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FW: Competitive Partnerships Initiative (Clusters) Workshop, on 25th-26th January 2011, at Intercontinental Hotel
by waudo siganga 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

An interesting discussion going on at the InterContinental. Tomorrow (Wednesday) morning's session will be devoted to ICT and is open to those interested. Please see the attachments.

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Re: [kictanet] Safaricom Bonga Points Merchandise
by Linda Muka 25 Jan '11

25 Jan '11

Washington, we refer to your comments on the Safaricom Bonga Points loyalty Program. Thank you for your feedback and continued interest in the Safaricom Bonga Points loyalty program. We would like to take this opportunity to provide some clarity on the Bonga Points Loyalty program. We at Safaricom continuously strive to ensure that the matrix is up to date through quarterly reviews. This has been a conscious decision implemented to ensure that we retain and rekindle interest and excitement in the program. As such, we introduced a new reward dubbed “Free Airtime” last year, which enables customers to redeem their points for various airtime rewards from as little as 100 points. We have recently concluded and advertised the reviewed merchandise and redemption matrix for the first quarter of 2011, to include new devices and bundle rewards. We request that you dial *126*2# to get a full view of the complete list of available rewards. To make the program more inclusive, we have also reduced the redemption threshold from 100 points to 25 points. Customers can now redeem various Minutes, SMS, MMS and Data bundles from as low as 25 Bonga points. On your request that we include the new IDEOS phone into the matrix, we assure you that we shall take this into consideration as we make our review for the next quarter. We shall share the results of that review with the market. All this is actively done in keeping with our promise to give the best experience to our customers in all facets of our operations. Regards, Linda From: kictanet-bounces+lmuka=safaricom.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+lmuka=safaricom.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Odhiambo Washington Sent: Friday, January 21, 2011 11:53 PM To: Linda Muka Cc: Skunkworks forum; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] Safaricom Bonga Points Merchandise Safaricom has done quite some revisions on their tariffs and data bundles but their Bonga points redemption matrix remains unchanged ever since. I have been hoping (and praying) that they can at least revise the merchandise, given that even some of those they list are not anymore in the market (I may be wrong!) but with prices always depreciating, is it not logical that Safaricom put some revision into this loyalty program?? Can Safaricom also make the point system a little bit realistic when compared to the merchandise?? I know they are not under any obligation but I sure can be motivated to "talk more" within "Niko Na.." with the hope that kupiga mdomo kwangu heunda ikanifaidisha vikubwa:-) Maybe they should include the Huawei IDEOS as one of the merchandise;) -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Damn!! ##################################################################################### NOTE: All emails sent from Safaricom Limited are subject to Safaricom�s Email Terms & Conditions. Please click here to read the policy. #####################################################################################

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Re: [kictanet] Media council Draft bill 2010 (Day Two discussions)
by Grace Githaiga 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

listers Today, we will shift our focus on Part 1 sections of Part 2(Functions of the Council, Operations of the Council). Part 1 is the index and has the interpretation/definition of terms. This is straight forward. However, I will raise three concerns. Part 1 Interpretation Journalism is interpreted to mean the collecting, writing, editing and presenting of news or news articles in newspapers and magazines, radio and television broadcasts, and in the internet. Question: Does this definition mean the online versions of news from different media houses? A concern has been raised about bloggers for example the many bloggers who were presenting opinions as news/facts in post election violence. “Media” is interpreted to include both electronic and print media engaged in any production for circulation.. While “Media Enterprise” means an organization whose business involves the collection, processing and dissemination of news…through media.” Question: Is there a better way of phrasing the two so that it is clear to distinguish between content (media) and business (media enterprise)? Part 11 Functions and Operations of the Council In 4 (h), the Council will make recommendations on the employment criteria for journalists. In yesterday’s discussion, Rosemary raised two concerns. a) How will this be done? b) Is this not infringing on the freedom of journalists? Does this mean that one cannot get employed unless the Council recommends the criteria for employment? In 4 (k) the Council will compile and maintain a register of journalists, media enterprises and such other media enterprises and such other related registers as it may deem fit. a) Rosemary raised the issue of those who contribute commentaries, and whether media houses will on a daily basis need to send the list of journalists or will this be done annually? In other words, how will this register be compiled? b) Does this then not call for accreditation of local journalists? And to our last concern today: On operations of the Council the bill states: The Council shall operate without any government, political, commercial or other bias or interference and shall be wholly independent and separate from government, any political party or organization, any commercial enterprise or enterprises, or any nominating authority. a) Again Rosemary raised the issue of whether we are talking of a self-regulatory media council or a statutory but be self-regulated by the industry and the public. b) Can this be actualized when the Council is receiving funding from the government? Listers, I invite you to give suggestions. Feel free to contribute to any or all of the questions. Have a great day. Rgds Grace ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you have the strength to survive, you have the power to succeed. Life is all about choices we make depending upon the situation we are in. Go forth and rule the World!

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Re: [kictanet] Media Council Draft Bill 2010 (Day one discussion)
by Francis.Hook＠gmail.com 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

Hi KK, Not meaning to be too argumentative (especially on a tiring Monday) - but does content exclude what the media (as journalists, producers, announcers, owners etc) create or offer in terms of talk shows, re-briadcasting etc etc whether on radio or TV. My point is, if the MCK is working well to develop professional ethics (across the board - journalist, producers, advertiser, etc etc), ergo there is no need for BCAC? Or is BCAC a safety net such that where media practitioners of the sorts described, STILL allow unsuitable/provocative/inaccurate/fraudulent/etc content to be shared? On , "kk ombati" <kaykerubo(a)gmail.com> wrote: > hi francis > the main difference between the two is that the media council is > intended to regulate journalists and media professionals by setting > educational and ethical standards for journalist somewhat like ICPAK > and LSK. > whereas the BCAC are to be set up to regulate the content on news,radio > etc > On 1/24/11, Francis Hook francis.hook(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Thanks Grace > > > > First - what is the difference between this -----> > > http://www.mediacouncil.or.ke/ and the body proposed below? > > > > - I have seen an old story ( > > > http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Company%20Industry/-/539550/853208/-/vie…) > > that mentions the creation of the Broadcast Advisory Council (according > to > > that link it was to be in place about one year ago). I have also seen > > mention of "Broadcasting Content Advisory Council" - > > http://www.cck.go.ke/news/2010/news_09june2010.html - and from there I'd > > like to quote: > > > > "...Information and Communications Minister Hon. Samuel Poghisio urged > the > > Council to move with speed to rid the airwaves of inappropriate > > programming." > > > > Please bear with me if this seems off topic- but in a sense perhaps this > > offers pause for thought on whether a media council will indeed make any > > difference if a broadcast content advisory council is YET to show any > > difference on matters that IMHO are no-brainers (like reading a recipe - > > eg if the music video is intended for adult audiences, DO NOT PLAY IT - > > simple - not rocket science) . > > > > The BCAC was inaugurated in June 2010 - its been six months now and > > according to the quote above we really should have seen some difference. > > > > Could someone please provide me with contact details for the BCAC? > > > > > > On 24 January 2011 13:58, Grace Githaiga ggithaiga(a)hotmail.com> wrote: > > > >> Dear All > >> > >> > >> > >> Thanks Walubengo, Khisa, Cook and Toby for your insights. And just a > quick > >> response to each of you: > >> > >> > >> > >> Walu, Yes there is a media policy in place that was passed just before > >> the > >> KCA Act of 2008. Unfortunately I do not have a copy and I have checked > at > >> the Ministry of Information website. It is also not available. But the > MCK > >> Bill has a basis on the media policy in matters of regulation. So, we > are > >> on > >> the right track. There is a media council in place. I will not judge > its > >> success but I do know it has continued to receive complaints from the > >> public. It also has conducted several trainings aimed at > professionalizing > >> the media. > >> > >> > >> > >> Khisa, the MCK is one form of control mechanism. There is also the > >> broadcast Advisory Council (under CCK) where ordinary people can lodge > in > >> their complaints/concerns on news and programmes. > >> > >> > >> > >> Hook, I apologize on that repetition. It should actually > read… "interests > >> of all sections of society". Please find attached a soft copy of the > MCK > >> Bill 2010 for ease of reference. You can also access it on > >> http://www.information.go.ke. On your suggestions to re-phrase it to > >> capture common morals and ethics, this number 2 is in Article 34 (5) of > >> the > >> constitution. At this point, we can only make suggestions on the MCK > Bill > >> and not on the constitution. But lets see if there are possibilities of > >> capturing your concerns in the subsequent dicussions. > >> > >> In regard to content on some of the FM Stations, there is a > Broadcasting > >> Advisory Council to take care of this. And this is in addition to MCK > >> which > >> deals with complaints regarding media conduct. We will be discussing > the > >> composition of the Council on day 4 (Thursday this week). I can already > >> tell > >> you that religious leaders are not proposed. However, it would be > >> important > >> for you to make contributions on which other professions should > comprise > >> Council Members. > >> > >> > >> > >> Toby, I agree with your sentiments. However my understanding is that a > >> constitution is only meant to provide guidelines. The specifics can be > >> spelt > >> out in the Act. And yes some concerns you have raised about > registration > >> of > >> journalists will be dealt with later in the week. We hope to see your > >> reflection(s) on this. > >> > >> > >> > >> Thanks a lot people. Please lets hear more from the rest of the > listers. > >> > >> > >> > >> And just a reminder of today's discussion: > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> The purpose of the Media Council Bill: > >> > >> > >> > >> *An Act of Parliament to provide for the realization of the right to > >> freedom of expression and freedom of media; for the establishment of > the > >> Media Council of Kenya; for the conduct and discipline of journalists > and > >> the media, and for connected purposes.* > >> > >> > >> > >> Article 33 of the Constitution provides for Freedom of Expression, > while > >> Article 34 provides for the freedom of Media. Further in Article 34, > sub > >> article 5, it states...Parliament shall enact legislation that provides > >> for > >> the establishment of a body which shall: > >> > >> > >> > >> a) be independent of control by government, political interests or > >> commercial interests; > >> > >> b) reflect the interests of all sections of society; and > >> > >> c) set media standards and regulate and monitor compliance with those > >> standards. > >> > >> > >> > >> We welcome responses/reflections to the following: > >> > >> > >> > >> 1. Is the purpose (as stated above) satisfactory, or should it be > >> enhanced to reflect the provisions in the constitution? > >> > >> 2. Is this proposed Media Council best placed to perform and fulfill > >> this purpose? > >> > >> 3. Will the proposed Media Council enhance professionalism and growth > >> of media in Kenya? > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> kictanet mailing list > >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > >> This message was sent to: francis.hook(a)gmail.com > >> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/francis.hook%40gmail.c… > >> > >> > > > > > > -- > > Francis Hook > > +254 733 504561 > >

