell: +254 721 323118 Nairobi, KENYA ----- End forwarded message ----- cheers - wash +----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------+ Odhiambo Washington . WANANCHI ONLINE LTD (Nairobi, KE) | wash () WANANCHI ! com . 1ere Etage, Loita Hse, Loita St., | GSM: (+254) 722 743 223 . # 10286, 00100 NAIROBI | GSM: (+254) 733 744 121 . (+254) 020 313 985 - 9 | +---------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ "Oh My God! They killed init! You Bastards!" --from a /. post [View Less]

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Re: [Kictanet] Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for growth
by Eric Osiakwan 02 Nov '06

02 Nov '06

Take what they have written and nicely insert as much ICT as possible both as an enabler of other sectors and a sector by itself then submit to them based on consensus from KICTANET as contribution from the multi-stakeholder community. Eric here ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: <alice(a)apc.org> Reply-To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Date: Wed, 1 Nov 2006 09:48:21 +0300 >It is such a pity that the fastest … [View More]moving sector has not been given the >attention and prominence it deserves, what with Safaricom's and other's >contribution to the economy! Anyway we have been accused of moaning! > >The draft vision was created by NESC, and from what I see the ICT "sector" >cuts across the 3 main pillars Economic, social and political they have >presented.They have outlined the project's approach which will take three >phases, I see an immediate entry point for ICTs during phase one where they >will "identify priority sectors with possibilities of quick wins" > >Perhaps KICTAnet could work with the IC master plan team to ensure that >links between the IC plan and the 2030 vision are created in all phases. >Important to identify priority sectors with possibilities of quick wins. > >Important to identify priority sectors with possibilities of quick wins. > > >best >alice > > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Nation Media" <news(a)nationmedia.com> >To: <alice(a)apc.org> >Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 9:22 PM >Subject: [Kictanet] Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for growth > > >> >> eadera(a)idrc.or.ke has sent you this article from >> Nationmedia.com with this message: >> Colleagues, It is TRAGIC! that vision 2030 has not >> given prominence to the role of ICTs as an enabler - it's not highlighted >> in the article, maybe in the document itself?. Who's working on the >> strategy to deliver this vision? and what role can we play as KICTANET to >> change this? This is a challenge I throw to all of us! We must do >> something! The countries mentioned in this article have been fundamentally >> transformed by ICTs. your views on practical steps we can take to ensure >> ICTs are well integrated in the strategy? Edith >> Kibaki launches vision for growth >> Published: 10/31/2006 >> By: MUGO NJERU >> >> -------------------------------------------------------- >> >> President Kibaki yesterday launched an >> ambitious economic programme aimed at transforming Kenya into an economic >> powerhouse with a sustainable growth rate of 10 per cent by 2030. >> >> The President told leaders to keep politics >> out of the project dubbed Kenya Vision 2030. >> >> >> President Kibaki greets Nation CEO Wilfred >> Kiboro and other members of the National Economic and Social Council >> yesterday before officially launching Vision 2030 at KICC in Nairobi. The >> vision is expected to transform Kenya into a prosperous nation. >> Photo/William Oeri. >> >> >> He said: "Vision 2030 goes beyond any single >> government, party, political persuasion or religion. It is a call to all >> Kenyans to make it possible for us to wipe out from our land absolute >> poverty, famine, mass unemployment and preventable deaths from malaria and >> water-borne diseases." >> >> Although President Kibaki said he was >> optimistic that the development goal would be achieved, it will depend on >> how the country manages its affairs in the next five years. >> >> High quality of life >> >> "Under Vision 2030, we see ourselves becoming >> a middle-income, prosperous country, providing a high quality of life for >> all our people," the President said at the launch of the initiative at the >> Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi. >> >> To realise the goal, he said Kenyans must >> build on the competitive advantages in key sectors of the economy to >> expand the country's share of the global market. >> >> Besides the 10 per cent growth over 25 years, >> another pillar of the programme will be building a just and cohesive >> society with equitable social development and a clean and secure >> environment. >> >> The initiative also aims at building a >> democratic political system that nurtures issue-based politics, the rule >> of law and protects the rights and freedoms of every individual and >> society. >> >> Several leaders at the meeting described the >> vision as noble and said it should be supported by all Kenyans. ODM Kenya >> secretary-general Anyang Nyong'o said the vision was good but its success >> would depend on the goodwill of successive governments. "The Government >> and the opposition are united on this vision," he said. >> >> Finance minister Amos Kimunya said its >> success depended on people working together as one nation. >> >> He and other speakers said it was possible to >> propel the country to the levels of economies like Malaysia, Singapore, >> Indonesia, Chile and South Korea, most of which which were in the same >> economic footing with Kenya in the 1970s. >> >> Trade and Industry minister Mukhisa Kituyi >> said the vision is achievable if it is not held hostage by any government >> and if it receives support from the media and the private sector. >> >> President Kibaki said for the country to >> realise the success of the vision, it was important to put in place a >> clear strategy detailing what needed to be achieved for each of the >> pillars of the programme for the next five years. >> >> He said that over the years, coffee >> production has been declining from over 120,000 tons a year to less than >> 50,000 this year, which had a devastating effect on farmers' incomes and >> employment opportunities. >> >> "We need to make sure that under Vision 2030, >> the strategies that will be developed will not repeat the mistakes of the >> past and avoid imposing a costly burden on the people of this country," he >> said. >> >> On manufacturing, the President said the >> sector had barely grown in the last 20 years. "The textile industry which >> was very vibrant in 1970s and 1980s has virtually been wiped out while the >> EPZ-based enterprises are experiencing serious competition in the global >> market," he said. >> >> Leather and other livestock-related >> industries have also not made significant breakthroughs in the global >> market although these are sectors in which Kenya could have competitive >> advantage and growth if the right strategies and policies were applied. >> >> "I challenge the experts who are developing >> the strategies to pay special attention to these sectors for the next five >> years, because they have the greatest potential for delivering widely >> shared economic and social benefits for the Kenyan people," President >> Kibaki said. >> >> On tourism, he noted that although the number >> of tourists visiting Kenya had increased over the last few years, income >> from the sector was far below that of small European countries, the >> Caribbean and North Africa. >> >> With proper planning and investment, the >> country should be able to attract and accommodate five million tourists by >> 2012, the President said. >> >> He said the economic performance of any >> country was closely tied to the application of science and technology and >> that was why the country was investing considerably in higher education >> and research institutions. >> >> The vision strategy, he said, should be >> geared towards enhancing Kenya's scientific and technological capacity, >> promoting a scientific culture and integrating science and technology into >> the production and service sectors. >> >> There was also need to expand, upgrade and >> sustain health facilities while ensuring that they remain accessible and >> affordable to all Kenyans. >> >> President Kibaki said rapid urban population >> growth had resulted in serious unemployment, growing slums and an increase >> of hawkers. It was also causing a severe strain on the provision of >> services such as maintenance of law and order, water supply, sewerage and >> sanitation, education and health facilities. >> >> The President said: "Effective planning of >> and ability to enforce compliance for the proper administration of our >> cities and major towns requires to be accorded high priority in the >> strategies that will be developed to meet the challenges of urbanisation." >> >> He directed that measures to wipe out slums >> and replace them with well-planned, low-cost houses in all major towns be >> implemented without delay. >> >> >> >> >> >> -------------------------------------------------------- >> >> >> to view this article on the web click here >> >> -------------------------------------------------------- >> >> Are you receiving daily news headlines from the >> Daily Nation? Sign up today and receive headlines andweekly articles from >> your favorite magazine delivered to your email inbox. >> >> To sign up: Registered users click here New >> members click here. >> >> Interested in advertising in our emails? Contact >> internetsales(a)nation.co.ke or read about our advertising opportunities >> herehttp://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/advertise.asp >> >> >> >> >> -------------------------------------------------------- >> >> You have received this email because someone >> thought you might be interested in our article. Please be assured that we >> have not saved your email address for any purpose. To read our Privacy >> Policyclick here >> >> >> >> Nation Media Group all rights reserved 2004 >> Website: www.nationmedia.com >> For querries or info: comments(a)nation.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/alice%40apc.org > > >_______________________________________________ >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/eric%40afrispa.org > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" -- [View Less]

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Test 4 - List VRFY
by Odhiambo WASHINGTON 01 Nov '06

01 Nov '06

Test 4 for the list!! Please keep on ignoring me, pls ;) cheers - wash +----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------+ Odhiambo Washington . WANANCHI ONLINE LTD (Nairobi, KE) | wash () WANANCHI ! com . 1ere Etage, Loita Hse, Loita St., | GSM: (+254) 722 743 223 . # 10286, 00100 NAIROBI | GSM: (+254) 733 744 121 . (+254) 020 313 985 - 9 | +---------------------------------+-------------------------------… [View More]

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LIST VERIFICATIOBN TEST 3
by Odhiambo WASHINGTON 01 Nov '06

01 Nov '06

VRFY Test 3. cheers - wash +----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------+ Odhiambo Washington . WANANCHI ONLINE LTD (Nairobi, KE) | wash () WANANCHI ! com . 1ere Etage, Loita Hse, Loita St., | GSM: (+254) 722 743 223 . # 10286, 00100 NAIROBI | GSM: (+254) 733 744 121 . (+254) 020 313 985 - 9 | +---------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ "Oh My God! They killed init! … [View More]

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FLOSS, peer production, new models, innovation... a voice at the IGF
by alice＠apc.org 01 Nov '06

01 Nov '06

Piracy creates jobs, but [Free Software and] Open Source and Open Standards create opportunity, create entrepreneurs. And I think that's the challenge for the IGF as well, how to look at it is a public interest forum, the Internet is a public space, and how can we facilitate maximum sharing, maximum creativity, peer production, new models, innovation. --Anriette Esterhuysen, at the Internet Governance Forum, Athens, November 1, 2006 http://www.intgovforum.org/IGF-Panel2-311006am.txt

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List Verification Test 2
by Odhiambo WASHINGTON 01 Nov '06

01 Nov '06

List Verification test!!! cheers - wash +----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------+ Odhiambo Washington . WANANCHI ONLINE LTD (Nairobi, KE) | wash () WANANCHI ! com . 1ere Etage, Loita Hse, Loita St., | GSM: (+254) 722 743 223 . # 10286, 00100 NAIROBI | GSM: (+254) 733 744 121 . (+254) 020 313 985 - 9 | +---------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ "Oh My God! They … [View More]

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Fwd: Re: [Kictanet] Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for growth
by evelyne ofwona 01 Nov '06

01 Nov '06

alice(a)apc.org wrote: From: <alice(a)apc.org> To: <evelyneofwona(a)yahoo.com> CC: "Odhiambo_Washington" <wash(a)wananchi.com>, "Judy kimiti" <jkimiti01(a)yahoo.co.uk> Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for growth Date: Wed, 1 Nov 2006 11:16:51 +0300 Peaese forward this to the list for me. As I had mentioned none of my posts are going through.......:( ------------------------------------------------- It is such a pity that the … [View More]fastest moving sector has not been given the attention and prominence it deserves, what with Safaricom's and other's contribution to the economy! Anyway we have been accused of moaning! The draft vision was created by NESC, and from what I see the ICT "sector" cuts across the 3 main pillars Economic, social and political they have presented.They have outlined the project's approach which will take three phases, I see an immediate entry point for ICTs during phase one where they will "identify priority sectors with possibilities of quick wins" The plan also mentions creation of ministerial committee headed by P.S from various ministries and involving stakeholders to identify sector specific visions/constraints, etc This is good for all stakeholders and we should take the opportunity to work with our ministry and P.S. Perhaps KICTAnet could work with the IC master plan team to ensure that links between the IC plan and the 2030 vision are created in all phases. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Nation Media" To: Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 9:22 PM Subject: [Kictanet] Nationmedia.com News: Kibaki launches vision for growth > > eadera(a)idrc.or.ke has sent you this article from > Nationmedia.com with this message: > Colleagues, It is TRAGIC! that vision 2030 has not > given prominence to the role of ICTs as an enabler - it's not highlighted > in the article, maybe in the document itself?. Who's working on the > strategy to deliver this vision? and what role can we play as KICTANET to > change this? This is a challenge I throw to all of us! We must do > something! The countries mentioned in this article have been fundamentally > transformed by ICTs. your views on practical steps we can take to ensure > ICTs are well integrated in the strategy? Edith > Kibaki launches vision for growth > Published: 10/31/2006 > By: MUGO NJERU > > -------------------------------------------------------- > > President Kibaki yesterday launched an > ambitious economic programme aimed at transforming Kenya into an economic > powerhouse with a sustainable growth rate of 10 per cent by 2030. > > The President told leaders to keep politics > out of the project dubbed Kenya Vision 2030. > > > President Kibaki greets Nation CEO Wilfred > Kiboro and other members of the National Economic and Social Council > yesterday before officially launching Vision 2030 at KICC in Nairobi. The > vision is expected to transform Kenya into a prosperous nation. > Photo/William Oeri. > > > He said: "Vision 2030 goes beyond any single > government, party, political persuasion or religion. It is a call to all > Kenyans to make it possible for us to wipe out from our land absolute > poverty, famine, mass unemployment and preventable deaths from malaria and > water-borne diseases." > > Although President Kibaki said he was > optimistic that the development goal would be achieved, it will depend on > how the country manages its affairs in the next five years. > > High quality of life > > "Under Vision 2030, we see ourselves becoming > a middle-income, prosperous country, providing a high quality of life for > all our people," the President said at the launch of the initiative at the > Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi. > > To realise the goal, he said Kenyans must > build on the competitive advantages in key sectors of the economy to > expand the country's share of the global market. > > Besides the 10 per cent growth over 25 years, > another pillar of the programme will be building a just and cohesive > society with equitable social development and a clean and secure > environment. > > The initiative also aims at building a > democratic political system that nurtures issue-based politics, the rule > of law and protects the rights and freedoms of every individual and > society. > > Several leaders at the meeting described the > vision as noble and said it should be supported by all Kenyans. ODM Kenya > secretary-general Anyang Nyong'o said the vision was good but its success > would depend on the goodwill of successive governments. "The Government > and the opposition are united on this vision," he said. > > Finance minister Amos Kimunya said its > success depended on people working together as one nation. > > He and other speakers said it was possible to > propel the country to the levels of economies like Malaysia, Singapore, > Indonesia, Chile and South Korea, most of which which were in the same > economic footing with Kenya in the 1970s. > > Trade and Industry minister Mukhisa Kituyi > said the vision is achievable if it is not held hostage by any government > and if it receives support from the media and the private sector. > > President Kibaki said for the country to > realise the success of the vision, it was important to put in place a > clear strategy detailing what needed to be achieved for each of the > pillars of the programme for the next five years. > > He said that over the years, coffee > production has been declining from over 120,000 tons a year to less than > 50,000 this year, which had a devastating effect on farmers' incomes and > employment opportunities. > > "We need to make sure that under Vision 2030, > the strategies that will be developed will not repeat the mistakes of the > past and avoid imposing a costly burden on the people of this country," he > said. > > On manufacturing, the President said the > sector had barely grown in the last 20 years. "The textile industry which > was very vibrant in 1970s and 1980s has virtually been wiped out while the > EPZ-based enterprises are experiencing serious competition in the global > market," he said. > > Leather and other livestock-related > industries have also not made significant breakthroughs in the global > market although these are sectors in which Kenya could have competitive > advantage and growth if the right strategies and policies were applied. > > "I challenge the experts who are developing > the strategies to pay special attention to these sectors for the next five > years, because they have the greatest potential for delivering widely > shared economic and social benefits for the Kenyan people," President > Kibaki said. > > On tourism, he noted that although the number > of tourists visiting Kenya had increased over the last few years, income > from the sector was far below that of small European countries, the > Caribbean and North Africa. > > With proper planning and investment, the > country should be able to attract and accommodate five million tourists by > 2012, the President said. > > He said the economic performance of any > country was closely tied to the application of science and technology and > that was why the country was investing considerably in higher education > and research institutions. > > The vision strategy, he said, should be > geared towards enhancing Kenya's scientific and technological capacity, > promoting a scientific culture and integrating science and technology into > the production and service sectors. > > There was also need to expand, upgrade and > sustain health facilities while ensuring that they remain accessible and > affordable to all Kenyans. > > President Kibaki said rapid urban population > growth had resulted in serious unemployment, growing slums and an increase > of hawkers. It was also causing a severe strain on the provision of > services such as maintenance of law and order, water supply, sewerage and > sanitation, education and health facilities. > > The President said: "Effective planning of > and ability to enforce compliance for the proper administration of our > cities and major towns requires to be accorded high priority in the > strategies that will be developed to meet the challenges of urbanisation." > > He directed that measures to wipe out slums > and replace them with well-planned, low-cost houses in all major towns be > implemented without delay. > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------- > > > to view this article on the web click here > > -------------------------------------------------------- > > Are you receiving daily news headlines from the > Daily Nation? Sign up today and receive headlines andweekly articles from > your favorite magazine delivered to your email inbox. > > To sign up: Registered users click here New > members click here. > > Interested in advertising in our emails? Contact > internetsales(a)nation.co.ke or read about our advertising opportunities > herehttp://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/advertise.asp > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------- > > You have received this email because someone > thought you might be interested in our article. Please be assured that we > have not saved your email address for any purpose. To read our Privacy > Policyclick here > > > > Nation Media Group all rights reserved 2004 > Website: www.nationmedia.com > For querries or info: comments(a)nation.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/alice%40apc.org --------------------------------- We have the perfect Group for you. Check out the handy changes to Yahoo! Groups. [View Less]

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List Verification
by Odhiambo WASHINGTON 01 Nov '06

01 Nov '06

List VRFY. Please ignore.... List VRFY. Please ignore. Just testing if the list is working properly ./Lists Admin cheers - wash +----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------+ Odhiambo Washington . WANANCHI ONLINE LTD (Nairobi, KE) | wash () WANANCHI ! com . 1ere Etage, Loita Hse, Loita St., | GSM: (+254) 722 743 223 . # 10286, 00100 NAIROBI | GSM: (+254) 733 744 121 . (+254) 020 313 985 - 9 | +---… [View More]

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Fw: VISION 2030..our collective role
by alice＠apc.org 01 Nov '06

01 Nov '06

----- Original Message ----- From: <andrew.gakiria(a)kenya.go.ke> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Cc: <andrew.limo(a)kenya.go.ke> Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2006 10:27 AM Subject: VISION 2030..our collective role > Dear Alice, > > Kindly forward this for me to the Kictanet list > > Thanks > > Gakiria > > ****************************************************************************************** > > Dear Colleagues, > > I wish to respond to the … [View More]

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Fwd: Nationmedia.com News: Kigali: Where MPs debate and vote in a simple click
by Edith Adera 31 Oct '06

