- KICTANet - KICTANet

Fw: [WSIS CS-Plenary] Holy See on I.T.
by alice＠apc.org 21 Oct '05

21 Oct '05

ttp://theschoolofmary.blogspot.com/2005/10/holy-see-on-it.html Holy See on I.T. Holy See's Address on Information Technologies "The Right to Communicate Is the Right of All" NEW YORK, OCT. 18, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Here is the text of an address delivered by Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Holy See's permanent observer to the United Nations, last Thursday before the U.N. General Assembly commission on "Questions Relating to information." Mr. Chairman, The Holy See recognizes the right to information and its importance in the life of all democratic societies and institutions. The exercise of the freedom of communication should not depend upon wealth, education or political power. The right to communicate is the right of all. Freedom of expression and the right to information increase and develop in societies when the fundamental ethics of communication are not compromised, such as the pre-eminence of truth and the good of the individual, the respect for human dignity, and the promotion of the common good. Furthermore, new technologies have an important role to play in the advancement of the poor. As with health and education, access to the wealth represented by communications would certainly benefit the poor, as recipients of information to be sure, but also as actors, able to promote their own point of view before the world's decision makers. Given the ever increasing ease of access to information of every possible kind, the Holy See also stresses the need to protect the most vulnerable, such as children and young people, especially in the light of the increase of content featuring violence, intolerance and pornography. Perhaps the most essential question raised by technological progress is whether, as a result of it, people will grow in dignity, responsibility and openness to others. In this context, the Holy See has set up a unique continentwide initiative called the Digital Network of the Church in Latin America ("Red Informática de Iglesia en America Latina" -- RIIAL) which promotes the adoption of digital technologies and programs in media education, especially in poor areas. The success of this project has drawn the attention of the Observatory for Cultural and Audiovisual Communication in the Mediterranean and in the World (OCCAM) and other international organizations. The Holy See also supports the continued promotion of the traditional role of libraries and radios in formation. It is to be hoped that the Second Phase of the U.N. World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), to be held in Tunis shortly, will lead to further concrete efforts to build a more inclusive digital society which will reduce the widespread "info-poverty." It would be well if a new dynamic were created which goes beyond the political and commercial logic usually at play in these fields. My delegation believes that the Information Society should be one endowed with the ability, capacity and skills to generate and capture new knowledge and to access, absorb and use effectively information, data and knowledge with the support of information and communication technology. Already in society there are many "agents of meaning" or "knowledge workers," such as the family, schools, the state, opinion makers and leaders, not to mention religious institutions. Knowledge is essential in establishing presence in the international marketplace, and is key to participating in the global economy of which the Internet is an increasingly important vehicle. Moreover, knowledge should be recognized in its role in the development of information and communication technology. At the same time, there is a fundamental need to develop an ability to discern information received, given the enormous sea of information available. This process can flourish only where there is a recognized hierarchy of values. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. -- Robert Guerra <rguerra(a)privaterra.org> Director, Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR) WSIS Civil Society Bureau, Focal Point for North America & Europe Tel +1 416 893 0377 Fax +1 416 893 0374 _______________________________________________ Plenary mailing list Plenary(a)wsis-cs.org http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/plenary

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Autoreply: RE: [Kictanet] Logistics update...
by fetta＠idrc.or.ke 19 Oct '05

19 Oct '05

With effect from Wednesday 19th October 2005, I would have completed my time with the IDRC as the Kenya ICT Policy Project has come to an end. I am therefore moving on after 6 years with IDRC's ACACIA Initiative. If your inquiry is about IDRC Nairobi please get in touch with the IDRC at www.idrc.ca/earo. I can be contacted through email on: feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk On telephone on: +254-20-7121506: Cell +254-733-621851: Fax +254-20-7121506 Postal Address: c/o P.O. Box 41081, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya Florence Etta Co-Ordinator, Kenya ICT Policy Project International Development Research Centre Liaison House, State House Avenue P.O. Box 62084, 00200, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254-20-2713160-1: Cell +254-733-621851 Fax: +254-20-2711063 E-mail: fetta(a)idrc.or.ke Web:http// www.idrc.ca/acacia

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Logistics update...
by Alex Gakuru 19 Oct '05