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Forex market disrupted by technology?
by Paul Kukubo ICT Board 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

Listers This is worth observing from the perspective of what technology can do. TransferWise launches its online currency exchange today, which hopes to give the banks a run for their money, along with disrupting the consumer-end of the money exchange market as a whole. The headline proposition is that the platform gives anyone access to the same mid-market exchange rates that banks get on their interbank market, with TransferWise charging a flat fee of £1 for each transaction regardless of the amount being exchanged. That’s potentially a big deal. But what’s equally notable is the company’s founders, which includes Skype employee number one Taavet Hinrikus. He spent 7 years at the VoIP company, most recently as Director of Strategy, as well as being an Angel investor in a number of other prominent and upcoming startups including TweetDeck, Mendeley, wikimart.ru, and blip.tv. TransferWise’s other founder is Kristo Käärmann who has a direct financial services background with Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Naturally, Hinrikus says he wants TransferWise to “do to currency exchange what Skype did to telecommunications.” It’s a nice line but in this case there appears to be meat on the bone. Traditionally, consumers pay between 3-6% for foreign currency payments at through their bank. In other markets that have moved online, cutting out the middle person (for the most part) has “brought down costs almost everywhere you look”, notes Hinrikus. To that end, TransferWise, which is licensed by the UK Financial Services Authority (registered as Exchange Solutions Ltd.), facilitates money transfers at “global mid-market rates” as reported by Bloomberg, XE and others. At launch, the company enables exchanges between the British Pound and Euro, with more currencies to follow. TransferWise’s direct and indirect competitors include Moneybookers and PayPal at the low-end, or for larger amounts currency brokers like HiFX, as well as other upstarts such as CurrencyFair, and the banks of course. The company remains self-funded by Hinrikus and Käärmann. get widgetminimize TransferWise Website: transferwise.com Founded: March, 2010 TransferWise is an online currency exchange service that allows people to exchange currency using mid-market rates for a flat fee. Learn More Information provided by CrunchBase get widgetminimize Taavet Hinrikus Companies: TransferWise Information provided by CrunchBase Sent from my iPad

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invitation
by David Makali 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

dear listers, i hope am not abusing this list. i thought i should interest members in a small side 'event'. there is an interesting round table discussion taking place tomorrow, tuesday, Jan 25, at the alliance francaise auditorium from noon to 2pm. it is the fourth in the monthly series organised by the kenya editors' guild, school of journalism, media institute and media focus on africa foundation. the subject of this month's roundtable is "the media and the icc process". the panelists are martha karua, isaac ruto, kwendo opanga and betty murungi. it starts with snacks in the balcony at 12 then moves inside. the monthly series began last october and is all about interrogating the role of the media in our society and how it is handling some of the vexed issues of the day. karibuni if you have time. the next time we might look at whether the media are helping the country achieve an information society and if they are propagating the usage of ict on that score. poleni for interrupting the important discussions. and now as you were saying.... david _______________ "If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn't brood. I'd type a little faster." — Isaac Asimo, Columbian Author and Scientist _______________ PO Box 3234 00200 Nairobi, Kenya cell: +254 722 517 540

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Media council Draft bill 2010 (Day one discussion)
by toby＠law-democracy.org 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

Hi Grace, others, I find it a little bit difficult to answer this question in the abstract, as the stated purpose is very general. Promoting freedom of expression is fine and establishing the media council is in line with the constitution (although I have some concerns about this - see below). I find the reference to disciplining journalists problematical. The Constitution talks about setting and implementing standards. This is quite different from disciplining journalists (eg warning journalists of a breach of a code of conduct is not disciplining them - it is letting them know where the boundaries are). However, I have a wider concern about the constitutional provisions. I think it is unfortunate to provide in a constitution for the establishment of a statutory body that sets standards for the media as a whole. The ideal way to do this is through media self-regulatory bodies. Where the media is unable, at a certain point in time, to self-regulate, it might be legitimate to impose a statutory system. But once the media can self-regulate, this should be done away with. Elevating it to a constitutional rule makes this much more difficult. My other concern is with the specific modalities by which the Media Bill seeks to regulate the profession, including by regulating the Internet, by setting conditions on journalists, keep a register of journalists (ie register them), etc. But I suppose this is a discussion for another day. Toby Today's discussion: The purpose of the Media Council Bill: An Act of Parliament to provide for the realization of the right to freedom of expression and freedom of media; for the establishment of the Media Council of Kenya; for the conduct and discipline of journalists and the media, and for connected purposes. Article 33 of the Constitution provides for Freedom of Expression, while Article 34 provides for the freedom of Media. Further in Article 34, sub article 5, it states...Parliament shall enact legislation that provides for the establishment of a body which shall: a) be independent of control by government, political interests or commercial interests; b) reflect the sections of all sections of society; and c) set media standards and regulate and monitor compliance with those standards. We welcome responses/reflections to the following: 1. Is the purpose (as stated above) satisfactory, or should it be enhanced to reflect the provisions in the constitution? 2. Is this proposed Media Council best placed to perform and fulfill this purpose? 3. Will the proposed Media Council enhance professionalism and growth of media in Kenya? Rgds Grace ___________________________________ Toby Mendel Centre for Law and Democracy toby(a)law-democracy.org Tel: +1 902 431-3688 Fax: +1 902 431-3689 www.law-democracy.org

