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Kenya gets undersea broadband fibre optic cable - 1 hour ago
by Alex Gakuru 12 Jun '09

12 Jun '09

Kenya gets undersea broadband fibre optic cable 1 hour ago MOMBASA, Kenya (AFP) — An undersea fibre optic cable bringing broadband Internet connectivity to east Africa, reached the Kenyan coast from the United Arab Emirates on Friday, the president said. The East Africa Marine Systems (TEAMS) fibre optic submarine cable project is a joint venture of the Kenyan government and Emirates Telecommunication Technology (Etisalat) and a consortium of local investors. It is expected to boost internet connections and greatly reduce the cost of telecommunications, especially data transmission in the region. It is expected to become operational next month. President Mwai Kibaki said the project was a landmark in Kenya's national development history. "With the launch of this project Kenya is now equipped with one of the most advanced and cost effective, nation-building tools," said Kibaki, adding it would allow east Africans to be "fully digital citizens of the 21st century" The 4,500 kilometre (2,790 mile) cable links Mombasa on the Kenyan coast to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. Initially projected at 82 million dollars when it was initiated in 2006 an alternative to the East African Submarine Cable System which the government felt was dominated by South Africa. Alcatel-Lucent won the contract to lay the cable. Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved. More » <http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gLTAqnEgDXYbpYzaGDte25k5…>

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Re: [kictanet] Day 5 of 10- BPO Discussions, HR Issues
by Matunda Nyanchama 12 Jun '09

