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Re: [kictanet] Public Notice by CBK on Virtual Currencies
by Ali Hussein 16 Dec '15

16 Dec '15

Waithaka, Ahmed What you have articulated is at the crux of the matter. CONTROL. To Barrack’s question:- 1) If you were the Governor CBK or CS Finance? How would you handle Bitcoins? (with limited knowledge on technology matters?) That is, I believe a critical component of Policy and how the government of the day chooses who is appointed to what docket. But to answer your question in a straight forward way:- If I were the Governor or CS Finance I’d first take the steps to ensure public interest is preserved. I would then call in the proponents of this particular case and try and find a way for them to work together as we extend our policies and regulations to encompass cryptocurrencies. The fact that we ignore them doesn’t mean they don’t exist. I certainly don’t want to be the proverbial Ostrich sticking its head in the sand and wishing away all its problems. But then, this is just hypothesis right? :-) My humble advise to Regulators the world over:- Don’t be like the Ostrich. :-) Oh, and I would have expected the Central Bank to have asked the court to enjoin them in the Lipisha/Bitpesa vs Safaricom case as Amicus Curiae. Just so that they can also learn. *Ali Hussein* *Principal* *Hussein & Associates* Tel: +254 713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim> Blog: www.alyhussein.com Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with.

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Public Notice by CBK on Virtual Currencies
by Nanjira Sambuli 16 Dec '15

16 Dec '15

Barrack has asked a valid question and posed a meaningful challenge. Where are the explainer pieces on Bitcoin? And analysis on what such virtual currencies could mean for an economy like Kenya’s? What brief can anyone forward to CBK if they wanted to challenge their point of view, or engage them in their thinking of the issue? Heck, even a mere curation of reads on the matter… For the general public as well. > On 16 Dec 2015, at 08:47, kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke wrote: > > Public Notice by CBK on Virtual Currencies Regards, Nanjira Sambuli Research Manager iHub <http://www.ihub.co.ke/> | Research <http://www.ihub.co.ke/research> | UXLab <http://www.ihub.co.ke/uxlab> | Consulting <http://www.ihub.co.ke/consulting> Mobile: +254722481566 Skype: nanjirasambuli | Twitter: @NiNanjira

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Fwd: [Internet Policy] New book: The Working Group on Internet Governance: 10th Anniversary Reflections
by Barrack Otieno 16 Dec '15