31 Oct '06

Collegues? When is this likely to hit the Kenyan August House? Edith > >Threats of computer viruses are the biggest nightmare for the Rwandan >Senate and Parliament, which have fully embraced state-of-the-art technology. > >This is a sharp contrast to the Kenya National Assembly where normal >business is regularly interrupted owing to lack of quorum. > >The Senate and the Lower House are fully computerised and rank among the >most modern on the continent, only … [View More]second to South Africa. > >Unlike in Kenya, where one has to pass a language test (English and >Kiswahili), in Rwanda, a senator must be a university graduate and >computer literate, in addition to being trilingual (Rwandese, English and >French). > >The debating chambers of the Senate and Parliament are virtually >paperless. This new initiative headed by President Paul Kagame has >resulted in a drastic reduction of costs on stationary, while boosting >efficiency and transparency. > >The debating chambers and the precinct of the two buildings, which are in >two different houses about five kilometres apart, are ICT-complaint. There >are internet services for all senators and deputies (members of >parliament) 24 hours a day. > >Because of the new technology, all senators and MPs must be computer >literate and carry lap-top computers, supplied by the government, to the >debating chamber and/or to the committee meetings. > >Even staff at the Senate and the Lower House are required to use the >information super-highway to communicate with each other and with senators >and MPs. > >Citizens can get virtually all information they want on their senators and >MPs by a touch of a button. They can also know what is on the day's order >paper, the Bills being discussed, which committees are meeting; and what >is being discussed. > >This is unlike the Kenyan Parliament where the new technology has not been >embraced fully, what with the august House yet to launch its website! >Committee meetings are also held in camera, as per the standing orders. > >During a visit to the Senate early last week, seven staffers of the Kenya >National Assembly were mesmerised by the ultra-modern building and ICT >system that has been integrated. > >The sub-committee was chaired by Mr Harry Owino, a senior systems analyst. >It was on a fact-finding mission to the Great Lakes country to study how >it has embraced ICT in the Legislature, and how the same could be >replicated in Kenya. > >The tour was part of the team's mandate to come up with targets and >results to improve service delivery in the Kenya National Assembly, within >100 days. It was part of the rapid results initiative launched by the >Government, through the Head of the Civil Service and Secretary to the >Cabinet, Mr Francis Muthaura, two months ago > >Resembles UN facilities > >The debating chamber of the Rwanda Senate resembles the faculties of the >United Nations Environment Programme in Nairobi, where each member has his >or her seat, plus a name tag on it and a microphone. > >In Kenya, members of the front bench and the back bench seat on benches >facing each other, with the Speaker (Mr Francis ole Kaparo) in the middle. > >Plans to modernise the building, start live coverage and launch a website >have been pending for the past five years. > >The Rwandese Senate has an electronic board which shows how many members >are present and how they have voted, either for, against or abstained. >Lack of quorum has so far not been a problem, according to the Senate >President, Dr Vincent Biruta. > >He said members were committed and had a high sense of integrity and >patriotism. "In addition to the website, we are also reaching out to the >public through a magazine focusing on issues before us, and how they >relate to all." > >But Dr Biruta regretted that unlike the Kenyan media, which was aggressive >and gave the Legislature lots of coverage in the print and broadcast >media, the opposite was the case in Rwanda. Where they have been invited >to attend sessions, they have shied away. > >"We even send them a summary of the day's proceedings and only a few FM >and TV stations use them," the Senate President said. > >The Senate was established three years ago under the new Constitution, >following the genocide a decade ago. It receives Bills from the Lower >House that have been passed, studies them and either endorses or rejects >them. If they are passed, they are sent to the Head of State for assent >into law. > >The proceedings are covered live by video and are and tape recorded. All >debates in the Senate and Lower House are in the national language, >Rwandese. They are recorded in the Hansard (verbatim reports) in that >language. > >But Motions which are passed are translated into English and French for >public consumption. > >When the Kenyan team visited the Lower House on Wednesday afternoon, it >was introduced to the members during debate and given an opportunity to >follow the talks through a translator. > >By then, two ministers were on the floor responding to public concerns >raised by their MPs, on poor infrastructure, water shortages and power >blackouts. > >Had 20 minutes to respond > >The two ministers, Mr Kamanzi Stanislos and Mr Musoni Protais, were at >pains to explain to members why the grievances had not been addressed. >Each had 20 minutes to respond to all the concerns gathered by a >parliamentary committee during a recent field visit. No supplementary >question was allowed, as is the case in the Kenyan Parliament. > >The debating chamber resembled a UN conference. It was orderly and issues >orientated. If that was in Kenya, an MP would ask a personal question and >the Speaker would allow him or her to ask a supplementary question. Other >MPs were also free to raise points of order and hijack the member's question. > >We heard the voice of the speaker of the Lower House only at the beginning >and at the end of the minister's presentation. He was dressed in a black >suit and matching tie, and had no wig, unlike the Kenyan speaker. > >The members could dress formally in suits or casually, in Mandela shirts. > >All the Senators have seats reserved for them, with their own microphones >placed on a table. As they enjoy leather seats, they can also connect >their lap-tops to the system and access the day's order paper, Bills >pending and those that have been passed. > >By the touch of a button, the Senators can vote for or against a motion or >Bill placed before them. The idea is to have a "paperless" debating chamber. > >Success of the ICT programme in the Senate and the Lower House has been >due to political goodwill by the Head of State and donors, as well as >contributions by UNDP, USAID, Microsoft and CISCO, among other organisations. > > > >to view this article on the web ><http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id>click >here > >Are you receiving daily news headlines from the Daily Nation? ><http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/register_form.asp>Sign up today >and receive headlines andweekly articles from your favorite magazine >delivered to your email inbox. >To sign up: ><http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/updateprofile.asp>Registered users >click >here <http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/registration_form.asp>New >members click here. > >Interested in advertising in our emails? Contact ><mailto:internetsales@nation.co.ke>internetsales(a)nation.co.ke or read >about our advertising opportunities >here<http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/advertise.asp>http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/advertise.asp > > > > >You have received this email because someone thought you might be >interested in our article. Please be assured that we have not saved your >email address for any purpose. To read our Privacy >Policy<http://www.nationmedia.com/syndicated/privacy.asp>click here > > > >Nation Media Group all rights reserved 2004 >Website: <http://www.nationmedia.com/>www.nationmedia.com >For querries or info: <mailto:comments@nation.co.ke>comments(a)nation.co.ke > > >---------- [View Less]

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Fwd: WG: URGENT: WSA Experts Call - Your support needed for Africa
by charles nduati 31 Oct '06

31 Oct '06

Hi All, Attached kindly find a request from WSA awards who organise worldwide web contest and are in their 5th year. Kindly see if you can help them by being the nominator in your country. Many thanks, Charles nduati Note: forwarded message attached. CHARLES N. NDUATI BUSINESS MANAGER JKUAT ENTERPRISES LTD JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY JUJA MAIN CAMPUS, THIKA P. O. BOX 79324-00200 NAIROBI, KENYA TEL: 254-067-52420 OR 254-067-52711 FAX: 254-067-52438 MOBILE:254-… [View More]

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Fw: Call for Proposals
by alice＠apc.org 30 Oct '06

30 Oct '06

Dear all Anyone interested in conducting research, M&E in Health/MDGs should apply for funding. See message below best regards alice ----- Original Message ----- > From: "CFP" <cfp(a)gdnet.org> > To: <alice(a)apc.org> > Sent: Tuesday, October 24, 2006 1:10 PM > Subject: Call for Proposals > > > Dear Alice Munyua, > > > > As a valuable member of the GDN research community I am pleased to write > to you on our latest call-for-proposals … [View More]

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Internet Governance Forum
by alice＠apc.org 30 Oct '06

30 Oct '06

A reminder for those who want to follow events at the Internet Governance Forum being held from 30 October to 2 November in Athens, Greece that you can read APC blogs at: http://blog.apc.org/en/events- list.shtml?conds[][short_id........]=5042107 And follow Feminist Talk at: http://www.genderit.org/en/index.shtml The official IGF website is http://www.intgovforum.org/index.htm

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ICANN seeks input on transparency and accountability
by alice＠apc.org 28 Oct '06

28 Oct '06

(Apologies for cross posting) ICANN has announced a new public comment forum and list of questions related to principles of transparency and accountability: http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-16oct06.htm "Responses are sought by October 31, 2006. Based on the responses received and other research, a first draft of the principles will be published for community comment in November, 2006. It is hoped that the Management Operating Principles will be adopted by the Board as … [View More]

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CONVERGENCE: The importance of convergence in the ICT policy environment
by alice＠apc.org 27 Oct '06

27 Oct '06

In the occasion of the Internet Governance Forum, the Association for Progressive Communications is launching three new papers on key ICT policy and internet rights issues. --------------------------------------------------------------------- CONVERGENCE: The importance of convergence in the ICT policy environment By Kate Wild This paper looks at the meaning and importance of convergence and considers some of the challenges to implementing it, along with strategies for overcoming them. It … [View More]also provides a global perspective on regulating convergence and broadband from ITU and then it looks at experiences in North America and Europe as well as regional and country approaches in Africa. http://rights.apc.org/documents/convergence_EN.pdf (English) http://rights.apc.org/documents/convergence_FR.pdf (French) --------------------------------------------------------------------- OPEN ACESS: Lowering the costs of international bandwidth in Africa By Mike Jensen This paper was commissioned by the APC as part of the Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa initiative and to contribute to APC's efforts to promote open access to ICT infrastructure in Africa. According to the author, a variety of factors are responsible for the lack of acess to bandwith in Africa, but the biggest cause is the high cost of international connections to the global telecommunication backbones. http://rights.apc.org/documents/open_access_EN.pdf (English) http://rights.apc.org/documents/open_access_FR.pdf (French) --------------------------------------------------------------------- WSIS: Whose information society? Developing country and civil society voices in the World Summit on the Information Society By David Souter This paper summarises a study of developing country and civil society participation and influence in WSIS that was commissioned by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC). As well as analysing participation, the study looked at the impact of WSIS on international ICT decision-making in general and makes recommendations to all main actors about how future decision-making might become more inclusive of developing countries, nongovernmental actors and their concerns. http://rights.apc.org/documents/wsis_EN.pdf (English) -------- FRANÇAIS -------- Les nouveaux thèmes émergents d'APC en anglais en français A l’occasion du Forum sur la gouvernance de l’internet (FGI), l’Association pour le progrès des communications lance trois nouveaux articles sur les thèmes fondamentaux des politiques de TIC et des droits d’internet. --------------------------------------------------------------------- CONVERGENCE : L’importance de la convergence dans le contexte des politiques des TIC Kate Wild La première partie de ce document porte sur le sens et l’importance de la convergence et sur certains des problèmes associés à sa mise en oeuvre, ainsi que sur les stratégies qui permettent de les surmonter. La deuxième partie présente un survol de la régulation de la convergence et de la bande passante par l’Union Internationale des Télécommunications (UIT) et s’intéresse aux expériences en Amérique du Nord et en Europe ainsi qu’à certaines approches régionales et de pays d’Afrique. http://rights.apc.org/documents/convergence_EN.pdf (Anglais) http://rights.apc.org/documents/convergence_FR.pdf (Français) --------------------------------------------------------------------- ACCÈS OUVERT : Abaisser les coûts de la bande passante internationale en Afrique Mike Jensen Cette analyse a été commandée par APC dans le cadre de Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa et pour contribuer aux efforts d´APC pour promouvoir l´accès ouvert à l´infrastructure de TIC en Afrique. Selon l’auteur, la situation actuelle de la bande passante en Afrique est attribuable à un certain nombre de facteurs, mais elle est due essentiellement au coût élevé des connexions internationales vers les dorsales de télécommunication internationales. http://rights.apc.org/documents/open_access_EN.pdf (Anglais) http://rights.apc.org/documents/open_access_FR.pdf (Français) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Uniquement en anglais: WSIS: Whose information society? Developing country and civil society voices in the World Summit on the Information Society By David Souter This paper summarises a study of developing country and civil society participation and influence in WSIS that was commissioned by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC). As well as analysing participation, the study looked at the impact of WSIS on international ICT decision-making in general and makes recommendations to all main actors about how future decision-making might become more inclusive of developing countries, nongovernmental actors and their concerns. http://rights.apc.org/documents/wsis_EN.pdf (English) A. Wanjira Munyua National Coordinator, Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA) Association for Progressive Communications (APC) alice(a)apc.org http://www.apc.org http://www.catia.ws [View Less]

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RE: [Kictanet] Kenya on the rising
by David Musoke 27 Oct '06

27 Oct '06

Eric is that magazine on-line????? Kezio-Musoke David -----Original Message----- From: John Walubengo [mailto:jwalu@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 4:17 PM To: David Musoke Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Kenya on the rising On behalf of the 'silent' Kenyans... Allow me to accept your (Eric's) compliments. I haven't read the magazine but it is nice to hear that it potrays a bright (i did not say orange;-)) future. i think Kenyans can 'do it'. They are doing it in the … [View More]US/SA/Europe and many other places. With the right focus and effort, things will eventually begin to happen locally as well. walu. --- Eric Osiakwan <eric(a)afrispa.org> wrote: > Dear Kenyan Colleagues, > > You must be proud of yourselves, i just got a copy of the > lat edition > of the Computer and Communication Africa (CCA) for 2006 > and the lead > story is "Kenya's drive to become ICT powerhouse" and > much more on > Kenya. > > While i have being familiar with the momentum there i was > amazed when > i read the stories about the pace of engagement. In some > ways this > confirms my believe that Africa has pockets of excellence > but what we > need is SPEED to SCALE and definately you guys are on a > FASTRACK. We > are with you and i want to personally congratulate the > level of > engagement from the various constituencies and not > belittling the > others by singling out the exemplary leadership of the > PS, Dr. Ndemo > and Hon. Minister, Mutahi Kagwe. > > Thanks to AITEC for throwing the spotlight @ http:// > new.aitecafrica.com/ and not to promote AITEC but i think > we should > all get copies of the hardprint....:-) > > Go Kenya. > > > Eric M.K Osiakwan > Executive Secretary > AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) > Tel: + 233.21.258800 > Fax: + 233.21.258811 > Cell: + 233.244.386792 > Handle: eosiakwan > Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North > Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North > Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ > Slang: "Tomorrow Now" > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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/jwalu%40yahoo.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.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/dmusoke%40newvision.co.ug [View Less]

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Kictanet Planning Meeting - 9th November Jacaranda Hotel
by Judy kimiti 27 Oct '06

27 Oct '06

Dear Member, Please Find attached the agenda for the next KICTANet Planning Meeting which will be held on 9th November 2006, 3:00pm, Jacaranda Hotel As alot of members who had expressed interest in the Fibre Presentation by KDN where not able to attend, Mr Kai Wulff, has accepted to join us and give us the presenation at the above mentioned meeting. Please note because of time constraint, we shall have the presentation at exactly 3:30pm and will run for 30min. Those … [View More]

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Fw: [Kictanet] Re: India's Weaknesses
by alice＠apc.org 26 Oct '06

26 Oct '06

----- Original Message ----- From: "Vincent Waiswa Bagiire" <vincent(a)cipesa.org> To: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 11:37 AM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Re: India's Weaknesses > Dear All, > > I am a newcomer on this list thanks to Alice and I look forward to being > engaged in the discussions. > > Regards, > Vincent > > Bill Kagai wrote: >> On 10/25/06, waudo(a)signet.co.ke <waudo(a)… [View More]

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Planning Meeting Minutes
by Judy kimiti 26 Oct '06

26 Oct '06

Dear Member, Please find attached the 12th October Kictanet Planning Meeting Minutes Thank you Judy Kimiti KICTANet --------------------------------- Try the all-new Yahoo! Mail . "The New Version is radically easier to use" The Wall Street Journal

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Re: [Kictanet] Re: India's Weaknesses
by Eric Osiakwan 25 Oct '06

25 Oct '06

Waudo said "Perhaps something could be done now before we find ourselves in India's position" We all know that one of the demons that has held back Africa's rise is the DE-LINK between industry and academia (research) and also with governments. Prof. Ernest Wilson's (of Maryland University) squad model makes the argument that you need a constant interaction between these constituencies for growth and innovation to take place. He argues that Silicon Valley is a clear example. My … [View More]proposition therefore as a way to answer the question above is to leverage the BPO opportunity. Most African governments are at least on board the BPO wagon so my idea is, lets establish the BPOs in the University environment given the current public policy favouring. The BPO companys can take advantage of cheap but good student labour whiles they build the real estate for their operations using university land on a "build operate and handover basis". The Universities then get real estate which they use for their long term expansion of physical infrastructure. The BPO companies get their work done cheaply and when they migrate in the long term, much value would have being gained. The University students get work experience for the long term job market entry and also interim cash to support their University education. This also gives the non-computer related students some basic skills and exposure and for the CS, EE etc students, they build their internal capacity not only to take calls and do word processing but more technical stuff. They would soon be writing software for those BPO companies. Mostly importantly this becomes the nucleus of the government/academia/private sector LINKINING which would grow into other areas. Hence the value proposition of the BPO banwagon is, it gives us a foot into the door but we must move up the value chain very quickly or we would end up doing the low end jobs which would make us less competitive in the Knowledge economy. When I proposed this to my Ghana Cyber Group friend (Yaw Owusu, leading the way with a private TechPark in Ghana) whom i have cced on this mail, he said, then the Tech Parks (BPOs + more) should be in the University/Research Environment and his example of been able to acquire land from the Ghana CSIR which is close to the University of Ghana would be a good prototype. This is the story am going to be telling at the the first University Leaders Forum in Cape Town to which governments, academic leadership, private sector and Civil Society has being convened. Eric here ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: waudo(a)signet.co.ke Reply-To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2006 09:53:47 -0400 (Eastern Daylight Time) >Thanks to PS Ndemo for bringing this out. As for Wafula's question, the >work force survey undertaken by the CSK earlier this year revealed that >there is very little linkage between what the ICT training institutions >(including Universities) are producing and the requirements of the >industry either now or in the foreseeable future. Certainly there appear >to be no mechanisms to facilitate such linkage. Perhaps something could be >done now before we find ourselves in India's position. > > >Kind Regards >Waudo Siganga > >On Wed, October 25, 2006 9:22 am, TONY WAFULA wrote: >> Good lesson , though wonder whether as a country we are ready to address >> manpower shortage in this area. Just the other day Safaricom's Micheal >> Joseph was lamenting about the same...are we checking what our >> Universities are offering in relation to our projected needs? >> >> Regards >> >> Wafula >> >> bitange(a)jambo.co.ke wrote: >> Hi Edith, >> You must have been blogging. >> >> Regards >> >> >> Ndemo. >> >> >>> Certainly, a great lesson to learn from. >>> >>> Thanks for sharing the article! >>> >>> At / À 12:56 PM 10/24/2006, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke wrote / a écrit: >>>>Dear All, >>>>I think there are good lessons to learn from the article below. >>>> >>>>Regards >>>> >>>>Ndemo. >>>> >>>> >>>>October 17, 2006 >>>>Skills Gap Hurts Technology Boom in India >>>>By SOMINI SENGUPTA >>>> >>>> >>>>TIRUCHENGODE, India >>>> >>>> As its technology companies soar to the outsourcing skies, India is >>>>bumping up against an improbable challenge. In a country once regarded >>>> as >>>>a bottomless well of low-cost, ready-to-work, English-speaking >>>> engineers, >>>>a shortage looms. >>>> >>>>India still produces plenty of engineers, nearly 400,000 a year at last >>>>count. But their competence has become the issue. >>>> >>>>A study commissioned by a trade group, the National Association of >>>>Software and Service Companies, or Nasscom, found only one in four >>>>engineering graduates to be employable. The rest were deficient in the >>>>required technical skills, fluency in English or ability to work in a >>>> team >>>>or deliver basic oral presentations. >>>> >>>>The skills gap reflects the narrow availability of high-quality college >>>>education in India and the galloping pace of the country's >>>> service-driven >>>>economy, which is growing faster than nearly all but China's. The >>>> software >>>>and service companies provide technology services to foreign companies, >>>>many of them based in the United States. Software exports alone expanded >>>>by 33 percent in the last year. >>>> >>>>The university systems of few countries would be able to keep up with >>>> such >>>>demand, and India is certainly having trouble. The best and most >>>> selective >>>>universities generate too few graduates, and new private colleges are >>>>producing graduates of uneven quality. >>>> >>>>Many fear that the labor pinch may signal bottlenecks in other parts of >>>>the economy. It is already being felt in the information technology >>>>sector. >>>> >>>>With the number of technology jobs expected to nearly double to 1.7 >>>>million in the next four years, companies are scrambling to find fresh >>>>engineering talent and to upgrade the schools that produce it. >>>> >>>>Some companies are training faculty members themselves, offering courses >>>>tailored to industry needs and improving college labs and libraries. >>>> They >>>>are rushing to get first choice of would-be engineers long before they >>>>have completed their course work. And they are fanning out to small, >>>>remote colleges that almost no one had heard of before. The country's >>>> most >>>>successful technology concerns can no longer afford to hire only >>>> >>>> >>>>_______________________________________________ >>>>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/eadera%40idrc.or.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/bitange%40jambo.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/twaf78%40yahoo.com >> >> >> >> WITH COMPLIMENTS OF ANTHONY WAFULA >> >> --------------------------------- >> All-new Yahoo! Mail - Fire up a more powerful email and get things done >> faster._______________________________________________ >> 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/waudo%40signet.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/eric%40afrispa.org > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" -- [View Less]