19 Oct '05

(see attached copy) GSM Consumer Protection Public Meeting Program (25-10-2005) Time Activity Person 8:30 am Breakfast Everyone 9:00 - 9.05 Welcome Remarks Dorcas Muthoni 9.05 - 9.15 Objectives of the Forum Alex Gakuru 9:15 - 9.20 Announce Forum Format and Introduction of Panellists Muriuki Mureithi 9:20 -10.00 Panellist's Presentations (5 minutes each) Panellists 10.00-10.30 Question and Answer Session Everyone 10:30-11.00 Issues Prioritisation Moderator/Hosts 11.00-11.30 Issues Discussion Public/Audience 11:30-12.00 Panellist's Reactions (5 minutes each) Panellists 12.00-12.10 Refreshments 12:10-12.30 pm General Conclusions/Recommendations and clarifications Rapporteurs 12:30 pm Official Launch of the KICTANet Consumer Campaign Minister Information and Communications 12.45 pm Vote of Thanks Communication Commission of Kenya (CCK) 1.00 pm Press Briefing Professor Meoli Kharshoda and Muruiki Mureithi Panellists 1.. Hon. Raphael Tuju, Minister, Ministry of Information and Communications 2.. Eng. James Rege, PS, Ministry of Information and Communications 3.. Mr. Gerhard May, CEO, Celtel (Kenya) Limited 4.. Mr. Michael Joseph, CEO, Safaricom Limited 5.. Mr. Sammy Kirui, CEO, Telkom Kenya Limited Observers: 6.. Eng. John Waweru, Director General, Communications Commission of Kenya 7.. Dr. Kulubi, Secretary, National Communications Secretariat Special Guests 8.. Maj. Gen. Hussein Ali, Commissioner, Kenya Police Service 9.. Mr. Haron Ndubi, CEO, Kituo Cha Sheria 10.. Ms Jennifer Miano, Executive Director, Kenya Human Rights Commission 11.. Hon. Secretary, The Secretary, Law Society of Kenya 12.. Keriako Tobiko, Director of Public Prosecutor, State Law Office 13.. Mr. Carstens, Chief Technical Officer-Governance, Justice, Law, and Order Sector Reform Program (GJLOS) 14.. The Executive Director, Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) 15.. Ms Muthoni Wanyeki, The Executive Director, FEMNET Rappoteuers 1.. Professor Meoli Kharshoda 2.. Tim Waema Regards, Alex

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Autoreply: [Kictanet] WENT Africa 2005: Announcement and call for applications
by fetta＠idrc.or.ke 19 Oct '05

19 Oct '05

With effect from Wednesday 19th October 2005, I would have completed my time with the IDRC as the Kenya ICT Policy Project has come to an end. I am therefore moving on after 6 years with IDRC's ACACIA Initiative. If your inquiry is about IDRC Nairobi please get in touch with the IDRC at www.idrc.ca/earo. I can be contacted through email on: feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk On telephone on: +254-20-7121506: Cell +254-733-621851: Fax +254-20-7121506 Postal Address: c/o P.O. Box 41081, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya Florence Etta Co-Ordinator, Kenya ICT Policy Project International Development Research Centre Liaison House, State House Avenue P.O. Box 62084, 00200, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254-20-2713160-1: Cell +254-733-621851 Fax: +254-20-2711063 E-mail: fetta(a)idrc.or.ke Web:http// www.idrc.ca/acacia

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WENT Africa 2005: Announcement and call for applications
by alice＠apc.org 19 Oct '05