12 Jun '09

Waudo Siganga, That is an interesting report. It appears that we have a long way to go with respect to IT skills development. I would be interesting to understand the "business skills" referred to in the report and whether these include project management, customer service, financial skills (cost versus gross profit), etc. On a related note, what is the current ICT contribution to national GDP? What is the related resource allocation (both private and public) to this sector? And is it commensurate to the sector's contribution or projected contribution? Finally, how do these numbers compare with other countries, especially NIC's like India, China, Malaysia, as well as developing countries? regards ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matunda Nyanchama, mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com Agano Consulting Inc.; www.aganoconsulting.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “If you have less than 1 year to invest, plant rice. If you have 10 to 25 yearsto invest, build a house. If you have more than 25 years to invest, invest in your children" - Anonymous. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________________________ From: waudo siganga <emailsignet(a)mailcan.com> To: mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2009 10:03:13 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 of 10- BPO Discussions, HR Issues Dear Catherine - That report (which dealt with the overall ICT workforce rather than just BPO) was handed over to the sponsor, USAID in Dec. 2006. I do not know what they did with it but I have attached a copy for those who may want to browse it. It contained some policy recomendations maybe some are still relevant. Kind Regards, Waudo On Mon, 08 Jun 2009 06:12 -0700, "Catherine Adeya" <elizaslider(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Apology I meant CSK (Computer Society of Kenya) conducted a study some years back and not CFSK (Computers for Schools Kenya). N ________________________________ From: Catherine Adeya <elizaslider(a)yahoo.com> To: elizaslider(a)yahoo.com Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Sent: Monday, June 8, 2009 3:13:47 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 of 10- BPO Discussions, HR Issues Tim et. al, If I am not wrong there have been attempts to find a way to develop a skills inventory in Kenya especially of IT or IT-related graduates. I do believe CFSK conducted a study a few years back, am not sure what became of the study. There were also attempts by others to develop such a database but some were curtailed due to lack of funding or good-will....if some of you are out here in cyberspace kindly do share so we build on what you have done and do not reinvent the wheel. Walu, you may remember some of the round-tables we were involved in some years ago. What we realized immediately is that the universities did not even know where their graduates were, they did not have an active alumni network to help them identify the sectors that were absorbing their graduates and where the gaps were as this could inform curriculum review. I know it is a long shot to expect the universities to do this but I think it would help if specific departments tried to collate this information. If the potential graduates knew it would be beneficial for them to share that information once they graduate then it may ease the process. Beneficial in two ways, to help with curriculum review and place share their names and details with those looking for the relevant skills....ok am waffling I know. I think the team was on to something there but we kind of dwelt too much on the successful South African model where they did an excellent study titled the SAITIS study as far back as 1998 and I think updated the study and implementation around 2004 or so, I can't remember off the top of my head. I know that relevant institutions came together to share their expertise in the study so that it was representative and collaborative. The studies basically covered a number of issues including the national IT Education and Training intiatives in SA (including schools, tertiary institutions, government and private sector iniatives. It attempted to categorize jobs and skills in the IT industry and looked at it in the context of global trends. There are similar studies elsewhere but I thought I may highlight on this one as I read about it years ago. Best, Nyaki ________________________________ From: Mwololo Tim <timwololo(a)gmail.com> To: elizaslider(a)yahoo.com Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Sent: Monday, June 8, 2009 1:47:11 PM Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 5 of 10- BPO Discussions, HR Issues Bwana Ndemo, These are good initiatives. However, I believe we need to look at the total secondary and tertiary education system to make sure it produces the skill sets we require for the BPO&O sector, depending on the strategy we take as a country. One university college, which is new and still struggling to "stand up", so to speak, will not do. Of course we need the skills inventory you talk about to know where we are so that we can take an appropriate strategy for skills development. I know KNBS is currently very busy focusing on the census and I am not sure they have adequate capacity to push several large projects simultaneously, which may mean delays here. We might therefore need to find ways of expediting this exercise. tim On Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 1:31 PM, <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> wrote: Walubengo, With respect to capacity building, the Government has done the following Established Multimedia University to focus on IT Skills Development; Contracted the Central Bureau of Statistics through CCK to conduct ICT Skills inventory in Kenya and Set up a task force to look into Skills development as recommended by MaKinsey in the just concluded Value Proposition. We are in the process of appointing other stakeholders into the committee. Although we do not have a sector strategy on Capacity building, the Governemnt takes issues of skills development very seriously. This is a matter that NESC emphasizes as key to our competitiveness. In this regard we look forward to a quick finalization of the skills inventory and the task force recommendation. Regards Ndemo. > -Day 5 of 10- BPO Discussions, Human Capacity Issues > > Morning all, > > I trust you had a refreshing weekend. Today I want to introduce the theme > on Human Resource Development for the BPO industry. The Researchers found > that India, S.Africa and Mauritius had a comprehensive inventory of their > skill-base that was also available for Validation by prospective employers > and investors. Another observation was ofcourse the sheer numbers of > Indian graduates (millions) that made it the largest base of highly > skilled pool of graduates with strong mathematical/scientific orientation. > Whereas, Mauritius was producing only 10,000 (university) graduates per > year compared to Kenya's 30,000 per year, Mauritius had the advantage of > properly documenting their national graduates database and marketing it > appropriately to potential clients in Europe/America. In addition, the > Researchers noted that Mauritius had a government funded but > Private-Sector oriented ICT Academy that produced graduates specificially > for the ICT industry. > > In Kenya, the Researchers observed that apart from the lack of a national > database on the available skills/graduates, some of the BPO operators were > engaged in vicious poaching cycles where Agents trained in-house by one > Operater are immediately hired by the Competing Operators. It was noted, > that an attempt has been made by the .KE Government to create an > Industry-specific University (Multimedia University College of Kenya) to > address the HR gap but its success or otherwise will remain to be seen in > a few years time. The Researchers also noted that Kenya's > English-speaking labor force had an edge over the Indian one given that > the average Kenyan had a "neutral" accent unlike the Indian graduate who > tended to have an "ethnic" accent that often distracted the Euro-American %3 ---------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world" _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: timwololo(a)gmail.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/timwololo%40gmail.com

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Handing over to Nyaki - 2nd Moderator
by Walubengo J 11 Jun '09

11 Jun '09

Dear Listers, As per the schedule, I am pleased to hand-over the rest of the moderation to Nyaki who will introduce the remaining themes starting with the "Youth and Gender" theme today. Nyaki's CV is too long to fit in one email but its suffice to say that she belongs to this breed of Researchers that wants to bridge the gap between Academia and Socio-economic realities of out times. The rest of her story can be googled, but remember to use her official "handle" - Dr. Catherine Adeya. Over to you Nyaki. Plse tell us about today's theme. walu.

