- KICTANet - KICTANet

ICT Consumer Empowerment
by Alex Gakuru 02 Sep '05

02 Sep '05

Hi, Pointers as discussed earlier today. Thxs, Alex

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Fw: Planning meeting Jacaranda hotel 10.00am
by alice＠apc.org 02 Sep '05

02 Sep '05

attached the agenda. ----- Original Message ----- From: <alice(a)apc.org> To: "Kenya ICT Policy - kictanet" <kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 5:37 PM Subject: Planning meeting Jacaranda hotel 10.00am > Dear all > > A reminder. > KICTANet planning meeting tomorrow 2nd September 2005 > Jacaranda hotel from 10.00 am. > > One world will chair the meeting > > thanks and regards > > Alice Wanjira > National Coordinator, Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA) > Association for Progressive Communications (APC) > alice(a)apc.org > wanjira(a)cck.go.ke > http://www.apc.org > http://www.catia.ws > >

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Fwd: Given the current consortium structure EASSy will not result in a paradigm shift in ICT in East Africa
by Brian Longwe 01 Sep '05

01 Sep '05

This is an area that KICTANET should consider Begin forwarded message: > From: "Richard Bell (LBS)" <Richard(a)bell.co.ke> > > Subject: Given the current consortium structure EASSy will not > result in a paradigm shift in ICT in East Africa > > > Dear All, > > > > I attach a two page brief explaining why given the current > consortium model EASSy will not result in a Paradigm shift in ICT > in East Africa. This summary is underpinned by extensive research > and I am eager that it should reach as wider audience as possible. > Please re-distribute to whoever and on whatever lists you see fit. > I will also gratefully receive any suggestions, comments and advise > on how to further develop the argument. > > > > Kind Regards, > > Richard Bell >

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The Proposed Constitution of Kenya - Wako Bill
by innovativelawyer＠wananchi.com 31 Aug '05

31 Aug '05

Greetings. Please find attached the proposed constitution of Kenya for your own enlightenment. Ben Sihanya.

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Fwd: [bellanet-l] Announcement: UNDP-APDIP Launches New Series: APDIP e-Notes
by Florence Etta 30 Aug '05

30 Aug '05

fyi sorry for cross posting. Cheers, FE > > >Please send your inquiries directly to: /Pour obtenir plus de précisions et >information, n'hésitez pas à joindre :/Para obtener mayor información >diríjase a: "Christine" <christine(a)apdip.net> >======================================================================= >UNDP-APDIP is pleased to announce the launch of a new series entitled >"APDIP e-Note" > >The first two APDIP e-Notes are now available on our website >www.apdip.net/apdipenote/ > >APDIP e-Notes are brief documents that present analyses of specific issues >related to information and communication technologies (ICTs) for sustainable >human development in the Asia-Pacific region. This series introduces readers >to the who, what, where, why and how of a wide range of current issues >related to ICTs such as e-governance, free and open source software, ICTs >and poverty alleviation, Internet governance and many others. > > >============================================== >Bellanet-l est une liste de distribution réservée à léchange >dinformations et à la publication dannonces et dévénements qui >intéressent tous les aspects liés aux technologies de linformation et des >communications. Bellanet ne peut en aucune façon être tenue pour >responsable des informations et des opinions diffusées sur ces liste de >distribution. Pour vous joindre à cette liste, veuillez aller à >http://home.bellanet.org > >Bellanet-l is a distribution list to share news, announcements, >opportunities and events related to Information and Communications >Technology issues. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do >not necessarily state or reflect those of Bellanet. >To join this list, please go to http://home.bellanet.org > >Bellanet-l es una lista para la distribución de noticias, anuncios, >oportunidades y eventos relacionados con asuntos de Ias tecnologías de >información y las comunicaciones. Las opiniones aquí expresadas no reflejan >necesariamente la posición de Bellanet. Para abonarse a esta lista, visite >http://home.bellanet.org > > >--- >You are currently subscribed to bellanet-l as: [fetta(a)idrc.or.ke] >To unsubscribe, forward this message to >leave-bellanet-l-22439U(a)lyris.bellanet.org

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Re: [Kictanet] Planning meeting
by alice＠apc.org 29 Aug '05

