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Register: International Women's Day 2025 Webinar - Advancing Digital Inclusion
by David Indeje 11 Mar '25

11 Mar '25

Dear Listers, [image: WhatsApp Image 2025-03-11 at 15.10.49_386b50d1.jpg] Join KICTANet for our webinar commemorating International Women's Day 2025 and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: *Intersectional Progress: Advancing Digital Inclusion for Women & Girls From Beijing to 2025.* *Date:* 10th March 2025 *Time:* 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. *Platform:* Zoom *Registration Link <https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82554157513>* This year's theme, "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," underscores the urgent need to address persisting inequalities and ensure digital rights and opportunities for all women, especially those from marginalized communities. We look forward to your participation. -- *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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Sharing Access Now's 2024 #KeepItOn internet shutdown report
by Bridget 11 Mar '25

11 Mar '25

Hello Listers, I am writing to share Access Now's newly launched 2024 #KeepItOn internet shutdowns report, Emboldened offenders, endangered communities: internet shutdowns in 2024 <https://www.accessnow.org/keepiton-2024-report>, which some of you may have already had a chance to interact with. We documented at least 296 internet shutdowns in 54 countries — surpassing the previous 2023 record of 283 shutdowns in 39 countries. And it was a record-breaking year across the board — with the highest number of shutdowns imposed in response to conflicts (103), protests and political instability (74), exams (16), and elections (12) since we started keeping records in 2016. Read the f*ull report* <https://www.accessnow.org/keepiton-2024-report>*, global snapshot <https://www.accessnow.org/internet-shutdowns-2024>,* and *press release* <https://www.accessnow.org/press-release/keepiton-internet-shutdowns-2024-en/>. Also access our *newly launched dashboard* <http://www.accessnow.org/keepiton-data>, which makes navigating internet shutdown data easier than ever before. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Best Bridget -- Bridget Andere, MCIArb (she/her) Advocate and Commissioner of Oaths Senior Policy Analyst Access Now | accessnow.org PGP Key: 0x289AAE67B5A9DAAD Fingerprint: 6A26 725D 720F B516 696F EC15 289A AE67 B5A9 DAAD *Subscribe to the *Access Now Express* <https://www.accessnow.org/express>, our weekly newsletter on digital rights, or find out more ways to support us <https://www.accessnow.org/support-us/>. Join us at RightsCon 2025 <https://www.rightscon.org/> (February 24-27, 2025) Registration now open!

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TikTok profiting from sexual livestreams involving children in Kenya
by Mwendwa Kivuva 07 Mar '25

07 Mar '25

TikTok is profiting from sexual livestreams performed by teens as young as 15, the BBC has been told. BBC spoke to three women in Kenya who said they began this activity as teenagers. They told us they used TikTok to openly advertise and negotiate payment for more explicit content that would be sent via other messaging platforms. TikTok bans solicitation but the company knows it takes place, moderators have told the BBC. TikTok takes a cut of about 70% from all livestream transactions, we have previously found <https://www.bbc.com/news/world-63213567>. TikTok told the BBC it has "zero tolerance for exploitation". Livestreams from Kenya are popular on TikTok - each night over the course of a week, we found up to a dozen in which women performers danced suggestively, watched by hundreds of people around the world. Read more here https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cedl8eyy4pjo.amp In a response to the @BBCAfrica Report on Sexual Livestreams on TikTok. Communications Authorty of Kenya asks TikTok to take down offensive content and offer an explanation how their community standards were breached https://x.com/ca_kenya/status/1897633264002551872?s=46 Best Regards ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwendwa-kivuva

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Apply Now: 10th Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG 2025)!
by Neema Mujesia 05 Mar '25

05 Mar '25

Dear Listers, KICTANet is excited to announce that applications for *10th Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG)* are now open! KeSIG provides foundational training in internet governance, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to engage in local and global policy discussions. *📌 Course Duration:* April 28 – May 9, 2025 (Self-paced, Online) 🗓 *Application Deadline:* April 20, 2025 🎓 *Who Should Apply?* Human rights defenders, civil society organizations, students, academics, government officials, and ICT practitioners. ✅ *Why Join?* - Learn from experienced African internet governance experts. - Gain advocacy and policymaking skills. - Expand your professional network. - Be part of the conversation shaping Africa’s digital future. KeSIG leads up to the *Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KIGF)*, a key event of the *Africa Tech Policy Summit (AfTPS)* happening from *May 12-16, 2025*. Don’t miss this opportunity! Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEnL4kFL3QQOwF_oqdO5HVxrZ61ill74d… 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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Call for Proposals: Data Governance in Africa Research Fund
by Victor Kapiyo 04 Mar '25

04 Mar '25

Dear listers, Mozilla Foundation and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), African Union, under the Data Governance in Africa Initiative have collaborated in a project to increase awareness on and support the domestication of the African Union Data Policy Framework (AU-DPF). The AU-DPF was endorsed by the Executive Council of the Commission at its 40th Ordinary Session in February 2022. The framework aims to boost the development of human rights-respecting, sustainable and inclusive data-driven economies through the creation of a common data space and interoperable data governance mechanisms. They are looking to recruit four (4) African-based researchers to undertake research that will respond to current data governance trends in the region and identify policy recommendations in one of the four topic areas listed under the scope of work. Researchers will work with the Mozilla 2025 Senior Africa fellow to each conduct an empirical study proposed according to their expertise. Four research grants of USD 10,000 each, will be made to support the production of the reports and the dissemination of the research findings to key stakeholders. Key Dates & Deadlines ● Applications open: Mar 3, 2025 8:30 AM GMT+2 ● Complete initial application account registration on Fluxx: Mar 11, 2025 6:30 PM GMT+2 ● Full applications close: Mar 31, 2025 6:30 PM GMT+2 ● Apr 30, 2025 Grant period : - Oct 31, 2025 3:00 PM For more details see website: https://d4dhub.eu/news/data-governance-in-africa-research-fund 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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Queries as Sh144m missing from e-citizen agencies’ collections
by Victor Kapiyo 28 Feb '25