19 Oct '05

Please respond to Fatima Bhyat on email fbhyat(a)sn.apc.org > > Deadline for applications - 1 November 2005. > > APC-Africa-Women : Announcing Women's Electronic Network > Training (WENT) Africa 2005 > > WENT Africa training workshops aim to build the capacities of > women and their organisations in Africa to utilise new Information > and Communication Technologies in social development work and > policy advocacy. APC-Africa-Women held the first WENT Africa > workshop in 2003 with a focus on the strategic use of ICTs . > > The focus of WENT Africa 2005 is Free and Open Source Software > Solutions (FOSS) in women's organisations in Africa. Building > awareness and support for the use of FOSS. > > APC-Africa-Women in partnership with WOUGNET, Women'sNet, > Linux Chix Africa, Isis-WICCE and Bellanet Africa, is hosting a > regional workshop to build awareness of the potential and use of > Free and Open Source Solutions (FOSS) in the non-profit sector, > and in women's organisations specifically. The workshop will be > held in Kampala, Uganda 5-10 December 2005. > > Building on the success of the first FOSS for women workshop in > the SADC region hosted by Women'sNet in 2004, APC-Africa- > Women has partnered with organisations active in FOSS for > women's empowerment to continue and expand this work. > > WHY FOSS? > > Being able to use information technology strategically and effectively > is an important source of empowerment and skills development for > women who often feel isolated and disempowered by rapidly > advancing technological change. At the same time, there is growing > awareness of the potential role of free/open source software > (FOSS) in particular in harnessing ICTs for socio-economic > development. > > Among the potential benefits: > * Open source software is royalty- and license free, which means > that the cost of acquiring the software is lower than that of > proprietary software. > * Because the source code is accessible, open source software can > be modified to meet the needs of users in particular contexts and > languages. > * Users are not trapped into ongoing dependency on a particular > vendor for upgrades and support. > * The collaborative open source model of software > development offers greater opportunities for local skills and > economic development. > * Some free software is recognized as more stable and more > secure than its proprietary counterparts. > > PURPOSE OF THE WORKSHOP > > The uptake of open source software is growing in Africa, and APC- > Africa-Women and partner organisations are implementing more > initiatives aimed specifically at using open source to support > women's organizations and networks. In order to assist women's > organisations to realize the potential of open source software it is > necessary to > > * Raise awareness of open source tools at a variety of levels > including policy, management, technical staff and end-users. > * Provide easy access to open source tools. > * Develop skills among end-users, technical staff and potential open > source developers. > * Ensure the ongoing development of support and > training materials. > * Develop capacity for planning and decision-making around > implementing open source solutions, including an awareness of > factors such as total cost of ownership. > > The workshop has two overall objectives: > (i) stimulating awareness and adoption of free and open software > source (FOSS) solutions among women's organisations in the > region, and > (ii) deepening understanding and skills among women technicians > in providing technical support to women's organisations in the > assessment, adoption and use of FOSS applications within > women's organisations. > > STRUCTURE OF THE WORKSHOP > > The workshop will run over 5 days, from Monday 5 December to > Friday 10 December 2005. The workshop will be structured into 2 > parallel tracks, with some overlapping sessions. > > **Track 1: ** > > During the 5 day event, Track 1 participants and facilitators will > share technical skills and experiences, discuss key challenges in > realizing F/OSS projects, and develop concrete strategies for > supporting women's NGOs in their technology decision-making > processes and effectively integrating ICT into their operations and > future plans. > > Track 1 will target women computer technicians - mainly > technical support staff and system administrators - to build their > capacity to support women's organisations in their assessments of > technical hardware- and software-related needs and, where > required, in migrating to and implementing FOSS solutions. > > The agenda will cover issues such as: > * Social and NGO context > * Customizing/configuring and deploying GNU/Linux distributions > * Configuring clients for desktop and network applications > * Open Source database and online publishing tools > * Existing desktop FOSS applications and application development > * Migrating to FOSS > > **Track 2: ** > > This track is targeted at decision-makers and end-users in women's > organisations, with a view to building their ability to asses and > choose between different technical (especially software) solutions. > This track will also demonstrate the use of some FOSS software > solutions that facilitate web publishing and information-sharing, to > illustrate the ease with which women's organisations can maintain > their a web site - e.g. by pooling content and collaborative online > publishing - at the regional level, using only basic word processing > skills. > > The agenda will include: > * review of different desktop and networking applications including > FOSS > * decision-making processes on technology options, including > FOSS understanding theory and practice around use of ICTs for > equality; > * developing inclusive ICT strategies > * measuring the impact of your ICT strategies on gender equality, > using Gender Evaluation Methodology > * collaborative online publishing, using FOSS applications like > ActionApps > > WHO CAN APPLY? > > Track 1: > > We encourage applications from women who meet the following > criteria: > > * a solid (3-4 years) ICT training and/or work background > [troubleshooting, sysadmin, technical support staff ) > * good communications skills > * programming skills desirable but not required > > also: > * interest in doing work with the non-profit community, especially > women's NGOs working towards gender justice and supporting > them in effectively integrating ICTs into their daily operations > * interest in facilitating sound decision-making processes within > women's organisations that consider all the possible technical - > hardware and software - solutions including FOSS. > > Track 2: > > We encourage applications from staff within women's NGOs in the > region, especially those with the responsibility to make decisions on > technologies used within the organisation. > > FEES AND SUBSIDIES > > The costs of participating in the workshop is fully funded. > APC-Africa-Women will cover the costs of participants' return > airfares (economy class), visa costs, as well as accommodation and > a per diem (to cover the cost of dinners) for the duration of the > workshop. > > APPLICATION PROCEDURE > > Please complete the questionnaire below and return to > fbhyat(a)sn.apc.org > > Deadline for applications is Tuesday 1 November 2005. Please > apply soonest as space at this workshop is limited. There are only > about 8 spaces per track. > > APPLICATION QUESTIONS > > Please answer the following questions. Please provide us with > enough information to understand your skills and interests, and to > have a sense of why you want to attend this workshop, what you > hope to learn, and what you can contribute to the event. > > 1) Basic personal information: > a. Name: > b. Gender: > c. Nationality: > d. Country where you live and work now: > e. E-mail address: > f. Telephone and emergency contact number(s): > g. Anything else we should know about you (allergies, diet, medical > condition, special needs): > h. Do you need a visa to come to Uganda? > > 2) Which track are you applying for? > > 3) What, if any, Free and Open Source technologies do you work > with? Please describe your experience and expertise. > > 4) Have you been involved with any technology projects for non- > profit or civil society organizations? If so please briefly explain them. > > 5) What is your current professional affiliation (organization you > work for, mission of the organization, position you have in the > organization, is your organization a non-profit, etc.)? > > 6) What FOSS applications are you currently implementing in your > (non profit) women's organisation? For which purposes? Which > applications are you most interested in learning more about? > > 6) Why are you interested in attending the FOSS Workshop for > women's organisations? What do you hope to learn? > > 7) We encourage participants to share their own expertise and skills > during the workshop by leading discussion on topical issues such as > - for example - ICTs for social development and gender equality, > technology issues in running women's NGOs, the social/political > contexts of where you operate and how that affects operations, > issues in content development and information sharing, current > strategies for deploying ICTs in your work, etc. What tutorials, > development sessions or discussions would you like to lead (or help > lead)? > > This event is organised by APC-Africa-Women, with training, > strategic and logistic inputs from WOUGNET, Women'sNet, Linux > Chix Africa, Isis-WICCE and Bellanet Africa. The workshop was > made possible through support from HIVOS. > > http://www.apcafricawomen.org > > [END] > > > _______________________________________________ > Grace mailing list > Grace(a)apcafricawomen.org > http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/grace >

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Autoreply: [Kictanet] Logistics update...
by fetta＠idrc.or.ke 19 Oct '05

