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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Kenya communications (amendment) Bill: Is media overacting?
by Wainaina Mungai 15 Dec '08

15 Dec '08

Kaikai, I propose we focus on the issues below: 1. Section 88 and the fact that the absence of the Presidential ascent wouldn't change anything for atleast the next six months. The suggestion is that media pursues the path of a "futher amendments" Bill that shall be debated separately. There should be no guarantee it will be passed. 2. Content regulation and the fact that it does not threaten freedom of expression. The issues have been clarified here and in other fora. 3. The "Action Plan" of the Media Owners Association and the clauses that indicate their willingness to abuse the power given to them. Put this in context of the powers you want Kenyans to entrust you with. You do not add value to the debate by branding as "media bashers" or hypocrites those of us who have realised with time that absolute power corrupts absolutely even in the media. Regards, Wainaina On 12/16/08, Linus Kaikai <lkaikai(a)ktnkenya.com> wrote: > Dr. Ndemo, > > It is puzzling that throughout your meetings with us we never got to hear of > some of the issues you are now raising on Kictanet like 'Media impunity' and > 'corrupting children minds.' The latter was of course the very same line > used by Mao and later Deng Xiaoping to cut off information flow to the > Chinese masses, and that is having concluded the entire population is made > up of children! There's a great deal of dishonesty around this whole issue. > The contentious clauses in my view are an extension of your ban of live > broadcast on the evening of December 30; a ban that neither worked nor > helped in way in pushing through suspect election results. Bwana PS the > larger picture is the country is walking down a retrogressive path and the > clauses in the Communication Bill are only part of a number of things that > are going wrong especially with politics and governance. Bwana PS sections > of this Bill are not anything you would be proud of 5 years from now. > > For the rest of the media-bashing crowd on Kictanet, yours is the hypocrisy > killing our country. When Moi was president the media and outspoken > diplomats were your heroes. Now they are villains. How convenient! > > About the bill, I am so keen to hear your take on the March 2, 2006 raid on > the Standard and KTN for such are the actions the new bill would make > perfectly legal! > > > Linus > > -----Original Message----- > From: kictanet-bounces+lkaikai=ktnkenya.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > [mailto:kictanet-bounces+lkaikai=ktnkenya.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On > Behalf Of bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > Sent: 14 December 2008 22:04 > To: lkaikai(a)ktnkenya.com > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Subject: Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Kenya > communications(amendment)Bill: Is media overacting? > > Mike, > Thank you for your objective views. You know very well that there are > thousands of youth out there who have patiently waited for this bill to > allow them trade on-line. Now Media calls theirs. > > The outcomes of the Kriegler and Waki would hopefully deal with political > impunity. Who will deal with media impunity? In my view we must push > this Bill to ensure that electronic media does not continue to corrupt our > children's minds. > > Ndemo. > > >> Dr. Ndemo, >> >> I hope that the media note that they are on the wrong path and move to >> change their approach. In hindsight they might realize that the issues at >> hand could have been tackled differently.The media's most recent actions >> only make it more difficult to resolve the very same issues they are >> protesting. >> >> The Nation's editorial perhaps represents the divergence in views between >> the media owners, their supporters and responsible journalists who may >> have >> seen that things are steering in a dangerous direction. As the matter >> drags >> on, various elements will try to take advantage and jump onto the >> bandwagon >> to further certain agendas. It is this catalyst that is worrisome, as >> there >> is the possibility that just as the media issue has somehow been tied to >> economic issues, the media issue could easily be misused by those who have >> little to do with the media. >> >> The country has many volatile problems that should not be exploited, some >> of >> those jumping onto the media bandwagon may be seeking to detract from >> matters facing them, others have personal agendas in mind that can only >> progress if they are disguised as media and economic issues. The media >> hopefully is looking at these issues in a responsible manner, will >> exercise >> diplomacy and engage the Government in a civil way as the best way to >> resolve the impasse. There are many Kenyans suffering today from matters >> not >> within their control, it is a dangerous thing for the media to act in a >> way >> that could easily stir these masses to non-civil action as measures are >> being taken to alleviate these problems. The media has a corporate >> responsibility in ensuring that it exhausts all civil means of ensuring >> the >> matters are resolved. >> >> It is encouraging to know that the Government is open for discussion, but >> there is only so much that the Government can do on legislative matters. >> The >> Government can draft, prepare and adjust laws but it cannot pass the same >> in >> parliament. The media must do more on its own in approaching not just key >> leaders but ultimately the legislators who actually vote to pass the same >> laws. >> >> >> On Sun, Dec 14, 2008 at 5:11 PM, <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> wrote: >> >>> Thanks Theuri, >>> Since Government is open for discussion, diplomacy would yield better >>> results. I have seen their action plan which by the way violates cck >>> licence agreement it is not the best rout to take. Having spent all >>> weekend >>> using public resources (frequencies) to propagate violence, they should >>> at >>> least wait to hear from cck. >>> >>> If you read today's Nation editorial on how to end impunity including >>> media >>> impunity you wonder if they are the same people inciting the public to >>> violence. >>> >>> Ndemo >>> Sent from my BlackBerry(R) >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: "Mike Theuri" <mike.theuri(a)gmail.com> >>> >>> Date: Sun, 14 Dec 2008 13:19:01 >>> To: <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> >>> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Kenya communications >>> (amendment)Bill: Is media overacting? >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke >>> >>> >> >> ---------------------------------------------- >> This message has been scanned for viruses and >> dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is >> believed to be clean. >> --------------------------------------------- >> "easy access to the world" >> >> > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: lkaikai(a)ktnkenya.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/lkaikai%40ktnkenya.com > > > -- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > > > > -- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wainaina%40madeinkenya… > -- Sent from my mobile device --- http://www.bungesms.com TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/bungesms KABISSA.org - http://www.kabissa.org/about/news/member-spotlight-made-kenya-network KAMPALA Workshop presentation - http://m4d.kcl.co.ug/sites/default/files/presentations/BungeSMS_MadeinKenya…

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Kenya communications (amendment)Bill: Is media overacting?
by alice 15 Dec '08

15 Dec '08

Hi David Below are excerpts from the "Action Plan" ........................................ Dear Members Following this morning's meeting find attached today's press release, presented at today's press conference by Vice Chairman Martin Khafafa. The following is our action plan for at least the next week: Our key objectives are: · Ensure the bill is not signed in to law, therefore petition the President in public through media campaigns and formally by presenting the petition · Shape public opinion through a media campaigns on all media and talk shows – create a public debate · Demonstrate this bill is unconstitutional and tramples on Kenyan's hard fought media freedom; freedom of expression and freedom of information ACTION PLAN 1. Press conference – 11^th December 2008 2. Petition the President not to sign the bill in to law – the formal petition is currently being drafted by Hon Paul Muite – PQ/Martin, SK and Linus will follow this up. This petition will be presented to the Prime Minister and Amb Muthaura next week. An appointment with the president will be arranged for key MOA members to present the petition 3. Media Campaign – starting today, we will run, radio, TV and print advertising sensitizing the public why this bill is wrong for Kenya. Key objective is to shape public opinion and educate them on the bill. PQ is spearheading this campaign and will distribute the advert to all members 4. Jamhuri Day – We will cover the event on TV, however we will show a split screen with various scenes of attacks on media e.g Standard raid, Royal Media, etc with scroll messages on the bill and what it portends for media freedom and expression. Conrad of NMG is spearheading this 5. Coverage of MPs and Ministry of Information – media blackout for all MPs who voted for the bill and the Ministry of Information – Joe Odindo will get copy of the Hansard and circulate to members 6. Joint headlines with different editorials – Print media will have a joint headline – Joe, PQ and Wachira will co-ordinate 7. All media houses invite civil society, opinion leaders who support media on this issue to their stations to educate audiences on the bill; organize voting and other promotions for the public to participate in the debate 8. Print media will run an education campaign show history of "political repression" in various articles especially this weekend The above action plan will run until we achieve our objectives, from time to time members will consult and modify campaigns or adjust the plans. All members will be informed of any changes. Feel free to include your input, we need to be united on this issue and speak from one page. Kind regards Sheila MOA Secretary dmakali(a)yahoo.com wrote: > Wich media plan of action? Can anyone state here what is says or publish it please? This is typical strawman propaganda. > If the media doesn't rep the public show me who goes, alice. > > Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device > > -----Original Message----- > From: alice <alice(a)apc.org> > > Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:38:48 > To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Kenya communications (amendment) > Bill: Is media overacting? > > > Dear Dr. Ndemo and all, > > The Media plan of action does indeed amount to some serious offenses, > not least abuse of public resources. Also agree that we need an open > parliament., we can not let the media claim to speak for the public > anymore. > > > best > alice > > > bitange(a)jambo.co.ke wrote: > >> Dear Edith, >> We are uploading the published bill in the next one hour. It will indeed >> help if everybody reads it before they make any comments. I would want >> anybody to point any section in the published ammendment that limits press >> freedom. You participated in most of our early interactions and the >> intent on the broadcast section was very well understood - to introduce >> proper regulatory mechanism. >> >> My friend Kaikai wants me to prove that in the past few days media has >> been propagating violence. Most of you saw their plan of action which >> lawyers tell me amounts to serous offence. >> >> >> Ndemo. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>> It worries me that the masses are taking sides depending on what others >>> say, rather than to read the bill themselves. Is there a "popular version" >>> of the bill for ordinary Kenyans? Can we get a copy of the current bill or >>> be pointed to where the latest version can be downloaded? This information >>> is not necessarily within the public domain. >>> >>> It is high time we do not leave our future in the hands of afew, but let >>> everyone be educated about the issues at hand so they can engage from an >>> informed standpoint - we need an OPEN parliament. We have enough digital >>> tools to allow interaction between parliament and the governed. >>> >>> Edith >>> >>> ________________________________________ >>> From: kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> [kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of >>> alice [alice(a)apc.org] >>> Sent: 14 December 2008 19:40 >>> To: Edith Adera >>> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Kenya communications >>> (amendment) Bill: Is media overacting? >>> >>> David, >>> >>> Perhaps the media could start by reporting accurately. Some of the >>> sections the media find so offensive already exist in the 1998 >>> communications act. So why not present the big full picture to all and >>> especially the public? >>> >>> >>> alice >>> >>> (Views expressed are personal and not a reflection of any of the >>> organizations I am affiliated with) >>> >>> >>> >>> dmakali(a)yahoo.com wrote: >>> >>> >>>> Wainaina >>>> I can't argue against your sources but am certain that stage of black >>>> out for mps hasn't been reached at all. In fact we are meeting tue to >>>> evaluate exactly the import of the passage of that bill and bring every1 >>>> on the same page. >>>> Of course blacking out not just some 25 mps but all is very much a >>>> possible line of action. And for good reason- these mps did not consider >>>> ANY of the changes we proposed. That gang approach doesn't lend itself >>>> to decent engagement frm the media. They have abused their power and >>>> ignored our views, not reasonably but glibly. >>>> I am totally in agrment with thoz who argue the broadcast media needs >>>> regulation, because it is true. I don't even share some defensive views >>>> about ownership held by moa- I see no value in nmg getting more radio or >>>> tv frequencies for eg coz they already have too many, or royal media >>>> having all thoz frequencies. Its simply obscene. But that is a diff >>>> story frm govt getting into micro management of media conent or , the >>>> minister having power to raid and confiscate equipment or occupy or take >>>> over a media house. There was no emergency wen michuki used mercenaries >>>> to raid standard. >>>> Plus the ethical issues being raised about content can and are already >>>> addressed under the media act. The worst thing you want is to invite >>>> govt fiat into content matters. You will rue the day you get a >>>> dictatorial govt. Examples are many. >>>> Similarly, how do you allow the minister to give directions to a >>>> commission that's supposd to be independent? He shud take its advice not >>>> rubber stamp his decisions. And how do you have a commission appointed >>>> solely by the minister without any guidelines? Criteria to follow? >>>> Finally did you see the clause about kbc? Nothing about its roles, and >>>> obligations? Even the principal act is beta! >>>> Well, wainaina and other kictanets, it would be useful to speak to these >>>> issues even as you condemn the media for obviously lopsided reporting >>>> and wailing. >>>> David >>>> >>>> Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: "Wainaina Mungai" <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> >>>> >>>> Date: Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:53:55 >>>> To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com>; KICTAnet ICT Policy >>>> Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >>>> Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] Kenya communications (amendment) Bill: >>>> Is media overacting? >>>> >>>> >>>> David, >>>> >>>> I am very much involved the media and you & I know that it was agreed >>>> that the Action Plan includes a "blackout to..." as well as all the >>>> issues I indicated.The point is clear. I have told the truth relating >>>> to the content of the Action Plan. >>>> >>>> The question of execution is separate. Ndemo having been on K24 is >>>> does not change much but it is not in line with the Action >>>> Plan....meaning, we need to complement K24 for that step. >>>> >>>> Let's be honest in our submissions especially concerning such >>>> revelations. >>>> >>>> Wainaina >>>> >>>> On 12/14/08, dmakali(a)yahoo.com <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>> That's not true. You have obviously exaggerated in trying to put across >>>>> your >>>>> cheap propaganda. Ndemo was on k24 this morning and he was of course >>>>> not >>>>> opposing the bill. Plus, you should ask yourself, who has come out to >>>>> support the bill and not been given airtime. >>>>> Yes, the media is campaigning, but it has not yet agreed or employed >>>>> any of >>>>> the strategies you have listed. Their time is coming. And we don't >>>>> need to >>>>> go to previous regimes to show brutal attacks against the media. The >>>>> worst >>>>> have taken place under the current regime! >>>>> You have more to be grateful than disgusted with the media. Be just a >>>>> little >>>>> more reflective and considerate otherwise your diabolical hatred of the >>>>> media lacks foundation. >>>>> David >>>>> Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device >>>>> >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: "Wainaina Mungai" <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> >>>>> >>>>> Date: Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:08:09 >>>>> To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> >>>>> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >>>>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Kenya communications >>>>> (amendment) >>>>> Bill: Is media overacting? >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> The truth is that the "supporters" you see on TV, hear on radio, read >>>>> in papers are not by accident. The Media Owners Association (MoA) >>>>> crafted a campaign strategy that includes the "media blackout to all >>>>> MPs who supported the Bill and The Ministry of Information & >>>>> Communications". >>>>> >>>>> According to persons privy to the media campaign strategy, we have a >>>>> big problem here and it's about time Kenyans were told the objective >>>>> truth. Unfortunately, the people who own the media houses are >>>>> determined to use every possible means to ensure the Bill is not >>>>> signed. You will not hear a supporter of the Bill being given >>>>> coverage. >>>>> >>>>> Why? >>>>> >>>>> The strategy is clearly not intended to yield an objective result. The >>>>> intention is to shape public opinion even through biased reporting. >>>>> The strategy includes: >>>>> >>>>> 1. Ensure President dioesn't sign the Bill, by publicly petitioning >>>>> him. >>>>> 2. Take advantage of Jamhuri Day to show images of raids conducted by >>>>> previous regimes. >>>>> 3. Run a media campaign that includes 'same headline' in all papers >>>>> and similar headlines on electronic media. >>>>> 4. Shape public opinion through campains and show that the Bill is >>>>> unconstitutional...etc etc >>>>> 5. Blackout all supporters of the Bill, Ministry & only invite civil >>>>> society players who support the interests of the media. Keep watching >>>>> and you'll notice the biased reporting. >>>>> 6. The coverage of the issue in the weekend papers (circulation) is >>>>> also part of the strategy. This will not stop until the President >>>>> yields to the Media's agenda. >>>>> >>>>> The media has the right to petition the President but the problem with >>>>> their campaign is that Media Owners have actually agreed not to cover >>>>> the issue objectively. They have conspired to shape public opinion by >>>>> all possible means including excluding all those who have a different >>>>> opinion. >>>>> >>>>> In doing so, they demonstrate the need for legislative regulation. The >>>>> nation is now at the mercy of the media and the public will only be >>>>> fed with one side of the story. >>>>> >>>>> Over to you. >>>>> Wainaina >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 12/14/08, Kinuthia Muchane <muchanek(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> Habari, >>>>>> Maybe the media is overacting, maybe the the MPs are wrong... But one >>>>>> interesting thing about this issue is the timidity of the MPs, to >>>>>> begin >>>>>> with, in the news all I am hearing are our dear elected >>>>>> representatives >>>>>> vowing their undying support for all sorts of freedom, including that >>>>>> of >>>>>> Press, so my question is, isn't there one, single MP who supported >>>>>> passing of the Bill who can come out in defence of his or her stand? >>>>>> Or >>>>>> is it because they always pander to the Press, they do not want to be >>>>>> seen in 'bad' light . >>>>>> >>>>>> On the other hand, most of us take what we hear on the radio or watch >>>>>> on >>>>>> TV as gospel truth, and the unfortunate fact of life is that the >>>>>> majority of us have no other source of information, or do not seek >>>>>> other >>>>>> avenues of >>>>>> getting information, a fact very well >>>>>> known by members of the so called "Fourth Estate". So when they drench >>>>>> us with "details" about the dangers of the bill's amendment no matter >>>>>> how >>>>>> skewed their >>>>>> opinion is, we will believe them hook, line and sinker! >>>>>> If you ask me, in a country like ours with a very shaky social, >>>>>> political and economic foundation, these merchants of >>>>>> "information" should be very closely and regularly monitored, a Radio >>>>>> Mille Collines can happen here very easily... >>>>>> In any case, ain't all these media 'houses' just commercial >>>>>> enterprises >>>>>> out to make a tidy profit? >>>>>> >>>>>> Kinuthia... >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> ke-internetusers mailing list >>>>>> ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net >>>>>> http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> Sent from my mobile device >>>>> >>>>> --- >>>>> http://www.bungesms.com >>>>> >>>>> TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/bungesms >>>>> >>>>> KABISSA.org - >>>>> http://www.kabissa.org/about/news/member-spotlight-made-kenya-network >>>>> >>>>> KAMPALA Workshop presentation - >>>>> http://m4d.kcl.co.ug/sites/default/files/presentations/BungeSMS_MadeinKenya… >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> kictanet mailing list >>>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>>> >>>>> This message was sent to: dmakali(a)yahoo.com >>>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmakali%40yahoo.com >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: eadera(a)idrc.or.ke >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/eadera%40idrc.or.ke >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke >>> >>> ---------------------------------------------- >>> This message has been scanned for viruses and >>> dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is >>> believed to be clean. >>> --------------------------------------------- >>> "easy access to the world" >>> >>> >>> >>> >> >> ---------------------------------------------- >> This message has been scanned for viruses and >> dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is >> believed to be clean. >> --------------------------------------------- >> "easy access to the world" >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: alice(a)apc.org >> Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alice%40apc.org >> >> >> > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: dmakali(a)yahoo.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmakali%40yahoo.com >

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[Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Ten Guiding Principles for E-civil Service]
by alice 15 Dec '08

