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Eventful ICANN Participation During AFRINIC21
by Bob Omondi 15 Dec '14

15 Dec '14

Dear listers, Just sharing this latest blog by the Africa team. https://www.icann.org/news/blog/eventful-icann-participation-during-afrinic… Regards Bob.

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Fwd: FW: AfrICANN December 2014 - pdf
by Bob Omondi 15 Dec '14

15 Dec '14

Dear listers, Just sharing our latest Newsletter for Africa, the last in 2014. Happy reading. Regards Bob. Dear Readers, 2014 has been long and eventful with key events and announcements globally and regionally that promise to significantly change the Internet Ecosystem. In Africa, we continue to keep you updated of our activities and really hope that you also enjoyed reading our AfriCANN October edition! The last two months have been full of activities not only in ICANN but also the wider Internet Ecosystem. The Africa team participated jointly and individually in a number of key events across Africa all aimed at deepening our Engagements with all stakeholders. We sponsored and participated in the historic AFRINIC 21 meeting in Ebene Mauritius, the home of AFRINIC, as it prepares to celebrate a decade of existence. We also want to take this opportunity to congratulate and wish the outgoing founding AFRINIC CEO – Mr. Adiel Akplogan the very best in future endeavors. AFRINIC remains a key partner of ICANN in the implementation of the Africa Strategy and we thank Adiel and his staff for their support. Lastly, and alongside the AFRINIC 21 meeting, the Africa Strategy Review team met and reviewed the current Africa Strategic plan to make it more responsive and aligned to the current ICANN plan of 2016 – 2020. We also took the opportunity to participate at the 2nd Africa School of IG as well as visit some of our stakeholders. Our spotlight section will highlight a key proposal from the community to Enhance Engagement with Africa in 2015 as we prepare for ICANN 55 in Marrakesh. We are also happy to announce the commissioning of yet another L-Root instance in Africa hosted by Mauritius Telecom - Mauritius and would like to sincerely thank you - the African community - for your support in 2014. *Welcome to AfrICANN as we wish you all a merry Xmas and prosperous 2015!* *Africa Team* Spotlight: Supporting Enhanced Engagement in Africa – 2015 Early last month, Community concerns that would prevent maximum participation at ICANN 52, a critical one given the ongoing discussions around the IANA Stewardship Transition and ICANN Accountability, prompted ICANN to postpone the meeting in Marrakech, Morocco and to relocate to Singapore on the same dates. In the announcement <https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-11-03-en>, the Board confirmed its intent to hold the first ICANN 2016 meeting in Marrakech, Morocco taking into account the vital role of the African region to the success of ICANN's globalization efforts. *Figure 1: Africa Community in Mauritius* The Africa Community team was subsequently invited to propose possible ways of enhancing engagement in Africa in the run up to the Marrakech meeting now slotted for March 2016. The Africa team (Fig 1 above) composed of representatives from SO / AC leaders, AFTLD, AFRALO, AFICTA, AFRINIC, NEPAD, GAC, African Registrars Association, AU and others met in Mauritius alongside AFRINIC 21 and came up with the following 4 key projects that will further be evaluated and refined for implementation ahead of the Morocco meeting *1) Active participation in African regional and continental ICT ministerial meetings* The objectives of this project will be to increase awareness among African stakeholders, especially high-level (Ministerial and heads of state) governmental decision-makers on: *a)* The bottom-up multi-stakeholder Internet Governance model of policy development, *b) *The role of ICANN in the IG eco-system, *c)* Key issues on the Internet economy such as IANA Stewardship transition. ICANN staff and board members where possible, will actively participate in African regional and continental ICT (and other key) ministerial (and Heads of State Summit) meetings as well regional meetings organized by Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and the African Union Commission (AUC). *2) ICANN High Level Governmental Meeting (HLGM), Marrakech 2016* This particular meeting, and as a fulfillment of the recommendation of Accountability and Transparency Review (ATRT1 & 2) under the Affirmation of Commitments will have the following key objectives: *a)* To promote awareness of importance of multi-stakeholder Internet governance and governments’ positive engagement in multi-stakeholder fora and entities such as ICANN; *b)* To support ICANN globalization and outreach to non-participating communities in developing countries and Small Island states; and to the approx. 50 governments that are not members of the GAC (20 of which are from Africa e.g. Saudi Arabia and Zimbabwe) *c)* To foster a greater level of meaningful engagement in ICANN by more GAC members *d)* To secure commitment by governments to support and contribute to ICANN process on IANA stewardship transition; *e)* To steer discussion of the NETmundial roadmap towards existing multi-stakeholder fora, specifically the Internet Governance Forum *3) NewGen Program* In the framework of the ICANN NewGen Program, an event will be organized in the Marrakech meeting gathering around 10 young Africans from all over Africa aimed at bringing the youth to ICANN ecosystem with their fresh knowledge and innovative spirit. The target group will be - Mostly from the academic environment (Students, young researchers) - From civil society organizations - Young entrepreneurs (startup) and other private sector employees. (Partnerships) ICANN will issue call for expression of interest to be launched 6 months prior to Marrakech meeting through universities, civil society networks, technoparks and incubators in which the applicants will explain their achievements in the field of Internet. An evaluation committee will select the first 10 best achievements while considering Gender Balance / Innovation / Geographic spread. *4) Workshop for Africa Telecom regulators* The team also expressed the need to deepen outreach with Africa’s Telecom regulators with an aim to amongst others: *a)* Explore challenges and opportunities in achieving a supportive legal and regulatory enabling environment for African Internet interconnectivity *b)* Explore how regulators can contribute to the promotion of domain names industry? *c)* How can regulators contribute to Strengthen ccTLD development in Africa? *d)* Sensitize African regulators to be more active and visible on the global scene as well in the technical management and Internet Governance in terms of technologies and their uses. Africa Strategy Review: Ebene Mauritius In our 10 Nov 2014 blog post <https://www.icann.org/news/blog/taking-stock-of-our-africa-strategy>, we informed you of the need to review the current Africa Strategy to make it more responsive to Africa’s needs as per feedback from the community. *Figure 2: Africa Strategy Review Team in Session* The Africa Strategy Review team (Fig 2 above) composed of representatives from SO / AC leaders, AFTLD, AFRALO, AFICTA, AFRINIC, NEPAD, GAC, African Registrars Association, AU and others nominated based on their personal experiences was convened in Mauritius on November 24 – 25, 2014 alongside the AFRINIC 21 meeting. The review team came up with a reviewed and realigned document, deemed the ICANN Africa Strategy Ver 2.0 2016 – 2020, to be further on disseminated for additional input from the African community. A final strategy document is planned for the first quarter of 2015. The strategy review team also identified the need for the establishment of a steering committee that will work closely with the ICANN staff to support and monitor the implementation of the strategic plan. This committee will work independently based on own charter and will also be publicly announced to the community to apply or nominate members. ICANN Participates in AFRINIC21 On November 22, the ICANN Africa team travelled to Ebene, Mauritius, the home of AFRINIC to participate in the 21st AFRINIC meeting <http://meeting.afrinic.net/afrinic-21/en/agenda/agenda#day-6-27th-nov> as well as the 2nd Africa School of Internet Governance (AfriSIG 2014 <http://african-ig-school.events.apc.org/about-afrisig/>) jointly organized by NEPAD and APC. Indeed it was an incredible experience especially with AFRINIC celebrating 10 years of existence while looking ahead to a new era of opportunities even as they bid farewell to the founding CEO – Adiel Akplogan. While day 1 & 2 was dedicated to the Africa strategy review, the rest of the week saw the team organize and participate in various meetings and 2 key panels as well as visit some of the stakeholders including a tour of AFRINIC offices. *a) ICANN Panel* *Figure 3: Panelists at the ICANN Session during day 4 of AFRINIC 21* This session was moderated by Dr. Nii Quaynor and discussed the following focus areas for ICANN in Africa and all the slides can be found here <http://meeting.afrinic.net/afrinic-21/en/agenda/agenda#day-6-27th-nov>. - Report on the Africa Strategy Review meeting (Pierre, ICANN) - ICANN IDN program and IDN Africa project (Yaovi, ICANN) - Update on the New gTLD program (Bob, ICANN) - NOMCOM Outreach Presentation (Tijani Ben Jeema, AFRALO) - Presentation on AFRALO (Aziz Hilali, AFRALO) Key questions raised during this session includes, the relevance of the ngTLDs for Africa, the *.Africa* delegation delays and status, prohibitive prices for African ccTLDs compared to gTLDs as well as low African participation in ICANN tech days. Like other sessions, this meeting was streamed live by AFRINIC and widely covered on twitter *#ICANN #AFRINIC21* *b) IANA oversight Transition Panel* *Figure 4: IANA Stewardship Transition Panel in Session* This second session generated as much debate; discussion and interest just like the first. Panelists included Mouhamet Diop, Seun Ojedeji (CRISP – Africa Region), Paul Rendek, Elise Gerich (ICANN), Dr Nii Quaynor, Andres Piazza and Daniel Karrenberg. Adiel Akplogan while moderating the session started with a brief presentation on the background of IANA functions and the status of the African Region Number Community process <http://www.afrinic.net/en/community/iana-oversight-transition> (CRISP). The rich experience and mix of panelists was reflected on the quality of debate that followed. Elise while encouraging and appreciating the collaborative model displayed by the African community in an effort to come up with a proposal to the ICG was keen to point out that the NTIA has never interfered in the operational work of IANA and referred the audience to IANA’s reports <http://www.iana.org/performance/>. Overall, panelists agreed on the need for more aggressive and sustained awareness efforts by all stakeholders including ICANN to ensure proper understanding of the IANA functions especially governments. Participants also noted the critical need for the Names and Numbers communities to work closely with the Protocol Parameters community as they developed their responses to the ICG since protocols actually determine how names and numbers are administered and used. *c) 2ND Africa School of Internet Governance (AfriSIG2014)* The ICANN team also took time to visit and participate at the AfriSIG 2014 <http://african-ig-school.events.apc.org/about-afrisig/>. This event, hosted at a different venue also attracted over 40 participants selected from across the Africa continent. The following themes were under discussion this year; - Theoretical concepts and principles: including human rights, history, politics, and law relevant to Internet users and intermediaries - Technology and the governance and management of critical Internet resources - National and regional policy: including convergence with telecommunications policy and regulation - The Internet Governance landscape in Africa *d) Meeting with Mauritius Telecom: a new L-Root Instance Commissioned!* On Nov 28, the team visited Mauritius Telecom, who have just concluded and commissioned an L-Root Instance. The team discussed about ICANN and the MSM model and invited Mauritius Telecom to start participating in ICANN processes. We also received questions on the ngTLD process and procedures as well as discussed the challenges currently facing the .MU ccTLD. Overall, this has been a very successful mission on all fronts for us as ICANN In focus: Engagement Activities by the Africa Team *Medays summit; Morocco* The VP for Africa was in Morocco on 11-16 November for a series of meetings with local organizers of ICANN 52 on the one hand, and for participating to the Medays summit organized by the Amadeus Institute on the other hand. While there, Pierre took time to meet and also engage the Moroccan government officials including the ministry of foreign affairs, the ministry of Tourism and the telecoms regulator as well as AFRALO chair Mr. Aziz Hilali. The Medays summit <http://www.medays.org/> was a four-day event themed *‘What Order in the chaos’*. A high level gathering on issues related to stability of the world. The Meeting gathered more than 600 participants, including 25 former or present ministers, key international peace negotiators, former Prime Ministers. The gathering issued a Tanger declaration on 15 key points intended to recommend avenues/ solutions for the numerous socioeconomic political and security threats. ICANN participated on the panel on Cybersecurity titled: *Cyber threats and cyber wars: What Internet after Snowden?* Our key message was about spreading the word about ICANN’s remit. Indeed, while we do not deal with cyber threats or cyber security, we do manage to secure the DNS and we do collaborate/partner with other stakeholders to ensure stability and security of the net. *Outreach Mission to Mauritania November 12-13, 2014* Mauritania is one the countries with low participation in ICANN SO/AC activities. ICANN’s Yaovi Atohoun visited Mauritania on November 12-13, 2014 for various engagement meetings with stakeholders in the country in coordination with M. Mohamed Lemine, the director of ICT at the Ministry of ICT. While there, Yaovi was able to meet with:. - Ministry in charge of ICT - The Regulatory Body - University of Sciences, Technology and Medicine - The WARCIP project team - Local Telcos *Figure 5: Students of the University after a lecture on ICANN* He also managed to offer a lecture to a group of 60 university students about ICANN. In the end, we he received a full commitment from the Ministry in charge of ICT for the involvement of Mauritania in GAC. The other stakeholders have also expressed their commitment to more participation in ICANN future activities. We’ll keep in touch with them for any additional information and necessary support. *DNNSEC Roadshow in Gaborone, Botswana: December 1-2 2014* DNNSEC Roadshow in Gaborone, Botswana: December 1-2 2014 After Cameroon in July 2014, Bostwana is the second country to host a DNSSEC Roadshow as part of the implementation of the Africa Strategy in this fiscal year 2015. The roadshow was hosted by Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) and was attended by local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and the rest of the Internet community, as an effort to have adequate engagement and consensus within the local Internet community about issues relating to Internet security. Please read an article from a local newspaper after the event at http://www.weekendpost.co.bw/wp-news-details.php?nid=277 Upcoming Events in Africa *Africa Telecom People 2014 <http://www.afrinic.net/en/library/news/1013-af21>* To he held in Abidjan, Cote-d'Ivoire from December 18 - 19. Yaovi Atohoun will represent ICANN in this event. More information here: http://www.telecomafricapeople.net From ICANN Global - *ICANN 52:* This meeting will be held in Singapore on February 8 – 12. Please read more here: http://singapore52.icann.org/en/ - *ICANN 53* Fellowship Application now open, please apply here:https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-12-05-en - Apply for *Key leadership positions* in ICANN: https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-12-08-en - The latest in IANA Stewardship Transition and Enhancing ICANN Accountability: https://www.icann.org/stewardship-accountability - Nomination period opens for the ICANN Multistakeholer Ethos Award <https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-12-10-en> <https://twitter.com/ICANN> <https://www.facebook.com/icannorg>