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Re: [kictanet] Day 8 of 10- BPO Discussions, Youth and Gender Issues
by Catherine Adeya 11 Jun '09

11 Jun '09

Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2009 05:25:46 -0700 (PDT) From: Catherine Adeya <elizaslider(a)yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Bpoteam] Day 8 of 10- BPO Discussions, Youth and Gender Issues To: Solomon Mburu <solo.mburu(a)gmail.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Solomon, Interesting perspective bringing in the issue of the Youth Fund not supporting BPO. In addition, kindly reply all or you will miss the list as it was addressed to me only. Finally you are not late as you may note that this theme was to be discussed for 2 days and I just rehashed the same summary today. The only thing I will encourage is that you put the subject header as day 8 like I have now done as still very relevant. Thanks Catherine ________________________________ From: Solomon Mburu <solo.mburu(a)gmail.com> To: Catherine Adeya <elizaslider(a)yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:37:34 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Bpoteam] Day 7 of 10- BPO Discussions, Youth and Gender Issues Morning, Apologies for late intervention. My own views in as far as youth and gender employment are concerned, will involves the element of equipping them with the right materials for their empowerment. This is because the varoius factors which promote entrepreneurial development include sound policies (the govt says at least a third of positions in public offices should be given to women), enough funding (through the youth fund and women development fund) and offering incentives to the target group. The Kenyan situation is not so conducive when it comes to promoting the youth in entrepreneurship. While the Youth Fund has helped the youth become economic independent, it is only pegged to activities such as hardware, human rights etc, but it does not support any technological advancement. Only the private sector have the BPO loosely in the specific organizations such as Safaricom Jambo Centre, Kencall etc. The employment of the youth and women in such a sector has not received the government support. Do we really have a govt fully run and supported BPO? That is where the problem is, because the government does not want to establish such an opportunity for the youth, probably due to fear, resources and the level of innovation that is shielded in govt shelves due to 'lack of funds' etc. The BPO sector is thus not supported by this Fund maybe due to the cost implications attached and the fear of adapting change. How about the labour laws? They are perhaps silent on the development of the BPO sector because they have been overtaken by the political sentiments and COTU's fighting for the rights of workers in Industrial Area! -- Solomon Mburu P.O. Box 19343 - 00202 Nairobi Cell: (+254-0) 735 431041 Man is a gregarious animal and enjoys agreement as cows will graze all the same way to the side of a hill! AND It is better to die in dignity than in the ignomity of ambiguous generosity! --0-1156563532-1244723146=:87324 Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii <html><head><style type="text/css"></style></head><body><div style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt"><div>Solomon, Interesting perspective bringing in the issue of the Youth Fund not supporting BPO. In addition, kindly reply all or you will miss the list as it was addressed to me only. Finally you are not late as you may note that this theme was to be discussed for 2 days and I just rehashed the same summary today. The only thing I will encourage is that you put the subject header as day 8 like I have now done as still very relevant. Thanks Catherine </div><div style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <div style="font-family: times new roman,new york,times,serif; font-size: 12pt;"><hr size="1">From: Solomon Mburu <solo.mburu(a)gmail.com> To: Catherine Adeya <elizaslider(a)yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:37:34 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Bpoteam] Day 7 of 10- BPO Discussions, Youth and Gender Issues Morning, Apologies for late intervention. My own views in as far as youth and gender employment are concerned, will involves the element of equipping them with the right materials for their empowerment. This is because the varoius factors which promote entrepreneurial development include sound policies (the govt says at least a third of positions in public offices should be given to women), enough funding (through the youth fund and women development fund) and offering incentives to the target group. The Kenyan situation is not so conducive when it comes to promoting the youth in entrepreneurship. While the Youth Fund has helped the youth become economic independent, it is only pegged to activities such as hardware, human rights etc, but it does not support any technological advancement. Only the private sector have the BPO loosely in the specific organizations such as Safaricom Jambo Centre, Kencall etc. The employment of the youth and women in such a sector has not received the government support. Do we really have a govt fully run and supported BPO? That is where the problem is, because the government does not want to establish such an opportunity for the youth, probably due to fear, resources and the level of innovation that is shielded in govt shelves due to 'lack of funds' etc.  The BPO sector is thus not supported by this Fund maybe due to the cost implications attached and the fear of adapting change. How about the labour laws? They are perhaps silent on the development of the BPO sector because they have been overtaken by the political sentiments and COTU's  fighting for the rights of workers in Industrial Area!   -- Solomon Mburu P.O. Box 19343 - 00202 Nairobi Cell: (+254-0) 735 431041 Man is a gregarious animal and enjoys agreement as cows will graze all the same way to the side of a hill! AND It is better to die in dignity than in the ignomity of ambiguous generosity! </div></div></div> </body></html> --0-1156563532-1244723146=:87324--

