- KICTANet - KICTANet

Tracking OGBV in Africa – AI Trolling Dominates Week 1
by Florence Awino 03 Feb '25

03 Feb '25

Listers, KICTANet launched the OGBV Tracker <https://ogbv.kictanet.or.ke/map> to document and analyse online gender-based violence (OGBV) across Africa. In its first week, AI-generated trolling emerged as a dominant trend, particularly targeting politicians through manipulated images and deepfake content. We discuss why this is currently unique to Kenya in our latest update: https://www.kictanet.or.ke/tracking-online-gender-based-violence-in-africa-… You can also be part of the tracking by documenting cases you have come across on the map <https://ogbv.kictanet.or.ke/map>or by filling out this form <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchC0y2jNLGbrW1QS2ix3Iw7OSmJ5S1ozD…> . -- *Regards,* *Florence Awino Ouma **@KICTANet * *LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/flo-ouma-profile/>*

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KICTANet Newsletter: Shaping the Future of Digital Rights in Kenya
by David Indeje 03 Feb '25

03 Feb '25

Dear Listers, Here are some of the exciting projects we're working on at KICTANet this year! - *Bridging the digital divide:* We' continuing to empower communities in Busia and Mandera counties through our digital inclusion program, ensuring access to technology and digital skills for all. - *Equipping human rights CSOs:* We are developing a training program to equip human rights organizations with the tools and knowledge they need to effectively advocate for digital rights. - *Shaping Kenya's AI future:* We're actively involved in shaping Kenya's AI governance framework, ensuring the ethical and responsible development of AI technologies. We're also hosting a webinar on "The Nexus Between Disinformation, Radicalization and Violent Extremism" jointly with the Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies (CHRIPS) on February 5, 2025 at 12pm. And don't forget to mark your calendars for the upcoming Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KIGF) 2025!* #KIGF2025.* For more, here is a wrap of what we had in January and what we are planning ahead. <https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/2025-advancing-digital-rights-ai-governance-…> We'd love to hear from you! -- *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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KICTANet Driving Digital Rights and AI Governance in Kenya
by David Indeje 31 Jan '25

31 Jan '25

Dear Listers, Greetings. This is a summary of recent key events undertaken by KICTANet, including a validation meeting for a needs assessment and curriculum for Human Rights Civil Society Organizations (HR-CSOs), participation in the Annual Data Privacy Conference 2025 in Eldoret, and a workshop on AI Statement of Principles. Additionally, the handover of 150 computers to Mandera County by the UK Government and KICTANet. *Key Events* - *Validation Meeting on Needs Assessment and Curriculum for HR-CSOs <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenya-urgent-call-for-stronger-digital-rights-co…>:* This virtual meeting focused on identifying critical capacity-building needs for HR-CSOs to effectively advocate for digital rights. Key findings will inform the development of a tailored training curriculum to equip HR-CSOs with the necessary skills and knowledge. - *Annual Data Privacy Conference in Eldoret: <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/celebrating-data-privacy-insights-from-the-annua…>* This conference brought together key stakeholders to discuss and address critical data privacy concerns in Kenya, emphasizing the importance of public awareness, stakeholder collaboration, and strengthening the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. If you missed our statement to mark the day, here it is. <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kictanet-celebrates-data-privacy-day-2025-safegu…> - *AI Statement of Principles Workshop: <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenya-emerges-as-a-leader-in-responsible-ai-deve…>* This workshop <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/shaping-the-future-of-ai-in-kenya/> focused on refining Kenya's approach to AI governance, ensuring ethical, safe, and inclusive AI development. Key outcomes include the development of ethical guidelines, addressing algorithmic biases, and exploring the role of AI in driving economic development and social equity in Africa. - *Handover of 150 computers to Mandera County by the UK Government and KICTANet. <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/uk-government-kictanet-empowers-mandera-with-150…>* This initiative, under the UK’s Digital Access Programme and the Strengthening Digital Communities Project, aims to bridge the digital divide and empower local communities in Mandera County. The computers will provide critical access to technology and information for youth, women, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens, contributing to Kenya's vision of a digitally empowered nation. The 150 computers, equipped with accessibility features and assistive software, will be strategically distributed to digital hubs across the county, ensuring equitable access to all. - Join our programme to become a community digital champion in Busia and Mandera under the Strengthening Digital Communities Project that aims to improve digital skills and access in the country. Here are the application links: Busia <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdodoIZaPgWef04rMHcStjneaN40F-U4cW…> and Mandera <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9hQcXzyt5Arqy8aY8pHSE3UmqCTj3evx…> . These events demonstrate KICTANet's commitment to advancing digital rights, data protection, and responsible AI governance in Kenya. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, conducting research, and developing targeted training programs, KICTANet is empowering civil society organizations and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable digital future for all Kenyans. -- *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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Gov’t wants all cybercafés fitted with CCTV surveillance, users identified
by Victor Kapiyo 30 Jan '25

30 Jan '25

The government seeks to license all internet cafés in Kenya afresh and introduce new controls in what it says are efforts to streamline regulation and spur the growth of the local ICT sector. Read more: https://www.citizen.digital/tech/govt-wants-all-cybercafes-fitted-with-cctv… What do you think?