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Kenya ICT Board launches Pasha Loan call for applications
by Paul Kukubo ICT Board 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

listers, PS for information and Communication speaking on his own behalf as well as on behalf of the Hon. Minister presided over the launch of the Pasha Loan this morning at the Inter-Continental. Key points from the PS to note were 1. The focus is on enabling serious entrepreneurs from around the country to respond and invest in the opportunity. There was need for a minimization of pressure in the applications from local Politicians to enable the best entrepreneurs to emerge for the sake of sustainability. 2. He noted the private sector support from operators in Kenya. Details of the Pasha Loan as follows; Kenya Information & Communications Technology Board Telposta Towers, 12th Floor, Kenyatta Ave P.O.Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi, KENYA Tel: +254 20 2089061/2211960 | Fax: 254-20-2211962 Email: info(a)ict.go.ke | web: www.ict.go.ke Press Release: Pasha Call for Applications Today, Kenya ICT Board and Family Bank have launched a Ksh 320 million loan facility to support the establishment of Pasha Centres across the country. This facility will finance Kenyan entrepreneurs willing to set up thePasha Centres. Pasha Centres are internet access centres that will offer a rich bouquet of services to the public. Pasha Centers are modeled under three categories: Basic, Standard, and Advanced. Each category is defined by the number of computers and services to be offered and the scale of the Pasha Centre proposed by each applicant, but should include a blend of the following: Internet access, computer training, vocational training, ICT retail, access to government services, entertainment and gaming, typing and data entry, printing services, copying and scanning, CD/DVD burning, faxing, IP telephony, cell phones and SIM card sales, mobile-based financial services, IT support and services, office supplies and stationary sales, printer supplies, laminating and photography and other IT enabled services. The centres, most of which will be in the rural areas will help deliver the government’s objective of ensuring that Kenyans everywhere have access to the internet , use it to access Government E-Services and improve their lives. To apply for this loan, the Kenya ICT Board is inviting entrepreneurial Kenyans from around the country to submit business plan proposals that demonstrate how to build and run a successful Pasha Center. The best proposals will be offered a low cost loan from Family Bank allowing the entrepreneurs to realize their dream of owning a Pasha Center. Applicants will be required to submit a compelling business plan as part of their loan application. Together with our financial partners, Family Bank , Kenya ICT Board will award loans to entrepreneurs that will see one Pasha Centre set up in each constituency countrywide within a year. Important Dates Call for Application: January 25, 2011 Deadline for Application: 25th February 2011 Budgets Pasha Digital Villages Revolving Fund: USD 4 M Training BudgetUSD 2M Technical Support:USD 2 M Bandwidth SupportUSD 2M Number of Pasha Centres to be set up: There will be one Pasha centre in each constituency – making 210 Centres in total to be set up within the next year. Project Objectives The project has three objectives: 1.Provide affordable access and use of ICT resources to rural communities in a sustainable way 2.Increase public accessibility to Government services by making these easily accessible through the Pasha Portal. (E.g. KRA, Registration of Persons, Utility payments, Company registration services, Police Abstracts, public service Commission among others) 3.Create economic opportunities that will spur rural economic development Background: What is a Pasha Center? Pasha centers provide a suite of services to the public via computers connected to the internet.. Role of Pasha Centers To provide Kenyans in rural areas with access to information; the increased access to information will serve to: •Enhance business skills and knowledge in rural areas as well as expose rural communities to world news and trends that maypositively enhance their lives •Provide employment for Kenyans both directly through economic activity that the centre will generate and secondarily through the opportunities that the information will provide •Bring online services closer to rural communities Technical Support The Kenya ICT Board will hire a consulting firm to provide online and on-call support to Pasha Centers. The support will include troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of equipment, support with software installation, support for LAN and WAN installation, among other services. Monitoring and Evaluation The monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for the Pasha Centres is intended to assess success of the digital village (DV) project. M&E segment will look at the business success of the pasha entrepreneurs. The M&E will also assess impact and sustainability of the centres, including the pasha centre’s contribution to increased access to information and services to the public at the grass root level. Estimated cost of the models Type of PASHA Apprx number of computers with Internet Access Estimated Maximum Set Up Costs (KES) PASHA Basic 5 computers KES 820,000 PASHA Standard 10- 18 computers KES 2,553,000 PASHA Advance 20- 30 computers KES 3,342,000 About the Pasha Loan The Pasha Loan is made possible through a revolving fund set up by the Kenya ICT Board (through World bank funding) and administered by Family Bank. The funds allocated to each entrepreneur will be repayable over a three year period with an interest rate of 11.5% p.a on the reducing balance. Entrepreneurs can use the funds to finance set-up costs and or upgrading of an existing facility. The revolving fund will be administered as follows: Steps 01: A call for application shall be made by Kenya ICT Board for prospective entrepreneurs to submit Pasha Loan applications Step 2: Prospective entrepreneurs submit complete applications to the nearest Family Bank branch Step 3: Submitted applications are vetted by Family Bank and Kenya ICT Board’s Grants Committee Step 4: Successful entrepreneurs are informed and invited to sign a loan agreement and Kenya ICT Board service level agreement Step 5: Successful entrepreneurs begin loan repayment after a grace period of three months For more information: Visit www.pasha.co.ke Email: pasha(a)ict.go.ke Call: 020 – 2089061 Or www.familybank.co.ke Email: info(a)familybank.co.ke Call: 020- 318 173 www.ict.go.kePage of 1 The Kenya ICT Board is a State Corporation under the State Corporations Act 446 Sent from my iPad

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Fwd: Digital Villages Update from the Kenya ICT Board
by Paul Kukubo ICT Board 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

Additional updates will be sent later today. Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: > > > > > > > > Dear Kukubo, > > Status update on the Digital Village 'PASHA' Project. > The Kenya ICT Board would like to announce the Call for Applications for the Pasha Loan- Digital Village Revolving fund. > > Applicants have 30 days from 24th January 2011 to submit their business plans.All applicants MUST submit their business plans directly to their nearest Family Bank and not the Kenya ICT Board. Note that if you have already submitted any business plan in any format to the Kenya ICT Board, you MUST submit another one that follows the new format. > > The steps and procedures to be followed are; > > Step-1 Complete the Pasha Loan application form (forms can be collected at any Family Bank branch, or downloaded from www.ict.go.ke. (click here to download the Pasha Loan application form) > Step-2: Download and complete a business plan on www.ict.go.ke > > Step-3: Present both the business plan and application form to the nearest Family Bank branch. (Click here to view Family Bank branches.) > > Step-4: Wait to get feedback from either Family Bank or the Kenya ICT Board. > > Do not hesitate to contact The Kenya ICT Board if you have queries or contact Family Bank customer care service phone numbers are; 0712-606363, 0738-228881, 020-2374355 > Kenya ICT Board > Digital Village 'PASHA' Project > Telposta Towers, 12th Floor, Kenyatta Ave > P.O. Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya > t: + 254-20-2089061 | e: digitalvillage(a)ict.go.ke > Visit: www.ict.go.ke > > Forward email > > This email was sent to pkukubo(a)ict.go.ke by digitalvillage(a)ict.go.ke | > Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. > Kenya ICT Board | Telposta Towers, 12th Floor | Kenyatta Ave | P.o. box 27150-00100 | Nairobi | Kenya

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Do Flashcom and Popote Wireless still exist?
by Francis Hook 24 Jan '11

24 Jan '11

Hi All, I need to find out if these companies are still operational or whether they were acquired by bigger telcos? Do they still exist? -- Francis Hook +254 733 504561

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Fw: [NVK-Mageuzi] Re: MOBILE PRICE WARS COULD DERAIL NEW KATIBA - JOKE OF THE YEAR (Was Are we letting the PS get away with this too?)
by Barrack Otieno 23 Jan '11