15 Dec '08

Very interesting read in view of what is currently going on........ best alice http://egov-india.blogspot.com/ Monday, December 01, 2008 Ten Guiding Principles for E-civil Service <http://egov-india.blogspot.com/2008/12/ten-guiding-principles-for-e-civil.h…> /*Ten Guiding Principles for E-civil Service by D.C.Misra**/ _____________________________________________________________________________________ /*I Introduction*/ Is there anything called e-civil service or electronic civil service? If so, what is it? How does it differ from the traditional civil service? How can it keep pace with technological developments? What role does it have in Government 2.0? Is there any conflict between old conduct rules for the civil servants and the new environment? What role does e-civil service play in the development of e-government? Does it require separate recognition as an entity and support so that it can accelerate the pace of development of e-government worldwide? Questions like these must be asked and replies attempted as they have direct bearing on the future course of development of e-government. /*II E-civil Service*/ There are two primary drivers of e-government: technology vendors and civil service. Technology vendors have succeeded in promoting e-government but to a limited extent. Their limitation is that their promotion of e-government is limited to their own technology. Civil service has also promoted e-government but to a much lesser extent. Its limitations are that it works under a rule-bound environment, is always caught napping in technology developments, and above all, has no motivation to promote e-government. Among the two, however, civil service has greater stakes in e-government as it is required to serve the government in power as well as citizens. Government implements its decisions through civil service. The civil service also provides policy inputs. Civil service is appropriately described as the backbone of government as government policies and programme can fail in implementation by the civil service or wrong policies can be formulated with its help. What, however, is not recognized is the quiet emergence of e-civil service or electronic civil service in tandem with the emergence of e-government since mid-1990s. If e-government is to succeed, not only the emergence of e-civil service has to be recognized but strengthened as well so as to enable it face the new challenge of e-government competently. /E-civil service /or /electronic civil service /may be defined in two important and markedly different senses: /E-civil service /or /electronic civil service/: As the civil service using information and communication technology (ICT) in conducting its internal work and external public service delivery. It differs from the traditional civil service on a number of important parameters. We will refer to it as e-civil service or electronic civil service. /Ai-civil service /or /artificial intelligence (AI) civil service/: As artificial intelligence (AI) agents performing the civil service jobs, say, determining amount of fine in traffic violations. Chun (2007) describes application of artificial intelligence (AI) in immigration control in Hong Kong special administrative region (SAR) by using assessment rule engine, schema-based reasoning engine, workflow rule engine, case-based reasoning (CBR) engine, and self-learning engine. E-civil service and AI- civil service can be distinguished. The emergence of e-government has increased the responsibility of civil service by incorporating the requirements of e-civil service and ai-civil service. In the initial stages of development of e-government, the traditional civil service, e-civil service and ai-civil service will all co-exist. E-civil service and ai-civil service are thus add-on to the existing civil service and not its replacement. It is only in the final stage that one can think of e-civil service and ai-civil service replacing the traditional civil service, and that too only in part, notwithstanding the projections of futurologists. However, e-civil service and ai-civil service both will gain increasingly more ground with the passage of time. In the new environment of e-governance, therefore, the task of civil service has become quite enormous, unprecedented and, yes, very challenging. /*III An E-democracy Model Highlighting the Key Role of E-civil Service*/ An e-democracy model highlighting the key role of e-civil service can now be proposed. The model proposes that (i) e-civil service is the backbone of government and e-government, (ii) e-civil service is required to serve democracy and e-democracy on the one hand and citizen and e-citizen on the other, (iii) Democracy is characterized by rule by majority, and adult suffrage, (iv) E-democracy is characterized by the Internet and e-engagement, (v) Democracy-performance mismatch has resulted in widespread embracing of e-government, and (vi) e-engagement is an integral part of e-government. /*IV Guiding Principles for Development of E-civil Service*/The e-democracy model proposed above (Section III) highlights the key role of e-civil service in promoting e-democracy. The coming into being of e-civil service is raising a number of important issues, many of which are unprecedented, which require to be addressed. Fountain (2007:6-7) observes "In one sense, digital tools merely enhanced the power of a set of reforms already underway and accepted as legitimate and appropriate by civil servants. Yet the extraordinary power of the internet to allow citizens to access government "anytime, anywhere," greatly increased accessibility and made abstruse government documents and procedures, now online, more glaringly unresponsive to citizens." The following ten guiding principles are suggested for the development of e-civil service. /*Principle 1. Recognise the Emergence of E-Civil Service*/ E-civil service is quietly entering the governments worldwide. However, it has so far not been formally recognized. This has twofold consequences. First, the non-recognition deprives e-civil service of any systematic development as a result of which the quality of e-government is adversely affected. Secondly, the non-recognition is leading to piling up of issues which, with passage of time, are only getting more complicated making their subsequent solution elusive, time-consuming and costly. Thirdly, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to civil service tasks has given rise to, what this author has called, artificial intelligence (AI) civil service, has also not being recognized. New technologies create policy vacuums (Moor 1985). However, the policy vacuum created by the emergence of e-civil service has so far not been filled. It has thus become essential to formally recognize the emergence of e-civil service. /*Principle 2. Encourage Civil Service to Work Online*/ One of the main conclusions of case studies of e-government projects in five countries-Argentina, Mexico, India, United Arab Emirates, and Tunisia- analyzed to see how personnel issues slowed implementation of e-government projects is that "High-level support does not ensure staff buy-in." (WB 2005). There is so far no incentive for civil servants to work online. As a result, adoption of e-government practices is slow in civil service. The typical incentives are an entry of work done online in annual performance appraisal, grant of an increment in salary for doing good work, and formal recognition by grant of award for exemplary work in e-government. These are, however, mundane incentives which have only limited impact, if any. A mandatory policy may prove to be counter-productive as it may invite hostility from civil servants. Likewise an absence of policy will only maintain status quo. A middle path may be a practical strategy. For example, a mandatory policy may be adopted for routine tasks in the civil service like sanction of casual leave, approval of tour programme and filing of property returns. For rest of the tasks, civil service has to be encouraged to work online by providing appropriate incentives. /*Principle 3. Encourage E-civil Service to Use Web 2.0 Technologies*/The essence of Web 2.0 or Social Web is interactivity. And Web 2.0 is a reality. Many civil servants lurk in discussion groups but do not actively participate in discussion for fear of violating conduct rules and inviting the wrath of their superiors. On their part, the governments too have so far also not issued any guidelines on this issue. In a pioneering attempt, Cabinet Office in United Kingdom has issued the following guidelines: 1. Be credible, 2. Be consistent, 3. Be responsive, 4. Be integrated, and 5. Be a civil servant (CO 2008). Clift (2008) notes: "Every country needs a similar policy guide or alternatively as a whole, their government will become irrelevant to most people. Countries with civil servants disconnected online, have disconnected democracies." Our civil services are still steeped in 19th century ethos. They must now become civil services of 21st century. One way to achieve this objective is to encourage e-civil service to use Web 2.0 technologies. /*Principle 4. Recognise New Demands of Citizens on Civil Service*/ Civil service is known for not changing its way of working. History proves this statement. Change when introduced is easily absorbed into the system and the civil service quickly reverts to its old ways of working. All this, however, appears to be changing in the age of e-government. The emergence of e-government since mid-1990s has started placing new demands on civil service. Not only is e-government changing the way e-government works (for example, making it more technology-oriented) and the work it does (for example, adding the online work) but also citizen expectation from civil service. Citizens now want value-added, tailor-made public service delivery online and, what is more important from civil service point of view, hold the civil service, and not its political masters, directly responsible for it. So far civil service has worked protected under the cloak of anonymity. This is no longer possible in the age of e-government which espouses the cause of open and transparent government. These new demands of citizens on civil service, therefore, need to be recognized. /*Principle 5. Treat E-civil Service as an Instrument of Administrative Reforms*/ Administrative reform is an uninspiring term. Its poor reputation comes from its poor record of achievements so far. Kraemer and King (2005:2) are of the view that "information technology has never been an instrument of administrative reform; rather it has been used to reinforce existing administrative and political arrangements." It is difficult to subscribe to this view. If improving internal processes of government is part of administrative reforms, then application of information technology (IT) to government is very much a move for administrative reforms. However, and it is important, application of information technology (IT) to government, by itself, is not e-government. What makes it e-government is the involvement of citizens in decision-making processes of government, a dimension altogether missing in earlier phases of application of information technology (IT) to government. Since e-civil service, an altogether new development, is the backbone of e-government, it has to be treated as an instrument of administrative reforms. /*Principle 6. Set Up an Exclusive Portal for E-civil Service*/E-civil service now requires an exclusive portal for itself, catering to the needs of civil servants in the era of e-government. Such a portal will keep the civil servants fully updated about the latest rules and regulations, up to date civil list, sanction of leave, physical fitness exercise programmes and guidance, settlement of traveling allowance (T.A.), medical and miscellaneous claims, career advancement opportunities like mid-service training programmes, availability of online inter-active training programmes and online technical support for computer maintenance and use, annual performance appraisal, job opportunities and career counseling. It should provide RSS feed so that civil servants can keep themselves up to date with any development. Likewise it should have a discussion group or blog and a wiki so that civil servants could participate in them. This will be a closed portal accessible only to serving civil servants and managed by an officer of sufficient seniority. It will thus be a comprehensive one-stop service to civil servants. Some governments have set up such sub-portals but they do not provide comprehensive services. /*Principle 7. Introduce E-recruitment to Civil Service*/ A Government Guide to Best Practice defines e-recruitment, also known as online recruitment, as "the use of Internet and intranet technology to recruit including candidate attraction, employer branding, candidate tracking, candidate selection, and hiring." (CO 2007:65).The components of e-recruitment are: (i) attracting candidates online to your website or your organization, (ii) communicating your employer brand and recruitment proposition online, (iii) tracking, communicating with and selecting candidates online, (iv) testing candidates online, and (v) on-boarding (otherwise known as welcoming and induction) candidates online (ibid.:7). Many developed countries have set up recruitment gatways. In United Kingdom, for example, the Cabinet Office has set up a Civil Service Recruitment Gateway at http://www.careers.civil-service.gov.uk/Index.asp?txtNavID=322&635132= <http://www.careers.civil-service.gov.uk/Index.asp?txtNavID=322&635132=>. Likewise Singapore Government has set up a recruitment portal at https://app.vog.gov.sg/Presentation/index.aspx which it calls VOG (lateral image of GOV). Other countries should follow suit. /*Principle 8. Deal with Disciplinary Cases Online*/One of the sore points with civil servants is the inordinate delay which the disciplinary proceedings against them take in completion. Such disciplinary proceedings call for penalties ranging from mere warning to dismissal or removal from service and are typically launched while the civil servant is in employment. These come in the way in his promotion as and when such an opportunity occurs. The procedure involved in dealing with disciplinary cases against the civil servants is quite complicated and time-consuming. It is a case of e-government that such cases can be expedited if dealt with online. In such a case the cause list can be posted online, so also the documents upon which the department proposes to rely to prove its case. The documents are required to be supplied to the concerned civil servant under rules. The final order too can be posted online. In case the facility of video-conferencing is available, hearings in the case as well as recording of evidence can be done online. /*Principle 9. Sort Out Ethical Issues of E-civil Service*/ A number of ethical issues have started emerging as a result of civil servants surfing the Internet while in office and otherwise also. First is the maintenance of blog. Can a civil servant have a blog of his own covering a subject dealt with by him? Second, can a civil servant actively participate in discussion groups, communities of practice (COPs) and social networking sites and defend or clarify his department's position? Among these concerns, use of email at workplace has gained attention as it is most widely used tool in e-government. Oregon State Archives and Oregon Association of Municipal Recorders have issued a very comprehensive E-mail Policy Manual for Local Government (OSA n.d.) which has a template also. In India, the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has issued comprehensive guidelines on use of email with due emphasis on e-mail as an official record (DARPG n.d.). But not many civil servants are either aware of these instructions or have only vague idea about them. The emerging ethical concerns need to be sorted out. /*Principle 10. Train E-civil Service in Government 2.0*/ Training is time-tested method for upgrading knowledge and skills of civil servants. It is generally quite a challenging task when the trainees are in-service civil servants but it is more challenging in case of e-government as it involves concurrent training in technology also. Schelin (2004, Table 5:272) suggests a training curriculum based on six modules in which Digital Civic Engagement is the sixth model. Whichever training module is selected, it is necessary that the civil servants are systematically trained in Government 2.0, whose essence is inter-activity which has been possible only by e-government tools, as against out-of-date Government 1.0, which is based on one-way communication from government to citizens. Training in Government 2.0 will include understanding the new role of civil servants, appreciation of emergence of e-citizen and e-citizenship, understanding of e-concepts associated with e-democracy, knowledge of e-engagement and e-participation tools and, finally, involvement of e-citizens in public policy formulation actively supported by e-civil service. /*V Concluding Remarks*/ Weberian bureaucracy characterized by objectivity, administration by rules, and anonymity is a remarkable improvement over earlier form of civil service characterized by subjectivity and administration by whims and fancies. The practice of Weberian bureaucracy, however, revealed a number of weaknesses as a result of which a number of measures of administrative reforms were undertaken in many countries prominent among which is the re-inventing government movement or new public management which requires running of government as a private sector corporation. This too had a very limited success as the two- government and private sector corporation- are based on fundamentally different premises, namely, the former is based on service-orientation and the latter on profit-orientation. E-government is the latest measure in administrative reforms which makes a powerful assault on the weaknesses of existing governments, particularly in their relation with their citizens. However, the realization of full potential of e-government is still eluding us. This can be achieved only if the emergence of e-civil service is formally recognized and it is supported to enable it discharge its new role. Ten guiding principles for e-civil service developed here can help us in this regard. References Chun, Andy Hon Wai (2007): Using AI for e-Government Automatic Assessment of Immigration Application Forms, http://www.cs.cityu.edu.hk/~hwchun/research/PDF/iaai_2007.pdf <http://www.cs.cityu.edu.hk/%7Ehwchun/research/PDF/iaai_2007.pdf> (accessed : November 25, 2008). Clift, Steven (2008): UK Government Advises Civil Servants How to Participate Online, DoWire.org, June 21, http://www.dowire.org/notes/?p=417 (accessed: November 25, 2008). CO (Cabinet Office) (2007): E-recruitment projects in the public sector: A Government Guide to Best Practice, Second Edition,Written By WCN Plc on behalf of HM Government, http://www.careers.civil-service.gov.uk/userfiles/DTI/e-recruitment%20guide… <http://www.careers.civil-service.gov.uk/userfiles/DTI/e-recruitment%20guide…> (accessed: November 29, 2008) CO (Cabinet Office) (2008): Principles for participation online, London, United Kingdom, the Author http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/iam/codes/social_media/participation.asp (accessed: November 25, 2008). DARPG (Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances) (n.d.): E-mail Management Guidelines, http://darpg.nic.in/arpg-website/eReference/e-mail-mgmt.doc (accessed: November 29, 2008) Fountain, Jane E. (2007): Bureaucratic Reform and E-Government in the United States: An Institutional Perspective, Amherst, University of Massachusetts, National Center for Digital Government, Center for Public Policy and Administration, Department of Political Science, NCDG Working Paper No. 07-006, September 18, http://www.umass.edu/digitalcenter/research/working_papers/07_006FountainBu… (accessed: November 26, 2008). Kraemer, Kenneth and L. John Leslie King (2005): Information technology and administrative reform: will e-government be different? August, http://www.si.umich.edu/~jlking/IJEGR-Final.pdf <http://www.si.umich.edu/%7Ejlking/IJEGR-Final.pdf> (accessed: November 28, 2008) Moor, James H. (1985): What is Computer Ethics? in Bynum, Terrell Ward (ed.) (1985), Computers & Ethics, Blackwell, pp.266 – 75, http://www.southernct.edu/organizations/rccs/resources/teaching/teaching_mo… (accessed: November 24, 2008). OSA (Oregon State Archives) and Oregon Association of Municipal Recorders (n.d.): E-mail Policy Manual for Local Government, http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/recmgmt/train/erm/email/emailman806.pdf (accessed: November 29, 2008) Schelin, Shannon Howle (2004): Training for Digital Government, in Pavlichev, Alexei and G.David Garson (eds.) (2004): Digital Government: Principles and Best Practices, Hershey, PA, Idea Publishing, Chapter XVII, pp 263-275. WB (World Bank) (2005): Staff incentives and project implementation: lessons from e-government, PREM notes: Public Sector, October, Number 101, http://www1.worldbank.org/prem/PREMNotes/premnote101.pdf (accessed: November 26, 2008). _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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W3C Call for Participation: Africa Perspective on the Role of Mobile Technologies in Fostering Social and Economic Development April 1-2 2009, Maputo, Mozambique
by alice 15 Dec '08

15 Dec '08

(Apologies for cross posting) http://www.w3.org/2008/10/MW4D_WS/ The W3C Workshop on the "Africa Perspective on the Role of Mobile Technologies in Fostering Social Development" aims to understand specific challenges of using mobile phones and Web technologies to deliver services to underprivileged populations of Developing Countries, and to capture the specificities of the African context. There are today more than half of the population living with less than 3$ a day, and lacking all kind of services (health, education, government...). The incredible growth of the mobile penetration rate last few years is providing a new hope. The potential of simple ICT services on mobiles to improve people's income has indeed been largely demonstrated. The aim of this workshop is to explore how to leverage these success stories and create an enabling environment that would drive the appearance of numerous services all over the Developing World. People and organizations who have an interest in the role of mobile phones and the Web in social and economic development and who wish to participate in the workshop are invited to submit statements of interest / abstracts / position papers to the Workshop Committee (by email to: team-m4d-ws-submit(a)w3.org) This is a Workshop of the W3C Mobile Web Initiative (MWI), which aims to identify and resolve challenges and issues of accessing the Web when on the move. This Workshop is part of the the Digital World Forum project (European Union's 7th Research Framework Programme - FP7) which explore how to take advantage of the new paradigm of low-cost technologies in broadband infrastructure and devices to bridge the digital divide and connect the unconnected. W3C thanks Workshop host, the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Government of Mozambique. Sponsorship: You are cordially invited to sponsor this workshop. Following in the model of the successful sponsorship program developed for the 2006 Mobile Web in Developing Countries Workshop, and the 2008 Workshop on the Role of Mobile Technologies in fostering Social Development, we expect you will want to consider participating in the program for this important meeting. This sponsorship program is a marketing opportunity that enable sponsors to showcase their organization and underscore its commitment to the shared goals of the W3C. Sponsors reach those who are making decisions about the future of the Web, as well as those in the public who have come to rely on the Web as critical infrastructure for development and to help bridging the Digital Divide. Sponsors will be associated directly with the event which will gather at the same place experts in mobile Web technologies, and experts in the Digital Divide in order to use the Web and mobile phones to leverage development in rural areas of developing countries. There are three levels of sponsorship, Platinum-Gold-Silver, offering a panel of benefits. All the details of each level are available from the Sponsorship Program page. This sponsorship program is designed to enable participation by individuals and organizations with particular expertise, but who might not otherwise be able to attend due to travel or other costs. For further information and expression of interest, please contact Stéphane Boyera (boyera(a)w3.org) or Marie-Claire Forgue (mcf(a)w3.org) The deadline for requesting to take part in this opportunity is March 15, 2009. Background ------------------------------ Since its creation in 1989 by Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the Web has grown from one user to more than 1.5 billion of users in 2008, creating services, providing information, connecting people, creating new jobs and completely new sectors of activities. Despite this incredible success in a such a short timeframe, there are still today more than 4.5 billion people that are not benefiting from this Information Society. However, the Web, and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in general, has been recognized as a great tool to potentially resolve the historical divides between developed and developing economies by providing an infrastructure to deploy minimal services (Health, Education, Business, Government...) to rural communities and under-privileged populations. That is why many actions have been engaged in the last twenty years towards bridging the so-called Digital Divide. Unfortunately, these actions - often focussing on telecenters - have had little success so far. This model has encountered many difficulties due to the local conditions (lack of electricity, lack of maintenance skills….) and very few have reach long-term sustainability and continued operation. Since 2-3 years a new hope is coming with the very high penetration rate of mobile telephony in developing countries. Now a minimal infrastructure (GSM networks) and minimal computing power (mobile phones) are available in the pockets (or at least in their very close environment) of billions of people, including the poorest segment of the population. Most developing countries who missed the telephony revolution due to lack of infrastructure and required investments have participated in the mobile revolution directly. Can this be repeated for the Web? Four years ago, the W3C with the mobile industry have launched the Mobile Web Initiative to make mobile phone users first class Web citizen, and the number of people accessing the Web from mobile phones is growing very quickly. Would it be possible that, like for telephony, most Developing Countries will skip the PC-Web revolution and jump directly on the next phase, the Mobile Web? In May 2008, W3C has launched the Mobile Web for Social Development Interest Group to explore this direction, and understand the type of actions that could support and leverage this transition. This is the theme of this workshop. For under-privileged people to benefit the Web, they need to be able to access it, and find accessible, usable and useful information and services that would help them, and that is worth the resource they put to learn and connect. Therefore, it is critical to explore the two aspects of access and content, as well as the education needs. Regarding access, it is critical to understand the key challenges and barriers that targeted end-users (underpriviledged populations of Developing Countries) have to access and use mobile services. This includes affordability, usability, illiteracy, accessibility and internationalization/localization issues. Regarding content, the key question is creating an enabling environment for the creation of information and services that people need and that would improve their lives. In the last 2 or 3 years, we witnessed the appearance of success stories of that demonstrated how relatively simple services on mobile could be really helpful. However, the number of these success stories is still low, and they are all based on a limited technology, SMS. This workshop is aiming at identifying the issues, barriers, needs and challenges the potential providers of development-oriented services, mostly NGO/grass-root organizations and governments/public sector have to develop and deploy those services, and to exploit the potential of the mobile platform. Regarding education, it is essential to understand what are the needs of the different actors (NGO/grass-root organizations, IT sector, potential entrepreneurs,...), and what kind of education material could help disseminating the expertise and enabling people about developing services and content on mobile phones. As an input to this workshop, the W3C team has written a public white paper that summarizes some of these issues. The W3C Mobile Web for Social Development Group is also developing a set of documents which should serve as input to potential participants. Scope The goal of the workshop is to provide input and feedback to the W3C Mobile Web Initiative, and its Mobile Web for Social Development Interest Group. The following topics are of particular interest: * Analysis of use-cases / real-world projects on o use of mobile phones in development projects, o use of the Web in development projects, o deployment of public services using mobile devices in developing countries. * Strengths and weaknesses of SMS technology vs mobile Web vs voice technology * Regional differences in Asia/Africa/Central Europe/Middle East/South America/etc. * Challenges of integrating ICTs in rural communities * Usability and Human-Computer Interfaces (HCI) challenges of mobile browser and mobile content for population without technological background and prior computer experience * Challenges and potential solutions against illiteracy * Usage of mobile technologies in emergency responses in rural areas * Analysis on the way the mobile phones and/or the Web could improve people's lives in Developing Countries (education, healthcare, etc.) * Role of voice and multimodal technologies/applications * Challenges of developing and deploying numerous ICT services to rural communities * Comparison between different potential platforms to support ICT's deployment (mobile phones, low-cost laptop, telecenters, and so on) * Opportunity and challenges of ICTs in social/human development * Challenges of sustainability, scalability and replicability * Challenges and opportunity of integrating mobile phones in specific domains: eGovernment projects (mGovernment), e-health projects, disaster management,.... Who should attend ? W3C encourages W3C Members and public to participate in the Workshop. Workshop organizers expects that this workshop should be of particular interest to people with following backgrounds: * Charitable Foundations funding and/or managing Development projects using ICTs * Companies or Organizations providing ICT-related products, services, content, applications or infrastructure in Developing Countries. * People with grassroots experience on the use of ICT in Development * People from the ICT for Development (ICT4D) domain * People with a mobile background * People with an eGovernment background * Web experts * Accessibility experts * Digital Divide experts * People expert in mobile HCI in Developing Countries * People expert in the use of mobile phones in Development Workshop Dates The workshop will take place on April 1-2 2009. Venue The exact venue is still under consideration. Details will be soon available. Languages Statements of Interest, abstracts, position papers and presentation slides must be in English. The workshop will have a real-time simultaneous translation in Portuguese, English and French. Therefore, speakers and presenters can use any of these three languages. Participation To ensure productive discussions, the workshop is limited to 100 attendees. Participation is open to non-W3C members. Each organization can provide at most two attendees. Statement of interest are required in order to participate in this workshop (except for W3C team members). Each organization or individual wishing to participate must submit a statement of interest at team-m4d-ws-submit(a)w3.org explaining their interest in the workshop as soon as possible and no later than February 12, 2009. The intent is to make sure that participants have an active interest in the area, and that the workshop will benefit from their presence. The Program Committee will select attendants based on their statement of interests and the number of available seats. Each organization or individual wishing to have a position paper published on the workshop web site and/or wishing to make a presentation during the event must submit an abstract no later than January 12, 2009. The Program Committee will then review these abstracts, select some of them for presentation, and request the full papers from the authors. The decision of the Program Committee will be notified to the authors by January 25, 2009. Send abstract (in valid XHTML/HTML (please use the W3C Markup Validation Service) or PDF or Plain Text - 1 to 2 pages) to: team-m4d-ws-submit(a)w3.org All papers from accepted abstract will be available from the workshop Web site. The workshop Web site will be public, so papers and slides must be suitable for public dissemination. Speaker slides will also be available at the Web site after the workshop. There will not be printed proceedings. To attend, you must register by filling out a registration form. The URI for the registration form will be sent to you after your statement of interest is accepted. There will be no participation fee. Press representatives must contact w3t-pr(a)w3.org and/or Marie-Claire Forgue, W3C Communications (mcf(a)w3.org) Agenda The agenda will be published after the selection of abstracts by the Program Committee. Important Deadlines Please note the following dates: * As soon as possible - Statements of interest * January 12, 2009: Abstract submission * January 25, 2009: Committee Decisions on participations and abtract selection * February 20, 2009: Agenda and registration open * March 15, 2009: Final presentations available and registration closed * April 1-2, 2009: Two Days Workshop in Maputo, Mozambique Contact Enquiries or comments on the workshop can be sent to the public mailing list public-mw4d(a)w3.org.

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Re: [kictanet] 1 million Laptops for who?
by Faima Basly 15 Dec '08

15 Dec '08

Mr Robert, I read the article in the papers yesterday and couldn’t help but echo some of your questions on this mail list that unfortunately have not yet been responded to. Of key interest is the following: Whats the plan for procurement? tender or 'donated'? To me this is a perfect opportunity to set up a partnership for local assembly with any of the big boys - Acer, Dell, HP etc to set up an assembly plant with a 2 year clear handover to Kenyans, part of the deal should have initial 80% local employment with clear skill transfer built in so that in 18 months you have 99% local employment at the plant. Do the math 1,000,000*40,000 kshs ( assumed price) = Lots of money. This is a deal that anyone would salivate for. Will the computers have MS Office or Linux - Again do the math as its likely to be the former. What about capacity building? Planned for or just wish ful thinking? Was there a need analysis carried out to determine that it is indeed Laptops required? So to me procurement of laptops should never be an option. As we already have the madaraka project in place, why not up skill and upscale this to meet this demand for the 1 million laptops. Or is Madaraka over? Secondly , the target group, I think you have it right, whats this about 'rural'? What is rural in Kenya? is it Turkana, Marsabit, Wajir, Nyeri, Malindi, Kibira? We need a clear cut definition and probably a sector by sector prioritization based on Vision 2030 and logically what will reap benefit to the Kenyan economy. Don’t get me wrong we must develop Kenyans consistently with a strong plan not hide behind the Rural Urban divide. I raise some of these concerns because last week I was eavesdropping on a launch at one of our Key hotels in Kenya . A Major computer chip manufacturer was launching their East African offices. They showcased their effort being a certain school in Nairobi having received some special student laptops and the school was showing how learning was improved. All good, but the purpose of the Launch? To make an appeal to the PS MOE to consider 'partnering' with this company to sell 240,000 laptops to the teachers in Kenya( wow I thought what a marketing gimic is this how it’s done?)Will this lead to a pronounce from MOE of some 240,000 Laptops for teachers???? Hook and bait? Anything further than this would be speculation. I agree teachers need laptops (computers maybe), but once again can we plan collectively as a government to work in unison and benefit locals on employment and empowerment? It CAN be done. Which brings me to the reason for this email. Shouldnt there be some kinds of checks and balances in place in our Ministries? Is there a way that 'we' can be involved before some of these utterances are made? We have two PS's of different Ministries each thinking along the same paths both with good ideas, but I worry on the path to execution. Of these 1 million Laptops Ndemo speaks of - what percentage for his fellow teachers? Jua Kali artisans?, Medical students. Is there a master plan being followed? or is it pure chance ? Dr Ndemo,I am sure there is a simple enough response to the queries raised above. I sincerely hope you will take the time to respond, and put my mind and probably others as well? at rest. Ms. Basly. ______________________________________________________________________ Hi Dr. Ndemo,I felt it would not be fair to close the year with one final outburst on your ministries policies.It was good to see that the governement will be giving laptops to youth in the rural area. http://www.nation.co.ke/business/news/-/1006/499894/-/jh30hdz/-/index.html Last time I checked 80% of the students in the University are from the "rural areas" would it not make more sense to first equip them with the necessary tools. I recently talked to IT degree students at Nairobi university and was shocked to find that less than 5% have computers dedicated to them and this are not provided by the institution but have been bought privately.It is good to talk of empowering the rural folk but is this the best way, should we not begin at the top and work our way down. This computers would also provide greater mileage if we example they where to be giving to to students in teacher training colleges so that they can take technology to the schools, country wide that they will be posted to after they graduate?Also do not forget the medical students who would be able to provide better medical services if they knew how to use and had access to the internet's resources.Another major issue that is lacking from the story is how the laptops are to be procured, is there any likelihood that they will be assembled locally as if they are we shall be killing to birds with 1 stone. Robert YaweKAY System Technologies LtdPhoenix House, 6th FloorP O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 _______________________________________________kictanet mailing listkictanet@lists.kictanet.or.kehttp://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet _________________________________________________________________ Discover the new Windows Vista http://search.msn.com/results.aspx?q=windows+vista&mkt=en-US&form=QBRE