29 Aug '05

Hi All The planning meeting will take place on Friday from 10.00am to 2.00. thanks ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Walubengo" <jwalubengo(a)kcct.ac.ke> To: <alice(a)apc.org> Sent: Monday, August 29, 2005 9:20 AM Subject: Re: [Kictanet] Planning meeting Oops! Tomorrow! That skipped my mind. I wish it could go to friday. walu. >>> <alice(a)apc.org> 08/29/05 01:20pm >>> Dear All I wanted to find out if you all received the message for the monthly planning meeting tomorrow 30th August from 10.00 to 2.00. Could you kindly let me know if this is in order for everyone or shall we postpone to Friday 2nd September? One world will chair the meeting this time. proposed agenda 1. KICTANET structure 2. Fundraising proposal 3. Activities 4. AOB thanks Alice Wanjira National Coordinator, Catalysing Access to ICTs in Africa (CATIA) Association for Progressive Communications (APC) alice(a)apc.org wanjira(a)cck.go.ke http://www.apc.org http://www.catia.ws _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)kictanet.or.ke http://kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet

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Fwd: [gc-steering] FYI - WSIS Prepcom3 September 19 - 30th
by Florence Etta 26 Aug '05

26 Aug '05

> FYI > > >What will happen during the PrepCom? > > >Two documents will be negotiated during PrepCom III and taken to Tunis: > > > > Political Chapeau (Tunis Commitment) > 'Operational Part' (Tunis Agenda for Action) > In addition, a supporting document, the stocktaking report, will be >presented, which summarises the ITU led stocktaking exercise. > >- Attempts to assess the likelihood of achieving the WSIS >objectives by 2015 > >- Includes a section on existing indicators, and indicators >that are being developed, to assist in the mapping in b) > > > >Section 4 gives more information about the documents and how they >relate to one another > > >2. How will these documents be negotiated? > >a. In writing prior to PrepCom: > > >- Contributions can be sent to the Secretariat according to >various timelines. > >- all deadlines for submission of written material in >relation to Internet Governance and Financing are now closed > >- written contributions in relation to the Political Chapeau >and Chapters 1 and 4 of the 'Operational Part' may still be submitted >via government delegations, or, possibly, direct to the President of >Prepcom as Chair of the Group of the Friends of the Chair (this would >need to be checked but please see below on the meetings of the GFC) > > >b. Contributing to the final meetings of the Group of the Friends of the Chair > > >The Group of the Friends of the Chair will meet twice again before >PrepCom on Sep 5th and 6th, and on Sep 7th if needed. The GFC is only >open to governments, with Business and Civil Society allowed in at the >discretion of the Chair. If Civil Society advocates wish to influence >the drafting at this stage, it would be advisable to: > >- contact your Civil Society Bureau members and/or CONGO >representatives with texts you wish to include > >- try to get someone who is Geneva Based to attend the meeting > >- contact your government delegation and try to include text via them > > >c. During PrepCom > > >Via Sub-Committee > >Various documents, and parts of the documents, will be negotiated in >Sub-Committee. There are two sub-committees. > > > >Sub-Committee A: deals with Internet Governance (Chapter 3 of the >Operational part of the document), This Sub-committee is chaired by >the Government of Pakistan. This committee will meet daily, from >10:00-13:00, excepting Sep 10 and Sep 30 when there will be full >plenaries. > > > >Sub-Committee B: deals with the Political Chapeau and Chapters 1 >(implementation all text), 2 (Financing Mechanisms bracketed text) >and 4 (follow up all text) of the Operational part of the document. >This Sub-Committee is chaired by the President of the Prepcom. This >committee will meet daily, from 15:00-18:00, excepting Sep 10 and Sep >30 when there will be full plenaries. > > > 3. Civil Society Access to Sub-Committee, governments and drafting groups > > > > >a. Oral interventions: Access to sub-committee is according to the UN >WSIS 'Rules of Procedure'. These rules allow for approximately 45-60 >minutes oral intervention throughout each of the Sub-committees. This >amounts to approximately 15-20 minutes per day for Civil Society. > > > >b. Monitoring sub-committee: Identify people who can work on a >rotation to monitor and take notes during sub-committee. This is a >very good way to get a sense of where government positions are, who >are you allies, who are not, and who you can lobby. Monitoring >sub-committee often means sitting in sessions for long periods of >time, often well into the evening > > > >c. One to one lobbying: it is often more effective to identify >sympathetic government delegates that you can lobby with your specific >issues and recommendations. As noted above, you can often determine >who those delegates are by monitoring sub-committee. The best way >however, is to establish relations with your government delegation >prior to PrepCom > > > >d. Organising meetings with your government counterparts: This can be >a very effective way of