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African choices...critical voices...crossing borders...African stories... harnessing local knowledge in Africa
by alice＠apc.org 25 Oct '06

25 Oct '06

This issue of The Soul Beat looks at the role of communication in harnessing local knowledge in Africa. The edition covers a range of project descriptions, strategic thinking documents and materials related to local knowledge specifically in the fields of agriculture, sustainable development and health. >From the SOUL BEAT AFRICA partnership - Soul City and The Communication Initiative ...African choices...critical voices...crossing borders...African stories... *** Subscribe to … [View More]

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Fw: [Catia_team] Engaging policy makers and regulators in Africa - theCATIA experience
by alice＠apc.org 25 Oct '06

25 Oct '06

FYI ----- Original Message ----- From: "Claire Sibthorpe" <csibthorpe(a)usa.net> To: "Lists: Catia_team" <Catia_team(a)catia.ws> Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 1:27 PM Subject: [Catia_team] Engaging policy makers and regulators in Africa - theCATIA experience > > Engaging policy-makers and regulators in Africa > - the CATIA experience > > October, 2006 > > Media release > > For the past three years the Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa programme &… [View More]gt; (CATIA) has worked towards strengthening the context for the vibrant > adoption and use of ICTs in Africa. The programme has been set up with > nine > components, each with its particular advocacy aim, in countries as diverse > as Ethiopia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Senegal. > > CATIA has shown that one of the most effective ways to have an impact on > the ICT policy landscape in Africa is by collaborating in > multi-stakeholder > processes, where experiences, perspectives and resources can be shared, > and > a common agenda shaped. > > Equally important, however, is how advocates engage policy-makers and > regulators. These experiences have been documented in an article entitled > 'checks and balances', which can be downloaded off the CATIA website > (www.catia.ws) > > Some of the key findings of the article are: > > * The distinction between policy-makers and regulators is not clearly > felt in some countries in Africa. Reasons include a lack of 'checks and > balances' or political instability, amongst them. Even in liberalised > environments, such as Kenya or South Africa, the independence of a > regulator > can be challenged by the state; > * Policy-makers and regulators are key to any ICT policy advocacy > process. However, having a policy influence may mean targeting influential > officials in government who may not be policy-makers or regulators > themselves; > * The direct involvement of policy-makers and regulators in activities > is an important way of ensuring the sustainability of advocacy > initiatives. > Advocates need to provide policy and regulatory officials with a sense of > buy-in and confidence in their work. Advocates need to demonstrate that > they > are serious; > * Developing informal relationships are often more effective than > formal engagements; > * Advocates need to nurture a culture of 'honest brokerage' so that > their work can be trusted in a policy development environment where there > are many competing interests. > > > > > _________________________________________________ > Claire Sibthorpe > Public Sector Consulting > Atos Consulting > 4 Triton Square, Regent's Place, London NW1 3HG, UK > Tel: +44 (0) 77 33312667 > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > Catia_team mailing list > Catia_team(a)catia.ws > http://catia.eyecon.co.za/mailman/listinfo/catia_team > [View Less]

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Fw: [Catia_team] Multi-stakeholder engagement in Africa - the CATIAexperience
by alice＠apc.org 25 Oct '06

25 Oct '06

Hi all FYI ----- Original Message ----- From: "Claire Sibthorpe" <csibthorpe(a)usa.net> To: "Lists: Catia_team" <Catia_team(a)catia.ws> Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 1:27 PM Subject: [Catia_team] Multi-stakeholder engagement in Africa - the CATIAexperience > > Multi-stakeholder engagement in Africa > - the CATIA experience > > October, 2006 > > Media release > > For the past three years the Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa programme > (CATIA)… [View More] has worked towards strengthening the context for the vibrant > adoption and use of ICTs in Africa. The programme has been set up with > nine > components, each with its particular advocacy aim, in countries as diverse > as Ethiopia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Senegal. > > CATIA has shown that one of the most effective ways to have an impact on > the ICT policy landscape in Africa is by collaborating in > multi-stakeholder > processes, where experiences, perspectives and resources can be shared, > and > a common agenda shaped. > > The programme's experiences have been documented in an article entitled > Breaking new ground towards each other, which can be downloaded off the > CATIA website (www.catia.ws) > > Some of the key findings of the article are: > > * While the multi-stakeholder approach to ICT policy development was > unusual a few years ago, many new success stories in policy engagement in > Africa are the result of collaborating across the sectors; > * Participants consider the multi-stakeholder approach an important > nation-building process that unlocks a country's expertise and resources; > * Multi-stakeholder networks increase the credibility of an advocacy > drive; > * They also tend to make policy processes more transparent, > particularly if the media is one of the stakeholders; > * Multi-stakeholder networks are dynamic, and their make-up depends on > the context. While collaborations between civil society, private sector > and > the media have proved successful, other stakeholders in policy development > processes have included academics, the government, global agencies such as > the United Nations, and policy-makers and regulators; > * The interests of the different stakeholders needs to be managed and > a common agenda forged that all stakeholders are comfortable with. > Processes > need to be put in place to ensure that all perspectives are appreciated; > * Sometimes advocacy objectives need to be aligned with government > strategies to make the advocacy goals more palatable for politicians; > * While stakeholder buy-in into an advocacy initiative is important, > this should not come at any cost. Values and principles, such as > accountability and transparency, need to be preserved and sometimes > defended. > > > _________________________________________________ > Claire Sibthorpe > Public Sector Consulting > Atos Consulting > 4 Triton Square, Regent's Place, London NW1 3HG, UK > Tel: +44 (0) 77 33312667 > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > Catia_team mailing list > Catia_team(a)catia.ws > http://catia.eyecon.co.za/mailman/listinfo/catia_team > [View Less]

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Re: [Kictanet] Does Africa need an IGF or Internet Development Forum?
by Eric Osiakwan 25 Oct '06

25 Oct '06

Loud Applause, Vincent ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: <alice(a)apc.org> Reply-To: Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 21:30:23 +0300 >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Vincent Waiswa Bagiire" <vincent(a)cipesa.org> >To: "Africa ICT Policy Forum" <africtic(a)dgroups.org> > > >> Does Africa need an IGF or Internet Development Forum? >> >> The Internet … [View More]Government Forum (IGF) convenes in Athens at the end of >> October (next week) to chart a way forward for making the running of the >> Internet more inclusive, and more democratic. Several key issues of >> concern for various governments and members of the Internet community >> worldwide were amply articulated in the run-up to the World Summits on the >> Information Society (WSIS) a process that has continued ahead of the >> IGF. Simply put, these issues revolve around enabling control of the >> Internet and its technical arms to be decentralised from ICANN and its >> few chosen agents, increasing security of the Internet, having >> international oversight over the Internet, among others. >> >> Africa stands to be a great beneficiary of the Internet, in areas ranging >> from communication to education, health to trade, and governance to >> knowledge creation. The case of how Africa embraced the mobile phone when >> conditions were created for more players to come in, and when technology >> allowed connecting thousands of people at lower costs, could be a learning >> example. Africa has got the highest growth rate of mobile phone >> connections in the world, and the mobile phone has become the centre of >> the continents connectivity successes. But Africa has also been >> registering high bandwidth consumption rates. According to the African >> Internet Service Providers Association, bandwidth demand in Africa rose by >> 19% in 2001, 28% in 2002, and 37% in 2003. This high growth rate comes >> against the background of very high bandwidth prices in Africa - which are >> several times higher than in Europe, America, and even Asia and the >> acute shortage of Internet infrastructure in most of Africa. >> As far as Internet usage is concerned, Africa is doing pretty badly. The >> ITU World Telecom/ ICT Development Report 2006 says while in a number of >> countries more than 50% of the population is using the Internet, an >> average of 2.6 percent of Africans are online. This compares miserably >> with the Americas (28.2%), Europe (31.1%), and Asia (8.1%). In the >> broadband sector, Africas show is even gloomier, as it has just 0.1% of >> the worlds connections. Comparatively, in the mobile phone sector the >> continent boasts 4% of global totals. The continent is not doing any >> superbly in terms of ownership of personal computers, the main medium on >> which the Internet is run. According to the Information Economy Report >> 2005 of the UN Conference on Trade and Investment, while the Republic of >> Korea in 2003 had 26.7 m PCs, the whole of Africa had 11.5 m PCs. Clearly, >> too few Africans are using the Internet at the moment, and this needs to >> be addressed for the continent to harvest benefits from the Internet. >> The question to ask then is, why are so few Africans using the Internet? >> And the answer to this question should provide the pointer to what needs >> to be done for more Africans to be brought into cyberspace. Are issues >> related to Internet Governance the main hindrance to Africans usage of >> the Internet? The answer is a plain no. Africans are not using the >> Internet because the technology deployed tends to be expensive, often the >> licensing procedures for Internet Service provision are expensive and >> cumbersome, ISPs charge exorbitantly for their services, monopoly >> providers do not give little attention to improving affordability, the >> content on the Internet is often irrelevant or not in a language many >> Africans understand, governments are rarely acting proactively and smartly >> to enable the poor and remote parts of their countries to have >> connectivity. Now those are the issues that need to be at the top of the >> agenda for those promoting Internet usage in Africa. Those are issues that >> should be addressed by an envisaged Internet Development Forum (ADF). >> >> As it is, African countries have been working towards developing a common >> position on the issues they will be addressing at the IGF in Athens. Among >> these are the need for security of the Internet, freedom of expression, >> multilingualism and local content on the Internet, Internet >> infrastructure, and Intellectual Property Rights. Reining in SPAM or >> unsolicited mail mainly used for commercial promotion, social or political >> activism, the need for cyber laws, and need for international management >> of the internet are the other issues African delegates will be >> passionately addressing themselves to. They say management of the Internet >> should be multilateral, transparent and democratic, with the full >> involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and >> international organisations. It should ensure an equitable distribution of >> resources, facilitate access for all and ensure a stable and secure >> functioning of the Internet. >> >> Who controls the Internet has not hindered vast number of Asians and >> Europeans from using the Internet. And it has not been the key hinderance >> to Africa use of the Internet. So Africa must lay its emphasis elsewhere: >> the emphasis should be on improving connectivity (and this connectivity >> should be low-cost, including wireless and VSAT), giving more Africans to >> know-how of using the internet, and generating content that is relevant to >> Africans, and easy for them to access and use. >> >> At Athens, African delegates are likely to strongly express their concern >> about Internet naming and addressing. In this light, they are likely to >> talk about the need for a dotAfrica as the continental Top-Level Domain >> name. The African Networks Operators Group (AfNOG) is spearheading the >> building of a dotAfrica, purportedly to attend to African interests. AfNOG >> argues that it is important to have a dotAfrica to help Africa get its >> recognition as an entity with a high stake in Internet Governance. This >> proposed dotAfrica would target 100,000 organisations under the >> name.Africa or nom.Africa (for Francophone Africa). Many proponents of >> dotAfrica tend to justify its need by arguing that since regions like Asia >> and the European Union have adopted the idea of having dotAsia and dotEU, >> it would also be good for Africa to adopt dotAfrica. They also point out >> that dotAfrica would help Africa to market itself in the area of >> innovation. But some critics feel the clamour for dotAfrica appears to >> merely be a matter of emulating what the Asians and Europeans are doing, >> or engendering African pride, and will not translate into cheaper >> connectivity and accessibility of the Internet on the continent. >> >> The Athens IGF, which is providing the basis for Africans to define their >> priorities as far as the Internet is concerned, was a blueprint for global >> Internet governance. As such its concerns are not targeted at Africa; >> instead they tend to reflect the interests and concerns of the vast >> majority of users mainly outside of America the Internet as a democratic >> and inclusive forum whose management is not monopolised by the Americans >> and those they handpick. It can hence be argued that the core spirit of >> the IGF is therefore not necessarily about making more people use this >> medium, because this is not exactly at the top of the list of priorities >> for concerned parties in Europe and much of Asia, who in any case have had >> a louder and more enlightened voice in Internet governance discourse. >> Back in Tunis in November 2005 at the World Summit on the Information >> Society, the Tunis Agenda adopted by heads of state called for development >> in the broader Internet governance arrangements to include international >> interconnection costs, capacity building and technology/know-how transfer. >> It called for realisation of multilingualism on the Internet, development >> of software that is easy to localise and enables users to choose >> appropriate solutions from different software models including >> open-source, free and proprietary software. Those are some of the great >> pronouncements made at Tunis, which could help develop Internet usage in >> Africa, but which few Africans are articulating. >> Africa has its humongous work to do in the area of content, since content >> drives access to new technologies and vice versa. But the development of >> content cannot be achieved without empowering people and organisations in >> Africa, and enabling them to develop and disseminate their content, and to >> use globally available information resources for their day-to-day >> challenges. The majority of the African population lives in rural areas >> and depends on local content. Specific attention should therefore be paid >> to the advancement of indigenous content including its sharing and >> localisation. >> >> And low-cost technologies like Wi-Fi and VSAT must be adopted to play a >> leading role in Africas Internet development. A good example of how to go >> about this is provided by Knysna municipality in South Africa, which is >> touted as the first completely Wi-Fi covered town in Africa. The >> municipality awarded a tender to build a wireless local-loop access and >> transit infrastructure to cover its entire jurisdiction. Outdoor hotspots >> are installed throughout the region, including in informal settlements, >> and the municipality uses the network to provide free basic Internet and >> voice services to the community. And while UniNet, which built the >> network, provides sustainable low-cost commercial internet, VOIP and data >> services to the community, other service providers in the region can >> utilise the network for delivery of services to their clients >> effectively creating the first open access network in South Africa. To the >> users, there are high quality low-cost fixed line telephony and internet, >> access to low cost VOIP and data services, free local calls (on-net), free >> basic internet services in libraries and on all hotspots. If such >> innovative policies and actions as informed the Knysna connectivity >> project are replicated across municipalities and nations in Africa, the >> continent could potentially witness an Internet boom in a couple of years. >> >> In a nutshell, Africa needs to be concerned about developing Internet >> usage first, rather than dwelling on who governs the Internet and how. >> Africa needs low cost equipment, affordable services and applications, a >> better quality and greater numbers of ICT graduates, accessibility of the >> Internet on mobile phones, cheaper bandwidth including through fibre >> optics, eradication of monopolies and duopolies in Internet service >> provision. Africa also needs government subsidies to extend Internet >> access to all communities; it needs free and open source software that can >> support e-governance, education and health; and it needs to attract >> investment in ICT activities like business process outsourcing. The way >> the Internet is governed now allows for all these; the way most African >> governments are positioned now and planning on putting their issues >> forward at Athens, doesnt quite allow it. >> >> Best regards, >> Vincent >> >> -- >> Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, >> Director, CIPESA >> Plot 30, Bukoto Street, P.O. Box 26970 Kampala >> Tel: 256-41-533057 >> Fax: 256-41-533054 >> Cell: 256-77-702256 or 256-71-702256 >> Email: vincent(a)cipesa.org >> www.cipesa.org >> >> >> >> >> Dgroups is a joint initiative of Bellanet, DFID, Hivos, ICA, ICCO, IICD, >> OneWorld, UNAIDS and World Bank >> --- You are currently subscribed to africtic as: alice(a)apc.org >> To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-africtic-617601R(a)dgroups.org > > >_______________________________________________ >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/eric%40afrispa.org > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/eric/ Slang: "Tomorrow Now" -- [View Less]

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Does Africa need an IGF or Internet Development Forum?
by alice＠apc.org 24 Oct '06