19 Oct '05

With effect from Wednesday 19th October 2005, I would have completed my time with the IDRC as the Kenya ICT Policy Project has come to an end. I am therefore moving on after 6 years with IDRC's ACACIA Initiative. If your inquiry is about IDRC Nairobi please get in touch with the IDRC at www.idrc.ca/earo. I can be contacted through email on: feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk On telephone on: +254-20-7121506: Cell +254-733-621851: Fax +254-20-7121506 Postal Address: c/o P.O. Box 41081, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya Florence Etta Co-Ordinator, Kenya ICT Policy Project International Development Research Centre Liaison House, State House Avenue P.O. Box 62084, 00200, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254-20-2713160-1: Cell +254-733-621851 Fax: +254-20-2711063 E-mail: fetta(a)idrc.or.ke Web:http// www.idrc.ca/acacia

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Autoreply: [Kictanet] Fw: Position Available - Senior Officer, Communications]
by fetta＠idrc.or.ke 19 Oct '05

19 Oct '05

With effect from Wednesday 19th October 2005, I would have completed my time with the IDRC as the Kenya ICT Policy Project has come to an end. I am therefore moving on after 6 years with IDRC's ACACIA Initiative. If your inquiry is about IDRC Nairobi please get in touch with the IDRC at www.idrc.ca/earo. I can be contacted through email on: feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk On telephone on: +254-20-7121506: Cell +254-733-621851: Fax +254-20-7121506 Postal Address: c/o P.O. Box 41081, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya Florence Etta Co-Ordinator, Kenya ICT Policy Project International Development Research Centre Liaison House, State House Avenue P.O. Box 62084, 00200, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254-20-2713160-1: Cell +254-733-621851 Fax: +254-20-2711063 E-mail: fetta(a)idrc.or.ke Web:http// www.idrc.ca/acacia

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Fw: Position Available - Senior Officer, Communications]
by alice＠apc.org 19 Oct '05