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Google loses round one of court battle with Waiguru
by Grace Githaiga 15 Dec '14

15 Dec '14

The Constitutional and Human Rights Division of the High Court, sitting in Nairobi, declined to grant Google Kenya’s prayers to be struck out of the case in which Ms Waiguru has sued Google Kenya and its mother company Google Incorporated.Google Kenya had made the application in response to a suit the Cabinet Secretary had filed against it and Google Inc. as part of her fight with a Kenyan website Daily Post over publication of a story she claims was defamatory. http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Google-loses-first-round-battle-against-…

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Fwd: WTO ITA Expansion Talks end in dissapointment in Geneva
by waudo siganga 13 Dec '14

13 Dec '14

Could interest some colleagues: No Closure For ITA Expansion Negotiations[1] 12/12/2014 by John Neuffer (ITI)[2] DATELINE GENEVA – Under cold leaden skies in this city that is home to the World Trade Organization (WTO), negotiations did not wrap up today with a final deal to expand the Information Technology Agreement (ITA), an agreement that would grow the global economy, foster innovation, and reduce consumer prices on innovative technologies the world over. The news comes as a significant disappointment to negotiators who came to Geneva last week with high hopes that an agreement was within reach. The deal would have eliminated tariffs on roughly $1 trillion in yearly sales of tech products and boosted global GDP by an estimated $190 billion annually. More specifically, the final package would have included roughly 200 tariff lines of products driving the digital economy and improving people’s lives, such as next-generation semiconductors known as MCOs, MRI machines, GPS devices, loud speakers, solid state drives, video game consoles, point-of-sale cards for game and software downloading, video cameras, and high-tech testing equipment. To be sure, a deal was ever so close, as participating economies made significant and difficult moves in an attempt to reach the goal line over the past week. News reports suggest that South Korea, with high hopes of getting LCD panels included, demonstrated a willingness to consider an agreement without that tariff line with an eye on the broader importance of a successful outcome to the global economy and the WTO. Others, such as Malaysia, Thailand, Israel, Australia, the European Union, and the United States, also offered last-minute flexibility that would have allowed several key products to make it across the finish line. Costa Rica and Guatemala, as well, made constructive eleventh-hour shifts that would have kept them in the deal and underscored the importance of ITA expansion to smaller developing economies determined to integrate themselves even deeper in the tech global supply chains. The inability to conclude boiled down to the fact that the Beijing breakthrough achieved on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders’ summit last month included a good package, but one many economies felt needed further tweaking. Though it had raised its ambition level in the Beijing package, China was not able to move off that package. What’s next? There is a general sense that because the negotiations came within an eyelash of concluding, people want to let the dust settle from this round of talks and figure out how to finally conclude this deal. Much hangs on successful conclusion of the ITA expansion negotiations, beyond the boost it would give to global GDP, jobs, and innovation. The WTO desperately needs to demonstrate it’s back in the business of opening markets around the world and ITA expansion remains the lowest hanging fruit in that regard. So there is no disguising that today was a major setback, but there is an emerging feeling that it’s not time to throw in the towel quite yet. http://blog.itic.org/blog/no-closure-for-ita-expansion-negotiations Links: 13. http://blog.itic.org/blog/no-closure-for-ita-expansion-negotiations 14. http://www.itic.org/about/staff/john-neuffer

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Re: [kictanet] BROADCAST PERMIT
by Bernard Kioko 12 Dec '14