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Day 5 of 10- BPO Discussions, HR Issues
by Walubengo J 11 Jun '09

11 Jun '09

-Day 5 of 10- BPO Discussions, Human Capacity Issues Morning all, I trust you had a refreshing weekend. Today I want to introduce the theme on Human Resource Development for the BPO industry. The Researchers found that India, S.Africa and Mauritius had a comprehensive inventory of their skill-base that was also available for Validation by prospective employers and investors. Another observation was ofcourse the sheer numbers of Indian graduates (millions) that made it the largest base of highly skilled pool of graduates with strong mathematical/scientific orientation. Whereas, Mauritius was producing only 10,000 (university) graduates per year compared to Kenya's 30,000 per year, Mauritius had the advantage of properly documenting their national graduates database and marketing it appropriately to potential clients in Europe/America. In addition, the Researchers noted that Mauritius had a government funded but Private-Sector oriented ICT Academy that produced graduates specificially for the ICT industry. In Kenya, the Researchers observed that apart from the lack of a national database on the available skills/graduates, some of the BPO operators were engaged in vicious poaching cycles where Agents trained in-house by one Operater are immediately hired by the Competing Operators. It was noted, that an attempt has been made by the .KE Government to create an Industry-specific University (Multimedia University College of Kenya) to address the HR gap but its success or otherwise will remain to be seen in a few years time. The Researchers also noted that Kenya's English-speaking labor force had an edge over the Indian one given that the average Kenyan had a "neutral" accent unlike the Indian graduate who tended to have an "ethnic" accent that often distracted the Euro-American markets/clients. But this advantage is yet to be exploited - even as the Indians move up the BPO value chain and concentrate on non-accent related processes such as Software Engineering, Research (Financial, Medicine, etc), Product (e.g. Civil and Architectural) Design amongst others. Which leads us to todays questions. Qtn 7: How do we develop a national database on the wide-range of available ICT skill in Kenya - specifically which institution should be mandated to realise this, ensuring that such a database is kept upto date over the years? Qtn 8: What strategies should the country adopt to ensure a continuous supply of relevant and timely BPO-Specific skills? Please, lets have your comments flowing,dig yahjwalu starting now... walu. Encl: Synthesis 3 - HR Issues

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Re: [kictanet] Day 8 of 10- BPO Discussions, Youth and Gender Issues
by Walubengo J 11 Jun '09