19 Oct '05

+1 212–548–0157 info(a)justiceinitiative.org www.justiceinitiative.org POSITION AVAILABLE SENIOR OFFICER, COMMUNICATIONS SEPTEMBER 2005 The Open Society Institute, a private operating and grantmaking foundation, aims to shape public policy to promote democratic governance, human rights, and economic, legal, and social reform. On a local level, OSI implements a range of initiatives to support the rule of law, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, OSI works to build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as combating corruption and rights abuses. OSI was created in 1993 by investor and philanthropist George Soros to support his foundations in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Those foundations were established, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. OSI has expanded the activities of the Soros foundations network to other areas of the world where the transition to democracy is of particular concern. The Soros foundations network encompasses more than 60 countries, including the United States. The Open Society Justice Initiative, an operational, non-grant making program of the Open Society Institute, promotes rights-based law reform, builds knowledge and strengthens legal capacity worldwide. The Justice Initiative seeks to shape law reform policy and achieve concrete results through hands-on technical assistance; litigation and legal advice; knowledge dissemination and network building; and counsel to donor institutions. The Justice Initiative works in the thematic areas of national criminal justice; international justice; freedom of information and expression; and equality and citizenship. It has offices in New York, Budapest, and Abuja. Based in the New York office, the Senior Officer for Communications has primary responsibility for ensuring the clarity and excellence of Justice Initiative publications, announcements, and other written materials. The Senior Officer develops, oversees and edits all published and internet-based communications, publications, press releases, and announcements as well as relevant internal communications of the Justice Initiative. The Senior Officer for Communications furthers the Justice Initiative’s goals of knowledge-generation and dissemination; fortifying networks of communication among staff and various partners; and projecting an image of the Justice Initiative as an engaged participant in law reform grounded in human rights. Through publication of reports and projects, press releases, announcements and a law reform journal, Justice Initiatives, the Justice Initiative promotes the accessibility of its work as a resource for the law reform community at large, and increases public awareness of issues of the Justice Initiative’s priority. Justice Initiatives presents, explains and critiques selected law reform efforts; draws on the experience and analyses of practitioners and theoreticians; and monitors developments in law reform internationally and at domestic level – legislation drafted, case progress, projects launched or evaluated, new institutions founded. Justice Initiatives strives to inform policy-makers, human rights practitioners and the general public. By making available regular assessments of its own work and that of its partners, and by systematically gathering information about the law reform activities of others, the Justice Initiative website seeks to facilitate a continuous process of learning and reflection about law reform rooted firmly in the practice of ongoing events and specific, real-life projects. The website serves as a means to project, and underline the importance of, its work by highlighting the inter-relatedness of human rights and law reform. The website helps bridge the distances with its partners worldwide, by facilitating information exchange and offering information services of concrete benefit to partner institutions. RESPONSIBILITIES: The Senior Officer for Communications, a staff position within the Justice Initiative, reports directly to the Justice Initiative Director of Programs and works under the guidance of, and in close collaboration with, the OSI Office of Communications to carry out the following primary responsibilities: • Direct the production of, and edit, publications and special reports including a periodic, theme-focused law reform journal, Justice Initiatives; calculate production specifications and schedules; develop ideas for articles; monitor printing of publications to assure schedules and specifications are met; • Maintain, monitor and upgrade the website as a whole ensuring the contents meet/improve on the established format to include a legal reform resource center composed of a resource database, a clearinghouse for best practices, a case law library, a news center, a network and exchange hub and advocacy tools; • Develop, coordinate and manage the Communications strategy for Open Society Justice Initiative; identify resource needs; recommend and implement policies and procedures; explain Communications policies and procedures; coordinate the development and production of materials to support the communications strategy; • Write and/or edit and produce press releases, other announcements regarding Justice Initiative activities, and other material for the website, press and/or newsletter related to the activities of the Justice Initiative and the broader law reform field of its partners and related institutions; In addition, the Senior Officer will: • Participate in the development and administration of the budget for Communications; forecast additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; recommend adjustments as necessary; • Coordinate the services and activities of Communications within Justice Initiative and those of other OSI programs, outside agencies and organizations; facilitate communication by assessing needs and utility of web, press and publications with Justice Initiative staff; • Review written work product of Justice Initiative staff and consultants for purposes of identifying cross-cutting themes of interest to each other and/or to persons/institutions beyond the Justice Initiative; • Oversee consultants and others hired/retained by OSI-NY for assistance with the website or publications; • Supervise translation of articles for the website and/or publications; • Frequent international travel as required; • Perform related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned by the Director of Programs. QUALIFICATIONS: • Exceptional English-language writing and editing ability; • Equivalent to a Bachelors degree in journalism, English, communications, journalism, public relations, political or social sciences or a related field required; Masters Degree preferred; • Advanced studies in international law and policy, human rights or related fields an asset; • Four years professional journalistic writing and editing experience; • Demonstrated practical experience in website programming and maintenance; • Proven ability and skills in the development, implementation and evaluation of communications and advocacy strategies; • Excellent knowledge of principles of communications development, public relations strategies and techniques, and international media relations; • Strong management, oral and written communication, and analytic skills; • Extensive skills and high comfort level with computer research, database management and word processing, including Outlook, internet, Lexis/Nexis, and Microsoft Windows package; • Fluency in written and spoken English mandatory; fluency in another language pertinent to the Justice Initiative an asset; • Ability to manage effectively multiple projects in a fast-paced environment; • Extraordinary initiative and creativity; • Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with Program management, colleagues at all levels, contacts, and the general public; • Ability to work both independently and with others; and • Integrity, professional discretion and ability to handle confidential matters. SALARY: Commensurate with experience with full benefits plus 4 weeks vacation. START DATE: December 1, 2005 TO APPLY: Send résumés, cover letter, short unedited writing sample, contact details for two references and salary requirements before October 19, 2005 to: humanresources(a)sorosny.org <mailto:humanresources@sorosny.org> Include code in subject line –CODE SOCOM/OSJI -------------------------------------------------------------- Open Society Institute Human Resources Dept. - CODE: SOCOM/OSJI 400 W. 59th Street New York, N.Y. 10019 Fax: (212) 548-4675 No telephone inquiries, please. The Open Society Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. You can also find this posting on the Justice Initiative website at the following URL, http://www.justiceinitiative.org/db/resource2?res_id=102980 ___________________ The Open Society Justice Initiative, an operational program of the Open Society Institute (OSI), pursues law reform activities grounded in the protection of human rights, and contributes to the development of legal capacity for open societies worldwide. The Justice Initiative combines litigation, legal advocacy, technical assistance, and the dissemination of knowledge to secure advances in five priority areas: national criminal justice, international justice, freedom of information and expression, equality and citizenship, and anticorruption. Its offices are in Abuja, Budapest, and New York. www.justiceinitiative.org <http://www.justiceinitiative.org/> -- To unsubscribe from this list visit this link <http://www2.soros.org/newsletters/lists/?p=unsubscribe&uid=680f43aee939cacb…> To update your preferences visit this link <http://www2.soros.org/newsletters/lists/?p=preferences&uid=680f43aee939cacb…> -- L. Muthoni Wanyeki Executive Director African Women's Development and Communications Network (FEMNET) P O Box 54562 Nairobi Kenya Tel: (254) 20-3741301/20 Fax: (254) 20-3742927 Email: admin(a)femnet.or.ke URL: www.femnet.or.ke

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Autoreply: [Kictanet] Fw: The KARA Newsletter Issue No. 41, October 2005
by fetta＠idrc.or.ke 18 Oct '05

18 Oct '05

With effect from Wednesday 19th October 2005, I would have completed my time with the IDRC as the Kenya ICT Policy Project has come to an end. I am therefore moving on after 6 years with IDRC's ACACIA Initiative. If your inquiry is about IDRC Nairobi please get in touch with the IDRC at www.idrc.ca/earo. I can be contacted through email on: feanywhere(a)yahoo.co.uk On telephone on: +254-20-7121506: Cell +254-733-621851: Fax +254-20-7121506 Postal Address: c/o P.O. Box 41081, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya Florence Etta Co-Ordinator, Kenya ICT Policy Project International Development Research Centre Liaison House, State House Avenue P.O. Box 62084, 00200, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254-20-2713160-1: Cell +254-733-621851 Fax: +254-20-2711063 E-mail: fetta(a)idrc.or.ke Web:http// www.idrc.ca/acacia

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Fw: The KARA Newsletter Issue No. 41, October 2005
by Alex Gakuru 18 Oct '05