24 Oct '06

----- Original Message ----- From: "Vincent Waiswa Bagiire" <vincent(a)cipesa.org> To: "Africa ICT Policy Forum" <africtic(a)dgroups.org> > Does Africa need an IGF or Internet Development Forum? > > The Internet Government Forum (IGF) convenes in Athens at the end of > October (next week) to chart a way forward for making the running of the > Internet more inclusive, and more democratic. Several key issues of > concern for various governments and members of … [View More]the Internet community > worldwide were amply articulated in the run-up to the World Summits on the > Information Society (WSIS) – a process that has continued ahead of the > IGF. Simply put, these issues revolve around enabling control of the > ‘Internet’ and its technical arms to be decentralised from ICANN and its > few chosen agents, increasing security of the Internet, having > international oversight over the Internet, among others. > > Africa stands to be a great beneficiary of the Internet, in areas ranging > from communication to education, health to trade, and governance to > knowledge creation. The case of how Africa embraced the mobile phone when > conditions were created for more players to come in, and when technology > allowed connecting thousands of people at lower costs, could be a learning > example. Africa has got the highest growth rate of mobile phone > connections in the world, and the mobile phone has become the centre of > the continent’s connectivity successes. But Africa has also been > registering high bandwidth consumption rates. According to the African > Internet Service Providers Association, bandwidth demand in Africa rose by > 19% in 2001, 28% in 2002, and 37% in 2003. This high growth rate comes > against the background of very high bandwidth prices in Africa - which are > several times higher than in Europe, America, and even Asia – and the > acute shortage of Internet infrastructure in most of Africa. > As far as Internet usage is concerned, Africa is doing pretty badly. The > ITU World Telecom/ ICT Development Report 2006 says while in a number of > countries more than 50% of the population is using the Internet, an > average of 2.6 percent of Africans are online. This compares miserably > with the Americas (28.2%), Europe (31.1%), and Asia (8.1%). In the > broadband sector, Africa’s show is even gloomier, as it has just 0.1% of > the world’s connections. Comparatively, in the mobile phone sector the > continent boasts 4% of global totals. The continent is not doing any > superbly in terms of ownership of personal computers, the main medium on > which the Internet is run. According to the Information Economy Report > 2005 of the UN Conference on Trade and Investment, while the Republic of > Korea in 2003 had 26.7 m PCs, the whole of Africa had 11.5 m PCs. Clearly, > too few Africans are using the Internet at the moment, and this needs to > be addressed for the continent to harvest benefits from the Internet. > The question to ask then is, why are so few Africans using the Internet? > And the answer to this question should provide the pointer to what needs > to be done for more Africans to be brought into cyberspace. Are issues > related to Internet Governance the main hindrance to African’s usage of > the Internet? The answer is a plain no. Africans are not using the > Internet because the technology deployed tends to be expensive, often the > licensing procedures for Internet Service provision are expensive and > cumbersome, ISPs charge exorbitantly for their services, monopoly > providers do not give little attention to improving affordability, the > content on the Internet is often irrelevant or not in a language many > Africans understand, governments are rarely acting proactively and smartly > to enable the poor and remote parts of their countries to have > connectivity. Now those are the issues that need to be at the top of the > agenda for those promoting Internet usage in Africa. Those are issues that > should be addressed by an envisaged ‘Internet Development Forum’ (ADF). > > As it is, African countries have been working towards developing a common > position on the issues they will be addressing at the IGF in Athens. Among > these are the need for security of the Internet, freedom of expression, > multilingualism and local content on the Internet, Internet > infrastructure, and Intellectual Property Rights. Reining in SPAM or > unsolicited mail mainly used for commercial promotion, social or political > activism, the need for cyber laws, and need for “international” management > of the internet are the other issues African delegates will be > passionately addressing themselves to. They say management of the Internet > should be “multilateral, transparent and democratic, with the full > involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and > international organisations. It should ensure an equitable distribution of > resources, facilitate access for all and ensure a stable and secure > functioning of the Internet.” > > Who controls the Internet has not hindered vast number of Asians and > Europeans from using the Internet. And it has not been the key hinderance > to Africa’ use of the Internet. So Africa must lay its emphasis elsewhere: > the emphasis should be on improving connectivity (and this connectivity > should be low-cost, including wireless and VSAT), giving more Africans to > know-how of using the internet, and generating content that is relevant to > Africans, and easy for them to access and use. > > At Athens, African delegates are likely to strongly express their concern > about Internet naming and addressing. In this light, they are likely to > talk about the need for a dotAfrica as the continental Top-Level Domain > name. The African Networks Operators Group (AfNOG) is spearheading the > building of a dotAfrica, purportedly to attend to African interests. AfNOG > argues that it is important to have a dotAfrica to help Africa get its > recognition as an entity with a high stake in Internet Governance. This > proposed dotAfrica would target 100,000 organisations under the > name.Africa or nom.Africa (for Francophone Africa). Many proponents of > dotAfrica tend to justify its need by arguing that since regions like Asia > and the European Union have adopted the idea of having dotAsia and dotEU, > it would also be good for Africa to adopt dotAfrica. They also point out > that dotAfrica would help Africa to market itself in the area of > innovation. But some critics feel the clamour for dotAfrica appears to > merely be a matter of emulating what the Asians and Europeans are doing, > or engendering ‘African pride’, and will not translate into cheaper > connectivity and accessibility of the Internet on the continent. > > The Athens IGF, which is providing the basis for Africans to define their > priorities as far as the Internet is concerned, was a blueprint for global > Internet governance. As such its concerns are not targeted at Africa; > instead they tend to reflect the interests and concerns of the vast > majority of users mainly outside of America – the Internet as a democratic > and inclusive forum whose management is not monopolised by the Americans > and those they handpick. It can hence be argued that the core spirit of > the IGF is therefore not necessarily about making more people use this > medium, because this is not exactly at the top of the list of priorities > for concerned parties in Europe and much of Asia, who in any case have had > a louder and more enlightened voice in Internet governance discourse. > Back in Tunis in November 2005 at the World Summit on the Information > Society, the Tunis Agenda adopted by heads of state called for development > in the broader Internet governance arrangements to include international > interconnection costs, capacity building and technology/know-how transfer. > It called for realisation of multilingualism on the Internet, development > of software that is easy to localise and enables users to choose > appropriate solutions from different software models including > open-source, free and proprietary software. Those are some of the great > pronouncements made at Tunis, which could help develop Internet usage in > Africa, but which few Africans are articulating. > Africa has its humongous work to do in the area of content, since content > drives access to new technologies and vice versa. But the development of > content cannot be achieved without empowering people and organisations in > Africa, and enabling them to develop and disseminate their content, and to > use globally available information resources for their day-to-day > challenges. The majority of the African population lives in rural areas > and depends on local content. Specific attention should therefore be paid > to the advancement of indigenous content including its sharing and > localisation. > > And low-cost technologies like Wi-Fi and VSAT must be adopted to play a > leading role in Africa’s Internet development. A good example of how to go > about this is provided by Knysna municipality in South Africa, which is > touted as “the first completely Wi-Fi covered town in Africa”. The > municipality awarded a tender to build a wireless local-loop access and > transit infrastructure to cover its entire jurisdiction. Outdoor hotspots > are installed throughout the region, including in informal settlements, > and the municipality uses the network to provide free basic Internet and > voice services to the community. And while UniNet, which built the > network, provides sustainable low-cost commercial internet, VOIP and data > services to the community, other service providers in the region can > utilise the network for delivery of services to their clients – > effectively creating the first open access network in South Africa. To the > users, there are high quality low-cost fixed line telephony and internet, > access to low cost VOIP and data services, free local calls (on-net), free > basic internet services in libraries and on all hotspots. If such > innovative policies and actions as informed the Knysna connectivity > project are replicated across municipalities and nations in Africa, the > continent could potentially witness an Internet boom in a couple of years. > > In a nutshell, Africa needs to be concerned about developing Internet > usage first, rather than dwelling on who governs the Internet and how. > Africa needs low cost equipment, affordable services and applications, a > better quality and greater numbers of ICT graduates, accessibility of the > Internet on mobile phones, cheaper bandwidth including through fibre > optics, eradication of monopolies and duopolies in Internet service > provision. Africa also needs government subsidies to extend Internet > access to all communities; it needs free and open source software that can > support e-governance, education and health; and it needs to attract > investment in ICT activities like business process outsourcing. The way > the Internet is governed now allows for all these; the way most African > governments are positioned now and planning on putting their issues > forward at Athens, doesn’t quite allow it. > > Best regards, > Vincent > > -- > Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, > Director, CIPESA > Plot 30, Bukoto Street, P.O. Box 26970 Kampala > Tel: 256-41-533057 > Fax: 256-41-533054 > Cell: 256-77-702256 or 256-71-702256 > Email: vincent(a)cipesa.org > www.cipesa.org > > > > > Dgroups is a joint initiative of Bellanet, DFID, Hivos, ICA, ICCO, IICD, > OneWorld, UNAIDS and World Bank > --- You are currently subscribed to africtic as: alice(a)apc.org > To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-africtic-617601R(a)dgroups.org [View Less]

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Online ICT Bill Discussions Report
by John Walubengo 17 Oct '06

17 Oct '06

just in case you are interested in what transpired during the above eWorkshop... walu. nb: apologies for cross-posting. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Re: [Spam!] Re: [Kictanet] Fwd: RE: ECM162473 - My Order
by Eric Osiakwan 17 Oct '06

17 Oct '06

I support the idea from Dr. Nedmo and this is one of the positive actions that KICTANET should take which should have all the representation like TESPOK, Academia and all the constituencies to go see the AG. Eric here >bitange(a)jambo.co.ke wrote: > >Dear Walubengo, >The Ministry finalized the ICT Bill and sent it to the AG. I have made >several calls to AG offices trying to push it forward to Parliament. >Perharps we need an industry delegation to the AG seeking … [View More]his intervention >to push it to Parliament. I too need it urgently as there are some laws >that would help move our sector forward. > > >Regards > > >Ndemo. > > > >> Tried to buy a book through the Internet (using my VISA >> INT'Nl credit card) only to be told several days later that >> apparently this reputable Online bookshop does NOT do >> eCommerce with KENYA. (ref email below) >> >> No reasons given but I can bet it has something to do with >> lack of e-Legislations...just wondering how far we (Kenya) >> is from discussing and eventually passing their ICT Bill >> (which contains eCommerce clauses)... >> >> Is the PS (Min of Info&Comm) in a position to kindly favour >> us with a roadmap/timeline? >> >> walu. >> >> >> --- "Edwards, Pat" >wrote: >> >>> From: "Edwards, Pat" > >>> To: "'jwalu(a)yahoo.com'" >>> Subject: RE: ECM162473 - My Order >>> Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2006 12:47:15 +0100 >>> >>> >>> Hello >>> >>> I am sorry but we only supply to your country if we have >>> received >>> pre-payment via money order, if you wish to make these >>> arrangements please >>> let me know >>> >>> Kind regards >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: MyAccount(a)PearsonEducationBooks.com >>> [mailto:MyAccount@PearsonEducationBooks.com] >>> Sent: 09 October 2006 07:05 >>> To: PearsonEdEMA, ECOMM CS >>> Subject: ECM162473 - My Order >>> >>> >>> Customer Email Address: jwalu(a)yahoo.com >>> >>> Plse let me know how far my book is from reaching >>> Nairobi. Do you have an >>> online tracking system similar to the one used by courier >>> services (FedEX, >>> DHL, etc) which shows the stages/destinations the book >>> has travelled so >>> far? >>> >>> Also, I need to know if I could have the password to the >>> internet >>> resources so that I can start looking at the online >>> material as I await >>> the book. >>> >>> walu. >>> >>> >>> >> **************************************************************************** >>> This email may contain confidential material. >>> If you were not an intended recipient, >>> please notify the sender and delete all copies. >>> We may monitor email to and from our network. >>> >>> >> **************************************************************************** >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> __________________________________________________ >> Do You Yahoo!? >> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around >> http://mail.yahoo.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/bitange%40jambo.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/andrew.limo%40yahoo.com > > > >--------------------------------- >How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messengers low PC-to-Phone call rates. > > > -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://afrispa.skybuilders.com/users/Eric/blog.html Slang: "Tomorrow Now" -- [View Less]

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Fwd: eLA 2007
by John Walubengo 17 Oct '06

17 Oct '06

in case you didn't get this one... walu. --- LM <mleonardo(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Date: Tue, 3 Oct 2006 05:47:18 -0700 (PDT) > From: LM <mleonardo(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: eLA 2007 > To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > > Walu, > Kindly circulate in KIPList. This promises to be very > big indeed. > > L > > > > eLA 2007 - The Conference > Meeting the networking needs of the Pan-African > eLearning and distance education … [View More]sector, the annual > eLearning Africa conference is the key networking venue > for practitioners and professionals from Africa and all > over the world. > > Main Facts: > eLA is the largest gathering of eLearning and distance > education professionals in Africa , enabling participants > to develop multinational and cross-industry contacts and > partnerships, as well as to enhance their knowledge, > expertise, and abilities. The 2006 event attracted 832 > participants from 80 countries representing all > continents, with 70% coming from Africa, making it Africa > s largest eLearning conference. Last years gathering > featured the work of more than 230 speakers from 46 > countries, addressing all forms of technology-enhanced > learning and including a rich mix of themes, topics and a > variety of session formats. Delegates are high-level > decision makers and practitioners from education, > business, and government - the three key areas driving > eLearning adoption and innovation. > The conference is held in English and French. It > includes plenary sessions with world-class experts, > smaller presentation and special focus sessions, > practical demonstrations and debates on specific topics, > as well as various informal networking opportunities > where practitioners share their experiences, ideas, new > information and perspectives. An exhibition and > demonstration area accompany the programme, where leading > international eLearning manufacturers, suppliers and > service providers present their latest products and > services. Participants evaluated the exhibition as a > critical meeting point for professional interaction > within the conference. A full-day program of workshops > conducted by leading eLearning practitioners precedes the > event. These small, intensive sessions offer attendees a > unique opportunity to fine-tune their skills and acquire > new ones. A number of special events take place alongside > the conference, such as product launches, special > interest group > get-togethers, sponsored workshops, best practice > showcases, and meetings. > > New features at eLA 2007: eLA 2007 will also have a > number of exciting features that extend the scope and > outreach of the conference, adding value for both > presenters and attendees: > > A high-level policy maker and industry leader summit > entitled Accelerating the Building of Infrastructures > and Capacities for African Educational Systems > The African TVET Summit Access and Inclusion for TVET > in Africa through New ICT-based Solutions > A convention of major donors and development agencies > focusing on ICT-Enhanced Education and Training in > Development Cooperation > Two break-out workshops, one in Kisumu at Lake Victoria > and one in Mombassa on the Indian Ocean > http://www.elearning-africa.com/ > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Want to be your own boss? Learn how on Yahoo! Small > Business. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com [View Less]

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Fw: [Kictanet] Fwd: RE: ECM162473 - My Order
by alice＠apc.org 17 Oct '06

17 Oct '06

----- Original Message ----- From: "Joseph Mucheru" <mucheru(a)wananchi.com > Do we have a copy of what was forwarded to the AG? It is important to know > what we are pushing :-) > > -- > Joseph Mucheru > Chief Executive > mucheru(a)wananchi.com > > >> From: <alice(a)apc.org> >> Organization: Association for Progressive Communications (APC) >> Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2006 00:35:22 +0300 >> To: Joseph Mucheru <mucheru(a)wananchi.com>,… [View More] "Brian Longwe (E-mail)" >> <brian(a)pure-id.com>, vkyalo <vkyalo(a)kenet.or.ke>, >> "<mureithi@Summitstrategies. >> Co. Ke>" , John Walubengo <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke>, Bill Kagai >> <billkagai(a)gmail.com>, Marcel Werner <mwerner(a)archway-productions.com>, >> Kevit >> Desai <kevit(a)centurionsystemsltd.com> >> Cc: Judy kimiti <jkimiti01(a)yahoo.co.uk>, <evelyneofwona(a)yahoo.com> >> Subject: Fw: [Kictanet] Fwd: RE: ECM162473 - My Order >> >> Hi all >> >> We should act on the suggestions by the PS re: industry delegation to >> the Ag, can we organise this? >> best >> alice >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> >> To: <alice(a)apc.org> >> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2006 5:22 PM >> Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Fwd: RE: ECM162473 - My Order >> >> >>> >>> Dear Walubengo, >>> The Ministry finalized the ICT Bill and sent it to the AG. I have made >>> several calls to AG offices trying to push it forward to Parliament. >>> Perharps we need an industry delegation to the AG seeking his >>> intervention >>> to push it to Parliament. I too need it urgently as there are some laws >>> that would help move our sector forward. >>> >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> >>> Ndemo. >>> >>> >>> >>>> Tried to buy a book through the Internet (using my VISA >>>> INT'Nl credit card) only to be told several days later that >>>> apparently this reputable Online bookshop does NOT do >>>> eCommerce with KENYA. (ref email below) >>>> >>>> No reasons given but I can bet it has something to do with >>>> lack of e-Legislations...just wondering how far we (Kenya) >>>> is from discussing and eventually passing their ICT Bill >>>> (which contains eCommerce clauses)... >>>> >>>> Is the PS (Min of Info&Comm) in a position to kindly favour >>>> us with a roadmap/timeline? >>>> >>>> walu. >>>> >>>> >>>> --- "Edwards, Pat" <Pat.Edwards(a)pearson.com> wrote: >>>> >>>>> From: "Edwards, Pat" <Pat.Edwards(a)pearson.com> >>>>> To: "'jwalu(a)yahoo.com'" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> >>>>> Subject: RE: ECM162473 - My Order >>>>> Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2006 12:47:15 +0100 >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Hello >>>>> >>>>> I am sorry but we only supply to your country if we have >>>>> received >>>>> pre-payment via money order, if you wish to make these >>>>> arrangements please >>>>> let me know >>>>> >>>>> Kind regards >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: MyAccount(a)PearsonEducationBooks.com >>>>> [mailto:MyAccount@PearsonEducationBooks.com] >>>>> Sent: 09 October 2006 07:05 >>>>> To: PearsonEdEMA, ECOMM CS >>>>> Subject: ECM162473 - My Order >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Customer Email Address: jwalu(a)yahoo.com >>>>> >>>>> Plse let me know how far my book is from reaching >>>>> Nairobi. Do you have an >>>>> online tracking system similar to the one used by courier >>>>> services (FedEX, >>>>> DHL, etc) which shows the stages/destinations the book >>>>> has travelled so >>>>> far? >>>>> >>>>> Also, I need to know if I could have the password to the >>>>> internet >>>>> resources so that I can start looking at the online >>>>> material as I await >>>>> the book. >>>>> >>>>> walu. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>> **************************************************************************** >>>>> This email may contain confidential material. >>>>> If you were not an intended recipient, >>>>> please notify the sender and delete all copies. >>>>> We may monitor email to and from our network. >>>>> >>>>> >>>> **************************************************************************** >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> __________________________________________________ >>>> Do You Yahoo!? >>>> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around >>>> http://mail.yahoo.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/bitange%40jambo.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/alice%40apc.org >> > [View Less]

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"Take Back The Tech!" - an online campaign for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.
by alice＠apc.org 16 Oct '06

16 Oct '06

TAKE BACK THE TECH! Hello everyone, We need your help! APC WNSP is initiating "Take Back The Tech!" - an online campaign for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. We've been sounding this off for awhile, but now we are ready to make it happen. And your input is absolutely critical for this campaign to take off. The campaign is in great need of content and ideas. Whatever you have experienced, thought about or know will inject the life and matter of the campaign, so please do … [View More]read on :) *What is the campaign about?* ============================= It is simply a call for every person who uses online communications (ICTs), e.g. for chatting, emailing, blogging, doing websites or developing tools, to use ICTs for activism against VAW (violence against women) for 16 days. Primarily, we are asking women and grrls to "Take Back The Tech!" But you don't have to be female to disagree with violence faced by women and be part of the campaign to transform gender relations. Unequal power relations lie at the heart of VAW, and this is apparent from the streets to online spaces. So we're now saying technology should be used for equality, not to perpetuate violence. The question is, how? This is where you come in with what you know and come up with answers. *What can you do?* ================== Right now, we are building the site for this campaign to happen. A working space has been created to list out the different things that are needed, and you will definitely be able to put stuff you know into it. Some examples are: . Writing "How To" guides, like how to clear your cache, how to make sure your email communications are secure etc. . Submit online tools and applications that you came across that might be handy on this issue . Share your story, or something you know happened. E.g. someone who had been cyber-stalked and what she did, the number of unwanted porn spam you get everyday, or a brilliant and creative initiative that works to end VAW online, etc. . Translate resources and article into your local language. . Create icons, images and graphics . Suggest ideas on what can be done for the 16 Days. e.g. change your IM status message for 16 days, or email signature, or googlebombing. . Think of people or organisations that you know who would like to take up this campaign on their website etc . Offline things that could happen (uhm. stencil revolution ;)) . Anything else you think is missing! *What Next?* ============ Just go to the working space and register as a user. Then check out the different sections and what is needed for that. Put in what you know, your ideas and your thoughts! 1. Go to: http://www.takebackthetech.net/wiki/tiki-index.php 2. Click on "register" (right hand bar, under "Login" 3. Fill in your information, then click on "register". 4. Check your email, and click on the link. 5. You are now registered and can submit content on any of the sections! 6. Tell someone you know that might be keen to take this on, and have knowledge, ideas and information that they would like to share. All the stuff here will be part of the building block for the campaign site, which together, we'll get to as many ICTs users as we know to "Take Back The Tech!" for 16 Days :) *More information*: ============== You can know more about the campaign from the site above. Or if you have more specific questions, just write an email to jac(a)apcwomen.org. Looking forward to meeting you at the working space, and having you as part of the campaign! [View Less]