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Kenya communications (amendment)Bill: Is media overacting?
by Mike Theuri 15 Dec '08

15 Dec '08

David, The top level meetings apparently yielded some results. Apart from the Minister, it would be interesting to see how the legislators who were consulted voted or if they even attended the session. The efforts with the parliamentary committee did not go to waste, Hon. Rege did attempt to introduce amendments based on the meetings, but it has been reported that only 25 MPs were present. The media could have done better in lobbying MPs to be present for the vote. Had the media managed to locate 30 legislators in favour of the amendments and ensured they attended the proceedings, the matter would not be in its current state. I think it would be quite reasonable if the media accepted to have a compromise on the issues. It would not be right for the media to declare that it is for 'all or nothing at all', it would be selfish and self serving to deny the public of the bill's greater benefits by failing to compromise. The controversial clause has been present for many years now, if someone wanted to lynch the media, they would not need the new bill to do so. At the same time is the media aware of an event that will certainly occur that could be termed a national emergency resulting in 'raids'? Does the media have something up its sleeve that it is not keen to reveal publicly? I believe the answer to both of these questions is no. The media has nothing to worry about if it self regulates and exercises good judgement. The media has had many opportunities to self regulate, but some content that is broadcast or published is appalling, inappropriate and is certainly a factor that had led many to believe that the media needs hand holding. Sensationalism is not a prerequisite for good journalism, neither do newspapers need to turn into tabloid publications in order to sell. Professional and objective journalism will always sell itself without having to stoop low. As the saying goes, chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. The media might be surprised to find that favour can be found by approaching the issue in a positive rather than in a doom and gloom manner. The media/activists are reported to have spent Ksh 2m to advertise a 'prayer meeting' this past weekend. Wouldn't the media have done well to use such resources to educate the public positively and not engage in what borders on incitement? It is not necessary to label everything 'bad'. For example, why not publish or explain, what clause 88 is, its history, what is means for the industry and offer a number of alternative scenarios and recommendations on what should be done. A good example would be how commercial concerns express their views in opposition to legislative proposals without appearing to be antagonistic, given the focus of this forum, an ICT example would fit in well: http://www.ebaymainstreet.com/federal/net-neutrality/ The failure to recommend or offer suggestions as to what should be done does not help the media's case. If the President does not sign the bill, he will have to send the bill back to Parliament with a memorandum, how are the public, legislators and concerned parties supposed to know what the media would like the memorandum and bill to contain? By embracing the positive aspects of the bill, the media is likely to find allies in both the public and private sectors willing to support their position. When businesses, banks, investors are turned off by the media's approach of 'killing' the entire bill and wading in dangerous territory, the media is bound to seen as a villain of the very parties it relies on for some of its revenue. It is not an extraordinary effort for the media to seek out 50 MPs even 100 or more if need be, some of whom may not have read the bill, put forward the media's case while also advocating the same for the memorandum. A little more restrategizing and reorganisation on this could accomplish a lot more than engaging in uncivil disruptions. Diplomacy is never dead, it can fail, but it can also be revived. There is an opening for a revival to take place if the media seizes the opportunity. On Sun, Dec 14, 2008 at 1:35 PM, <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Theuri > Very well put. The media has certainly not handled the aftermath well but I > see it as a reaction to the failure of diplomacy. To be fair, the media did > quite a bit of that. Top level meetings were held one after another with > pogisho, ndemo, kalonzo, karua, raila, and twice with rege and his parl > committee. That's quite an effort. > Truth is, at this pt, better the bill fell apart, regrettably to the > detriment of the ict components, and we have the sect 88 intact, than pass a > new law with all those flaws and inherent danger. Some1 is waiting to latch > on to that law soon as its assented, to lynch the media. > Yet I totally appreciate we need some urgent regulation of the broadcast > sector. But not such crass controls as the bill provides. > The trouble is that the media can't dedicate too much time to the good > parts because, well, that won't help to cure the bad! And our suggestion was > to drop the broadcast parts and have the ict and comm parts sail but > ministry people don't want that! They want to force it through and the mps > who have been swearing to tame the media even didn't want to consider the > minor changes the committee and ministry had proposed. That's malice > aforethought. That's why this has turned into a free for all betwn > supporters and opponents of the media. > Am inclined to think this is a battle the media shouldn't lose in the > interest of our democracy and civil liberties. > David > > Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device > > ------------------------------ > *From*: "Mike Theuri" > *Date*: Sun, 14 Dec 2008 13:19:01 -0600 > *To*: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> > > *Subject*: Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Kenya communications > (amendment)Bill: Is media overacting? > David, > > What happens if the media campaign succeeds, the bill is not signed and > Parliament fails to override thus killing the bill? Section 88 will remain > where it is and neither the media nor the public will have gained. > > The media could gain some traction by objectively covering the bill in its > entirety. The media could do well to inform readers of what's new, what's > positive and what's negative. A well reasoned approach would reveal for > instance concerns revolving around the appointment of officials to the > commission or positives such as the bill's approach to e-crimes. The media's > approach needs to embrace diplomacy and be willing to engage in compromise. > For instance instead of calling for the deletion of section 88, the media > could seek common ground and offer among its alternative suggestions to > deletion, provisions that prevent abuse of section 88. > > While the media did not mobilise the masses, the media appears to be > engaged in what could end up inciting those who have already "self > mobilised" or are united as a result of food insecurity and related economic > issues. The media and the public stand to gain nothing by taking advantage > to fuel a volatile situation. > > The media already has painted a bad image of itself, through the actions of > a few. It is likely that the chief executives of media establishments could > have sought audience with the President and/or the PM to discuss their > concerns and made more traction in getting the bill sent back to Parliament > than have individuals engage in disruptions and heckling. A rational > approach has a better chance of succeeding than an antagonistic one. The > media hopefully has that in mind as they plan their next move. > > On Sun, Dec 14, 2008 at 8:37 AM, <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > >> That's not true. You have obviously exaggerated in trying to put across >> your cheap propaganda. Ndemo was on k24 this morning and he was of course >> not opposing the bill. Plus, you should ask yourself, who has come out to >> support the bill and not been given airtime. >> Yes, the media is campaigning, but it has not yet agreed or employed any >> of the strategies you have listed. Their time is coming. And we don't need >> to go to previous regimes to show brutal attacks against the media. The >> worst have taken place under the current regime! >> You have more to be grateful than disgusted with the media. Be just a >> little more reflective and considerate otherwise your diabolical hatred of >> the media lacks foundation. >> David >> Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device >> >> >

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Kenya communications (amendment) Bill: Is media overacting?
by emko＠internetresearch.com.gh 14 Dec '08

14 Dec '08

Murigi, I stand correct........ Thanks for the assurance that all is well, really thats what we all want so we can build our Africa. Have a goodnight. Eric here > Eric, > > To the contrary, things are very good in Kenya. Two unrestrained animals > (parliament and the media) are tying a noose around each others neck. > Few of us have little sympathy for either side and expect them to tame > each other. > > Murigi > > emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh wrote: >> Good people, >> >> At this point, finger pointing does not help and really "two wrongs does >> not make a right" because tempers are going high and Bill established >> what >> i was driving at, things could get back like before and you dont want >> that. >> >> Please lets appeal to the voice of reasoning and apply measures that >> would >> retract this track because all you need is like what happened in Greece >> the other day, a police officer deliberately or not shot a teenager and >> that country has not known peace. >> >> For Kenya, we dont even have the luxury of the Greece situation given >> the >> legacy so please i would put my weight behind Bill's proposals below, >> lets >> move quickly to calm tempers and defuse the tension. >> >> I left Nairobi this morning for Accra and trust me, the atmosphere was >> not >> good for my liking. >> >> Eric here >> >> >> >>> Wainaina/Alice et al, >>> >>> 1. How can Kictanet help package the following for consumption in the >>> public >>> domain?? >>> 2. How can stakeholders in this forum help guide this paradigm >>> shift...i.e...that there is a different school of thought that cares >>> about >>> the rest of the bill and is willing to champion dialogue rather than >>> fighting the Media?? >>> 3. At Mediacorp, we can support Kictanet with 1/2page space in a >>> leading >>> daily (if need be) to pioneer dialogue and consensus building >>> activities. >>> We >>> believe that kictanet can help cool temparatures before our businesses >>> are >>> affected for the second time this year. >>> >>> Bill >>> >>> >>> On Sun, Dec 14, 2008 at 8:15 PM, Wainaina Mungai >>> <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> >>> wrote: >>> >>>> To add to Alice's point, it is clear the media is determined to >>>> exclude content that would inform and empower the public...if the said >>>> content does not serve short-term interests of the media owners. The >>>> freedom of the media should not be at the expense of public interests. >>>> >>>> For instance, it is common knowledge that many objective and >>>> professional editors find themselves at the mercy of their employers >>>> whenever a news piece does not favour a friend of the owner. That is >>>> how we ended up with a media with blood in it's hands during the >>>> post-election crisis. It's all about the biased reporting the media >>>> has resorted to in fighting the Bill. >>>> >>>> So who should determine the direction and nature of content? An >>>> independent government regulator or the media owners? Maybe a mix of >>>> the two would be a step forward...which is what the amendments would >>>> result in. >>>> >>>> If the President passes the Bill, the big change for media would be on >>>> matters of programming codes. The other big issue of Section 88 is >>>> neither here nor there because failure by the President to ascent will >>>> leave us with the same provision under KCA (1998). >>>> >>>> Wainaina >>>> >>>> On 12/14/08, alice <alice(a)apc.org> wrote: >>>> >>>>> David, >>>>> >>>>> Perhaps the media could start by reporting accurately. Some of the >>>>> sections the media find so offensive already exist in the 1998 >>>>> communications act. So why not present the big full picture to all >>>>> and >>>>> especially the public? >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> alice >>>>> >>>>> (Views expressed are personal and not a reflection of any of the >>>>> organizations I am affiliated with) >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> dmakali(a)yahoo.com wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Wainaina >>>>>> I can't argue against your sources but am certain that stage of >>>>>> black >>>>>> >>> out >>> >>>>>> for mps hasn't been reached at all. In fact we are meeting tue to >>>>>> >>> evaluate >>> >>>>>> exactly the import of the passage of that bill and bring every1 on >>>>>> the >>>>>> same page. >>>>>> Of course blacking out not just some 25 mps but all is very much a >>>>>> possible line of action. And for good reason- these mps did not >>>>>> consider >>>>>> ANY of the changes we proposed. That gang approach doesn't lend >>>>>> itself >>>>>> >>> to >>> >>>>>> decent engagement frm the media. They have abused their power and >>>>>> >>> ignored >>> >>>>>> our views, not reasonably but glibly. >>>>>> I am totally in agrment with thoz who argue the broadcast media >>>>>> needs >>>>>> regulation, because it is true. I don't even share some defensive >>>>>> views >>>>>> about ownership held by moa- I see no value in nmg getting more >>>>>> radio >>>>>> or >>>>>> tv frequencies for eg coz they already have too many, or royal media >>>>>> having all thoz frequencies. Its simply obscene. But that is a diff >>>>>> >>> story >>> >>>>>> frm govt getting into micro management of media conent or , the >>>>>> minister >>>>>> having power to raid and confiscate equipment or occupy or take over >>>>>> a >>>>>> media house. There was no emergency wen michuki used mercenaries to >>>>>> raid >>>>>> standard. >>>>>> Plus the ethical issues being raised about content can and are >>>>>> already >>>>>> addressed under the media act. The worst thing you want is to invite >>>>>> >>> govt >>> >>>>>> fiat into content matters. You will rue the day you get a >>>>>> dictatorial >>>>>> govt. Examples are many. >>>>>> Similarly, how do you allow the minister to give directions to a >>>>>> commission that's supposd to be independent? He shud take its advice >>>>>> not >>>>>> rubber stamp his decisions. And how do you have a commission >>>>>> appointed >>>>>> solely by the minister without any guidelines? Criteria to follow? >>>>>> Finally did you see the clause about kbc? Nothing about its roles, >>>>>> and >>>>>> obligations? Even the principal act is beta! >>>>>> Well, wainaina and other kictanets, it would be useful to speak to >>>>>> these >>>>>> issues even as you condemn the media for obviously lopsided >>>>>> reporting >>>>>> >>> and >>> >>>>>> wailing. >>>>>> David >>>>>> >>>>>> Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device >>>>>> >>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>> From: "Wainaina Mungai" <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> >>>>>> >>>>>> Date: Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:53:55 >>>>>> To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com>; KICTAnet ICT Policy >>>>>> Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >>>>>> Subject: Re: [ke-internetusers] Kenya communications (amendment) >>>>>> Bill: >>>>>> >>> Is >>> >>>>>> media overacting? >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> David, >>>>>> >>>>>> I am very much involved the media and you & I know that it was >>>>>> agreed >>>>>> that the Action Plan includes a "blackout to..." as well as all the >>>>>> issues I indicated.The point is clear. I have told the truth >>>>>> relating >>>>>> to the content of the Action Plan. >>>>>> >>>>>> The question of execution is separate. Ndemo having been on K24 is >>>>>> does not change much but it is not in line with the Action >>>>>> Plan....meaning, we need to complement K24 for that step. >>>>>> >>>>>> Let's be honest in our submissions especially concerning such >>>>>> >>> revelations. >>> >>>>>> Wainaina >>>>>> >>>>>> On 12/14/08, dmakali(a)yahoo.com <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> That's not true. You have obviously exaggerated in trying to put >>>>>>> across >>>>>>> your >>>>>>> cheap propaganda. Ndemo was on k24 this morning and he was of >>>>>>> course >>>>>>> >>> not >>> >>>>>>> opposing the bill. Plus, you should ask yourself, who has come out >>>>>>> to >>>>>>> support the bill and not been given airtime. >>>>>>> Yes, the media is campaigning, but it has not yet agreed or >>>>>>> employed >>>>>>> >>> any >>> >>>>>>> of >>>>>>> the strategies you have listed. Their time is coming. And we don't >>>>>>> >>> need >>> >>>>>>> to >>>>>>> go to previous regimes to show brutal attacks against the media. >>>>>>> The >>>>>>> worst >>>>>>> have taken place under the current regime! >>>>>>> You have more to be grateful than disgusted with the media. Be just >>>>>>> a >>>>>>> little >>>>>>> more reflective and considerate otherwise your diabolical hatred of >>>>>>> the >>>>>>> media lacks foundation. >>>>>>> David >>>>>>> Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device >>>>>>> >>>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>>> From: "Wainaina Mungai" <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Date: Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:08:09 >>>>>>> To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> >>>>>>> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >>>>>>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Kenya communications >>>>>>> (amendment) >>>>>>> Bill: Is media overacting? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> The truth is that the "supporters" you see on TV, hear on radio, >>>>>>> read >>>>>>> in papers are not by accident. The Media Owners Association (MoA) >>>>>>> crafted a campaign strategy that includes the "media blackout to >>>>>>> all >>>>>>> MPs who supported the Bill and The Ministry of Information & >>>>>>> Communications". >>>>>>> >>>>>>> According to persons privy to the media campaign strategy, we have >>>>>>> a >>>>>>> big problem here and it's about time Kenyans were told the >>>>>>> objective >>>>>>> truth. Unfortunately, the people who own the media houses are >>>>>>> determined to use every possible means to ensure the Bill is not >>>>>>> signed. You will not hear a supporter of the Bill being given >>>>>>> coverage. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Why? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> The strategy is clearly not intended to yield an objective result. >>>>>>> The >>>>>>> intention is to shape public opinion even through biased reporting. >>>>>>> The strategy includes: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> 1. Ensure President dioesn't sign the Bill, by publicly petitioning >>>>>>> >>> him. >>> >>>>>>> 2. Take advantage of Jamhuri Day to show images of raids conducted >>>>>>> by >>>>>>> previous regimes. >>>>>>> 3. Run a media campaign that includes 'same headline' in all papers >>>>>>> and similar headlines on electronic media. >>>>>>> 4. Shape public opinion through campains and show that the Bill is >>>>>>> unconstitutional...etc etc >>>>>>> 5. Blackout all supporters of the Bill, Ministry & only invite >>>>>>> civil >>>>>>> society players who support the interests of the media. Keep >>>>>>> watching >>>>>>> and you'll notice the biased reporting. >>>>>>> 6. The coverage of the issue in the weekend papers (circulation) is >>>>>>> also part of the strategy. This will not stop until the President >>>>>>> yields to the Media's agenda. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> The media has the right to petition the President but the problem >>>>>>> with >>>>>>> their campaign is that Media Owners have actually agreed not to >>>>>>> cover >>>>>>> the issue objectively. They have conspired to shape public opinion >>>>>>> by >>>>>>> all possible means including excluding all those who have a >>>>>>> different >>>>>>> opinion. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> In doing so, they demonstrate the need for legislative regulation. >>>>>>> The >>>>>>> nation is now at the mercy of the media and the public will only be >>>>>>> fed with one side of the story. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Over to you. >>>>>>> Wainaina >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 12/14/08, Kinuthia Muchane <muchanek(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Habari, >>>>>>>> Maybe the media is overacting, maybe the the MPs are wrong... But >>>>>>>> one >>>>>>>> interesting thing about this issue is the timidity of the MPs, to >>>>>>>> >>> begin >>> >>>>>>>> with, in the news all I am hearing are our dear elected >>>>>>>> >>> representatives >>> >>>>>>>> vowing their undying support for all sorts of freedom, including >>>>>>>> that >>>>>>>> >>> of >>> >>>>>>>> Press, so my question is, isn't there one, single MP who supported >>>>>>>> passing of the Bill who can come out in defence of his or her >>>>>>>> stand? >>>>>>>> >>> Or >>> >>>>>>>> is it because they always pander to the Press, they do not want to >>>>>>>> be >>>>>>>> seen in 'bad' light . >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On the other hand, most of us take what we hear on the radio or >>>>>>>> watch >>>>>>>> >>> on >>> >>>>>>>> TV as gospel truth, and the unfortunate fact of life is that the >>>>>>>> majority of us have no other source of information, or do not >>>>>>>> seek >>>>>>>> other >>>>>>>> avenues of >>>>>>>> getting information, a fact very well >>>>>>>> known by members of the so called "Fourth Estate". So when they >>>>>>>> drench >>>>>>>> us with "details" about the dangers of the bill's amendment no >>>>>>>> matter >>>>>>>> how >>>>>>>> skewed their >>>>>>>> opinion is, we will believe them hook, line and sinker! >>>>>>>> If you ask me, in a country like ours with a very shaky social, >>>>>>>> political and economic foundation, these merchants of >>>>>>>> "information" should be very closely and regularly monitored, a >>>>>>>> Radio >>>>>>>> Mille Collines can happen here very easily... >>>>>>>> In any case, ain't all these media 'houses' just commercial >>>>>>>> >>> enterprises >>> >>>>>>>> out to make a tidy profit? >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Kinuthia... >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> ke-internetusers mailing list >>>>>>>> ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net >>>>>>>> http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> -- >>>>>>> Sent from my mobile device >>>>>>> >>>>>>> --- >>>>>>> http://www.bungesms.com >>>>>>> >>>>>>> TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/bungesms >>>>>>> >>>>>>> KABISSA.org - >>>>>>> http://www.kabissa.org/about/news/member-spotlight-made-kenya-network >>>>>>> >>>>>>> KAMPALA Workshop presentation - >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>> http://m4d.kcl.co.ug/sites/default/files/presentations/BungeSMS_MadeinKenya… >>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> kictanet mailing list >>>>>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>>>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>>>>> >>>>>>> This message was sent to: dmakali(a)yahoo.com >>>>>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmakali%40yahoo.com >>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> kictanet mailing list >>>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>>> >>>>> This message was sent to: wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org >>>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>>> >>>>> >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wainaina%40madeinkenya… >>> >>>> -- >>>> Sent from my mobile device >>>> >>>> --- >>>> http://www.bungesms.com >>>> >>>> TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/bungesms >>>> >>>> KABISSA.org - >>>> >>> http://www.kabissa.org/about/news/member-spotlight-made-kenya-network >>> >>>> KAMPALA Workshop presentation - >>>> >>>> >>> http://m4d.kcl.co.ug/sites/default/files/presentations/BungeSMS_MadeinKenya… >>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> kictanet mailing list >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>> >>>> This message was sent to: billkagai(a)gmail.com >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>> >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/billkagai%40gmail.com >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Bildad Kagai >>> MD - MediaCorp Limited >>> Nairobi Stock Exchange Authorised Information Vendor >>> Suite B2, Tetu Court, State House Avenue >>> P. O. Box 20311 - 00200 >>> Nairobi, Kenya >>> Tel. 254 20 272 8332 >>> Fax. Rendered Obsolete >>> S - 1°17'13.8" >>> E - 36°48'22.7" >>> www.mediacorp.co.ke >>> --- >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: emko(a)internetresearch.com.gh >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/emko%40internetresearc… >>> >>> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: murigi.muraya(a)gmail.com >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/murigi.muraya%40gmail.… >> >> > >

1 0

Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Kenya communications (amendment) Bill: Is media overacting?
by Wainaina Mungai 14 Dec '08