11 Jun '09

folks, indeed she 'deliberately' repeated day 7 issues. The catch is that we have 2days to discuss the Youth and Gender issue... meanwhile, i noted in yesterdays Daily Nation, pag 15 - its like Safaricom has finally published tenders to outsource part of the Customer Services? Kazi kwa vijana. walu. --- On Thu, 6/11/09, Wainaina Mungai <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> wrote: > From: Wainaina Mungai <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 8 of 10- BPO Discussions, Youth and Gender Issues > To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Date: Thursday, June 11, 2009, 1:49 AM > Nyaki, > > I got that very same feeling that day 8 intro is a repeat > of day 7's intro... > > might be a time zone issue ;-) > > Wainaina > > On 6/11/09, Bill Kagai <billkagai(a)gmail.com> > wrote: > > This looks like repetition of Day7 unless am missing > > something.....or..... confused..... > > > > On Thu, Jun 11, 2009 at 12:24 AM, Catherine > Adeya<elizaslider(a)yahoo.com> > > wrote: > >> > >> - Day 8 of 10- BPO Discussions, Youth and Gender > Issues Continued - > >> > >> It is a few minutes past midnight now so let me > introduce Day 8 of the > >> discussions. > >> > >> Today we continue with the theme of Youth and > Gender issues. The following > >> is part of the summary I sent yesterday (the > detailed attachment I sent > >> yesterday is re-attached). > >> > >> It is useful to begin by noting that the > researchers found that the > >> unemployment rate (2008 est) was 40% in Kenya, > 21.7% in S. Africa, 7.6% in > >> Mauritius and 6.8% in India. The researchers also > found that the minimum > >> qualification for professional staff was a > Bachelor’s degree in all four > >> countries. However, the minimum qualification > for operators/agents > >> varied. > >> In Kenya it was a certificate, diploma or degree > depending on operation; > >> in > >> S. Africa it was Grade 12; Mauritius school > certificate or below and in > >> India it was a High school certificate. > >> > >> The common work related challenges include project > management (especially > >> meeting deadlines) and long hours. Some employees > in Kenya complained > >> about > >> challenges with transportation. The detailed > summary findings will be > >> availed. > >> > >> Generally there were more women in call centres > than male but more males > >> in > >> the professional cadre. The youth are mostly > found in the agent/operator > >> jobs. The following are some country specific > issues: > >> > >> In, India there is the Equal Remuneration Act > ensures that there is equal > >> remuneration to men and women for same jobs. Under > this law, no > >> discrimination is permissible in recruitment and > service conditions except > >> where employment of women is prohibited or > restricted by the law. NASSCOM > >> has launched the Women in Leadership-IT Initiative > to enhance > >> participation > >> of women in the workforce and ensure there are > more women leaders in the > >> IT-BPO industry. > >> In South Africa, there are 40% more females than > males below 25 years > >> working in the BPO sector. However, there are 7% > more males than females > >> above 25 years old. There is no gender or age > based discrimination in the > >> work place. There exists no law or policy that > prefers youth from other > >> groups of people in employment. > >> In Mauritius, there is no 24 hour work culture. In > addition, the Labor Act > >> prohibits employment of female employees in > industrial undertakings > >> between > >> 10 p.m. and 5 a.m; while youth are not allowed to > work between between 6 > >> p.m. and 6 a.m. Interestingly, there is clause > that no person shall, > >> except > >> with the Permanent Secretary's written consent, > transport a female worker > >> or > >> cause a female worker to be transported in a goods > vehicle; any other > >> vehicle, unless the vehicle is provided with an > easy means of entering and > >> alighting which does not involve climbing. > >> > >> 4. In Kenya we have the Employment Act which > many of you know. > >> > >> This leads us to the following discussion > questions: > >> > >> Discussion Q9: Are the Kenyan laws adequate to > protect the youth and women > >> from exploitation by BPO&O employers? > >> > >> Discussion Q. 10: The BPO sector is not seen as a > long term source of > >> employment for most employees. Most believe it is > a stepping stone to > >> other > >> lucrative opportunities. What needs to be done to > ensure the youth and > >> women > >> view the industry as attractive, especially in > terms of quality of > >> employment and career progression? > >> > >> Discussion Q11: Attrition and poaching are > prevalent in most countries > >> studied. What mechanisms should employers adopt to > attract and retain > >> their > >> staff? > >> > >> Let the discussions continue as we move to another > topic tomorrow. > >> > >> Thanks > >> > >> Nyaki > >> > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> kictanet mailing list > >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > >> This message was sent to: billkagai(a)gmail.com > >> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/billkagai%40gmail.com > >> > >> > > > > > > > > -- > > Bildad Kagai > > MD - MediaCorp Limited > > Nairobi Stock Exchange Authorised Information Vendor > > Suite B2, Tetu Court, State House Avenue > > P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 > > Nairobi, Kenya > > Tel. 254 20 272 8332 > > Fax. Rendered Obsolete > > S - 1°17'13.8" > > E - 36°48'22.7" > > www.mediacorp.co.ke > > --- > > > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > This message was sent to: wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wainaina%40madeinkenya… > > > > -- > Sent from my mobile device > > --- > http://www.bungesms.com > > http://www.madeinkenya.org > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com >

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Executive e-Learning Strategy Development & Implementation workshop, July 6-10, Windhoek Namibia
by Gakiria 10 Jun '09