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Fwd: RE: ECM162473 - My Order
by John Walubengo 16 Oct '06

16 Oct '06

Tried to buy a book through the Internet (using my VISA INT'Nl credit card) only to be told several days later that apparently this reputable Online bookshop does NOT do eCommerce with KENYA. (ref email below) No reasons given but I can bet it has something to do with lack of e-Legislations...just wondering how far we (Kenya) is from discussing and eventually passing their ICT Bill (which contains eCommerce clauses)... Is the PS (Min of Info&Comm) in a position to kindly favour us with a … [View More]

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JKUAT CERTIFICATE IN IT SECURITY
by Bill Kagai 16 Oct '06

16 Oct '06

JKUAT CERTIFICATE IN IT SECURITY ETHICAL HACKING: SECURITY VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT, DETECTION AND PREVENTION – 20th November – 1st December 2006 VENUE - JKUAT e-GOVERNMENT ACADEMY, JUJA CAMPUS COURSE CONTENT This is a unique, authoritative, high-value, hands-on practical course which will provide participants with essential understanding of the tools, methodologies and vulnerabilities that hackers/intruders could employ to exploit the IT systems of their organisations. Most organisations … [View More]now realise that in order to defend themselves against the threat of attack by hackers, crackers, and indeed any individual intent on causing disruption to their IT systems, IT staff must have an informed and current understanding of the present-day methodologies, tools, and vulnerabilities which allow these exploits to happen. This Ethical Hacking course is designed to educate IT professionals in order to allow them to defend systems against hacking attacks. During this course, participants will learn about the hacker mindset and become familiar with the tools and methodologies that are used to attack systems. Using state-of-the-art classroom setups, delegates work with LINUX/UNIX and Windows systems, and associated server software. A wide range of hacking tools and security auditing tools are used during the course. COURSE OBJECTIVES This course fulfils two vital objectives for anyone working in IT systems administration, IT security or IT support roles: 1.The course builds a strong awareness of the wide range of risks and threats now faced even by organisations which believe they have strong security solutions in place. 2.The course provides delegates with a solid understanding of the control measures that need to be put in place in order to limit an organisation's vulnerabilities and risk of attack. By the end of this course, the participant will have learnt about: -The tools, techniques and methodologies employed by hackers in a dedicated lab environment. -How hackers can collect and assimilate information about an organisation's infrastructure whilst avoiding detection. -How information may be used to assess your IT systems' weaknesses and subsequently launch an attack against target systems. -The techniques that are typically used to gain access into a system. -The types of tools that are used to elevate access on a system. -The techniques used by hackers to conceal their tracks and the methods via which access to a target system may be maintained. -The limitations of security firewall systems and the tools used to bypass them. -How hackers bypass Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). -Measures that you can employ to secure and protect information against hacker attacks. COURSE SPECIAL FEATURES -Targeted Tracks: You will benefit from the expertise of industry front-runners, learn from real-world case studies and leave with everything you need to know to safeguard your wireless networks and devices -Tangible Take-Aways will be given to you including useful documents, guidelines and checklists that you can use as a springboard to your own initiatives. -Optimum networking opportunities are available through breaks, receptions, and luncheons. You will have the opportunity to talk shop with information security professionals and you will return to the office with new ideas and fresh contacts. -Transport, Lunch and Teas -Obtain materials in 2 easy ways: -At the Training you will receive bound volumes of the conference materials -After the Training: download the materials you want from the web with a special access code and burn on your CDs WHO SHOULD ATTEND Information Security Officers, Directors and Managers; Information Technology Auditors, Managers and Staff Network Security Managers and Administrators; Local Area Network Administrators Technical Support Staff; System Administrators; Others charged with mobile and wireless security responsibilities COST – Kshs 35,000 inclusive of Transport, Lunch and Teas HOW TO REGISTER - Please register by 15th November 2006. Application forms can be obtained from the contacts provided below or from the JKUAT e-Government Website www.jkuategovacademy.ac.ke Ngahu Kanyingi Technical Manager Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd P. O. Box 20311-00200, Nairobi Tel: 20-2728332 Fax: 20-2726965 Email. info(a)circuitspackets.co.ke Joel Kimilu Training Manager JKUAT e-Government Academy Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology P. O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi Tel: 067-52420 /0736 524200/ 0724 256 696 Email. info(a)jkuates.jkuat.ac.ke [View Less]

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Fw: [APC Forum] Call for Papers - Journal of IT in Social Change
by alice＠apc.org 14 Oct '06

14 Oct '06

Hallo everyone For your information. Anriette > ------- Forwarded message follows ------- > Send reply to: <gilbert.mcgnon.m102541(a)gilbert.dl.soceco.org> > Date sent: Fri, 13 Oct 2006 18:15:46 -0700 > To: anriette(a)apc.org > From: "Michael Gilbert - Nonprofit Online News" > <gilbert.mcgnon.m102541(a)gilbert.dl.soceco.org> > Subject: Call for Papers - Journal of IT in Social Change > Keywords: > > Nonprofit Online … [View More]News <http://news.gilbert.org/> > Nonprofit Online Classifieds <http://classifieds.nonprofitnews.org/> > ------------------------------------------------------------- > > Call for Papers Announcement > > Organizations in the nonprofit and voluntary sector have recognized > that information technologies are a vital part of their effective > mission achievement. While a large and growing body of practical > knowledge already exists, practitioners, managers, and policy makers > still lack systematic scholarly research about how information > technologies are changing the nonprofit sector and the organizations > within it. > > NTEN and Nonprofit Online News are seeking research papers for a panel > and a publication. The panel will be held at the upcoming Nonprofit > Technology Conference, in Washington DC April 4-6, 2007 and will be > entitled "The State of the Art in Nonprofit Technology." The > publication will be the first issue of The Journal of Information > Technology in Social Change. > > We are seeking rigorously designed research that explores all facets > of ICT implementation, use, and innovation in nonprofit and grassroots > organizations and sectors.... > > For the full announcement, and details on where to send submissions: > > http://news.gilbert.org/clickThru/redir/6182/171743/rms > > > --------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Nonprofit Online News is a service of The Gilbert Center. The > opinions and observations are those of Michael Gilbert and the > authors. Copyright 1997 - 2006. All rights reserved. > > Please delete the following links when forwarding this to others in > order to preserve the integrity of your subscription. > > You are currently subscribed at: anriette(a)apc.org > > To Unsubscribe, go to: > > http://gilbert.forms.soceco.org/171743/5/7e1caae30cfc/102541 > > To Manage your Profile and Subscription Preferences, go to: > > http://gilbert.forms.soceco.org/171743/18/8537c9839f02/102541 > > To Send us Comments, Questions, and News Tips, go to: > > http://gilbert.forms.soceco.org/171743/19/51fcbc7f66f0/102541 > > > > -- > Michael C. Gilbert > The Gilbert Center > Nonprofit Online News > http://news.gilbert.org/ > > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.4/475 - Release Date: > 10/13/2006 > > ------- End of forwarded message ------- > > ------------------------------------------------------ > Anriette Esterhuysen, Executive Director > Association for Progressive Communications > anriette(a)apc.org > http://www.apc.org > PO Box 29755, Melville, South Africa. 2109 > Tel. 27 11 726 1692 > Fax 27 11 726 1692 > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > ======================================= > 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 > [View Less]

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attention Judy - confirmation of attendance
by Herbert Nyukuri 11 Oct '06

11 Oct '06

Dear Judy Thanks for the invitation. I wish to confirm my attendance for the monthly meeting. Herbert Wamalwa Training Manager - Shalom IT Center Nairobi 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 … [View More]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: Presentaion By Mr Kai Wulff - Kictanet Monthly Meeting (Harrison) 2. RE: Presentaion By Mr Kai Wulff - Kictanet Monthly Meeting (kevit_desai) 3. Re: Presentaion By Mr Kai Wulff - Kictanet Monthly Meeting (Kanja Waruru) 4. Fw: Invitation to BusinessXchange Forum - Tuesday 31st October 2006. (alice(a)apc.org) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2006 12:20:46 +0300 From: Harrison Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Presentaion By Mr Kai Wulff - Kictanet Monthly Meeting To: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" Message-ID: <2e2e90250610090220t4920dba3o5cf08fab4988aaef(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Dear Judy, Thank you for the good work that you are doing so far. I would like to confirm my attendance for this conference. With Regards, Harrison Muiru SMART APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL LTD On 07/10/06, Judy kimiti wrote: > > Dear Member, > > Mr. Kai Wulff MD KDN will be giving a presentation on* Fiber: What is the > way forward for Kenya* at the Next KICTANet Monthly Meeting on Thursday > 12th at 3:30pm The Jacaranda Hotel. > > These are the topics that Mr. Kai Wulff will be addressing: > > - Kenya's current scenarios on connectivity > - Challenges of deploying the fiber optic cable in Kenya / East > Africa > - Why Kenya should go at it alone and not the EASSy way: A > Private Sector perspective > - KDN's roll-out plan > > > Thank you and hope you will be joining us on this day. Please RSVP your > attendance > undersigned for logistics purposes. > > > Yours truly, > > *Judy Kimiti* > *KICTANet* > *Tel: 4453672 / 2* > > > > > > ------------------------------ > Copy addresses and emails from any email account to Yahoo! Mail - quick, > easy and free. Do it now... > > > _______________________________________________ > 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/mugomuiru%40gmail.com > > [View Less]

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Fw: Invitation to BusinessXchange Forum - Tuesday 31st October 2006.
by alice＠apc.org 09 Oct '06

09 Oct '06

Dear members FYI ----- Original Message ----- From: <events(a)c4idea.com> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Monday, October 09, 2006 4:49 PM Subject: Invitation to BusinessXchange Forum - Tuesday 31st October 2006. > Dear Alice Munyua, > > This month we are privileged to have Mr. Eddy Njoroge, Managing Director > of KENGEN, Kenya's largest power generating company, to speak about going > public and the challenges encountered in the Kenyan market. > > > Date: … [View More]

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Presentaion By Mr Kai Wulff - Kictanet Monthly Meeting
by Judy kimiti 09 Oct '06

09 Oct '06

Dear Member, Mr. Kai Wulff MD KDN will be giving a presentation on Fiber: What is the way forward for Kenya at the Next KICTANet Monthly Meeting on Thursday 12th at 3:30pm The Jacaranda Hotel. These are the topics that Mr. Kai Wulff will be addressing: - Kenyas current scenarios on connectivity - Challenges of deploying the fiber optic cable in Kenya / East Africa - Why Kenya should go at it alone and not the EASSy way: A Private Sector … [View More]

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Deploying Fibre Optic Cable in Kenya and East Africa, What are the Challenges.
by alice＠apc.org 07 Oct '06

07 Oct '06

Apologies for cross posting ----------------------------------------------------------- Dear Colleagues, The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTAnet) invites you to a meeting on Thursday 12 Oct 2006 at 3.30 p.m 12th at the Jacaranda Hotel- Wariara Conference Centre. This meeting will focus on: 1.. Kenya's current scenario on connectivity 2.. Challenges of deploying the fibre optic cable in Kenya / East Africa 3.. Why Kenya should go at it alone and not the Eassy way: A Private … [View More]

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Fwd: LUNCHEON IN HONOUR OF SAM PITRODA
by Judy kimiti 06 Oct '06

06 Oct '06

Dear Member, Please note the attached Luncheon Invite from the Ministry Of Information, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Dr Bitange Ndemo. The Lunch at the Norfolk Hotel 6th October, is in honor of Dr. Sam Pitroda, a renowned Indian ICT Expert who will be visiting Kenya between 4th-9th October 2006. The PS's office has invited KICTANet Members for this luncheon at no cost to us. Kindly confirm your attendance to the undersigned before Thursday 5th as attendants names … [View More]

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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TRUST FUND COMMITTEE
by evelyne ofwona 05 Oct '06

05 Oct '06

Good morning all, Attached, please find minutes of the above and the Trust Deed Document. Evelyne --------------------------------- Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

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Autoreply: [Kictanet] MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TRUST FUND COMMITTEE
by VNgugi＠idrc.or.ke 05 Oct '06

05 Oct '06

Hi, I shall be away from the office from 4th Oct to 11th Oct. I shall attend to your messages when I return. Thanks Vivianne

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KICTANet Planning Meeting
by Judy kimiti 04 Oct '06

04 Oct '06

Dear Member, The next KICTANet Planning Meeting will be on 12th October 2006 at The Jacaranda Hotel 3:30pm, Wariara Conference Centre. Attached please find The Agenda. We would appreciate if you would RSVP your attendance on the day to the undersigned for logistics purposes. Thank you Yours truly, Judy Kimiti KICTANET Tel: 4453671 / 2 --------------------------------- All new Yahoo! Mail "The new Interface is stunning in its simplicity and ease of … [View More]

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ICT training resources
by alice＠apc.org 03 Oct '06

03 Oct '06

ITO-ANNOUNCE IS A MONTHLY DIGEST OF RESOURCES NEWLY LISTED ON ITRAINONLINE http://www.itrainonline.org/ The following resources were added to ItrainOnline during September: 1) Blogs and wikis 2) Multilingual computing 3) Telecentres 4) Web development and management 5) RSS and podcasting 6) Secure computing 7) Technology planning and management 8) Community media 9) Knowledge management 10) Resources for trainers 11) Recursos en español 12) Ressources en français 13) Suggestion a resource 1) … [View More]BLOGS AND WIKIS 9 ways to make your blog more inclusive Darren Rowse offers nine tips for making your blog more inclusive and accessible to your communities. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040594 Blogs and Community – launching a new paradigm for online community? "Online community has been an important part of the Internet, mainly forming around email lists, bulletin boards and forums. In recent years, the ascendancy of blogs has introduced a new platform for communities." Nancy White looks at emerging patterns of blog based communities and questions for their strategic application. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040371 Getting Started with Blogging Software "Whether showcasing your work, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into your nonprofit, highlighting the people you serve, or advocating a particular point of view, a blog can be a powerful - and influential - communication and public-relations tool for your organization." This report looks at the key considerations in choosing blogging software and reviews some of the options available. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040107 Exploring the World of Wikis: Collaborative Web sites organize information, encourage participation "Part of the next generation of interactive Web applications, wikis are collaborative Web sites that allow authorized users — or in some cases, anyone with an Internet connection — to rapidly and easily change the content of pages, as well as view a history of changes that others have made." This article by Brian Satterfield looks at what wikis are, how you can set one up, and how it might help your organization. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040103 2) MULTILINGUAL COMPUTING Is Your Website Lost in Translation? Top Ten Mistakes that companies make when creating multilingual websites Huiping Iler looks at mistakes ranging from not translating keywords properly to not communicating effectively with translators. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040731 Unicode and Multilingual Support in HTML, Fonts, Web Browsers and Other Applications "Have you ever tried to include a passage in a different alphabet in one of your documents, for example a quotation in Russian in an English document, only to find that you have no Cyrillic characters available? Or sent a Spanish document in electronic form to someone in Greece, only to be told that the accented Latin characters have been replaced by Greek characters? Or produced a Web page that includes technical symbols and found that it works with Windows but not with Mac OS or Unix?" Alan Wood shows you how to avoid these problems. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040728 3) TELECENTRES Telecottage handbook: How to establish and run a successful telecentre A practical guide for community development practitioners on strategies for ICT-enabled community empowerment based on the Hungarian telecottage movement experience. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040652 4) WEB DEVELOPMENT AND ACCESSIBILITY Preparing Images for the World Wide Web This guide from the University of Durham will help you understand different types of graphics formats such as GIF, TIFF and PNG and introduce you to ways of manipulating graphics for the web. While some of the references are specific to the University of Durham, the guide will be useful to a wider audience. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5039961 Usability and User Experience Usability Toolkit "The Usability Toolkit is a collection of forms, checklists and other useful documents for conducting usability tests and user interviews." http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040414 Four Web Accessibility Myths - Busted TechSoup challenges four myths around alternate text, the title attribute, tables for layout, and javascript. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040268 5) RSS AND PODCASTING Easy Ways to Publish Your Own RSS Feeds Brian Satterfield looks at ways to set up an RSS feed to deliver new information to your communities. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040580 How to podcast with Skype Josh Owens shows you how to record quality audio using Skype on a PC and Mac. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040460 6) SECURE COMPUTING An Introduction to Information Risk Assessment Vishal Visintine takes you through the basics of identifying and assessing assets, threats, vulnerabilities and risks in your organization, and at creating an action plan to address them. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040540 The No-Excuses Guide to Automated Online Backup "Backing up critical files is like exercising: everyone knows they should do it, but most people don't do it enough. A remedy for the files is automated online backup." This TechSoup article shows you how. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040532 Information security planning Developed by APC member Ungana-Afrika, this ItrainOnline MMTK unit aims to help NGOs plan for more secure use of information and communications technologies. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040840 7) TECHNOLOGY PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT e-Strategy Guide for your nonprofit organisation This web site, developed by the Australian government's Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts aims to "help your organisation create its own useful presence on the web and make the most of ICT (information and communications technology)." Sections including "Getting more from the internet", "Creative web use", and "Online security". While some of the references are Australia-specific, the web site will be of value to non-profits more widely. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040120 Smart Chart The Smart Chart is aimed at helping NGOs assess strategic decisions in starting the communications planning process, evaluating communications campaigns already in progress, and reviewing efforts already completed. Available as an interactive online tool and a PDF download. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040315 Bandwidth optimisation training resources Briefing packs, workshop materials and information resources on bandwidth optimisation. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5039997 8) COMMUNITY MEDIA Using Community Radio for Non-Formal Education Community radio can be a powerful medium for non-formal education. This short guide introduces the possibilities, looks at the strengths and weaknesses of the medium, and gives tips on getting started. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040150 9) KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT 15 Ways to Use Software to Improve Your Organization’s Knowledge Management "You may have seen signs that knowledge isn't flowing easily through your nonprofit: Staff can't find documents, or research things that others already know, and decisions are made without full information. " Laura Quinn looks at some of the ways in which software can help you - even if it doesn't solve all your problems! http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040110 10) Resources for trainers Source Camps Replication Materials An online online resource wiki for anyone interested in the organisation of free/open source software training workshops aligned with the Source Camp methodology that was developed by Tactical Technology Collective. It is a website where you can find information, templates, tips and secrets about organising Source Events.In the spirit of Free and Open Source Software and the general philosophy of the Source Camps the materials show how they were organised and share Tactical Tech's experiences in such a way that anyone who would like to organise their own Source Camp or other event inspired by Source Camps could do so using a set of materials. http://www.itrainonline.org/r/?cmd[1024]=x-1024-5040991 [View Less]

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NetCorps Kenya Gender Analysis Report
by alice＠apc.org 29 Sep '06

29 Sep '06

Hi all For all those interested in gender and ICTs. See report prepared by African Centre for Women and Information and Communication Technologies and Netcorps Kenya? http://www.globalnetcorps.org/file.php/246/documents/NCK_Gender_Analysis_Re… best alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Joan Walumbe" <jwalumbe(a)globalnetcorps.org> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Cc: "Joseph Maruti" <jmaruti(a)globalnetcorps.org> Sent: Monday, September 25, 2006 6:50 PM Subject: NetCorps Kenya … [View More]

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KENYAN GOVERNMENT WANTS CHANGES TO EASSY PROTOCOL
by alice＠apc.org 26 Sep '06