14 Dec '08

Bw. Ndemo, Agreed. I have even challenged Editors at one media house to call in experts to explain the provisions of the Bill. First, the Media should rise to the "statemanship" they demand of the rest of us and accept the offer to openly and fairly debate the issues. They may televise this live on all channels since they have proved they can easily agree on collective approach. Secondly, we need to lobby individual media owners to tone down aspects of their campaign that have degenerated to an abuse of the national resources delegated to them. Genuine dialogue will be possible after they put their weapons away and pursue what is in the longterm interest of Kenya. Regards Wainaina On 12/15/08, bitange(a)jambo.co.ke <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> wrote: > Dear Wainaina, > If Media is as objective as David says, I will avail myself for a debate > with whoever they select in order to help Kenyans understand these > amendments. > We must move from petty arguments to discussing real issues. I want to take > this opportunity to thank the many jounalists who have expressed solidarity > with Government to regulate electronic media. Reading through their smss > and e_mails it is clear that the greatest threat to media freedom are media > owners. > > They rightfully point out that: > The KCA ammendments is not a media bill as it seeks to introduce electronic > transactions and broadcast; > Electronic Media world over is regulated and this is what the bill seeks to > achieve: > Noone should be above the law; and > We must salvage our moral standing by regulating content. > > The rightful body that should be raising issues in this saga is the Media > Council but instead it is the MOA. Just ask yourself what it is that MOA > has to do with the rights of a journalist? > > Ndemo. > > > Sent from my BlackBerry(R) > > -----Original Message----- > From: "Wainaina Mungai" <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> > > Date: Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:53:55 > To: <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Kenya communications (amendment) > Bill: Is media overacting? > > > David, > > I am very much involved the media and you & I know that it was agreed > that the Action Plan includes a "blackout to..." as well as all the > issues I indicated.The point is clear. I have told the truth relating > to the content of the Action Plan. > > The question of execution is separate. Ndemo having been on K24 is > does not change much but it is not in line with the Action > Plan....meaning, we need to complement K24 for that step. > > Let's be honest in our submissions especially concerning such revelations. > > Wainaina > > On 12/14/08, dmakali(a)yahoo.com <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >> That's not true. You have obviously exaggerated in trying to put across >> your >> cheap propaganda. Ndemo was on k24 this morning and he was of course not >> opposing the bill. Plus, you should ask yourself, who has come out to >> support the bill and not been given airtime. >> Yes, the media is campaigning, but it has not yet agreed or employed any >> of >> the strategies you have listed. Their time is coming. And we don't need >> to >> go to previous regimes to show brutal attacks against the media. The >> worst >> have taken place under the current regime! >> You have more to be grateful than disgusted with the media. Be just a >> little >> more reflective and considerate otherwise your diabolical hatred of the >> media lacks foundation. >> David >> Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: "Wainaina Mungai" <wainaina(a)madeinkenya.org> >> >> Date: Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:08:09 >> To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Kenya communications >> (amendment) >> Bill: Is media overacting? >> >> >> The truth is that the "supporters" you see on TV, hear on radio, read >> in papers are not by accident. The Media Owners Association (MoA) >> crafted a campaign strategy that includes the "media blackout to all >> MPs who supported the Bill and The Ministry of Information & >> Communications". >> >> According to persons privy to the media campaign strategy, we have a >> big problem here and it's about time Kenyans were told the objective >> truth. Unfortunately, the people who own the media houses are >> determined to use every possible means to ensure the Bill is not >> signed. You will not hear a supporter of the Bill being given >> coverage. >> >> Why? >> >> The strategy is clearly not intended to yield an objective result. The >> intention is to shape public opinion even through biased reporting. >> The strategy includes: >> >> 1. Ensure President dioesn't sign the Bill, by publicly petitioning him. >> 2. Take advantage of Jamhuri Day to show images of raids conducted by >> previous regimes. >> 3. Run a media campaign that includes 'same headline' in all papers >> and similar headlines on electronic media. >> 4. Shape public opinion through campains and show that the Bill is >> unconstitutional...etc etc >> 5. Blackout all supporters of the Bill, Ministry & only invite civil >> society players who support the interests of the media. Keep watching >> and you'll notice the biased reporting. >> 6. The coverage of the issue in the weekend papers (circulation) is >> also part of the strategy. This will not stop until the President >> yields to the Media's agenda. >> >> The media has the right to petition the President but the problem with >> their campaign is that Media Owners have actually agreed not to cover >> the issue objectively. They have conspired to shape public opinion by >> all possible means including excluding all those who have a different >> opinion. >> >> In doing so, they demonstrate the need for legislative regulation. The >> nation is now at the mercy of the media and the public will only be >> fed with one side of the story. >> >> Over to you. >> Wainaina >> >> >> On 12/14/08, Kinuthia Muchane <muchanek(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>> Habari, >>> Maybe the media is overacting, maybe the the MPs are wrong... But one >>> interesting thing about this issue is the timidity of the MPs, to begin >>> with, in the news all I am hearing are our dear elected representatives >>> vowing their undying support for all sorts of freedom, including that of >>> Press, so my question is, isn't there one, single MP who supported >>> passing of the Bill who can come out in defence of his or her stand? Or >>> is it because they always pander to the Press, they do not want to be >>> seen in 'bad' light . >>> >>> On the other hand, most of us take what we hear on the radio or watch on >>> TV as gospel truth, and the unfortunate fact of life is that the >>> majority of us have no other source of information, or do not seek >>> other >>> avenues of >>> getting information, a fact very well >>> known by members of the so called "Fourth Estate". So when they drench >>> us with "details" about the dangers of the bill's amendment no matter >>> how >>> skewed their >>> opinion is, we will believe them hook, line and sinker! >>> If you ask me, in a country like ours with a very shaky social, >>> political and economic foundation, these merchants of >>> "information" should be very closely and regularly monitored, a Radio >>> Mille Collines can happen here very easily... >>> In any case, ain't all these media 'houses' just commercial enterprises >>> out to make a tidy profit? >>> >>> Kinuthia... >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> ke-internetusers mailing list >>> ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net >>> http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers >>> >> >> -- >> Sent from my mobile device >> >> --- >> http://www.bungesms.com >> >> TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/bungesms >> >> KABISSA.org - >> http://www.kabissa.org/about/news/member-spotlight-made-kenya-network >> >> KAMPALA Workshop presentation - >> http://m4d.kcl.co.ug/sites/default/files/presentations/BungeSMS_MadeinKenya… >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: dmakali(a)yahoo.com >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmakali%40yahoo.com >> > > -- > Sent from my mobile device > > --- > http://www.bungesms.com > > TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/bungesms > > KABISSA.org - > http://www.kabissa.org/about/news/member-spotlight-made-kenya-network > > KAMPALA Workshop presentation - > http://m4d.kcl.co.ug/sites/default/files/presentations/BungeSMS_MadeinKenya… > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/bitange%40jambo.co.ke > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > -- Sent from my mobile device --- http://www.bungesms.com TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/bungesms KABISSA.org - http://www.kabissa.org/about/news/member-spotlight-made-kenya-network KAMPALA Workshop presentation - http://m4d.kcl.co.ug/sites/default/files/presentations/BungeSMS_MadeinKenya…

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Media Institute on Recent Media furore
by Brian Longwe 14 Dec '08

14 Dec '08

The price of negligence and incompetence [image: PDF]<http://www.eastafricapress.net/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=573> [image: Print]<http://www.eastafricapress.net/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5…> [image: E-mail]<http://www.eastafricapress.net/index2.php?option=com_content&task=emailform…> OUR VIEW While the Media Institute condemns the outrageous selfishness exhibited by Members of Parliament in passing what is clearly a retrogressive law, the media must not escape culpability for what has befallen it. It has become norm for the media to cry wolf when faced with any encroachment on its turf, especially its own welfare. In fact, in the public domain, the strident wailing of the media has become all too familiar and sympathy is waning. And why not; there are many sectors of our society whose cry for attention when their welfare is similarly threatened by government action or legislation hardly get a fraction of the interest the media devotes to its own selfish interests. Truth be told, the media is insensitive and uncaring most of the time. And it gets worse. The media are not even competent in superintending over their own matters either because they are out of depth, they cant fathom the implications of some developments - such as the just enacted Bill - or they are just consumed by their pursuit of profit and basic competition to comprehend the threats to their survival or operations. That cannot be said of the ICT sector, which too is the subject of the same Communications Amendment Bill 2008, but which has had its issues discussed and thrashed out in numerous online lists and discussion forums. Not surprisingly, some media chiefs only came to grips with the implications of the Bill when it had sailed through the First Reading in Parliament a month ago. They long left the job of minding the rights enjoyed by the media almost exclusively to non-governmental organisations that the media cares less about. Consider this: A fortnight before the Bill went to the Third and final phase in the House, an alarmed International Commission of Jurists (Kenya) called a meeting to sensitize the media about the impending law. And when they turned up, some of the media chiefs not only knew zilch about the Bill but what they did after that was even more scandalous. All of them were unavailable for the action proposed to forestall the passage of the law. Even when a press conference was called to raise the alarm, all of them were either busy or conveniently absent. Rather than mobilize the sector, they retreated to their usual boardrooms and adopted the ineffective strategy of molly-coddling MPs, ministry of information officials and other emissaries through informal methods to drop selective clauses deemed to be threatening to commercial interests (principally, the prohibition of cross-ownership). The media did not even give adequate publicity to the Bill prior to the brouhaha, let alone the other aspects relating to ICT. Needless to say, we failed spectacularly and now we are back in our regular dark pit of moaning. What was a clear case of an attempt to abridge freedom of speech was conveniently couched in terms of commercial interests, protection of frequencies, turfs, and so forth. The reporting of the aftermath itself has been terribly wanting. The Communications Bill has all of a sudden become ICT Bill, Media Bill, and other names we have baptised it. How is the public to keep track of our lamentations? In our bid to attract sympathy, ok appeal, to the public, we have also pressed the sensational button, and the inaccuracies are staggering. For one, the offending Sect. 88 was not introduced by the new Bill. It is already in the existing Communications Act and what was on the table was whether to repeal it. That of course, is clouding issues and confusing the bigger picture. At stake is an attempt by the political class to equip itself with the ammunition to circumscribe the fundamental freedom of expression, and arm itself with the ammunition to control the media if it is deemed as unbecoming or threatening to its interests, diverse as they may be. In this regard one cant help but sympathise with the wing of the coalition that is always crying about being shortchanged in the power sharing deal - of what benefit is this new law to the objective of freedom of information in this country? Yes, to be candid, the media is far from innocent. Some of the vulgar content on the airwaves at supposedly neutral hours should not be allowed. Yes, on their own they have demonstrated utter irresponsibility in setting standard thanks to the greed for profit. But to sit and wait for government to legislate their content is perhaps the worst demonstration of lack of leadership among the media management. While the Media Institute joins others in appealing to the Head of State to demonstrate statesmanship and respect for democracy by not assenting to the law, it must be observed that the media has overspent its goodwill and earned its just fruits. Our hope is that the President will not be motivated by short-term parochial interests to endorse a bad law. The Bill clearly impinges on freedom of expression and the media, which are democratic principles that he and other leaders have professed to respect. To turn around and begin to claw back on that at a time when the country is on the democratic assent and awaits proper constitutional reform will be both anachronistic and an undeserving of his legacy. http://www.eastafricapress.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=57…

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] Kenya communications (amendment) Bill: Is media overacting?
by Mike Theuri 14 Dec '08

14 Dec '08

Alex, The issues that present themselves are multifaceted in nature and cover many matters. The protests in question however appeared to cover two areas 1) The KCA Amendment Bill 2) Rising Food Prices and Taxation matters Mars Group is part of a coalition of numerous groups numbering over 2000 across the country. Mars Group has been known for exposing matters relating to governance, malfeasance and corruption and has in turn transformed itself into a form of alternative internet based media which is likely to speedily grow if the traditional print media reverts to the oppressed position it was in the 90s leading up to 1997. http://www.marsgroupkenya.org/partnershipforchange/ Mars Group sent out a message on behalf of the "partnership for change" on Dec 10 which stated in part: "All our actions are legal and non-violent. We can get the change we want without heckling or losing self-control. We are in charge of our country and its destiny. We don't need to heckle or misconduct ourselves if we are in charge. Change starts with us changing our behaviour and as we change so too will our country change. Our leaders will follow our lead. >From now on." Mars Group's actions were apparently aimed at protesting issue # 2. It is apparent that because protesters of both issues were at the same venue, the two issues became intertwined. At least one can conclude that Mars Group did not ask those participating to engage in disruptive conduct prior to the event. Has the media been irresponsible? Indeed they have, with media freedom reaching unprecedented levels. What were once professional media turned reputable papers into tabloid publications, and some journalists fabricated stories or accepted brown envelopes to write stories on behalf of interested parties. Naturally such occurrences are scattered and there are still a number of professional members of the media who uphold journalistic ethics. The industry needs to reign in the elements who bring a bad name to the industry. The below provides an insight into some of the decay in media standards in the country: http://okongospolicy.com/?p=127 Had the industry done a better job at self policing, chances are that they may have had more support in getting section 88 deleted. Some sections of the media today are under the control or ownership of personalities with vested political interests some of them in elected office today. What Alex has predicted happening in 2012 will almost certainly take place then and it has happened in the past before on a smaller scale both politically and for commercial reasons. The government is by the people for the people. High handedness in government and obliviousness to what one's employer is saying is a dangerous catalyst for chaos when the employer acts out of desperation. Now the media has become the scapegoat for supposedly mobilising the masses! Issue #2's seriousness should not be underestimated for what seemingly has the early makings of a massive movement with economic hardship being the common denominator. Would the masses adopt the media issue if they were not vested in issue #2? It would be difficult if not unlikely considering that it is apparent that the media issue is a relic from the past and what the media appear to be protesting is its non removal rather than what the general public believes to be an addition. What is clear is that this "relic" manifested in section 88 does not have favour with the public and will soon join the long list of grievances associated with issue #2. It is said that a hungry man is a angry man, blaming the media for mobilising the masses when the truth of the matter is that the proponents (the general public) of issue #2 will adopt any issue that shows disaffection with those perceived to be in a position to determine whether one can put food on the table or not, is what one could term as acting oblivious or what the proverbial ostrich would do were a lion to approach. Can the 'masses' be calmed downby deleting section 88? Temporarily, yes, but only until the next feelings of hunger propel issue #2 back to the forefront. On Sat, Dec 13, 2008 at 1:53 AM, Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Grace, > > This is a difficult subject but I guess keeping quiet about it does not > make it > go away;) Let me start with an excerpt on recent conversation with a media > practitioner. > > --excerpt-- > > But a professional journalist cannot accommodate judgmental or > pre-concluded opinion diagonally opposite to their trade fundamentals > [for @newbies http://blogs.salon.com/0002007///2003/08/17.html and > http://jonswift.blogspot.com/2007/11/journalism-101.html ]. > > After internalising "independence" pretexts when their respective > coverage were biased towards certain differing quarters, recent > lessons have now led to our media houses contemplating declaring their > political ideological alignments (parties or candidates) in future. Do > not be surprised to find such declarations on TV and radio stations > or on Newspapers come 2012. > --excerpt-- > > On Sat, Dec 13, 2008 at 8:40 AM, Grace Bomu <nmutungu(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > I had signed up for the mars group protest yesterday on the > > representation that it was a protest on food prices and MP'S refusal > > to pay taxes. > > I am disgusted that the media have used our voices for their causes > > exclusively, disregarding ours. > > What does the Mars Group say about this? Are you likely to participate > on a similar other initiative under the same circumstances? Do you trust > our media as mere conduits of information to consumers? > > > As a Kenyan, i think there should be a review on cross-ownership of > > media if democracy is to thrive. Also, considering the role of the > > media in fueling ethnic/ regional backlash since 2003, isn't there > > need for a check on them? > > Part One: > Imagine a situation where one 'Private Sector' tycoon owned *all* > media outlets. His/her network of companies is chasing a lucrative > government contract. Some Public Procurement and Disposal Act > law-abiding Civil Servant detects fraudulent practices, collusions, > etc (and as a reminder these are presently worth 700 billion/year) > and disqualifies the bid. > > The tycoon's network of media outlets decides it's time that Public > Servant was sacked! Do you think he/she can survive the adverse > orchestrated negative media coverage? Would the successor be as > stringent when it came to the bids from the tycoon networks? > > Part Two: > It would be mistaken for anybody to try and defend the media on > their polarising role towards last years elections and their coverage. > Clearly, they all had candidates they wanted in power, why?above? > > What is "media" is it countable big media houses. Remember they > are businesses and if something adversely affects their revenue lines > they will either silently kill it, massage the opinion and expressions > to conform to (or at least not threaten) their business interests. This > is what happened to your Mars Group representation? > > > There may be misgivings on the arbitraly powers conferred to the > > Minister in charge of security but media has to be checked. > > The media should give suggestions on alternative ways to check them > > instead of using all their airtime and acres of newspapers to win > > public sympathy. > > I am concerned with 'arbitrary powers' implications on expression > I have not read the new version thus I am speculative here... > > The last I heard about this was that it had been agreed to BUT a > committee (not an individual minister) would make that decision. > The thinking was that a committee would make a fairer decision. > > Imagine a situation where the police were denied powers to raid > any premises where crimes were ongoing? > > > Finally, they should stop branding it ' media bill' as the bill is not > > a conspiracy against media but a bill to amend the communications act. > > > > Our society amazes on its ways of corrupting things, people, ideas, > movement, even concepts.... > > Conclusion: > If either government or the media were left alone, the public would > suffer badly. > Excessive government powers+high handedness plunged us into dictatorships. > Unchecked media excesses gone wild on "Fourth Estate" public watchdog role > pursuing purely commercial interests would be a very bad thing for > democracy. > Between media and government, consumer interests are better served by the > media. But recall a recent post to the effect that the internet > remains consumers > best saviour? For these reasons, I hope our media away from seeking > "pity" tries > "earning" public respect.Only then can we rise up aggressively defending > media. > > In the meantime, kindly email to me the "Blue Copy" for my perusal. > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers >

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I have seen the future of the marine cable
by robert yawe 13 Dec '08

13 Dec '08

Today I saw the future of Kenya after the fiber land and I feel duty bound to share the experience. For many years my business has provided server solutions to multinationals for groupware, our main selling point for having servers located locally was always the unreliable internet links. Today one of my clients, a multinational company has moved their servers to Europe and are using thin client technology to connect the desktop user. I saw a similar scenario when multinationals where allowed VSAT terminals, as many technical activities got consolidated either at head office in Europe/USA or regional processing centers in India. What we were left with was clerical and other none core activities. With the downturn in the world financial markets expect more centralised control of corporate activites and offshoring of currently local functions. I assure the advocates of BSP and call centers that they will achieve their objective of turning Kenya into a clerical hub for the rest of the world. Which is historically what Kenya's role was always meant to be within the British Empire. We are soon to become a nation of overqualified call center operated involved in an activity that does not provide skills transfer. Come January I will have lost a prime revenue earner as all that will be expected from us will be blowing the computers and offering 1st level support on productivity applications and printing issues. This will mean that I have no need to retain high skilled personnel. What use is it then for us to be setting up Universities all over the country yet all we shall need are large armies of fellows with good spoken english, maybe french or chinese with an average IQ and basic level of education. Am I an alarmist? I do not think so I am a realist, I am reengineering to meet the challenge but can someone provide a condusive environment. Ndemo can we get collocation centers made available, the newly redressed ISPs are not about to add value in this direction. Can the government take the lead in outsourcing its activites, we are ready to setup a call centre for the Government in ISIOLO or at RIAT in Kisumu, I dare you to give me the challenge. Have a god filled christmas & a proserous new year Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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Re: [kictanet] " Houston : We have a problem... "
by aki 12 Dec '08

12 Dec '08

Thats right, we do and I speak for data. > > My sincere apology for the cross posting and am just sharing my > experience that the situation on network quality in our country is getting > out of hand. I cannot expect telco CEOs / MDs like the Mr Joseph, > Mr Saint-Jean or Mr Murray or even from any Network Operators etc to roll up > their sleeves and go down to their respective Network Centres or Operations > and reboot caching servers or load balancers! > > Network management of data services has reached a point where I'm forced to > use strong words that either most of kenyan networks are run by people who > do not undestand them or that there are no quality of service systems in > place. This is scary given that we hope to provide at least some tiered > services to a potential audience in the near future. Most technology > equipment is useless and awaits data entry from skilled operator to turn > devices into anything meaningful. Are the skilled personell or systems doing > their jobs? I'd highly recommend to the management of network companies to > re-evaluate their technologies or even staff and put in place systems that > allow for real time analysis of their systems and performances. Even a 1% > packet loss in a modern network is totally unacceptable. Local loop > latenices must be maintained within 50-200ms and not the 1000-2000ms seen. > Just one simple question : If it was done right the first time then why keep > tinkering with it?! > > Even if we received some out of the world super submarine fiber, the whole > process is useless if we cannot maintain/run internal networks to > international standards. Which leads to a further question : how stable is > the fiber between Mombasa, Nairobi to kisumu? We need some serious thoughts > on quality by respective players in the industry so that in future marketing > as say eg a telecom hub, some investor somewhere does not ask an insulting > question : how reliable are your networks? > > Asante and Happy Jamhuri Day. > > > > > > > >

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Re: [kictanet] IGF 2008 Highlights - Day 4
by mwende njiraini 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

