- KICTANet - KICTANet

Kenya to issue infrastructure licenses
by Rebecca Wanjiku 23 Apr '08

23 Apr '08

Kenya to issue infrastructure licenses Faced with rising infrastructure costs, the Kenyan government is set to issue licenses to companies dedicated to building telecom infrastructure. Bitange Ndemo, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communication, said the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) will issue the licenses in six months. The move is expected to lower the infrastructure costs for telecom operators. The government will also unveil new guidelines on sharing such facilities, including transmission systems and cables. http://computerworld.co.ke/articles/2008/04/22/kenya-issue-infrastructure-l… Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

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Microsoft denies threatening to withdraw funding
by Rebecca Wanjiku 23 Apr '08

23 Apr '08

Microsoft denies threatening to withdraw funding Microsoft East Africa has dismissed allegations that it threatened to withdraw funding to Kenya if the government did not vote "yes" on OOXML. Louis Otieno, Microsoft general manager in East and Southern Africa denied the allegations, saying that Microsoft EA acted appropriately. "We've acted appropriately in all instances. And we are grateful that the National Body members engaged in this process collaboratively and constructively," Otieno said. http://computerworld.co.ke/articles/2008/04/21/microsoft-denies-threatening… Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

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Government to use technology to deal with violent youth
by Rebecca Wanjiku 22 Apr '08

22 Apr '08

Government to use technology to deal with violent youth The Kenyan government has developed a plan to use technology to tackle the problem of recruitment of young people into the illegal Mungiki sect. The sect members paralyzed the public transport system in Kenya from April 14 to 17, demanding the release of their jailed leader, Maina Njenga. The sect recruits young men who do not make it to high school. The youths recruited into the violent movement are usually considered societal rejects because they cannot get employment apart from manual jobs. The sect recruits them and provides daily stipends. http://computerworld.co.ke/articles/2008/04/21/government-use-technology-de… Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

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Kenyan techies to monitor quality of service by ISPs
by Rebecca Wanjiku 22 Apr '08

22 Apr '08

Kenyan techies to monitor quality of service by ISPs Kenya's technology experts are developing a community Web site to monitor quality of service by ISPs. According to Michuki Mwangi, one of the leaders in the project, it will be Kenya's largest technology-related online community-based initiative, where all members are expected to come up with a solution that will make the project work better. http://computerworld.co.ke/articles/2008/04/21/kenyan-techies-monitor-quali… Tel. 254 720 318 925 blog:http://beckyit.blogspot.com/ --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

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KCSE
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 21 Apr '08

21 Apr '08

Dear All, My earlier e-mail to Aduda has elisted direct questions as to how the programing error could have occured. Usually errors such as the one explained by the Minister occur during Data Mining. Researchers generally define data mining (sometimes called data or knowledge discovery) as the process of analyzing data from different perspectives and summarizing it into useful information - information that can be used to increase revenue, cuts costs, or both. Data mining software is one of a number of analytical tools for analyzing data. It allows users to analyze data from many different dimensions or angles, categorize it, and summarize the relationships identified. Technically, data mining is the process of finding correlations or patterns among dozens of fields in large relational databases like KCSE. Data does not automatically become information unless it is mined properly. Ndemo ---------------------------------------------- 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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KenBlogs...
by Michael Kipsang Bullut 20 Apr '08

20 Apr '08

Greetings, I hope this reaches you in the best of health & highest of spirits. I'd like to introduce all to a mailing list I created for Kenyan Bloggers: KenBlogs (http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ken-blogs/) I firmly believe this is a field which can be developed into a leading division in the Information Technology industry. I'm an amateur blogger & my blog is called The 411... (http://kipsang.wordpress.com/) Check it out & feel free to leave a comment... My dream is to create a large virtual community that can be felt both locally & globally. Looking forward to all of you joining! Kind regards,Michael.---"The computer programmer...is a creator of universes for which he alone is the lawgiver...No playwright, no stage director, no emperor, however powerful, has ever exercised such absolute authority to arrange a stage or a field of battle and to command such unswervingly dutiful actors or troops."Joseph Weizenbaum,Computer Power & Human Reason.--- _______________________________________________ Join Excite! - http://www.excite.com The most personalized portal on the Web!

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FW: LINK CENTRE: TPRM 2008: Certificate in Telecomms Policy, Regulation & Management - places filling up fast
by Edith Adera 18 Apr '08