26 Sep '06

(From Balancing Act) KENYAN GOVERNMENT WANTS CHANGES TO EASSY PROTOCOL The Kenyan Government has fundamental disagreements with the EASSy Government Protocol signed in Rwanda and it is hard to see how these disagreements will be bridged. Balancing Act’s Isabelle Gross spoke to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Information, Bitange Ndemo on a visit to London last week. According to Ndemo:” The Kenyan Government is not going to sign the Protocol unless some … [View More]fundamental issues are solved before. Over the last years the Kenyan economy has gone through a liberalisation process and this includes the telecommunications sector whereby the role of the Government is to facilitate the expansion of the private sector and not to interfere with it.” From this perspective, it fears that NEPAD may have an overbearing influence on the project:”The NEPAD protocol implies that at some stage a type of “governmental body” supervised by the NEPAD secretariat would be created to manage the project. NEPAD will have a lot of power in this project. How will it for example communicate to the Board of the SPV? We fear that the form of communication between NEPAD and the SPV would be in the form of directives”. The Kenyan Government maintains that a regional protocol of this kind is illegal as it will override national law:” The IGA (has the power) to overrule all regulatory agreements in East and Southern Africa and therefore that would make it illegal in Kenya. We want EASSy to stay private with a shareholders agreement. NEPAD has no role in this project even when it defends the principle of open access to EASSy. At first we want the EASSy project to be out of any governmental control and later on we can discuss about the open access model. We fear that the current situation is potentially stopping foreign interests and investment”. The Kenyan Government fears the influence of South Africa in NEPAD:” NEPAD is controlled via South Africa. We are all brothers and sisters and therefore should work together! We don’t want any control. Personally I think that the e-Africa commission is overstepping and has lost directions with what NEPAD main role and tasks are. But the bottom line for Kenya is that it needs a cable as soon as possible if it is not to lose potential global opportunities, particularly in outsourcing:”For Kenya’s economy the cable is a matter of life or death and therefore all means are good to get it. Right now there are some outsourcing opportunities coming up. Some European companies have shown interest in outsourcing work in Kenya. These opportunities only happen once. If the EASSy project is further delayed we would need to continue to rely on expensive satellite backhaul for data and voice transmission. Further delays in the project would stop opportunities in the outsourced market”. Ndemo feels that the Protocol is a step backwards in terms of regulatory approach:”The protocol that has been signed by the other countries needs to be domesticated in terms of its content. The protocol reflects a different stage in the regulatory environment. As it stands now it will take us back to a regulated environment (versus a liberalised environment) and what access would it be and at what cost? NEPAD has no resources to do it and who should invest with this protocol? There is already the EASSy consortium. At this point, Ndemo’s fellow national, Telkom Kenya Managing Director Sammy Kirui (who was with the PS) chipped in:”The EASSy consortium is ready to address the issues around the SAT3 consortium. We don’t intend to go back to the monopoly of SAT3 and its blocks. The question of price can be addressed today. At that time (when the SAT3 consortium was set up) there was no regulator. Today the telecommunication sector is more open and there is a regulatory framework in place to deal with complaints/issues with regards to access. Operators are not here to keep prices high and they acknowledge that if they offered lower prices they will attract more customers.” Ndemo cited the example of Caribbean regulators addressing similar access issues with Cable and Wireless:”Access to the cable is an issue that today can be dealt with the regulator. EASSy has come a long way from a regulatory and financing point of view. The question of (the) access model and price can be addressed too”. So how will things move forward? According to Ndemo:“ The EASSy consortium has already contracted Alcatel for the construction of the cable. The financing is in place. At this stage Telkom SA can’t do anything. They can’t do what they did in the past when they pulled out of the Africa One project and started SAT3”. But what does the Kenyan Government intend to do?:”Kenya will support the EASSy consortium or build a redundant cable”. But if it has to go it alone, how will it do it?:”The money will be raised on the Kenyan Stock Exchange. Bonds will be issued but there is also the possibility of a partnership with the UAE. Bonds could be convertible (to) equity after two years. (The return on investment would be)”not much, less than the banks rates. The redundant cable project could be structured around another SPV”. [View Less]

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Fw: [i-network] Call for applications for small grants / Appel de demandes des subventions
by alice＠apc.org 25 Sep '06

25 Sep '06

----- Original Message ----- From: "Jacqueline Nnam" <jnnam(a)bellanet.org> To: "I-Network Uganda" <i-network(a)dgroups.org> Sent: Monday, September 25, 2006 11:03 AM Subject: [i-network] Call for applications for small grants / Appel de demandes des subventions > Dear one and all, > > Please find below a call for proposals for small grants from the > Harambee Project, an initiative of the Association for Progressive > Communications, Bellanet and the United … [View More]Nations Economic Commission for > Africa. Through this small grants facility, the Project will provide a > number of sectoral based networks and communities in Africa with funding > for the development of greater collaborative capacity. > > You are encouraged to apply if you meet the eligibility requirements. > Kindly, please circulate this call to your partners and networks. > > The deadline for sending Concept Notes is 13th October, 2006 > > Thanks > --- > > > HARAMBEE: REINFORCING AFRICAN VOICES THROUGH COLLABORATIVE PROCESSES > > [CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR SMALL GRANTS] > > > The Harambee Project, conceived by the Association for Progressive > Communications, Bellanet and the United Nations Economic Commission for > Africa, and funded by Connectivity Africa and Hivos, is designed to > support increased capacity among a range of Africa-based networks and > communities to coordinate and facilitate the interactions of their > respective constituencies. > > The Harambee project coordinators are announcing a small grants facility > (SGF) to provide a number of sectoral based networks and communities in > Africa with funding for the development of greater collaborative > capacity. The SGF will provide a one time grant of up to 5,000 USD per > network for a maximum period of six months. A network applying for the > SGF must be a recognized legal entity or hosted by one. Preference will > be given to networks with an institutional base in Africa. > > Applicants are required to submit, by email, a brief Concept Note (1-2 > pages) by 13TH OCTOBER, 2006. The concept note should include the name > of the applicant organisation and/or network, contact information, title > of the proposed activity, description of the problem/issue the proposed > activity will address, outline of the proposed activity including a > description of how a small grant of up to $5000 USD would be used, > beneficiaries and impact of the project and the expected duration of the > activity. > > Concept notes will be evaluated and selected applicants will then be > invited to submit a more detailed proposal (5-6 pages). > > Applicants who pass into this second stage will be assured that: > > 1. There will be a roughly 50% chance that their proposal will be funded > > 2. ALL APPLICANTS WHO HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO SUBMIT FULL PROPOSALS WILL > BE FUNDED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE UPCOMING HARAMBEE WORKSHOP, held to > develop capacity in network coordination, to share learning from the > implementation of pilot projects, to validate project strategies, and to > provide input into the design of activities for future phases of the > Harambee project. > > The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications: > > * Quality and suitability of the proposed activity with respect to > SGF objectives. (30%) > * Proposal clearly states objectives, includes a methodology, > identifies outputs, partners/stakeholders and includes a realistic > timeline and budget. (25%) > * Demonstrated potential for shared learning within the network > and/or among broader networks. (20%) > * Planned output(s) in the form of a 1-2 page learning document, > short video, journal article etc. highlighting results of the > activity (20%) > * Suitability of applicant organisation and/or network in relation > to the eligibility requirements. (5%) > > Concept notes and proposals may be written in English or French and sent > to harambee-sgf(a)dgroups.org<mailto:harambee-sgf@dgroups.org>. > > Announcement of grant awards will be made on DECEMBER 22nd, 2006 and > implementation of activities will commence in January 2007. > > For more information on the SGF including eligibility requirements, > please refer to: > http://wikis.bellanet.org/harambee/index.php/SGF_Call_for_Applicants > > Please direct any inquiries to harambee-sgf(a)dgroups.org > <mailto:harambee-sgf@dgroups.org>. > > ************************************************************************************* > > > > > > HARAMBEE: RENFORCEMENT DES VOIX AFRICAINES A TRAVERS DES PROCESSUS COMMUNS > > (APPEL DE DEMANDES DES SUBVENTIONS) > > > Le projet Harambee, conçu par l’Association des Communications > Progressives, Bellanet et la Commission Economiques des Nations Unies > pour l’Afrique, financée par Connectivity Africa et Hivos, a été élaboré > pour soutenir la capacité accrue de coordonner et faciliter les > intéractions sur place parmi de réseaux et communautés variées basées en > Afrique. > > Les coordinateurs du Project Harambee annoncent une facilité de > Subventions Moyennes (SGF) pour fournir des fonds destinés au > développement d’une capacité plus importante de collaboration aux > réseaux sectoriels et aux communautés en Afrique. Le SGF fournira un > financement unique jus qu’à USD 5,000 pour chaque réseau pour une > période maximum de six mois. Le réseau demandeur du SGF devrait avoir un > statut de personne morale ou affiliée. Les réseaux avec une base > institutionnelle en Afrique seront privilégies. > > Les demandeurs sont exigés de présenter un bref Note de Concept (1-2 > pages) au plus tard le 13 OCTOBRE 2006. Cette note devrait comprendre le > nom de l’organisation demandeur et/ou le réseau, les coordonnés, le > genre d’activités proposées, la description du problème auquel > s’adressera l’activité proposée, le plan de cette activité, y compris un > plan de dépenses d’un fonds de USD 5000, les bénéficiaires, les effets > attendus et la durée impliquée. Les Notes de Concepts seront évaluées et > les demandeurs retenus seront obligés de fournir un projet plus détaillé > (5-6 pages) > > On assurera aux candidats qui passeront à cette deuxième phase que: > > 1. Ils auront une garantie de 50% de financement de leur projet > > 2. TOUS LES CANDIDATS SELECTIONNES POUR FOURNIR LES PROJETS COMPLETS > SERONT FINANCES POUR PARTICIPER A L’ATELIER PROCHAIN DE HARAMBEE qui > aura pour objectifs: développer la capacité de coordination d’un réseau, > partager des connaissances issues de la mise en œuvre des projets > pilotes, évaluer les stratégies des projets et, fournir des entrées au > plan d’activités pour les phases de l’avenir du projet Harambee. > > Les demandes seront soumises à des critères suivants : > > * La qualité et validité de l’activité proposée en conformité avec > les objectifs SGF (30%) > * Le projet indique clairement les objectifs et les méthodologies, > les résultats, les partenaires, la durée le programme et le budget > (25%) > * Manifestation du potentiel du partage des connaissances dans le > réseau et/ou entre des réseaux élargis (20%) > * Les résultats projets sous forme d’un document d’enseignement (1-2 > pages), courte vidéo, articles de journal etc. mettant en relief > les résultats de l’activité (20%) > * La validité de l’organisation demandeur et/ou réseau en rapport > aux exigences (5%) > > > Les Notes de Concepts et les projets peuvent être rédigés en anglais ou > en français et envoyé à > harambee-sgf(a)dgroups.org<mailto:harambee-sgf@dgroups.org> > > La remise des subventions sera annoncée le 22 DECEMBRE 2006 et la mise > en œuvre des activités commencera en janvier 2007. > > Pour des renseignements supplémentaires sur SGF, veuillez vous référer à > http://wikis.bellanet.org/harambee/index.php/SGF_Call_for_Applicants > > Veuillez vous renseigner auprès de harambee-sgf(a)dgroups.org > <mailto:harambee-sgf@dgroups.org> > > > > > Dgroups is a joint initiative of Bellanet, DFID, Hivos, ICA, ICCO, IICD, > OneWorld, UNAIDS and World Bank > --- You are currently subscribed to i-network as: vincent(a)bridges.org > To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-i-network-48673B(a)dgroups.org > [View Less]

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Fw: Taking a break
by alice＠apc.org 23 Sep '06

23 Sep '06

Dear all This is to inform you that Catherine Nyaki is taking a health break from active engagement with KICTAnet activities until further notice. This is an order from her doctor in Nairobi. Nyaki, take care and all the best warm regards alice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Nyaki Adeya" <n_awino(a)hotmail.com> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 1:03 PM Subject: Taking a break > Alice, > > Due to health reasons I have been forced to go on a … [View More]

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Exhibition invitation
by Sean Moroney 22 Sep '06

22 Sep '06

Dear Colleague, Please send the attached exhibition invitation to all your contacts. With thanks Sean Sean Moroney AITEC Africa seanm(a)aitecafrica.com Tel: +44-(0)1480-880774 Fax: +44-(0)1480-880765 UK Mobile: +44(0)7973-499224 SA Mobile: +27(0)72-610-7153 Kenya Mobile: +254(0)721-845674 Skype: seanmoroney <http://www.aitecafrica.com/> www.aitecafrica.com

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VoIP Termination in Kenya
by cliff＠acwsp.com 21 Sep '06

21 Sep '06

Hi all I hope that you are all doing well. I wonder if anyone has some info about VoIP termination in kenya that you might share with me. I would like to know what is the level of VoIP industry in Kenya. I have done a little home work and wonder how comes the VoIP termination providers are able to terminate calls at far much less rates than what is being charged by the infrastructure providers like telkom, celtel and safaricom. i.e people are charging about sh 2.30 for nairobi fixed line, sh … [View More]

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[Stock-Detective News] Telkom Kenya – Rough Past…Promising Future?
by Bill Kagai 21 Sep '06

21 Sep '06

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: stock-detective Date: Sep 21, 2006 6:21 PM Subject: [Stock-Detective News] Telkom Kenya – Rough Past…Promising Future? To: news(a)stock-detective.co.ke Posted by stockanalyst at 2006-09-20 11:18 Telkom Kenya – Rough Past…Promising Future? Registered as a public telecommunications operator under the Companies Act in April 1999, Telkom Kenya has aggressively engaged a spirited fight in pursuit for profitability despite being state owned. Earlier, … [View More]the outfit was known as 'Kenya Posts and Telecommunication Corporation' (KP&TC) where it could regulate itself and run both the telecommunication and postal services exclusively in the country. After divorcing from Posta and forming an independent regulator (Communications Commission of Kenya - CCK) from itself, Telkom Kenya was granted a 5 year monopoly to strengthen its base before opening the market to competition. Surprisingly, during that period, the company operating slightly over 300,000 active fixed land lines saw its opportunities fade with their subscriber base dwindling rather than shooting up. CCK slapped fines to the mother for failing to reach pre-determined targets of increased lines despite inheriting most of the assets and infrastructure from the defunct KP&TC. At that time, Telkom had a bloated workforce of approximately 16,000 workers typically translating to about 20 workers per line. Hypothesizing the analogy that Telkom's lifeline has been Safaricom – a 'subsidiary' company that has managed a make-over from state-run enterprise into the emerging Kenyan blue-chip family is fairly in order. Speculation is now rife that Safaricom which is 60% owned by Telkom will be axed from the mother before the later goes public. Sounds OK generally, but the investor's concern is that there is a very thin line on which service is now 'fixed' and which is 'wireless'. New entrants such as Flashcom and Popote are now in the market with a hybrid they are calling 'fixed-wireless' service which is now competing with Telkom fixed lines. In the meantime, Safaricom can also easily roll out this service after the divorce leaving Telkom pondering for a new business strategy. Telecommunication pricing will thus become a significant factor as all these players struggle to establish their niches. We are reliably informed that Safaricom has now accumulated a substantial market-share of over 70% and counting. Pundits in the market are reading this as a sign of an aggressive price war likely to be triggered by Safaricom competitors for it defies economic logic for one company to hold such a substantial stake in a free market. TELKOM TODAY Telkom is ambitious to list in the lucrative Nairobi Stock Exchange any time early next year. Going by their slogan, 'Twasema Twatenda' [We Say It – We Do It], the company is currently laying off almost 3,000 workers and a further 12,000 toeing the line as it re-models in search for a viable suitor – The Investors! Telkom also credibly states that it is owed almost Kshs 4.5 Billion in back bills by various Government Ministries and Departments which it expects to collect to solidify its financial base as it anticipates privatization. The company has also embarked on improving its infrastructure and is currently laying terrestrial fiber-optic cable alongside a parallel cable owned by Kenya Data Network. A number of new services also seem to be attracting a new market niche for Telkom especially in data and internet service. The Investor should therefore question how lucrative will Telkom be after Safaricom exit. Will the later become a major competitor to the mother who bore and weaned him to maturity? Can Telkom Kenya survive as a 'fixed line' operator when we have 'wireless' and 'fixed-wireless' operators in town? Speculation is definitely ubiquitous since all calculations seem to indicate that Telkom is definitely heading for interesting times ahead of its planned listing in the stock market. Posted on http://www.stock-detective.co.ke/public-discussion-forum by StockAnalyst _______________________________________________ News mailing list News(a)stock-detective.co.ke http://www.stock-detective.co.ke:8080/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/news [View Less]

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Final programme for BPO & Call Centre Conference
by Sean Moroney 21 Sep '06

21 Sep '06

Dear Conference Partner, Attached is the final programme for the African BPO & Call Centre Conference next week. Please could you distribute to all your contacts that may be interested in attending. I look forward to seeing you there next week. Yours sincerely, Sean Moroney AITEC Africa seanm(a)aitecafrica.com Tel: +44-(0)1480-880774 Fax: +44-(0)1480-880765 UK Mobile: +44(0)7973-499224 SA Mobile: +27(0)72-610-7153 Kenya Mobile: +254(0)721-845674 Skype: seanmoroney <… [View More]

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ICANN meeting December 2 - 8 in São Paulo, Brazil
by alice＠apc.org 21 Sep '06

21 Sep '06

The next ICANN meeting will be held December 2 - 8 in São Paulo, Brazil. The meetings are 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 contains more information about the venue, … [View More]transportation and hotels. a.. Travel Visa Information b.. Schedule and Agenda c.. Pre-Registration d.. Registration e.. Internet Access f.. Webcast & Remote Participation g.. Press & Media h.. Sponsorship Opportunities TRAVEL AND VISA INFORMATION Information relating to Visa's can be obtained from the local host's website . If you require a letter of invitation to obtain a visa, please write to eventos(a)nic.br . SCHEDULE AND AGENDA Sunday, 3 December a.. Tutorial Programs: a.. Public Roundtable - Welcome to ICANN, Here's What it Means to You b.. IPV6 c.. Alternate Dispute Resolution Mechanism d.. IDN b.. GAC Working Groups (closed) Monday, 4 December a.. Welcome Ceremony & President's Report b.. Public Forum (am) a.. Domain Name Market Place Update c.. Workshops: a.. New gTLD Policy Development Process b.. WhoIs Policy Development Process Tuesday, 5 December a.. CCNSO Members Meeting b.. GAC Plenary c.. GNSO Constituency Meetings d.. GNSO Public Forum Wednesday, 6 December a.. CCNSO Council Meeting (am) b.. GAC Plenary (am) c.. GNSO Council Meeting (am) d.. Workshops: a.. IDN b.. President's Strategy Committee Workshop c.. ICANN Meetings - Future Structure Thursday, 7 December a.. Public Forum (am) Friday, 8 December a.. Board Meeting (am) The items with "*" are being webcast. Please see "WEBCAST AND REMOTE PARTICIPATION INFORMATION" below for links. PRE-REGISTRATION Pre-registration for this meeting is now open. Click here to pre-register. Pre-registration is not required to attend the meeting. REGISTRATION Upon arrival, participants should pick up their badges and meeting materials at the registration desk. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES More information about sponsorship opportunities can be found on the local host's website . 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. Details will be posted as they become available. ICANN reserves the right not to accept sponsorships from organizations whose missions and activities conflict with ICANN policies. WEBCAST AND REMOTE PARTICIPATION INFORMATION Webcasting at ICANN São Paulo PLEASE NOTE: Webcasts will begin approxmitely 15 minutes before the scheduled event. Please refer to the above schedule for event time. Comments submitted via email to the meeting can be viewed at the public archive. INTERNET ACCESS There will be an Internet Lounge. Wireless Internet connectivity (802.11b) will also be available in the main meeting and public areas. PRESS AND MEDIA INFORMATION Members of the press should contact press(a)icann.org. [View Less]