12 Dec '14

The terms and conditions subject to which the broadcast permit mentioned below is what I am looking for - for those who might be wondering. From: Bernard Kioko [mailto:bkioko@bernsoft.com] Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2014 1:30 PM To: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions (kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke) Subject: BROADCAST PERMIT Hi, I am looking for the terms and conditions that the Ministry of Communication (not sure if that's what they were called pre 2009) used to issue to broadcast permits to broadcasters. Would anyone have these anywhere accessible? Your assistance will be highly appreciated. Regards -- * ------------------------------ * This e-mail and any attachments may contain information that is confidential, legally privileged and protected by law and is intended for the sole use of the named recipient(s). Any unauthorized review, use, or disclosure or distribution is prohibited. Any liability (in negligence or otherwise) arising from any third party acting, or refraining from acting on any information contained in this email is hereby excluded. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete the contents and notify the sender immediately; do not disclose the contents to any other person, use it for any purpose or store or copy the information in any medium. Whilst our e-mails are checked for viruses, we cannot guarantee that this message or any attachment is virus free, does not contain malicious code or is incompatible with your electronic system and the Company does not accept liability in respect of viruses, malicious code or any related problems that you might experience. For further information about us, please contact us at the address indicated below. Bernsoft Interactive Limited - P O Box 15177-00100 Nairobi - Tel: +254 722 929192 Email: admin(a)bernsoft.com Web: www.bernsoft.com

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Nigeria, not Kenya, is about to become Africa’s next big technology hub
by Matunda Nyanchama 12 Dec '14

12 Dec '14

This suggests market size (Nigeria's 140+ million people) does matter. Is Kenya's losing the edge? Nigeria, not Kenya, is about to become Africa’s next big technology hub | | | | | | | | | | | Nigeria, not Kenya, is about to become Africa’s next big...There's simply too much money in Nairobi. | | | | View on qz.com | Preview by Yahoo | | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matunda Nyanchama, PhD, CISSP; mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com Agano Consulting Inc.; www.aganoconsulting.com; Twitter: nmatunda; Skype: okiambe ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Manage your ICT risks! We are the experts you need! The trusted partners you deserve!Call: +1-888-587-1150 (Canada) +254-20-267-0743 (Kenya) or info(a)aganoconsulting.comLicensed by Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"The best revenge is massive success" - Frank Sinatra----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This e-mail, including attachments, may be privileged and may contain confidential or proprietary information intended only for the addressee(s). Any other distribution, copying, use, or disclosure is unauthorized and strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and permanently delete the message, including any attachments, without making a copy. Thank you.

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Fw: Map of African Political Leaders 2015
by Network of non- formal Educational institutions 12 Dec '14

12 Dec '14

Some Information Jane On Thursday, December 11, 2014 8:01 PM, African Highlights <seifertingo(a)african-highlights.com> wrote: Dear Ladies and Gentlemen At the beginning of each year new products and projects are getting launched and African Highlights introduces the Map of African Political Leaders 2015 free of charge for all interested people. A high resolution print ready 5MB PDF file can be downloaded for free from http://www.docdroid.net/mjn4/african-president-2015-1.pdf.html Also in 2015 we are continuing to publish our popular motivational articles at www.African-Highlights.com. The new web-shop now offers a wide variety of African inspired and “Made in Africa” products. Have a look for shopping and selling directly from the suppliers at best prices. Should you or your colleagues have African products for sale, you are invited place them into our shop for free, whereby we just receive a commission of 9% - 15% for each sold item without any contractual obligations. For more information please feel free to contact us at info(a)african-highlights.com To UNSUBSCRIBE please return the mail with the header REMOVE. Sorry for the inconvenience. Kind Regards Ingo Seifert Administration __________________ African Highlights GbR Seifert & Nimpagaritse __________________ Addresses in Germany: Ingo Seifert Stapelbrede 36b, 33611 Bielefeld Tel.: +49-521 9885 8633, Mobile: +49-157 8556 9396 Skype: Ingo.Seifert2 Germain Nimpagaritse Kladower Damm 242, 14089 Berlin Tel.: +49-30 6449 9721 Mobile: +49-152 3185 4054 Email: info(a)african-highlights.com Internet: www.african-highlights.com

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BROADCAST PERMIT
by Bernard Kioko 11 Dec '14

11 Dec '14

Hi, I am looking for the terms and conditions that the Ministry of Communication (not sure if that's what they were called pre 2009) used to issue to broadcast permits to broadcasters. Would anyone have these anywhere accessible? Your assistance will be highly appreciated. Regards -- * ------------------------------ * This e-mail and any attachments may contain information that is confidential, legally privileged and protected by law and is intended for the sole use of the named recipient(s). Any unauthorized review, use, or disclosure or distribution is prohibited. Any liability (in negligence or otherwise) arising from any third party acting, or refraining from acting on any information contained in this email is hereby excluded. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete the contents and notify the sender immediately; do not disclose the contents to any other person, use it for any purpose or store or copy the information in any medium. Whilst our e-mails are checked for viruses, we cannot guarantee that this message or any attachment is virus free, does not contain malicious code or is incompatible with your electronic system and the Company does not accept liability in respect of viruses, malicious code or any related problems that you might experience. For further information about us, please contact us at the address indicated below. Bernsoft Interactive Limited - P O Box 15177-00100 Nairobi - Tel: +254 722 929192 Email: admin(a)bernsoft.com Web: www.bernsoft.com

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LTE/4G and the state of broadband and Universal Access in Kenya
by Mwendwa Kivuva 11 Dec '14

11 Dec '14

(Apologies for cross-posting) Nothing is as great as high internet speed. That is the mantra on Safaricom's 4G page (1). Safaricom's 4G/LTE service is the first of its kind in the region and promises a browsing experience like never before. Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and data terminals.(2) To use LTE you need a 4G capable Device (phone/tablet/modem), Change to a 4G enabled SIM card and be in an area covered by the 4G service i.e. Some parts of Nairobi and Mombasa. With the rollout of 4G in some parts of Nairobi and Mombasa, we are exploring the state of "real" broadband in Kenya, the cost to the common citizen, and coverage. As we continue to privilege those of us in urban areas, how are we catering for the interests and needs of the marginalized? TESPOK in August issued a statement (3) advising it's members not to pay Universal Service Fund (4) until they meet with the Communications Authority Director General and ICT cabinet Secretary to clearly define the procedures and processes of administering the 0.5% of operators' annual revenues. What is the current state of USF in Kenya? Is it operational? Is the 0.5% sufficient to have any impact in society? Are the USF Council members (5) representative of the Internet community in Kenya? Are all stakeholders interests taken into consideration in forming the council? Would these distinguished citizens know the troubles the user in Kitui goes through when he has to climb a flag-post to get network signal, or the parcel that arrives in Lokitang after a month? Internet Society Kenya Chapter and Kictanet seeks to engage in a series of online discussions covering various trending issues which will culminate in a public consultative forum with industry and policymakers to share the feedback from the community and see how best we can influence and shape the Internet landscape in Kenya. Your valuable contribution is always appreciated. Sincerely, ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya Secretary, Internet Society Kenya. NOTES (1). http://www.safaricom.co.ke/personal/internet/safaricom-4g-lte (2). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LTE_%28telecommunication%29 (3). http://www.tespok.co.ke/?p=310 (4). http://ca.go.ke/index.php/purpose-of-the-fund (5). http://ca.go.ke/index.php/universal-service-advisory-council

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Re: [kictanet] [isoc_ke] LTE/4G and the state of broadband and Universal Access in Kenya
by Mwendwa Kivuva 11 Dec '14

11 Dec '14

On 10 December 2014 at 12:58, WANGARI KABIRU <wangarikabiru(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > Who is this *"Regulators problem" . * Often we refer to the Regulator - > is this CAK or Parliament? > Wangari, the Regulator is CA and should be the final authority in all regulation matters unless overuled by a court of competent jurisdiction. ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya "There are some men who lift the age they inhabit, till all men walk on higher ground in that lifetime." - Maxwell Anderson

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Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] ETHOS AWARD nomination period open Dec 10, 2014 - March 02, 2015
by Bob Omondi 11 Dec '14

11 Dec '14

Dear listers, Just forwarding this FYI / A Regards Bob. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Yaovi Atohoun <yaovito(a)yahoo.fr> Date: Thu, Dec 11, 2014 at 10:40 AM Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] ETHOS AWARD nomination period open Dec 10, 2014 - March 02, 2015 To: "africann(a)afrinic.net" <africann(a)afrinic.net> Hi all, ICANN is pleased to announce the opening of the nomination period for ICANN's *2015 Multistakeholder Ethos Award Program*. This award program seeks to recognize long-standing community members who have served in leadership roles in multiple ICANN working groups or committees and demonstrated collaboration with different supporting organizations and/or advisory committees. More details at https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-12-10-en Thanks ------- Bonjour à tous, La période de nomination pour le prix ETHOS est ouverte depuis le 10 Decembre 2014 pour prendre fin le Mars 2015. Ce programme vise à reconnaître les membres de la communauté qui ont collaboré de manière significative avec plusieurs organisations de soutien et/ou comités consultatifs. Plus d'information sur l'annonce est disponible à https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-12-10-en Merci Yaovi Atohoun Stakeholder Engagement and Operations Manager – Africa ICANN – www.icann.org Mobile : +229 66015649 / 97891228 _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Bitcoin Meetup: Topic Buy/Trade/Store BTC@iHub Monday 1st December 5:30 PM
by Dennis Kioko 11 Dec '14