18 Apr '08

This may be of interest - it's an excellent course. _____ From: link-info-bounces(a)lists.wits.ac.za [mailto:link-info-bounces@lists.wits.ac.za] On Behalf Of Charley Lewis Sent: 18 April 2008 10:53 To: link-info(a)lists.wits.ac.za Cc: Tennyson Mashiloane Subject: LINK CENTRE: TPRM 2008: Certificate in Telecomms Policy,Regulation & Management - places filling up fast I believe this course is filling up rapidly. Register today, or pass this information on to others who you know can benefit from the course. Your registration and payment secures your place on this valuable programme. ================================================== Certificate in Telecomms Policy, Regulation and Management ================================================== The Certificate in Telecommunications Policy, Regulation and Management is offered by the LINK Centre, School of Public and Development Management, University of the Witwatersrand - Southern Africa's leading research and training body in the field of information and communications technology policy, regulation and management. It provides an essential background to the understanding the regulatory and policy issues and challenges in the rapidly changing telecommunications and broadcasting sector. Spread over three week-long sessions between May and July 2008, skilled and experienced staff at the LINK Centre, School of Public & Development Management, University of Witwatersrand, supported by an extensive panel of guest lecturers, each an expert in their field, will help you map the telecommunications landscape. Significance The course is designed to address the constantly evolving issues and concerns inherent in the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the telecommunications sector in South Africa. These changes - driven by rapidly developing technologies, by the evolving legal and regulatory environment and by the emergence of new markets, services and applications - give rise to increased demands for training and information. The advent of convergence and globalisation intensifies the ongoing challenge on people in these sectors to remain informed of local developments and international trends and practices. Who should attend? Decision-makers and senior policy-makers in the Department of Communications, ICASA and the USA, managers and regulatory staff in industry (manufacturers, service providers and fixed and mobile operators), bidders for PSTN licences, broadcasters, lawyers, consultants, journalists, union officials and NGOs involved in the sector. Objectives By the end of the course, the successful student will be able to: * demonstrate an understanding of the policy and regulatory environment for the telecommunications and broadcasting industries in South Africa; * demonstrate an understanding of information and communications technologies and the policy implications of these technologies; * describe the structure and process of policy formulation, regulatory oversight and licensing procedures in South Africa; * critically compare the South African telecommunications environment with international models and best practice benchmarks; * explain the approaches to telecommunications policy and regulation adopted in SADC, Africa and globally; * demonstrate an understanding of telecommunications reform and its implications for South Africa; * understand the essential drivers of reform locally and internationally, including the impact of globalisation and convergence. Content Overview A Certificate in Telecommunications Policy, Regulation and Management is awarded to candidates who attend the following three modules (120 hours) and who successfully complete the required individual and syndicate assignments. Module 1: ICT Technologies and Markets * Basic concepts of telecommunications networks: the PSTN and its underlying technologies, digitisation, transmission, switching; * Wireless communications: WLL, satellite, mobile wireless, GSM, 3G; * Call traffic and its implications; * Spectrum, its planning and management, and the assignment of frequency; * Numbering and numbering plans, number portability, carrier pre-select, eNum; * The telecommunications market in SA: status, performance and trends; * Signal distribution, and broadcasting technologies; * The broadcasting market and the impact of digital broadcasting; * The Internet, VoIP, VANS and VPNs; * Convergence, broadband, multimedia and the future. Module 2: International ICT Trends, Organisations & Developments * Globalisation and the information age; * Global trends in regulatory reform: liberalisation, privatisation, regulation in a converging environment; * Global e-governance: structures, institutions and global obligations (ITU, WTO, GATS, ICANN); * Regional developments in telecommunications regulation: SATCC, CRASA, ATU, NEPAD; * National responses to the global information economy: e-commerce in South Africa; * ICT and labour; * ICT and gender; * Information and communications technologies and development (the digital divide, ISAD, GK, dotForce, UN ICT TT, WSIS); * Universal access and universal service. Module 3: Telecommunications and Broadcasting Policy, Law and Regulation * The SA Constitution and administrative law; * Telecommunications sector regulation: rationales, principles and practices; * Competition law, and the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors in SA; * ICT sector reform in SA: overview; * Legislative, regulatory and licensing framework for telecommunications in SA: agencies, structure and procedures; * Policy and legislative reform, the regulatory and licensing framework for broadcasting in SA; * Interconnection and facilities sharing: principles, law and regulation; * Licensing: the objectives, typology, procedures, content and monitoring of licences; * Pricing and tariffs; * Quality of service and consumer protection. About LINK The LINK Centre is the leading public policy, regulation and management educational body in the area of information and communication in Southern Africa. LINK focuses on capacity building in the public sector and development arenas through quality training, applied research and consultancy services necessary to maximise the benefits of the Information Society and the Knowledge Economy. Methodology An interactive and intensive teaching methodology is used, comprised of several learning methods, including lectures, syndicate work, case studies, structured learning group discussions and presentations from local and international experts in the field. In this way participants will develop a strong practical focus directly applicable to their own organisations. The course is evaluated via one individual and two syndicate assignments. Syndicate assignments are professionally presented to the group and external examiners drawn from government, industry or academia. Schedule 2008 TPRM 2008 is a block release course divided into three modules, each running for one week per month. Participants may attend individual modules as stand-alone executive courses. Certificate in Telecommunications Policy, Regulation & Management Module Title Dates Module 1 ICT Technologies and Markets 12 - 16 May, 08:30 - 17:00 Module 2 International ICT Trends, Organisations & Developments 23 - 27 June, 08:30 - 17:00 Module 3 Telecommunications and Broadcasting Policy, Law and Regulation 21 - 25 July, 08:30 - 17:00 Fees R 17 250 (plus VAT) per participant for the full three-week course. Individual modules may be taken on their own as executive courses (for which a certificate of attendance is issued) at a fee of R 7 500 (plus VAT) per participant. A small fee discount is available for bulk enrolments. Venue All lectures are held at the Graduate School of Public and Development Management campus, 2 St David's Place, Parktown. Lectures run daily from 08:30 to 17:00 with breaks for lunch and teas. Convenor Charley Lewis + 27 + 11 + 717-3784 or charley.lewis(a)wits.ac.za Information The course web page is available at <http://link.wits.ac.za/training/tc1.html> http://link.wits.ac.za/training/tc1.html. Registration can be done online, using the course code WE/TPRMGM/07/01, via <http://www.wits.ac.za/enterprise/courses/register.html> http://www.wits.ac.za/enterprise/courses/register.html. Contact Tennyson Mashiloane + 27 + 11 + 717-4595 or via Tennyson.Mashiloane(a)wits.ac.za for more information or to enrol. - - - ends - - - Charley Lewis Senior Lecturer, LINK Centre Tel: + 27 11-717-3784 Fax: + 27 11-717-3910 Mobile: + 27 83-539-5242 Post (personal): Box 81185, Parkhurst, 2120, SOUTH AFRICA Skype: charley.lewis URL: http://link.wits.ac.za Mwalimu House, School of Public & Development Management, University of the Witwatersrand 2 St David's Place, Parktown, 2193, SOUTH AFRICA ==> Master of Management in ICT Policy & Regulation: <blocked::http://link.wits.ac.za/training/training4.html> http://link.wits.ac.za/training/training4.html ==> Certificate in Telecomms Policy, Regulation & Management: http://link.wits.ac.za/training/tc1.html This communication is intended for the addressee only. It is confidential. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately and destroy the original message. You may not copy or disseminate this communication without the permission of the University. Only authorized signatories are competent to enter into agreements on behalf of the University and recipients are thus advised that the content of this message may not be legally binding on the University and may contain the personal views and opinions of the author, which are not necessarily the views and opinions of The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All agreements between the University and outsiders are subject to South African Law unless the University agrees in writing to the contrary. This communication is intended for the addressee only. It is confidential. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately and destroy the original message. You may not copy or disseminate this communication without the permission of the University. Only authorized signatories are competent to enter into agreements on behalf of the University and recipients are thus advised that the content of this message may not be legally binding on the University and may contain the personal views and opinions of the author, which are not necessarily the views and opinions of The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All agreements between the University and outsiders are subject to South African Law unless the University agrees in writing to the contrary.

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animated indicators: how we were then, how we are now...
by saidimu apale 16 Apr '08

16 Apr '08

[My apologies for cross-posting.] http://www.gapminder.org/world A useful site loaded with statistical and historical data about the development of the countries of the world. A few things to try out: - visually compare growth trends between Africa and the rest of the world, in particular S.E Asia - narrow down to Kenya's stats: visualize growth/shrinkage trends for some key indicators: for this list, probably: income per person, urban pop. as a % of total pop., female labour force, mobile phone + internet per 100 people, primary school completion of boys + girls etc etc - play around with the X- and Y- axes, plot the data against each other, and against time. Then correlate with significant events in Kenya's history. What stood out for me (caveat: I'm no economist/statistician) 1) the number of medical doctors per 1,000 people has pretty much stayed constant since independence 2) where are the youth in Kenya? (the number of children and elderly per 100 is still quite high. Compare with Japan's figures - they have the opposite problem). 3) (female labor force as a % of total) vs (income per person): female workforce has been declining while income p.p has been more or less the same. 4) ... a lot more for your slicing and dicing. Regards, saidi

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Telecoms firms grapple with talent search
by wesley kiriinya 16 Apr '08

16 Apr '08

Read: http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6886&Item… The last line says: "...Networking, customer support, security, database application development, and programming skills are the high demand areas..." The KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions probably contains senior management/CEOs of Telecoms companies. Is the above article true? If it is there's good talent at the Skunkworks mail list. For guys in Skunkworks: >From previous posts, we have talked a lot about these stuff. I feel there should be some sort of bridge between these 2 mail lists. If the article is true and managers in kictanet lists are looking for talent, well the skunkworks list seems to have skilled, passionate and talented people. It is very likely true there is competition for talent. I've talked to the CEO of Meltwater Group (an international group of companies), and the former head of IBM and they are very talent focused. Meltwater group has started an institution called MEST (Meltwater Enterprenueral School of Technology) in Ghana. They get talented guys in Ghana, train them and provide to them whatever they need (food, transport, monthly stipend, etc). What I saw there was excellent, and that's building the future! What is Kenya waiting for?