building relationships with your government >delegation, which can allow you to lobby more effectively. Try to >organize this ahead of PrepCom and, as early during the 2 week period >as possible. > > > >e. Drafting groups: Small drafting groups are normally formed early >into PrepCom, who have the task of preparing draft texts for >negotiation. It is very important to know who is on these drafting >groups, and if possible, develop personal relationships with members, >or is possible, the Chair of the drafting group. > > >4. Civil Society Spaces and Orientation > >a. Civil Society Orientation > > >CONGO will organize an orientation day on September 18th. It is well >worth ensuring you have some delegates present for this, who can >report back to your caucus or working group. The session will give an >overview of how PrepCom will work, when meetings will take place, the >rules of procedure, the status of documents and orientation of the >issues being discussed. > > >b. Civil Society Plenary > > >Civil Society plenary will meet every morning, normally from around >08:30 until 10:00 when plenary/sub-committee begins. It is a space for >all working groups and caucuses to report back on issues, meetings, >and other points they feel important. It can also be a space for >indicating interest in speaking slots, but the actual slots are >negotiated during the evening meetings of the Content and themes >Group. > > >c. Civil Society Content and Themes Group > > >The Civil Society Content and Themes group is the body that identifies >speakers and slots for sub-committee (and plenary). As there is such >little time, it is often advisable to try to identify sympathetic >caucuses who can collectively speak on similar issues. It normally >meets from about 16:30 to 18:00 in the evenings. > > > >In terms of preparation, it is worth thinking about interventions >before PrepCom, and even preparing short, ½ page statements that can >be ready as drafts, when speaking slots are discussed. 300-500 words >is usually the maximum you can expect to read as an oral intervention >during sub-committee or plenary. > > >d. Civil Society Working Groups and Caucuses > > >Several caucuses and working groups will be active during PrepCom III, >but, it is highly likely that much energy will be focused around the >Internet Governance Caucus considering the heavy emphasis on Internet >Governance during this PrepCom. > > >e. About the Civil Society Internet Governance Caucus > > >The caucus was formed during WSIS PrepCom2, February 2003 to provide >civil society with expert opinion on issues around Internet >governance, and to present civil society's views on Internet >governance in WSIS. It is a means by which any interested organization >or individual from civil society is able to contribute and >participate. It provides a regular communication channel with other >civil society caucuses and working groups and with the Civil Society >Plenary. The Internet Governance Caucus is one of 29 such working >groups established during the preparatory process of WSIS to provide >civil society as a whole with expert advice on specific thematic >issues. > > > >The caucus works mainly online. It uses a mailing list with over 250 >members, many from CS organizations accredited to WSIS. The Caucus >made substantive written and spoken plenary contributions to the >debate of Internet governance to the Summit in Geneva, and has been >active in discussion in the WSIS Tunis phase. > > > >Civil Society Internet Governance Caucus meetings > > > >This caucus is likely to meet quite regularly during PrepCom though >the exact times are not fixed yet. It is highly recommended that >meetings can be attended by at least one representative who can report >on the African CS positions on IG, and be updated on the status of the >documents, interventions, key lobbying points etc, > > > >It is also important for all caucuses and working groups to be >familiar with the position of the Internet Governance Caucus and be >prepared either to: > > > >- support the work of the caucus where there is convergence > >- identify areas/issues where there is lack of convergence >and inform the caucus of these differences (or gaps), It may well be >that the IG caucus can incorporate these perspectives and provide a >broad based platform for civil society around this issue. > > > >Considering the small amount of time Civil Society will have during >PrepCom to make interventions, the more consensus we have, and more >unified our voice, the more impact we can make. > >Nonetheless, this should not prevent any caucus from indicating >interest in taking up independent speaking slots as civil society has >a very broad and diverse range of positions and perspectives. > > >f. Side-events > > >There will be several side events focusing on internet governance and >other issues such as Human Rights and Privacy and Security. Organising >a side-event is a good way to present your perspectives, activities, >priorities to a broader audience. > > > >"If you wish to reserve a room at the Palais des Nations for a >parallel event or meeting, please fill in the attached request form >and send it to CONGO office at wsis(a)ngocongo.org or by fax at +41 >(0)22 301 2000 (as soon as possible