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African Civil Society for Information Society - any info?
by Muriuki Mureithi 21 Sep '06

21 Sep '06

Hi Does any one know about this organisation and if so who are the members Cheers Muriuki --------------------------------------- Summit Strategies Ltd - Strategic support in infocommunication business ICT Consultancy & Research in Eastern & Central African markets Contacts : Tel +254 (20) 3875824 , Cell + 254 (722) 520090, email: <mailto:mureithi@summitstrategies.co.ke> mureithi(a)summitstrategies.co.ke

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Vacancies - September 20th, 2006
by alice＠apc.org 21 Sep '06

21 Sep '06

15. Rugmark Foundation USA COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST - Washington, DC, United States The incumbent will be part of a three-person team that will launch and execute a national consumer awareness campaign. The goal of the campaign is to increase the market-share of Rugmark-certified rugs to 15% in the next 10 years, thus eliminating illegal child labour in the carpet industries of India, Nepal and Pakistan. S/he must have 3 to 5 years of communications and marketing experience in a socially … [View More]responsible business environment. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2829.html Contact HBrykarz(a)GlobalRecruitment.net 16. Mango Tree EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Kampala, Uganda The successful applicant will develop the direction and strategy of the company with a 3 to 4 year outlook and design a fiscal strategy to ensure the sustainability of the business. S/he must have BA or BS degree, the ability to plan strategically and globally, and a minimum of 2 years working/volunteering in a developing country, preferably within Africa. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2842.html Contact mangotreeug(a)yahoo.com 17. Human Rights Law Network PROGRAMME OFFICER- REFUGEE RIGHTS - New Delhi, India The post holder will be responsible for facilitating naturalisation applications of mandate refugees and conducting refugee certificate renewal interviews of mandate refugees. S/he must have a graduate degree in social work, an understanding and interest in Human Rights and 1-2 years experience in working in the issue of human rights, preferably refugee rights. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2843.html Contact rri.delhi(a)hrln.org and resume(a)hrln.org 18. Center for Health & Gender Equality COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE - E-CAMPAIGNS & WEBSITE MANAGER - Takoma Park, MD, United States The incumbent will broaden and strengthen the organisation's presence online, in the media and among constituencies and will manage the growing website content, on-line communications, and campaign activities. S/he must have 2-3 years of related work experience with the demonstrated ability to maintain website content/design and develop creative ideas to use web-based vehicles. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2844.html Contact careers(a)genderhealth.org 19. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development PROGRAMME COORDINATOR-PAKISTAN - Islamabad, Pakistan The successful applicant will provide technical expertise, facilitation and coordination and management support for assigned programme activities in Pakistan. S/he must have a Post Graduate academic background or equivalent experience in areas such a natural resource management or social sciences with expertise in agriculture and rural development. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2856.html Contact personnel(a)icimod.org 20. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations PROGRAMME OFFICER ROTTERDAM CONVENTION SECRETARIAT - Rome, Italy The post holder will provide technical support in the analysis, development and implementation of activities in support of the Rotterdam Convention. S/he must have 5 years of relevant experience in the development and implementation of programmes/projects relevant to chemicals management including pesticides. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2845.html Contact VA-113-06-PRJ-AGPP(a)fao.org 21. ACDI/VOCA MONITORING & EVALUATION DIRECTOR - Kirkuk & Erbil, Iraq The incumbent will play key role in the programmatic and managerial aspects of a community-based programme which fosters direct citizen participation in the rehabilitation of their communities to address local needs. S/he must have experience with communications in developing countries, particularly in the Middle East. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2840.html Contact: please see individual post page for details 22. The Pluralism Fund EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Washington, DC or New York City, NY, United States The successful applicant will play a critical role in advancing the organisation's mission and shaping a new and vital institution. S/he must have strong organisation-building and representational skills and 7 years or organisational management experience. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2848.html Contact PluralismFundED(a)aol.com 23. Peace Initiatives Institute EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Colorado, United States The post holder will be responsible for financial and administrative functions, fundraising on national and international levels and collaborative development of media-driven educational peace building programmes. S/he must have experience with collaborative leadership of teams and projects in non-profit or for-profit sectors. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2849.html Contact Mccayjd(a)aol.com PULSE Poll http://www.comminit.com/pulse.html Do you agree or disagree? The Communication and Media for Development Manifesto helps to make arguments that will strengthen my work. [For context, please see http://www.comminit.com/drum_beat_363.html] VOTE & Comment - http://www.comminit.com/pulse.html *** 24. University of Southern California PROGRAM DIRECTOR: HOLLYWOOD, HEALTH & SOCIETY PROGRAM - Los Angeles, CA, United States The incumbent will assist in the development, management and coordinating activities of the Hollywood, Health & Society programme. S/he must have at least 5 years of experience in a health care, academic, media or communication organisation as well as knowledge of cancer prevention, screening, treatment and research. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2835.html Contact: please see individual post page for details 25. Kurdish Human Rights Project RESOURCES & COMMUNICATIONS CO-ORDINATOR - London, United Kingdom The successful candidate will coordinate the organisation's communications, which includes managing the output of print and e-publications and maintaining and developing a resource centre. S/he must have a minimum of 2 years experience of project coordination. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2850.html Contact khrp(a)khrp.org 26. The South African Institute for International Affairs SENIOR RESEARCHER: APRM & GOVERNANCE PROGRAMME - Johannesburg, South Africa The post holder will be expected to conduct research, facilitate workshops and training sessions, and develop networks with civil society groups and research institutions in Africa. S/he must have strong writing and networking skills. Application deadline is September 25. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2852.html Contact govenderp(a)saiia.wits.ac.za 27. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development COORDINATOR-REGIONAL RANGELANDS PROGRAMME - Kathmandu, Nepal The successful candidate will coordinate the planning, implementation and monitoring of the organisation's project that promotes an inclusive and holistic management regime of the Hindu Kush - Himalayan Region. S/he must have a PhD or Post Graduate in range management, range science, pasture management or related subject. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2857.html Contact personnel(a)icimod.org 28. African Network for Strategic Communication in Health & Development EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Kampala, Uganda The post holder will head the organisation's Secretariat, and will be answerable to a Board of Directors drawn from countries across Africa. S/he will provide leadership, advocate for strategic communication as critical to effectiveness of health and development programming and strengthen the credibility and visibility of the organisation. http://www.comminit.com/vacancy2841.html Contact africomnet(a)gmail.com [View Less]

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BIG DISH SELECTED AS THIRD REGIONAL CARRIER BY AfrISPA
by Eric Osiakwan 19 Sep '06

19 Sep '06

19th September, 2006 Press Release For Immediate Release (Contact; Eric M.K Osiakwan =96 eric(a)afrispa.org, +233.244.386792) BIG DISH SELECTED AS THIRD REGIONAL CARRIER BY AfrISPA Big Dish have also been selected by the African ISP association, AfrISPA, i= n response to its Request for Service for data transport between the different ISP members of= local Internet Exchange Points. Big Dish Ltd, a new satellite provider incorporated in Mau= ritius has joined the two earlier bidders that … [View More]successfully met the Request For Service (RFS)= criteria to provide an African Regional Internet Traffic solution. The peering point design can= be extended to allow additional Internet Exchanges to join the network with ease at any ti= me in the future.? ? AfrISPA wants to establish true inter-country connectivity within the Afric= an continent, to remove the current dependence upon overseas carriers and to promote the est= ablishment and growth of African regional data carriers. The establishment of a networ= k of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) within Africa would also result in reduced costs, im= proved speeds and the improvement of the Internet backbone within Africa as a whole.? ? Big Dish has implemented a project that will revolutionise Internet access = in Africa by breaking the current paradigm of Interconnection charges. This is achieved= by buying substantial amounts of bandwidth where it is inexpensive, and delivering it= via a leased Teleport and bulk space segment. This yields the capacity to deliver bandw= idth via 5 satellites to any corner of Africa, using VSATs and proprietary modem= s. This project can help ISPs in the African market who are currently struggli= ng with high interconnection charges. Simultaneously, the Big Dish network can bec= ome a regional transit and interconnection provider. The project is being used = to easily realize the dream of establishing a Pan African Virtual Internet Exchange (PAVIX) by se= lling transit at each IXP and offering interconnection between all African IXPs. According to Matthew Rudd who is the CEO of Big Dish, =93Big Dish can lever= age its inexpensive bandwidth, burst capabilities and thousands of square feet of r= ack space into a Point to Multipoint configuration. We can connect every national IXP to ea= ch other, and thus exceed the requirements of the original RFS.=94 About AfrISPA? and Big Dish AfrISPA is a continental association of ISP associations. AfrISPA=92s objec= tives include promoting the development of key Internet infrastructure on the African con= tinent. Contact details: - Brian Longwe, General Manager, AfrISPA, Brian(a)pure-id.co= m, +254.733.518.744 - Big Dish Ltd, a new satellite provider incorporated in Mauritius, has imple= mented a project that will revolutionise Internet access in Africa by breaking the= current paradigm of Interconnection charges. Contact details: - Matthew Rudd, CEO, Big Dish Ltd, Mauritius, bigdish@bush= net.net +254.733.625.340 -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://afrispa.skybuilders.com/users/Eric/blog.html Slang: "Tomorrow Now" -- [View Less]

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Youth & ICT
by Wainaina Mungai 19 Sep '06

19 Sep '06

Attached is a copy of: 1. Presentation made at the ICT Session of the YES Kenya 2006 summit last week. A full report on the campaign is available on http://projects.takingitglobal.org/wsisyouthkenya 2. The "Kenya Youth Declaration on the Implementation of the National ICT Policy" that should serve as a guide as we ensure youth issues are taken up in the work of organisations such as KICTANet, the YES Fund. Feel free to circulate to other organisations as a reference document. SUGGESTION: … [View More]

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Re: [Kictanet] Fw: Taking a break
by Wainaina Mungai 18 Sep '06

18 Sep '06

Get well soon, Nyaki. --- Wainaina Mungai http://www.madeinkenya.org SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. > -------Original Message------- > From: alice(a)apc.org > Subject: [Kictanet] Fw: Taking a break > Sent: 15 Sep '06 15:06 > > Dear all > > This is to inform you that Catherine Nyaki is taking a health break from > active engagement … [View More]

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KICTANet Planning Meeting Minutes
by Judy kimiti 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

Dear All, Please find attached the minutes for the KICTANet Planning Meeting that took place on 7th September 2006. Thank you Yours Sincerly Judy Kimiti KICTANet Secretariate --------------------------------- All New Yahoo! Mail Tired of Vi@gr@! come-ons? Let our SpamGuard protect you.

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RE: [Kictanet] African BPO & Call Centre Conference Tuesday 26th September 2006 Panari Hotel, Nairobi
by cliff＠acwsp.com 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

Alice, I hope you are doing fine. I would like to ask whether there are any opportunities for some kind of sponsorship to participate in the conference. Thanks and kind regards, Wycliff > -------- Original Message -------- > Subject: [Kictanet] African BPO & Call Centre Conference Tuesday 26th > September 2006 Panari Hotel, Nairobi > From: alice(a)apc.org > Date: Thu, September 14, 2006 9:43 am > To: Wycliff Ochieng <cliff(a)acwsp.com> > > The first African … [View More]

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SFD Meeting at C&P
by Bill Kagai 15 Sep '06

15 Sep '06

Dear all, Circuits & Packets is organising a get-together of FOSS enthusiasts in Kenya to brainstorm our future and issues that have been raised in various mailing lists. This will be held on Software Freedom Day at C&P BoardRoom - 2.00pm-4.00pm. Kindly confirm your attendance by email to me for logistical purposes. billkagai(a)gmail.com -- -- With Kind Regards, Bildad Kagai MD - Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd Content & Training Partner - JKUAT E-Government Academy … [View More]

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African BPO & Call Centre Conference Tuesday 26th September 2006 Panari Hotel, Nairobi
by alice＠apc.org 14 Sep '06

14 Sep '06

The first African BPO & Call Centre Conference will be held in Nairobi. Organized by AITEC Africa, it will provide a forum for international investors and outsourcing companies to meet local operators and potential business partners. Please visit http://www.ictpark.com/main/BPO.htm for a program of events. This will be a two-day conference whose main theme is "Business Process Outsourcing - Employment Creation for the New Millennium". Leading international experts will be speaking … [View More]

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An EASSy debt for Africa
by Eric Osiakwan 13 Sep '06

13 Sep '06

An EASSy debt for Africa By Eric M.K Osiakwan Visiting Fellow and Scholar, DV Program, Stanford University On the 29th of August 2006, seven (7) Southern and Eastern African countries signed the Inter-Governmental Protocol of the Inter-Government Authority (IGA) of the East and Southern African Submarine System (EASSy) which is the governmental framework through the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD) within which the cable is going to be owned, built and operated. The … [View More]protocol, which is the outcome of an African led consultative process, mandates that the EASSy cable has an African majority ownership. The current proposal for the cable is a combination of debt and equity financing of 70% against 30% for the total cost of three hundred million dollars ($300,000,000). The question must be asked why do we want to saddle Africa with another debt if the business proposition of the cable is viable? The NEPAD E-Africa Commission, which is facilitating this process with the governments mandate to have an African majority ownership of the cable based on an Open Access structure, must consider my proposal not to accrue debt for this project because much of the money can be raised through equity and stocks on the continent. The EASSy Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) must be owned in a public private partnership with the participation of governments, private sector, educational institutions, network operators, civil society and the consumer. The EASSy SPV should be listed on the various country stock exchanges so that it works within the stock exchange discipline, which allows it stocks to be traded without burdening the company to make huge profits to pay it shareholders. This approach meets the current regulated return on investment clause in the protocol in that the company would not be bent on paying its investors huge profits so would price capacity at cost however the investors can trade their stocks in the company on the stock exchanges to make profit based on the performance of the company. Governments and public institutions must be able to invest public funds, pension funds etc into the EASSy SPV. The stock market would serve as a platform to trade these shares later or an exist strategy to recoup the investment. For the indigenous private enterprises the proposal is to lower the financial uptake for equity from the current one ($1,000,000) to two ($2,000,000) million dollars to between hundreds of thousand of dollars and one million dollars ($1000,000). This must include not only Eastern and Southern Africa private enterprise. Educational institutions who consume a lot bandwidth must also be allowed to invest like the UbuntuNet Alliance which has about three million dollars ($3,000,000) for the purposes of participation in the EASSy SPV. Civil Society and Consumers must be allow to purchase shares or bonds of the EASSy cable on the stock market hence my proposal is for the various governments to guarantee the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of the EASSy SPV in the various country stock exchanges. The trading of stocks of the EASSy SPV on the exchanges would seek to rapidly expand the participation of the African people and create the African ownership, which is the flagship of NEPAD. The process would also generate long-term activities on the exchanges and create a trading post for a critical regional infrastructure company, which would ensure effective and efficient management of the enterprise. This would also have an impact on the stock markets in that trading of an unusual entity would create innovation, ensure that our financial sector is able to re-engineer to scale with development interest and ensure that private interest is at par with development goals to create a win-win situation. The stock market serves as the platform for trading the stocks of the EASSy SPV so that should the company be doing well then the investors can make money by trading their shares; otherwise the stock market is a good exit strategy for those who want to dispose off their shares if the company does do well in their opinion. Why should we saddle Africa with an EASSy debt when the viability of the project can guarantee raising equity for it implementation ensuring that an African led process, is African financed? -- Eric M.K Osiakwan Executive Secretary AfrISPA (www.afrispa.org) Tel: + 233.21.258800 Fax: + 233.21.258811 Cell: + 233.244.386792 Handle: eosiakwan Snail Mail: Pmb 208, Accra-North Office: BusyInternet - 42 Ring Road Central, Accra-North Blog: http://afrispa.skybuilders.com/users/Eric/blog.html Slang: "Tomorrow Now" -- [View Less]

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Fw: [IIEP] Software Freedom Day 2006
by Florence Etta 13 Sep '06

13 Sep '06

FYI sorry for cross posting! FE ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Wayne Mackintosh <wmackintosh(a)COL.ORG> To: ELEARN-OPENSOURCE(a)LST.IIEP-UNESCO.ORG Sent: Saturday, 9 September, 2006 4:44:36 AM Subject: [IIEP] Software Freedom Day 2006 Hi all, No doubt many folk on the list are making preparations for Software Freedom Day on 16 September 2006. I'm working on a small "celebration" of SFD 2006 in relation to FLOSS for education around the Commonwealth. Nothing major - but if … [View More]

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JKUAT e-Gov Academy 2006-7 Calender
by Bill Kagai 12 Sep '06

12 Sep '06

2006-2007 TRAINING CALENDER The JKUAT e-Government Academy is a joint initiative of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Enterprises Company and Circuits & Packets Communications Limited in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with a mission to offer high quality e-Government Training, Consultancy and Software Development. Located in the Juja Campus, the Academy primary objective is first to inculcate and transfer the technology of using logic and algorithm in … [View More]

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Kictanet Planning Meeting 7th September
by Judy kimiti 12 Sep '06

12 Sep '06

Dear Members, Please note that the KICTANet Planning meeting will be at the Jacaranda Hotel on 7th September at the Jacaranda Room at 3:45pm We would appreciate if you'd confirm your attendance to the undersigned for logistics purposes. Thank you and best regards Judy Kimiti KICTANet --------------------------------- Try the all-new Yahoo! Mail . "The New Version is radically easier to use" The Wall Street Journal

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Software Freedom Day Celebrations
by Dorcas Muthoni 08 Sep '06