*Day 4: 6th December 2008* *Theme: Emerging Issues* * * *09:00 - 10:30 Workshop 84: The role and mandate of the IGF* * * *Main success of IGF* - Success of multi-stakeholder forum that provides a informal and flexible structure for engagement. - Regional and national meetings such as the Kenya IGF, UK IGF and EAIGF are creating more opportunities for exchange of information, focus on development and issues in the governance realm. These meetings should be fostered. - Capacity building at an individual and national level - Sharing of best practices - Enabled participation on the demand side - Multilingualism – local language use extends access - Human rights advocacy– formation of the global network initiative (GNI) - Formation of the multi-stakeholder advisory group (MAG) that is dynamic and flexible - Discussion of issues relating to the environment and sustainability - Avenue for information sharing between different regions *Criticisms of the IGF* · Idea of IGF developed by the civil society – the forum when established would not issue recommendations or guidelines (not a policy conference) – consequently maintaining the status quo – this however is not what the civil society had bargained for. · The forum has not provided an equal footing of civil society participants with government and business · The GNI is not a multi-stakeholder in nature as governments do not buy into its outputs · Meaningful change is required in the MAG and secretariat – the MAG should be more representative and accountable – representatives should be nominated, while the secretariat should be accountable to the MAG · The IGF should develop policy proposals as well as briefing material to facilitators · The plenary sessions are a waste of time – instead small group discussions on specific issues should be organised to make policy proposals/recommendations to the MAG for formalization. · Recommendations approved by the MAG (which is representative of all stakeholders) · There is a need for a re-look of the mandate of the IGF as given by the Working Group on Internet Governance (WGIG) · Format of the IGF needs to be changed to increase interactive between the audience and panel – sitting arrangements should be changed · Remote participation and documentation needs to be improved · Need for discussion on cross cutting theme of development including issues such as o Migration to digital technologies o Frequency licensing/frequency policy o Creating access · The phrase workshop is a misnomer · Need for a feedback mechanism *Challenges* - Continued support and funding – should be provided by all stakeholders - Avoid capture by one stakeholder group - Capacity building for new attendees and creation of advanced sessions for more experienced participants *1030 -1300 Diplo Session: IGF'08 Negotiation Simulation* Facilitated by Ambassador Kishan S Rana and Dr. Jovan Kurbalija *Importance... * * * *Objectives* Issues of conflict Common interest Cannot be solved unilaterally Commitment to issue Willingness to compromise Goal – concede to what you want and * * *Concepts* * * - *ZOPA* – zone of possible agreement - range within which agreement possible - *BATNA*– best alternative to a negotiated agreement – threshold below which one will not go not worthwhile - *Win-sets* same as zopa - *Ripe moment* – in a complex negotiation – time when negotiation can be concluded – time when there is a meeting of minds – Negotiations* *implicitly involves trust *Stages* - preparation - negotiation - pre-negotiation - follow *Harvard method principle negotiation * - project of negotiation power – Harvard university – whole range of negotiations – Books recommended "Getting to yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In" by Roger Fisher and William L. Ury and "Getting past no" * * *Four cardinal principles of negotiation * - separate people from the problem – don't personalize an issue – build trust – never be caught telling a lie – someone should not push you to a corner - behind adversarial position may lie common interest e.g. in the case of the IGF – building a secure internet - trying to share pie -only looks to one dimension - search options – creativity encouraged - common search to secure agreement - look to criteria that may offer solution *Meetings and chairmanship* - preparation – training everyone on how to chair a meeting for example after the Chec republic Slovakia republic chairman ship of the European - every meeting has core group that runs the show – observe the body language - observe and identify them - you want to join that core group gradually - study body language dynamics listen - join drafting group learn the rules procedure and how to manipulate draft - chair must constantly monitor mood meeting - chair – authority and tact – should not offend but more move along - anticipate problems before they arise observe - invest in relationships win trust esp of key problems = main capital gained - master the show *Questions/Discussions* - How do you separate people from the problem? – try create a relationship through common interest e.g. music – make it clear that you don't agree – don't take it personality – if you don't agree don't retaliate personality – junior members of a delegation are invaluable in negotiations – "float a balloon" – because they don't speak with authority. - Negotiations largely take place in the corridors and during coffee – its important to realize when negotiations are a formality – however each case is unique – realize when you are at the end of the road. - What happens when there is a stronger party in the negotiation process? – Weakness and power are in the eye of the beholder – 'sufficient incentive' –for small country apply leverage in a negotiation – the example of the treaty between Mauritius and India on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) - How are cultural differences managed during negotiations? - Cultural differences always exist, however negotiations utilise a common language – English – Translation of negotiations in different languages may be available – however the English text is considered the authoritative version/definitive text/principle text. - It is important to master the English language as an adjunct to your skills – for example be involved in the drafting group - There is usually an established common code of conduct during negotiations. - Chairmanship is a skill that is learnt – the chair has to be a member of the group. * * *Simulation Exercise on Internet Governance * Objective – reaching a zone of possible agreement (ZOPA) between the USA, G77, India, China, Russia, the Business Community and Civil society before 2011 on key IG issues including: - *The form/name of document * - Press communiqué - Chairman's statement - Declaration of principles - Code of practice - Operational declaration - Framework convention - Substantive convention - Formal treaty - *Net neutrality* - Single internet - Mixed system - Regular internet as public facility - Private internet - Multiple internet (no regulation; market driven) - *Cyber security* - Bilateral - G8 framework - G20 framework - Regional - Global - *Jurisdiction/dispute resolution * - Regular courts - Public arbitrations - Private arbitrations - *Content policy * - National - Regional - Global *Main lesson learnt*: it is important to bargain/trade-off in order to reach the ZOPA otherwise a negotiation that is not concluded could mean a win to another participant. *Closing ceremony* Transcript available at http://igf.wgig.org/cms/index.php/hyderabadprogramme On 12/10/08, mwende njiraini <mwende.njiraini(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > *Day 2: 4th December 2008* > > * * > > *Theme: Promoting Cybersecurity and Trust * > > * * > > *0930-1100 Panel discussions: Dimensions of Cybersecurity and Cybercrime* > > The internet was not originally designed with security features however > with increased use of the internet security considerations arise. > > > > It is important to recognize regional, local and cultural issues that may > affect cyber security and develop a relationship of trust in order to > develop a framework that determines - what happens in a crisis, how to > engage in law enforcement. This is important as security issues need to > be addressed before there is a crisis and should be done at all levels. > > > > *Computer Emergency Response Team* > > * * > > The use of the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) at a regional and > national level based on the framework developed by the Carnegie Mellon > University (www.cert.org) as follows: > > > > 1. *Organisational * > > At an organisational level there should be a person responsible for > security – the response to security threats need to be formalized – that is > organizational incident response should be formalized. > > > > 1. *National* > > Formation of national CERT is necessary but not sufficient. Channels for > relaying of information, mitigating threats need to be organised and tested > on a regular basis. The national CERT should work with regional CERT as > well as have links with law enforcement organisations. > > There is need for development of a strategy as well as testing of the > system. Any incidents should be reviewed. > > > > The goals of CERT should include: > > - early detection, > - short response time, > - reduction of impact, > - recognition of liability issues, > - analysis techniques – which are forensically safe, need to be > developed in advance not when time is of the essence > - Alignment of with partners > > > > ITU-D study group 1 Q 22/1 is studying issues on: *Securing information > and communication networks: best practices for developing a culture of > Cybersecurity* > > > > The security should be implemented without damaging the nature of the > internet, and protecting vulnerable groups > > > > *Introduction of cybercrime and terrorism* > > Traditional crime has moved online for example harassment and money > laundering however there are new forms of crime in the virtual world > including: > > - phishing, virus/malware, etc > > - Critical infrastructure threats – banking, transport, banking, > energy, government and national security > > - Terrorist use of the internet to publish ideologies, raise > funds, recruit new members > > > > The challenges in combating cybercrime and terrorism: > > - The crime scene and who is in charge with dealing with the > threat. > > - Relevance of geographic distance > > - Investigative cost and the need to carry out real time > investigations > > - Legal framework > > - Procedural legal problems > > - Complex search and seizure laws > > - Responsibility and data > > - It complex due to numerous operators involved > > > > *Questions and discussions* > > - Global issue – which needs coordinated effort and cooperation - > in order to avoid the development of cyber havens. > > > > - Action, feedback and reaction necessary in order to update > prevention mechanisms with regard to recent incidents > > > > - A relationship of trust important between the CERT and ISPs > –ISPs need to provide data – this should a bottom up process > > > > - Organisations work in an eco-system –sharing of information – > collecting statistics before, during and after an incident > > > > - Access (usage and querying) to the data base at the CERT should > be controlled – because of privacy issues > > > > - A mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and formal structures > should be created through a formal bottom-up process. > > > > - Network based crime raise issues associated with creating an > appropriate balance between the needs of those investigating and prosecuting > and rights and interests. > > > > - Need for coordination is a challenge to governments because of > the lack of expertise – therefore have to rely on academia and private > sector > > > > - The CERT should be an independent group of experts that should > be fully empowered > > > > - Appropriate safeguards to protect the functioning of the > organisation necessary as they give confidence and ensure business > continuity during investigation > > > > - New institutional models based on hybrid frameworks – for > example Sri-Lanka CERT was set up in June 2006 and involves government as > well as skilled incident handlers (http://www.slcert.gov.lk/) > > > > - Need for increased cooperation as cyber crime is > multi-jurisdiction issue – harmonization of enforcement processes and > legislation approach such as that of the council of Europe. > > > > * * > > *Indian CERT* > > - The internet is used for numerous activities leading to an > increase cyber attacks consequently there is a need for training on best > practices and implementation. > > - India's legislation includes computer related offences and is > currently being amended to be in line with the European cyber convention. > > - National CERT operates in partnership with Asia and pacific > CERTs > > - The Indian CERT is a government lead industry initiative – that > aims at creating awareness and compliance to best practices > > - Training of law enforcement officers on analysis of computer > related crime a challenge and undertaken through PPP. > > - A secure national cyberspace – requires collaboration, research > in technologies through a bottom-up process. > > - Areas of conflicting interest need to be addressed as > cybercrime is a global phenomenal – these areas include conflict with > individual rights, unnecessary censorship and society issues > > - Establishment of global alliances essential to ensure stability > of internet > > - Sharing to data about cyber attacks is a challenge > > - Establishment of a CERT takes time – needs to include > participation of private sector partners > > > > The ITU has identified five pillars with regard to internet security which > include: > > > > 1. Legal issues > 2. Technical procedural issues, Organisational structures including > CERTs > 3. Capacity building > 4. International cooperation > > > > There is need for proactive approach to provide an early warning system for > example that used in the event of natural disasters as well as need for > organisation and cooperation between all stakeholders. > > > > With regard to initiating internet security measures – start with an issue > where there is a common understanding for example child protection which was > the basis of the launch of the child line protection. > > > > *Capacity building* > > *Issues* > > - Lack of capacity in of ISPs > > - Inter-south cooperation required as challenges and > infrastructure similar > > - Retention of skilled human resources a challenge > > - Use of network operator groups for capacity building > > - Need to utilize the existing educational framework by > integration of cybersecurity into curriculum – this creates sustainability > in capacity building > > - Training should be relevant to the environment – appropriate > use of technology, cost, concentrate on getting the maximum benefit – > innovation in order to derive the maximum value will be based on training > received > > - Need for collaboration platform – so as to continue sharing > information > > - Need to focus on reality on the ground > > > > *Kind of training* > > - technical training > > - policy issues – IPv4/6 > > > > *Technical challenges* > > - operators need to be profitable – environment liberalized – > however still certain monopolized areas – international connectivity – > imbalanced competition – therefore profitability issue- cant invest in new > technologies – limited investment in training > > > > *My comment*: Urgent need create of culture of cybersecurity (end-users, > at organisation level and nationally) and establishment of national, > regional CERTs. > > > > *14:30 - 16:00 Workshop 76 Neutrality Debate Important for You? (Network > Neutrality Debate: The Implications for Development) * > > * * > > *Technical issues* > > All networks need to be managed > > > > High broadband connectivity principles > > ( > http://www.tiaonline.org/gov_affairs/issues/internet_services_applications/… > ) > > > > - transparency > > - ability to attach any device > > - right to access any legal content > > - right to download any legal content > > > > *Economic issues* > > Net neutrality has significant micro and macro implications. Broadband > investment influenced by the broad economic environment because of the > massive investment required > > - Regulation is viewed more beneficial in view of the current > economic crisis > > - More users create value to the platform > > - Optimal pricing structure – a possibility - may not want to > charge content providers to contribute to access > > - Mandatory net neutrality/unbundling expected to depress > investment in broadband plus may have a significant negative effect on > investment NGN. > > - Centre for European Policy Studies – research titled: "I own > the pipes, you call the tune: The net neutrality debate and its (ir) > relevance for Europe" available at > http://shop.ceps.eu/BookDetail.php?item_id=1755 – argues that the internet > is not neutral – pro-neutrality rules/changes being proposed should be > evaluated > > - The analogy of the roads and vehicles was used to describe net > neutrality – the roads represent the pipes while the cars represent the > packets/traffic – which are not regulated and may be of any shape or size. > However there is regulation with regard to speed. > > - issue of convergence – important for users > > - internet to drive innovation and economic growth > > - activism issues are important to understand the issues > > - slowing down the traffic and packets on internet has a > consequence of slowing down the development internet > > > > *Issues from a user perspective* > > - no consensus on the issues exists > > - Users do not necessarily want free/unlimited control – however > what they want is: what they access should not be controlled > > - They do not want to be forced to buy their store brands or > services of preferred service providers of the broadband connectivity > provider. > > - There is no value in packaging/bundling of services – rather it > is designed to sell services at a high price > > - Users question whether a free market would help as suppliers > are out to make money – there is an economic motivation to invest – which > means there is no one to look out for consumers > > - Need for establish anti trust/anti monopoly regulations > > - ISPs must be made to know that users are not willing to give up > their rights thus should develop internet usage plans that are favourable to > the users - suppliers must listen to consumers > > - Users have the power to demand what we want if only they > demanded it > > - The investment on the internet should be allowed in all areas – > core and edges without fragmenting it - networks should be built using open > interfaces - end to end principle protection is significant > > - Users want the internet to encourage innovation > > - Use of restaurant analogy where the chairs, tables and food are > outsourced > > - Users should have the ability to have access to the content > they want as long as it is connected to open interfaces > > - Users have concern on the future of the internet; content > equality and its ability to deliver content in different ways thus > encouraging local innovation > > > > *My comment:* significance of net neutrality with reference to developing > countries was not addressed – taking into consideration that the motivation > for investment in broadband connectivity is socio-economic development thus > deployment of both local and international for example submarine cable is > being done by governments rather than the private sector. > > > On 12/8/08, mwende njiraini <mwende.njiraini(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >> *5th December 2008* >> *930-1100 Panel Discussion Transition from IPv4 to IPv6* >> Based on several studies it is projected that IPv4 addresses will be >> globally exhausted by 2011 however address space will still be available at >> a local level. Seamless take up of IPv6 is expected with the exhaustion of >> IPv4 and there is on going discussion – to define policy to facilitate >> smooth transition for operators and ensure that new comers have minimum IPv6 >> address space allocation to start up business. >> >> The following issues were discussed from different perspectives: >> >> *Issues from operators' perspective*: >> - Deployment of IPv6 enabled equipment in the core networks should be done >> increment – however uptake is low because there is no extra revenue >> generated with the implementation of IPv6 i.e. the lack of commercial >> drivers. However this is expected to change with the as customer numbers >> grow. >> >> - Need for upgrade – therefore operators from developed countries stand at >> an advantage as they have the resources and are nearly exhausted their local >> allocations. >> >> - Getting operational experience is a challenge – there is need to invest >> in operational tools to run IPv6 in terms of software configuration >> utilities management and trouble shooting >> >> - Participation in standardization – where users have equipment that >> supports only IPv4 – how do they access services that are available only on >> IPv6-based networks? The IETF is working on the transition mechanisms >> however the co-existence of both protocols is expected for a long time >> >> - Operators are pushing for IPv6 support in customer premise equipment >> (CPE) as well as software that supports the new protocol version. However it >> is expected that legacy applications will be available in the foreseeable >> future >> >> *Issues from a vendor perspective* >> - Transition has been going on for some time in the vendor world. The >> transition has been a long process for vendors and operators – in terms of >> getting the technology and standards ready >> >> - As IP is the core of the internet – transition to ipv6 – is significant >> particularly with the increase of IPv6 enabled devices connected to the >> internet specifically mobile phones >> >> - need to understand technology and therefore need for operational and >> implementation experience >> >> - managing customer demand/expectations for IPv6 enabled services and >> devices >> >> - cost of staff training >> >> - there are mistakes that will be made – therefore need for mutual support >> in the implementation of v6 >> >> *Social and economic perspectives*- >> - Transition should be cooperative endeavour with social and economic and >> policy considerations >> >> - Gradual implementation and interoperability between IPv4 and v6 expected >> so as to preserve the investment already made >> >> - There is a general understanding that IPv6 will compliment and >> supplement the existing IPv4 as well as provide improved routing, >> multicasting, efficient infrastructure. The following questions however >> arise: >> >> o The advantages that IPv6 offer are good reasons to invest in the new IP >> version. >> o Would transition be transparent and would backward compatibility >> required >> >> - Users want the stability of the internet to be maintained and hope that >> IPv6 will offer opportunities for addition to personality features on the >> internet – this is what makes the business case >> >> - In the India case there are a large number of service providers – and >> there is only a 1/8 usage – therefore demand is low – the need to enhance >> cultural diversity however provides opportunities to create demand through >> local content development including E-government programme and Info-tainment >> >> - It is important to break the myth that IPv6 is a new internet - It is >> not a new internet rather continuation of the internet >> >> - The main benefit is the address space addition- which may allow for >> efficiency >> >> - There is no need to establish a deadline or regulate the implementation >> of IPv6 – as it will be market driven. Additionally users should have rights >> to use IPv4 and IETF is working on coexistence >> >> *Policy perspective* >> - With the impending exhaustion of IPv4 – further implementation will be >> problematic – as not all players will support transition therefore it is >> important to examine measures – for continued use of IPv4 and possible >> migration of users to private IPv4 address space >> >> - creation of action plan to be implemented by 2010 – for example offering >> of incentives such as tax exemption and capacity building >> >> - examination of existing programmes and mechanisms >> >> - establishment of taskforce of IPv4 exhaustion >> >> - the messages of ISPs is that they must carry IPv6 >> >> - IPv4 scarcity and demand for more security are the 2 major challenges >> driving the uptake of IPv6 >> >> - Institution of market transfer or reclamation mechanisms of IPv4 >> resources not required by local internet registries to the regional internet >> registries when transition to IPv6 is implemented. However this would be a >> challenge as RIRs have no contractual authority this may create a grey >> market. This challenge may be overcome through a loose membership >> association that allows others to use others resources >> >> - Institution of secure routing objects including PKI to authenticate >> users raises governance/control issues – RIRs have centralized control which >> may make it efficient and better able to address security issues this makes >> an RIR an central governance institution. Membership of security/government >> associations in the RIR would result in infiltration of technical, policy >> agendas that may make the transition to IPv6 complicated >> >> - However it is argued that RIRs should remain neutral and trans-national >> institutions which: >> o maintain a homogenous technical group >> o maintain a bottom-up approach in policy making >> o guarantee the stability of the internet and business continuity of >> members >> >> - main challenges in the deployment of IPv6 include: >> o lack of public education, information and skill >> o limited network policy decisions to make deployment happen >> o lack of incentive to deploy ipv6 >> >> *1100-1230 Workshop 59:Building a global capacity building curriculum >> framework and premier* >> >> - Integration of IG capacity building in existing ICT and public policy >> courses was advocated. >> >> - The training may be offered either online, offline or through short term >> executive courses. >> >> - Collaboration between different stakeholders who have different needs is >> imperative in order create an understanding of the issues arising from >> increased used of the internet particularly those that transcend the >> geographical, and cultural borders. >> >> - internet security awareness programme set up in India >> >> - Presentations on the Diplo IG capacity building programme ( >> www.diplomacy.edu/ig) – including a demonstration of the online platform. >> >> - The Diplo approach includes the training course (foundation and >> advanced), policy research, policy immersion and community interaction. >> >> - The impact associated with the IG capacity building programme have been >> varied and impressive including the establishment of IG governance masters >> programme in Srilanka and the use of telecentres to disseminate IG related >> information. >> >> - Diplo has successfully offered the training to professional worldwide >> for the last 4 years leading to the establishment of national, regional and >> global community >> >> *1400-1530 Workshop 29: Building confidence and security in the use and >> security in the use of ICTs for African countries >> >> *Main challenges in Africa >> - lack of infrastructure >> - lack of services >> >> Therefore opportunity to learn from mistakes in developing countries and >> establish of computer emergency response team currently there is only one >> active CERT in Africa in Tunisia, South Africa is in the process of setting >> up a CERT with the deadline of 2010 before the FIFA world cup. While >> countries such as Morocco, Kenya and Ivory Coast are thinking about set in >> up CERTs. >> >> The approach in dealing with Cybersecurity in developing countries >> >> Success of Cybersecurity is based on 3pillars >> >> 1. *Technology pillar* – ICT/security tools –including: >> o PCs / networks, physical security tools, data tools (storage media and >> cryptography), availability of infrastructure and application (redundant >> servers and PKI) >> >> 2. *Methodology pillar* – policy, procedures and regulations on three >> levels: >> o managerial level (security policy, management procedures and capacity >> building, audit) Legislative level (law and regulation) >> o operational level (acces control rules, implementation plans, >> monitoring, watch, incidence handling) >> o continuity of services level ( business continuity plan, crisis >> management, drill exercises) >> - actors in this pillar include the government, security professionals and >> users >> >> 3. *Social behaviour pillar* – creating a culture of cyber security >> o cultivate culture of cyber security through continuous action of raising >> awareness using diverse media/channels >> o the target audience includes managers, decision makers, security, >> children, parents, teachers >> >> >> *Case study: CERT-TCC - Tunisia* >> >> *The functions of the CERT include*: >> >> - Watch- collect information from different sources eg CISCO, HP. >> Microsoft, network of CERTs, community of hackers >> - Training >> - Coordination >> - Response >> - Incidence handling >> - Incident analysis >> - Awareness >> - Warning alert >> >> *Key issues*: >> >> • Information, warning and alert – carried out to in collaboration with >> ISPs, managers decision makers, internet community through mailing list, >> call centre, media >> >> • Oriented campaign – utilizing prospectus, posters, email, radio, >> cartoons, video, attack simulation and guides >> >> • Incident handling - training in new tools >> >> • Coordination important in the effective functioning of the CERT – >> incident coordination procedures and information including regional CERTs, >> other CERTs within the country (for example Brazil has more than one CERT), >> ISPs and operators, vendors and integrators, and national authorities. >> >> Need for the formation of CERTs in Africa however the challenges of lack >> of "know how" in IT security need to be overcome through: >> - capacity building >> - encouragement of the development of national solutions based on open >> source components >> - improved R&D capabilities and making it more responsive to urgent needs >> - encouraging academic research in the important topics of security >> (cryptography, methodologies…) >> >> *The following questions and comments were raised*: >> >> - the need for social engineering through the creation of a culture of >> cyber security to be addressed specifically because of the increased >> requirements by government to obligate to provide subscriber identification >> information >> >> - how can African countries start up a cert- through collaboration for >> example with existing CERTs >> >> - in establishing a culture of cybersecurity – consideration should be >> given to the fact that there are different social cultures in different >> countries however there is consensus on issues such as child pornography, >> identity theft >> >> - how can a regional approach be developed where there are differences in >> level of ICT infrastructure and use of infrastructure in the delivery of >> services, what tools can be used to encourage decision makers to be involved >> in the issues of cyber security? >> >> o It was recognised that funding and expertise was required for example >> AFDB, World Bank and Islamic Bank while ITU have regional workshops on cyber >> security >> >> o As African countries build on infrastructure and services – there is an >> opportunity to learn from those that have already developed CERTs. >> >> - How does the CERT monitor traffic: with the collaboration of ISP and >> operators as well as supporting legislation >> >> - Regulators need to advice the government to use ICT in development – >> this is a manifestation of government commitment >> >> - The role of policy making was emphasized – as it provides government >> commitment to using ICT for social economic development and governance and >> consequently support for cyber security initiatives – including the >> formulation of legislation. >> >> - There should not use a piece meal approach to cyber security to prevent >> ineffectiveness for example Mauritius has electronic transaction act but PKI >> not yet established >> >> >> >> On 12/5/08, mwende njiraini <mwende.njiraini(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>> Following our recent online discussions on Internet governance issues in >>> Kenya, the Kenya IGF and East African IGF; you may wish to follow the >>> discussion currently ongoing at the global IGF 2008 in Hyderabad India at >>> http://www.intgovforum.org. >>> >>> Below are highlights from workshops I attended on Day 1 December 3rd): >>> *0930-1100 hrs Workshop 43: Legal aspects of governance critical >>> internet Policy issues of public relevance* >>> *1st presentation* >>> The issues on that have legal implications include: >>> • internet security intellectual property rights, infringement, privacy >>> and protection mechanisms >>> • IP domain name protection, conflicts arising out of data and content >>> ownership privacy therefore increasing role of P2P in growth of internet 2 >>> • Consumer status and rights in relation to e-commerce cross border and >>> domestic online trade >>> • Telecom issue viz backbone deployment and interconnection costs >>> • Freedom of expression – the extent of censorship and control on online >>> content >>> >>> There is need for capacity building to create meaningful participation of >>> individual and SMEs as well as increasing connectivity through building IXPs >>> and local content development >>> >>> The question was raised as to whether there a need of alternative >>> institutional mechanism. >>> The salient features of the MOU between ICANN and the department of >>> commerce (DoC) include: >>> - The affirmation of the role of private sector leadership >>> - The role of DoC in ensuring transparency and accountability and >>> effective GAC participation >>> - Ensure accountability and publish by-laws and strategic and operational >>> plans >>> - Agreement can be terminated in 120 days >>> >>> The MOU has been criticized because of the following reasons: >>> - US governmental control on root server administration >>> - Inconsistent with WSIS principle where no single government should have >>> a pre-eminent role >>> - Domain name allocation policies need better development >>> - IPv4 address allocation have been imbalanced need to ensure IPv6 >>> address allocation does not suffer the same effects -This assertion was >>> however refuted as IP addresses allocation based on need. The need for >>> prudent management and keeping barriers low for the transition to IPv6 was >>> emphasised. >>> >>> To overcome this WGIG proposed 4 models: >>> - Global policy council >>> - Intenational internet council with leading government role to fulfil >>> the ICANN/IANA functions >>> - GAC to be strengthened with enhanced coordination function >>> - Replace US govt role by general internet council or with world ICANN >>> (in lieu of GAC) >>> >>> The common features of these models were the overwhelming government lead >>> and the presupposition of the possibility of international treaties. During >>> the discussion the viability of these models was questioned given that speed >>> is of essence in the management of internet resources. It normally takes a >>> long time to negotiate international agreements; including treaties instead >>> a set of principles should be endorsed. >>> >>> The speaker recommended on the management of critical internet >>> infrastructure should take into consideration the following >>> • Treatment of technical resources of the internet and global economic, >>> social and legal aspects arising out the internet should be at par >>> • The development and implementation of polices and standards and >>> solutions to various internet issues should be done in a coordinated manner >>> for example telecommunication standard development is done in a hierarchical >>> and predictable way. >>> • New structure would be a supreme authority over internet >>> >>> In conclusion the speaker asked: Does the internet as we know it need to >>> be altered radically? Should the status quo be maintained? Should a Red >>> Cross model of recognition by international community states be given to an >>> international entity like ITU, INTELSAT. However fundamental change is not >>> necessary as failure has not been identified. >>> >>> *My comment*: this presentation was descriptive and despite the fact >>> that an alternative model was proposed the principles, mechanisms that would >>> need to be put in place in order to make it work were not discussed >>> >>> *2nd presentation* >>> The next speaker spoke about the ccTLDs in latin Amercia which are >>> broadly organised into two main groups: non-governmental and governmental >>> organisations. A contribution from the floor however clarified that the >>> Brazilian ccTLD is a multi-stakeholder – coordinated by government – but on >>> a day by day basis operates as a non-governmental organisation. The Indian >>> ccTLD is managed by government and private sector – sovereign interest taken >>> care of through government representation. >>> >>> The rules and regulations under which the institutions that manage the >>> ccTLDs are managed determinate legal framework under which they operate. >>> Consequently ccTLDs are regulated under national law while ICANN regulates >>> gTLDs – The possibility of self regulation is based on the assumption that >>> private sector would act in the public interest. >>> >>> In the discussions some felt that there was need for increased attention >>> of government in the management of ccTLDs – as it was critical >>> infrastructure while on the other hand other felt that there was the risk of >>> excessive regulation with increased involvement of government. >>> >>> *1130 -1200 hrs Workshop 36: Strategies to prevent and fight child >>> pornography in developing countries* >>> Child pornography in Brazil has grown out of the popularity of social >>> networking. However the main challenge has been issues related to >>> jurisdiction as content is resident in ISP based in the USA and >>> trans-national ISPs like Yahoo, Microsoft and Google which have branches in >>> strategic markets and have tailored the services for these markets in terms >>> of language and content. >>> >>> Brazil was therefore unable to deal with serious offences related to >>> content – specifically child pornography - committed by Brazilians using >>> Brazilian IP addresses. The government has been able to sign an agreement >>> with Google to fight child pornography on Google's orkut social network. >>> >>> The following are consideration taken in drawing up the agreement >>> 1. Which criteria should be used to define the ability of a particular >>> country to legislate over and sanction conducts committed on the internet? >>> - Where the data is located? >>> - International law principles (territoriality or nationality) shall be >>> used to define the sovereignty of a state regarding – cyber space – which is >>> a network of networks >>> - Define some reasonable standard – for example managed by Brazilians and >>> is local content and local language >>> - Access points in Brazil, harmful conduct felt in the country – taken >>> obligation under international law to take offence – country of origin >>> approach would force thousands of users to unfamiliar rules and travel – >>> offence under human rights therefore apply local legislation >>> >>> 2. It is legitimate to enforce the conduct of local office –as it >>> impracticable to send legal request to the US. >>> >>> >>> New tools have been implement that have reduced number of images uploaded >>> and increase in number of reported cases- subject to investigation. It was >>> inspiring to listen to parliamentarian talk about the need to have >>> legislators engaged in the process as they ultimately pass the laws. I >>> appreciated the fact that in there is great cooperation between the >>> parliament, government, police, civil society and private sector. >>> >>> The main challenges are: >>> • Lack of awareness and participation by parliamentarians who are >>> critical in the formulation of legislation >>> • how to obligate ISPs to provide information without infringing on >>> freedom of expression and privacy, >>> • what criteria should be used to deal with these offences >>> • the creation of awareness of ISPs in developing countries of the need >>> for judicial cooperation as well as social initiatives to deal with cyber >>> crime. >>> • Insufficient infrastructure to deal with this issue – law enforcement >>> does not have the human resources and technology >>> • Material produced to fight child pornography are not evaluated – they >>> should be inline with the demand >>> >>> *My comment*: I would have like to know if initiatives have reduced >>> offences, what is the success rate registered in prosecution, ability of the >>> law enforcement and judicial system to deal with offences. There was no >>> mention of where initiatives had been launched to fight child pornography on >>> the financial front. >>> >>> >>> *1530-1700 Workshop 45: Opening to diversity and competition of the DNS >>> system* >>> >>> >>> >>> There were 3 presentations in this session: >>> >>> >>> - *1st presentation* - alternate DNS system used in library systems >>> >>> >>> - *2nd presentation* - implementation of security in the Handle system >>> >>> >>> - *3rd presentation –* discussed the Net4D >>> >>> >>> >>> Net4D- provides the technical solution to the political concern on the >>> control of root servers. Net4D networks enable the following: >>> >>> • Empower the second generation of the web: the semantic web. >>> >>> • Multi-stakeholder governance of DNS >>> >>> • Net4D classes should be open and interoperable >>> >>> DNS 1.0 – was a monopoly of ICANN web 1.0 html with USA parentage and >>> English only while DNS 2.0 is open allowing for competition including inter >>> alia: >>> >>> • Net4D semantic web >>> >>> • Open coherent approach to linguistic diversity >>> >>> • Allow technological innovation with value added services >>> >>> >>> >>> Concern was however raised on the: >>> >>> • Investment/implementation cost required to implementation of different >>> DNS systems depending on the BIND implemented and root servers enabled >>> >>> • relinquishing of the political control of root servers >>> >>> • Value to end users >>> >>> • Awareness and understanding of the issues by different stakeholders >>> necessary – delivered in a way that they can understand >>> >>> >>> >>> *My comment*: the session was technical – I hope the techies on the >>> mailing list can help us understand the governance issues associated with >>> the introduction of DNS competition and the impact on developing countries >>> :)! >>> >>> >>> >>> Kind regards >>> >>> mwende >>> >> >> >