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Re: [kictanet] [Skunkworks] Telecoms firms grapple with talent search
by wesley kiriinya 16 Apr '08

16 Apr '08

I think it's simple how these 2 parties can be linked together. The companies can host techie meetings in their premises. Skunkworks already has weekly meetings thanks to Riyaz, Mugambi and the team's great efforts (A round of applause). The companies can invite people to come and give free seminars and training camps to techies. If it's too expensive the companies can collaborate. In the example about MEST in my original post, they even go further to bring CEOs and other heads of international companies to train/talk these guys in Ghana every quater of the year. If that article is true and CEOs can't sleep at night coz of talent and talent is 3rd on the list of $afcom's worries then it's relatively easy to fix this. Talent doesn't grow on trees, it's natured! On the other hand if both parties aren't committed to this then CEOs can brace themselves for longer nights and techies will struggle harder to polish their skills and outsource them to foreign companies. Alex Gakuru <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> wrote: This is partly why I planned the business (kictanet), skunkworks and CS for next month. Unfortunately, the guys who responded wanted attendance sponsorship despite it not being a donor-driven meeting. Please suggest to me how technical persons and business could be linked better in a self-sustaining manner. Thxs On Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 12:13 AM, Josiah Mugambi <jmugambi(a)gmail.com> wrote: I think the argument that the article is attempting to bring out is that there's not enough talent to match the demand. That said, I agree with Wesley's suggestion of bridging the 'two lists' together - there's such a wealth of talent and skill on the skunkworks list. On Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:55 PM, Paul Roy <roykoikai(a)gmail.com> wrote: Guys nothing compares to talent, youve got it or you simply dont have it...the only sad part is that our employers dont know how to do a talent search they think the best papers are the most talented...pole sana! Let them look at how global software giants hire and they will never complain about luck of talent in this market. BTW: global software companies come to africa to source for talent guess what, kenya dominates the list. cheers! On Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 7:31 PM, Athar Ahmad Bhatti <atharab(a)gmail.com> wrote: Hi It is an interesting article. The dilemma is as good as putting the cart before the horse and expecting things to work out. How many of these firms have a CIO/CTO ? Most Kenyan businesses have an IT Manager reporting to an Accountant or Finance person. I do not know the case with the mentioned companies. Technology is the bridge between a company's Strategic Objectives and their Operational implemention on the ground. If you want to retain staff give them a career plan and have the good manners of living up to promises. How many of us have heard the story,"We will start you on "x" and then later on after probation give "y". Many don' even get confirmation letters. HR is a rubber stamp. It all boils down to integrity. I would feel its not too much to say that the overall integrity of a company is determined by the retention of its staff.... Athar On 4/15/08, wesley kiriinya <kiriinya2000(a)yahoo.com> wrote: I can't blame those who try to do a lot and end up becoming a jack of trades and a master of none. I think people feel insecure about jobs. There's not enough info out there about jobs e.g: 1. What are the job statistics in Kenya? I think the bureau of statistics has them but are they made public well? 2. Which areas have future potential and how many people are likely to be absorbed? 3. What is the growth and direction in current industries so that Kenyans can arm themselves with the specific skills and tools? The education system sadly encourages this lack of specialization. Why should I do English and Kiswahili as a must? They are both languages and they follow the same structure. To be a specialist I think one has to UNDERSTAND the subject matter and not cram as what the education system makes students do. Understanding requires a lot more effort and time! I think if one tries to quickly train someone in order to take up a job that requires certain skills then it will be expensive. Training and experience is a gradual process, and thus can be cheaper in the long run. If a company takes someone at 20 years s/he will not have a lot of experience but the company can gradually train and when that person is 30 then they have a lot more experience. It surely beats getting a 29 year old who has been jobless from the time they were 20 and train them quickly. How much does CCNA and all these other certifications cost? I'm sure it ain't cheap and I don't think someone would just do them with little chance of getting a job, it might be a wasted investment. If companies want skilled people they should be ready to train and treat them well. Because this doesn't seem to be happening as it should employees are insecure, and companies loose skilled people. In the long run both parties suffer. Ochieng Maxwell <maxwell(a)barua.co.ke> wrote: ashok+skunkworks(a)parliaments.info wrote: >On Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 3:02 PM, Gituma Nturibi wrote: > > >>there is no shortage of the skilled manpower just people with the >> requisite experience as training new personnel costs a lot, >> >> > >I think this question of there being a shortage / no shortage depends on what >kind of skills you are looking for. > >Sometime ago i had repeatedly posted for an open vacancy in our organization >and gotten a very low response. > > the problem is Kenyans almost try and do everything just to land a job and in the process being good at nothing and therefore the shortage of skills, the few who are there getting them is another story. Maxwell >ashok > > >_______________________________________________ >skunkworks mailing list >skunkworks(a)my.co.ke >http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com >Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke > > > > _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks(a)my.co.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke between 0000-00-00 and 9999-99-99 _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks(a)my.co.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks(a)my.co.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke -- "Change is slow and gradual. It requires hardwork, a bit of luck, a fair amount of self-sacrifice and a lot of patience." Roy. _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks(a)my.co.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke -- Josiah Mugambi +254 738 504418 Blog: http://blog.josiahmugambi.com _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks(a)my.co.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks(a)my.co.ke http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

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Fwd: WCIT 2008 eNewsletter Vol 6
by waudo siganga 16 Apr '08

16 Apr '08

Dear Colleagues - find latest newsletter for those wishing to attend the World Congress on IT next month. Please contact me to consolidate the Kenya group who are so far numbering 10. Kind Regards, Waudo [nl_email_080411_01.jpg] [spacer.gif] [nl_email_080411_02.jpg] [spacer.gif] [nl_email_080411_03.jpg] [nl_email_080411_04.jpg] [spacer.gif] [1][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_05.jpg] [spacer.gif] [nl_email_080411_06.jpg] [spacer.gif] [2][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_07.jpg] [3][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_08.jpg] [spacer.gif] [4][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_09.jpg] [nl_email_080411_10.jpg] [spacer.gif] [nl_email_080411_11.jpg] [spacer.gif] [5][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_12.jpg] [spacer.gif] [6][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_13.jpg] [spacer.gif] [nl_email_080411_14.jpg] [spacer.gif] [7][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_15.jpg] [nl_email_080411_16.jpg] [spacer.gif] [8][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_17.jpg] [spacer.gif] [9][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_18.jpg] [spacer.gif] [10][USEMAP:nl_email_080411_19.jpg] [spacer.gif] [11][nl_email_080411_20.jpg] [spacer.gif] [spacer.gif] [spacer.gif] [spacer.gif] [spacer.gif] [spacer.gif] References 1. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap0 2. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap1 3. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap4 4. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap5 5. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap2 6. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap6 7. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap7 8. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap3 9. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap8 10. LYNXIMGMAP:file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap9 11. http://www.wcit2008.org/ [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap9 1. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-U/Gna98sHaUoQ%403249921-4qjVLdZkd6jqI [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap8 1. http://myunos.com/ 2. http://www.scan-associates.net/ 3. http://www.nclsolutions.com/ [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap3 1. http://www.witsa.org/ [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap7 1. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-F2k8XSSUE6Owo%403249921-ZRrSSoNnNN1lw [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap6 1. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-U/Gna98sHaUoQ%403249921-4qjVLdZkd6jqI 2. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-F2k8XSSUE6Owo%403249921-ZRrSSoNnNN1lw [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap2 1. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-vj8j5E1bscKHc%403249919-PNGdMNrVrhcyo 2. http://www.tourism.gov.my/ [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap5 1. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-U/Gna98sHaUoQ%403249921-4qjVLdZkd6jqI [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap4 1. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-U/Gna98sHaUoQ%403249921-4qjVLdZkd6jqI [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap1 1. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-EQV7VkIpi73cc%403249918-ior4vs6vo0O9k 2. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-k6QIX4FQE/kDc%403249920-irKYFA8WVcVvY [USEMAP] file://localhost/tmp/linkstmp/7vREl3L0G9#FPMap0 1. http://m1e.net/c?78111151-THypaCnJA0rAU%403249917-Y7w2HAYEwoBxY -- waudo siganga emailsignet(a)mailcan.com

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junior application developer / intern.
by Moses Kemibaro 15 Apr '08