28 Feb '25

Dear Listers, According to this article, at least Sh144 million collected by different government agencies through the e-citizen platform is missing and cannot be accounted for, raising queries of possible embezzlement amid the digital shift of government services.million. Also, about Sh1.9 billion was recorded by e-citizen as partial, incomplete and duplicated payments, which means they were received but not used for the intended purpose by the payer. Further, the Government Digital Payment Unit, which is in charge of the eCitizen platform been in breach of the law as it is not registered as a data controller at the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner and has no data protection policy. The platform is also still controlled by a private sector player and the government has no full control over it, and has to consult the external player for any alteration of the platform including onboarding of new services. Read more: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/economy/queries-as-sh144m-missing-fr… Anyone who's been lucky to get a refund from eCitizen?

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The Crypto Scam Epidemic: How Hackers Are Exploiting Influential Accounts
by Jacinta Wothaya 28 Feb '25

28 Feb '25

Dear Listers, Cryptocurrency scams have taken a concerning turn, and hackers are now targeting influential social media accounts, including local public figures, media houses, and organisations. These scams exploit public trust in verified social media accounts and reach a wide audience quickly, making them particularly effective. It is high time that the government and technical community take proactive measures to mitigate the financial and reputational harms caused by this kind of cybercrime. We call on other stakeholders including civil society to enhance collaboration to raise awareness about this emerging threat. Together, we can create a safer digital environment that prevents the exploitation of influential accounts and protects the integrity of online interactions. To learn more about these social media-fueled crypto scams and how to protect yourself, visit our latest blog post on the Tatua Digital Resilience Centre website. <https://tatua.digital/cyber-security/the-crypto-scam-epidemic-how-hackers-a…> Stay informed and stay safe! Kind Regards, *Jacinta Wothaya,* *Programme Advisor, Digital Resilience * *Tatua **Digital Resilience Centre <https://tatua.digital/about-us/>* *KICTANet.or.ke* <http://KICTANet.or.ke> LinkedIn: *Jacinta Wothaya <http://www.linkedin.com/in/jacinta-wothaya-510a8b153>* ___________________________ [image: KICTANet Think Tank] [image: Tatua Digital Resilience Centre]. KICTANet: *Transformed communities through the power of ICTs.* Tatua: *Transformed safe communities through the power of ICTs.*

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Looking for an assistant project manager cum community manager
by Evans Ikua 28 Feb '25

28 Feb '25

Dear Listers, We are looking for an assistant project manager-cum-community manager for an IT project. Some experience with IT projects, IT training delivery and building open source communities will help. Public sector exposure may be an advantage. This is a 1 year contract with a possible extension. If interested or know someone who may be, please get in touch via email and share CV. -- *Kind Regards,Evans Ikua,* Cell: +254-722-955831 *----------------------------------------------------* *Data Protection | Information Security | ISO Management Systems | Green Mobility | Clean Energy*

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Nairobi Internet Disrupted - How Can This Be Resolved?
by David Indeje 28 Feb '25

28 Feb '25

Dear Listers, A critical situation unfolding in Nairobi that's causing widespread disruption: the ongoing dispute between Nairobi County and Kenya Power. As you may have heard/ read, Nairobi County officials have taken the drastic step of cutting fiber optic cables from Kenya Power's utility poles. This action has resulted in significant internet service disruptions affecting businesses, schools, and homes across the capital. The core of the issue stems from an unpaid electricity bill of approximately $23.1 million (KES 3 billion) owed by Nairobi County to Kenya Power. However, the county government argues that Kenya Power owes them an even larger sum in unpaid land rates, wayleave fees, and parking charges. This counter-claim has escalated tensions and led to a hostile standoff. The Communications Authority (CA) has condemned these actions, emphasising that ICT infrastructure falls under national government jurisdiction. As the CA stated, "Fibre optic networks are a cornerstone of Kenya’s digital economy. Any interference must follow legal and regulatory frameworks." This situation is clearly unsustainable and is severely impacting the digital economy and daily lives of Nairobi residents. *We are eager to hear your thoughts on how this dispute can be resolved.* -- *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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Reminder: Kenya IGF 2025 Topic Submissions Closing Soon
by Florence Awino 26 Feb '25

26 Feb '25

Dear Listers, Thank you for your responses to the call for topics in line with this year’s Kenya IGF theme,* Tech for Human Development: Policy, Innovation, and Inclusive Governance. *The Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) has received submissions across four key subthemes reflecting Kenya’s unique context, along with additional suggestions: 1. Championing Home-Grown Tech Solutions for Societal Impact 2. Creating a Thriving Ecosystem for AI and Emerging Technologies 3. Bridging Digital Access Gaps: Ensuring No One Is Left Behind 4. Harmonizing Tech Policies for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth This is a reminder that the submission window closes on *Sunday, 2 March 2025*. We encourage all stakeholders to propose topics. You can submit your views using this* form <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dq4TxdEsaKZ5I07TtNvO3OVcfIsaPvAqMVK_VdevLH…>.* *-- Regards,Florence A. OumaKIGF MAGLinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/flo-ouma-profile/>*

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