and before 7 September 2005). >Requests will be processed on a "first come, first serve" basis. " > > > > >5. Further information on the documents for PrepCom III and how they >relate to one another? > >a. The Political Chapeau > > >The Political chapeau is largely one of stated values, principles, >objectives. In some ways, it is the counterpart to the Geneva >Declaration. It aims to: > > > >- affirm the Geneva Documents > >- link WSIS, ICTS for Development with Poverty eradication >and the MDGs and Declaration > >- note the unresolved issues of Financing Mechanisms and >Internet Governance express commitment to redressing the 'digital >divide' and the promotion of universal, equitable and affordable >access > >- show special attention to the needs of women, youth, >migrants, disabled excluded communities > >- note the importance of partnerships, follow-up etc.. > > > >It has been widely commented on by all stakeholders, including >comments from the following groups from Civil Society: > >- WSIS Gender Caucus, DAWN, AMARC Africa, IT for change (as one) > >- Cultural Diversity Working Group of Civil society > >- Association for Progressive Communications, Bread for All, >CRIS, Instituto del Tercer Mundo, IT for change and Gender Caucus >the 'informal financing coalition; (as one) > > > >And the following African Governments: > >- Ghana (independently and on behalf of the Group of African >countries), Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria > >- Algeria, Morocco (with Saudi Arabia) > > >b. The 'Operational Part' > > >The 'operational Part' is in some ways the counterpart to the Geneva >Plan Of Action a document that affirms a movement from 'principle to >action'. It is in 4 sections: > > > >Operational part Chapter 1: Implementation Mechanisms > > > >This chapter > >- acknowledges ongoing work at national, regional and global levels > >- encourages existing and new partnerships and cooperation in >implementing the Geneva Action plan > >- expresses commitment to achieving the WSIS indicative >targets (those we expect to achieve by 2015) > >- advocates mainstreaming of ICT strategies into broader >development strategies (1 - see below) > >- calls for international, regional and national evaluation >and benchmarking (indicators) (2 - see below) > >- notes the importance of involving all stakeholders (3 see below) > >- calls for stakeholders to continue adding to the ITU >stocktaking database > >- calls for a follow-up implementation mechanism (4 see below) > > > >Operational part Chapter 2: Financing Mechanisms > >The following issues on financial mechanisms for ICTD have not been >agreed and are bracketed in the text on Chapter 2: > >- the question of a Virtual Finance Facility; >- the question of a rapid response policy support mechanism; >- Free and Open Source Software. > >African civil society needs to consider whether to advocate around >these issues in the inter-governmental discussion on financial >mechanisms. > >The argument for a Virtual Financing Facility is to have some form of >co-ordination of existing financial mechanisms and the dissemination >of information on how to access them. This is different from the DSF >which is a new financial mechanism. > >The argument for a rapid response policy support mechanism is to >provide an alternative source of ICT policy information and advice to >developing countries that is different from the policy advice offered >by the World Bank that is tied to its loan agreements. > >On FOSS there are three positions in Chapter 2. Only one of them >clearly supports FOSS. > > > >Operational part Chapter 3: Internet Governance > >This chapter is currently empty. It is likely that a draft text will >be prepared between now and PrepCom III for negotiation > > > >Operational part Chapter 4: Follow-up > >This is really a bureaucratic text, outlining needs to inform the UN >Sec General of WSIS outcomes etc. > > >c: The Stocktaking report > > >The Stocktaking report provides a 'snapshot' of what has been >accomplished by all stakeholders, at all levels, in relation to the >Geneva Action Plan and would seem to provide additional/backup >information for Chapter One of the Operational Document >(implementation mechanisms). > > > >It assess the likelihood of achieving the WSIS indicative targets by >2015, which partnerships are contributing most towards achieving these >aims, and what indicators are being developed to assess/map >achievement by 2015. > > > > > > > >The table below outlines each document, lobbying tips and strategies >and when texts will be negotiated during PrepCom III. > > >TABLE: Summary of Documents for PrepCom III, who/when text will be >negotiated and suggested Lobbying points/strategies > > >Document > >Lobbying points/strategies > >Text drafted by/negotiated by/when > >Political Chapeau > >http://www.itu.int/wsis/documents/doc_multi.asp?lang=en&id=1516|0 > > > >It is important to ensure that gains made with the WSIS Geneva >Declaration are not 'overturned' in the Tunis political declaration. >Recall the key issues from the first phase e.g. Human Rights, >People-Centred, cultural and linguistics diversity, media pluralism, >'digital divide' etc > >it would be worth noting the contributions of Civil Society to