16 Dec '15

Listers, Could be beneficial for those following the IGF. Regards ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: William Drake <wjdrake(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, Dec 15, 2015 at 1:54 PM Subject: [Internet Policy] New book: The Working Group on Internet Governance: 10th Anniversary Reflections To: internetpolicy(a)elists.isoc.org Apologies for cross-posting Hi In case anyone is interested, just in time for the WSIS+10 Review, yesterday the APC released the below book, which is edited by myself and populated by various familiar IG mavens. The free PDF version is available now from the APC website, and in a week or so there also will be e-book and print on demand versions at Amazon and other dealers for a couple dollars. Best Bill -------------------- PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE New publication: The Working Group on Internet Governance - 10th Anniversary Reflections JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 14 December 2015 – 2015 marks the 10th anniversary of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). The UN General Assembly reviewed the progress made over the past decade and negotiated a text that addresses a number of global Internet governance issues. 2015 is also the 10th anniversary of a multistakeholder experiment that helped bring the WSIS to a successful conclusion: the Working Group on Internet Governance (WGIG). Convened in 2004, the WGIG assembled 40 representatives of governments and stakeholders who engaged in months of intensive peer-level dialogue and collective analysis. The WGIG process was an important turning point and catalyst in the intergovernmental recognition of multistakeholder processes for Internet governance. In June 2005, the WGIG released a widely noted report that advanced a “broad definition” of Internet governance; holistically addressed a range of policy issues; offered four competing models for the ”oversight” of critical Internet resources; and proposed the establishment of the Internet Governance Forum. The report significantly influenced the final agreement adopted by WSIS. This book, edited by William J. Drake and published by APC with the support of APNIC, CGI.br, ICANN and Internet Society, reflects on the WGIG’s procedural and substantive contributions to the evolving global Internet governance dialogue and institutional ecosystem. Written by former WGIG members and others who played key roles in the debates on the WGIG and WSIS, the volume is a follow-up to a book produced in the summer of 2005: William J. Drake, ed., Reforming Internet Governance: Perspectives from the UN Working Group on Internet Governance. Topics include: historical overview; understanding Internet governance; institutionalizing multistakeholder cooperation; from oversight to stewardship; Internet governance for development; and closing reflections. Authors include: Fiona Alexander, Peng Hwa Ang and Sherly Haristya, Karen Banks and Anriette Esterhuysen, Nitin Desai, Avri Doria, William J. Drake, Raúl Echeberría, Baher Esmat, Juan Fernández González, Hartmut R. Glaser and Diego R. Canabarro, David Hendon, Jānis Kārkliņš, Wolfgang Kleinwächter, Jovan Kurbalija, Markus Kummer, Olivier Nana Nzépa, Alejandro Pisanty, Paul Wilson and Pablo Hinojosa, and Michael Yakushev. The full publication can be downloaded here About the Association for Progressive Communications The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is an international network and non-profit organisation founded in 1990 that wants everyone to have access to a free and open internet to improve lives and create a more just world. apc.org PO Box 29755 Melville, GT 2109 South Africa Media contact Flavia Fascendini APC Communications flavia(a)apc.org ********************************************************* William J. Drake International Fellow & Lecturer Media Change & Innovation Division, IPMZ University of Zurich, Switzerland Chair, Noncommercial Users Constituency, ICANN, www.ncuc.org william.drake(a)uzh.ch (direct), wjdrake(a)gmail.com (lists), www.williamdrake.org Internet Governance: The NETmundial Roadmap http://goo.gl/sRR01q ********************************************************* _______________________________________________ To manage your ISOC subscriptions or unsubscribe, please log into the ISOC Member Portal: https://portal.isoc.org/ Then choose Interests & Subscriptions from the My Account menu. -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/<div id="DDB4FAA8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2"><table style="border-top: 1px solid #aaabb6; margin-top: 10px;"> <tr> <td style="width: 105px; padding-top: 15px;"> <a href="https://www.avast.com/lp-safe-emailing?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm…" target="_blank"><img src="https://ipmcdn.avast.com/images/logo-avast-v1.png" style="width: 90px; height:33px;"/></a> </td> <td style="width: 470px; padding-top: 20px; color: #41424e; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">This email has been sent from a virus-free computer protected by Avast. <br /><a href="https://www.avast.com/lp-safe-emailing?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm…" target="_blank" style="color: #4453ea;">www.avast.com</a> </td> </tr> </table><a href="#DDB4FAA8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2" width="1" height="1"></a></div>

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Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Meet The NextGen@ICANN55 Marrakech Members
by Barrack Otieno 16 Dec '15

16 Dec '15

Congratulations Liz, Ephraim and other Kenyans for making it to the Next Gen programme. Best Regards ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Yaovi Atohoun <yaovi.atohoun(a)icann.org> Date: Tue, Dec 15, 2015 at 7:01 PM Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] Meet The NextGen@ICANN55 Marrakech Members To: AfrICANN Community List <africann(a)afrinic.net> Please read more at https://www.icann.org/news/blog/meet-the-nextgen-icann55-marrakech-members Thanks - Yaovi Atohoun Stakeholder Engagement and Operations Manager – Africa ICANN – www.icann.org Mobile : +229 66015649 / 97891228 _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo/africann -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/<div id="DDB4FAA8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2"><table style="border-top: 1px solid #aaabb6; margin-top: 10px;"> <tr> <td style="width: 105px; padding-top: 15px;"> <a href="https://www.avast.com/lp-safe-emailing?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm…" target="_blank"><img src="https://ipmcdn.avast.com/images/logo-avast-v1.png" style="width: 90px; height:33px;"/></a> </td> <td style="width: 470px; padding-top: 20px; color: #41424e; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">This email has been sent from a virus-free computer protected by Avast. <br /><a href="https://www.avast.com/lp-safe-emailing?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm…" target="_blank" style="color: #4453ea;">www.avast.com</a> </td> </tr> </table><a href="#DDB4FAA8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2" width="1" height="1"></a></div>