11 Dec '14

The major challenge with BitCoin is the complexity for the common man - it's easy to lose your BitCoins, and this scares away most people. On Mon Dec 01 2014 at 09:24:50 John Karanja via skunkworks < skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke> wrote: > Great analysis Phares, > > Just to add Bitcoin is Pseudo-anonymous you can track every transaction to > the wallet and possibly every device meaning you can a track a sender and > receiver if you are networking expert.. > > Roy they are over 500 major digital currencies and there will be millions > in the future many of which will fail, some which will add value to their > users and others which will be scams. > > Bonga points is a virtual currency/token that offers discount value on > purchases at Safaricom shops and not anywhere else and therefore has > perceived value amongst Saf users... > > Bitcoin currently has a market value of $5 Billion because of the "work" > that has been put into the network which creates perceived value just like > Bonga points. > > Like Phares says just do some research on what actually backs USD you will > be surprised. > > Meetup is at 5:30PM today at iHub... > > John > > > > > On Wed, Nov 26, 2014 at 4:22 PM, Paul via skunkworks < > skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke> wrote: > >> What stops us from trusting bitpesa? Or procoins (if I came up with mine >> too).... >> >> If you get my drift, anyone can come up with a digital currency. Which >> one will you trust? >> >> All these are ponzi schemes designed to benefit a few... >> >> Though I like John's analogy to gambling 😊 yeah if you are into it, why >> not try and get rich! >> >> Don't say I didn't warn you. >> >> pro >> ------------------------------ >> From: Phares Kariuki <pkariuki(a)gmail.com> >> Sent: ‎26/‎11/‎2014 15:47 >> To: Paul Roy <roykoikai(a)gmail.com>; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions >> <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >> Cc: Skunkworks Mailing List <skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke>; Patrick Kariuki >> <patrick.kariuki(a)gmail.com> >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Bitcoin Meetup: Topic >> Buy/Trade/Store BTC@iHub Monday 1st December 5:30 PM >> >> 1) Currency no longer has a backing. The US stopped using the gold >> standard in 1970 (Ironically, the US Dollar became the global trading >> standard simply because they had a gold standard). >> 2) Currency is based purely on trust, not inherent value e.g. during >> hyperinflation in Germany in the 20's, the currency was worth less than >> firewood, so people burnt money because money because it was cheaper to >> burn money than firewood. >> 3) The trust in the value of money is why you accept a 1,000 shilling >> note as being worth something. It's trust. Yes, the state issues it, but >> that is not the basis of trust in currency. It's the assumption that >> society as a whole shares your view on the value of the money... e.g. in >> Zimbabwe, the state issued the currency, but the people did not have faith >> in the currency. So the notion of value of a currency being predicated on >> state issuance is moot. >> 4) Bitcoin actually solves interesting problems online, the biggest being >> anonymity. e.g. If you spend 1,000 KES at Java, that money can't be traced >> to you. The money is accepted by the merchant. Period. There's no tracing >> it back to you. A 50 KES note spent in a matatu, buying drugs etc can't be >> traced back to you (unless the state marks bills). Money is trusted. We've >> been unable to replicate that online. So for now, we use cards. Paypal etc. >> We have intermediaries who guarantee value. Who guarantee that the >> transaction would be settled. This has one problem, margins. MasterCard, >> Visa, Paypal etc all have their pound of flesh. Additionally, the lack of >> anonymity means that all transactions can be traced back to both the >> merchant and customer and the merchants can determine what type of goods >> can be transacted. Whilst this might look like a good idea, the problem is >> that the state can use this to get rid of unwanted actors in the economy. >> What Bitcoin represents is free trade online. You can buy whatever you >> want, sell whatever you want online e.g. you can create a secure email >> service to insulate yourself from the state e.g. Snowden. >> 5) Money transfer - the US Dollar means that you have to be in good >> standing with the west in order to conduct international transactions. This >> need not be the case with bitcoin. You no longer need to use NY clearing >> houses to transfer international currency. You can use bitcoin (e.g. A >> citizen of Sudan, who wants to launch an ecommerce website can start >> accepting bitcoin, which is global and bypass the US clearing houses). >> Freedom to trade. US foreign policy should not be the baseline for >> international trade. >> >> The one caveat I have with bitcoin is the fact that it has deflationary >> tendencies, not inflationary, because it has a limited supply. The >> inflationary tendencies of legal currency mean that the incentive to the >> holder is to spend/invest rather than hoard the currency, which increases >> the velocity of the cash. It's used to buy more and more goods/services. >> Bitcoin, due to its deflationary tendency, incentivises the holder to keep, >> rather than spend the cash. e.g. At some point, in 2011, bitcoin was worth >> roughly 50 USD, it's worth 300 USD today, so if you spent 1 bitcoin buying >> say an iPod Shuffle, that same amount of money, had you waited, would have >> bought you 6 iPods shuffles, so you would have a feeling of loss. That's >> the biggest worry. However, the fact that more and more people are trading >> with it might mean that folks actually spend, rather than hoard the money. >> >> On Wed, Nov 26, 2014 at 2:07 PM, Paul Roy via kictanet < >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: >> >>> Well, am against this notion of a few people making "something out of >>> nothing" and majority "making nothing out of something". I have no issue >>> with the technology side. True using crypto technology and blockchain you >>> can trace the history etc, however this does not explain some mysteries. >>> First a few points to ponder >>> >>> 1. Who invented bitcoin? Why is s/he in hiding? If i were the inventor i >>> would proudly be associated with BTC in this case the guy went to >>> hiding...did he know something or is he/she remaining anonymous avoiding >>> legal action from eminent collapse of bitcoin with a few billionaires and >>> majority impoverished? >>> >>> 2. Ok BTC is popular and they claim over 6 million coins blah...blah... >>> have been mined so far. How did this happen? Who are these billionaires who >>> spent enormous computing resources to mine bitcoin while the rest of the >>> world was asleep? >>> >>> 3. Paypal has a disclaimer on bitcoin trade...do they know something? >>> Many governments do not recognize bitcoin and others have even burned it as >>> a legal tender >>> >>> 4. What's backing this currency? Air? >>> >>> Anyway the truth is that some genius came up with some incredible >>> algorithm based on cryptography, released the code, used pseudo-names to >>> hide s/he identity, got his/her cronies and fictitious accounts with >>> millions of these so called coins, sat back and enjoying billions coming >>> his/her way. >>> >>> What a genius! >>> >>> pro >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On Wed, Nov 26, 2014 at 10:57 AM, Anthony Lenya <tlensya(a)gmail.com> >>> wrote: >>> >>>> Bernie Madoff anyone? ? >>>> On 26 Nov 2014 10:54, "Patrick Kariuki via skunkworks" < >>>> skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Any basis for your advice? >>>>> >>>>> The US Marshal service is auctioning Bitcoins - If the Bitcoin was >>>>> part of some ponzi scheme wouldn't they destroy them instead? >>>>> >>>>> http://www.usmarshals.gov/assets/2014/dpr-bitcoins/ >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On Wed, Nov 26, 2014 at 10:05 AM, Paul Roy via skunkworks < >>>>> skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> John, >>>>>> >>>>>> Good to see you trying to marshal support for digital currency. This >>>>>> is simply pyramid scheme that will make so many people lose their hard >>>>>> earned cash, moreso fraudsters and hackers are having a playing field >>>>>> ripping off many innocent investors... >>>>>> >>>>>> My advice, keep off bitcoin! >>>>>> >>>>>> pro >>>>>> >>>>>> On Wed, Nov 26, 2014 at 9:33 AM, John Karanja via skunkworks < >>>>>> skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Hi Listers, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Bitcoin Meetup sign up here: >>>>>>> <https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/goog_1446634865> >>>>>>> http://www.meetup.com/Kenya-Bitcoin/events/218657905/ >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Bitcoin which is like *global M-Pesa is* the World’s most >>>>>>> celebrated digital and crypto-currency. The past 5 years has seen this new >>>>>>> technology experience gradual and steady growth in use around the World. >>>>>>> Bitcoin today has over 10 million users globally and is growing fast! >>>>>>> Together with the African Digital Currency Association(ADCA) we are >>>>>>> hosting a Bitcoin Meetup on Monday 1st December 2014 5:30PM at the >>>>>>> iHub, 4th Floor, Bishop Magua Centre, Ngong Road, Directly opposite Uchumi, >>>>>>> Ngong Road. We look forward to demonstrating how you can Buy, Trade and >>>>>>> Store your Bitcoin in this session. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Come prepared with your Bitcoin Wallets which you can download from >>>>>>> Google Play and Apple Store as Whive <http://Whive.org> will be >>>>>>> sponsoring free BTC Giveways. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> If you have no idea how to set up the wallet buzz me off-list and I >>>>>>> will help. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Bitcoin Meetup sign up here: >>>>>>> <https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/goog_1446634865> >>>>>>> http://www.meetup.com/Kenya-Bitcoin/events/218657905/ >>>>>>> >>>>>>> As background info read about E.A legal status and regulation of >>>>>>> Bitcoin on the iHub community blog here. Post by ADCA lead Michael Kimani. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> http://community.ihub.co.ke/blogs/21585/digital-currency-regulation-in-east… >>>>>>> >>>>>>> See you there, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> John Karanja >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> skunkworks mailing list >>>>>>> skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke >>>>>>> ------------ >>>>>>> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >>>>>>> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >>>>>>> ------------ >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Skunkworks Rules >>>>>>> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >>>>>>> ------------ >>>>>>> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> "Change is slow and gradual. It requires hardwork, a bit of >>>>>> luck, a fair amount of self-sacrifice and a lot of patience." >>>>>> >>>>>> Roy. >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> skunkworks mailing list >>>>>> skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke >>>>>> ------------ >>>>>> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >>>>>> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >>>>>> ------------ >>>>>> >>>>>> Skunkworks Rules >>>>>> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >>>>>> ------------ >>>>>> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> skunkworks mailing list >>>>> skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke >>>>> ------------ >>>>> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >>>>> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >>>>> ------------ >>>>> >>>>> Skunkworks Rules >>>>> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >>>>> ------------ >>>>> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >>>>> >>>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> "Change is slow and gradual. It requires hardwork, a bit of >>> luck, a fair amount of self-sacrifice and a lot of patience." >>> >>> Roy. >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/pkariuki%40gmail.com >>> >>> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform >>> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and >>> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT >>> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. >>> >>> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors >>> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, >>> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do >>> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. >>> >> >> >> >> -- >> Warm Regards, >> >> Phares Kariuki >> >> *E*: pkariuki(a)gmail.com | *Twitter*: kaboro | *B*: http://www.angani.co | >> Angani Limited >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> skunkworks mailing list >> skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke >> ------------ >> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >> ------------ >> >> Skunkworks Rules >> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >> ------------ >> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >> > > _______________________________________________ > skunkworks mailing list > skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke > ------------ > List info, subscribe/unsubscribe > http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > ------------ > > Skunkworks Rules > http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 > ------------ > Other services @ http://my.co.ke