23 Jan '11

Well Listers i suggest we move away from a personalised (political :-)) debate targeted at the PS and tackle the issues that have been raised in the article soberly, i have picked some excerpts from the article posted by Shem. Could we also comment on the comments attributed to Michael Ghossein (TKL) and Mr. Peter Wanyonyi? Regards “We have asked CCK (industry regulator Communications Commission of Kenya) to evaluate if this kind of pricing is sustainable,” Dr Ndemo said on Monday. “I am not opposed to reduced prices but they have to make business sense,” he said. “Competition has to take care of re-investment in the sector as well as shareholder value.” Orange Kenya CEO Mickael Ghossein said on Monday that the future of the industry’s profitability appears grim should the current price wars be allowed to prevail. “There has not been largely significant increase in the traffic across networks that would indicate that the low pricing model offered by the competition has resulted in massive recruitments. In any case, cannibalisation of another player’s market share cannot be considered as industry growth,” Mr Ghossein said. “Operators will see little justification in improving call and related quality when profits are falling under assault from Airtel’s strategy. “Improving service quality requires investment in new infrastructure, but with ever-reducing revenues, this will not happen,” warns Mr Peter Wanyonyi, a telecoms analyst. But India’s Bharti Airtel-owned Kenyan subsidiary has defended its decision. On Wed, Jan 19, 2011 at 5:16 PM, Shem Ochuodho <shemochuodho(a)yahoo.com>wrote: > Fyi > > Sorry, I forgot to include the "Nation" site with the full story (for those > who might have missed it):- > http://www.nation.co.ke/business/news/PS%20fears%20mobile%20phone%20price%2… > . > > Happy reading. > Shem > > Shem J. Ochuodho, MSc (Eng), PhD, LLD (Hon) > Senior Advisor > Ministry of Telecom & Postal Services > Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS), Juba > Commonwealth Telecom Organization (CTO/GoSS) 2010 African Internaut Award > Recipient > Kenya Community Abroad (KCA) 2006/07 Excellence Award Winner > AfricaOnline 2005 Industry Pioneer Award Recipient > Father of Internet in Kenya (CSK 2000) > Cell: +249-955-021-040/+256-477-232025/+254-734-137371 > Skype: shem.ochuodho > > > ------------------------------ > *From:* Shem Ochuodho <shemochuodho(a)yahoo.com> > *To:* Leonard Mware <mleonardo(a)yahoo.com>; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>; NVK-Mageuzi Members List < > NVK-Mageuzi(a)yahoogroups.com> > *Cc:* PICTA Kenya-LIst <picta-kenya(a)yahoogroups.com>; NYCIV Group < > nyciv(a)googlegroups.com>; ProgressiveMinds < > ProgressiveMinds(a)yahoogroups.com>; Madaraka Party < > madaraka-kenya(a)yahoogroups.com> > *Sent:* Wed, 19 January, 2011 15:57:28 > *Subject:* [NVK-Mageuzi] Re: MOBILE PRICE WARS COULD DERAIL NEW KATIBA - > JOKE OF THE YEAR (Was Are we letting the PS get away with this too?) > > > > I have always wondered why one of the major mobile companies is treated > with kids-gloves. The current case of SMS price-wars reinforces this > concern. I would have thought that after passing the new katiba with Bill of > Rights embedded (which includes consumer protection), everyone especially > government, would celebrate when Airtel (I hold no brief) lowered SMS > charges to KSh 1. This was even after their earlier push for interconnect > rate to be pegged to KSh 0.2 was rejected, and instead GoK/CCK (with strong > influence from Safaricom) settled on KSh 0.6. While one needs to look at the > maths to know whether 0.2 or 0.6 should have been a more justified rate, > Airtel has done us one more favour: which all Kenyans of goodwill should > support. They have pegged their SMS costs to KSh 1.0, capping ‘other > overheads + profit’ to KSh 0.4. I wouldn’t expect Airtel, a global reputable > company to do this if the fundamentals were not right – unless it was a > fly-by-night company! They confirm what a number of us have worried all > along about: that mobile companies are over-reaping profits, most of which > is repatriated to shareholders out of the country. > > > > My 3 main concerns:- > > > > 1) Why would the same people who rejoiced/indeed occasioned > retrenchment when nearly 18,000 Kenyans were retrenched on privatizing > Telkom Kenya now be so worried about Safaricom retrenching to the extent > that they would deny Kenyans an opportunity to reap the benefits of > competition, innovation and creativity? > > 2) CCK is supposed to be independent. Why should the government (read > Ministry) always interfere in their decisions? > > 3) When we are being told “we’ll lose so much revenue in tax > collection”, why aren’t we in the same vein being told “but in the process, > we’ll reduce capital flight by way of (foreign) investment repatriation by > so much”, and even more importantly that “through lower phone tariffs, > Kenyan consumers will have saved so much/economy will have grown by so much > as a result of cheaper phone costs.”? > > > > Indeed some of the observations herein rooting against lower SMS costs > remind me of my earlier (pupilage) days at the then KP&TC. For a while, a > number of us advocated ‘lower costs, higher volumes’ (something that lately > has become better known as ‘bottom billion’). The same way that it was > dismissed then appears to me as the same way the ‘mobile price wars’ are > being dismissed now by some. Haven’t Equity and Safaricom itself (actually, > mobile companies) proven over time that this works? > > > > To be honest, every time I am home I shudder about using Safaricom. For > voice, I long stopped using my Safaricom number except to receive – heko to > Airtel, Yu and others. For Internet, even when I do bundles, Safaricom is > still VERY expensive. Instead of government helping (as demanded by the > constitution), they are helping to keep the prices up. In the end who really > benefits? Certainly not the consumer/ordinary Kenyan! If this approach has > worked for Airtel in India (is the population nearly a billion?), why not > for Kenya? > > > > Best rgrds, > > Shem > > > ------------------------------ > *From:* Leonard Mware <mleonardo(a)yahoo.com> > *To:* shemochuodho(a)yahoo.com > *Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > *Sent:* Wed, 19 January, 2011 14:33:22 > *Subject:* Re: [kictanet] Are we letting the PS get away with this too? > > > Listers, > > Two issues are emerging: > > 1. Operators not able to 'recoup' investment hence possible layoffs, stock > market problems etc > 2. Taxman losses > > First, let’s imagine tomorrow the minimum charges are set to 2/- and Airtel > moves up. Assume I am a new entrant in the market with > cheaper-easy-to-deploy technology. Bear in mind that technology is evolving > fast and new multiplexing and radio wave propagation techniques are also > advancing. If my technology allows me to set up a GSM network and I can > confidently 'recoup' my investment at 0.5/- why should I be forced to charge > 2/-? > > My view is that such a scenario will give rise to a government created > cartel that will stifle competition, innovation and advancement. > > Secondly, who is going to set the base rate? Government? I wait to see how > the government can juggle the mathematics of coming up with ‘recouping > period’ and satisfy taxman, investors in stock market and operators at same > time. > > The only option, in my view, is for the government to think of higher > taxation because that’s where they have leverage and the leave the fight on > tariff to operators and market place. The other option is for the government > to set up its own National Mobile Operator (NMO) in the line of National Oil > Corporation of Kenya (NOCK) to help stabilize market ;) > > As for stock market; ups and downs are part of the game.. it is called in > Kiswahili playing *kamari and *any investor should know what happens in a > casino! > > BTW, is there a documented precedence in any developing country? > > Leonard > > > > --- On *Wed, 1/19/11, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke>* wrote: > > > From: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Are we letting the PS get away with this too? > To: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com > Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Date: Wednesday, January 19, 2011, 12:43 PM > > Liko, > In developed Markets where both data and voice have matured, you can > afford drastic fall in price. When you get reports from the public, one > must always be cautious. Take for example when someone reports that there > is a likelihood of cross subsidy which can potentially affect the market. > Should we be locking ourselves in the room and pray that nothing happens? > > It is therefore not abnormal for the Government to be cautious especially > when the public writes to complain of a similar situation elsewhere. We > have not faulted any operator but it is our responsibility to ensure that > there is fair play. > > Imagine a situation where all the operators report losses at the end of > the year. You will begin to see retrenchments, the stock market fall > would trigger a rise both with the exchange rate and the interest rates > effectively the consumer will end up paying somehow. I will not be > suprised that it will be this same forum that will ask what the Government > was doing to let things get this worse. > > Therefore, it does not matter whether you you cricise the Government now > or later. Either way we face the criticism. > > Ndemo. > > > > > > Guys. > > > > How about we just let the prices go down till the govt has to set > > prices ? Or till the Govt supports MNO's (like posta and telkom for a > > loooooong time) > > > > Seriously, the same peeps who were complaining about call costs 3 > > years are worried about the telcos collapsing. > > > > This is the same language we heard when ISP's we asked to reduce > > bandwidth prices ... > > > > Unsustainable :) > > > > > > > > > > > > On 1/18/11, John Kieti <jkieti(a)gmail.com<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jkieti@gmail.com>> > wrote: > >> Hi Walu and other esteemed Kenyans, > >> > >> This debate is interesting. As mentioned earlier by someone, the debate > >> would be more enlightening if the cost structure of these MNOs had been > >> in > >> the public domain. But all is not lost; there are some basic parameters > >> already in the public domain ie. (1) Safaricom's dominant position of > >> about > >> 77% market share and (2) Airtel's low price strategy including their 1 > >> bob > >> on-net offer in an attempt to eat into Safaricom's market share. It > >> appears > >> a little premature then to raise a concern of Anti-Trust against a > >> non-dominant player, when they have not even