18 Oct '05

BlankFYI, KICTANet story no 6 PS: I am sure the Ministry of Information and Communications is planning a farewell party for Florence Etta! Our wonderful Ministry cannot let us down, can they? Alex ----- Original Message ----- From: Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) To: Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) Sent: Monday, October 17, 2005 7:56 PM Subject: The KARA Newsletter Issue No. 41, October 2005 Welcome to the 41st Edition of the authoritative KARA Weekly Newsletter. We greatly appreciate your feedback to our previous issue(s) and invite your valued comments, suggestions and observations. This week we bring you news of the official launch of the United Nations Volunteers Programme (UNV) and UNDP supported MDG’s program for Nairobi’s informal settlements by Hon. Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Minister for Planning & National Development. Elsewhere all roads lead to Nairobi’s Panafric Hotel as KARA in another first, holds its’ inaugural luncheon with International Monetary Foundation Resident representative with a host of other high-level dignitaries from World Bank, United Nations and Government. A Decade Later, we bring you the details of the famous (Dr. William) Omamo Commission on Local Authorities that has never seen the light of day from December 1995. Read on the Amboseli national park Question – wildlife conservation or destruction. Still on environment, ITDG-Practical Action, with other partners including KARA, hold the first professional forum on strengthening the vision of the “Nakuru We Want”. In the Ict’s circles, KICTANet comes to the rescue of consumers through a crucial forum next week. Komarock Residents Association joins KARA as School of Professional Studies (SPS) holds its’ 9th graduation ceremony. On Water, a regional pro-poor regulation workshop bring tgether representatives of four countries is on next week. Sample the feedback and other regular columns. Contact us (Tel. 254-020-3874331 or 3873828; e-mail: kara(a)accesskenya.com) if you would like to subscribe or unsubscribe. We regret that our line 254-020-3873828 has been faulty from Monday. Telkom Kenya south Regional Manager has assured us that it will be rectified indue course. Thank you. Editor CIVIC EDUCATION, THE REFERENDUM ON 21ST NOVEMBER 2005 AND YOU! “The KARA weekly e-newsletter is proving highly successful. We hope that the KARA Quarterly Luncheon and other planned fora will be popular. Through them we intend to continue to positively influence Kenya’s policy formulation and implementation,” Stephen M. Mwenesi, Chairperson, KARA Governing Council DEVELOPMENT MATTERS: LAUNCH UNV/UNDP/KARA SLUMS MDG”s PROGRAM It is official. The KARA urban slums community awareness and mobilization program supported by the Germany-based United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Program opens its’ curtains on Wednesday 19th Wednesday 2005. The program will be administered locally by the UNDP office. The constituency-based consultation will be launched in Kibera’s informal settlements by Planning & National Development Minister Hon. Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o at a ceremony to be attended by slum community women, youth and other leaders within the Lang’ata constituency’s slum areas. Others will be the representatives of the United Nations family in Nairobi, Mayor of Nairobi Cllr. Dick Wathika, local councillors, Area MP as well as representatives of the private sector and civil society. The project seeks to develop 8 constituency and 1 city-wide action plans to address MDG No.1 on eradication of extreme poverty and hunger. Last month’s UN General Assembly observed that Africa is the only continent not on track in terms of achieving the MDG’s. Kenya has registered high potential for MDG No. 2 on universal primary education and MDG. No. 6 on combating HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases. The National AIDS Control Council has reported a declined new infection rate at 6.7% annually. The Millennium Campaign www.millenniumcampaign.org has featured the KARA & UNV MDG initiative on its’ website. under "Latest News". The same feature appears on Monday's MDG’s Bulletin. . The UNV is the UN organization that supports the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals through the promotion of volunteerism, including the mobilization of volunteers. To this end, UNV provides the opportunity each year for more than 7,000 women and men - 75 per cent coming from developing countries - to support peace, relief and development initiatives in some 140 countries. In addition, it engages thousands of other individuals in the work of the United Nations through www.onlinevolunteering.org, and manages the WorldVolunteerWeb.org, a portal that serves as a knowledge resource base on volunteerism worldwide KARA LUNCHEON – IT’S ANOTHER KARA’s FIRST AS HISTORY IS MADE: This week all roads lead to Panafric Hotel in the City of Nairobi when KARA makes another first, its’ inaugural luncheon. From far a field Ethel Matenge-Sebesho of South Africa’s Home Loan Guarantee Company is already in the country to grace the occasion. Tuesday 18th October 2005 will see Mr. Jurgen T. Reitmaier, Senior Resident Representative, International Monetary Fund (IMF) speak on “Civilian Oversight On Public Expenditure and Government Role In Economic Growth”. At the risk of offending the rest, we would like to acknowledge the a few guests namely Mr. Colin Bruce, World Bank Director; Mr. Paul Andre de la Porte, Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mr. David S.O Nalo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade & Industry, Mr. Solomon Boit, PS, Ministry of Local Government and His Worship the Mayor of Nairobi, Cllr. Dick Wathika. Others include the