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Re: [kictanet] Licensing Framework for .ke - This is a reminder to get some response from CA, KENIC, DRAKE
by Ali Hussein 10 Dec '14

10 Dec '14

Rose Asante. Regards Ali Hussein +254 770 906375 / 0713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim Blog: www.alyhussein.com "I fear the day technology will surpass human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots". ~ Albert Einstein Sent from my iPad > On Dec 9, 2014, at 12:54 PM, Rose Maghas <rose(a)gbc.co.ke> wrote: > > Ali, > > Sure let’s take this offline. There is a lot we can achieve with this framework. The fees is one time of Kshs 10,000/- > > The Registrars shall be issued with an authorization upon fulfillment of the above requirements and payment of a onetime registration fee of Kshs 10,000. > > Regards, > > Rose > > From: Ali Hussein [mailto:ali@hussein.me.ke] > Sent: 09 December 2014 12:32 > To: Rose Maghas > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions; <rosemaghas(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Licensing Framework for .ke - This is a reminder to get some response from CA, KENIC, DRAKE > > Rose > > I appreciate your response albeit 11 days later. :) > > As a founding member of DRAKE I'm concerned that the association of Registrars is taking this lying down. I however will take this up with you offline and see if there is a place for a contrary viewpoint on this. I firmly believe that regulation is there to make things better and provide an enabling environment for players to play. > > Do we know what the fees for licensing are? This half-backed implementation of a licensing framework doesn't auger well for the sector. > > Ali Hussein > > +254 770 906375 / 0713 601113 > > Twitter: @AliHKassim > Skype: abu-jomo > LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim > Blog: www.alyhussein.com > > > "I fear the day technology will surpass human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots". ~ Albert Einstein > > > Sent from my iPad > > On Dec 9, 2014, at 11:57 AM, Rose Maghas <rose(a)gbc.co.ke> wrote: > > Dear Ali and all Listers, > > If you look at the The Kenya Information And Communications Act Chapter 411A, specifically section 83D it states > 83D. (1) No person shall— > (a) operate an electronic certification system; or > > (b) update a repository or administer a sub-domain in the Kenya country top level domain (.ke ccTLD); > except in accordance with a licence granted under this Act. > > For implementation of the Act , it therefore requires that if registrars are going to administer the domains by way of being the admin contact, they do require to be licensed. > > Now to go specifically to the questions you raised: > > 1. Shouldn't the CA/KeNIC simply have informed Registrars on the new licensing framework etc.? This is a simple matter. KeNIC has all the contacts (through DRAKE) of the Registrars. Better still, wouldn't it be even a better idea to convene a meeting where we are all taken through the new regime? Can this new framework be shared via email to all interested parties? > > I cannot speak for CA or KENIC. However the “ccTLD consultation Paper on Licensing Framework” that was sent out in January by Christopher Wambua had an item on licensing of registrars under item no. 4.2 and I quote “4.2.Dot KE Subdomain Name Registrars > Dot KE ccTLD subdomain Registrars shall be required to obtain a licence from the Commission as a requirement for accreditation from the Dot KE ccTLD and > subdomains Registry to provide Dot KE ccTLD subdomain Registrar services.” > > 2. What is DRAKE's official position on this? > Having read through the document and participated as a stakeholder, DRAKE does support the implementation of the same. > > 3. As a Registrar the first thing that comes to mind is this:- > > Are we not complicating and putting barriers for businesses to sell .ke domains by requiring them to be licensed by CA? Isn't it enough that the Registry is now being licensed and that the Registry vets Registrars? How are we going to grow .ke if we now have to troop to CA every year? > I stand corrected but I have NEVER required to be licensed by CA or ICANN to sell .ug, .tz, .com .net etc. Is it just me or is there something more to this than meets the eye? > > I believe with this kind of framework, we can demand more from both CA and KENIC and we know that if KENIC fails we have CA to whom we can require and demand both the right policies and environment to enhance our domain registration business. > > Regards, > > Rose Maghas > DRAKE Chairperson > 0786 220001 > > From: kictanet [mailto:kictanet-bounces+rosemaghas=gmail.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Ali Hussein via kictanet > Sent: 09 December 2014 10:30 > To: rosemaghas(a)gmail.com > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Licensing Framework for .ke - This is a reminder to get some response from CA, KENIC, DRAKE > > To CA, KENIC, DRAKE and other stakeholders > > I'm really curious that something as important as this has gone unanswered by you. What are we to make of this? > > Can you please give us direction. > > Regards > > Ali Hussein > > +254 770 906375 / 0713 601113 > > Twitter: @AliHKassim > Skype: abu-jomo > LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim > Blog: www.alyhussein.com > > > > "I fear the day technology will surpass human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots". ~ Albert Einstein > > > > Sent from my iPad > > On Nov 27, 2014, at 10:40 AM, Ali Hussein <ali(a)hussein.me.ke> wrote: > > Listers > > Apologies for cross posting. > > The above refers. Please see attached an advert appearing in the local newspapers regarding the above. > > The gist of the advert is to state:- > > 1. The CA has now developed a licensing framework to administer the .KE name space. > 2. That before any Registrar purports to sell or be accredited by KeNIC they must first be licensed by CA. > 3. That if you require more information on the above please contact the CA. > > > Now, listers, a number of things have been playing in my mind over the last few days. And these are:- > > 1. Shouldn't the CA/KeNIC simply have informed Registrars on the new licensing framework etc.? This is a simple matter. KeNIC has all the contacts (through DRAKE) of the Registrars. Better still, wouldn't it be even a better idea to convene a meeting where we are all taken through the new regime? Can this new framework be shared via email to all interested parties? > > 2. What is DRAKE's official position on this? > > 3. As a Registrar the first thing that comes to mind is this:- > > Are we not complicating and putting barriers for businesses to sell .ke domains by requiring them to be licensed by CA? Isn't it enough that the Registry is now being licensed and that the Registry vets Registrars? How are we going to grow .ke if we now have to troop to CA every year? > > I stand corrected but I have NEVER required to be licensed by CA or ICANN to sell .ug, .tz, .com .net etc. Is it just me or is there something more to this than meets the eye? > > C'mon guys, lets not complicate matters unnecessarily! > > Ali Hussein > > > Tel: +254 770 906375/ 713 601113 > Twitter: @AliHKassim > Skype: abu-jomo > LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim > Blog: www.alyhussein.com > > > Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with. > <CA.Public Notice on .KE and Licensing of .ke Registrars.pdf> > <ccTLD_Consulation_Paper_on_Licensing_Framework.pdf>

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Call for Applications - Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP)
by Matunda Nyanchama 10 Dec '14

10 Dec '14

This may be of interest; check pp53 of Daily Nation December 10, 2014; and also www.icta.go.ke ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matunda Nyanchama, PhD, CISSP; mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com Agano Consulting Inc.; www.aganoconsulting.com; Twitter: nmatunda; Skype: okiambe ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Manage your ICT risks! We are the experts you need! The trusted partners you deserve!Call: +1-888-587-1150 (Canada) +254-20-267-0743 (Kenya) or info(a)aganoconsulting.comLicensed by Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"The best revenge is massive success" - Frank Sinatra----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This e-mail, including attachments, may be privileged and may contain confidential or proprietary information intended only for the addressee(s). Any other distribution, copying, use, or disclosure is unauthorized and strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and permanently delete the message, including any attachments, without making a copy. Thank you.