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Re: [kictanet] IGF 2008 Highlights - Day 2
by mwende njiraini 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

*Day 2: 4th December 2008* * * *Theme: Promoting Cybersecurity and Trust * * * *0930-1100 Panel discussions: Dimensions of Cybersecurity and Cybercrime* The internet was not originally designed with security features however with increased use of the internet security considerations arise. It is important to recognize regional, local and cultural issues that may affect cyber security and develop a relationship of trust in order to develop a framework that determines - what happens in a crisis, how to engage in law enforcement. This is important as security issues need to be addressed before there is a crisis and should be done at all levels. *Computer Emergency Response Team* * * The use of the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) at a regional and national level based on the framework developed by the Carnegie Mellon University (www.cert.org) as follows: 1. *Organisational * At an organisational level there should be a person responsible for security – the response to security threats need to be formalized – that is organizational incident response should be formalized. 1. *National* Formation of national CERT is necessary but not sufficient. Channels for relaying of information, mitigating threats need to be organised and tested on a regular basis. The national CERT should work with regional CERT as well as have links with law enforcement organisations. There is need for development of a strategy as well as testing of the system. Any incidents should be reviewed. The goals of CERT should include: - early detection, - short response time, - reduction of impact, - recognition of liability issues, - analysis techniques – which are forensically safe, need to be developed in advance not when time is of the essence - Alignment of with partners ITU-D study group 1 Q 22/1 is studying issues on: *Securing information and communication networks: best practices for developing a culture of Cybersecurity* The security should be implemented without damaging the nature of the internet, and protecting vulnerable groups *Introduction of cybercrime and terrorism* Traditional crime has moved online for example harassment and money laundering however there are new forms of crime in the virtual world including: - phishing, virus/malware, etc - Critical infrastructure threats – banking, transport, banking, energy, government and national security - Terrorist use of the internet to publish ideologies, raise funds, recruit new members The challenges in combating cybercrime and terrorism: - The crime scene and who is in charge with dealing with the threat. - Relevance of geographic distance - Investigative cost and the need to carry out real time investigations - Legal framework - Procedural legal problems - Complex search and seizure laws - Responsibility and data - It complex due to numerous operators involved *Questions and discussions* - Global issue – which needs coordinated effort and cooperation - in order to avoid the development of cyber havens. - Action, feedback and reaction necessary in order to update prevention mechanisms with regard to recent incidents - A relationship of trust important between the CERT and ISPs –ISPs need to provide data – this should a bottom up process - Organisations work in an eco-system –sharing of information – collecting statistics before, during and after an incident - Access (usage and querying) to the data base at the CERT should be controlled – because of privacy issues - A mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and formal structures should be created through a formal bottom-up process. - Network based crime raise issues associated with creating an appropriate balance between the needs of those investigating and prosecuting and rights and interests. - Need for coordination is a challenge to governments because of the lack of expertise – therefore have to rely on academia and private sector - The CERT should be an independent group of experts that should be fully empowered - Appropriate safeguards to protect the functioning of the organisation necessary as they give confidence and ensure business continuity during investigation - New institutional models based on hybrid frameworks – for example Sri-Lanka CERT was set up in June 2006 and involves government as well as skilled incident handlers (http://www.slcert.gov.lk/) - Need for increased cooperation as cyber crime is multi-jurisdiction issue – harmonization of enforcement processes and legislation approach such as that of the council of Europe. * * *Indian CERT* - The internet is used for numerous activities leading to an increase cyber attacks consequently there is a need for training on best practices and implementation. - India's legislation includes computer related offences and is currently being amended to be in line with the European cyber convention. - National CERT operates in partnership with Asia and pacific CERTs - The Indian CERT is a government lead industry initiative – that aims at creating awareness and compliance to best practices - Training of law enforcement officers on analysis of computer related crime a challenge and undertaken through PPP. - A secure national cyberspace – requires collaboration, research in technologies through a bottom-up process. - Areas of conflicting interest need to be addressed as cybercrime is a global phenomenal – these areas include conflict with individual rights, unnecessary censorship and society issues - Establishment of global alliances essential to ensure stability of internet - Sharing to data about cyber attacks is a challenge - Establishment of a CERT takes time – needs to include participation of private sector partners The ITU has identified five pillars with regard to internet security which include: 1. Legal issues 2. Technical procedural issues, Organisational structures including CERTs 3. Capacity building 4. International cooperation There is need for proactive approach to provide an early warning system for example that used in the event of natural disasters as well as need for organisation and cooperation between all stakeholders. With regard to initiating internet security measures – start with an issue where there is a common understanding for example child protection which was the basis of the launch of the child line protection. *Capacity building* *Issues* - Lack of capacity in of ISPs - Inter-south cooperation required as challenges and infrastructure similar - Retention of skilled human resources a challenge - Use of network operator groups for capacity building - Need to utilize the existing educational framework by integration of cybersecurity into curriculum – this creates sustainability in capacity building - Training should be relevant to the environment – appropriate use of technology, cost, concentrate on getting the maximum benefit – innovation in order to derive the maximum value will be based on training received - Need for collaboration platform – so as to continue sharing information - Need to focus on reality on the ground *Kind of training* - technical training - policy issues – IPv4/6 *Technical challenges* - operators need to be profitable – environment liberalized – however still certain monopolized areas – international connectivity – imbalanced competition – therefore profitability issue- cant invest in new technologies – limited investment in training *My comment*: Urgent need create of culture of cybersecurity (end-users, at organisation level and nationally) and establishment of national, regional CERTs. *14:30 - 16:00 Workshop 76 Neutrality Debate Important for You? (Network Neutrality Debate: The Implications for Development) * * * *Technical issues* All networks need to be managed High broadband connectivity principles ( http://www.tiaonline.org/gov_affairs/issues/internet_services_applications/… ) - transparency - ability to attach any device - right to access any legal content - right to download any legal content *Economic issues* Net neutrality has significant micro and macro implications. Broadband investment influenced by the broad economic environment because of the massive investment required - Regulation is viewed more beneficial in view of the current economic crisis - More users create value to the platform - Optimal pricing structure – a possibility - may not want to charge content providers to contribute to access - Mandatory net neutrality/unbundling expected to depress investment in broadband plus may have a significant negative effect on investment NGN. - Centre for European Policy Studies – research titled: "I own the pipes, you call the tune: The net neutrality debate and its (ir) relevance for Europe" available at http://shop.ceps.eu/BookDetail.php?item_id=1755 – argues that the internet is not neutral – pro-neutrality rules/changes being proposed should be evaluated - The analogy of the roads and vehicles was used to describe net neutrality – the roads represent the pipes while the cars represent the packets/traffic – which are not regulated and may be of any shape or size. However there is regulation with regard to speed. - issue of convergence – important for users - internet to drive innovation and economic growth - activism issues are important to understand the issues - slowing down the traffic and packets on internet has a consequence of slowing down the development internet *Issues from a user perspective* - no consensus on the issues exists - Users do not necessarily want free/unlimited control – however what they want is: what they access should not be controlled - They do not want to be forced to buy their store brands or services of preferred service providers of the broadband connectivity provider. - There is no value in packaging/bundling of services – rather it is designed to sell services at a high price - Users question whether a free market would help as suppliers are out to make money – there is an economic motivation to invest – which means there is no one to look out for consumers - Need for establish anti trust/anti monopoly regulations - ISPs must be made to know that users are not willing to give up their rights thus should develop internet usage plans that are favourable to the users - suppliers must listen to consumers - Users have the power to demand what we want if only they demanded it - The investment on the internet should be allowed in all areas – core and edges without fragmenting it - networks should be built using open interfaces - end to end principle protection is significant - Users want the internet to encourage innovation - Use of restaurant analogy where the chairs, tables and food are outsourced - Users should have the ability to have access to the content they want as long as it is connected to open interfaces - Users have concern on the future of the internet; content equality and its ability to deliver content in different ways thus encouraging local innovation *My comment:* significance of net neutrality with reference to developing countries was not addressed – taking into consideration that the motivation for investment in broadband connectivity is socio-economic development thus deployment of both local and international for example submarine cable is being done by governments rather than the private sector. On 12/8/08, mwende njiraini <mwende.njiraini(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > *5th December 2008* > *930-1100 Panel Discussion Transition from IPv4 to IPv6* > Based on several studies it is projected that IPv4 addresses will be > globally exhausted by 2011 however address space will still be available at > a local level. Seamless take up of IPv6 is expected with the exhaustion of > IPv4 and there is on going discussion – to define policy to facilitate > smooth transition for operators and ensure that new comers have minimum IPv6 > address space allocation to start up business. > > The following issues were discussed from different perspectives: > > *Issues from operators' perspective*: > - Deployment of IPv6 enabled equipment in the core networks should be done > increment – however uptake is low because there is no extra revenue > generated with the implementation of IPv6 i.e. the lack of commercial > drivers. However this is expected to change with the as customer numbers > grow. > > - Need for upgrade – therefore operators from developed countries stand at > an advantage as they have the resources and are nearly exhausted their local > allocations. > > - Getting operational experience is a challenge – there is need to invest > in operational tools to run IPv6 in terms of software configuration > utilities management and trouble shooting > > - Participation in standardization – where users have equipment that > supports only IPv4 – how do they access services that are available only on > IPv6-based networks? The IETF is working on the transition mechanisms > however the co-existence of both protocols is expected for a long time > > - Operators are pushing for IPv6 support in customer premise equipment > (CPE) as well as software that supports the new protocol version. However it > is expected that legacy applications will be available in the foreseeable > future > > *Issues from a vendor perspective* > - Transition has been going on for some time in the vendor world. The > transition has been a long process for vendors and operators – in terms of > getting the technology and standards ready > > - As IP is the core of the internet – transition to ipv6 – is significant > particularly with the increase of IPv6 enabled devices connected to the > internet specifically mobile phones > > - need to understand technology and therefore need for operational and > implementation experience > > - managing customer demand/expectations for IPv6 enabled services and > devices > > - cost of staff training > > - there are mistakes that will be made – therefore need for mutual support > in the implementation of v6 > > *Social and economic perspectives*- > - Transition should be cooperative endeavour with social and economic and > policy considerations > > - Gradual implementation and interoperability between IPv4 and v6 expected > so as to preserve the investment already made > > - There is a general understanding that IPv6 will compliment and supplement > the existing IPv4 as well as provide improved routing, multicasting, > efficient infrastructure. The following questions however arise: > > o The advantages that IPv6 offer are good reasons to invest in the new IP > version. > o Would transition be transparent and would backward compatibility required > > - Users want the stability of the internet to be maintained and hope that > IPv6 will offer opportunities for addition to personality features on the > internet – this is what makes the business case > > - In the India case there are a large number of service providers – and > there is only a 1/8 usage – therefore demand is low – the need to enhance > cultural diversity however provides opportunities to create demand through > local content development including E-government programme and Info-tainment > > - It is important to break the myth that IPv6 is a new internet - It is not > a new internet rather continuation of the internet > > - The main benefit is the address space addition- which may allow for > efficiency > > - There is no need to establish a deadline or regulate the implementation > of IPv6 – as it will be market driven. Additionally users should have rights > to use IPv4 and IETF is working on coexistence > > *Policy perspective* > - With the impending exhaustion of IPv4 – further implementation will be > problematic – as not all players will support transition therefore it is > important to examine measures – for continued use of IPv4 and possible > migration of users to private IPv4 address space > > - creation of action plan to be implemented by 2010 – for example offering > of incentives such as tax exemption and capacity building > > - examination of existing programmes and mechanisms > > - establishment of taskforce of IPv4 exhaustion > > - the messages of ISPs is that they must carry IPv6 > > - IPv4 scarcity and demand for more security are the 2 major challenges > driving the uptake of IPv6 > > - Institution of market transfer or reclamation mechanisms of IPv4 > resources not required by local internet registries to the regional internet > registries when transition to IPv6 is implemented. However this would be a > challenge as RIRs have no contractual authority this may create a grey > market. This challenge may be overcome through a loose membership > association that allows others to use others resources > > - Institution of secure routing objects including PKI to authenticate users > raises governance/control issues – RIRs have centralized control which may > make it efficient and better able to address security issues this makes an > RIR an central governance institution. Membership of security/government > associations in the RIR would result in infiltration of technical, policy > agendas that may make the transition to IPv6 complicated > > - However it is argued that RIRs should remain neutral and trans-national > institutions which: > o maintain a homogenous technical group > o maintain a bottom-up approach in policy making > o guarantee the stability of the internet and business continuity of > members > > - main challenges in the deployment of IPv6 include: > o lack of public education, information and skill > o limited network policy decisions to make deployment happen > o lack of incentive to deploy ipv6 > > *1100-1230 Workshop 59:Building a global capacity building curriculum > framework and premier* > > - Integration of IG capacity building in existing ICT and public policy > courses was advocated. > > - The training may be offered either online, offline or through short term > executive courses. > > - Collaboration between different stakeholders who have different needs is > imperative in order create an understanding of the issues arising from > increased used of the internet particularly those that transcend the > geographical, and cultural borders. > > - internet security awareness programme set up in India > > - Presentations on the Diplo IG capacity building programme ( > www.diplomacy.edu/ig) – including a demonstration of the online platform. > > - The Diplo approach includes the training course (foundation and > advanced), policy research, policy immersion and community interaction. > > - The impact associated with the IG capacity building programme have been > varied and impressive including the establishment of IG governance masters > programme in Srilanka and the use of telecentres to disseminate IG related > information. > > - Diplo has successfully offered the training to professional worldwide for > the last 4 years leading to the establishment of national, regional and > global community > > *1400-1530 Workshop 29: Building confidence and security in the use and > security in the use of ICTs for African countries > > *Main challenges in Africa > - lack of infrastructure > - lack of services > > Therefore opportunity to learn from mistakes in developing countries and > establish of computer emergency response team currently there is only one > active CERT in Africa in Tunisia, South Africa is in the process of setting > up a CERT with the deadline of 2010 before the FIFA world cup. While > countries such as Morocco, Kenya and Ivory Coast are thinking about set in > up CERTs. > > The approach in dealing with Cybersecurity in developing countries > > Success of Cybersecurity is based on 3pillars > > 1. *Technology pillar* – ICT/security tools –including: > o PCs / networks, physical security tools, data tools (storage media and > cryptography), availability of infrastructure and application (redundant > servers and PKI) > > 2. *Methodology pillar* – policy, procedures and regulations on three > levels: > o managerial level (security policy, management procedures and capacity > building, audit) Legislative level (law and regulation) > o operational level (acces control rules, implementation plans, monitoring, > watch, incidence handling) > o continuity of services level ( business continuity plan, crisis > management, drill exercises) > - actors in this pillar include the government, security professionals and > users > > 3. *Social behaviour pillar* – creating a culture of cyber security > o cultivate culture of cyber security through continuous action of raising > awareness using diverse media/channels > o the target audience includes managers, decision makers, security, > children, parents, teachers > > > *Case study: CERT-TCC - Tunisia* > > *The functions of the CERT include*: > > - Watch- collect information from different sources eg CISCO, HP. > Microsoft, network of CERTs, community of hackers > - Training > - Coordination > - Response > - Incidence handling > - Incident analysis > - Awareness > - Warning alert > > *Key issues*: > > • Information, warning and alert – carried out to in collaboration with > ISPs, managers decision makers, internet community through mailing list, > call centre, media > > • Oriented campaign – utilizing prospectus, posters, email, radio, > cartoons, video, attack simulation and guides > > • Incident handling - training in new tools > > • Coordination important in the effective functioning of the CERT – > incident coordination procedures and information including regional CERTs, > other CERTs within the country (for example Brazil has more than one CERT), > ISPs and operators, vendors and integrators, and national authorities. > > Need for the formation of CERTs in Africa however the challenges of lack of > "know how" in IT security need to be overcome through: > - capacity building > - encouragement of the development of national solutions based on open > source components > - improved R&D capabilities and making it more responsive to urgent needs > - encouraging academic research in the important topics of security > (cryptography, methodologies…) > > *The following questions and comments were raised*: > > - the need for social engineering through the creation of a culture of > cyber security to be addressed specifically because of the increased > requirements by government to obligate to provide subscriber identification > information > > - how can African countries start up a cert- through collaboration for > example with existing CERTs > > - in establishing a culture of cybersecurity – consideration should be > given to the fact that there are different social cultures in different > countries however there is consensus on issues such as child pornography, > identity theft > > - how can a regional approach be developed where there are differences in > level of ICT infrastructure and use of infrastructure in the delivery of > services, what tools can be used to encourage decision makers to be involved > in the issues of cyber security? > > o It was recognised that funding and expertise was required for example > AFDB, World Bank and Islamic Bank while ITU have regional workshops on cyber > security > > o As African countries build on infrastructure and services – there is an > opportunity to learn from those that have already developed CERTs. > > - How does the CERT monitor traffic: with the collaboration of ISP and > operators as well as supporting legislation > > - Regulators need to advice the government to use ICT in development – this > is a manifestation of government commitment > > - The role of policy making was emphasized – as it provides government > commitment to using ICT for social economic development and governance and > consequently support for cyber security initiatives – including the > formulation of legislation. > > - There should not use a piece meal approach to cyber security to prevent > ineffectiveness for example Mauritius has electronic transaction act but PKI > not yet established > > > > On 12/5/08, mwende njiraini <mwende.njiraini(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >> Following our recent online discussions on Internet governance issues in >> Kenya, the Kenya IGF and East African IGF; you may wish to follow the >> discussion currently ongoing at the global IGF 2008 in Hyderabad India at >> http://www.intgovforum.org. >> >> Below are highlights from workshops I attended on Day 1 December 3rd): >> *0930-1100 hrs Workshop 43: Legal aspects of governance critical >> internet Policy issues of public relevance* >> *1st presentation* >> The issues on that have legal implications include: >> • internet security intellectual property rights, infringement, privacy >> and protection mechanisms >> • IP domain name protection, conflicts arising out of data and content >> ownership privacy therefore increasing role of P2P in growth of internet 2 >> • Consumer status and rights in relation to e-commerce cross border and >> domestic online trade >> • Telecom issue viz backbone deployment and interconnection costs >> • Freedom of expression – the extent of censorship and control on online >> content >> >> There is need for capacity building to create meaningful participation of >> individual and SMEs as well as increasing connectivity through building IXPs >> and local content development >> >> The question was raised as to whether there a need of alternative >> institutional mechanism. >> The salient features of the MOU between ICANN and the department of >> commerce (DoC) include: >> - The affirmation of the role of private sector leadership >> - The role of DoC in ensuring transparency and accountability and >> effective GAC participation >> - Ensure accountability and publish by-laws and strategic and operational >> plans >> - Agreement can be terminated in 120 days >> >> The MOU has been criticized because of the following reasons: >> - US governmental control on root server administration >> - Inconsistent with WSIS principle where no single government should have >> a pre-eminent role >> - Domain name allocation policies need better development >> - IPv4 address allocation have been imbalanced need to ensure IPv6 address >> allocation does not suffer the same effects -This assertion was however >> refuted as IP addresses allocation based on need. The need for prudent >> management and keeping barriers low for the transition to IPv6 was >> emphasised. >> >> To overcome this WGIG proposed 4 models: >> - Global policy council >> - Intenational internet council with leading government role to fulfil the >> ICANN/IANA functions >> - GAC to be strengthened with enhanced coordination function >> - Replace US govt role by general internet council or with world ICANN (in >> lieu of GAC) >> >> The common features of these models were the overwhelming government lead >> and the presupposition of the possibility of international treaties. During >> the discussion the viability of these models was questioned given that speed >> is of essence in the management of internet resources. It normally takes a >> long time to negotiate international agreements; including treaties instead >> a set of principles should be endorsed. >> >> The speaker recommended on the management of critical internet >> infrastructure should take into consideration the following >> • Treatment of technical resources of the internet and global economic, >> social and legal aspects arising out the internet should be at par >> • The development and implementation of polices and standards and >> solutions to various internet issues should be done in a coordinated manner >> for example telecommunication standard development is done in a hierarchical >> and predictable way. >> • New structure would be a supreme authority over internet >> >> In conclusion the speaker asked: Does the internet as we know it need to >> be altered radically? Should the status quo be maintained? Should a Red >> Cross model of recognition by international community states be given to an >> international entity like ITU, INTELSAT. However fundamental change is not >> necessary as failure has not been identified. >> >> *My comment*: this presentation was descriptive and despite the fact that >> an alternative model was proposed the principles, mechanisms that would need >> to be put in place in order to make it work were not discussed >> >> *2nd presentation* >> The next speaker spoke about the ccTLDs in latin Amercia which are broadly >> organised into two main groups: non-governmental and governmental >> organisations. A contribution from the floor however clarified that the >> Brazilian ccTLD is a multi-stakeholder – coordinated by government – but on >> a day by day basis operates as a non-governmental organisation. The Indian >> ccTLD is managed by government and private sector – sovereign interest taken >> care of through government representation. >> >> The rules and regulations under which the institutions that manage the >> ccTLDs are managed determinate legal framework under which they operate. >> Consequently ccTLDs are regulated under national law while ICANN regulates >> gTLDs – The possibility of self regulation is based on the assumption that >> private sector would act in the public interest. >> >> In the discussions some felt that there was need for increased attention >> of government in the management of ccTLDs – as it was critical >> infrastructure while on the other hand other felt that there was the risk of >> excessive regulation with increased involvement of government. >> >> *1130 -1200 hrs Workshop 36: Strategies to prevent and fight child >> pornography in developing countries* >> Child pornography in Brazil has grown out of the popularity of social >> networking. However the main challenge has been issues related to >> jurisdiction as content is resident in ISP based in the USA and >> trans-national ISPs like Yahoo, Microsoft and Google which have branches in >> strategic markets and have tailored the services for these markets in terms >> of language and content. >> >> Brazil was therefore unable to deal with serious offences related to >> content – specifically child pornography - committed by Brazilians using >> Brazilian IP addresses. The government has been able to sign an agreement >> with Google to fight child pornography on Google's orkut social network. >> >> The following are consideration taken in drawing up the agreement >> 1. Which criteria should be used to define the ability of a particular >> country to legislate over and sanction conducts committed on the internet? >> - Where the data is located? >> - International law principles (territoriality or nationality) shall be >> used to define the sovereignty of a state regarding – cyber space – which is >> a network of networks >> - Define some reasonable standard – for example managed by Brazilians and >> is local content and local language >> - Access points in Brazil, harmful conduct felt in the country – taken >> obligation under international law to take offence – country of origin >> approach would force thousands of users to unfamiliar rules and travel – >> offence under human rights therefore apply local legislation >> >> 2. It is legitimate to enforce the conduct of local office –as it >> impracticable to send legal request to the US. >> >> >> New tools have been implement that have reduced number of images uploaded >> and increase in number of reported cases- subject to investigation. It was >> inspiring to listen to parliamentarian talk about the need to have >> legislators engaged in the process as they ultimately pass the laws. I >> appreciated the fact that in there is great cooperation between the >> parliament, government, police, civil society and private sector. >> >> The main challenges are: >> • Lack of awareness and participation by parliamentarians who are critical >> in the formulation of legislation >> • how to obligate ISPs to provide information without infringing on >> freedom of expression and privacy, >> • what criteria should be used to deal with these offences >> • the creation of awareness of ISPs in developing countries of the need >> for judicial cooperation as well as social initiatives to deal with cyber >> crime. >> • Insufficient infrastructure to deal with this issue – law enforcement >> does not have the human resources and technology >> • Material produced to fight child pornography are not evaluated – they >> should be inline with the demand >> >> *My comment*: I would have like to know if initiatives have reduced >> offences, what is the success rate registered in prosecution, ability of the >> law enforcement and judicial system to deal with offences. There was no >> mention of where initiatives had been launched to fight child pornography on >> the financial front. >> >> >> *1530-1700 Workshop 45: Opening to diversity and competition of the DNS >> system* >> >> >> >> There were 3 presentations in this session: >> >> >> - *1st presentation* - alternate DNS system used in library systems >> >> >> - *2nd presentation* - implementation of security in the Handle system >> >> >> - *3rd presentation –* discussed the Net4D >> >> >> >> Net4D- provides the technical solution to the political concern on the >> control of root servers. Net4D networks enable the following: >> >> • Empower the second generation of the web: the semantic web. >> >> • Multi-stakeholder governance of DNS >> >> • Net4D classes should be open and interoperable >> >> DNS 1.0 – was a monopoly of ICANN web 1.0 html with USA parentage and >> English only while DNS 2.0 is open allowing for competition including inter >> alia: >> >> • Net4D semantic web >> >> • Open coherent approach to linguistic diversity >> >> • Allow technological innovation with value added services >> >> >> >> Concern was however raised on the: >> >> • Investment/implementation cost required to implementation of different >> DNS systems depending on the BIND implemented and root servers enabled >> >> • relinquishing of the political control of root servers >> >> • Value to end users >> >> • Awareness and understanding of the issues by different stakeholders >> necessary – delivered in a way that they can understand >> >> >> >> *My comment*: the session was technical – I hope the techies on the >> mailing list can help us understand the governance issues associated with >> the introduction of DNS competition and the impact on developing countries >> :)! >> >> >> >> Kind regards >> >> mwende >> > >