newly-elected NCBDA chairperson Mr. Wafula Nabutola; NEMA Research & Public Education Director Dr.Muusya Mwinzi, We laud Ivory Consult, Aero Club of East Africa, Ivory Hygiene, and AccessKenya for their valuable support to the function. Be sure to catch finer details in our next issue. “OMAMO REPORT” ON LOCAL AUTHORITIES REFORM – A DECADE LATER Through Kenya Gazette Notice No. 2940 and dated 26th May 1995, then President Daniel T. arap Moi appointed a 10-man Committee, which compiled the famous “Omamo Commission Report” – presented to the President in December, 1995. Ten years later, it has never been formally released. From today on, The KARA Newsletter will bring you excerpts of the Report; CHAPTER 4: COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT · Amend Local Government Act to allow for formation and operation of the proposed Community Advisory Committees (CAC’s) within local authorities. · Through CAC’s, the local communities should participate fully in the formulation of Council By-Laws and amendments to the Local Government Act · Through CAC’s, the local communities should be represented on main organs o the Councils (Council joint boards and Committees) · Local Authorities should in conjunction with the Ministry of Education introduce civic education in schools and emphasize the tenets of accountability, transparency and good governance. · Copies of draft estimates and Council Plans should be made available to the various levels of CAC’s, well in advance to enable them to give their considered opinion on the same · Ministry of Local Government should take the lead role in formulating policies which will encourage closer partnership between the central Government, Local Authorities and Community Based agencies. Next Week: WILDLIFE CONSERVATION OR DESTRUCTION? THE AMBOSELI QUESTION: By Will Travers, Bornfree Foundation I am always interested to learn of the work of KARA, particularly your efforts to ensure openness, transparency and accountability. In this regard you may be interetsed in the following website http://saveamboseli.net . The future of Amboseli National Park hangs in the balance. Whether you agree that this National Park should become a National Reserve or not, all Kenyans must surely be interested in the process by which such an important decision is made. URBAN ENVIRONMENT: THE FIRST NAKURU PROFESSONAL FORUM: The “Professional Forum” is a strategy that is spearheaded by the Mayor of Nakuru and the Municipal Council of Nakuru in partnership with JICA, Egerton University, Provincial Administration/GoK and ITDG- Practical Action as part of the contribution to the citizen’s vision, for the “Nakuru We Want”. A forum will be held on 18th October with the theme “Strengthening Environmental Stewardship Towards the Nakuru We Want”. KARA will be represnted by Dr.Peter Nderitu of the Environment Committee. ICT’s: KICTANet TO RESCUE CONSUMERS THROUGH MONTHLY FORUMS: By Alex Gakuru, Consumer Protection Logistics, Kenya ICT Action Network, Nairobi KICTANet (Kenya ICT Action Network) aspires to translate the spirit of the National ICT Policy into action for maximum “Harnessing of ICTs for National Development”. The service market characterized by varying consumer needs, are continually undergoing changes among other enterprise challenges. The absence of a critical mass of mobile telephony service providers has resulted in the Kenyan Communications Services consumers feeling exposed to uncompetitive, arbitrarily high communication costs, coupled by poor quality of services. Recognizing that communication is a basic human right, an economic and development priority, KICTANet is concerned with consumer disquiet and their rights in the information and communication technologies sector. 25th October 2005 will mark the first of our monthly ICT sector specific public meetings, to discuss ICTs consumer issues between service providers and consumers. Panelists shall include Hon. Raphael Tuju, Minister, Ministry of Information and Communications; Eng. James Rege, PS, Ministry of Information and Communications; Dr. Kulubi, Secretary, National Communications Secretariat; Mr. Gerhard May, CEO, Celtel (Kenya) Limited; Mr. Michael Joseph, CEO, Safaricom Limited; Mr. Sammy Kirui, CEO, Telkom Kenya Limited. Observer shall be Eng. John Waweru, Director General, Communications Commission of Kenya while the special guests list will feature Major General Hussein Ali, Commissioner, Kenya Police Service; Mr. Haroun Ndubi, CEO, Kituo Cha Sheria and Ms Jennifer Miano, Executive Director, Kenya Human Rights Commission. Others are the Secretary, Law Society of Kenya; Deputy Public Prosecutor, State Law Office; Executive Director, Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA); Executive Director, FEMNET and Mr. Carstein, Chief Technical Officer-Governance, Justice, Law, and Order Sector Reform Program (GJLOS) KOMAROCK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION: “WHY WE ARE JOINING KARA”: The expansive Komarock Residents’ Association (KRA) is the latest to join KARA. Komarock estate is located in Nairobi’s populous Eastlands area. It is surrounded by Kayole and Umoja areas. The estate has an estimated 40,000 residents within the current 6000 units of houses. “We have joined KARA because we feel that is where all of us belong to. The organisation is doing a superb job and we must support them. We are joining the ret of Nairobians and Kenyans in giving to KARA what it really deserves. We look forward to providing our active contribution”, says KRA Chairman Allan Kioko Kitavi. On Challenges within the area, Mr. Kitavi feels “since we are a new estate developed in early 90’s, we have not escaped the “land-grabbing” vice which has literally left us without basic public amenities such as schools, children playgrounds”. The residents