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

12 May '25

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

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

12 May '25

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

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

12 May '25

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

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

12 May '25

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

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

12 May '25

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

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

11 May '25

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

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Invitation: AfTPS Policy Consultation Roundtable on Regulating Kenya's Gig Economy
by Nicodemus Nyakundi 09 May '25

09 May '25

Dear Listers, As we count down to the *Africa Tech Policy Summit <https://techpolicysummit.africa/>* (AfTPS) starting on Monday, 12th May to Friday,16th May 2025, KICTANet will be hosting the second series of the *Policy Consultation Roundtable on Regulating Kenya’s Gig Economy,* on *12th May 2025 in Nairobi*. This time round, we are focusing on* "Balancing Innovation, Regulation, and Industry Growth: Economic and Technological Imperatives for a Sustainable and Inclusive Gig Economy in Kenya".* We therefore wish to welcome 10 listserv members to participate in and contribute to the sessions on advancing digital skills development, and on algorithmic and data management in Kenya’s Gig Economy. The sessions will feature engaging keynote presentations, dynamic panel discussions, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony, and an interactive session. The concept note with more details of the session is available at the following *link.* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/policy-consultation-roundtable-on-regulating-ken…> To confirm your participation, please complete the *RSVP form <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScaK_bHz53ey0zrGsYjKNjTVFwQ7xzEUfO…> *by May 10th, 2025. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. Best wishes, *Nicodemus Nyakundi* Program Assistant - Digital Rights and Accessibility @*KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> _____________________________________________________________ KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicodemus-nyakundi-68a9a587/recent-activity/all/> | X <https://x.com/NicNyakundi> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/kictanet/> | Youtube <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbcLVjnPtTGBEeYLGUb2Yow/videos> | TikTok <https://www.tiktok.com/@kictanet> | WhatsApp <https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaQsX4w6mYPIctLsGh1K>.

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Invitation to Apply for KICTANet Policy Hackathon on Safe and Inclusive Digital Spaces in Kenya -Nairobi Edition
by Valarie Waswa 09 May '25

09 May '25

[image: policy hackathon post.jpg] Dear Listers, KICTANet <https://www.linkedin.com/company/kictanet/> is excited to announce our Policy Hackathon on Promoting Safe and Inclusive Digital Spaces in Kenya on *May 16, 2025*, in *Nairobi.* This event brings together policymakers, technologists, youth, and digital rights advocates to co-create innovative policy solutions for a safer, more inclusive digital ecosystem. *Key Focus Areas:* ▶️ Safeguarding Digital Identity and Data Protection ▶️ Promoting Online Safety ▶️ Enhancing Content Moderation and Platform Accountability Whether you’re in tech, policy, or advocacy, your voice matters. *Concept Note:* *link* <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jniwbqRfhAKQkIcMIEbUSCSJGeijBeuS-4gOZ8F…> ➡️*Application Deadline : *May 13, 2025 ➡️*Competition day:* 16 May, 2025 *Location: *Nairobi, Kenya ➡️ *Application form:* *https://forms.gle/zDpuriej36vPPUXJ7 <https://forms.gle/zDpuriej36vPPUXJ7>* *With gratitude,* *Ms. Valarie Waswa* *Legal Fellow & Digital Rights Advocate @ **KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> valarie_waswa <https://x.com/valarie_waswa> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/valarie-waswa-557298129/> ___________________________ KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/kictanet/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/kictanet/> | Youtube <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbcLVjnPtTGBEeYLGUb2Yow/videos> | TikTok <https://www.tiktok.com/@kictanet> KICTANet: *Transformed communities through the power of ICTs*

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Virtual Participation at the Kenya Internet Governance Forum – May 14, 2025
by David Indeje 07 May '25

07 May '25

Dear Lister, We are pleased to invite you to participate in the 2025 Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KeIGF), taking place on May 14, 2025. This year’s forum will be held as a hybrid event, allowing participants to join either in person in Nairobi or virtually from anywhere in the world. KeIGF is Kenya’s premier multi-stakeholder platform for open dialogue on public policy issues related to internet governance, security, stability, and development. The 2025 theme is *“Tech for Human Development: Policy, Innovation, and Inclusive Governance,”* reflecting Kenya’s commitment to inclusive digital transformation and the advancement of home-grown technology solutions. *How to Participate Virtually* - The forum will be hosted online via Zoom. <https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LaCcfdnfRsyL7bJmcXHwiA#/registr…> - To attend virtually, follow the registration link <https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LaCcfdnfRsyL7bJmcXHwiA#/registr…>provided for the online session. - Participation is free and open to all stakeholders, including government, private sector, civil society, academia, media, and the technical community8 <https://kigf.or.ke/keigf2024-shaping-kenyas-digital-future/>. *Key Sub-Themes* - Championing Home-grown Tech Solutions for Societal Impact - Creating a Thriving Ecosystem for AI and Emerging Technologies - Bridging Digital Access Gaps: Ensuring No One Is Left Behind - Harmonizing Tech Policies for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth Your virtual participation will ensure your voice contributes to shaping Kenya’s digital future and that your perspectives are represented in both national and global Internet governance dialogues. For more details please visit the Africa Tech Policy Summit website <https://techpolicysummit.africa/>. We look forward to your engagement at *#KeIGF2025.* -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

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Court papers expose syndicate that saw Equity Bank lose Sh1.5bn in 90 days
by Victor Kapiyo 07 May '25

07 May '25

Dear Listers, Details of an elaborate scheme targeting banks - through which Equity Bank lost Sh1.5 billion in just 90 days - have been exposed in a court case that also reveals how a convoluted trail was created to conceal the illicit source of funds, and how individuals and companies were used as proxies to execute the theft. In the case, police say lawyer Esther Bitutu Kadiki fraudulently siphoned Sh1,499,465,831 from Equity Bank between May and July 2024. To continue reading, please see: https://nation.africa/kenya/news/court-papers-expose-syndicate-that-saw-equ… Given these increasing fraud incidents, is our money safe in this digital economy? I wonder how many other banks have faced similar losses and remain mum about it. Regards, *Victor Kapiyo* Partner | *Lawmark Partners LLP* *Nine Planet Apartments, Nairobi | **Web: www.lawmark.co.ke <http://www.lawmark.co.ke/> * ==================================================== *“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude” Zig Ziglar*

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