15 Apr '08

Dotsavvy is looking for a Junior Application Developer/ Intern with the following competencies: i. 2+ years experience in internet application development. ii. A portfolio of functional personal work that includes the following examples: a. Web sites/pages that utilize database-driven concepts. b. Web sites/pages that demonstrate the ability to work from a project specification. c. Web sites/pages that show implementation of a standardized user interface. iii. Experience with Macromedia, Java, CSS, PERL, Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP (LAMP) is required. iv. Additional experience with AJAX, Ruby on Rails, .NET and others would be a bonus. If you meet these criteria, or know someone who does, please send CVs to jobs(a)dotsavvyafrica.com by the 30th April 2008. Thanks, Moses

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Opportunity: Business Development Lead
by Dorcas Muthoni 15 Apr '08

15 Apr '08

Job Specification: Business Development Lead This is an excellent opportunity to join a young dynamic company in the software sub-sector. You will help define and manage a wide range of marketing campaigns focused on businesses and government establishments across the Kenya and the region. Working closely with our partners you will be responsible for leading the sales and business development teams develop our exciting range of customer solutions. You should have a degree in marketing, business studies or a related subject and/or at least one year experience working in a marketing or sales department. This is a superb opportunity to build an excellent career in a fast growth market. Based at: Nairobi Job purpose: Responsible for supporting the development and implementation of the marketing strategy, product marketing and lead generation of our software services. Key Responsibilities: Marketing Strategy and Lead Generation will include: * Promotion of our software services. * Generating leads through industry research and outreach. * Development and implementation of marketing campaigns that deliver quality leads for our sales and partner channels. * Manage the Customer Relationship Management system to track lead generation and progress. * Develop and manage the corporate brand across all channels and partner organisations. * Define, develop and implement strategic marketing campaigns focused on businesses and government establishments * Produce client testimonials and partner references. * Organise and manage corporate events and exhibitions. Key Skills: Must Have: * Educated to degree level * IT literate * Self starter * Team Player * Strong writing skills and phone manner Nice to have: * Recognised marketing qualification( held or training for) * B2B marketing experience * Public sector knowledge * Procurement knowledge/ experience * Strong secondary research skills * Experience with the IT industry Compensation: * Salaries are based on success in meeting targets. * Base plus commissions Application Process: * Send your application by *25th April 2008* to: info(a)openworld.co.ke

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junior application developer / intern.
by Moses Kemibaro 15 Apr '08

15 Apr '08

Dotsavvy is looking for a Junior Application Developer/ Intern with the following competencies: i. 2+ years experience in internet application development. ii. A portfolio of functional personal work that includes the following examples: a. Web sites/pages that utilize database-driven concepts. b. Web sites/pages that demonstrate the ability to work from a project specification. c. Web sites/pages that show implementation of a standardized user interface. iii. Experience with Macromedia, Java, CSS, PERL, Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP (LAMP) is required. iv. Additional experience with AJAX, Ruby on Rails, .NET and others would be a bonus. If you meet these criteria, or know someone who does, please send CVs to jobs(a)dotsavvyafrica.com by the 30th April 2008. Thanks, Moses --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ YOU ARE IN KAZI AFRIKA GROUP UNSUBSCRIBE: kaziafrika-unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/kaziafrika?hl=en www.kazi-africa.com FOR A VERY PEACEFUL KENYA -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

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Fwd: [Council] Vacancy announcement: FOSSFA Secretariat Coordinator
by Dorcas Muthoni 15 Apr '08

15 Apr '08

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Milton Aineruhanga <milton(a)wougnet.org> Date: Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 8:10 PM Subject: [Council] Vacancy announcement: FOSSFA Secretariat Coordinator To: council(a)fossfa.net POSITION: FOSSFA Secretariat Coordinator LOCATION: The Free Software and Open Source Foundation for Africa is a not-for-profit Pan-African organization registered in Mauritius with secretariat in the Ghana-India Koffi Annan Center of Excellence in ICT, Accra, Ghana. FOSSFA is annoucing its FOSSFA Secretariat Coordinator vacancy, to be based at the FOSSFA Secretariat in Accra, Ghana. TERM: Two years of Initial Contract. Renewable APPLICATION: Applications and remuneration preferences may be sent through any FOSSFA executive member, dorothyg(a)aiti-kace.com.gh or to nnenna(a)opensource.org COMMENCEMENT DATE: As soon as possible. ORGANIZATION: The mission of FOSSFA is the promotion of FOSS and the FOSS development model in Africa . OVERVIEW: FOSSFA is seeking an individual that has the passion and dedication to provide hands-on management for its planned expansion of activities. He/She should be motivated by FOSSFA's potential to connect people, spread FOSS, technology, and social possibilities in Africa and beyond. RESPONSIBILITIES: Leadership • Represent FOSSFA and the Africa FOSS community officially • Provide needed management for all FOSSFA projects • Coordinate smooth day to day activities of FOSSFA Secretariat • Support administrative and logistical preparations towards Idlelo 4. • Ensure that meaningful benchmarks are established, tracked, and revised as appropriate • Implement and evaluate an action plan based on the approved strategic goals and opportunities. Management/Program • Implement programs to fulfill the overall mission of FOSSFA. • Nurture FOSSFA's relationships with members, the general public, and funders. • Partner with appropriate organizations/people to increase awareness FOSSFA and its activities • Draft and present financial reports of FOSSFA projects and all received monies • Cultivate ongoing relationships with supporters to ensure a reliable source of funding for immediate operations, as well as to expand FOSSFA's asset and donor base. Community and Council Development • Ensure management of membership within FOSSFA • Ensure consistent and transparent communication with any and all FOSSFA council members, the general public, and sponsors. • Provide avenues for full and open communication and collaboration with the community at large and promote an awareness of the diverse and changing needs of the community. • Collaborate with the Council and members in the development of all actions of the Foundation. • Facilitate collaboration and cooperation between FOSSFA and other organizations and leaders, to build a shared vision of how to address and solve issues related to FOSS in Africa . QUALIFICATIONS: Background: • Project Management experience in either the non-profit or technology sectors • Well-known and respected within at least one Open Source community • Experienced in raising funds for non-profit organizations • Effectively organized, highly-independent and self-motivated. Characteristics: • Highly-organized self-starter with the ability to set, manage, and implement priorities. • High level of comfort with and passion for technology and Open Source • Able to listen well and build consensus from public discussions • Ability to understand and adapt to diverse African cultural backgrounds • Excellent oral and written English communication skills, with a working knowledge of French. Education: Bachelor's degree or the equivalent in experience is required. COMPENSATION: A salary commensurate with Ghana national standards for not-for-profit organisations. _______________________________________________ Council mailing list Council(a)fossfa.net http://fossfa.net/mailman/listinfo/council_fossfa.net -- 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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{Spam?} FW: ACHIEVERS NOMINATE NOW
by Fiona Asonga 14 Apr '08

14 Apr '08

Hallo All, As industry stakeholders we are being called upon to once again nominate outstanding ICT personalities. Kindly find the nomination details below. Regards, Fiona Asonga Administrator TESPOK ----- Forwarded message from Shirley Jacobs <shirley(a)forgeahead.co.za> ----- Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:03:23 +0200 From: Shirley Jacobs <shirley(a)forgeahead.co.za> Reply-To: Shirley Jacobs <shirley(a)forgeahead.co.za> Subject: ACHIEVERS NOMINATE NOW To: 'Shirley Jacobs' <shirley(a)forgeahead.co.za> http://www.forgeahead.co.za/Achievers/images/top.jpg NOMINATE NOW Do you know of someone who has done tremendous work in ICT's but has not received their just recognition ? This is the opportunity to reward those individuals and organisations who have achieved in the information and communications technology sector. All Africans across the continent are invited to nominate those individuals and organisations whom they believe are worthy of recognition for their ICT achievements. _____ To nominate visit http://www.forgeahead.co.za/achievers/noms_form.asp www.forgeahead.co.za/achievers/noms_form.asp OR Contact Shirley Jacobs "mailto:shirley@forgeahead.co.za" shirley(a)forgeahead.co.za 011 603 1645 _____ http://www.forgeahead.co.za/Achievers/images/todays.gif http://www.forgeahead.co.za/Achievers/images/0logos_08.jpg http://www.forgeahead.co.za/Achievers/images/todays_bottom.gif http://www.forgeahead.co.za/Achievers/images/Bottom_new.jpg Please pass on this email to your colleagues and clients across Africa. No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.10/1366 - Release Date: 4/8/2008 5:03 PM ----- End forwarded message ----- ------------------------------------------------- This mail sent through IMP: http://horde.org/imp/ -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.12/1373 - Release Date: 4/11/2008 9:17 AM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.13/1376 - Release Date: 4/13/2008 1:45 PM -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.