10 Jun '09

Dear all, Attached for your information. The aim of the workshop is to expose participants to practical success stories on e-Learning strategy development and implementation from a policy and strategic level. There will be expert presentations and coaching by Prof Johannes Cronje, a leading international e-Learning expert from South Africa, including working group sessions and practical, interactive activities. Please refer to the attached information sheet and application form. Kind regards Andrew Gakiria Kenya e-Learning Center

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Executive e-Learning Strategy Development & Implementation workshop, July 6-10, Windhoek Namibia
by Gakiria 10 Jun '09

10 Jun '09

Dear all, Attached for your information. The aim of the workshop is to expose participants to practical success stories on e-Learning strategy development and implementation from a policy and strategic level. There will be expert presentations and coaching by Prof Johannes Cronje, a leading international e-Learning expert from South Africa, including working group sessions and practical, interactive activities. Please refer to the attached information sheet and application form. Kind regards Andrew Gakiria Kenya e-Learning Center

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Re: [kictanet] Day 7 of 10- BPO Discussions, Youth and Gender Issues
by Walubengo J 10 Jun '09

10 Jun '09

My comments on the Employment Laws - I maybe wrong but I tend to think the BPO industry is so young and fragile that employers do get away ignoring most of what could be in the employment laws such as leave, working hours, medical cover etc. Most of these youngsters are technically "casual labourers" engaged on long-term basis without the above employment benefits. And as long as Atwoli (that Labour acrobatic Leader ;-) doesnt get to hear about this - it is good for an emerging industry to be very liberal at the beginning. Eventually, with sufficient maturity (when this will be I dont know), then Employers should be compelled to respect and abide by labor laws. walu. --- On Wed, 6/10/09, Catherine Adeya <elizaslider(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > From: Catherine Adeya <elizaslider(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: [kictanet] Day 7 of 10- BPO Discussions, Youth and Gender Issues > To: "Walubengo J" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 9:11 AM > > > > > - Day 7 of 10- BPO Discussions, Youth > and Gender Issues - > > > > Morning all, > > Walu has done a fantastic job > moderating so far and now you > are stuck with me for the > next four days. Today’s theme is on Youth and > Gender issues. It is > obvious we have touched on a number of issues that focus on > this theme in the > last few days; however, it is still pertinent to address it > as an exclusive > issue. > > Some of > you have > wondered why we keep referring to S. Africa, Mauritius and > India. I would like > to re-emphasize that those are the countries where the > research was conducted > but views from other countries are welcome. The idea is not > to compare Kenya > per se but to bench-mark on our (or potential) competitors. > Views based on > other countries are very welcome, the researchers could not > visit more > countries due to funding constraints. > > It is useful to begin by noting that > the researchers found > that the unemployment rate (2008 est) was 40% in Kenya, > 21.7% in S. Africa, > 7.6% in Mauritius and 6.8% in India. The researchers also > found that the > minimum qualification for professional staff was a > Bachelor’s degree in all > four countries. However, the > minimum > qualification for operators/agents varied. > In Kenya it was a certificate, diploma or degree > depending on operation; > in S. Africa it was Grade 12; Mauritius school certificate > or below and in > India it was a High school certificate. > > The common work related challenges > include project > management (especially meeting deadlines) and long hours. > Some employees in > Kenya complained about challenges with transportation. The detailed summary findings will be > availed. > > > Generally there were more women in > call centres than male > but more males in the professional cadre. The youth are mostly found in the > agent/operator jobs. The following are some country > specific issues: > > In, India there is the > Equal Remuneration Act ensures that there is equal > remuneration to men and > women for same jobs. Under this law, no discrimination > is permissible in > recruitment and service conditions except where > employment of women is > prohibited or restricted by the law. NASSCOM has launched the Women in > Leadership-IT Initiative > to enhance participation of women in the workforce and > ensure there are > more women leaders in the IT-BPO industry.In South Africa, there are > 40% more females than males below 25 years working in > the BPO sector. > However, there are 7% more males than females above 25 > years old. There is no gender or age based > discrimination in the work place. There exists > no law or policy > that prefers youth from other groups of people in > employment.In > Mauritius, there is no 24 hour work > culture. In addition, the Labor Act prohibits > employment of female > employees in industrial undertakings between 10 > p.m. and 5 a.m; > while youth are not allowed to work between between 6 > p.m. and 6 a.m. Interestingly, > there is > clause that no person shall, except with the > Permanent Secretary's > written consent, transport a female worker or cause a > female worker to be > transported in a goods vehicle; any other vehicle, > unless the vehicle is > provided with an easy means of entering and alighting > which does not > involve climbing. > > 4. > In Kenya we have the Employment Act > which many of you know. > > > This leads > us to > the following discussion questions: > > Discussion Q9: Are the Kenyan laws adequate to > protect the youth and women from > exploitation by BPO&O employers? > > Discussion Q. 10: The BPO sector > is not seen as a long term source of > employment for most employees. Most believe it is a > stepping stone to other > lucrative opportunities. What needs to be done to ensure > the youth and women > view the industry as attractive, especially in terms of > quality of employment > and career progression? > > Discussion Q11: Attrition and > poaching are prevalent in most countries studied. What > mechanisms should > employers adopt to attract and retain their staff? > > Let the games (oops! Discussion) > begin! > > Thanks > > Nyaki > > To be Encl: > Synthesis > 4 – Youth and Gender Issues > > > > >