are also experiencing acute water shortage. “We do not why the Nairobi Water Company does not admit they are rationing water to Komarock. We hope that KARA shall use its’ good offices to assist us. We receive water only on Saturdays and Sundays”. Reached for comment Nairobi Water Company MD Mr. F.K Mugo said that his Company is carefully studying the comments and will be responding in due course. Currently, the Komarock Residents’ Association is providing civic education on the proposed constitutional bill within Embakasi constituency. HARP DEVELOPERS LTD UNVEILS MLOLONGO AS VALLEY VIEW PARK: Lands and Housing Minister Amos Kimunya will this Monday unveil Valley View Park estate “show house” at Mlolongo area, along Nairobi-Mombasa Road. The estate features 3 bedroom bungalows on a plot size of approximately 20 by 8.5 m complete with a pres-school, private gardens, ample parking, external perimeter wall, sewer line, street-lighting, storm water drainage, water supply, cabro-paved roads and shopping centre. Finance is available subject to qualification from Barclays, Housing Finace, Savings & Loan (S&L) and Standard Chartered Bank. EABL’S GERALD MAHINDA TO PRESIDE OVER SPS 9TH GRADUATION CEREMONY: The Kenya School of Professional Studies(SPS) will mark its’ 9th graduation ceremony on Saturday, 12th November 2005 in Nairobi. East African Breweries Limited Group Managing Director Gerald Mahinda will be the Guest of Honour. KARA will attend. Attendance is by invitation. You REGIONAL PRO-POOR REGULATION WORKSHOP ON WATER: The Water Services Regulatory Board (WSRB) in partnership with GTZ Kenya and other partners BPD, GTZ Zambia and the World Bank Institute are supporting a regional research initiative which aims to identify opportunities for East African Water sector regulators to refine their regulatory approaches in order to maximize benefits for the poor and the vulnerable consumers. Representatives from Kenya, Zambia, Mozambique and Rwanda will take part. WRSB Chairman Professor Francis Gichaga will deliver a keynote address. CORPORATE PACKAGE! - WON’T MISS, CAN’T MISS OUT! KARA is inviting support from the private sector as a means to directly benefit KARA members and encourage our members to do business with them. This month we proudly announce the support of; United Millers – Kisumu, Ivory Hygiene Environmental Services Ltd, Simba Colt Motors, Rex Motors, Gertrude’s Children Hospital, Securicor Kenya Ltd, Track It; Stomach Clinic Restaurant; Palbina Tours & Travel; Super Carwash Services; Incentive Travel; Projector Solutions:; Tibro Limited; Adopt-A-Light Ltd; Afya Sacco Ltd; Diesel Solutions Ltd; Nyali Beach Hotel, Mombasa; Agricultural Business Information Services (ABIS); Bougainvillaea Ltd; Netguard Limited; Laundromatt Company Ltd,; White Rose Dry Cleaners Ltd; Shaanti Holistic Health Retreat:, Fear Free Laminations Ltd (These list does not include all KARA Corporate members) WHERE YOUR OPINION COUNTS…,. GOOD WORK KARA AND CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW NCBDA CHAIRMAN: By Elijah Agevi, Director, Research Triangle, Nairobi This is to thank the KARA team for the commitment of keeping us informed and in the loop. This is commendable and should be continued and even intensified. I would also like to join KARA in sincerely wishing Mr.Wafula Nabutola, the new Chairman NCBDA, a result and consultative orientated tenure. We are certainly looking forward to working closely with him and his team.WHY IS MALINDI COUNTY COUNCIL OVER-VALUING LAND RATES? By Concerned Residents, Malindi The Malindi Municipal Council has recently published a new Rate Valuation Roll, increasing values by as much as 12 times. In my personal case, the rateable value of a property I have just bought has gone from Sh100,600/- to Sh1,195,272/-. Most if not all Malindi residents are going to object to the increases and to the fact that we don't get any services from the council. Have you any advice on how we could coordinate this? I should add that a group of businessmen, under the Chamber of Commerce & Industry, are going to try to take the council to court, but we don't know if we should join them. About KARA: The Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) is an apex body for Resident Associations (RA) throughout the country. KARA was formed in 1999 out of the need to replicate successes of its’ founding organizations at a national scale. Over the years, service delivery in Kenya had degenerated owing to poor governance and limited participation of citizens in shaping the destiny of the nation. KARA has emerged as a strong advocate on governance, environment, security, water, land and judicial issues. Beyond advocacy, KARA is continually investing in forging working and sustainable partnerships with Government, Private Sector and other like-minded bodies and persons. Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in articles and other material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect KARA's policy. KARA reserves the right to edit articles for brevity andclarity. To Join or Support KARA Please Contact; Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) Natu Court, Suite E-39 (Ngong Rd/Ring Rd Kilimani), P.O Box 24827-00502 Nairobi, Kenya, Tel. 254-20-3873828 Tel/Fax.254-020-3874331, Cell: 0733779585, KARA - "Together, We Will" Website: www.kenyakara.org The KARA Newsletter – Proudly-sponsored by AccessKenya – “Your Corporate ISP” Stephen Mutoro Chief Executive Officer The Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) P.O Box 24827 Karen 00502 NAIROBI Tel. 254-020-3873828, 3874331 Fax: 254-020-3874331 Office Cellphone: +254733779585 E-mail: kara(a)accesskenya.com Personal Cellphone: +254722492980 www.kenyakara.org KARA - "Together, We Will"

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