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Re: [kictanet] Can Software Engineering Principles resolve Political Stalemate?
by John Walubengo 14 Apr '08

14 Apr '08

Amazing similarity b/w Computer Software and Political Deadlocks.... I was struck by the similarities between what is transpiring in our political arena and what happens in software engineering (in particular Operating System Software design) Wikepedia defines a deadlock as <<...a situation wherein two or more competing actions are waiting for the other to finish, and thus neither ever does. It is often seen in a paradox like 'the chicken or the egg'>>. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadlocks. The same wikipedia page goes on to say that in Operating Systems, a deadlock occurs only when all of the following four conditions prevail: 1. Mutual Exclusion condition: a resource is either assigned to one process or it is available 2. Hold and Wait condition: processes already holding resources may request new resources 3. No Pre-emption condition: only a process holding a resource may release it 4. Circular Wait condition: two or more processes form a circular chain where each process waits for a resource that the next process in the chain holds. This transposes perfectly onto our political deadlock as described below (I just replaced the items 'Resource' with Ministry and 'Process' with Politician to understand prevailing conditions within the political context). So rephrasing the above:- Political deadlocks will occur when all of the following four conditions prevail: 1. Mutual Exclusion:-a Ministry can only be occupied by one Politician. The occupant automatically excludes the others. 2. Hold and Wait: -a Politician/Party holding some ministries may want to request for more. 3. No Preemption:-only the Politician holding the ministry can release it. (No external force can pre-empt or release that ministry). 4. Circular Wait: Politician-1 may release a Ministry 'A' - BUT only after recieving a Ministry 'B' from the other Politician-2. Unfortunately Politician-2 cannot realease Ministry 'B' because (s)he is awaiting for Politician-1 to release his Ministry 'A' first. So how do computers or Operating systems deal or resolve deadlocks? Three approaches have existed since 1960s and are described on the same wikipedia page. Basically they include: Option1: Deadlock Prevention, Option 2: Deadlock Avoidance and Option 3: Deadlock Detection. In more simplistic terms, Deadlock Prevention simply aims at ensuring that one or more of the above four conditions for deadlocks DO NOT hold. E.g most Operating Systems would therefore be pre-emptive (thus addressing condition 3) by retaining and exercising the right to terminate the offending processes (Politicians?). Operating Systems are careful not to allow one process to hoard resources at the expense of the other Processes. In the Deadlock Avoidance approach, Operating Systems try to make sure that they do not enter into a state that can lead to deadlocks. Basically, the competing processes are expected to declare in advance their maximum request levels for resources. Thereafter the Operating System polices their subsequent request granting or denying them accordingly. (All cards must be on the table in advance?) Finally, in Deadlock Detection, the Operating System may opt for the lazier but more expensive option- institute mechanisms that inform it that a deadlock has occured e.g. when the computer freezes (or the country?). Thereafter, it would need a manual reboot. Switch off and restart the machine, losing all your data (life?) in the process. I just hope we are not headed for Option 3. walu. --- Michuki Mwangi <michuki(a)swiftkenya.com> wrote: > > > Willem de Groot wrote: > > > > * Remove some of the URLs in the footer > > * Run the mailinglist on another server to see whether > my.co.ke IPs > > are somehow blacklisted/penalized > > > > > > The my.co.ke mx IP is clean and not blacklisted unless > someone wants to > verify that with other spots. > > Am monitoring the emails still and so far i dont seem to > any landing > into the spam folder since the very first one. > > I have no problem with my normal mail and using a mail > client which has > flags to read spamassassain spam counts and flag as spam. > No problems > with that so far. Considering that it goes through > spamassassin and a > barracuda box :) > > Regards, > > Michuki > _______________________________________________ > skunkworks mailing list > skunkworks(a)my.co.ke > http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com > Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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ACHIEVERS NOMINATE NOW
by Dorcas Muthoni 14 Apr '08

14 Apr '08

*[image: http://www.forgeahead.co.za/Achievers/images/top.jpg]* NOMINATE NOW Do you know of someone who has done tremendous work in ICT's but has not received their just recognition ? This is the opportunity to reward those individuals and organisations who have achieved in the information and communications technology sector. All Africans across the continent are invited to nominate those individuals and organisations whom they believe are worthy of recognition for their ICT achievements. ------------------------------ To nominate visit www.forgeahead.co.za/achievers/noms_form.asp *OR * Contact Shirley Jacobs * * shirley(a)forgeahead.co.za 011 603 1645 ------------------------------ [image: http://www.forgeahead.co.za/Achievers/images/todays.gif] [image: http://www.forgeahead.co.za/Achievers/images/0logos_08.jpg] [image: http://www.forgeahead.co.za/Achievers/images/todays_bottom.gif] [image: http://www.forgeahead.co.za/Achievers/images/Bottom_new.jpg] *Please pass on this email to your colleagues and clients across Africa.*

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M- money services – The rise and rise of Africa’ s “killer-app” for 2008
by alice 11 Apr '08

11 Apr '08

M- money services – The rise and rise of Africa’ s “killer-app” for 2008 In the first four months of operation, from March to June 2007, M-Pesa, the mobile phone enabled payment system set up by Safaricom in Kenya, gained 150,000 customers. By December 2007, just before conflict erupted over the elections in December 2007, it had achieved 1 million customers who had made US$7 million in transactions. By January 2008, it had gained 1.6 million customers. This is the breakthrough moment for mobile-enabled cash transaction services, writes Russell Southwood. Strangely, the tragic circumstances of post-election violence in Kenya seemed to encourage the use of the service as ATMs ran out of cash and travelling across town to a bank became a riskier proposition. But as Kenya returns to normality, it will be the payments made in more normal times - things like wages to casual staff - that will begin to weigh in the balance. But Vodafone’s plans to roll-out M-Pesa in neighbouring Tanzania were pipped at the post this week by Zantel. Vodafone’s service is already also available in Afghanistan under the slightly amended name of M-Peisa. To be launched next week, Zantel’s money transfer service is to be called Z-Cash. Orascom’s Naguib Sawiris – never a man slow to spot an opportunity – this week announced that his company would offer Internet banking services to its 70 million customers: "It's not something that I'm starting from scratch. I have the subscribers. They were just doing e-mail, [text message] and voice. Now I'm going to tell them you can use this for banking." Perhaps less original and life-changing than M-Pesa but nevertheless a shift in how money transactions get done. This week sees the publication of “M-Money – Finances, Banking and Payments through Mobile Phones” , a 100+ page report which has some of the first detailed market research into the attitudes of potential African customers and how they handle both national and international remittances. The report includes: • Case studies of the pioneering services: The report provides full case studies of four fully operational M-money services: Globe Telecom’s G-Cash and Smart Communications’ Smart Money, both in the Philippines; Wizzit in South Africa; and M-Pesa in Kenya. In addition, there are many smaller mini-case studies of services that have been launched in Africa and elsewhere in the world. • User research findings: The report provides national sample surveys for three major markets – Ghana, Kenya and South Africa – which provide remarkably consistent findings in key areas. A key element of the research looks at how national and international remittances are made and how many people receive them. There is also additional research from a range of other African countries that help pin down the likely potential of M-money services. • User experience and customer business model interface: The report looks in detail at: how M-money services of different kinds can be delivered; different approaches to delivery (partners vs go-it-alone); different technologies that might underpin its development (for example, near field communications); and the business models and market segments. • How regulatory issues can be tackled: When banking meets the mobile world, two different sets of regulatory environments collide. The report provides a detailed section on how banking and financial requirements can be met and the implications for both the operator and consumer of these kinds of transactions. Balancing Act’s M-Money – Finances, Banking and Payments through Mobile Phones, is over 100 pages long and has 7 charts, 16 tables of statistical data, 2 graphic maps and 12 illustrations. If you’ve not worked out how to do M-Money services this year, you may be the one who’s missing out next year. For details, go to: http://www.balancingact-africa.com/publications.html <http://lists.balancingact-africa.com/t/1115/235533/2/0/> For an extract that contains a detailed table of contents with a full list of the charts, tables and maps, send an e-mail to: editorial(a)balancingact-africa.com <mailto:editorial@balancingact-africa.com> The report is priced as follows: Full price (Africa) – /GBP290/US$580; Full price (Rest of the World) – GBP350/US$700; Reduced price for universities and NGOs – GBP250/US$500. Click below to order:/ http://www.balancingact-africa.com/profiles/order/order_form.php <http://lists.balancingact-africa.com/t/1115/235533/226/0/>