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Re: [kictanet] Public Notice by CBK on Virtual Currencies
by Mark Kipyegon 16 Dec '15

16 Dec '15

It could be argued that transactions made with paper money are more difficult to trace than transactions with bitcoin. > > many governments have taken policy decisions to opose bitcoins not for being virtual curreny but due to the lack of tracability. > cbk is just following suit. > other currency that are virtual but traceable by governments have largely been left alone > >

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Reporting from the WSIS Review Meeting in New York
by Mwendwa Kivuva 15 Dec '15

15 Dec '15

This might be useful to some ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Ginger Paque" <gpaque(a)gmail.com> Date: Dec 15, 2015 3:24 PM Subject: [governance] Fwd: Reporting from the WSIS Review Meeting in New York To: "Governance (governance(a)lists.igcaucus.org)" < governance(a)lists.igcaucus.org> Cc: You may find this helpful for keeping up with the WSIS+10 meetings in NY today and tomorrow. Summary (more detail below): *GIP Digital Watch* brings you daily reporting from the UN General Assembly’s WSIS Review Meeting. Stay tuned to dw.giplatform.org/wsis10 <http://giplatform.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4fd1ca1d5793b4d797ce48e…> for session reports, dailies, a summary report, and additional information and analysis. During breakfast (if you are in New York) or lunch (in Europe), you may browse through WSIS Daily no. 1 <http://giplatform.us6.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=4fd1ca1d5793b4d797ce48…> . Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser <http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=4fd1ca1d5793b4d797ce48eb0&id=e6ec64569a…> . Dear colleagues, *GIP Digital Watch* brings you daily reporting from the UN General Assembly’s WSIS Review Meeting. Stay tuned to dw.giplatform.org/wsis10 <http://giplatform.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4fd1ca1d5793b4d797ce48e…> for session reports, dailies, a summary report, and additional information and analysis. During breakfast (if you are in New York) or lunch (in Europe), you may browse through WSIS Daily no. 1 <http://giplatform.us6.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=4fd1ca1d5793b4d797ce48…>, which includes: - An overview and detailed up-to-date timeline of the WSIS+10 process - Reports from the side-events held yesterday - Sentiment analysis of the WSIS+10 Outcome Document <http://giplatform.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4fd1ca1d5793b4d797ce48e…> - And as usual, something just for fun! WSIS Daily no. 2 will be available tomorrow morning, and the final summary report on Fridaymorning. Thank you for your interest. We look forward to your feedback at digitalwatch(a)diplomacy.edu. Follow us on Twitter <http://giplatform.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4fd1ca1d5793b4d797ce48e…> | Forward to a friend <http://us6.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=4fd1ca1d5793b4d797ce48eb0&id=e6e…> You're receiving this email because you expressed an interest in Geneva Internet Platform. unsubscribe virginiap(a)diplomacy.edu from this list <http://giplatform.us6.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=4fd1ca1d5793b4d797ce48e…> | update your subscription preferences <http://giplatform.us6.list-manage.com/profile?u=4fd1ca1d5793b4d797ce48eb0&i…> [image: Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp] <http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…> ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: governance(a)lists.igcaucus.org To be removed from the list, visit: http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing For all other list information and functions, see: http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: http://www.igcaucus.org/ Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t

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Public Notice by CBK on Virtual Currencies
by Gideon 15 Dec '15