see >whether these can be more broadly supported > >it would also be worth noting the African Government contributions to >see which can and cannot be supported eg Ghana recommends stronger >gender language > >Alternatively, it may be worth thinking about a different strategy >altogether, recalling the civil society visionary declaration from >Phase I and promoting that > > > >Drafts of the Political Chapeau have been developed by the 'Group of >the Friends of the Chair'. The entire text will be negotiated during >PrepCom III. > > > >The text will be discussed in Sub-Committee B every afternoon >September 20/21/22/23 and 26/27/28/29 > >Operational Part: Chapter 1 Implementation Mechanisms > > > >http://www.itu.int/wsis/documents/doc_multi.asp?lang=en&id=1618|0 > > > >Drafts of Chapters 1 and 4 of the Operational Part have been developed >by the Group of the Friends of the Chair. The entire text will be >negotiated during PrepCom III > >As with the political chapeau: > > > >note African Government contributions to see which can and cannot be >supported it would be > >note contributions of Civil Society to see whether these can be more >broadly supported > >1 - language on mainstreaming (paras 6a-6g) has been proposed by Ghana >(for group of African Countries, Informal Coalition on Financing (CS), >WSIS gender caucus, WSIS Youth caucus) > >2 - language on indicators (para 7) has been proposed by Civil >SOciety groups, gender caucus, youth and human rights caucus > >3 much work has been done calling for the meaningful participation >of all stakeholders, in particular, those from civil society and >developing countries (para 8) > >4 the follow up mechanism is an important issue (paras 10, 11 and >many proposed tables of organizational responsibility) with many UN >agencies (global and regional) proposing roles for themselves in post >WSIS implementation. Factors to consider would include how WSIS follow >up mechanisms would work with other follow up mechanisms, such as >outcomes of the Internet Governance process (the proposal for the >Forum), the proposed Global Alliance (evolution of the UN ICT Task >Force) etc > >Drafts of Chapters 1 and 4 of the Operational Document have been >developed by the 'Group of the Friends of the Chair'. The entire text >will be negotiated during PrepCom III. > > > >The text will be discussed in Sub-Committee B every afternoon >September 20/21/22/23 and 26/27/28/29 > >Operational Part: Chapter 2 Financing Mechanisms > >http://www.itu.int/wsis/documents/doc_multi.asp?lang=en&id=1520|0 > > > >The text for Chapter 2 was negotiated during PrepCom II and goes to >Prepcom III unchanged (that is, there have been no developments >since). > > > >Additional information about the text which remains bracketed (and >hence will be negotiated during PrepCom III) will be discussed during >the online discussion. > > > >Bracketed text of Chapter 2 will be negotiated during PrepCom III. > > > >The text will be discussed in Sub-Committee B, every afternoon >September 20/21/22/23 and 26/27/28/29 > >Operational Part: Chapter 3 Internet Governance > >http://www.itu.int/wsis/documents/doc_multi.asp?lang=en&id=1695|0 > > > >The text for Chapter 3 is currently empty. It is likely that a draft >text will be developed between now and PrepCom III, based on the WGIG >report and the responses received during the open consultation period. > > > > > > > >Text will be drafted and negotiated during PrepCom III. > > > >The text will be discussed in Sub-Committee A, Chaired by the >Government of Pakistan, every morning September 20/21/22/23 and >26/27/28/29 > >Operational Part: Chapter 4 Follow up > > > >Drafts of Chapters 1 and 4 of the Operational Document have been >developed by the 'Group of the Friends of the Chair'. The entire text >will be negotiated during PrepCom III. > > > >The text will be discussed in Sub-Committee B every afternoon >September 20/21/22/23 and 26/27/28/29 > >Stocktaking report > >http://www.itu.int/wsis/documents/doc_multi.asp?lang=en&id=1665|0 > >No negotiation, just a report. > > > >Thanks to Karen Banks of the APC > > > > > > > > > > > >Titi Akinsanmi > >www.pin.itgo.com www.ycdo.net > >www.schoolnetafrica.net www.globalteenager.org > >IMPACT YOUR GENERATION!!! > > > > >--------------------------------- > Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page > > >- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - >The official WSIS Youth Caucus mailing list > >Moderated by the WSIS Youth Caucus Facilitation Team >(facilitators(a)wsisyouth.org) > >------------------------------------------------------------------- >Powered By TIG Groups http://groups.takingitglobal.org/ >Group Archives: http://groups.takingitglobal.org/wsisyouth >To unsubscribe, email wsisyouth-unsubscribe(a)groups.takingitglobal.org > > > >-- >______________________ >Jacqueline Morris >www.carnivalondenet.com >T&T Music and videos online > >_______________________________________________ >This is a private and confidential list. Emails to this list should not be >re-circulated or posted on any public lists. > >To post to this list use steering(a)genderwsis.org > >WSIS GC Steering Committee mailing list >Archives are located at: http://lists.genderwsis.org/mailman/private/steering/