achieved a half of the > >> dominant > >> player's market share. > >> > >> The current cost structure and profit margins for voice, SMS and all > >> other > >> product offerings is what we really need to understand before going into > >> any > >> conclusion on long term sustainability. It seems easy to see that brand > >> loyalty and patriotic sentiments are strong everywhere this debate comes > >> up > >> but it might also help to see these harder facts. > >> > >> Lastly, in today's dynamic economic environment, one has to either > >> innovate > >> or die - and our dear Safaricom has demonstrated substantial competence > >> on > >> this. It then appears that innovation is what will sustain growth of the > >> industry - really not regulation and protectionism. > >> > >> Best regards > >> > >> On Tue, Jan 18, 2011 at 6:09 PM, Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jwalu@yahoo.com>> > wrote: > >> > >>> Harry, tough questions you have and the answers may most likely > >>> neutralize > >>> my argument. But the bigger point is/was that certain type of > >>> competitive > >>> tactics can be counterproductive when looked at from a Macro > >>> perspective. > >>> Yes, you (Airtel) wins todays battle, but someone bigger than Safcom > >>> will > >>> lose the war. > >>> > >>> With the Microsoft Case- European Courts ruled that their tactic was > >>> anti-competitive and they were forced to seperate their Browser from > >>> their > >>> OS, rather than sell as a bundle. But I think it was a case of too > >>> little > >>> too late. Did internet numbers go down? probably not since Internet > >>> numbers > >>> do depend on more factors other than just Browsers. > >>> > >>> But for the mobile industry, their growth and expanse does depend on > >>> revenues. I can forcasts that VOICE Revenue generated from all players > >>> might > >>> be the same as last year because the voice industry may not grow - it > >>> will > >>> simply be shared out.. And after the price-wars are over and an > >>> equilibrium > >>> is established (maybe Airtel 50% others 50%) it will dawn on everyone > >>> that > >>> they incoming revenue streams is insufficient to deliver expansion or > >>> extend > >>> the services outside their current levels. > >>> > >>> walu. > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> --- On *Tue, 1/18/11, Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=harry@africanedevelopment.org> > >* > >>> wrote: > >>> > >>> > >>> From: Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=harry@africanedevelopment.org> > > > >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Are we letting the PS get away > >>> with > >>> this too? > >>> To: "Walubengo J" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jwalu@yahoo.com> > > > >>> > >>> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> > > > >>> Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 5:22 PM > >>> > >>> Walu good analogy with Netscape and MS IE. However > >>> > >>> 1. Did the Internet die with the death of Netscape? > >>> 2. Did the Internet numbers stay constant with the death of > >>> Netscape? > >>> 3. Did Microsoft marketshare drop? > >>> 4. Did innovation on the internet stop? > >>> > >>> Guys, let get real, this is business…natural selection comes into play. > >>> > >>> Kindest Regards > >>> > >>> Harry Hare > >>> Director > >>> * > >>> eDevelopment House : : 604 Limuru Road > >>> * Old Muthaiga : : P O Box 49475 00100 > >>> Nairobi : : Kenya > >>> T +254 20 3741646/7 : : C +254 725 650044 > >>> > >>> Training : : Research: :Consultancy: : Publishing > >>> > >>> From: John Walubengo > >>> <jwalu(a)yahoo.com<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jwalu@yahoo.com> > <http://mc/compose?to=jwalu@yahoo.com> > >>> > > >>> Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:35:58 -0800 (PST) > >>> To: Harry Hare > >>> <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=harry@africanedevelopment.org> > <http://mc/compose?to=harry@africanedevelopment.org> > >>> > > >>> > >>> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > >>> <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> > <http://mc/compose?to=kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >>> > > >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Are we letting the PS get away > >>> with > >>> this too? > >>> > >>> Here are my thoughts. > >>> > >>> The PS is right about predatory pricing never aimed at growing the > >>> Industry. For those who were "alive" at the beginning of the > >>> web-browser > >>> wars in early 1990s. Netscape was King. Then Microsoft came in and gave > >>> away > >>> its product Internet Explorer(IE) - for free. Everyone was happy - > >>> until > >>> they realized they were paying for the Microsoft IE through other means > >>> (by > >>> buying for the OS for example). But by then Netscape as a competitor > >>> was > >>> as > >>> dead as the Dodo. Microsoft Mission accomplished. > >>> > >>> Folks, Airtel is not here because they love giving free things. I am > >>> not > >>> privy to their Strategy but it can be read by anyone. Their aim is not > >>> to > >>> grow/extend the Service, but rather to eat Safaricom's lunch. At a > >>> consumer > >>> level, nothing really wrong with that and infact it is Christmas time > >>> for > >>> consumers. BUT at a national level, what you have is that the > >>> 20million > >>> subscribers you currently have in the country, will remain 20million > >>> subscriber five years later. Only that half of them will be sitting on > >>> Airtel's network and the other half will be with "Others". Net growth > >>> for > >>> Kenya? =ZERO > >>> > >>> Airtel's strategy wont kill the mobile industry, but believe you me, it > >>> will stiffle its growth in the long run, because the returns to the > >>> investors will not be sufficient to sustain operations, let alone > >>> extend > >>> the > >>> network or pay for innovation. > >>> > >>> That said, as a consumer, Airtel's offer is truly irresistible and > >>> worth > >>> considering. But as a scholar, I do know, and agree that it is not > >>> good > >>> for > >>> the industry in the long run. > >>> > >>> walu. > >>> > >>> > >>> --- On *Tue, 1/18/11, Odhiambo Washington > >>> <odhiambo(a)gmail.com<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=odhiambo@gmail.com> > <http://mc/compose?to=odhiambo@gmail.com> > >>> >* wrote: > >>> > >>> > >>> From: Odhiambo Washington > >>> <odhiambo(a)gmail.com<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=odhiambo@gmail.com> > <http://mc/compose?to=odhiambo@gmail.com> > >>> > > >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Are we letting the PS get away > >>> with > >>> this too? > >>> To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jwalu@yahoo.com>< > http://mc/compose?to=jwalu@yahoo.com> > >>> > >>> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" > >>> <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> > <http://mc/compose?to=kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >>> > > >>> Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 1:22 PM > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> On Tue, Jan 18, 2011 at 1:18 PM, Barrack Otieno > >>> <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com<http://us.mc1619.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=otieno.barrack@gmail.com> > >wrote: > >>> > >>> You have a point Brainiac, there are many factors in your argument > >>> which > >>> need to be tackled and as such we may need expert opinion on some > >>> issues, > >>> a > >>> corporate entity is treated as a person and as the saying goes one > >>> mans > >>> meat is another mans poison, what are the implications of certain moves > >>> on > >>> new market entrants? How will the other Telcos survive in the market?, > >>> this > >>> is where regulation comes in to ensure a piece of cake for everyone. > >>> > >>> > >>> Before making this debate so complicated, is Airtel's move interpreted > >>> as > >>> a > >>> means towards crippling the mobile industry? > >>> Why is this position not being applied on the Internet Service > >>> Provision > >>> industry then? We always heard promises of "prices will come down" but > >>> when > >>> they do now, the govt is gonna lose revenue? Puleease! > >>> > >>> -- > >>> Best regards, > >>> Odhiambo WASHINGTON, > >>> Nairobi,KE > >>> +254733744121/+254722743223 > >>> _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ > >>> Damn!! > >>> > >>> > >>> -----Inline Attachment Follows----- > >>> > >>> _______________________________________________ > >>> > >>> > >> > >> > >> -- > >> My Blog - www.gmeltdown.com > >> ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' > >> Keep on doing what you know is right ... > >> > > > > -- > > > > > __._,_.___ > Reply to sender<shemochuodho@yahoo.com?subject=Re%3A%20MOBILE%20PRICE%20WARS%20COULD%20DERAIL%20NEW%20KATIBA%20-%20JOKE%20OF%20THE%20YEAR%20%28Was%20Are%20we%20letting%20the%20PS%20get%20away%20with%20this%20too%3F%29>| Reply > to group<NVK-Mageuzi@yahoogroups.com?subject=Re%3A%20MOBILE%20PRICE%20WARS%20COULD%20DERAIL%20NEW%20KATIBA%20-%20JOKE%20OF%20THE%20YEAR%20%28Was%20Are%20we%20letting%20the%20PS%20get%20away%20with%20this%20too%3F%29>| Reply > via web post<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NVK-Mageuzi/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJxcmtpZmtnBF9TAzk…>| Start > a New Topic<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NVK-Mageuzi/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJmOTF0cjg5BF9TAzk…> > Messages in this topic<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NVK-Mageuzi/message/4483;_ylc=X3oDMTM1cm5tZnZ…>( > 1) > Recent Activity: > > - New Members<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NVK-Mageuzi/members;_ylc=X3oDMTJndG9wOXI3BF9T…> > 14 > > Visit Your Group<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NVK-Mageuzi;_ylc=X3oDMTJmcHQ1aW9yBF9TAzk3MzU5…> > [image: Yahoo! Groups]<http://groups.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTJlbWgxMmllBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzMyN…> > Switch to: Text-Only<NVK-Mageuzi-traditional@yahoogroups.com?subject=Change%20Delivery%20Format:%20Traditional>, > Daily Digest<NVK-Mageuzi-digest@yahoogroups.com?subject=Email%20Delivery:%20Digest>• > Unsubscribe <NVK-Mageuzi-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com?subject=Unsubscribe>• Terms > of Use <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> > . > > __,_._,___ > > > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > -- Barrack O. Otieno Afriregister Ltd (Kenya) www.afrire <http://www.afriregister.com>gister.bi, www.afriregister.com<http://www.afriergister.com> <http://www.afriregister.com>ICANN accredited registrar +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno

4 4

Are we letting the PS get away with this too?
by [Brainiac] 23 Jan '11

23 Jan '11

I seriously hope that this http://bit.ly/famTA5 is just some fanatical reporting at Nation Media (would not be shocked) but if so, if these words came out of your mouth bwana PS, THAT THE PRICE WARS IN THE MOBILE INDUSTRY MIGHT DERAIL THE NEW CONSTITUTION. Are you for Real? Is that not cartel behaviour right there? So now what, are you going to "adjust" the lowest interconnection fees upwards to normalize all this? so that what? Safaricom can make more money? Playing on the public with FUD now? what happened to market forces? who would run their company to a grind just to offer the cheapest? Revenue collection? how about we first spend PRUDENTLY what we collect? how about ALL of us pay taxes for starters? and why not just LOWER taxes and increase the tax bracket? I have never been disappointed like i have on reading this. If it looks like Impunity, Smells like Impunity , guess what it is....

7 9

Safaricom Bonga Points Merchandise
by Odhiambo Washington 21 Jan '11

21 Jan '11

Safaricom has done quite some revisions on their tariffs and data bundles but their Bonga points redemption matrix remains unchanged ever since. I have been hoping (and praying) that they can at least revise the merchandise, given that even some of those they list are not anymore in the market (I may be wrong!) but with prices always depreciating, is it not logical that Safaricom put some revision into this loyalty program?? Can Safaricom also make the point system a little bit realistic when compared to the merchandise?? I know they are not under any obligation but I sure can be motivated to "talk more" within "Niko Na.." with the hope that kupiga mdomo kwangu heunda ikanifaidisha vikubwa:-) Maybe they should include the Huawei IDEOS as one of the merchandise;) -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Damn!!

1 0

Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Fwd: CCK PRESS RELEASE ON AIRTEL'S PROMOTIONAL TARIFF - FEELANGA FREE
by Odhiambo Washington 21 Jan '11

21 Jan '11

On Fri, Jan 21, 2011 at 10:25 AM, Larry Madowo <lmadowo(a)ke.nationmedia.com>wrote: > This might interest some of you > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Alwala, Rachel > Date: Thu, Jan 20, 2011 at 7:23 PM > Subject: CCK PRESS RELEASE ON AIRTEL'S PROMOTIONAL TARIFF - FEELANGA FREE > > Cc: CPR team <CPRteam(a)cck.go.ke> > > > *PRESS RELEASE * > *[image: > cid:image001.jpg@01CBAE80.383363D0]* > > > > > > 20th January 2011 > > * * > > *STATEMENT FROM CCK ON AIRTEL’S PROMOTIONAL TARIFF – FEELANGA FREE * > > * * > > The Communications Commission of Kenya issued an Interconnection > Determination for termination rates of both voice and Short Message Services > (SMS), on 16th July 2010 and 1st January 2011, respectively, following the > telecommunication network cost study undertaken by Analysys Mason on behalf > of the Commission. > > > > The Commission expected that the reduction of Interconnection termination > rates would influence reduction in retail tariffs and consequently generate > more competition in the market. Subsequently there has been considerable > reduction of retail tariffs both for voice services and SMS, which has > resulted in a significant increase in minutes of use on the GSM networks in > the country. This is an indication of positive market response to the > changes in prices. > > > > Airtel Networks Kenya Limited, recently launched an offer in the market > under the name, *feelanga free, *costing the on-net calls at a retail > price of Ksh. 1 per minute from 6am to 6pm. Based on the information availed > at the launch, the public has perceived it as a permanent tariff. Further, > the Commission has received a complaint filed by one of the GSM Network > operators that it is not clear whether *feelanga free* is a promotion or > permanent tariff. Upon enquiry by the Commission, Airtel Networks Kenya > Limited has since clarified that *feelanga free *is a promotional tariff, > w.e.f, 13th January 2011. The Commission has further instructed Airtel > Networks Kenya Limited, to comply with the promotional guidelines as > provided in the Kenya Information and Communications (Tariff) Regulation, > 2010. > > > > The Commission also wishes to emphasize that network operators are free to > adopt business models that suit them. Matters of cost structures and > profitability are therefore left for the determination of individual > operators. The mandate of the Commission is purely guided by the Sector > Legislation and Regulations in force. > > > > Issued by: > > > > *Charles. J. K. Njoroge* > > *Director General * > > *Communications Commission of Kenya * > > *PO Box 14448* > > *Nairobi 00800* > > *Tel: 4242000* > > *Fax: 4451866* > > *Email: info(a)cck.go.ke* > > * > <info(a)cck.go.ke>* > I wonder what the promotional guidelines say. I don't have time to read the documents that spells those. Anyone? That sentence says it all though. If the business model suits Airtel, I wonder why anyone outside the Airtel conglomerate is complaining. Isn't it the same "*pilipili usioila...*"? I still feel the PSs statements were biased towards a certain player, and the issue of the constitution was the smoke screen used! -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Damn!!