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Swedish start-up TerraNet claims peer-to-peer mobile will increase phone penetration in developing countries
by alice 11 Apr '08

11 Apr '08

Swedish start-up TerraNet claims peer-to-peer mobile will increase phone penetration in developing countries Swedish start-up TerraNet has revealed further detail of its ‘peer-to-peer’ mobile phone technology that it claims could play a big role in increasing phone penetration in developing countries. According to TerraNet CEO and founder, Anders Carlius the company is working on what he calls ‘ad hoc’ networking Terranet’s peer-to-peer technology turns each handset into a switching node, passing on calls from other handsets within a 1 kilometre range. Each handset can simultaneously transit 7 calls and each call can make 7 hops before the switching delay starts to make conversation difficult. This peer-to-peer hopping communications has been done before in military applications, although expensively, and in the Tetra emergency communications system, but this is the first time anyone has tackled the mass market in this way. But isn’t the seven kilometre limit a real drawback? “It only seems so because we, us rich people in the west, are all used to zooming around the country or around the world. The other 4 billion don’t travel more than a few kilometres in a typical working day”. And most of the people they know spend all their time within the those few kilometers too.” Carlius is concerned to overcome the barrier to phone use from illiteracy. “I remember talking to a Pakistani telco who told me there was no way he could ever get beyond 40% penetration,” said Carlius. “‘Never? I asked.’ No,’ he said, ‘because 60% of our population is illiterate and innumerate and they therefore can’t use a phone.’ And he was right,” says Carlius. “If you think about it you can’t use a phone if you can’t read or manipulate numbers.” So Carlius’s next rethink was around the three button phone concept. An ad hoc networking phone might use people’s pictures instead of their names and numbers, he says. But perhaps the most important, and most re-thought, part of the model is Carlius’s ideas around distribution. Instead of a telecom network, TerraNet (or whoever had licensed the technology) would build a network of agents to push the phones, collect the monies and, most important, load up the appropriate photos for the illiterate customers. The technology still has to journey into final product. Journalists were shown a large circuit board working prototype but TerraNet says it has advance orders and expects to be manufacturing in bulk soonish. (Source: TelecomTV)

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Positive energy and the KCSE
by bitange＠jambo.co.ke 11 Apr '08

11 Apr '08

Dear All, As we discussed the the KCSE error, Eric Aligula sent the quotations below and I think they capture the spirit in which we should approach such problems. Often we spend more time to criticise yet this forum has some of the best minds in ICT. "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke "Far better to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory, nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt In the past we have spent our collective negative energy to kill projects that could have uplifted this country out of poverty. For example, the Nyayo car. Although there was evidence of corruption it is common knowledge that cost of any protype is usually high. Our learned good men and women did not come out to explain the behaviour of variable and fixed costs. The Malaysians if you read about their Proton were experiencing the same. What saved their project was the benevolent dictatorship of their leadership. Today the Proton is as good a car as any and Kenyans are importing it. You learn the history of motor industry, Kenyan technicians were taken to India, Zechoslovakia and South Africa to teach them on motor assembly. There are many projects that have come and gone because the good men that Edmund Burke is referring to are doing nothining. Indeed even those in public offices wanting to do good for the country fear taking any risk because there is no legal insurance. Therefore, the public had a responsibility to develop a common culture whose focus is to build rather than condem and destroy. Regards Ndemo. ---------------------------------------------- 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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Invitation to all Local Software Developers
by nancy bosire 11 Apr '08

11 Apr '08

*Dear ALL,* * * *Invitation to all Local Software Developers*** This is to invite you to a consultative meeting on Friday the 18th April 2008 at Centurion Systems Ltd, from 2.15pm to 4. 00 pm. The venue is New Rehema House, 2nd floor Centurion Systems Rhapta Road (Westlands). The objective of the meeting is to promote the local software development industry with all relevant government agencies. Issues for discussion include: - Identify hurdles that cripple local software development - The need for a Committee of KIF to address software development industry issues, and if need exists, terms of reference. Invite and circulate this email to other software developers so that we can have different points of view, contributions and suggestions to be able to start the journey towards advocating for the local software development industry. Please confirm attendance ahead of time, as we have limited accommodation. This is an initiative of Kevit Desai and Marcel Werner. -- Sincerely yours, Nancy Bosire Secretariat Manager Kenya ICT Federation Tel: 020 4440102 Mobile: 0721907995 secretariat(a)kif.or.ke, info(a)kif.or.ke http://www.kif.or.ke "When you learn to love what you strive for, then it ceases to be an effort" Napoleon Hill "Whatever your mind expects and demands, it will find a way to produce it." Mahatma Gandhi First they ignore you, Then they laugh at you, Then they fight you, AND THEN YOU WIN!!!

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Re: [kictanet] kictanet Digest, Vol 11, Issue 17
by godera＠skyweb.co.ke 11 Apr '08