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Sources of Growth Study - Draft ICT Questionnaire
by Eric Aligula 26 Aug '05

26 Aug '05

Dear Colleagues, Sometime back I had indicated that we are undertaking a Sources of Growth Study in liaison with the World Bank and IFPRI. I indicated that I would be sharing with you the draft survey instrument for your comment and input. The draft survey instrument is ready and is attached to this e-mail. We would like to hear from you on the following points: 1. Does the instrument capture the totality of the ICT Sector in Kenya 2. Does it capture all the inputs in an ICT Firm's productive process? 3. Does it disaggregate these inputs well esp. domestic, foreign, gender etc. 4. Do we capture the end products and the users of the end products of ICT firms well? Are the user final or intermediate users? We look forward to your incisive comments and additions as always. With kind regards, Eric M. Aligula, PhD. Policy Analyst Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) P.O. Box 56445, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254-20-2719933/4; Fax: +254-20-2719951 E-mail: jairah(a)kippra.or.ke; URL: http://www.kippra.org/ I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men! (Ecclesiastes 1:13) Kenya Institute For Public Policy Research and Analysis Bishops Garden Towers, Bishop Road; PO Box 56445, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 2 2719933/4, 2714714/5, 2721654, 2721110; Fax: +254 2 2719951 Email: admin(a)kippra.or.ke; Website: http://www.kippra.org This e-mail contains confidential information belonging to KIPPRA and is intended solely for the addressees. The opinions therein, explicit or implied, are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of KIPPRA as an Institute. The unauthorized disclosure, use, dissemination or copying (either whole or partial) of this e-mail, or any information it contains, is prohibited. E-mails are susceptible to alteration and their integrity cannot be guaranteed. KIPPRA shall not be liable for this e-mail if modified or falsified. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, please delete it immediately from your system and notify the sender of the wrong delivery and the e-mail deletion".

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Africa's a Mobile Phone Oasis, But You Can't Live on Water Alone
by innovativelawyer＠wananchi.com 26 Aug '05

26 Aug '05

NYTimes.com has a cover story today about the rapid deployment of mobile phones in Africa. Africa's a Mobile Phone Oasis, But You Can't Live on Water Alone ...The Africa-as-mobile-phone-oasis story is hardly new, but it's important nonetheless. African countries generally have some of the lowest Internet penetration rates in the world, so mobile phone growth raises the likelihood that more and more mobile providers will begin providing data access. It's the classic leapfrog story: why try to dig up the entire continent to deploy Internet cables when you can get access through the airwaves? However, it's also worth noting that we shouldn't see mobile phones as a silver bullet for wiping out Africa's digital divide. Internet access via mobile phones is wonderful - I go crazy when my phone gets out of data service range - but it's not a replacement for affordable computers with cheap Internet access, as was argued by The Economist and the World Bank earlier this year. It would be very tempting for us to say, "No need to worry about Africa's digital divide - they've got cell phones, don't they?" but the fact of the matter is that none of us who take Internet access for granted would want to be relegated to using mobile phones as our sole source of access. Try going about your day-to-day business for a week with your computer shut off, using only your phone, and you'll quickly see what I mean.... ...Different development challenges require different tools. No doubt, mobile phones will be near the top of the list -- but that list also includes $100 laptops, wind-up electricity generators, low-cost community radio transmitters, and the timeless ham radio.... http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/25/international/africa/25africa.html?adxnnl…