5 6

Lowering of Mobile Charges
by waudo siganga 20 Jan '11

20 Jan '11

Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

2 1

Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Are we letting the PS get away with this too?
by Walubengo J 20 Jan '11

20 Jan '11

Harry, tough questions you have and the answers may most likely neutralize my argument. But the bigger point is/was that certain type of competitive tactics can be counterproductive when looked at from a Macro perspective. Yes, you (Airtel) wins todays battle, but someone bigger than Safcom will lose the war. With the Microsoft Case- European Courts ruled that their tactic was anti-competitive and they were forced to seperate their Browser from their OS, rather than sell as a bundle. But I think it was a case of too little too late. Did internet numbers go down? probably not since Internet numbers do depend on more factors other than just Browsers. But for the mobile industry, their growth and expanse does depend on revenues. I can forcasts that VOICE Revenue generated from all players might be the same as last year because the voice industry may not grow - it will simply be shared out.. And after the price-wars are over and an equilibrium is established (maybe Airtel 50% others 50%) it will dawn on everyone that they incoming revenue streams is insufficient to deliver expansion or extend the services outside their current levels. walu. --- On Tue, 1/18/11, Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> wrote: From: Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Are we letting the PS get away with this too? To: "Walubengo J" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 5:22 PM Walu good analogy with Netscape and MS IE. HoweverDid the Internet die with the death of Netscape? Did the Internet numbers stay constant with the death of Netscape?Did Microsoft marketshare drop?Did innovation on the internet stop?Guys, let get real, this is business…natural selection comes into play. Kindest Regards Harry HareDirectoreDevelopment House : : 604 Limuru Road Old Muthaiga : : P O Box 49475 00100 Nairobi : : Kenya T +254 20 3741646/7 : : C +254 725 650044 Training : : Research: :Consultancy: : Publishing From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:35:58 -0800 (PST) To: Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Are we letting the PS get away with this too? Here are my thoughts. The PS is right about predatory pricing never aimed at growing the Industry. For those who were "alive" at the beginning of the web-browser wars in early 1990s. Netscape was King. Then Microsoft came in and gave away its product Internet Explorer(IE) - for free. Everyone was happy - until they realized they were paying for the Microsoft IE through other means (by buying for the OS for example). But by then Netscape as a competitor was as dead as the Dodo. Microsoft Mission accomplished. Folks, Airtel is not here because they love giving free things. I am not privy to their Strategy but it can be read by anyone. Their aim is not to grow/extend the Service, but rather to eat Safaricom's lunch. At a consumer level, nothing really wrong with that and infact it is Christmas time for consumers. BUT at a national level, what you have is that the 20million subscribers you currently have in the country, will remain 20million subscriber five years later. Only that half of them will be sitting on Airtel's network and the other half will be with "Others". Net growth for Kenya? =ZERO Airtel's strategy wont kill the mobile industry, but believe you me, it will stiffle its growth in the long run, because the returns to the investors will not be sufficient to sustain operations, let alone extend the network or pay for innovation. That said, as a consumer, Airtel's offer is truly irresistible and worth considering. But as a scholar, I do know, and agree that it is not good for the industry in the long run. walu. --- On Tue, 1/18/11, Odhiambo Washington <odhiambo(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: Odhiambo Washington <odhiambo(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Are we letting the PS get away with this too? To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 1:22 PM On Tue, Jan 18, 2011 at 1:18 PM, Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> wrote: You have a point Brainiac, there are many factors in your argument which need to be tackled and as such we may need expert opinion on some issues, a corporate entity is treated as a person and as the saying goes one mans meat is another mans poison, what are the implications of certain moves on new market entrants? How will the other Telcos survive in the market?, this is where regulation comes in to ensure a piece of cake for everyone. Before making this debate so complicated, is Airtel's move interpreted as a means towards crippling the mobile industry?Why is this position not being applied on the Internet Service Provision industry then? We always heard promises of "prices will come down" but when they do now, the govt is gonna lose revenue? Puleease! -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Damn!! -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: jwalu(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: harry(a)africanedevelopment.org Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/harry%40africanedevelo…

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Fwd: [ISOC] Global Internet Community Leader Joins Internet Society as VP for Public Policy
by McTim 20 Jan '11

20 Jan '11

FYI: GLOBAL INTERNET COMMUNITY LEADER JOINS INTERNET SOCIETY AS VP FOR PUBLIC POLICY Markus Kummer takes on leadership role for global, regional and national Internet issues GENEVA, SWITZERLAND and RESTON, VIRGINIA, USA - 19 January 2011 - An internationally recognized leader in a broad range of Internet policy issues will join the Internet Society as head of its public policy department. As the Internet Society's Vice President of Public Policy, Markus Kummer will advance key Internet Society policy positions on issues such as privacy, cybersecurity, and network neutrality. Most recently the Executive Coordinator of the Secretariat supporting the United Nations' Internet Governance Forum, Kummer has extensive experience with Internet policy at the global, regional, and national levels. "Markus' broad experience with and deep understanding of the key policy issues facing the Internet will help ensure the Internet Society has an even greater impact on issues critical to the Internet's continued evolution as an open platform for innovation and economic development," said Lynn St.Amour, the Internet Society's President and CEO. Before joining the United Nations in 2004, Kummer held the position of eEnvoy for the Swiss Foreign Ministry in Berne. Mr. Kummer was a member of the Swiss delegation during the first phase of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) where he chaired several negotiating groups, including the group on Internet governance. He went on to serve as the Executive Coordinator of the WSIS Working Group on Internet Governance from 2004 to 2005. Before his involvement with the WSIS, he served as a career diplomat in several functions in the Swiss Foreign Ministry and was posted in Lisbon, Vienna, Oslo, Geneva, and Ankara. "In joining the Internet Society, I look forward to advancing the multistakeholder approach to policy that has been so central to the Internet's development and is even more critical to its future," said Markus Kummer, who will officially take up his position on 1 February 2011. "With its technical roots, the Internet Society is already established as a uniquely credible leader on policy issues, and a key contributor to policy discussions at the national, regional, and global levels." The Internet Society is the world's trusted independent source of leadership on Internet issues. The Internet Society works with its tens of thousands of Members and nearly 100 Chapters around the world to promote the continued evolution and growth of the open global Internet. About the Internet Society The Internet Society is a non-profit organisation founded in 1992 to provide leadership in Internet-related standards, education, and policy. It is dedicated to ensuring the open development, evolution and use of the Internet for the benefit of people throughout the world. See: www.internetsociety.org Contact Greg Wood wood(a)isoc.org +1-703-439-2145 _______________________________________________ To manage your ISOC subscriptions or unsubscribe, please log into the ISOC Member Portal: https://portal.isoc.org/ Then choose Interests & Subscriptions from the My Account menu. -- Cheers, McTim "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel

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Fw: Police Website Hacking
by Matunda Nyanchama 19 Jan '11

19 Jan '11

Friends, On the recent hacking of the Kenya Police website, here is what I posted on the Security List <security(a)lists.my.co.ke>,although for some reason it hasn't shown up on the list. ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Matunda Nyanchama <mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com> To: Security List <security(a)lists.my.co.ke> Sent: Wed, January 19, 2011 7:21:18 AM Subject: Police Website Hacking Friends, I think this is a great opportunity for information protection professionals to step up and help government better protect its information assets. Remember: this government is much our own as it is of those that make decisions. Out here Canada, some people are pointing at me saying: what security professional can't step up to reduce the embarrassment and (possible) espionage when their government sites are hacked! But conversation must a 2-way process and needs to happen us professionals and those in government. We could help in this respect: * Do a current state assessment, including understanding what damage has been caused so far and what be happening "under the hood". The hack is what became public. We don't know what else may be happening. I can bet that government servers are possibly on some international botnet rings where hackers (including spies - here is an example) may be collecting GoK information. The proposed assessment would look at everything from people to processes to technology and how these have been structured to protect government information assets. * Future state design: this is where the government security management would wish to be in the future * Gap analysis: what those gaps are and what are the priorities between current state and future state of security in government. My guess is that there are major gaps in skills (technical and management); technology may be there but is poorly deployed and managed (caring and feeding, e.g. monitoring, patching, etc.); processes may be poorly designed and implemented: .... * Roadmap to secure state: based on priorities we would design for them a master security plan to follow, including strategy, a proper security organization staffed with people with right skills and requisite mandate; technology infrastructure deployment and processes for managing things: people, processes and technology + associated accountabilities. I hope they take this offer, if they haven't started working on it already. Over to you! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matunda Nyanchama, mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com Agano Consulting Inc.; www.aganoconsulting.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.”- George Bernard Shaw ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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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Part- Time I.T Tutor needed
by linus wahome 19 Jan '11

19 Jan '11

Dear All Webzzz Tuition Centre is an academic Institution offering tuition services in all subjects. We are looking for a part time tutor who has a good understanding in the field of Information Technology. If Interested forward to wahomelinus(a)gmail.com -- *Linus Wahome I.T Consultant and Trainer Webzz Tuition Centre, Mugoiri Rd, Kileleshwa +254 720 71 22 33 www.webzz.co.ke*