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Balance between privacy and security- Kenyan new security Bill
by Ephraim Percy Kenyanito 09 Dec '14

09 Dec '14

Apologies for cross posting, http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2014/12/investigative-journalists-on-the-sp… "The Bill also proposes to allow the National Security Organs to intercept communication for the purpose of detecting, deterring and disrupting terrorism and related activities." "Owing to the fact that the National Assembly will be going on recess on Thursday coupled with the urgent need to contain the security situation in the country, the House has in the meantime approved that debate on this Bill be fast tracked, with publication period shortened from 14 days to just a day. Public debate on these proposals is due Wednesday. " -- Best Regards, *Ephraim Percy Kenyanito* PGP: E6BA8DC1

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Re: [kictanet] [isoc_ke] LTE/4G and the state of broadband and Universal Access in Kenya
by Victor Kapiyo 09 Dec '14

09 Dec '14

I digress, why aren't telcos developing public wifi hotspots, to complement their poor 3G/4G coverage? I think they can be useful in promoting access, since we only have G or 2G coverage in most places ax the country. Victor Victor Kapiyo ==================================================== *"Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude" Zig Ziglar* On 9 December 2014 at 13:43, WANGARI KABIRU via isoc <isoc(a)lists.my.co.ke> wrote: > Happy Tuesday! > > Kivuva > > I do hope you are well. > > Anyone with experience on being able to access the internet without the > use of Airtime/TalkTime/Scratch Cards and the Bundles et al. > > Beyond the infrastructural aspects and their reach, this is a hidden > costly factor limiting universal access. > > Most of all, is their limiting the volume of access which is what > determines how valuable and useful the said access is to you - think > research, general knowledge, communication chats. > > There has to be another way to access for every Tom,Dick,Harry and Wanjiku. > > Have a blessed day. > > Regards/Wangari > > --- > Pray God Bless. 2013Wangari circa - "Being of the Light, We are Restored > Through Faith in Mind, Body and Spirit; We Manifest The Kingdom of God on > Earth". > > > On Tuesday, 9 December 2014, 11:55, Ali Hussein via isoc < > isoc(a)lists.my.co.ke> wrote: > > > Mwendwa > > Thanks for reviving this issue of Universal Access. This is an issue that > has been raised time and again on this forum. We have it on good authority > that the Policy Makers read this list avidly. So the fact that they remain > silent on this issue is a serious indictment on them on whether they take > us seriously. > > As Walu put it aptly the other day:- > > 'if you are not addressing this forum of stakeholders then who are they > addressing?' > > > *Ali Hussein* > > +254 770 906375 / 0713 601113 > > Twitter: @AliHKassim > Skype: abu-jomo > LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim > <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim> > Blog: www.alyhussein.com > > "I fear the day technology will surpass human interaction. The world will > have a generation of idiots". ~ Albert Einstein > > Sent from my iPad > > On Dec 9, 2014, at 9:44 AM, Mwendwa Kivuva via isoc <isoc(a)lists.my.co.ke> > wrote: > > (Apologies for cross-posting) > > Nothing is as great as high internet speed. That is the mantra on > Safaricom's 4G page (1). Safaricom's 4G/LTE service is the first of > its kind in the region and promises a browsing experience like never > before. Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a standard for wireless > communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and data > terminals.(2) > > To use LTE you need a 4G capable Device (phone/tablet/modem), Change > to a 4G enabled SIM card and be in an area covered by the 4G service > i.e. Some parts of Nairobi and Mombasa. > > With the rollout of 4G in some parts of Nairobi and Mombasa, we are > exploring the state of "real" broadband in Kenya, the cost to the > common citizen, and coverage. As we continue to privilege those of us > in urban areas, how are we catering for the interests and needs of the > marginalized? > > TESPOK in August issued a statement (3) advising it's members not to > pay Universal Service Fund (4) until they meet with the Communications > Authority Director General and ICT cabinet Secretary to clearly define > the procedures and processes of administering the 0.5% of operators' > annual revenues. What is the current state of USF in Kenya? Is it > operational? Is the 0.5% sufficient to have any impact in society? > > Are the USF Council members (5) representative of the Internet > community in Kenya? Are all stakeholders interests taken into > consideration in forming the council? Would these distinguished > citizens know the troubles the user in Kitui goes through when he has > to climb a flag-post to get network signal, or the parcel that arrives > in Lokitang after a month? > > Internet Society Kenya Chapter and Kictanet seeks to engage in a > series of online discussions covering various trending issues which > will culminate in a public consultative forum with industry and > policymakers to share the feedback from the community and see how best > we can influence and shape the Internet landscape in Kenya. > > Your valuable contribution is always appreciated. > > Sincerely, > ______________________ > Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya > Secretary, Internet Society Kenya. > > NOTES > (1). http://www.safaricom.co.ke/personal/internet/safaricom-4g-lte > (2). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LTE_%28telecommunication%29 > (3). http://www.tespok.co.ke/?p=310 > (4). http://ca.go.ke/index.php/purpose-of-the-fund > (5). http://ca.go.ke/index.php/universal-service-advisory-council > > _______________________________________________ > isoc mailing list > isoc(a)lists.my.co.ke > http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/isoc > > > _______________________________________________ > isoc mailing list > isoc(a)lists.my.co.ke > http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/isoc > > > > _______________________________________________ > isoc mailing list > isoc(a)lists.my.co.ke > http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/isoc >

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Re: [kictanet] Licensing Framework for .ke - This is a reminder to get some response from CA, KENIC, DRAKE
by Ali Hussein 09 Dec '14

09 Dec '14

Rose I appreciate your response albeit 11 days later. :) As a founding member of DRAKE I'm concerned that the association of Registrars is taking this lying down. I however will take this up with you offline and see if there is a place for a contrary viewpoint on this. I firmly believe that regulation is there to make things better and provide an enabling environment for players to play. Do we know what the fees for licensing are? This half-backed implementation of a licensing framework doesn't auger well for the sector. Ali Hussein +254 770 906375 / 0713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim Blog: www.alyhussein.com "I fear the day technology will surpass human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots". ~ Albert Einstein Sent from my iPad > On Dec 9, 2014, at 11:57 AM, Rose Maghas <rose(a)gbc.co.ke> wrote: > > Dear Ali and all Listers, > > If you look at the The Kenya Information And Communications Act Chapter 411A, specifically section 83D it states > 83D. (1) No person shall— > (a) operate an electronic certification system; or > > (b) update a repository or administer a sub-domain in the Kenya country top level domain (.ke ccTLD); > except in accordance with a licence granted under this Act. > > For implementation of the Act , it therefore requires that if registrars are going to administer the domains by way of being the admin contact, they do require to be licensed. > > Now to go specifically to the questions you raised: > > 1. Shouldn't the CA/KeNIC simply have informed Registrars on the new licensing framework etc.? This is a simple matter. KeNIC has all the contacts (through DRAKE) of the Registrars. Better still, wouldn't it be even a better idea to convene a meeting where we are all taken through the new regime? Can this new framework be shared via email to all interested parties? > > I cannot speak for CA or KENIC. However the “ccTLD consultation Paper on Licensing Framework” that was sent out in January by Christopher Wambua had an item on licensing of registrars under item no. 4.2 and I quote “4.2.Dot KE Subdomain Name Registrars > Dot KE ccTLD subdomain Registrars shall be required to obtain a licence from the Commission as a requirement for accreditation from the Dot KE ccTLD and > subdomains Registry to provide Dot KE ccTLD subdomain Registrar services.” > > 2. What is DRAKE's official position on this? > Having read through the document and participated as a stakeholder, DRAKE does support the implementation of the same. > > 3. As a Registrar the first thing that comes to mind is this:- > > Are we not complicating and putting barriers for businesses to sell .ke domains by requiring them to be licensed by CA? Isn't it enough that the Registry is now being licensed and that the Registry vets Registrars? How are we going to grow .ke if we now have to troop to CA every year? > I stand corrected but I have NEVER required to be licensed by CA or ICANN to sell .ug, .tz, .com .net etc. Is it just me or is there something more to this than meets the eye? > > I believe with this kind of framework, we can demand more from both CA and KENIC and we know that if KENIC fails we have CA to whom we can require and demand both the right policies and environment to enhance our domain registration business. > > Regards, > > Rose Maghas > DRAKE Chairperson > 0786 220001 > > From: kictanet [mailto:kictanet-bounces+rosemaghas=gmail.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Ali Hussein via kictanet > Sent: 09 December 2014 10:30 > To: rosemaghas(a)gmail.com > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Licensing Framework for .ke - This is a reminder to get some response from CA, KENIC, DRAKE > > To CA, KENIC, DRAKE and other stakeholders > > I'm really curious that something as important as this has gone unanswered by you. What are we to make of this? > > Can you please give us direction. > > Regards > > Ali Hussein > > +254 770 906375 / 0713 601113 > > Twitter: @AliHKassim > Skype: abu-jomo > LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim > Blog: www.alyhussein.com > > > "I fear the day technology will surpass human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots". ~ Albert Einstein > > > Sent from my iPad > > On Nov 27, 2014, at 10:40 AM, Ali Hussein <ali(a)hussein.me.ke> wrote: > > Listers > > Apologies for cross posting. > > The above refers. Please see attached an advert appearing in the local newspapers regarding the above. > > The gist of the advert is to state:- > > 1. The CA has now developed a licensing framework to administer the .KE name space. > 2. That before any Registrar purports to sell or be accredited by KeNIC they must first be licensed by CA. > 3. That if you require more information on the above please contact the CA. > > > Now, listers, a number of things have been playing in my mind over the last few days. And these are:- > > 1. Shouldn't the CA/KeNIC simply have informed Registrars on the new licensing framework etc.? This is a simple matter. KeNIC has all the contacts (through DRAKE) of the Registrars. Better still, wouldn't it be even a better idea to convene a meeting where we are all taken through the new regime? Can this new framework be shared via email to all interested parties? > > 2. What is DRAKE's official position on this? > > 3. As a Registrar the first thing that comes to mind is this:- > > Are we not complicating and putting barriers for businesses to sell .ke domains by requiring them to be licensed by CA? Isn't it enough that the Registry is now being licensed and that the Registry vets Registrars? How are we going to grow .ke if we now have to troop to CA every year? > > I stand corrected but I have NEVER required to be licensed by CA or ICANN to sell .ug, .tz, .com .net etc. Is it just me or is there something more to this than meets the eye? > > C'mon guys, lets not complicate matters unnecessarily! > > Ali Hussein > > > Tel: +254 770 906375/ 713 601113 > Twitter: @AliHKassim > Skype: abu-jomo > LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim > Blog: www.alyhussein.com > > > Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with. > <CA.Public Notice on .KE and Licensing of .ke Registrars.pdf> > <ccTLD_Consulation_Paper_on_Licensing_Framework.pdf>