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WSIS
by Monica Kerretts-Makau 26 Aug '05

26 Aug '05

While i agree with Waudo and Florence as regards WSIS, I think we need to be reminded of the structure and protocol of WSIS, who it is for and how it is administered. For that please see http://www.itu int/wsis/ (It is first and foremost a government stakeholder meeting in which all other stakeholders are invited participants) As was evidence in the Accra precom meeting it was obvious we lacked certain modalities.( details which those present raised after Accra see below ) I believe we agreed to change things and this is the time to do so. In this respect,I believe we have a WSIS team (government organ) chaired by Katundu Michael of CCK. Since WSIS is first and foremost a government stakeholder meeting with all other stakeholders (ie. civil society as invited participants) i think we should ensure that proper protocol is followed in this regard and direction should be led from this team and the PS who commissioned this team? At the end of the day implementing of policy while possible from civil society ( as evidence by Kicanet and all other NGO activities going on country wide) -government needs to lead the way. What we as KIP/KiCTNet should be demanding is to be included as part of the delegation such that the structure that represents in Kenya is inclusive of all stakeholders and that we feed off each other given our respective strengths expertise and authority. Previous uses raised/observed at WSIS meetings Kenyas participation in international policy making-A brief from Accra WSIS conference I wish to make some comments /suggestions based on observations on International participation and policy making: The issues: Ø At the Accra conference it was observed that most of the Kenyans present were unaware of their colleagues and which organizations they represented Ø It was also evident that the split in participation was delineated along the lines of Civil Society, Government, Private sector and Media Ø Many had not been involved in Policy making from an international (Africa regional perspective) and therefore due process and how things were conducted was lacking Ø There was also a lack of knowledge on the ongoing issues of WSIS and its history by many of the participants who had come in for the first time. The following was suggested from the Kenyan meeting held with the PS Ø Kenyas participation (as a country, more so in this case the ICT sector) should be representative of all sectors of the economy. Therefore Private sector, civil society , media and Government as stakeholders should be part of the team involved in regional participation . This would ensure that we have all stakeholders have adequate representation in meetings and are well briefed on what Kenyas position is on the various issues. Ø All meetings should have frequent update and feedback. A wonderful case in point is a representative at the UN WGIG Waudo who has involved all participants through the KIP list of the current deliberations as well as what is taking place.as well as the Kenya Policy coordinator- Dr. Florence Etta and all involved at IDRC who have facilitated an inclusive stakeholder participation through the use of a group email KIP LIST Ø As Kenyans we may need to ensure that this goes on irrespective of IDRC It was concluded that a report and feedback be done on the various issues raised. FUTURE OF POLICY MAKING IN KENYA We all need to change our attitude on who takes part in policy making. Policy making is not a prerogative of Government but rather the participation and inclusiveness of all stakeholders in society. The Governments role is to ensure that these suggestions are mandated through Acts in parliament. It is noted with disappointment that Parliament is no longer a place where policies are mandated and hope to see this change in the near future The Governments central role in policy making necessitates that they would in most cases receive the invitation to take part in regional and international meetings. It is suggested that the Government take a more participatory role in inviting stakeholders to such meetings. The continuity of policy making is crucial to the development of any sector. It is suggested that an update on all meetings pertaining to Kenyas role in the international and regional arena in ICT be documented and our position stated for each meeting. The ministry website www.information.go.ke would probably be a good place to compile this. Questions to be addressed: Ø How can we ensure effective participation in policy making? Ø How can government ensure that representation to meetings is efficiently and effectively coordinated? Ø How can we ensure that feedback