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Vitriol in cyberspace
by alice＠apc.org 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

Dear All, Could we comment on the presentation that Brian (a Kenyan) made at the IGF currently taking place in Hyderabad. It was an excellent presentation on access befitting the theme of the forum: "Internet for all" and he has done us proud. It is also great to have quite a large Kenyan delegation at this India IGF contributing Kenyan specific IG issues. The IGF is a process/event/forum that had not received enough attention both at the national and regional level. --------- I will also take this opportunity to remind listers of some of the KICTAnet mailing list rules: * Please mind your manners: * Be polite - virtual members are real not a cyberspace borg with no feelings. * Watch your words. Kick the bad language - People are listening. * Laws are laws - Whats real in the real world are the same in cyberspace. * Dont send rude or offensive e-mails or postings. * Be ethical in your posting. Don't lie, plagiarize, defame, or deliberately do harm to another KICTANet forum user. If you are not able to respect these simple rules...the KICTANet administrator will have no choice but to suspend you! best alice Binaifer Nowrojee wrote: > > For those who have not read this opinion piece, I would urge you to do so and reflect on it. Why do we need to bring down Brian Longwe on the basis of his nationality? Why not celebrate his success? Why assume that a non-Kenyan will not positively contribute to Kenya? > > Best > > Binaifer Nowrojee > > > > Barack Obama and the graveyard of hope > > Wambui Mwangi (2008-08-11) > > http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/50078 > > Printer friendly version > > There are 2 comments on this article. > > I am finding it very difficult to join in the jubilation about Senator Barack Obama. Not that I want to deny the man his victory, but my impulse to celebrate keeps deflating on the idea that the best thing that happened to little Barack was not growing up in Kenya. > > I have been imagining alternative trajectories for him if he had come to know the world through the eyes of a Kenyan citizen, if his mother and grandparents had not rescued him from our chaos and contradictions and brought him up somewhere his intellect and talent could grow. > > If he had grown up here, and had he somehow managed to retain most elements of his current self, he would have been another outstanding, intelligent and competent Luo man in our midst: and he would have been killed. > > Yes, we would have assassinated a Barack Obama if he had remained ours, with us, one of us here in this schizophrenic cauldron we call home. This is not going to stretch the imagination of any Kenyan - after all, when we had that incredibly good-looking and charismatic home-grown hero, Tom Mboya, we shot him to death. > > And when that austerely intellectual and elegant leader, Robert Ouko, threatened to look overly intelligent to the world, we killed him too. We killed Pio Gama Pinto and we killed JM Kariuki. There is no reason to suppose that Barack Obama, whose integrity of purpose and stringent sense of ethics even his enemies concede, would have survived his Kenyan roots. > > He is much too intelligent, too charged with the promise of history, too bold in his claim to a shining destiny, too full of the audacity of hope, for us to have let him survive. Kenya would have killed Barack Obama, or at least his dream, as we inevitably destroy, in one way or another, the best and the boldest of us. Goldenberg whistle blower David Munyakei's challenge to his country to be bigger than our greed was met with a whimper, and then with rapid abandonment. We did not deserve him, either. > > As for John Githongo, he should have known better than to take the idea of public ethics seriously - this is Kenya, after all. Let him enlighten people at Oxford instead; such considerations are too virtuous for us, too sensible, too conducive to a promising future. We do not even remark on the haunting wastage of all this shining accomplishment - Micere Mugo sings her lyrical poetry for Americans, and we do not even know enough to mourn the loss. > > And yet we are all enchanted with the power of the idea of Barack Obama, the hope of him, the beauty of his life's trajectory, the universe of possibilities and probabilities that it conjures for the least of the rest of us. If someone's cousin's friend's neighbour makes it to the United States... then we all have a chance. We have a strange predilection for schizophrenic loves and loyalties; we let geography dictate our alliances and imaginary lines decide our friends. It is as if our social contract states that here, at home, we are obliged to behave like fighting rats to each other but when abroad, when released from the shackles of kin and clan and conclave, we can fly and soar and master the sky. > > When Wangari Maathai is abroad, we feel that her Nobel Prize is partly represented in each of our Kenyan living rooms; when she comes home, she is just another Kikuyu politico. We preen about our athletes winning yet another international competition to anybody who will give us half a chance, but when they are at home we turn them into more fodder for militias. > > Caine Prize winners are Kenyan by automatic assent, but Binyavanga Wainaina is a Kikuyu writer when at home and Yvonne Owuor is indelibly a Luo - we shrink them to fit the midget-sized visions we have of ourselves. > > It is clear to all of us, and the evidence continues to accrue, that we have, collectively, a certain global competence, as Kenyans, that we produce individuals of substance and historical purpose. > > Being Kenyan, however, we prefer to drown in the pettiness of our parochial quarrels when at home, and if one of us threatens to be too hopeful, too ambitious, too intelligent, too creative or too inspirational to fit into our trivial little categories of hatred and suspicion, we kill them, or exile them from our societies, or we just cause them to run away inside, hiding from us and from themselves the grandeur of their souls, the splendid landscapes of their imagined tomorrows. > > Nothing but the worst for us, at home. We recognise each other by our most rancid rhetoric. We insist upon it, we cultivate it, we elevate it to an art form: Kenyan, and quarrelsome. > > Kenyan, and clannish. Kenyan, and counter-productive. Kenyan, and self-destructive. Kenyan, and consistently heart-breaking. Genius everywhere, and not a thought to be had. Promise and potential everywhere, and not an opportunity to be had. Money everywhere, and not an honest penny to be earned. Helicopters aplenty, but no help for the needy. A land awash in Cabinet ministers and poverty. > > I have been watching Kenyans getting high on Obamamania, and I am wondering what we are so happy about? It is perhaps that we are beginning to acknowledge what we should always have known - given a half a chance, an ever so slightly conducive context, Kenyans are more likely to over-achieve than not. At the faintest provocation, Kenyans will leap past expectations without breaking their stride or breaking a sweat, especially if they happen to have escaped the imprisoning edifice we call home and found foreign contexts to flourish in, no matter how alien. > > I went to a town in the Canadian Arctic once, in the far north, where in summer the sun shines even at midnight and in the winter the world is an endless landscape of ice and snow. Here, far, far away from home, where nothing was familiar except the gentleness of elderly Inuit women and the comforting weirdness of the white residents, I was told that the local dentist had, for many years, been a Kenyan. Everybody said he had been an excellent dentist, out there in the desert of the cold. I was unsurprised. > > We are an adventurous people, we Kenyans, and we take to the world outside our home as if born to a conquistador culture - we are brave and brash and bold, out there. We buy and sell things, and make money at it, out there. We go to school and excel and cover ourselves with accreditations, out there. We win things, out there. We get prizes, out there. We are at our best, out there. > > However, at home, for some reason we refuse to either acknowledge or examine - we have chosen simply to set aside this capacity. Here, at home, nothing but the very lowest common denominator will do; nothing but the basest and most brutal aspects of our selves are to be presented to each other; nothing but the most cynical manipulation is the basis of our political space. We prefer to be ruled by individuals whose mediocrity is matched only by their mendacity, here at home. > > We prefer to abdicate our adult responsibilities and capacity for reason to "leaders" whose lack of virtue is as legendary as our attractively exotic pastoralists. We do not only waste talent, here at home - we go out of our way to suppress and repress it. We do not only deny dreams, here in Kenya - we devour them, and ask each other, "Who do you think you are?" As if the success of another is an affront. > > In Kenya, grand vision and soaring imagination is illegitimate; here, they just call you naive. Out there, you stand a chance of becoming a hero; at home, you will have nothing but the taste of ashes in your mouth. Mothers, take your children abroad. > > Barack Obama has written two books, in which he discusses ideas. Ideas. This is a man with vision and conviction, and enough good ideas that even those who do not like the pigmentally-advantaged are listening, and changing their minds. > > Even those who think that his name sounds suspiciously like a terrorist's are reading his books and listening to his speeches, and changing their minds. This is a man with interesting and inspiring things to say - which disqualifies him from any Kenyan-ness we would have liked to claim. > > Americans like the image of them that Barack Obama has painted in words; which Kenyan leader would dare to build dreams bigger than his roots? Which Kenyan leader would ever be so foolish as to attempt inspiration instead of instigation? > > Barack Obama has seduced the world by the power of his persuasiveness, and while Kenyans raise another glass to the accomplishments of "one of our own," it seems clear to me that we gave up our rights to him when we gave up our hopes for ourselves. When we settled for incompetence, and corruption, and callousness, we defined ourselves out of his universe, and out of his dreams. > > We rejected Barack Obama-ness when we allowed those pangas to slash our dreams, when we watched our hopes spiral away in smoke. We allowed the ones who had done this to become the only mirrors of ourselves, and then squelched our disgraced selves back to the mire of our despondency. > > Barack Obama cannot be a Kenyan, and Kenyans cannot grasp Barack Obama's dream. We have already despaired of it, and of ourselves. His dream would have died with ours, here at home, here in the graveyard of hope. > > But oh, how we yearn to see ourselves reflected in his eyes... > > > *Wambui Mwangi is an assitant professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto, Canada. This article first appeared inThe East African, June 15 2008. > > *Please send comments to editor(a)pambazuka.org or comment online at http://www.pambazuka.org/ > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: alice(a)apc.org > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alice%40apc.org

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Will the cyber tourists come?
by robert yawe 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

Hi all, We talk of the big 5 that bring large chunks of foreign currency through tourism, we shamelessly exploit a resource we played no part in developing. Could this be why we cannot create local content and just seat back and hope that the marine cable will bring cyber tourism just like airports brought millions to see the big 5. I ask, we keep raising the issue of generating local content and yet we still are not making the effort to do it, can someone out there, for example, put online a comprehensive database of schools and colleges that can be easily accessed from anywhere in the country? I remember being given a yellow coloured career booklet when I was in Form 4 which listed all the governments colleges and institutions of learning ranging from tailoring to engineering. Is there no way to take such a booklet, update it and make it instantly available from Lamu to Wajir (not forgetting Chepalungu). This would at least encourage domestic cyber tourism thus keeping some traffic local, while seriously thinking of what we could provide to foreign cyber tourists. Can we encourage our youth & mentally alive older geeks to come up with a thinggy (for lack of a better phrase e.g what would you have called facebook before facebook) that can drive traffic to Kenya. ICTBoard find some loose change somewhere to show case serious application ideas nothing like what is domonstrated at the IEEE exhibition (too much cut & paste), lets become venture capitalists (that sounds hip) maybe we can give DJ. CJ a new pet project. After the post election what which when who where, it might would help the healing to place our diverse cultural practices online so that I can use the tool I understand and respect, the web, to better understand other ethnic groups. Now this could be a cyber tourism puller, maybe even create online villages that someone can become a member of thus learn about the tribe. Develop online language training programs of our various languages which cyber citizens can then learn to better understand the tribes. Our strength is in our diversity let milk it to our benefit. It is interesting how as kenyans we are aware a problem &know the solution but for some unexplainable reason we still proceed to the illogical end. I am a true Kenyan. There is a very good Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 ________________________________ From: Joseph Manthi <jmanthi(a)gmail.com> To: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Sent: Tuesday, 9 December, 2008 18:15:57 Subject: Re: [kictanet] 1 million Laptops for who? Robert Very well said. 1. I agree totally that the Ministry should consider equiping students of the various public universities with laptops that they can take home at the end of their school year, After all these are the very best and brightest Kenya has to offer. One of my former high school classmates told me that the Very Brightest went to the University of Nairobi and the rest went to India, US, Canada, UK and other places according to how deep pocketed your tall relatives were. 2. Secondly, to encourage entrepreneurship shouldn't the ministry in conjunction with the ministry of commerce (I am dating myself?) to build and supply the laptops in Kenya. PCs are now commodities that can be locally assembled. 3. If you agree with 2 above, have African (Kenyan) entrepreneurs build them in rural areas. My 2 cents. Joe On Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 2:15 AM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: Hi Dr. Ndemo, I felt it would not be fair to close the year with one final outburst on your ministries policies. It was good to see that the governement will be giving laptops to youth in the rural area. http://www.nation.co.ke/business/news/-/1006/499894/-/jh30hdz/-/index.html Last time I checked 80% of the students in the University are from the "rural areas" would it not make more sense to first equip them with the necessary tools. I recently talked to IT degree students at Nairobi university and was shocked to find that less than 5% have computers dedicated to them and this are not provided by the institution but have been bought privately. It is good to talk of empowering the rural folk but is this the best way, should we not begin at the top and work our way down. This computers would also provide greater mileage if we example they where to be giving to to students in teacher training colleges so that they can take technology to the schools, country wide that they will be posted to after they graduate? Also do not forget the medical students who would be able to provide better medical services if they knew how to use and had access to the internet's resources. Another major issue that is lacking from the story is how the laptops are to be procured, is there any likelihood that they will be assembled locally as if they are we shall be killing to birds with 1 stone. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: jmanthi(a)gmail.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jmanthi%40gmail.com -- Joseph Manthi CEO MEO Ltd http://www.meoltd.com

2 1

1 million Laptops for who?
by robert yawe 09 Dec '08

09 Dec '08

Hi Dr. Ndemo, I felt it would not be fair to close the year with one final outburst on your ministries policies. It was good to see that the governement will be giving laptops to youth in the rural area. http://www.nation.co.ke/business/news/-/1006/499894/-/jh30hdz/-/index.html Last time I checked 80% of the students in the University are from the "rural areas" would it not make more sense to first equip them with the necessary tools. I recently talked to IT degree students at Nairobi university and was shocked to find that less than 5% have computers dedicated to them and this are not provided by the institution but have been bought privately. It is good to talk of empowering the rural folk but is this the best way, should we not begin at the top and work our way down. This computers would also provide greater mileage if we example they where to be giving to to students in teacher training colleges so that they can take technology to the schools, country wide that they will be posted to after they graduate? Also do not forget the medical students who would be able to provide better medical services if they knew how to use and had access to the internet's resources. Another major issue that is lacking from the story is how the laptops are to be procured, is there any likelihood that they will be assembled locally as if they are we shall be killing to birds with 1 stone. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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Moderator please help us!!
by smwngi＠gmail.com 09 Dec '08

09 Dec '08

Good Afternoon KICTANET Moderator. This forum has been very benefital to use when it comes to matters and issues of ICT. However, during the last few weeks its lost value as most of the comments that are flooding our inboxes are witch haunts by a selected few individuals. I urge you to filter this from your mailboxs. I see majority of subscribers asking removal from your mailing list. Am sure you have seen what has happened and I hope you are doing something about it. Thanks Stephen Mwangi

5 8

Internship Oppirtunities at Google EMEA- Spread the word
by Robert Alai 09 Dec '08

09 Dec '08

*Do more. A lot more. Technical Internship Opportunities at Google EMEA * Here at Google, we're not looking for people who will just localise technologies developed in other countries, nor simply engineers focussed on improving infrastructure. What we are looking for are people with outstanding technical skills, creativity, potential and passion who can help invent end-to-end technologies from scratch; stuff that will interest and inspire millions of users across the world. During an internship with us you'll have the opportunity to contribute to projects in a direct and meaningful way. We're taking into account your skills and interests when determining which of our small and dynamic teams you will be joining. Your pre-assigned host will find projects that are right for you and work closely with you during your time with us. We're confident that an internship with us will be a rewarding experience that will develop your ability to programme at a global scale, deepen your understanding of Computer Science and allow you to connect with outstanding people from all over the world. Your internship will most likely take place in our engineering centre in Zurich, Switzerland<http://www.google.com/support/jobs/bin/static.py?page=studentseu.html&sid=z…>. If you are accepted for an internship, you'll need to move for the duration of your time with us and we'll gladly help you with all the logistics (visa, accommodation) related to this move. Start and end dates of Google Engineering internships are flexible, with a minimum duration of three months. Internships are typically full-time positions, are paid, and take place year-round. *The ideal intern profile for Google* To be eligible for an internship, you should be enrolled in a BS, MS or PhD in Computer Science or a related technical field and be within 12-18 months of completing a Bachelor's or Master's degree, or at any stage in your PhD. Please note that you should be returning to university after the end of your internship, or the internship should be a formal part of completing your studies. The following are also key requirements: - Experience in systems software or algorithms. - Excellent programming skills (C++; Java and/or Python). - Knowledge of UNIX/Linux or Windows environments and APIs. - Familiarity with TCP/IP and network programming a plus. - Fluency in English *How to apply? * We welcome applications from students to spend an internship with us at one of our European offices and review applications on an ongoing basis. To maximise your chances of success we'd encourage you to apply as soon as possible, and 4 months before the desired start of your internship at the latest. The following link<http://www.google.com/support/jobs/bin/answer.py?answer=112436>will lead you to our online job site through which you can submit your application. Please submit your application for the *Software Engineer Intern - Europe* position only as it will allow us to process your application without delay. Your application should contain the following documents: - An up-to-date CV - University transcripts/grades (unofficial is fine, including your GPA if possible) - A cover letter stating your graduation date and when you would be available for an internship (minimum 3, maximum 12 months) If you like more information about preparing your CV, please have a look at our Preparing your CV<http://www.google.com/support/jobs/bin/static.py?page=studentseu.html&sid=r…>section. *Should you have any questions or experience technical difficulties submitting your application, please contact us directly at africa-interns-2009(a)google.com*

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Re: [kictanet] ADOPTION OF ISO/IEC 26300 AND ISO/IEC 29500
by Dorcas Muthoni 08 Dec '08

08 Dec '08

Sure Zacheus, Thanks for your work. We always follow with implementation. Thats our work. The only way to move beyond the meeting/committee rooms. Which is what you expect. On Mon, Dec 8, 2008 at 4:08 PM, Zacheus Mwatha <zimwatha(a)kebs.org> wrote: > Dorcas, > > > > Kindly let's walk the talk. > > > > Kind regards. > > > > *Mwatha Z I (Mr.)* > > *Kenya Bureau of Standards* > > *KEBS Centre, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, Behind Bellevue Cinema* > > *P.O. Box 54974 — 00200 Nairobi, Kenya* > > *ISDN: +254 (0)20 6948270* > > *Tel: +254 (0)20 605490, 6948000, (0)722 202137* > > *Fax:+254 (0)20 609660, 604031* > > *Other E-Mail: mwatha_zacs(a)yahoo.com <info(a)kebs.org>* > > *Personal Cellphone: +254 (0)722 368998* > > *__________________________________________________________ ** > * > *"Quality products for quality life"* > > > > *Disclaimer* > > This e-mail and its attachments are confidential, private and intended for > the addressee only. Should you not be the addressee and receive this e-mail > by mistake, kindly notify the sender, and delete this e-mail, immediately > and do not disclose or use same in any manner whatsoever. Views and opinions > expressed in this e-mail are those of the sender unless clearly stated as > those of KEBS. The Bureau accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or > damages whatsoever and howsoever incurred, or suffered, resulting, or > arising, from the use of this email or its attachments. The Bureau does not > warrant the integrity of this e-mail nor that it is free of errors, viruses, > interception or interference. For information about Kenya Bureau of > Standards visit our website at http://www.kebs.org > > > > *From:* Dorcas Muthoni [mailto:dmuthoni@gmail.com] > *Sent:* Jumatatu, Decemba 08, 2008 1:36 PM > *To:* Gakuru Alex > *Cc:* Zacheus Mwatha; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > *Subject:* Re: [kictanet] ADOPTION OF ISO/IEC 26300 AND ISO/IEC 29500 > > > > Dear All, > > As documents and services are increasingly transformed from paper to > electronic form, there is a growing problem that governments and their > constituents as well as private enterprises may not be able to access, > retrieve and use critical records, information and documents in the future. > To enable the public and private sector to have greater control over and > direct management of their own records, information and documents, it is > important that we adopt and advance the use of the OpenDocument Format > (ODF). > > It is important that all policymakers, IT administrators, decision mankers > (for both public and private) advance the benefits and opportunities of the > OpenDocument Format, to help ensure that government and private enterprise > information, records and documents are accessible across platforms and > applications, even as technologies change today and in the future. > > Thanks to KEBS for moving Kenya forward on this. > > Kindly take two minutes to review and complete the document for adoption. > Most importantly, remember to submit your signed form back to KEBS. > > Thanks Alex for sharing this. > > Regards, > Muthoni > > On Mon, Dec 8, 2008 at 1:05 PM, Gakuru Alex <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> > wrote: > > All, > > I am forwarding this as requested on the message body. > > Please direct any inquiries to the KEBS staffer copied. > > Sincerely, > > Alex Gakuru > > PS: > Walubengo is copied to ensure this larger-than-40k post gets bounced. > AG > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Zacheus Mwatha <zimwatha(a)kebs.org> > Date: Thu, Dec 4, 2008 at 10:01 AM > Subject: ADOPTION OF ISO/IEC 26300 AND ISO/IEC 29500 > To: Zaheda Bhorat <zaheda(a)google.com>, Zacheus Mwatha > <zimwatha(a)kebs.org>, jsevilla(a)strathmore.edu, JOHNSONM(a)za.ibm.com, > cakunga(a)virtualcity.co.ke, chetan(a)skytechafrica.com, > dofisi(a)cskonline.org, dkamiri(a)kenyalaw.org, > michael.owuor(a)manageworks.co.ke, sammy(a)skytechafrica.com, > mail(a)cskonline.org, bremack1(a)yahoo.com, iondieki(a)vegasoftware.com, > peterk(a)sdae.co.ke, sammynjuguna(a)hotmail.com, edgar.kioga(a)wfp.org, > keziah(a)cskonline.org, jkimilu(a)icsit.jkuat.ac.ke, > samuel.kuria(a)kenya-airways.com, Emmanuel.Birech(a)microsoft.com, > emailsignet(a)mailcan.com, edgar.okioga(a)gmail.com, pmwele(a)gmail.com, > csk(a)nbi.ispkenya.com, vawuor2001(a)yahoo.com, waiganjo(a)uonbi.ac.ke, > Jeremy Allison <jra(a)google.com>, Joseph Mucheru <jmucheru(a)google.com>, > Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com>, Lucy <lucym(a)za.ibm.com>, Okoth Monica > <okothm(a)kebs.org>, Wambua Amos <wambuaa(a)kebs.org> > Cc: mwatha_zacs(a)yahoo.com > > > Dear Sir/Madam, > > > > There are requests which have been received to adopt the above two > international standards. > > > > Attached are self explanatory letters and adoption proposal forms > which you are kindly requested to complete and return to us for > processing. Kindly note that the form MUST BE SIGNED AND STAMPED > otherwise it won't be taken into account during processing. You are > free to use any mode of transmission (fax/email/post/hand > delivery/etc) as long as the forms reaches us not later than the due > date. Any ballots received after the deadline will be disregarded. > > > > You are free to forward this information to as many stakeholders as > possible since we need a national response to this matter. > > > > Finally, if you forward to any stakeholder or group of stakeholders, > kindly copy me the mail so that i may have a database of all those > that received the information (if you use bcc it won't be of much help > to me). > > > > Kind regards. > > > > Mwatha Z I (Mr.) > > Kenya Bureau of Standards > > KEBS Centre, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, Behind Bellevue Cinema > > P.O. Box 54974 — 00200 Nairobi, Kenya > > ISDN: +254 (0)20 6948270 > > Tel: +254 (0)20 605490, 6948000, (0)722 202137 > > Fax:+254 (0)20 609660, 604031 > > Other E-Mail: mwatha_zacs(a)yahoo.com > > __________________________________________________________ > "Quality products for quality life" > > > > Disclaimer > > This e-mail and its attachments are confidential, private and intended > for the addressee only. Should you not be the addressee and receive > this e-mail by mistake, kindly notify the sender, and delete this > e-mail, immediately and do not disclose or use same in any manner > whatsoever. Views and opinions expressed in this e-mail are those of > the sender unless clearly stated as those of KEBS. The Bureau accepts > no liability whatsoever for any loss or damages whatsoever and > howsoever incurred, or suffered, resulting, or arising, from the use > of this email or its attachments. The Bureau does not warrant the > integrity of this e-mail nor that it is free of errors, viruses, > interception or interference. For information about Kenya Bureau of > Standards visit our website at http://www.kebs.org > > > > -------------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > -------------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: dmuthoni(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmuthoni%40gmail.com > > > > > -- > Muthoni > > My Blog: http://rugongo.blogspot.com/ > -------------------------------------------- > Mahatma Gandhi once said:- > > First they ignore you, > Then they laugh at you, > Then they fight you, > AND THEN YOU WIN!!! > > -------------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by *Jambo MailScanner* <http://www.mail.jambo.co.ke/>, > and is > believed to be clean. > -------------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > -- Muthoni My Blog: http://rugongo.blogspot.com/ -------------------------------------------- Mahatma Gandhi once said:- First they ignore you, Then they laugh at you, Then they fight you, AND THEN YOU WIN!!!