15 Dec '15

How many countries have chartered a path for this type of currency? May be most have adopted a wait and see stance on this one. Also it would be good to see if any institution or business in Kenya accepts Bitcoin as payment for goods/services. > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2015 12:32:29 +0300 > From: Nanjira Sambuli < > > nanjira(a)ihub.co.ke> > To: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > Subject: Re: [kictanet] kictanet Digest, Vol 103, Issue 87 > Message-ID: <D9B9E527-1FD7-4EB0-9C6D-55CFE4CF2B1C(a)ihub.co.ke> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Though CBK hasn?t said virtual currency is illegal; said it?s not legal > tender, and essentially that they can?t be expected to step in. Maybe not a > bad thing? > > > On 15 Dec 2015, at 12:00, kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke wrote: > > > > Send kictanet mailing list submissions to > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > > https://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: Public Notice by CBK on Virtual Currencies (Ali Hussein) > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > Message: 1 > > Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2015 11:49:30 +0300 > > From: Ali Hussein <ali(a)hussein.me.ke> > > To: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Public Notice by CBK on Virtual Currencies > > Message-ID: <7B111466-78AE-4677-9A0B-B165AEFED676(a)hussein.me.ke> > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > > > Waithaka > > > > I concur with you. 150% > > > > Regulators the world over need to get on with the Program. Virtual > Currencies are here to stay. Instead of fighting them and driving them > underground find a way to work with the new dispensation. > > > > This is a fight the CBK will NEVER win. That you can take to the Bank. > (Pun intended). > > > > Thanks & Regards > > > > Ali Hussein > > ali(a)hussein.me.ke > > > > +254 713 601113 > > Twitter: @AliHKassim > > Skype: Abu-Jomo > > LinkedIn: http//ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim > > Blog: www.alyhussein.com > > > >> On Dec 15, 2015, at 11:07 AM, Ngigi Waithaka via kictanet < > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > >> > >> Very dicey... > >> > >> Let's see... What is MPesa? It's a Virtual Currency that has a 1:1 > Mapping with the Kenya Shilling. That's why when I send you MPesa, you > don't receive a legal tender, but you know you can convert it to KES at a > rate of 1:1 minus the small charges. > >> > >> What is Paypal? a Virtual Currency that has a 1:1 mapping with say USD > >> > >> What is BitCoin? A Virtual Currency that has a *fluctuating* mapping > with other currencies e.g 1:130 with USD. > >> > >> If I take the risk that BitCoin might fluctuate, a risk we also take > when we get paid in USD / Euros etc when in Kenya, why should it be illegal? > >> > >> Its just a Virtual Currency, one of many.... > >> > >> Regards > >> > >> On Tue, Dec 15, 2015 at 10:00 AM, Josiah Mugambi via kictanet < > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <mailto:[email protected]>> > wrote: > >> CBK has taken a stand: > >> > >> > https://www.centralbank.go.ke/index.php/news/464-public-on-virtual-currenci… > < > https://www.centralbank.go.ke/index.php/news/464-public-on-virtual-currenci… > > > >> > >> Extract: > >> > >> ++++ > >> > >> The attention of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has been drawn to > media reports > >> on the use, holding and trading of virtual currencies such as Bitcoin > in Kenya. > >> Bitcoin is a form of un-regulated digital currency that is not issued > or guaranteed by > >> any government or central bank. Domestic and international money > transfer > >> services in Kenya are regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya Act and > other > >> legislation. In this regard, no entity is currently licensed to offer > money remittance > >> services and products in Kenya using virtual currency such as Bitcoin. > >> > >> This is to inform the public that virtual currencies such as Bitcoin > are not legal > >> tender in Kenya and therefore no protection exists in the event that > the platform that > >> exchanges or holds the virtual currency fails or goes out of business. > Some of the > >> risks associated with buying, holding or trading virtual currencies > include the > >> following: > >> ? Transactions in virtual currencies such as bitcoin are largely > untraceable and > >> anonymous making them susceptible to abuse by criminals in money > laundering > >> and financing of terrorism. > >> ? Virtual currencies are traded in exchange platforms that tend to be > unregulated > >> all over the world. Consumers may therefore lose their money without > having > >> any legal redress in the event these exchanges collapse or close > business. > >> ? There is no underlying or backing of assets and the value of virtual > currencies is > >> speculative in nature. This may result in high volatility in value of > virtual > >> currencies thus exposing users to potential losses. > >> > >> CBK reiterates that Bitcoin and similar products are not legal tender > nor are they > >> regulated in Kenya. The public should therefore desist from transacting > in Bitcoin > >> and similar products. > >> ++++ > >> > >> > >> -- > >> Josiah Mugambi > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> kictanet mailing list > >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <mailto:[email protected]> > >> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet < > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet> > >> > >> Unsubscribe or change your options at > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ngigi%40at.co.ke < > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ngigi%40at.co.ke> > >> > >> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform > for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and > regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT > sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. > >> > >> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors > online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, > share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do > not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. > >> > >> > >> > >> -- > >> Regards, > >> > >> Waithaka Ngigi > >> Chief Executive Officer | Alliance Technologies | MCK Nairobi Synod > Building > >> T +254 20 525 0750 |Office Mobile: +254 716 201061 | M +254 737 811 000 > >> <> > >> www.at.co.ke <http://www.at.co.ke/> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> kictanet mailing list > >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > >> Unsubscribe or change your options at > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/info%40alyhussein.com > >> > >> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform > for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and > regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT > sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. > >> > >> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors > online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, > share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do > not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. > > > >