08 Sep '06

RE: *** Invitation To The Career Workshop for High School Girls to encourage them to pursue careers in Computing, 16th September 2006, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Missio Hall, Karen.*** LinuxChix Africa - Kenya Chapter in collaboration with Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) welcomes you to attend a one day Computing Career Workshop to be held on the 16th September 2006 at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Missio Hall, Karen. LinuxChix Africa (www.africalinuxchix.… [View More]org ) was founded in December 2004 as an online discussion group to work on increasing the expertise of the African woman with regards to FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) and ICTâs as a way of empowering women. Today, LinuxChix Africa is a Pan-African organization helping toward building a critical mass of computing skills among African women. We have 16 country chapters and over 300 members from all over Africa. We believe that computing as a whole and Free and Open Source Software(FOSS) in particular, can play a significant role in empowering women. The copyleft nature of FOSS helps programmers learn from programs or modify them so that they build on the innovations of others rather than re-invent the wheel. As we learned from the famous scientist Isaac Newton: Great achievements can only be made by standing on the shoulders of a giant. The overall objective of the Computing Career Workshop is to is to provide students and teachers with information on computing and also answer their questions on Computer Science/ Information Technology as a career. IT innovations and the opportunities are ineffectual if people are un-aware of them. The lack of awareness goes a long way in explaining the notable dearth of women in the IT industry in Kenya. A situation, that exists inspite of the fact that they achieve as well as the boys in pre-university examinations. Background Every year, a non-profit Software Freedom International organizes Software Freedom Day (SFD). This is a worldwide celebration of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). The goal in this celebration is to raise public awareness of the benefits of using high quality FOSS in education, in government, at home, and in business -- in short, everywhere! Software Freedom International provides guidance in organizing SFD, but volunteer teams around the world organize their own SFD events to impact their own communities. This year, the date set for the celebrations is 16th September 2006. The Kenya chapter of LinuxChix Africa will once again hold the annual Career Workshop for High School Girls to encourage them to go for careers in Computer Science/Information Technology to celebrate SFD. Participants We expect up to 500 students to attend. Speakers Speakers will comprise luminaries from various IT disciplines. The honorable, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Bitange Ndemo is expected to give the keynote address. Speakers will make motivational speeches aimed at demonstrating success in the IT industry is not impeded by one's gender. It is hoped that the speakers will inspire and serve as role models to the girls. Activities Please see the attached program. I hope that you will able to join us and look forward to welcoming you there. Thanks and regards, Dorcas Muthoni Irene Misoi Co-founder, Kenya, Country Representative LINUXCHIX AFRICA LINUXCHIX AFRICA [View Less]

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"AN EAR TO THE GROUND and A CRY FROM THE HEART"
by alice＠apc.org 07 Sep '06

07 Sep '06

Dear KICTANet members, For those significantly engaged in communication and media for development work, the communication initiative would very much welcome your feedback and suggestions related to a draft Communication and Media for Development MANIFESTO - tentatively titled "An Ear to the Ground and a Cry from the Heart" - that they issued this past weekend through The Drum Beat Magazine. This manifesto is derived from knowledge and analysis shared by the network through The CI processes. … [View More]It attempts to meet a need so often expressed by people and organisations engaged in communication and media for development work - the requirement for a short, succinct paper that makes the case for why this work is crucial for the effectiveness, efficiency and core principles of overall Development action. The draft Manifesto is also included below in this note. It can also be seen, as an issue of The Drum Beat magazine, at http://www.comminit.com/drum_beat_363.html There are two substantive ways in which the further development and strengthening of this Manifesto would greatly benefit from the contribution of your skills, knowledge, analysis and insights: 1. Please complete the brief survey form at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=662892502330 2. Join the online discussion for the month of September during which we will try to debate and refine [or maybe substantially re-write!] this Manifesto. To join click here: http://forums.comminit.com/profile.php?mode=register&style=2 and choose the "Drumbeat Chat' check box Thank you very much - we all greatly appreciate your contribution in helping to build this case for our work - a case that people can use in a variety of ways including within their own organisations, with local communities and national and international decision makers to demonstrate the considerable added value and potential of communication for media development in addressing the very significant development challenges in all communities, countries and regions. The Draft manifesto follows. Warren Feek Executive Director The Communication Initiative *** "AN EAR TO THE GROUND and A CRY FROM THE HEART" Effective Anti-Poverty Action through Increased Communication and Media for Development Action The Communication and Media for Development Manifesto DRAFT This manifesto proposes a set of steps for local, national and international development decision makers and funders to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall work of their organisations in addressing poverty and related issues. The proposals are based on an analysis of the significant challenges facing local, national, and international development and the extensive impact opportunities provided by communication and media for development action. 1. DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES An Analysis of the Requirements for More Effective Development Action The struggle against poverty, including the race to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to implement effective poverty reduction strategy (PRS) programmes, requires mobilising and harnessing all possible global capacities and resources. In particular, there is a pressing and compelling need for capacities and strategies that can best address the vital human and social dimensions of poverty, governance, health, education, conflict, HIV/AIDS, children, and other priority development issues at the scale required. All development issues, including the central issue of poverty itself, have questions of social norms, cultural dynamics, policy considerations, individual behaviours and attitudes, historical factors, knowledge, information, and creativity as both central elements of those development problems and strategic opportunities for effective action. International development, if it is to be more effective and efficient relative to the MDGs and PRS programmes, needs to have a much closer collective "ear to the ground". It is the situations and experiences of people and communities directly experiencing poverty and related issues that will ensure relevant and effective strategies and initiatives. Local, national and international decision makers can also improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their work by increasing the extent to which they listen to the "cries from the heart" of people in their communities. Those cries will include valuable ideas and suggestions for effective programmes. This is not just a matter of improved and more effective use of limited resources. It is also a fundamental human right that people drive and decide the changes in their lives, families, and communities. It is their lives in which we have the honour of engaging. Communication and Media for Development is an extensive and dynamic community of practitioners and organisations that seek to advance this desperately needed approach to development. The context and analysis above drive the nature of our work. The qualities, scope, and demonstrated impact of communication and media for development are what keep us advocating for increased support and growth. 2. COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA FOR DEVELOPMENT Strategic and Programmatic Action for Effective International Development Action Considering the arguments and analysis above, the following local, national, and international development qualities and strategies, which are the core elements of communication and media for development, are required in greater depth and scale: VOICE: Increased space for and attention to the voice, perspective, and central contribution of those most affected by poverty and other development issues. KNOWLEDGE: Widened and expanded knowledge and information sharing including, for improved relevance and other reasons, a higher priority on knowledge and information generated within the communities and countries that are bearing the heaviest burden of poverty and related issues. CULTURE: Improved ways to engage the rich cultural diversity across the globe and the important and diverse ways in which those varied cultures understand, address, and harness the vitally important factors of leadership, community, behaviour, and inclusion in order to improve their families, communities and countries. DEBATE: Significantly expanded public and private debate and dialogue on the issues that are of priority importance in each international, national, and local context. POLICY: More open, participative, and inclusive processes of policy development that increase the substantive integration of the views and perspectives of those most affected by poverty and other development issues. LEGISLATION: More effective legislation, including on media, supporting a pluralistic communication environment with space for a full range of organisations and voices. BEHAVIOUR and ATTITUDES: Expanded focus on addressing the relevant behaviours of both people affected and decision makers in order to accelerate action on the development issues of concern. DATA: Improved collection, sharing, and utilising of data related to the human and social dimensions of development. 3. DEMONSTRATED CHANGE The Demonstrated Effectiveness of Communication and Media for Development Action 3.1 Historical Change There are compelling and credible historical processes that had effective communication and media strategies as essential parts of their overall strategy. The Civil Rights, anti-Apartheid, anti-Tobacco, Representative Democracy, Child Rights and Women's Movements, as well as other past and ongoing global, regional, national and local social movements, have all included communication strategies as a main (often the central) part of their change effort. In many cases, all that these movements used were communication and media strategies. There is no vaccine, for example, for civil rights. 3.2 Research Data There is an increasing body of research and evaluation knowledge on the direct impact of communication and media for development action on poverty and its related and contributing factors - data that includes, relative to major development priorities: Poverty: * Local Language Media - India: States with higher levels of media development are more active in protecting vulnerable citizens....A 1% increase in newspaper circulation is associated with a 2.4% increase in public food distribution and a 5.5% increase in calamity relief expenditures. http://www.comminit.com/evaluations/eval2005/evaluations-45.html * Voices of Women - AWSO - Middle East: In a programme to support Arab women's achievement of economic security, nearly 69% of participants contrasted with only 40% of non-participants, reported that they knew where to obtain information about business or personal loans. Participants were also significantly more likely than were non-participants to find out about training that could benefit them professionally (94% versus 68%). http://www.comminit.com/evaluations/id2002/sld-2431.html Governance: * Democratising Knowledge - Uganda: Increased public access to information...reduce[s]...corruption of public funds....[Corrupt] capture of public funds was reduced from 80 percent in 1995 to less than 20 percent in 2001. http://www.comminit.com/evaluations/eval2005/evaluations-75.html * Information Flows - Global: Empirical analysis shows that countries which have better information flows as measured by both freedom of information and transparency have better quality governance. http://www.comminit.com/evaluations/eval2005/evaluations-137.html * New Technologies - Gyandoot - India: Citizens in the community perceive a shift in corruption levels, especially in terms of access to information and lesser harassment by the government officials. http://www.comminit.com/evaluations/steval/sld-2152.html Gender: * Public Debate and Declaration - Tostan - Burkina Faso: 23 communities made a public declaration for the abandonment of the practice of female genital cutting (FGC) in front of 5,000 villagers, religious, traditional and political leaders, the media and programme managers from government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and international organisations. http://www.comminit.com/evaluations/eval2006/evaluations-218.html * Inter-personal Discussion - MAP - South Africa: 71% of the male participants believed that women should have the same rights as men, whereas only 25% of men in the control group felt this way. 82% of the participants thought that it was not normal for men to sometimes beat their wives, whereas only 38% of the control group felt that way. http://www.comminit.com/evaluations/idkdv2003/sld-2350.html Children: * Campaign - The Philippines: The proportion of fully vaccinated children of ages 12-23 months increased from 54% to 65%. The average number of vaccinations that a child under 2 years received increased from 4.32 to 5.10. Coverage increased between 1989 and 1990 by 0.77. The amount of this increase that was attributed to the media and communication was 0.54. http://www.comminit.com/evaluations/idmay15/sld-2278.html * Promotion - Mexico: Conclusion - mass media promotion and popular communication campaigns are an effective strategy for informing and motivating mothers to seek immunisation services for their children. Overall, 83% were aware of the campaign and 63% were impacted by its messages. The net increase in immunisation between the "aware" and "unaware" groups was 14.8%, though it must be recognised that a relatively large proportion of the "unaware" mothers also took their children for vaccinations, a feature the authors attribute to long-term momentum gained by successive vaccination campaigns. http://www.comminit.com/strategicthinking/st2004/thinking-589.html Maternal Mortality: * Participation - Suami/Suagi - Indonesia: When husbands were exposed to multi-media campaign messages about maternal mortality prevention and birth preparedness, men's knowledge increased and men's action toward becoming an alert husband increased; furthermore, the odds of knowledge acquisition and taking action were even higher for men who engaged in interpersonal communication about the campaign messages. http://www.comminit.com/evaluations/eval2006/evaluations-288.html * Education-Entertainment - Smiling Sun - Bangladesh: Twice as many respondents (14%) who had watched the drama had received services than those who had not seen (7%) the drama. 9% of viewers had actually visited a clinic after being inspired by the drama. 70% of viewers had received antenatal care (ANC) services during their last pregnancy, as compared to 48% of non-viewers. 58% of non-viewers, versus 41% of viewers, said they had taken "no preparations" in advance of their last pregnancy. http://www.comminit.com/evaluations/idkdv2003/sld-2343.html Health and HIV/AIDS: * Mass Media Trends and Access - Africa: There is a persistent and frequently strong association between exposure to the mass media and reproductive behaviour in Africa in the expected direction; greater knowledge and use of contraception, intention to use contraception in the future, preferences for fewer children and intention to stop child bearing. In Zambia, 15% of married women with no education regularly exposed to radio and TV are currently using contraception compared with 9% exposed to one of those media and 7% exposed to no media. http://www.comminit.com/evaluations/idmay15/sld-2291.html * Integrated Multi-Communication - Soul City - South Africa: Exposure to Soul City multi-media over 6 series is significantly associated with reports of consistent condom use in relation to a regular sexual partner in the preceding 12 months (p=0.009). Compared to respondents with no exposure, respondents with exposure to Soul City multi-media over 6 series were 4 times as likely to report always using a condom with a regular sexual partner - with a consistent dose response. (See table 8: OR low exposure = 2.6; OR medium exposure = 3.8; OR high exposure = 4.) Conversely, exposure to Soul City multi-media over 6 series is associated with reducing the likelihood of reporting "never" using a condom with a regular sexual partner in the preceding 12 months (p=0.000). [from Sue Goldstein and Esca Scheepers. "Using Edutainment for Social Change - Evidence from Soul City Over 6 Series" - to be uplaoded shortly - contact Sue Goldstein suegold(a)soulcity.org.za Environment: * Drama - Arcandina - Ecuador: Knowledge that water consumption is dependent on population needs and that this is a key problem to maintaining a healthy environment increased from 50% to 75%; knowledge that erosion is due to uncontrolled forestry by human populations increased from 39.1% to 74.5%; and knowledge that the destruction of the environment is due to human behaviours increased from 33% to 75%. http://www.comminit.com/evaluations/idkdv2002/sld-2359.html * Engagement of Local Views and Contributions - Gwira Banso - Ghana: 50% of all farms planted trees supporting local reforestation. http://www.comminit.com/evaluations/eval2006/evaluations-259.html There are many other examples and a range of additional data. 4. PROPOSED ACTIONS FOR LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL POLICY MAKERS AND FUNDERS As a community of over 100,000 people in over 5,000 different organisations across all countries and regions of the globe seeking improved international development action, we ask local, national, and international participants and decision makers across the spectrum - from children, mayors and national government officials to global technical experts, funders, and senior United Nations, bilateral, and foundation staff - to take the following actions. These actions provide the building blocks for growing and strengthening the important strategic and programming steps highlighted above. They derive from the proof of principle - both social movements and research/evaluation data - also cited above. The key steps that we request are: 4.1 An expanded and more direct involvement within your decision making, policy making and funding processes of people and organisations whose experience is rooted, on a daily basis, in the development issues that are the priority for your organisation. 4.2 An increased emphasis, as part of your organisation's strategy in local, national, and international contexts, on promoting debate and dialogue on priority issues - thus balancing the present tendency to promote particular answers, positions or organisational brands. 4.3 A higher priority in your data collection and analysis on communication and media knowledge and impact related to local, national, and international development action. 4.4 The employment of more staff across your organisation with skills, interests, and experience in communication and media for development. 4.5 A budget line for communication and media within all of your programmes and projects with formal guidance to programme managers to expend between 5 and 10% of budgets on communication and media action directly related to the priority development issues they are addressing. 4.6 An increase in funding support by your organisation for specific communication and media development strategies, programmes and other initiatives. These proposals are justified by the history, scope, and demonstrated impact of communication and media for development. They are presented in the context of recent funding trends towards a strong emphasis on aid effectiveness, budgetary support and decentralised decision making to country office locations. Through the analysis and actions highlighted above the overall effectiveness and impact of the work of your organisations will be strengthened. Together - locally, nationally, and globally - we will all make more substantive progress to address poverty and other priority local, national, and international development issues. *** 1. Please complete the brief survey form at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=662892502330 2. Join the online discussion for the month of September during which we will try to debate and refine [or maybe substantially re-write!] this Manifesto. To join click here: http://forums.comminit.com/profile.php?mode=register&style=2 and choose the "Drumbeat Chat' check box You can also complete the Pulse Poll - Do you agree or disagree? - "The Communication and Media for Development Manifesto helps to make arguments that will strengthen my work." See http://www.comminit.com/pulse.html Many thanks for engaging your thoughts and ideas as we jointly build the strongest possible case for communication and media for development work - very much appreciated. Warren Warren Feek Executive Director The Communication Initiative wfeek(a)comminit.com http://www.comminit.com 1-250-658-6372 [ph] 1-250-658-1728 [fx] 1-250-480-9770 [mobile] [View Less]

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FW: September 16th-Leadership Forum
by Muriuki Mureithi 06 Sep '06

06 Sep '06

FYI _____ From: Leadership Forum [mailto:Leadership.Forum@britishcouncil.or.ke] Sent: 05 September 2006 18:41 Subject: September 16th-Leadership Forum Dear Sir/Madam, September is here with us and yes we are looking forward to our next LF session! Moreover, we will have the honour of listening to the first lady speaker ever in the Leadership Forum. All this will be taking place at the Stanley Hotel on Saturday the 16th September from 0930-1230. Our speaker will be Ms. Joyce … [View More]

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Fwd: " How to" BPO Training Workshops
by Judy kimiti 06 Sep '06

06 Sep '06

Note: forwarded message attached. --------------------------------- To help you stay safe and secure online, we've developed the all new Yahoo! Security Centre.

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BPO Training
by Judy kimiti 06 Sep '06

06 Sep '06

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

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

06 Sep '06

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

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Planning Meeting 7th September 2006
by Judy kimiti 05 Sep '06

05 Sep '06

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

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New IT Manager
by Bill Kagai 04 Sep '06

04 Sep '06

Dear all, Circuits & Packets Communications Ltd has appointed Mr. Ngahu Kanyingi as our new Technical Manager. Mr. Ngahu Kanyingi attended Alliance High School and did his Bachelor Degree in Computer Science at University of Nairobi. He did his internship and part-time consultancy at Circuits & Packets where he assisted in training in WebDevelopment and Office Automation for Africa Democracy Forum under a project funded by USAID. He also participated in the development of e-Learning … [View More]

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

04 Sep '06

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

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

03 Sep '06

JOB ADVERT Soul Beat Africa http://www.comminit.com/africa/ Director SOUL BEAT AFRICA DIRECTOR NEEDED Soul Beat Africa is an exciting organisation using information and communication technologies to create opportunities for those involved in development communication in Africa to share what they are doing, thinking and experiencing and to discuss and review each others work to improve the impact of communication on African development. Soul Beat Africa is managed by the Communication … [View More]

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Call for Papers
by Eric Aligula 01 Sep '06

01 Sep '06

FYI and further action. Kind regards, Eric Aligula Magolo Senior Policy Analyst Infrastructure and Economic Services Division Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis P.O. Box 56445, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254-20-2719933/4 Fax: +254-20-2719951 E-mail: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke URL: ww.kippra.org Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with … [View More]

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

31 Aug '06

Dear All, As you may be aware, each day multiple system and application security vulnerabilities are discovered. In some instances, these vulnerabilities are as a result of exploits identified by Security Response Teams and others after incidents have occurred. The most critical aspects of security is the dissemination of information relating to security threats and vulnerabilities. Efficient and effective dissemination of this information limits and controls the propagation of damages … [View More]

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

30 Aug '06

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

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

28 Aug '06

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

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Power Up with ICT 2006
by alice＠apc.org 28 Aug '06

28 Aug '06

Dear all Below, the vision, mission and objectives for this year's Power Up with ICTs activities. Once again the Kenya ICT Federation is coordinating, which has received initial support from the Open Society Institute Eastern Africa (OSIEA) and the Embassy of Finland in Kenya. This year’s power up with ICTs will organise pilot ICT Policy and implementation related meetings at constituency levels. It is aimed at enabling communities to engage and invest in our government’s intentions … [View More]

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Autoreply: [Kictanet] KICTANet Planning Meeting Minutes
by VNgugi＠idrc.or.ke 24 Aug '06

24 Aug '06

Hi, I shall be away from the office from 24th Aug to 6th Sept. I shall attend to your messages when I return. Thanks Vivianne

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KICTANet Planning Meeting Minutes
by Judy kimiti 24 Aug '06

24 Aug '06

Dear Members, Please find the attached the minutes of the last KICTANet PLanning Meeting Minutes Yours Truely Judy Kimiti KICTANet --------------------------------- Try the all-new Yahoo! Mail . "The New Version is radically easier to use" The Wall Street Journal

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Fwd: August 19th LF-The Stanley Hotel
by Judy kimiti 18 Aug '06

18 Aug '06

Note: forwarded message attached. --------------------------------- Inbox full of spam? Get leading spam protection and 1GB storage with All New Yahoo! Mail.

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