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Re: [kictanet] Digital migration (Decorders)
by Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) 09 Dec '14

09 Dec '14

Dear Mr Muthengi, We appreciate your kind opinion and advise you that Cofek has planned a public forum on #DigitalMigration on Thursday, December 11, 2014 from 7.00 am to 11.00 am. The event will be officiated by ICT Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i. The meeting is aimed at creating awareness on some of the issues you are raising. We have been clearly informing consumers that there is a difference between pay-tv (cheaper but with subscriptions) and FTA(one-off but expensive) decoders. We have also shared the CA link of all other STB vendors. Apparently, you seem to be the only one complaining. Unknown to you, we were part of the exercise that negotiated with GotvKenya and StarTimesKenya on lowering the cost of their set top boxes in order to trigger price cuts. You must, however, understand that they make their own business decisions. We will continue to work with all key stakeholders the pay-tv vendors, CA and MOICT to sensitize consumers on the information you have shared. You are also invited to our Thursday event. We will be happy to give you a brief opportunity to add value to the need for more sensitization. Thank you. Yours Sincerely, David Kedode (for Cofek) From: John Muthengi [mailto:wanyiva@hotmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2014 11:18 AM To: david(a)cofek.co.ke; theresia(a)cofek.co.ke Cc: cpa(a)ca.go.ke; wangusi(a)ca.go.ke; otieno(a)ca.go.ke; alwala(a)ca.go.ke; ambani(a)ca.go.ke; hotline(a)cofek.co.ke; editor(a)ke.nationmedia.com; editorial(a)standardmedia.co.ke; kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke; ikburuett(a)ca.go.ke Subject: Digital migration (Decorders) Dear David Kedode (COFEK) I reside in Nairobi. Recently after the analogue switch off dates were announced on the national dailies, I was given i pamphlet on the street of Nairobi by GOtv Kenya and StarTimes. The GOtv Kenya pamphlet had indicated that their decoders prices is Ksh. 1799 and 2 month free access. The StartTime pamphlet had indicated that their decoders prices is Ksh 199 and monthly subscription for Ksh. 149 with no mention on whether they are Free to air(FTA) Set-top Box These prices were very intriguing so I decided to visit their tents to secure one only to discover that the information on the pamphlet was only to confuse the consumer. I think think they should be compelled to fully disclose full details on front details because the I feel they are confusing consumers. They have opted to put FREE TO AIR(FTA) prices at the back of the pamphlet while most consumers tend to read top page. GOtv Kenya sales guy advised me that FTA decoder was actually costing Kshs. (1,799+2,600=4,399) and StarTimes FTA decoder of Ksh.199 was not true because the FTA decoder is actually trading at Ksh. 3999. When I saw your email you circulated I was very disappointing because you seem to have turned your great organisation into marketing agency of the two marketers instead of protecting consumers. I also think you were impartial and misleading to campaign for two marketers while we have others selling Digital migration Set-top Box(STB) even at cheaper prizes as I have seem in CA website. Ideally you should have taken time to research and check who has best prices and more so after you put-up a paid up advertisement on Standard newspaper of 27th November 2014 advising consumers on FTA Set-top Boxes. In my view you are now protecting marketers and not consumers. Also it is very important to be aware that digital migration is a big financial burden to middle low and lower class Kenyans who have limited financial resources at their disposal. They do not have the financial capacity to afford Pay-tv whose FTA set-Top boxes whose cost is high to to monthly subscriptions. They deserve your protection and not exploitation. Your impartiality has even gone a notch higher by allowing the two marketers to take over your website to display this misleading information. I sincerely feel that the consumer should be well informed about the a product before any purchase and I felt that my right as a consumer was been violated by your uncalled for action. I hope this complain will be given at-most attention. Kind Regards John Muthengi (Nairobi)

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Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Apply Now for ICANN Leadership Positions
by Bob Omondi 09 Dec '14

09 Dec '14

FYI.... Regards Bob. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Yaovi Atohoun <yaovito(a)yahoo.fr> Date: Tue, Dec 9, 2014 at 9:27 AM Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] Apply Now for ICANN Leadership Positions To: "africann(a)afrinic.net" <africann(a)afrinic.net> Dear all, The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers' (ICANN) Nominating Committee (NomCom) invites interested individuals to submit applications and/or to recommend candidates for ICANN's key leadership positions. Please read the full announcement at https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-12-08-en Bonjour à tous, Le comité de Nomination de l'ICANN vous invite à postuler ou à recommander des personnes pour des postes de responsabilités au sein de l'ICANN. Plus de détails sur l'annonce sont disponibles à l'adresse https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-12-08-en Merci - Yaovi Atohoun Stakeholder Engagement and Operations Manager, Africa ICANN www.icann.org Mobile : +229 66015649 / 97891228 _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Licensing Framework for .ke
by Ali Hussein 09 Dec '14

09 Dec '14

Listers Apologies for cross posting. The above refers. Please see attached an advert appearing in the local newspapers regarding the above. The gist of the advert is to state:- 1. The CA has now developed a licensing framework to administer the .KE name space. 2. That before any Registrar purports to sell or be accredited by KeNIC they must first be licensed by CA. 3. That if you require more information on the above please contact the CA. Now, listers, a number of things have been playing in my mind over the last few days. And these are:- 1. Shouldn't the CA/KeNIC simply have informed Registrars on the new licensing framework etc.? This is a simple matter. KeNIC has all the contacts (through DRAKE) of the Registrars. Better still, wouldn't it be even a better idea to convene a meeting where we are all taken through the new regime? Can this new framework be shared via email to all interested parties? 2. What is DRAKE's official position on this? 3. As a Registrar the first thing that comes to mind is this:- Are we not complicating and putting barriers for businesses to sell .ke domains by requiring them to be licensed by CA? Isn't it enough that the Registry is now being licensed and that the Registry vets Registrars? How are we going to grow .ke if we now have to troop to CA every year? I stand corrected but I have NEVER required to be licensed by CA or ICANN to sell .ug, .tz, .com .net etc. Is it just me or is there something more to this than meets the eye? C'mon guys, lets not complicate matters unnecessarily! *Ali Hussein* Tel: +254 770 906375/ 713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim> Blog: www.alyhussein.com Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with.

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East Africa Datacenter Tour
by Riyaz Bachani 08 Dec '14

08 Dec '14

Following a previous thread here, we talked to the EADC team about hosting a community tour & they agreed ! This is your chance to see the most ultra-modern and impressive datacenter in Kenya. Please RSVP as slots are limited to 30. http://community.ihub.co.ke/blogs/21883/east-africa-data-centre-eadc-tour The East Africa Data Centre is a carrier-neutral data centre along Mombasa Road. *On December 10th 2014*, the EADC is showcasing their ultra modern facility to the Kenyan tech community. At 2000 sq/m across four floors, it is the largest Tier 3 data centre in east and central Africa. Purposely built to international standards, it offers guaranteed availability of power and cooling making it a perfect fit for business that require cloud services. A panoply of services offered by EADC are reliable space for dedicated hosting, interconnect services, collocation, disaster recovery, network-based services, applications and cloud services to carriers, network providers and enterprises from across the continent. The tour of the facility will be followed by a mini cocktail. A bus shuttle service will depart from the Bishop Magua Centre to the venue at 1:15 pm. Please be punctual.

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ICANN 53 Fellowship Applications now open.
by Bob Omondi 08 Dec '14

08 Dec '14

Dear Listers, ICANN's current application round seeks prospective candidates for the June 2015 ICANN Meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The application process closes on 16 January 2015, with successful candidates announced on the ICANN website on 6 March 2015. For more information about the Fellowship Program or about how to apply, visit ICANN's Fellowship Program page here. <https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/fellowships-2012-02-25-en> Please see the full announcement here: https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-12-05-en Regards Bob.