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Issues with the Access to Information Bill
by Sidney Ochieng 15 Dec '15

15 Dec '15

Listers, The Access to Information Bill will codify one of the most important rights we have as citizens but it's not without issues. I've written about the ones I've noted here: http://sidneyochieng.co.ke/2015/12/issues-with-the-access-to-information-bi… I have of course reached out the lawmaker sponsoring the bill but I'm yet to hear back Would love to know what you all think. -- Regards, Sidney Ochieng *Skype:* sidney.ochieng | *Twitter:* @princelySid | *Website: * http://sidneyochieng.co.ke

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Re: [kictanet] kictanet Digest, Vol 103, Issue 87
by Nanjira Sambuli 15 Dec '15

15 Dec '15

Though CBK hasn’t said virtual currency is illegal; said it’s not legal tender, and essentially that they can’t be expected to step in. Maybe not a bad thing? > On 15 Dec 2015, at 12:00, kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke wrote: > > Send kictanet mailing list submissions to > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > https://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: Public Notice by CBK on Virtual Currencies (Ali Hussein) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2015 11:49:30 +0300 > From: Ali Hussein <ali(a)hussein.me.ke> > To: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Public Notice by CBK on Virtual Currencies > Message-ID: <7B111466-78AE-4677-9A0B-B165AEFED676(a)hussein.me.ke> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Waithaka > > I concur with you. 150% > > Regulators the world over need to get on with the Program. Virtual Currencies are here to stay. Instead of fighting them and driving them underground find a way to work with the new dispensation. > > This is a fight the CBK will NEVER win. That you can take to the Bank. (Pun intended). > > Thanks & Regards > > Ali Hussein > ali(a)hussein.me.ke > > +254 713 601113 > Twitter: @AliHKassim > Skype: Abu-Jomo > LinkedIn: http//ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim > Blog: www.alyhussein.com > >> On Dec 15, 2015, at 11:07 AM, Ngigi Waithaka via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: >> >> Very dicey... >> >> Let's see... What is MPesa? It's a Virtual Currency that has a 1:1 Mapping with the Kenya Shilling. That's why when I send you MPesa, you don't receive a legal tender, but you know you can convert it to KES at a rate of 1:1 minus the small charges. >> >> What is Paypal? a Virtual Currency that has a 1:1 mapping with say USD >> >> What is BitCoin? A Virtual Currency that has a *fluctuating* mapping with other currencies e.g 1:130 with USD. >> >> If I take the risk that BitCoin might fluctuate, a risk we also take when we get paid in USD / Euros etc when in Kenya, why should it be illegal? >> >> Its just a Virtual Currency, one of many.... >> >> Regards >> >> On Tue, Dec 15, 2015 at 10:00 AM, Josiah Mugambi via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >> CBK has taken a stand: >> >> https://www.centralbank.go.ke/index.php/news/464-public-on-virtual-currenci… <https://www.centralbank.go.ke/index.php/news/464-public-on-virtual-currenci…> >> >> Extract: >> >> ++++ >> >> The attention of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has been drawn to media reports >> on the use, holding and trading of virtual currencies such as Bitcoin in Kenya. >> Bitcoin is a form of un-regulated digital currency that is not issued or guaranteed by >> any government or central bank. Domestic and international money transfer >> services in Kenya are regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya Act and other >> legislation. In this regard, no entity is currently licensed to offer money remittance >> services and products in Kenya using