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What is DeepSeek and why is it disrupting the AI sector?
by Victor Kapiyo 29 Jan '25

29 Jan '25

Chinese startup DeepSeek's launch of its latest AI models, which it says are on a par or better than industry-leading models in the United States at a fraction of the cost, is threatening to upset the technology world order. The company has attracted attention in global AI circles after writing in a paper last month that the training of DeepSeek-V3 required less than $6 million worth of computing power from Nvidia H800 chips. DeepSeek's AI Assistant, powered by DeepSeek-V3, has overtaken rival ChatGPT to become the top-rated free application available on Apple's App Store in the United States. Read more : https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/what-is-deepseek… This seems like a good opportunity for African countries to develop and implement low-cost AI solutions.

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Email
by Kelvin Kamau 28 Jan '25

28 Jan '25

my email: zipapakelvin909(a)gmail.com *Regards,* *Macharia Kelvin K.* *Mobile: 0720103404/ 0740366728* *Water Resources Authority - Rift Valley Basin Area* *R. ICT officer / DBO : // Cyber Security Analyst Eng.*

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New Starlink POP to Improve Latency and Capacity
by Victor Kapiyo 27 Jan '25

27 Jan '25

Dear Listers, Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, is significantly improving latency for users in Africa by routing them through a new "point of presence" (POP) in Nairobi, Kenya, reducing latency from 100-200ms to around 30ms. The POPs connect the Starlink satellite network to terrestrial internet infrastructure and are crucial for enhancing both capacity and latency; the closer a user is to a POP, the faster their connection speed. Currently, Starlink operates 37 POPs globally, with a concentration in North America but expanding rapidly into other regions like Africa and Europe to meet growing demand and improve service in underserved areas. Read more: https://www.pcmag.com/news/what-is-a-starlink-pop-how-ground-stations-impro… For users of starlink, have you noticed the changes? Victor

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Re: Validation Meeting for Report on Processing of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data on 23rd January 2025
by Angela Minayo 26 Jan '25

26 Jan '25

DearListers, ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa invites you to a validation meeting of a report on processing sexual orientation and gender identity data on the 23rd January 2025 from 9:00am to 11:00 am on Microsoft Teams. Please find attached the concept note for more information. To attend please register here <https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/da4e0447-7c10-40a2-bf18-a40af64232…> Best Regards, *Angela Minayo Kidiavai*

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Fwd: [DCAD] Call for Mentor: DCAD Fellowship Program for IGF2025
by Nicodemus Nyakundi 25 Jan '25

25 Jan '25

Dear listers, This may interest you. The IGF's Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability (DCAD) is calling for DCAD Fellowship Mentor as indicated in forwarded email. Best wishes, Nicodemus Nyakundi Digital Accessibility for PWDs KICTANet Sent from my phone ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Muhammad Shabbir Awan via DCAD <dcad(a)lists.igf-dcad.org> Date: Sat, 25 Jan 2025, 02:28 Subject: [DCAD] Call for Mentor: DCAD Fellowship Program for IGF2025 To: Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability < dcad(a)lists.igf-dcad.org> Cc: Muhammad Shabbir Awan <mshabbirawan(a)gmail.com> Dear DCAD Members, The Internet Governance Forum Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability (IGF-DCAD) is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity to serve as a *Mentor* for the IGF-DCAD Fellowship Program for IGF2025. This voluntary role is pivotal to supporting persons with disabilities in their meaningful participation in the IGF processes, promoting inclusion, and advancing digital accessibility. *Key Details:* - *Responsibilities:* - Mentor fellows and guide them in preparing for and participating in IGF2025. - Provide insights into IGF processes, discussions, and sessions. - Share best practices in digital accessibility and disability inclusion. - Monitor fellows’ progress, provide feedback, and report on their achievements. - Serve on the Fellowship Selection Committee and collaborate with the DCAD team. - *Eligibility Requirements:* - Expertise in digital accessibility and disability inclusion. - Comprehensive understanding of IGF structures and processes. - Proven fellowship and mentoring experience. - Strong organizational, communication, and progress-monitoring skills. - Preference for candidates with lived experience of disability. This is a voluntary position with significant time commitment before and during the IGF2025. However, reasonable travel expenses for in-person participation in IGF2025 may be reimbursed upon request and approval. For the full announcement and application details, please visit: *https://igf-dcad.org/mentor-announcement/* <https://igf-dcad.org/mentor-announcement/> *Application Deadline:* 03 February 2025, 15:00 UTC *Email for Submission:* info(a)igf-dcad.org BR, Dr. Muhammad Shabbir, Coordinator, Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability (DCAD), Twitter: https://twitter.com/MShabbirPhD/ _______________________________________________ DCAD mailing list SEND MESSAGE - DCAD(a)lists.igf-dcad.org SETTINGS - http://lists.igf-dcad.org/listinfo.cgi/dcad-igf-dcad.org MEMBERS - https://igf-dcad.org/members/ WEBSITE - https://igf-dcad.org/

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Study: AI and Innovation
by Samuel Waithaka 24 Jan '25

24 Jan '25

Dear Listers, The study is still ongoing. This survey is part of the study to discover what executives and leaders are doing to drive innovation, in light of the rapid advancements in GenAI, and how prepared they are. We request you to take 2 minutes or so to fill out the short survey; in return, we will send you the full analysis of the results so you can rate yourself, if interested. https://forms.gle/NTKW2wE7NEW1fGBKA -- Samuel Waithaka Cell: +254 720 317929 | +254 770 451280 http://twitter.com/samwaithaka

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