11 Apr '08

Dear Citizens, I am simply perplexed at how an "outdated computer programming language" can be blamed for such a fiasco. With all due respect, SOMEONE is responsible for ensuring that no "outdated programs" are used, assuming that the report is really true.There is absolutely no room for such complacency, not when you are talking about the future of these children. We surely cannot simply blame a machine that requires instruction then say the machine let the country down. We are talking about the credibility of the Kenyan education system here! We have for years read such bizzare stories happening in other "banana" republics and it appears we spent so much time laughing we forgot to look at ourselves and continued living in "past glory". Such things were unheard of in Kenya then. These days we are simply a laughing stock of the so called "banana" republics! Can someone stand up and take responsibility please! Gilda Odera Quoting kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke: > Send kictanet mailing list submissions to > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > You can reach the person managing the list at > kictanet-owner(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of kictanet digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: KCSE results fiasco explained? (bitange(a)jambo.co.ke) > 2. KCSE (bitange(a)jambo.co.ke) > 3. Re: KCSE results fiasco explained? (Frank Ojiambo) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:53:29 +0300 (EAT) > From: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > Subject: Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > To: "David Aduda" <daduda(a)nation.co.ke> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Message-ID: <50958.213.42.2.22.1207828409.squirrel(a)mail.jambo.co.ke> > Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1 > > Dear Aduda, > You are dealing with multiple errors here. The first error was created by > a computer programmer. The second error was created by either the > reporter or the messenger who tried to correct error number one. Errors > of omission are common when fundermentals are not observed. We need to > examine the software since Hardware (the computer) does nothing unless > instructed to do so. > > Regards > > > Ndemo. > > > > > > Colleagues, > > > > I would be excited to get someone who can explain how the so-called > > computer error just happened this year and how a body (KNEC) entrusted > > with the noble task of setting, administering, marking and grading marks > > for our children could not detect the problem upfront. Is computer > > becoming the latter day punching bag for grave human mistakes? And does > > the computer generate its own data or fit's ed by human beings? > > > > If there is nay error here, blame my computer? > > > > Aduda > > > >> ---------- > >> From: kictanet-bounces+daduda=nation.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke on > >> behalf of Leonard Mware > >> Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 1:29 PM > >> To: David Aduda > >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > >> > >> <<File: ATT5157354.txt>> > >> 'Outdated' as in fashion or not just not able to crunch figures due to > >> 'uzee"? > >> > >> > >> > >> ----- Original Message ---- > >> From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > >> To: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com > >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >> Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 10:11:36 AM > >> Subject: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > >> > >> >>>Daily Nation, 9th April. > >> A programming error is to blame for last year?s KCSE > >> results fiasco in which the error led to the adjustment of > >> mean grades for some students. > >> > >> Education Minister Sam Ongeri said when he released a > >> report on last year?s Form Four examinations fiasco > >> yesterday. The report blamed outdated computer programming > >> language for the error which led to the adjustment of mean > >> grades for nearly 40,000 candidates. It arose from the use > >> of an outdated version of a programming language at Kenya > >> National Examinations Council. > >> >>>rest of story @ > >> > http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp? category_id=1&newsid=120791 > >> > >> I found it quite difficult to understand how an 'outdated' > >> programming language that has been working well over the > >> years suddenly begins to lose memory (its mind?) due to the > >> 'ageing' process...ama are we experiencing Y2K bug ver 2 > >> remixed here? > >> > >> ...and now that the report is public, could Barnabas (ICT > >> Mnger, Education) shed some more technical light on what > >> could have transpired? Or maybe Prof. Kashorda who sat on > >> the Investigation committee? Because technically I still > >> dont get it... > >> > >> walu. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > ________________________________________________________________________________ ____ > >> You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster > >> Total Access, No Cost. > >> http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> kictanet mailing list > >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > >> This message was sent to: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com > >> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mleonardo%40yahoo.com > >> > >> > >> _____ > >> > >> You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster > >> Total Access, No Cost. > >> > > > > DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is > > intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain > > confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No > > confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If > > you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all > > copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify > > the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, > > distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the > > intended recipient. > > > > Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and > > do not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. > > > > ?To get all breaking news alerts send the word BREAK to 6667 or visit > > http://www.nationmedia.com/wap to read news on your mobile phone.? > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > > 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: 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" > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:34:11 +0300 (EAT) > From: bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > Subject: [kictanet] KCSE > To: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > Cc: 'Catherine Ngahu' <cngahu(a)sboresearch.com>, KICTAnet ICT Policy > Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>, vkyalo(a)ict.go.ke > Message-ID: <16784.213.42.2.22.1207834451.squirrel(a)mail.jambo.co.ke> > Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1 > > Dear All, > My earlier e-mail to Aduda has elisted direct questions as to how the > programing error could have occured. Usually errors such as the one > explained by the Minister occur during Data Mining. > > Researchers generally define data mining (sometimes called data or > knowledge discovery) as the process of analyzing data from different > perspectives and summarizing it into useful information - information that > can be used to increase revenue, cuts costs, or both. Data mining software > is one of a number of analytical tools for analyzing data. It allows users > to analyze data from many different dimensions or angles, categorize it, > and summarize the relationships identified. Technically, data mining is > the process of finding correlations or patterns among dozens of fields in > large relational databases like KCSE. > > Data does not automatically become information unless it is mined properly. > > > Ndemo > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > This message has been scanned for viruses and > dangerous content by Jambo MailScanner, and is > believed to be clean. > --------------------------------------------- > "easy access to the world" > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:22:21 +0300 > From: "Frank Ojiambo" <wanyama(a)nation.co.ke> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > To: <bitange(a)jambo.co.ke> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Message-ID: > <61CFDAF4B595904B9156E157C2D9D44C0A395006(a)NATIONMAIL.nation.co.ke> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > > Bitange, > > > Perhaps the likes of our Minister for Education, the KNEC Secretary and > others that choose to call a spade by any other name should submit to your > wise counsel. > > And it's not just the software that needs examination. The KNEC Secretary > and his officers should be placed under a microscope considering plethora > problems that have perennially afflicted national examinations. > > The abnormally high levels tolerance/impotence among Kenyans is perhaps to > blame. > > It's for this reason that ECK Chairman Samuel Kivuitu and his team of zombies > are, bizzaringly still in office. > > What of the top political leaders currently playing a dangerous chess game, > with the 35 million Kenyans relegated to mere pawns? > > It's an insult that Prof Ongeri, Mr Wasanga and his team of goofers at KNEC > are still in office. > > I long for the day when lynch mobs shall pay courtesy calls on such people > and do what they do best. > > > Frank > > > > > > > ---------- > > From: kictanet-bounces+wanyama=nation.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke on behalf > of bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > > Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 2:53 PM > > To: Frank Ojiambo > > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > > > > Dear Aduda, > > You are dealing with multiple errors here. The first error was created by > > a computer programmer. The second error was created by either the > > reporter or the messenger who tried to correct error number one. Errors > > of omission are common when fundermentals are not observed. We need to > > examine the software since Hardware (the computer) does nothing unless > > instructed to do so. > > > > Regards > > > > > > Ndemo. > > > > > > > > > > > Colleagues, > > > > > > I would be excited to get someone who can explain how the so-called > > > computer error just happened this year and how a body (KNEC) entrusted > > > with the noble task of setting, administering, marking and grading marks > > > for our children could not detect the problem upfront. Is computer > > > becoming the latter day punching bag for grave human mistakes? And does > > > the computer generate its own data or fit's ed by human beings? > > > > > > If there is nay error here, blame my computer? > > > > > > Aduda > > > > > >> ---------- > > >> From: kictanet-bounces+daduda=nation.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke on > > >> behalf of Leonard Mware > > >> Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 1:29 PM > > >> To: David Aduda > > >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > > >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > > >> > > >> <<File: ATT5157354.txt>> > > >> 'Outdated' as in fashion or not just not able to crunch figures due to > > >> 'uzee"? > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> ----- Original Message ---- > > >> From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > > >> To: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com > > >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > > >> Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 10:11:36 AM > > >> Subject: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > > >> > > >> >>>Daily Nation, 9th April. > > >> A programming error is to blame for last year?s KCSE > > >> results fiasco in which the error led to the adjustment of > > >> mean grades for some students. > > >> > > >> Education Minister Sam Ongeri said when he released a > > >> report on last year?s Form Four examinations fiasco > > >> yesterday. The report blamed outdated computer programming > > >> language for the error which led to the adjustment of mean > > >> grades for nearly 40,000 candidates. It arose from the use > > >> of an outdated version of a programming language at Kenya > > >> National Examinations Council. > > >> >>>rest of story @ > > >> > http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp? category_id=1&newsid=120791 > > >> > > >> I found it quite difficult to understand how an 'outdated' > > >> programming language that has been working well over the > > >> years suddenly begins to lose memory (its mind?) due to the > > >> 'ageing' process...ama are we experiencing Y2K bug ver 2 > > >> remixed here? > > >> > > >> ...and now that the report is public, could Barnabas (ICT > > >> Mnger, Education) shed some more technical light on what > > >> could have transpired? Or maybe Prof. Kashorda who sat on > > >> the Investigation committee? Because technically I still > > >> dont get it... > > >> > > >> walu. > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > ________________________________________________________________________________ ____ > > >> You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of > Blockbuster > > >> Total Access, No Cost. > > >> http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com > > >> > > >> _______________________________________________ > > >> kictanet mailing list > > >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > >> > > >> This message was sent to: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com > > >> Unsubscribe or change your options at > > >> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mleonardo%40yahoo.com > > >> > > >> > > >> _____ > > >> > > >> You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of > Blockbuster > > >> Total Access, No Cost. > > >> > > > > > > DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is > > > intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain > > > confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No > > > confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. > If > > > you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all > > > copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify > > > the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, > > > distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the > > > intended recipient. > > > > > > Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author > and > > > do not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. > > > > > > > '> To get all breaking news alerts send the word BREAK to 6667 or > visit > > > http://www.nationmedia.com/wap to read news on your mobile phone.> '> > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > > > 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: 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" > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > This message was sent to: wanyama(a)nation.co.ke > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wanyama%40nation.co.ke > > > > > > DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is > intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain > confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No > confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If > you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all > copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify the > sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, > print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended > recipient. > > Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and do > not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. > > ?To get all breaking news alerts send the word BREAK to 6667 or visit > http://www.nationmedia.com/wap to read news on your mobile phone.? >