from such meetings is channeled through to the grassroots and/or all stakeholders? Ø What channels can best be used for this? Best wishes Monica Kerretts-Makau ICT policy Analyst PhD Candidate and Academic Staff School of Social Science and Policy International relations and Policy Morven Brown G22 Tel: 61-2-9385 2331 Fax: 61-2-9385 1040 Email: m.kerretts(a)unsw.edu.au Blog: www.pampazuka.blogspot.com -------Original Message------- From: KIPlist Date: 08/26/05 00:18:21 To: KIPlist Cc: kiplist-cl(a)lyris.idrc.ca Subject: Re: Fwd: [wsisnigeria] FW: ONE DAY STAKEHOLDERS MEETING ON WSIS Sure this preparation is crucial. But it needs a champion, facilitation and implementation. My suggestion is Florence, IDRC and KiCTNet respectively. Waudo Siganga At 05:46 AM 8/25/2005, Florence Etta wrote: >Below fyi >Anything similar happening here? I. e Participatory preparation for >prepcom 3 and WSIS Tunis. >Who's planning it? Is KICTAnet involved or should it? We need to copy good >practice where ever we find it. No? >I am sorry if there has been or is work ongoing on this matter. I have >been away for a long time. >FE >> ======================================= >>Thread-Topic: ONE DAY STAKEHOLDERS MEETING ON WSIS >> >>Date: Thu, 25 Aug 2005 10:08:12 +0100 >>Subject: [wsisnigeria] FW: ONE DAY STAKEHOLDERS MEETING ON WSIS >> >> >> >> >>---------- >>From: Majekodunmi Oluwolw [mailto:oluwole_majekodunmi@msn.com] >>Sent: Tue 8/23/2005 2:08 PM >>To: ehikioya(a)ncc.gov.ng; rebloome(a)yahoo.com; bolaji28(a)yahoo.com; >>felix_aniokoye(a)yahoo.com; rolaitan(a)fmf.gov.ng; wareowei(a)yahoo.com; >>eunice.sampson(a)zenithbank.com; volatunji(a)nitda.gov; VINCENT OLATUNJI >>Subject: ONE DAY STAKEHOLDERS MEETING ON WSIS >> >>INVITATION TO A ONE-DAY STAKEHOLDERS MEETING ON THE WORLD SUMMIT ON >>INFORMATION SOCIETY (WSIS) SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER, 2005 >> >> The PrepCom-3 meeting for the Second Phase of the World Summit on >>Information Society (WSIS) is scheduled to hold in Geneva from 19th 30th >>September, 2005. This will prepare the ground for the Summit proper in Tunis >>from 16th 19th November, 2005. >> >>2. The National Planning Committee for the Second Phase of WSIS has >>scheduled an interactive session with representatives of other Stakeholders >>on the Country s participation in the PrepCom-3 meeting in Geneva. The >>meeting will discuss some of the key issues regarding the Second Phase of >>WSIS. >> >>3. Based on your previous participation and interest shown in the WSIS >>process, you are invited to this meeting which has been scheduled to hold at >>the Nigerian Communications Commission, Conference Room on Thursday 1st >>September, 2005 at 12.00pm. >> >>4. Please note that each participant will be responsible for the cost of >>their participation at this meeting. >> >>5. Participants representing Stakeholders are to prepare to make >>submission >>on activities of their groups to allow for greater harmonisation of our >>input into the PrepCom-3 meeting. Please confirm your participation or your >>representatives to the under signed. >> >>Signed >>Majekodunmi, O. O. >>for: Honourable Minister of Communications >> >>_________________________________________________________________ >>Don't just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search! >><http://search.msn.click-url com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/>http://search.msn.click-url com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/ >> >> >> >>---------- >>YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS >> * Visit your group >> "<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wsisnigeria>wsisnigeria" on the web. >> * >> * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: >> * >> <mailto:wsisnigeria-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com?subject=Unsubscribe&gt wsisnigeria-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com >> >> * >> * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the >> <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>Yahoo! Terms of Service. >> >> >> >>---------- > > >--- >Submitted by: Florence Etta <Fetta(a)idrc.or.ke> 2005-08-25 08:52:02 EDT4 >(Please reply to original submitter for private communication) >--- >You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [csk(a)nbi.ispkenya.com] >To unsubscribe, forward this message to %%email.unsub%% --- Submitted by: csk(a)nbi.ispkenya.com 2005-08-25 10:21:36 EDT4 (Please reply to original submitter for private communication) --- You are currently subscribed to kiplist-cl as: [m.kerretts(a)unsw.edu.au] To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-kiplist-cl-101723S(a)lyris.idrc.ca

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