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Fwd: [Please approve -Draft Email for Circulation on KICTANet Mailing List] Participate in Survey: UNFPA TF GBV Survey Participation
by Sigi Mwanzia 11 Feb '25

11 Feb '25

Dear Listers, Good morning. The UNFPA is conducting a Baseline Study for the *'**Making All Spaces Safe (MASS) Programme' *to fill existing gaps in GBV programming to address Technology-Facilitated Gender Based Violence (*TF GBV).** The responses provided to the* 10-15 minute survey *will provide baseline data for the programme, and will support the UNFPA to understand Internet users’ awareness and experiences of TF GBV. The UNFPA anticipates further outreach with stakeholders once program implementation commences. Please find the survey links, in English and Swahili, below for completion by *18th February 2025*: 1. *UNFPA Baseline Study - English*: https://forms.gle/U1kJYicDEogbz1oH7 2. *UNFPA Baseline Study - Swahili:* https://forms.gle/4FDmE8Br9BPHNv2w6 Learn more about the UNFPA MASS Programme here. <https://www.unfpa.org/updates/unfpa-and-canada-launch-global-programme-tack…'Making%20All%20Spaces%20Safe,women%20from%20the%20design%20stage.> Kindly circulate for reach. --- *Sigi Waigumo Mwanzia,* *Consultant Researcher & Advisor (**Portfolio <https://sigiwaigumomwanzia.com/>**), * *Digital Rights | Digital Law **| * *Technology | Telecommunications.* [image: Digital <> Rights]

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Business Registration Service (BRS) & KBC Hacked
by Victor Kapiyo 09 Feb '25

09 Feb '25

The Business Registration Service (BRS) is acknowledging reports of a potential data breach affecting company registry information and has initiated a full investigation, notifying relevant authorities while working with cybersecurity experts to assess the situation and implement necessary security measures; they assure stakeholders that data security is a top priority and will provide updates once the investigation is complete, urging patience and cooperation from affected parties. https://x.com/BRS_Kenya/status/1885993869227008499?t=pQrLV0UPnB5tTGZ540faLQ… On a similar note, our national broadcaster KBC lost its account on X (@KBCChannel1), which has been renamed by the hackers. https://x.com/DeepseekOnSoI?t=Oj9Tdm1W8aqWmRUIZIXCMw&s=09 Tunaomba serikali. Victor

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Call for 2025 KIGF MAG Volunteers
by Liz Orembo 05 Feb '25

05 Feb '25

Greetings listers and Happy New Year! KICTANet wishes to invite volunteers from the different stakeholder groups to assist in the preparation of the Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KIGF) 2024. The Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KIGF) is an annual meeting that brings together various stakeholder groups to dialogue on ICT and Internet policy. The Steering Team otherwise known as the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) role is to assist in convening the Kenya IGF by preparing the programme and schedule and to improve the IGF process through community consultations, outreach and stakeholder engagement. MAG members volunteer and serve in their personal capacity, and are expected to have established linkages with their respective stakeholder groups. Please review the MAG TORs <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Kqbd7qX1DaojqhN2g9NkrAweTfrefynrUUGsVCf…> This year, KIGF will take place on 14th May 2025. More about this will be communicated soon, but please save the date for now. To express interest, please send an email to *info(a)kictanet.or.ke <info(a)kictanet.or.ke>* with the subject line "Kenya IGF 2024 MAG" indicating your stakeholder group, expertise and why you are interested in joining the steering committee of KIGF 2020 by 30th January 2025. Membership to the steering team is voluntary and all materials produced by KICTANet are published under creative commons licenses <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/>. Organisations from various stakeholder groups are encouraged to nominate representatives. For more information or clarification, feel free to get in touch. Best regards, Liz Orembo, Chairperson, 2024 KeIGF MAG Committee. --

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Kenyans Unhappy with CA Complaints Handling
by Victor Kapiyo 05 Feb '25

05 Feb '25

According to a recent survey, over 70 percent of Kenyans who have lodged complaints with the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) say they're dissatisfied with how the sector regulator responded to and handled their issues, pointing to low quality service at the State agency. The customer satisfaction survey report published by CA reveals that the complaints handling process at the agency is one of its most dissatisfactorv functions. Read more: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/corporate/technology/why-kenyans-are… Anyone with a similar experience?

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Save The Date: Exclusive Webinar on Surveillance & Counter-Terrorism
by Neema Mujesia 04 Feb '25

04 Feb '25

Dear Listers, [image: Webinar 1 - Changedpng.png] We invite you to an insightful webinar in partnership with *The Centre For Human Rights and Policy Studies *(CHRIPS) on *"The Nexus Between Disinformation, Radicalization, and Violent Extremism."* This session will explore the role of technology in shaping these challenges and discuss critical solutions. 📅 *Date:* 12th Feb 2024 ⏰ *Time:* 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EAT 📍 *Register here:* https://ow.ly/hvGJ50UT9fu *Our expert panel:* 🔹 Dr. Halkano Abdi Wario – Institute for Security Studies 🔹 Ms. Cherie Oyier – KICTANet 🔹 Mr. Brian Kimari – Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies (CHRIPS) 🔹 Ms. Mary Gitau – Greenstring International Gain key insights, engage with top experts, and contribute to the conversation on countering disinformation and extremism. *Don’t miss out! Register now and secure your spot.* With Best Regards, *Neema Mujesia,* Communications Officer@*KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> @NeemaMasitsa <https://x.com/NeemaMasitsa?t=j6CNaieXaw74Mleb0-7YcA&s=09>| LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/neema-masitsa-254350222/> ___________________________. KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | X <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> | WhatsApp <https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaQsX4w6mYPIctLsGh1K> KICTANet: *Transformed communities through the power of ICTs *

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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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