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Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained?
by Frank Ojiambo 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

Bitange, Perhaps the likes of our Minister for Education, the KNEC Secretary and others that choose to call a spade by any other name should submit to your wise counsel. And it's not just the software that needs examination. The KNEC Secretary and his officers should be placed under a microscope considering plethora problems that have perennially afflicted national examinations. The abnormally high levels tolerance/impotence among Kenyans is perhaps to blame. It's for this reason that ECK Chairman Samuel Kivuitu and his team of zombies are, bizzaringly still in office. What of the top political leaders currently playing a dangerous chess game, with the 35 million Kenyans relegated to mere pawns? It's an insult that Prof Ongeri, Mr Wasanga and his team of goofers at KNEC are still in office. I long for the day when lynch mobs shall pay courtesy calls on such people and do what they do best. Frank > ---------- > From: kictanet-bounces+wanyama=nation.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke on behalf of bitange(a)jambo.co.ke > Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 2:53 PM > To: Frank Ojiambo > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Subject: Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > > Dear Aduda, > You are dealing with multiple errors here. The first error was created by > a computer programmer. The second error was created by either the > reporter or the messenger who tried to correct error number one. Errors > of omission are common when fundermentals are not observed. We need to > examine the software since Hardware (the computer) does nothing unless > instructed to do so. > > Regards > > > Ndemo. > > > > > > Colleagues, > > > > I would be excited to get someone who can explain how the so-called > > computer error just happened this year and how a body (KNEC) entrusted > > with the noble task of setting, administering, marking and grading marks > > for our children could not detect the problem upfront. Is computer > > becoming the latter day punching bag for grave human mistakes? And does > > the computer generate its own data or fit's ed by human beings? > > > > If there is nay error here, blame my computer? > > > > Aduda > > > >> ---------- > >> From: kictanet-bounces+daduda=nation.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke on > >> behalf of Leonard Mware > >> Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 1:29 PM > >> To: David Aduda > >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > >> > >> <<File: ATT5157354.txt>> > >> 'Outdated' as in fashion or not just not able to crunch figures due to > >> 'uzee"? > >> > >> > >> > >> ----- Original Message ---- > >> From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > >> To: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com > >> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > >> Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 10:11:36 AM > >> Subject: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > >> > >> >>>Daily Nation, 9th April. > >> A programming error is to blame for last year?s KCSE > >> results fiasco in which the error led to the adjustment of > >> mean grades for some students. > >> > >> Education Minister Sam Ongeri said when he released a > >> report on last year?s Form Four examinations fiasco > >> yesterday. The report blamed outdated computer programming > >> language for the error which led to the adjustment of mean > >> grades for nearly 40,000 candidates. It arose from the use > >> of an outdated version of a programming language at Kenya > >> National Examinations Council. > >> >>>rest of story @ > >> http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=1&ne… > >> > >> I found it quite difficult to understand how an 'outdated' > >> programming language that has been working well over the > >> years suddenly begins to lose memory (its mind?) due to the > >> 'ageing' process...ama are we experiencing Y2K bug ver 2 > >> remixed here? > >> > >> ...and now that the report is public, could Barnabas (ICT > >> Mnger, Education) shed some more technical light on what > >> could have transpired? Or maybe Prof. Kashorda who sat on > >> the Investigation committee? Because technically I still > >> dont get it... > >> > >> walu. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> ____________________________________________________________________________________ > >> You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster > >> Total Access, No Cost. > >> http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> kictanet mailing list > >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > >> This message was sent to: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com > >> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mleonardo%40yahoo.com > >> > >> > >> _____ > >> > >> You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster > >> Total Access, No Cost. > >> > > > > DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is > > intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain > > confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No > > confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If > > you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all > > copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify > > the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, > > distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the > > intended recipient. > > > > Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and > > do not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. > > > > > '> To get all breaking news alerts send the word BREAK to 6667 or visit > > http://www.nationmedia.com/wap to read news on your mobile phone.> '> > > > > ---------------------------------------------- > > 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: 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" > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: wanyama(a)nation.co.ke > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wanyama%40nation.co.ke > > DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended recipient. Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. To get all breaking news alerts send the word BREAK to 6667 or visit http://www.nationmedia.com/wap to read news on your mobile phone.

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Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained?
by David Aduda 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

Colleagues, I would be excited to get someone who can explain how the so-called computer error just happened this year and how a body (KNEC) entrusted with the noble task of setting, administering, marking and grading marks for our children could not detect the problem upfront. Is computer becoming the latter day punching bag for grave human mistakes? And does the computer generate its own data or fit's ed by human beings? If there is nay error here, blame my computer? Aduda > ---------- > From: kictanet-bounces+daduda=nation.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke on behalf of Leonard Mware > Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 1:29 PM > To: David Aduda > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions > Subject: Re: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > > <<File: ATT5157354.txt>> > 'Outdated' as in fashion or not just not able to crunch figures due to 'uzee"? > > > > ----- Original Message ---- > From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > To: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 10:11:36 AM > Subject: [kictanet] KCSE results fiasco explained? > > >>>Daily Nation, 9th April. > A programming error is to blame for last year?s KCSE > results fiasco in which the error led to the adjustment of > mean grades for some students. > > Education Minister Sam Ongeri said when he released a > report on last year?s Form Four examinations fiasco > yesterday. The report blamed outdated computer programming > language for the error which led to the adjustment of mean > grades for nearly 40,000 candidates. It arose from the use > of an outdated version of a programming language at Kenya > National Examinations Council. > >>>rest of story @ > http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=1&ne… > > I found it quite difficult to understand how an 'outdated' > programming language that has been working well over the > years suddenly begins to lose memory (its mind?) due to the > 'ageing' process...ama are we experiencing Y2K bug ver 2 > remixed here? > > ...and now that the report is public, could Barnabas (ICT > Mnger, Education) shed some more technical light on what > could have transpired? Or maybe Prof. Kashorda who sat on > the Investigation committee? Because technically I still > dont get it... > > walu. > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. > http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: mleonardo(a)yahoo.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mleonardo%40yahoo.com > > > _____ > > You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. > DISCLAIMER: The information contained in or accompanying this e-mail is intended for the use of the stated recipient only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended recipient. Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Nation Media Group. To get all breaking news alerts send the word BREAK to 6667 or visit http://www.nationmedia.com/wap to read news on your mobile phone.

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