virtual currency such as Bitcoin. >> >> This is to inform the public that virtual currencies such as Bitcoin are not legal >> tender in Kenya and therefore no protection exists in the event that the platform that >> exchanges or holds the virtual currency fails or goes out of business. Some of the >> risks associated with buying, holding or trading virtual currencies include the >> following: >> ? Transactions in virtual currencies such as bitcoin are largely untraceable and >> anonymous making them susceptible to abuse by criminals in money laundering >> and financing of terrorism. >> ? Virtual currencies are traded in exchange platforms that tend to be unregulated >> all over the world. Consumers may therefore lose their money without having >> any legal redress in the event these exchanges collapse or close business. >> ? There is no underlying or backing of assets and the value of virtual currencies is >> speculative in nature. This may result in high volatility in value of virtual >> currencies thus exposing users to potential losses. >> >> CBK reiterates that Bitcoin and similar products are not legal tender nor are they >> regulated in Kenya. The public should therefore desist from transacting in Bitcoin >> and similar products. >> ++++ >> >> >> -- >> Josiah Mugambi >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <mailto:[email protected]> >> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet <https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet> >> >> Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ngigi%40at.co.ke <https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ngigi%40at.co.ke> >> >> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. >> >> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. >> >> >> >> -- >> Regards, >> >> Waithaka Ngigi >> Chief Executive Officer | Alliance Technologies | MCK Nairobi Synod Building >> T +254 20 525 0750 |Office Mobile: +254 716 201061 | M +254 737 811 000 >> <> >> www.at.co.ke <http://www.at.co.ke/> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/info%40alyhussein.com >> >> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. >> >> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. > >

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Joe Mucheru vetting by parliament for position of ICT CS
by Mwendwa Kivuva 14 Dec '15

14 Dec '15

Joe Mucheru was vetted today by Parliament for the position of CS at the ministry if ICT. His achievements are major. It is good to see youthful people takeup leadership positions in the country, especially at Cabinet level. Joe is a man who believes in himself. He addressed issues very articulately and has good grasp of the industry. I liked the way he addressed issues of dominance by Safaricom and realisation of the Konza dream. On Safaricom, he stated in many words that there is no need to stiffle our companies, which in the larger world view are actually not that big. There is room for growth and ensuring our companies cross the border and operate in other markets. He stated his commitment to ensure fair competition in the industry and infrastructure sharing. This is what we have been advocating for at Kictanet. On Konza, he stated that he is committed to ensure the project goes through. His view was that there are not that many large ICT companies in Kenya. Many investors come around with bagloads of money, like $20m but they leave frustrated because of lack of investment opportunities. Konza will be that stepping stone for startups and entrepreneurs to get into the big league. I believe if he puts his energy in the ministry, we will see tremendous change in the sector. Too bad the current regime has less than two years in power. Do you think the ICT industry is moving in the right direction? Regards

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