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UN-HABITAT's Opportunities Fund: New deadline 15. June 2009
by Constance Georgina Khaendi Walyaro 10 Jun '09

10 Jun '09

If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may see it online. UN-HABITAT's Opportunities Fund: New deadline 15. June 2009 The deadline for applications for the UN-HABITAT Opportunities Fund for Urban Youth-led Development has been extended to 15 June 2009. If your organization is working on an innovative and sustainable project that will improve the lives of young people and make a positive impact on your community, you could be eligible to receive a grant. Please find application documents in English, French and Spanish at www.unhabitat.org/opfund. The Opportunities Fund for Urban Youth-led Development has been set up to support urban based Youth-led organizations in developing countries who are working to improve the living conditions of their communities. The Fund will give grants between $5,000 and $25,000 to organizations led by young people, aged 15-32 years. The Fund is committed to support innovative youth-led projects in areas such as employment, education, environment, health and safety. Applications from organizations partnering with government agencies and the private sector are encouraged. Projects promoting gender equality are particularly welcome. PLEASE DISTRIBUTE TO YOUR NETWORKS!! (French and Spanish translation below - please forward on to your friends!!) --- Fonds d'Opportunités de ONU־HABITAT : Nouveau délai : 15 Juin 2009 La date limite du dépôt des candidatures concernant les fonds d'opportunités pour un développement urbain mené par la jeunesse a été étendu au 15 Juin 2009. Si votre organisation travaille sur un projet durable et innovateur qui contribuera à améliorer la vie des jeunes et d'avoir un impact positif sur votre communauté, vous pourrez être éligible. Les documents pour le dépôt des candidatures sont disponibles sur le site Web : www.unhabitat.org/opfund en Anglais, Français et Espagnole. Les Fonds d'Opportunités pour le développement urbain mené par la jeunesse ont été établit pour soutenir les organisations dirigées par les jeunes qui travaillent dans l'optique d'améliorer les conditions de vie de leur communauté dans les pays en voie de développement. Les Fonds mettrons à la disposition des organisations dirigées par les jeunes âgés de 15-32 ans, les subventions d'une valeur comprise entre 5.000 USD et 25.000 USD. Les Fonds sont destinés à soutenir les projets innovateurs dirigés par la jeunesse, dans les domaines tels que l'emploi, l'éducation, l'environnement, la santé et la sécurité. Le dépôt des candidatures des organisations travaillant en partenariat avec les agences gouvernementales et le secteur privé est encouragé. Les projets promouvant l'égalité du genre sont en particulier sollicités. --- Fondo de Oportunidades UN-HABITAT: Nuevo plazo, 15 de junio de 2009. El plazo para aplicaciones para el Fondo de Oportunidades para el Desarrollo Impulsado por la Juventud Urbana fue extendido para el 15 de junio de 2009. Si su organización está trabajando en un proyecto innovador y sustentable que mejorará la vida de los jóvenes y impactará positivamente en su comunidad, usted puede ser seleccionado para recibir la subvención. Por favor encuentren los documentos en inglés, francés y español en la página www.unhabitat.org/opfund. E Fondo de Oportunidades para el Desarrollo Impulsado por la Juventud Urbana fue creado para apoyar organizaciones dirigidas por jóvenes urbanos en países en vías de desarrollo que estén trabajando para mejorar las condiciones de vida de los jóvenes, entre 15-32 años. El Fondo está comprometido en apoyar proyectos liderados por jóvenes en áreas como empleo, ecuación, medioambiente, salud, y seguridad. Aplicaciones de organizaciones socias de agencias gubernamentales y del sector privado son incentivadas. Proyectos que promuevan equidad de género son particularmente bienvenidos. --- Are you on Facebook? Twitter? If so then follow what is happening at the fund on facebook at: http://tinyurl.com/opfund and join us on twitter at: http://twitter.com/youthfund Looking forward to chatting with you!! --- Youth Led Resource list Please find below a list of resources on urban youth development. Please send us anything more you may have!! Urban Youth Development Articles (click on title) Community Mapping: An Annotated Bibliography (University of Colorado) Creating Livable Cities for All Ages: Intergenerational Strategies and Initiatives (WUF IV) Dialogue Paper Youth in Urban Development: Bringing Ideas into Action (WUF III) Eight Lessons on Peacebuilding from Joaquim Chissano, Former President of Mozambique, UN HABITAT Youth Ambassador (WUF IV) Growing up with expectations. Better understanding the expectations of community partners in participatory action research projects (Community Alliance) Space for Change (please contact author: clarissawilkinson(a)gmail.com) The Youth Friendly City: World Urban Forum III Youth Led Development in Sustainable Cities From Idea, to Policy to Practice (Sustainable Cities) Youth Led Development (PeaceChild) Websites Children, Youth and Environments Journal Environmental Youth Alliance Peacechild International Sustainable Cities TakingITglobal UMAP (University of Colorado) UN HABITAT "Twits" to follow (on twitter!!) who write about youth development Doug Ragan (Community Alliance): twitter.com/ddragan Jennifer Corriero (TakingITGlobal: twitter.com/jenergy Joao Scarpelini (UN HABITAT Youth Advisory Board): twitter.com/jfscarpelini Leaders of Tomorrow: twitter.com/leadersot --- Innovative mobile network links youth globally Mobile Movement is a network that connects people from all over the world with a social mandate using mobile technologies. Their goal is to help bridge the gap between rich and poor with micro-financing, business partnerships and information exchanges. Their first project is in Nairobi, Kenya, where they are working with 15 youth groups from the slums and low-income neighborhoods of Nairobi who are working with UN-HABITAT's "Urban Entrepreneurship Program" which trains young people and encourages the development of socially responsible small businesses. The project gave these youth groups mobile phones so they can shoot video of their projects, and put them on the mobilemovement.tv site for you to see. You can chat with these groups on the Mobile Movement website, share experiences, and, if you like, support their project financially. The Environmental Youth Alliance will manage and administer funds raised by Mobile Movement on behalf of youth participating in the "Urban Entrepreneurship Program". 90% of proceeds go directly to the youth. 10% will be reserved to administer the fund and maintain the website. If you have any questions, please contact the Mobile Movement team at team(a)mobilemovement.tv Click here and join them on Youtube or Facebook. --- Youth Led Survey!! Get Involved and You Might Win a New IPOD!! UN-HABITAT is committed to supporting youth in cities. To do so they need to know more about youth organizations - so, they are asking youth organizations to help by participating in a research program they are undertaking on youth-led organizations by filling out a survey at http://tinyurl.com/youthled. If you complete the survey, you will automatically be entered into a draw to WIN A NEW IPOD! Deadline to complete the survey is June 15th, 2009. Winners will be notified by phone or e-mail. Environmental Youth Alliance Suite 305 - 119 West Pender, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6B 1S5 www.eya.ca Sustainable Cities 415 - 1788 West 5th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6J 1P2 www.icsc.ca This email was sent to constancegeorgina(a)yahoo.co.uk. To ensure that you continue receiving our emails, please add us to your address book or safe list. manage your preferences | opt out using TrueRemove®. Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails. powered by --- On Tue, 9/6/09, Opportunities Fund for Urban Youth Led Development <youthfund(a)ca.inter.net>

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