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Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Are we letting the PS get away with this too?
by toby＠law-democracy.org 19 Jan '11

19 Jan '11

Hi all, Let me start by thanking Grace Githaiga (GG) for inviting me to this group. Then let me introduce myself. For those who don't know me (most of you, I guess), I am an international lawyer specialising in freedom of expression and access to information. I ran the Law Programme at ARTICLE 19 for nearly 13 years, and recently started a new NGO, the Centre for Law and Democracy (www.law-democracy.org) which focuses on foundational rights for democracy (right to participate, freedom of expression, rights to assembly and association, right to information). We specialise in providing legal and policy advice in these areas. I will restrict myself to some general comments on the debate below, because I don't really know enough about the details to make more specific comments. The US has historically been very strong on regulating against abuse of market dominance (anti-trust, promoting competition), if less vigilant in protecting consumer interests. Thus, when Microsoft started to engage in questionable competitive practices, the US government did step in and contain them. Given the global nature of this particular type of product, it may be enough for a major player like the US to take them on. When the space opens up for alternatives, like Firefox, everyone can benefit. But it was difficult even for the well-resourced US government to take on Microsoft. Looking to more national-type markets, especially in mid-size to smaller countries, it is often difficult for governments to control the anti-competitive behaviour of large international players and sometimes even national players. I have seen this is rather stark relief in some very small countries (eg the Maldives). I say this essentially being a believer in the benefits of competition, but only if subject to public interest regulation. So the questions I would be asking in relation to the below (without knowing the context) is whether these developments represent a legitimate opening up of competition and whether, in case this is needed, the government has the power/political will to take on abusive practices. I look forward to debate on the media council bill, which I understand will be the main topic of this group. Is a draft available? Toby ___________________________________ Toby Mendel Centre for Law and Democracy toby(a)law-democracy.org Tel: +1 902 431-3688 Fax: +1 902 431-3689 www.law-democracy.org

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ADVERT - 11 MONTHS UNLIMITED INTERNET @ kes 499 PER MONTH by yu
by Preston Odera 19 Jan '11

19 Jan '11

Dear Listers In todays Nation 18th January 2011 page 25 there is an Advert buy YU indicating 11 months unlimited internet @kes 499 per month + 1 month free internet when you buy the 3G compatible yu data modem for only Kes 2,599. My thought was that this could be a good offer. I nearly rushed to buy by decided to call first. I got a rude shock that it was only the 1 month free internet which was unlimited. That the Kes 499 was for 2GB and that this was contained in the small writing of the advert which was at the bottom " Fair usage policy applied" Terms and conditions apply. I cannot pretend to be a lawyer to interpret this. Listers from this advert what would be your opinion? See attached. CCK or PS what are your comments. Preston

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Another Price War
by Matunda Nyanchama 18 Jan '11

18 Jan '11

Now it is NOT the smaller guy going after the big ones. Are we going to stop this? BTW: how about the other side of the price war? Don't do we today have more people affording to call than was the case before prices came down? What would be the cumulative economic benefit of all these people that have access that they didn't? ----------------- > Price wars hit the airline industry with Fly540 undercutting Kenya Airways' >fares. Fly540 has slashed its fares on the Nairobi-Mombasa route by 30%, setting >the stage for renewed price wars as airlines seek to defend their market share. >Mombasa is one of the busiest routes in the domestic market because of tourists >and business travelers. Its new fare for the route is KES 6,540 from KES 9,540 >for a return ticket; the cheapest airline on the route. Kenya Airways (KQ) >charges KES 7,999.Airlines cashed in on the route during the December high >season. However, with the sector recording low travel numbers in January, >airlines will have to rethink their strategies to grow revenue. Fly540's move is >set to trigger a renewed pricing war in the airline sector similar to that of >the mobile telephony firms: Bharti Airtel and Safaricom. In December, KQ >increased its daily flights on the route to 14 from 10, which helped grow its >passenger numbers by 35% in December and KQ is planning to introduce bigger >planes such as Boeing 737-300 and Embraer 170s on the route. The ongoing price >battle will dent earnings of airlines, especially those that fly in fewer >regions; hence KQ is unlikely to feel the effect as the domestic market accounts >for only 4% of its revenue. KQ rivals (who in recent months have been >diversifying to the eastern Africa region) generate a significant share of their >revenues from the Nairobi—Mombasa route. Fly540, for instance, has been busy on >the expansion trail as it seeks to reduce its reliance on the Mombasa route and >now covers more than 12 destinations in Kenya and has moved to Bujumbura, >Entebbe and Dar es Salaam. Kenya is targeting KES 100bn (USD 1.25bn) from >tourism this year after surpassing the peak 2007 season in the eight months to >August—raising the business outlook for airlines flying to tourist destinations >like Maasai Mara, Mombasa and Malindi. (Sources: Daily Nation; African Alliance >Research) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matunda Nyanchama, mnyanchama(a)aganoconsulting.com Agano Consulting Inc.; www.aganoconsulting.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.”- George Bernard Shaw ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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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Fwd: Are we letting the PS get away with this too?
by Odhiambo Washington 18 Jan '11

18 Jan '11

Forwarded on behalf of Harry Hare: - From: Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:22:31 +0300 To: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Are we letting the PS get away with this too? Walu good analogy with Netscape and MS IE. However 1. Did the Internet die with the death of Netscape? 2. Did the Internet numbers stay constant with the death of Netscape? 3. Did Microsoft marketshare drop? 4. Did innovation on the internet stop? Guys, let get real, this is business…natural selection comes into play. Kindest Regards Harry Hare Director * eDevelopment House : : 604 Limuru Road * Old Muthaiga : : P O Box 49475 00100 Nairobi : : Kenya T +254 20 3741646/7 : : C +254 725 650044 Training : : Research: :Consultancy: : Publishing * * -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Damn!!

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Are we letting the PS get away with this too?
by Sam Aguyo 18 Jan '11

18 Jan '11

Hello Folks, There is never a free lunch. One contributor on this list had once indicated that it would be necessary to publish the cost structure of a call by the mobile suppliers. We may be happy to eat the subsidised lunch today but pay dearly when the other food vendors are out of business. The publishing of the cost structure would make informed debates in forums like this. Sam

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KWS CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING EVENT
by Kevin 18 Jan '11

18 Jan '11

Dear Listers, Kenya Wildlife Service is organizing a major Corporate Team building event at one of the most beautiful scenic landscape in the world, Hell's Gate National Park in Naivasha on 10th and 11th June 2011 at the annual *To Hell's Gate on a Wheelbarrow* event. This is a breather opportunity for corporate organizations to re-energize and re-focus for the next half year. Hence KWS has organized a 2 night camping event offering the best corporate team building and park experience for corporate organizations' teams of not more than 10 staff per company away from the stress of the work place. The event will also incorporate the *Hell's Gate Live Concert* featuring the best Kenyan Afro-Fusion performers and a tour of the KenGen Geothermal power generating plants at Olkaria. The Corporate team building challenge will involve teams from the hospitality, horticultural, banking, insurance, manufacturing, tourism, IT, parastatals and media industries among many others. KWS will also provide sales and promotions opportunities at the Hell's Gate Corporate Expo Village during the event for all participating organizations to showcase their products and services, register members and network. Our major event partners since inception two years ago include KenGen, Safaricom, Royal Media Services, Orpower, Homegrown, KPLC among many others. We hope you will join us there. You are all welcome, bring your staff teams to compete at the most challenging team building course and support KWS Wildlife Conservation efforts in Naivasha!!! See the attached event proposal and brief. We hope to host you there! Kind regards, Kevin Wanjala | Resource Mobilization Kenya Wildlife Service (K.W.S) ,: KWS HQs | Langata Road | Langata *: P.O. Box 40241 - 00100 | Nairobi ": Mobile 0723 296 138 (: (+254 20) 6000800 | 6002345 ext 2075 7: (+254 20) 607024 (fax) 8: kwanjala(a)kws.go.ke<mailto:kwanjala@kws.go.ke> URL: www.kws.go.ke<http://www.kws.go.ke/<http://webmail.kws.org/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx> >

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