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USHIRIKI APPLICATION- The first ever Accessibility application locator
by Judy Okite 08 Dec '14

08 Dec '14

Greetings Everyone, hope that this finds you all in perfect health. on The 3rd December 2014, the Ushiriki Application(Beta Version) was officially launched ....this is the first ever application dedicated to Locate Accessible buildings for persons with disability . Ushiriki is a swahili word meaning participation and we are calling on to you to participate so as to gather this vital data. Ever wondered what it means with accessible building....the checklist gives the basic information on this ....kindly add your building and what applies On the documentation tab, you will find the details of the application and how to participate. Thank you for your time and Support. Share with us any challenges/difficulties on the application as we continue to work on it. http://japakgis.com/ushiriki/# Kind Regards, *'Chance Favors the prepared mind'* - Louis Pasteur

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African Open Government Fellowships
by Ephraim Percy Kenyanito 06 Dec '14

06 Dec '14

Dear all, The following fellowships might be of interest to those working on Open Government. -- Best Regards, *Ephraim Percy Kenyanito* Website: http://about.me/ekenyanito http://opengovfellows.codeforafrica.org/open-knowledge-and-code-for... <http://opengovfellows.codeforafrica.org/open-knowledge-and-code-for-africa-…> Pioneering Fellowships Will Help Rewire Africa’s Governments *(Application deadline: 15 December 2014)* Do you want to help us build African governments and societies that are more accountable and responsive to citizens? We are looking for the best ideas for harnessing the power of digital technologies and open data, to improve the way that governments and citizens interact. *Code for Africa* <http://www.codeforafrica.org/> and *Open Knowledge* <https://okfn.org/> are offering three pilot *Open Government Fellowships* to give outstanding changemakers the skills, tools and resources necessary to kickstart open government initiatives in their countries. The six-month fellowships are intended to empower pioneers who are already working in the open data or civic engagement communities, and are designed to augment their existing ‘day jobs’ rather than remove them from their organisations. Successful fellows will therefore only be expected to work part-time on their fellowship projects (which could include new initiatives at their ‘day jobs’), but will receive strategic and material support throughout their fellowship. This support will include a modest $1,000 per month stipend, a $3,000 seed fund to kickstart projects, a travel budget to attend local and international events, access to workspace in *Code for Africa* affiliate civic technology labs across the continent, and technology support from *Code for Africa* developers and data analysts. Fellows will also be able to tap into *Open Knowledge*’s School of Data <http://schoolofdata.org/> networks and resource kits, and its global network of specialist communities <https://okfn.org/get-involved/working-groups/>, as well as *Code for Africa* affiliate communities such as Hacks/Hackers <https://www.facebook.com/HacksHackersAfrica>. The deadline for applications is 15 December 2014. The fellowships are scheduled to start in February 2015 and run until July 2015. So, who qualifies for the fellowship? The initiative is a pilot, and is therefore casting the net as wide as possible. Applicants should: - Currently be engaged in the open government and/or related communities . We are looking to support individuals already actively participating in the open government community - Be able to point to examples of their work in the civic data or civic technology space, or work in open data or open government communities - Understand the role of civil society and citizen based organisations in bringing about positive change through advocacy and campaigning - Understand the role and importance of monitoring government commitments to open data as well as other open government policy related issues - Have facilitation skills and enjoy community-building (both online and offline) - Be eager to learn from and be connected with an international community of open government experts, advocates and campaigners - Currently live and work in Africa. Due to limited resources and our desire to develop a focused and impactful pilot programme, we are limiting applications to those currently living and working in Africa. We hope to expand the programme to the rest of the world in 2015. The fellowship will initially be limited to African countries where either *Code for Africa* or *Open Knowledg*e have extensive resources or deep partnerships. Applicants should therefore be based in one of the following countries: *Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique,* *Mauritius**, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Senegal, Tunisia, Tanzania,* and *Uganda*. We hope to expand the initiative to include additional countries later in 2015. The selection committee will pay particular attention to applicants’ *current engagement in the open government movement* at local, national and/or international level. The committee will also be interested in applicants’ ideas around proposed strategic partnerships and pilot projects for their fellowships. Neither *Code for Africa* nor *Open Knowledge* are being prescriptive about the proposed focus or scope for projects, but will prefer projects that demonstrate clear visions with tangible outputs. This could include fellows working with a specific government department or agency to make a key dataset available. It could also include helping communities use available data, or organising a series of events addressing a specific topic or challenge citizens are currently facing. Successful candidates will commit to work on their fellowship activities a minimum of six days a month, including attending online and offline training, organising events, and being an active member both *Open Knowledge* and *Code for Africa* communities. While the pilot fellowships are limited to 16 countries initially, we are exploring ways to expand it to other regions. Get in touch if you would like to work with us to do so. *Convinced?* *Apply now to become a Open Government Fellow**. The application is available* *here* <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16keAH2ygafUN2jcIYm_k1agv6QIQCGfOJ_6oU46X1k…>*. If you are more comfortable submitting your application in French or Portuguese, you will find it in* *French here* <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YTPYIWUrnJcUUIbPs9rgDOFih09xNOw04u4YYUr6_j…> *and in* *Portuguese here* <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1r4L-90VLUIrGXyWJicix-FDZsQ0ElAZtxvegmgcD3c…>*. The deadline is 15 December 2014 and the programme will start in February 2015.* -- -- Best Regards, *Ephraim Percy Kenyanito* Website: http://about.me/ekenyanito tel: (+254)-786-191-930 / (+254)-751-804-120 @ekenyanito Skype: ekenyanito PGP: E6BA8DC1

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Snowden files show NSA's AURORAGOLD pwned 70% of world's mobile networks
by S.M. Muraya 06 Dec '14

06 Dec '14

Thinking about the Safaricom Surveillance system... http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/04/snowden_files_show_nsas_auroragold_… Snowden files show NSA's AURORAGOLD pwned 70% of world's mobile networksBrits and Yanks snoop on security standards bods By Iain Thomson <http://www.theregister.co.uk/Author/2395>, 4 Dec 2014 The NSA, and its British counterpart GCHQ, spied on innocent telco employees and standards bodies to tap into mobile phone networks worldwide, according to the latest leak from the Edward Snowden archive. The mobile tapping system, dubbed AURORAGOLD, successfully cracked 701 of an estimated 985 cellular networks worldwide, according to the leaked NSA presentation released by The Intercept <https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2014/12/04/nsa-auroragold-hack-cellphone…> . This was done by snooping on the private communications of key workers within the industry to capture technical documentation and encryption keys that allowed the agency access to mobile calls. Between November 2011 to April 2012, computers used by somewhere between 363 and 1,354 staff were infiltrated to get the data the NSA required. AURORAGOLD is managed by the NSA's Wireless Portfolio Management Office, and the agency appears to have cracked more advanced forms of encryption used on the networks – sometimes even before it was rolled out for commercial use. The encryption is supposed to prevent eavesdroppers from listening to private phone conversations. It was assumed intelligence agencies can break the widely used A5/1 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A5/1> algorithm; now we know GCHQ and the NSA have been working on cracking <https://firstlook.org/theintercept/document/2014/12/04/wolframite-encryptio…> the supposedly stronger A5/3 <http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/01/13/gsm_crypto_crack/> used in 3G. For that, the Brits needed a £4m system to attack the cipher by 2012. Spies do spying, of course. And to do this, the NSA's Target Technology Trends Center (TTTC) works within standard bodies like the GSM Association to get advanced copies of new security protocols so that it can work out how to break them ahead of deployment. The TTTC even has a nifty little logo of a telescope on a world map and a slogan stating "Predict – Plan – Prevent." The documents <https://firstlook.org/theintercept/documents/> state GSMA members were specifically targeted <https://prod01-cdn02.cdn.firstlook.org/wp-uploads/sites/1/2014/12/working-g…> for surveillance, but doesn't state explicitly that the intelligence community has actively tried to introduce vulnerabilities into standards so that it would have easier access. "There's nothing in here that suggests that the NSA has been actively trying to subvert standards from within," said security guru Bruce Schneier. "In fact, it would be pretty difficult to do so. I suspect they are just sitting back and watching others make mistakes, and then exploiting them." The GSMA declined to comment on the latest Snowden leaks, saying that it would have to consult with its lawyer before making any statement, according to its spokeswomen Claire Cranton. "If there is something there that is illegal then they will take it up with the police," she said. Subverting standards from within is certainly within the NSA's playbook. Earlier Snowden leaks suggest <http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/12/21/nsa_paid_rsa_10_million/> RSA was paid $10m to use, by default in its software, the dodgy Dual EC DRBG algorithm the agency introduced <http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/07/14/nist_looks_to_nip_overdependance_on…> via the US National Institute of Standards and Technology. RSA has consistently denied claims it promoted weak security, and no longer uses Dual EC DRBG in its products. "NSA collects only those communications that it is authorized by law to collect in response to valid foreign intelligence and counterintelligence requirements - regardless of the technical means used by foreign targets, or the means by which those targets attempt to hide their communications," said the NSA in a statement. ®

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