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Re: [kictanet] IGF 2008 Highlights - Day 3
by mwende njiraini 08 Dec '08

08 Dec '08

*5th December 2008* *930-1100 Panel Discussion Transition from IPv4 to IPv6* Based on several studies it is projected that IPv4 addresses will be globally exhausted by 2011 however address space will still be available at a local level. Seamless take up of IPv6 is expected with the exhaustion of IPv4 and there is on going discussion – to define policy to facilitate smooth transition for operators and ensure that new comers have minimum IPv6 address space allocation to start up business. The following issues were discussed from different perspectives: *Issues from operators' perspective*: - Deployment of IPv6 enabled equipment in the core networks should be done increment – however uptake is low because there is no extra revenue generated with the implementation of IPv6 i.e. the lack of commercial drivers. However this is expected to change with the as customer numbers grow. - Need for upgrade – therefore operators from developed countries stand at an advantage as they have the resources and are nearly exhausted their local allocations. - Getting operational experience is a challenge – there is need to invest in operational tools to run IPv6 in terms of software configuration utilities management and trouble shooting - Participation in standardization – where users have equipment that supports only IPv4 – how do they access services that are available only on IPv6-based networks? The IETF is working on the transition mechanisms however the co-existence of both protocols is expected for a long time - Operators are pushing for IPv6 support in customer premise equipment (CPE) as well as software that supports the new protocol version. However it is expected that legacy applications will be available in the foreseeable future *Issues from a vendor perspective* - Transition has been going on for some time in the vendor world. The transition has been a long process for vendors and operators – in terms of getting the technology and standards ready - As IP is the core of the internet – transition to ipv6 – is significant particularly with the increase of IPv6 enabled devices connected to the internet specifically mobile phones - need to understand technology and therefore need for operational and implementation experience - managing customer demand/expectations for IPv6 enabled services and devices - cost of staff training - there are mistakes that will be made – therefore need for mutual support in the implementation of v6 *Social and economic perspectives*- - Transition should be cooperative endeavour with social and economic and policy considerations - Gradual implementation and interoperability between IPv4 and v6 expected so as to preserve the investment already made - There is a general understanding that IPv6 will compliment and supplement the existing IPv4 as well as provide improved routing, multicasting, efficient infrastructure. The following questions however arise: o The advantages that IPv6 offer are good reasons to invest in the new IP version. o Would transition be transparent and would backward compatibility required - Users want the stability of the internet to be maintained and hope that IPv6 will offer opportunities for addition to personality features on the internet – this is what makes the business case - In the India case there are a large number of service providers – and there is only a 1/8 usage – therefore demand is low – the need to enhance cultural diversity however provides opportunities to create demand through local content development including E-government programme and Info-tainment - It is important to break the myth that IPv6 is a new internet - It is not a new internet rather continuation of the internet - The main benefit is the address space addition- which may allow for efficiency - There is no need to establish a deadline or regulate the implementation of IPv6 – as it will be market driven. Additionally users should have rights to use IPv4 and IETF is working on coexistence *Policy perspective* - With the impending exhaustion of IPv4 – further implementation will be problematic – as not all players will support transition therefore it is important to examine measures – for continued use of IPv4 and possible migration of users to private IPv4 address space - creation of action plan to be implemented by 2010 – for example offering of incentives such as tax exemption and capacity building - examination of existing programmes and mechanisms - establishment of taskforce of IPv4 exhaustion - the messages of ISPs is that they must carry IPv6 - IPv4 scarcity and demand for more security are the 2 major challenges driving the uptake of IPv6 - Institution of market transfer or reclamation mechanisms of IPv4 resources not required by local internet registries to the regional internet registries when transition to IPv6 is implemented. However this would be a challenge as RIRs have no contractual authority this may create a grey market. This challenge may be overcome through a loose membership association that allows others to use others resources - Institution of secure routing objects including PKI to authenticate users raises governance/control issues – RIRs have centralized control which may make it efficient and better able to address security issues this makes an RIR an central governance institution. Membership of security/government associations in the RIR would result in infiltration of technical, policy agendas that may make the transition to IPv6 complicated - However it is argued that RIRs should remain neutral and trans-national institutions which: o maintain a homogenous technical group o maintain a bottom-up approach in policy making o guarantee the stability of the internet and business continuity of members - main challenges in the deployment of IPv6 include: o lack of public education, information and skill o limited network policy decisions to make deployment happen o lack of incentive to deploy ipv6 *1100-1230 Workshop 59:Building a global capacity building curriculum framework and premier* - Integration of IG capacity building in existing ICT and public policy courses was advocated. - The training may be offered either online, offline or through short term executive courses. - Collaboration between different stakeholders who have different needs is imperative in order create an understanding of the issues arising from increased used of the internet particularly those that transcend the geographical, and cultural borders. - internet security awareness programme set up in India - Presentations on the Diplo IG capacity building programme ( www.diplomacy.edu/ig) – including a demonstration of the online platform. - The Diplo approach includes the training course (foundation and advanced), policy research, policy immersion and community interaction. - The impact associated with the IG capacity building programme have been varied and impressive including the establishment of IG governance masters programme in Srilanka and the use of telecentres to disseminate IG related information. - Diplo has successfully offered the training to professional worldwide for the last 4 years leading to the establishment of national, regional and global community *1400-1530 Workshop 29: Building confidence and security in the use and security in the use of ICTs for African countries *Main challenges in Africa - lack of infrastructure - lack of services Therefore opportunity to learn from mistakes in developing countries and establish of computer emergency response team currently there is only one active CERT in Africa in Tunisia, South Africa is in the process of setting up a CERT with the deadline of 2010 before the FIFA world cup. While countries such as Morocco, Kenya and Ivory Coast are thinking about set in up CERTs. The approach in dealing with Cybersecurity in developing countries Success of Cybersecurity is based on 3pillars 1. *Technology pillar* – ICT/security tools –including: o PCs / networks, physical security tools, data tools (storage media and cryptography), availability of infrastructure and application (redundant servers and PKI) 2. *Methodology pillar* – policy, procedures and regulations on three levels: o managerial level (security policy, management procedures and capacity building, audit) Legislative level (law and regulation) o operational level (acces control rules, implementation plans, monitoring, watch, incidence handling) o continuity of services level ( business continuity plan, crisis management, drill exercises) - actors in this pillar include the government, security professionals and users 3. *Social behaviour pillar* – creating a culture of cyber security o cultivate culture of cyber security through continuous action of raising awareness using diverse media/channels o the target audience includes managers, decision makers, security, children, parents, teachers *Case study: CERT-TCC - Tunisia* *The functions of the CERT include*: - Watch- collect information from different sources eg CISCO, HP. Microsoft, network of CERTs, community of hackers - Training - Coordination - Response - Incidence handling - Incident analysis - Awareness - Warning alert *Key issues*: • Information, warning and alert – carried out to in collaboration with ISPs, managers decision makers, internet community through mailing list, call centre, media • Oriented campaign – utilizing prospectus, posters, email, radio, cartoons, video, attack simulation and guides • Incident handling - training in new tools • Coordination important in the effective functioning of the CERT – incident coordination procedures and information including regional CERTs, other CERTs within the country (for example Brazil has more than one CERT), ISPs and operators, vendors and integrators, and national authorities. Need for the formation of CERTs in Africa however the challenges of lack of "know how" in IT security need to be overcome through: - capacity building - encouragement of the development of national solutions based on open source components - improved R&D capabilities and making it more responsive to urgent needs - encouraging academic research in the important topics of security (cryptography, methodologies…) *The following questions and comments were raised*: - the need for social engineering through the creation of a culture of cyber security to be addressed specifically because of the increased requirements by government to obligate to provide subscriber identification information - how can African countries start up a cert- through collaboration for example with existing CERTs - in establishing a culture of cybersecurity – consideration should be given to the fact that there are different social cultures in different countries however there is consensus on issues such as child pornography, identity theft - how can a regional approach be developed where there are differences in level of ICT infrastructure and use of infrastructure in the delivery of services, what tools can be used to encourage decision makers to be involved in the issues of cyber security? o It was recognised that funding and expertise was required for example AFDB, World Bank and Islamic Bank while ITU have regional workshops on cyber security o As African countries build on infrastructure and services – there is an opportunity to learn from those that have already developed CERTs. - How does the CERT monitor traffic: with the collaboration of ISP and operators as well as supporting legislation - Regulators need to advice the government to use ICT in development – this is a manifestation of government commitment - The role of policy making was emphasized – as it provides government commitment to using ICT for social economic development and governance and consequently support for cyber security initiatives – including the formulation of legislation. - There should not use a piece meal approach to cyber security to prevent ineffectiveness for example Mauritius has electronic transaction act but PKI not yet established On 12/5/08, mwende njiraini <mwende.njiraini(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Following our recent online discussions on Internet governance issues in > Kenya, the Kenya IGF and East African IGF; you may wish to follow the > discussion currently ongoing at the global IGF 2008 in Hyderabad India at > http://www.intgovforum.org. > > Below are highlights from workshops I attended on Day 1 December 3rd): > *0930-1100 hrs Workshop 43: Legal aspects of governance critical internet > Policy issues of public relevance* > *1st presentation* > The issues on that have legal implications include: > • internet security intellectual property rights, infringement, privacy and > protection mechanisms > • IP domain name protection, conflicts arising out of data and content > ownership privacy therefore increasing role of P2P in growth of internet 2 > • Consumer status and rights in relation to e-commerce cross border and > domestic online trade > • Telecom issue viz backbone deployment and interconnection costs > • Freedom of expression – the extent of censorship and control on online > content > > There is need for capacity building to create meaningful participation of > individual and SMEs as well as increasing connectivity through building IXPs > and local content development > > The question was raised as to whether there a need of alternative > institutional mechanism. > The salient features of the MOU between ICANN and the department of > commerce (DoC) include: > - The affirmation of the role of private sector leadership > - The role of DoC in ensuring transparency and accountability and effective > GAC participation > - Ensure accountability and publish by-laws and strategic and operational > plans > - Agreement can be terminated in 120 days > > The MOU has been criticized because of the following reasons: > - US governmental control on root server administration > - Inconsistent with WSIS principle where no single government should have a > pre-eminent role > - Domain name allocation policies need better development > - IPv4 address allocation have been imbalanced need to ensure IPv6 address > allocation does not suffer the same effects -This assertion was however > refuted as IP addresses allocation based on need. The need for prudent > management and keeping barriers low for the transition to IPv6 was > emphasised. > > To overcome this WGIG proposed 4 models: > - Global policy council > - Intenational internet council with leading government role to fulfil the > ICANN/IANA functions > - GAC to be strengthened with enhanced coordination function > - Replace US govt role by general internet council or with world ICANN (in > lieu of GAC) > > The common features of these models were the overwhelming government lead > and the presupposition of the possibility of international treaties. During > the discussion the viability of these models was questioned given that speed > is of essence in the management of internet resources. It normally takes a > long time to negotiate international agreements; including treaties instead > a set of principles should be endorsed. > > The speaker recommended on the management of critical internet > infrastructure should take into consideration the following > • Treatment of technical resources of the internet and global economic, > social and legal aspects arising out the internet should be at par > • The development and implementation of polices and standards and solutions > to various internet issues should be done in a coordinated manner for > example telecommunication standard development is done in a hierarchical and > predictable way. > • New structure would be a supreme authority over internet > > In conclusion the speaker asked: Does the internet as we know it need to be > altered radically? Should the status quo be maintained? Should a Red Cross > model of recognition by international community states be given to an > international entity like ITU, INTELSAT. However fundamental change is not > necessary as failure has not been identified. > > *My comment*: this presentation was descriptive and despite the fact that > an alternative model was proposed the principles, mechanisms that would need > to be put in place in order to make it work were not discussed > > *2nd presentation* > The next speaker spoke about the ccTLDs in latin Amercia which are broadly > organised into two main groups: non-governmental and governmental > organisations. A contribution from the floor however clarified that the > Brazilian ccTLD is a multi-stakeholder – coordinated by government – but on > a day by day basis operates as a non-governmental organisation. The Indian > ccTLD is managed by government and private sector – sovereign interest taken > care of through government representation. > > The rules and regulations under which the institutions that manage the > ccTLDs are managed determinate legal framework under which they operate. > Consequently ccTLDs are regulated under national law while ICANN regulates > gTLDs – The possibility of self regulation is based on the assumption that > private sector would act in the public interest. > > In the discussions some felt that there was need for increased attention of > government in the management of ccTLDs – as it was critical infrastructure > while on the other hand other felt that there was the risk of excessive > regulation with increased involvement of government. > > *1130 -1200 hrs Workshop 36: Strategies to prevent and fight child > pornography in developing countries* > Child pornography in Brazil has grown out of the popularity of social > networking. However the main challenge has been issues related to > jurisdiction as content is resident in ISP based in the USA and > trans-national ISPs like Yahoo, Microsoft and Google which have branches in > strategic markets and have tailored the services for these markets in terms > of language and content. > > Brazil was therefore unable to deal with serious offences related to > content – specifically child pornography - committed by Brazilians using > Brazilian IP addresses. The government has been able to sign an agreement > with Google to fight child pornography on Google's orkut social network. > > The following are consideration taken in drawing up the agreement > 1. Which criteria should be used to define the ability of a particular > country to legislate over and sanction conducts committed on the internet? > - Where the data is located? > - International law principles (territoriality or nationality) shall be > used to define the sovereignty of a state regarding – cyber space – which is > a network of networks > - Define some reasonable standard – for example managed by Brazilians and > is local content and local language > - Access points in Brazil, harmful conduct felt in the country – taken > obligation under international law to take offence – country of origin > approach would force thousands of users to unfamiliar rules and travel – > offence under human rights therefore apply local legislation > > 2. It is legitimate to enforce the conduct of local office –as it > impracticable to send legal request to the US. > > > New tools have been implement that have reduced number of images uploaded > and increase in number of reported cases- subject to investigation. It was > inspiring to listen to parliamentarian talk about the need to have > legislators engaged in the process as they ultimately pass the laws. I > appreciated the fact that in there is great cooperation between the > parliament, government, police, civil society and private sector. > > The main challenges are: > • Lack of awareness and participation by parliamentarians who are critical > in the formulation of legislation > • how to obligate ISPs to provide information without infringing on freedom > of expression and privacy, > • what criteria should be used to deal with these offences > • the creation of awareness of ISPs in developing countries of the need for > judicial cooperation as well as social initiatives to deal with cyber crime. > • Insufficient infrastructure to deal with this issue – law enforcement > does not have the human resources and technology > • Material produced to fight child pornography are not evaluated – they > should be inline with the demand > > *My comment*: I would have like to know if initiatives have reduced > offences, what is the success rate registered in prosecution, ability of the > law enforcement and judicial system to deal with offences. There was no > mention of where initiatives had been launched to fight child pornography on > the financial front. > > > *1530-1700 Workshop 45: Opening to diversity and competition of the DNS > system* > > > > There were 3 presentations in this session: > > > - *1st presentation* - alternate DNS system used in library systems > > > - *2nd presentation* - implementation of security in the Handle system > > > - *3rd presentation –* discussed the Net4D > > > > Net4D- provides the technical solution to the political concern on the > control of root servers. Net4D networks enable the following: > > • Empower the second generation of the web: the semantic web. > > • Multi-stakeholder governance of DNS > > • Net4D classes should be open and interoperable > > DNS 1.0 – was a monopoly of ICANN web 1.0 html with USA parentage and > English only while DNS 2.0 is open allowing for competition including inter > alia: > > • Net4D semantic web > > • Open coherent approach to linguistic diversity > > • Allow technological innovation with value added services > > > > Concern was however raised on the: > > • Investment/implementation cost required to implementation of different > DNS systems depending on the BIND implemented and root servers enabled > > • relinquishing of the political control of root servers > > • Value to end users > > • Awareness and understanding of the issues by different stakeholders > necessary – delivered in a way that they can understand > > > > *My comment*: the session was technical – I hope the techies on the > mailing list can help us understand the governance issues associated with > the introduction of DNS competition and the impact on developing countries > :)! > > > > Kind regards > > mwende >

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ADOPTION OF ISO/IEC 26300 AND ISO/IEC 29500
by Gakuru Alex 08 Dec '08

08 Dec '08

All, I am forwarding this as requested on the message body. Please direct any inquiries to the KEBS staffer copied. Sincerely, Alex Gakuru PS: Walubengo is copied to ensure this larger-than-40k post gets bounced. AG ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Zacheus Mwatha <zimwatha(a)kebs.org> Date: Thu, Dec 4, 2008 at 10:01 AM Subject: ADOPTION OF ISO/IEC 26300 AND ISO/IEC 29500 To: Zaheda Bhorat <zaheda(a)google.com>, Zacheus Mwatha <zimwatha(a)kebs.org>, jsevilla(a)strathmore.edu, JOHNSONM(a)za.ibm.com, cakunga(a)virtualcity.co.ke, chetan(a)skytechafrica.com, dofisi(a)cskonline.org, dkamiri(a)kenyalaw.org, michael.owuor(a)manageworks.co.ke, sammy(a)skytechafrica.com, mail(a)cskonline.org, bremack1(a)yahoo.com, iondieki(a)vegasoftware.com, peterk(a)sdae.co.ke, sammynjuguna(a)hotmail.com, edgar.kioga(a)wfp.org, keziah(a)cskonline.org, jkimilu(a)icsit.jkuat.ac.ke, samuel.kuria(a)kenya-airways.com, Emmanuel.Birech(a)microsoft.com, emailsignet(a)mailcan.com, edgar.okioga(a)gmail.com, pmwele(a)gmail.com, csk(a)nbi.ispkenya.com, vawuor2001(a)yahoo.com, waiganjo(a)uonbi.ac.ke, Jeremy Allison <jra(a)google.com>, Joseph Mucheru <jmucheru(a)google.com>, Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com>, Lucy <lucym(a)za.ibm.com>, Okoth Monica <okothm(a)kebs.org>, Wambua Amos <wambuaa(a)kebs.org> Cc: mwatha_zacs(a)yahoo.com Dear Sir/Madam, There are requests which have been received to adopt the above two international standards. Attached are self explanatory letters and adoption proposal forms which you are kindly requested to complete and return to us for processing. Kindly note that the form MUST BE SIGNED AND STAMPED otherwise it won't be taken into account during processing. You are free to use any mode of transmission (fax/email/post/hand delivery/etc) as long as the forms reaches us not later than the due date. Any ballots received after the deadline will be disregarded. You are free to forward this information to as many stakeholders as possible since we need a national response to this matter. Finally, if you forward to any stakeholder or group of stakeholders, kindly copy me the mail so that i may have a database of all those that received the information (if you use bcc it won't be of much help to me). Kind regards. Mwatha Z I (Mr.) Kenya Bureau of Standards KEBS Centre, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, Behind Bellevue Cinema P.O. Box 54974 — 00200 Nairobi, Kenya ISDN: +254 (0)20 6948270 Tel: +254 (0)20 605490, 6948000, (0)722 202137 Fax:+254 (0)20 609660, 604031 Other E-Mail: mwatha_zacs(a)yahoo.com __________________________________________________________ "Quality products for quality life" Disclaimer This e-mail and its attachments are confidential, private and intended for the addressee only. Should you not be the addressee and receive this e-mail by mistake, kindly notify the sender, and delete this e-mail, immediately and do not disclose or use same in any manner whatsoever. Views and opinions expressed in this e-mail are those of the sender unless clearly stated as those of KEBS. The Bureau accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damages whatsoever and howsoever incurred, or suffered, resulting, or arising, from the use of this email or its attachments. The Bureau does not warrant the integrity of this e-mail nor that it is free of errors, viruses, interception or interference. For information about Kenya Bureau of Standards visit our website at http://www.kebs.org -------------------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. -------------------------------------------------- "easy access to the world"

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Google Zawadi Africa Scholarship
by Robert Alai 08 Dec '08

08 Dec '08

Google Zawadi Africa Scholarship As part of Google ongoing commitments to supporting education in Africa and to diversifying the engineering talent pool, they are encouraging African women to pursue careers in computer science and technology. Google has partnered with the Zawadi Africa Educational Fund to grant five Kenyan women full scholarships to complete degrees in computer science, computer engineering and/or ICT. The Google Zawadi Scholars will pursue studies at top universities in Kenyaand South Africa, and they'll each have the support of a Google engineering mentor. *Selection criteria include:* Excellent academics Extracurricular involvement Leadership potential and financial need. * Contacts:* Zawadi Africa Educational Fund P.O. Box 541046 Cincinnati OH45244 Tel: 513-289-8315 Fax: 513-624-6766 Email: info [at] zawadiafrica. org <http://zawadiafrica.org/> The scholarship is offered every yaer.

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Kenyans embrace moving money by text message
by Mike Theuri 07 Dec '08

07 Dec '08

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-kenya-phones_bddec07,0,7…

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Vitriol in cyberspace - Brian M Longwe: Moderation Alert!!
by Odhiambo Washington 05 Dec '08

05 Dec '08

Hello members, It's my feeling that none of us can exercise the powers of Director of Immigration (whatever the title is), or even the Minister for Immigration. If anyone feels Brian is NOT Kenyan, then the right people to sort that out would be the govt, not KICTANet. I believe we all remember the purpose for which we are members of KICTANet and I am sure it has nothing to do with sorting out citizenship issues. Let KICTANet list be what it was conceived for. If there is anyone who feels deeply aggrieved by Brian's nationality, they can address it elsewhere, rather than waste time with it on this list. Let's put it this way.... I am going to apply the moderation bit on any poster who insists on discussing this issue. My action might be seen to be draconian but it will save us the agony of discussing non-issues. -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ "Okay guys. This is Kenya. You pay taxes because you feel philanthropic, unlike our MPs!" -- Kenneth Marende, Speaker, 10th Parilament.

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